If you’re stuck at home due to the pandemic, you might want to give your home’s interior design a sprucing. Hiring an interior designer is expensive and can cost up to $300 per hour. 

We’re here to let you in on the hottest 2020 home design trends. By the time you’ve finished this article, you won’t need to hire a designer: you’ll know all there is to know 2020 home decor trends.

Whether you want to improve your bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, or any other area of your home, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading and get ready to give your home a brand new look!

1. This Year’s Colors

In terms of color trends, one particular hue has been cropping up again and again in interior design: earth tones. Olive, ochre, and burnt orange are all proving popular 2020 home design trends. These are warm colors that can help improve your moods and they lend a pleasant, natural feeling to your home.

When you’re looking at colors, don’t only think of paints. Why not add some wooden furniture to your home or invest in brown or green textiles? Earth tones bring the outdoors in.

2. Sustainability

One of the biggest 2020 home decor trends revolves around sustainable decor. As the world’s climate changes, we’re all trying to do our bit to help the environment. Using recycled materials in our decor is one of the best ways to do this but it isn’t the only way.

If you don’t have the budget to invest in new furniture, why not use second-hand furniture? Reuse is even better than recycling, after all.

3. Canopy Beds

If you want to spruce up your bedroom, why not take a look at canopy beds, one of the hottest 2020 home design trends? These beds are a modern take on the four-poster, complete with a canopy of cloth hung above your head.

These canopy beds look fantastic, blending classic designs with modernity. If you want to make them even better, you could take a look at adjustable beds and mattresses for added comfort.

4. Floral Wallpaper

If you think that wallpaper is something that belongs in the dustbin of history, you’re mistaken. Wallpaper is back and it’s gaining a big following, with floral patterns a particular favorite among home decorators.

If you want to make your home look even better, an emerging trend is wallpapered ceilings. These can give a touch of Victorian elegance to the most ordinary homes.

5. Curvy Furnishings

Another trend from the past that’s made a resurgence this year is curved furniture. Wavy, curved furnishings inspired by those from the 1960s and 70s have found a big following in modern interior designers.

Asymmetric and curved chairs and sofas give a touch of the natural to your furniture, reflecting the shapes found in nature. Add earth tones and you’ve got 2020’s trends all in one single bit of furniture.

Enjoyed Learning About 2020 Home Design Trends?

We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about 2020 home design trends. The theme of this year is nature and warmth, which can make any home feel cozier and more comforting. In these difficult times, that’s no bad thing.

For more interesting articles like this, take a look at our blog and follow us on social media!

Your home is your sanctuary. It’s where you come after a long day, it’s where you recharge your metaphorical batteries, and it may be where you’re raising your kids! 

But is your home safe?

What environmental factors might be leaching into your home? Things like exhaust fumes, pollen, pollution are all things that you may be breathing in daily! 

Have you ever looked at your home like a burglar would? How easy would it be for them to break in to steal your possessions or harm your family?

If your heart is racing right now, don’t worry. There are many building materials and protection options on the market that you can use to make your home safe. Read on to figure out what changes you can make to your home to keep you protected.

How to Choose the Safest Building Materials for Your Home

You want to create a safe, healthy home for your family. But if you don’t know where to start or what terms to use, it can be challenging to find what you need.

1. Paint 

When it comes to choosing safe paint for your home, low VOC or no VOC paint is crucial. VOC, or volatile organic compound, is what gives paint that “newly painted” scent. High concentrations can lead to health issues like irritated airways, head and stomach aches, and in extreme cases, damage to organs like your liver, kidneys, and nervous system. 

Low VOC has reduced amounts of this damaging compound, while no VOC doesn’t have any. Some other labels you can look for are “non-toxic” and “natural,” which have additives and solvents removed. It’s important to remember that even if the paint you choose is no VOC, there are still chemicals, so you should protect your eyes, skin, mouth, and nose when painting. 

2. Insulation 

Insulation is crucial in a healthy home to keep out pollutants, toxins, moisture, and keep your home climate controlled all year long. These are the “greenest” options on the market:

• Sheep’s Wool: This fire retardant material will keep your home climate controlled all year, and since it has natural air pockets, it’s excellent at absorbing moisture and condensation. 
• Cotton or Denim: Cotton is a venerable resource, so it’s one of the most eco-friendly options. Denim scraps are shredded and formed into batting for a non-flammable, insect repellent option. Recycled building materials like these are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. 
• Icynene: This spray foam is castor oil that expands 100x once it hits the wall. It seals leaks and drafts and is noise canceling. It’s expensive to install and requires additional ventilation, but it will save you an immense amount of money on your energy bill over time!
• Aerogel: This unique material is 90% air. It’s difficult for heat to pass through the gel, making it a great option, but it comes with a high ticket price.
• ThermaCork: Do you want an option that has a negative carbon footprint? This material is the bark of oak trees, so it’s all-natural, renewable, and biodegradable. Additionally, it’s noise-canceling and free of toxins. 
• Cellulose: Made from recycled newspapers and other types of paper, cellulose is a great, safe, toxin-free option. 

3. Drywall 

One of the trickiest things about drywall is it’s susceptibility to mold, which can lead to respiratory issues. For your safe home, use this checklist to find the best drywall option for your needs:

• High percentage gypsum
• VOC free
• Paper-backed
• Green certified

It’s essential to make sure that your space moisture-free before installation reduces the risk of mold growth. Selecting prime building materials and installing them properly is the best way to keep your home safe, inside and out.

4. Windows & Doors

For your windows, the glass building material you choose will go a long way to keep your home safe from environmental factors and provide temperature control. Tempered and reinforced glass are great options, but it’s crucial to make sure your locking options are secure to reduce the risk of burglary.

The front door is an integral part of your home, so choosing the best option boils down to the following factors:

• Materials
• Hanging Design
• Insulation
• Energy Efficiency
• Security

5. Building Materials

When choosing building materials, lumber is a popular first choice because of its availability and low-cost. Natural materials are a great way to keep your home safe, and the options will have a lower carbon footprint than the traditional methods. 

• Rammed earth
• Strawbale
• Bamboo

Depending on your preference and budget, there are different options available. It would be best if you considered what foundation building materials you’re going to use to make sure you have a safe, firm base for your home.

6. Accents, Flooring, & Fixtures

When it comes to flooring, fixtures, and cabinets, the options to keep your home healthy are subjective to personal style and usage. For floors, factory finished is a great choice to avoid toxins in the air, and rubber floors are a safe, more modern look. 

Stainless steel fixtures don’t require a toxic coating to keep them looking beautiful, and they’re the easiest to clean. Real, solid wood cabinets are great for longevity. Faux-wood options are tempting because of their cost, but they have higher formaldehyde levels and should be avoided if possible.

7. Home Security

Once you’ve got your dream home, you need to take the proper precautions to keep your loved ones, your home, and your belongings safe. A home security system is a great way to protect every inch of your property even when you’re away.

Additionally, consider fire safety by installing an adequate number of smoke alarms and be sure to check them monthly. 

Where to Start

Is your head spinning as you weigh all of the different options you should implement in your home? To start, identify your available budget to see which options will work for you.

You don’t need to do everything at once, and in most cases, with building materials, you may need to implement a significant renovation project to get to the root of your problems. If you feel your air quality isn’t optimal, you can call in a service to check. If you think there are moisture issues, there are ways to measure that too!

Visit New Generation Home Pro Inc. for more proven methods to secure your home, so you can sleep soundly knowing your home is safe!

Did you know that moving is one of the most stressful life events? If you have a lot of fragile items to transport, you might feel even more worried.

We can help make your experience less stressful with these tips on how to pack fragile items. In this guide, we’ll go over how to pack fragile items for moving.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know.

Buy Packing Supplies

You’ll want to go to the store and get the right packing supplies for your fragile items. Packing papers and bubble wrap will come in handy when wrapping delicate items. Make sure to pick up extra supplies.

Wrap all the items with bubble wrap first. Place the items inside your moving box and fill up space with packing papers. The packing paper will absorb any shocks.

Plan Your Packing Day

Before you begin to pack any of your fragile or breakable items, create a plan. How many things do you have in your house that are fragile? List the items so you can figure out the amount of packing supplies you will need to buy.

Think about a rough estimate of how long it will take you to pack. Fragile items will take longer than others. Plan early, so you have enough time and don’t have to rush and end up breaking something.

Tips for Packing Plates

Often, plates will get broken during transportation during the move. Don’t place plates in a horizontal position.

Wrap your plates with bubble wrap and place tape on them to hold it in place. Place each dish one by one in the box in a vertical position.

There won’t be a lot of surface area in the box anymore, so there’s less of a chance the plates will break. You could also use boxes known as dish packs. Dish packs have thick walls and offer more protection.

Don’t Overfill Your Containers or Boxes

Cardboard boxes are useful for moving, but you don’t want to overfill them. If you do, it will become challenging to carry them. The cardboard box could fall apart if it’s too heavy.

Pack a few items in the box, and then fill the space with blankets or packing papers.

Use Sturdy and New Boxes

People tend to pick up used boxes from the grocery store or liquor shop. Used boxes have a bit of wear and tear. Try to use those boxes for other items, but never for your fragile ones.

Use Pillows and Blankets

For odd-shaped items, wrap them up first with a blanket. Next, place a pillow on the top of the item and at the bottom of the box.

Label it as fragile on all sides of the box. This way, it won’t get damaged, dropped, or handled roughly.

Separate Each Item

For mugs, cups, and glasses, you don’t need a box insert to keep them separated. Instead, you can wrap each item with at least two layers of packing paper.

Pack everything with care, and make sure there isn’t any space between items. You can prevent jiggling with plenty of packing paper.

For hollow items like vases and goblets, fill them with crumpled pieces of paper. Next, wrap them with more packing paper before placing inside a box filled with bubble wrap.

Musical Instruments

Most musical instruments are sensitive to humidity and temperature. You’ll want to store instruments in a hardshell case that’s designed for their shape. Take into account the changing conditions during the move.

Electronics

Gaming systems, stereos, and flat-screen televisions will also need some extra care. Use the original box if you have it. Pack the box inside another padded box. Note what is inside the box.

Your computer and cameras are also items to consider when packing. You will have valuable data or work on them, so make sure you back them up before the trip.

Hot Tubs

Contact your mover to ask about specific shipping instructions and handling. A hot tub has an enormous dimension and is valuable, so you’ll want to work with professionals to pack and move it.

Art Pieces and Sculptures

Use a heavy-duty picture box for canvases or large-framed pieces. Use masking tape and create an x over big pieces of glass. The tape will help prevent a shattering hazard if the glass gets cracked.

You can wrap canvases or artwork in an unprinted newspaper or plain paper. You don’t want any ink to transfer onto the paint.

Antiques, keepsakes, and sculptures can get protected by using foam padding. Wrap them with a layer of bubble wrap before placing inside individual boxes.

Don’t Forget to Label the Boxes

You want to note which boxes contain fragile items. This way, they don’t get mistaken for something else, and get dropped to the ground.

Do you have a few different family members or friends helping you with the move? They won’t know what boxes contain your fragile items. Take the time to label them with care so you can help prevent potential accidents.

Consider Working With Professionals

If you would like to work with moving professionals, consider calling in advance. Find out if they are available for your move. Movers will know how to pack fragile items, move them, and unload them in your new home.

Call a local mover if you want to take some stress off you.

Now You Know How to Pack Fragile Items

We hope this guide on packing fragile items was helpful. Take the time to plan your move and pick up all the packing supplies you’ll need early on. Now that you know how to pack fragile items get started on your planning move.

Check out our site daily for other helpful resources on moving and real estate.

Did you know that total consumer debt was at $4.2 trillion in November 2019? Americans owe 10% of their income to non-mortgage debts such as car payments, credit cards, and student or personal loans.

You may be struggling to pay many payments and are starting to see your interest payments rise. Keep reading, and we will walk you through Debthunch and how you can merge your debt and find the best solution for you.

What is Debthunch?

Debthunch is a family-owned licensed lender. They’ve been around for over 16 years and have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

There are many debt consolidation options out there, and finding the best solution that fits you and the debt you’re in can be a challenge.

They analyze your application and will match you with the best fitting solution.

6 Reasons Why the BBB Supports It

Out of 161 reviews on Trustpilot, 84% listed the product as “Excellent.”

There are many benefits to using Debthunch, and their reviews speak for themselves. The benefits will answer your question, “is Debthunch legit”?

1. Repayment Plan

Debthunch will set up a repayment plan that helps you take control of your debt. The program will include smaller payments and lower interest rates. This will help make your monthly payments more manageable.

The payments allow you to pay off your principal balance as well as interest. If you stay on track, you’ll be able to pay off your debt and save money.

2. Low-Interest Rates

Being a debt consolidation company, they can negotiate your interest rate down with creditors. This is how they fix your regular payments and make them lower and easier to pay off.

3. Smaller Late Fees

If you default on a debt account, you may get late fees or penalties on top of your interest, and your balance will feel like it’s growing out of your control. Debthunch can help you reduce or eliminate these charges.

Your focus will always be on your one payment a month, and paying it on time is critical. You won’t have to worry about the extra charges or fees.

4. Stop the Phone Calls

If you’re behind on your payments, you are already feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Collection agencies will call you over and over, even if you don’t answer.

When you sign up and agree to a plan, you will sign a power of attorney. This is a step at the beginning of the process, and once you sign, the agencies and creditors will stop calling. Signing this agreement lets them know that you’re trying to pay down your debt.

5. Get Rid of Debt Quickly

If you continue to make late payments or try to pay off your debt with the standard interest rate, it will take a long time. If you commit to paying a little more than the bare minimum, you will pay off your debt in a lot less time.

6. Improve Your Credit Score

You can reverse the negative in your credit score and start getting back on the right track. It’s a positive step in the right direction.

Lower Your Debt Today

Now that you know Debthunch is here to help you reduce your debt, you can reach out and get started.

You will be able to quickly pay off your debt, with lower monthly payments and no penalties or late fees.

Get your credit score back in good standing today!

We’re seeing a massive exodus away from homeownership and towards renting. That migration is great news for prospective real estate investors that are interested in getting started as a landlord.

As you go through the process of investing in properties, one of the first line-items you’ll consider is whether or not you want to bring on a property manager. As you mull that over, you might even ask yourself, “What is a property management company responsible for?”

Property managers bring a wide array of value to your real estate portfolio. Below, we go over a few core responsibilities you can expect out of your management company, should you choose to bring one on.

They Enable You to Invest Remotely

It used to be that real estate investors were limited to their immediate area. With the advent of property managers, those barriers have shattered.

The key takeaway from the what is a property management company responsible for question is that they work mostly autonomously from you. That means they can control your properties in markets far away without your intervention beyond the occasional touch-base.

Set Rent Rates

Rent rates fluctuate every few months depending on what’s going on in a community and across the country. Property managers have their finger on the pulse of where rental rates are trending and are sure to price your unit just high enough that you’re collecting as much money as possible and just low enough that you’re able to avoid vacancy.

Managing the process of setting rent rates on your own is a cumbersome one that requires a ton of research. Outsourcing the responsibility to property managers saves you time and generates additional income.

Deal With Vacancy

When one of your units empties, you’ll start losing money. Knowing that, property managers will immediately spring into action the moment a tenant puts in their notice so your unit can be turned over as quickly as possible.

Property management will market your unit, take applications, screen candidates, and ultimately get your unit filled all without you needing to lift a finger!

Respond to Maintenance Requests

It’s inevitable that your unit will require occasional maintenance. When those requests come in, your property manager will be there to field standard requests during business hours and emergency requests after hours.

How quickly you manage maintenance requests will have a large impact on how easily you retain tenants. The speed in which you deal with requests could also have legal implications so having someone in your corner to get things done quickly can be a huge help.

Hire Contractors

Do your units need a fresh coat of paint? Do they need pipework done?

When those capital expenditures come up every 5, 10, 20 years, your property manager will have a network of local contractors at the ready that they work with. Those contractors will be reliable, affordable, and can be counted on to get a job done right!

If you’ve ever managed contractors before, you know first-hand that organizing their work can be a serious headache. Knowing a person that has contractors waiting in the wings that you can trust saves you a ton of problems.

Collect Rent

There’s nothing more gratifying as a landlord than collecting rent checks at the end of the month. That’s why one of the most integral what is a property management company responsible for tasks is to ensure that everyone that’s occupying your rental properties pays on time.

Property managers will pick up rent checks. They will assess late fees. They’ll even send out late payment reminders to make sure your money lands in your hands. At this stage, they’ll also pull out their management commission which you will have negotiated with them in advance.

Property management commissions vary based on how many rental units you have them managing.

Manage Evictions

One of the worst parts of owning rental properties is dealing with delinquency. Delinquent rent creates conditions where you’re not getting paid. Your property may also be getting abused which could require costly legal intervention.

When evictions need to take place, your property manager will know exactly how the process needs to be managed in their locality. They’ll file the proper notice with tenants, contact authorities, and of course, keep you in the loop during every stage of the process.

Keep Your Property in Compliance

Renters’ rights laws are ever-changing. Often, changes move things away from being landlord favorable and towards supporting tenants. As these laws change, it’s imperative that your property remains in compliance with state and local guidelines.

If it doesn’t, renters can withhold rent and may even be able to sue.

Property managers know all the ins and outs of the evolving renter landscape. They’ll use that knowledge to work with you on making sure every inch of your property upholds your obligations.

Have More What Is a Property Management Company Responsible for Questions?

The what is a property management company responsible for items we’ve discussed are by no means comprehensive. Several property managers perform special duties associated with the unique qualities of their areas that you may want to explore further.

To that end, if you still find yourself wondering whether or not a property manager is right for you, we recommend calling managers in your investment area. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what they do and for how much.

Would you like more topical information on property management tasks? If so, feel free to check out additional information in our real estate focused blog.

Water damage can compromise your homes’ structural integrity and also present a host of other health problems. When your home has any water issues, your best move is to act fast to solve or mitigate the problem before it worsens and becomes irreparable. Unfortunately, that’s not what most homeowners do, and they, later on, have to worry about restoring their homes from the water damage.

Water damage restoration is the process of restoring your home to a habitable state after water damage. It majorly involves draining all the water, fumigation, decontamination, and finally drying. 

However, this is an oversimplification of the entire process. The entire process is much more complicated, and most times, you’ll end up replacing a few structures and installations. 

In this piece, we’ll be looking at everything you need to know about water damage restoration and why it’s so important to have the right people do it for you. 

The Water Damage Restoration Process?

Water restoration is not an easy job, and its best left to the professionals for the best results. There’s a very high chance that you’ll end up doing more damage if you choose to take up the task yourself. 

Here’s what water damage restoration involves:

1. Inspection

The first step involves inspecting the floors, walls, ceilings, and pipes to determine the source and extent of the water damage. After the inspection, the expert classifies the damage and determines the next course of action.

You can classify building water damage into four classes and three categories, and they are:

Class 1– Minimal water damage where a small section of the room has absorbed some water. It shouldn’t be such a huge cause of alarm.

Class 2– Water damage spreads across the entire room and has absorbed into the walls and the carpet.

Class 3– Characterized by a lot of saturation throughout the room, and the water has absorbed into all the walls. This is typically the worst form of water damage.

Class 4– Water damage that requires specialty restoration services because of the types of materials affected due to water damage. Such materials include hardwood, concrete, or stone.

While class defines the extent of water damage in a particular room, the water damage category defines the source of the water damage. There are three categories of water damage, which are:

Category 1– This denotes water damage emanating for a broken pipe or water that conveys clean water or water damage from a clean water source. 

Category 2– Category 2 is water damage from “grey water.” Greywater is water from sinks, showers, bathtubs that you have used “gently.” Sometimes category 1 water can turn into category 2 if it sits for too long.

Category 3– Category 3 is dirty water that is a cause of alarm because it can lead to illnesses and even death in severe cases. Category 3 water damage includes burst sewer pipes or flooding from rivers.

2. Water Extraction

After the expert has assessed the water damage in your home, the next step is to get rid of all the water. They accomplish this using a water pump or a liquid vacuum. The type of equipment they use depends on the degree of water damage and the amount of water in your home.

Professionals usually start water removal as soon as they complete the assessment of water damage. That’s because the standing water could facilitate the growth and proliferation of mold and other fungi. To make sure they do a bang-up job, some companies may use moisture detectors or hygrometers.

3. Drying and Dehumidification

Once all the water is out and all the absorbent surfaces are free from water, it’s time to dry the entire area. This is arguably the most difficult part of the restoration process. That’s because, at the end of drying, the entire room should be completely free of any moisture.

As such, the drying could even take several weeks depending on the size of the room and the extent of the water damage. These drying methods aren’t too intrusive, so don’t worry about having to take down any large wall fixtures. 

Dehumidification means getting rid of all the humidity that makes the house feel musty. It’s an easy process that is accomplished using one or a few dehumidifiers.

4. Cleaning

Now that the water is out of the way, the restoration company can do some thorough cleaning of that particular room. The cleaning entails actually cleaning and sanitizing to get rid of any microbial growth that proliferates in moist conditions. This cleaning also sets the groundwork for the actual restoration.

5. Restoration

Restoration entails replacing or fixing any installations, structures, or fixtures that the water damaged. In most cases, it involves replacing the drywall and insulation or sometimes even electrical installations.

If the water damage is too severe, entire walls may have to be replaced or the foundation repaired. For older homes, there’s a high chance of exposure to toxic substances like asbestos or lead. The experts will check to ensure that the water damage doesn’t expose you to these toxic substances

Water damage from winter freezing needs a somewhat different approach from the one above. You can check out this guide from servprowesthartford.com to find out more about the same.

Do I Have to Move out During the Restoration?

The question of having to move out during the restoration depends on the extent of the water damage. In the most severe cases, you’ll already have moved out before the professionals start the damage restoration. However, for mild cases, you just have to move your stuff to another room to give the experts some working space.

Act Fast to Prevent the Water Damage From Worsening

You won’t need water damage restoration if you act fast and take care of the issue at its infancy. Prolonging repairs even for a minor pipe leak could be very costly in the long run. So the best thing to do is take care of the issue as soon as it occurs.

For major pipe bursts or flood damage, you have no option but to call for repairs ASAP. Just make sure you get the right people for the job so you get your money’s worth.

Are you looking forward to owning a home in South Florida? Our blog will help you make the best decision. Learn everything there’s to know about buying a home from our informative posts.

Collectively, American homeowners spend around $29 billion per year on air conditioning. 

Considering many people don’t use their air conditioners year-round, this is a shocking statistic that shows how expensive air conditioning is. Fortunately, you don’t have to endure the sweltering heat to save money on cooling your home. There are many AC alternatives you can use that are affordable and effective at keeping you comfortable. 

If you are a renter or homeowner looking to stay cool this summer without paying an expensive electricity bill, here are several air conditioning alternatives you can try.

1. Oversized Ceiling Fan

Installing oversized ceiling fans is a great way to cool your home. Ceiling fan airflow causes a cooling effect in your home that can make you forget about your expensive AC.

To make the most of your ceiling fan, the air should be blowing down, which is usually accomplished by running the fan in a counterclockwise direction. 

2. Floor Fans

As an alternate air conditioner, place an oscillating floor fan near an open window or door. The fan will pull in cooler air and circulate it throughout the space.

Supercharge your efforts by using two fans to create a cooling cross breeze in your space.

3. Evaporative Cooler

If you live in an area with low humidity, an evaporative cooler is one of the better alternatives to air conditioning. Evaporative coolers push moisture into the air, which evaporates the hot air. This process results in cooler air without using much energy.

4. Window Film

One of the best alternative air conditioning solutions is to apply a cooling film to your windows. Window film reduces the amount of heat that enters your home, resulting in a cooler space overall. While window film is effective for cooling your home, it also reduces UV rays, protects your windows from damage, and reduces glare.

5. Thermal Curtains

Thermal curtains are ideal for keeping your home cool in the summer. These curtains keep your space cool by blocking heat from entering your home. While you can purchase thermal curtains, you can also try your hand at DIY and make them yourself. 

6. Cooling Plants

Did you know some plants can help you cool your home? Plants like aloe vera, fern, and a ficus tree cool the air by acting as a natural humidifier. As a bonus, these plants are also ideal for improving your indoor air quality. 

7. Misting Fan

Misting fans work similarly to evaporative coolers. They blow a fine mist of water into the air, which evaporates and cools the room. Misting fans also reduce odors, dust, and repel flying insects. 

Try These AC Alternatives to Keep Cool During the Summer

There are many AC alternatives you can use to keep cool and save money at the same time. 

Fans are a great alternative to cool your home without causing your electric bill to spike. You can block the heat with a variety of window treatments and even place several cooling plants around your home. 

Whatever method you use, affordably cooling your home is more than just a possibility.

Don’t forget to browse our site for all of your real estate needs and more.

It’s no secret that solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy in the world. We get it directly from the sun, after all. It’s the cleanest renewable energy too.

Considering that the sun has been shining for billions of years now, we are kind of late in adopting solar energy. The idea has been around for a while. Yet homeowners are only starting to use solar panels to harness solar energy for their homes.

But is solar energy cost-effective?

It’s true that solar panel systems are more affordable now. With the government backing this initiative, producing power is now a real possibility.

Do the savings outweigh the initial installment costs? Let’s find out below.

Dissecting the Costs

You might have heard this a thousand times: you’ll save a lot using solar panels. People will then give you vague numbers and present them as your projected savings.

However, that number differs in each home. You can’t know for sure how much your savings will be unless you take the time to calculate it.

So is solar energy cost-effective for you? See for yourself by looking at the following factors.

Your Electricity Bills

On average, residential electricity rates are at 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. Based on location, though, it can go as low as 8 cents per kWh and as high as 20 cents per kWh. Rates also tend to fluctuate over the years.

Then, you have to consider how much electricity you’re using. Are you on the low end or do you end up paying huge bills every month?

If you install solar panels, the cost of the system will replace your bills (in an ideal setting). You’ll be generating your own electricity; if you produce enough resources for your home, you won’t be getting bills from your usual electricity provider anymore.

That said, those with higher bills will get more savings out of solar panels than those who don’t use much electricity.

Still, having solar panels will protect you from fluctuations and surges in price. You can also keep enjoying it decades after you’ve paid it off.

The Cost of the Solar Panel System

After your electricity bills, you should also consider how the costs of solar panels. Cheap systems will look enticing, as they will allow you to save a significant amount each month. However, they may not be the best option if you’re aiming for long-term savings.

Higher quality equipment will last longer. They’ll keep producing electricity for you for a longer time. Your total savings in 25 years will be higher than if you opt for cheaper equipment.

You have to review all your options first and see what you can afford. Consider this together with your bills to see if going solar today is more cost-effective for you.

Remember that the biggest solar companies don’t always have the best offer, although they may have the advantage of being more reliable and having more experience.

Your Payment Plan

Do you have a huge sum of cash lying around for some solar panels? Paying in cash nets you the most savings; you’ll get an ROI in no time. But installment plans can help you save too.

Instead of electric bills, you’ll be paying a monthly installment fee. This is still usually lower than your bills (again, it depends on your electricity usage and cost of solar panels), but you might be looking at only 10 to 30% savings.

If you choose to lease solar panels instead, your savings will be even lower.

Maintenance Costs

After paying off the solar panel system, you still have to pay for maintenance and part replacements. While the panels usually have warranties lasting over two decades, the other parts may have a shorter warranty period.

There’s no easy way to calculate how much you’re going to spend on maintenance. But you can try to make guesses based on the current prices of replacement parts and their lifespan.

Location and Sun Exposure

You’ll get the most out of your solar panels if you live where the solar resource is abundant. Areas like the Southwest receive more sun year-round. As such, solar panels can produce more power in a single day.

However, even the Northeastern U.S. can benefit from solar panels. Since the electricity costs are higher here, they’ll still get huge savings.

Tax Credits and Incentives

The Northeastern folks also benefit from better local incentives. Such incentives are available anywhere though.

The federal government gives tax incentives to encourage citizens to adopt solar energy. You can get as much as 26% of your total installment costs as a tax credit. Most homeowners are eligible, so make sure you check that out.

Is Solar Energy Cost-Effective for You?

You’ll need to account for all the things above to determine your ROI.

First, you need your electric bills for the last 12 months. Add them up and then multiply by 25 (this is the average lifespan of solar panels). Keep note of that number; this is the lifetime utility power cost.

Next, let’s calculate the cost of the solar panel system. Use an online calculator to determine the size you’ll need based on your monthly electric consumption. Then, look around for some published prices of systems.

Then, calculate the installation costs, tax incentives, and projected maintenance costs. Add them to the cost of solar panels.

Finally, subtract the cost of solar panels from the lifetime utility power cost. This is your ROI; if it’s a positive number, that’s your projected savings. If it’s negative, that means you’ll be spending more than you’ll be saving.

You can now see: is solar worth it for you?

Of course, this is only an estimate. It doesn’t account for things like an increase in utility rates, repairs, and unforeseen circumstances like moving out of your home.

So Are Solar Panels a Good Investment?

With so many factors to consider, is solar energy cost-effective still? We know one thing for sure: it will always pay itself back in no time, as long as you choose a reputable solar company.

Savings aside, you’ll also be helping the planet recover by using renewable energy. Why not save money and help save the environment at the same time?

Of course, there is a lot more to learn before you invest in solar energy. If you need more help, feel free to check out our other posts right here to discover more great tips.

Did you know that most people find moving super stressful? If your employee has to move to a new location, we can help.

Are you wondering how to support your employees who are relocating to your company? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over how to make your employees’ relocation go smooth.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

1. Create a Plan Before the Relocation

Consider making a relocation plan before you move existing or new employees. This way, you can streamline the process.

The moving process will give new employees their first impression of your company. If you don’t have a solid plan, employees may form a negative opinion.

2. Be Upfront and Clear About the Position

If an employee wants to move to your company, make sure to discuss their position. You want to go over their job responsibilities.

Don’t create new responsibilities for the existing position. Be clear about any drawbacks or negative aspects of the job.

Provide a clear description of their potential schedule and work hours.
They will consider if the new state and job is a good fit for them and their family.

When an employee has this information, they’ll feel confident when making a decision. There’s a higher chance that they will stay, and your business won’t lose money on relocation.

3. What About Outsourcing?

Businesses can handle the relocation with the help of their Human Resources department. When you handle the process yourself, you have more control over the relocation.

You could also hire relocation specialists. A relocation specialist can streamline the process and connect employees to service providers.

The professionals will have a deep understanding of relocation tax and legal regulations. This expertise could come in handy for international moves.

The company can help your employee find a cost-efficient home in a nice neighborhood. They will take into account the commute to work and see how much everything will cost.

What you choose to do will depend on the size of your business and budget. Most Human Resources teams spend a lot of time hiring and sourcing top talent. They won’t have a lot of time to focus on relocating employees.

Companies that deal with 10 relocations every year should work with a specialist. Check out these services for more information on commercial relocation services.

4. Pay for a Short Trip

Before your employee moves, consider planning an orientation week. You could cover their flight for them so they can see if it will be a good fit or not.

Consider paying for their children and spouse’s flights over and visit as well. Schedule a visit to the office. The employee can make connections and meet their coworkers before the move.

5. What About Their Partner or Spouse?

Employees could feel dissatisfied if their loved one is unhappy. Your employee could end up wanting to return home or resign.

Show support for your employee’s partner and children. This way, your employee won’t feel so overwhelmed.

If your employee’s partner doesn’t have a job lined up, offer job-hunting help. Provide advice when it comes time to enroll children in daycare or new schools. Recommend community associations and reputable medical services.

You could also introduce them to local organizations. By making new connections, they will settle in better and make new friends. People are often happier when they start to build a sense of community.

6. Help With the Move

Make sure you offer support on both sides of the move. If your employee is moving away to your state, you want to help them transition.

You can do this by finding a new place for them to live or recommending real estate services.

If it’s in your budget, consider offering to help pay for their move or part of the move. Moving across the country will be expensive for your employee.

The more aid you can offer, the better your employee will transition. They may perceive this change as a positive and exciting one.

7. Finding a New Home

When moving to a new area, your employee will have to learn about the local real estate market. Your employee might not know about safe neighborhoods near work.

Advise them on what locations they should consider when looking to buy a home. You can share details about neighborhoods and traffic patterns.

Consider making them an orientation package. You can include essential details about the new city or town.

Recommend local real estate agents, service providers, and grocers. Include tips from your current employees as well.

8. Pay for a Temporary Rental

When your employee moves, consider covering the cost of their lodging. This way, they can have the chance to settle in and research more about permanent housing.

You don’t want your employee to get so focused on finding their new home that their work suffers. Take off some of the stress by having their temporary home set up.

Make sure you look into a storage space where they can leave their bigger items. By taking care of some of these tasks, you can help make the move stress free.

Now You Know How to Plan an Employees’ Relocation

We hope this guide on relocating employees was helpful. Make sure you create a detailed plan and orientation package for the new employees. Try to make the employees’ relocation stress-free, so they settle in fast to their new home.

Don’t forget to keep browsing our other helpful resources. And if you like our content, save our site and return later.

You’re super excited about buying a house. You can already imagine the elegant room designs and picture the fresh paint on your future walls.

Now all you need to do the save up for it. However, saving for a house is more expensive than your typical purchase. It requires great intentionality and strong commitment. 

So how do you save up for a house successfully?

Read on for seven cash-saving tips to help you purchase the home of your dreams!

1. Create a Budget Plan

If you don’t already have a budget plan, seriously consider putting one together in writing. Budgeting your finances helps reduce stress like a freshly cleaned room.

More importantly, it also ensures you know where your money goes and can help you determine how much you can set aside for your future home.

Budgeting also helps you to save more quickly and efficiently because you know what you’re doing and have a plan. 

2. Determine How Much You Need to Save

Another important part of making a savings plan is determining exactly how much you need to save for a house. 

Think of the price range that you’re looking for and make sure to consider things like the average vs median home price so you can ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Also, determine the amount that you want to apply upfront. Some people save for just the down payment while others go as far as paying for the entire house in cash.

Consider your options and do what works best for you.

Coming up with a number on the front end helps set your savings plan for better success because you have a goal.

3. Turn Your Hobbies Into Money

If you have hobbies that you enjoy and devote a lot of time to, then consider turning these skills into money. This can help you get more cash to save for your house faster.

For example, if you’re social media savvy, you could incorporate affiliate links into some of your posts. If you love taking pictures, consider uploading some to a stock photography website.

Every little bit counts, and what better way to save than get money from what you love to do anyway.

4. Every Little Bit Counts

You walk into the store for one item only and then you come out with four. Stores are filled with lots of interesting items to add to your cart. However, this can become a challenge when you’re house saving.

Make a list before you go to the grocery store and be intentional about what you buy. If you have difficulty resisting these amazing cookies or that new coffee flavor, then consider ordering groceries online and picking them up. 

To help you save even more, try finding coupons from legitimate sources. Coupons can be quite generous at times, and you can channel these savings to your house.

5. Pay off Debt

While it may seem counterintuitive, paying off debt can be a great way to help you save for your house. This is because some debts have very high-interest rates. 

This interest takes away from the money you could otherwise use to save for a house. 

Being debt-free, or even close to it, can have a positive effect on your finances. You’ll have more cash flow freed up to put towards your future home and will be better able to afford its payments.

This financial freedom can also give you a more flexible budget range when you’re choosing your home, allowing you more options to choose from.

6. Have an Online Yard Sale

The presence of COVID-19 makes the typical yard sale hard to do, especially considering safety.

Thankfully, in-person sales are not your only option since we live in the age of the internet. You can set up your shop right online. Many sites make it easy for you to sell things that you don’t need while allowing you to even reach a bigger audience.

You can then channel these online sales into your home savings.

7. Have Balance

While it is great to get fast savings, you also need to do something that is a sustainable plan for the long-term too. 

Marathon runners don’t train by running nonstop forever. Rather, they make sure to pause for a water and snack refresh. They get a good night’s sleep to give them energy and avoid burn out.

In the same way, save sustainably so you can make good progress and have success in the long-term.

Make sure to do something fun from time to time. For example, you could bring home a delicious to-go order from your favorite restaurant.

Set aside something to use for the things you enjoy, and while also keeping the momentum going in your savings strategy.

By having a good balance, your saving habits will be more sustainable and you’ll be more motivated and better able to keep up your plan as time goes on.

How Do You Save up for a House?

So how do you save up for a house successfully? The solution may vary from buyer to buyer depending on their goals. However, a key aspect is to not give up. 

While this process may seem more complicated than your typical purchase, it is certainly not impossible. Make sure to apply the tips mentioned in this article so you can set yourself up for success. 

Looking for more advice? Then feel free to read more posts here on our website!