Pop quiz: what if your roof was leaking right now and every second mattered?

This is a real problem for countless homeowners every year. When the rainfall gets intense, roofs are bound to leak. And the only question worth asking is whether you know how to stop it.

If you’re wondering how to stop a roof leak in the rain, don’t worry: we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide. When the worst strikes, you’ll know exactly what to do!

Minimize Water Damage

Let’s say you just spotted a leak. What’s the first thing you need to do? Simple: you need to keep your stuff from getting damaged!

If possible, try to move things like electronics and other valuable items away from the leak. Place these things high up enough so they won’t be affected by any pooling rainwater.

Some items may be too difficult to move, including really heavy furniture. In that case, you need to cover such items with plastic so they are unaffected by the rain.

Once you’ve protected the valuable items inside the house, it’s time to take on the water itself.

Contain Water As Best You Can

You need to now find some way to contain the water coming into your home. The classic solution to this problem is to gather the rainwater into a large bucket.

After getting a bucket in place, you may need to clean up water that has already splashed around the floor. Towels and even old clothes can help you quickly soak everything up.

Not every leak is easy to find and direct into a bucket. If you see bubbling paint on the wall, that means it’s filling with water. You need to poke a hole in the paint and direct water into the bucket.

With any luck, you’ll be able to temporarily contain this problem on your own. If not, you need to contact a professional ASAP to keep your home from getting damaged.

Find the Leak

When the problem is contained (even temporarily), the next step is obvious: you need to find the actual leak!

Unfortunately, finding roof leaks is easier said than done. That’s because the water may be coming in through multiple areas.

The first area you should inspect is the attic. Pop on a dusk mask and head into the attic so you can scan for any leaking water.

What if it has stopped raining? This is where it gets interesting: you will need one person to spray the roof and another inside the attic to spot the leak.

Speaking of the roof, you’ll eventually need to inspect this area. This can help you identify both where leaks are coming from and what the source of the damage is.

Assess the Cause

Finding the leak only solves so much of the problem. You also need to find out what caused the leak in the first place.

One very common cause is that your roof is missing shingles. Even if they aren’t missing, damaged shingles can lead to leaks within your home.

Gaps around the flashing is another major cause, as is flashing that is broken or worn down. It’s important to have a professional repair and replace damage right away to prevent future leaks.

Perform a Temporary Fix

It’s all well and good to call a pro to fix things. But when you’re first dealing with a leak, you will likely need to perform a temporary fix on your own.

One way to temporarily fix a leak is to place a tarp over your roof. It may be unsightly, but this is one of the most thorough ways to keep the rain out.

If you’ve identified specific holes in the attic or on the roof, you may want to try sealant or cement on the area first. Before trying this, though, be sure to check the fine print: performing an emergency fix on things like your shingles may void any existing warranties.

Finally, you can fix outright holes in your home cutting out and then screwing and cementing down some plywood. It will make your home look like the set of a disaster movie, but it will keep the rain out until the pros come in.

Address Water Damage

So, you’ve temporarily patched things up and you’re waiting for professional help to arrive. What comes next? Simple: you need to deal with the water damage in your house.

Try to dry any remaining water to the best of your ability. You should pay special attention to areas like carpet, furniture, and any exposed wood.

If your carpet is too thoroughly soaked to dry, pull it away to air it out. Your overall goal here is to prevent the buildup of mold that can threaten your entire family’s health!

Call Up Your Insurance Agent

Time to make that phone call you’ve been dreading: you need to call your insurance agent.

In fact, you should call your agent if you so much as suspect flood damage. Why? Because the agent can walk you through what is and what isn’t covered by your existing policies.

On top of that, your insurance agent has likely dealt with these kinds of problems before. They should be able to make some recommendations for things you can do and people you can contact for additional help.

With some luck (and the right insurance coverage), repairing the leak will be a mostly painless experience.

An Ounce Of Prevention Prevents a Gallon Of Rain

What should you do after you survive one leaking roof? You need to make sure it doesn’t happen again anytime soon!

Try to trim any nearby trees to keep falling limbs from damaging your house. And clean out your gutters and spouts to keep water from building up. Finally, check out things like chimney collars and vent flashing to see what needs to be replaced or repaired.

How To Stop A Roof Leak In the Rain: The Next Step

Now you know how to stop a roof leak in the rain. But do you know how to expand your real estate empire?

We are the final word on luxurious Miami real estate. To see what we can do to make your real estate marketing and sales more profitable, contact us today!

Are solar panels the right thing to do for your home? Solar energy is undoubtedly a green way to provide power for your house, but it’s not a simple choice to make.

If it was easy to plug-and-play solar panels, you might find it’s a simpler decision to invest in solar power for your home. But, the installation process and price of adding solar panels to your house can be a show-stopper for anyone thinking of going solar.

It’s a noble idea to use green energy, but make sure you consider these nine essential factors before you make a solar panel investment.

1. How Is Your Roof?

In most cases, solar installation means putting those large flat panels on your roof. Before you add anything to your roof, make sure your roof can handle it.

If you need roof repairs (or a replacement), prioritize that expense before adding solar panels to your roof. Your roof must be in excellent condition before installing solar panels.

The panels are a long-term addition to your house. You don’t want to install solar panels, then find you need a new roof afterward.

2. Can Your House Handle the Weight?

In addition to the condition of your roof, is your house able to withstand the weight of solar panels?

Your installers will recommend the number of panels you need to power your home sufficiently. Be sure you check the structure of your roof, walls, and foundation to make sure your home can Handel the weight of going green.

3. How’s the Weather?

Do you live in an area frequented by severe weather? Heavy rain, hail, and wind can damage solar panels on your roof.

Replacing and repairing solar panels can be expensive. The cost can outweigh any long-term savings you’ll see on your energy bills. If no one else in your area has rooftop solar panels, find out if there’s another safe and effective way to install your panels. If not, you might need to skip the solar installation.

4. How Does Solar Power Connect?

It’s not as simple as putting solar panels on your house and having magical electricity throughout your home. Connecting your new clean energy requires a professional to get you connected to the grid.

You also want to make sure your local power company knows you’re no longer drawing electricity from them. They’ll need to adjust your bill accordingly. Ask these questions of your installer:

• Are the fees to get (or stay) connected?
• How long does it take to get hooked up after panel installation?
• How are you credited for the generated electricity from your solar panels?
• When will you see that credit on your bills?

It’s a coordinated effort to place your panels and connect to make sure your new power source provides what you need. Solar panels are a great investment for anyone living in an area with frequent power outages. This post by Survivor’s Fortress can guide you to be prepared for any power outage

5. Are You Moving?

If you don’t plan to stay in your home for very long, you might not want to invest in solar panels. Solar energy is most beneficial as a long-term investment.

If you plan to stay in your house for five or more years, you’ll see a better return from the savings on your energy bills. It can also improve the value of your home in the short-term if you don’t plan to live in your house for the long-haul.

6. How Much Power Do You Need?

Can solar power provide all of the electricity you need? If you want to get completely off of the main power grid, be sure your solar installation can support the power you need for everyday life in your house.

Work with your installers to make sure they estimate plenty of panels and enough connectors, so you never struggle to power your life throughout the day.

7. What is the Cost?

Be sure you shop around. Get estimates from several companies to make sure you get the best deal—and the best service—for your long-term solar investment.

Your installation estimate should include:

• Estimated number of panels
• Cost for panels and all installation materials
• Price for installation work
• An estimated timeline for installation from start to finish
• Details about warranties and guarantees
• Costs for required permits or fees

Also, ask about repairs. How much does it cost to repair or replace a panel? What’s the cost for ongoing maintenance? Be sure you understand the full cost of installing solar panels before you commit to a company to do the job for you.

8. Do You Need Permits?

Speaking of fees for permits, talk with your installers about permits required for solar panel installation in your area. A professional solar panel company should understand the permits you need, how to get them, and how to make sure your panels and their work comply with local ordinances.

Never install panels without required permits and checking your local ordinances! It’s an expensive mistake to install panels that don’t comply, then have to take them down and start again.

9. Do You Qualify for Financing or Rebates?

Solar panels can be costly, but you can make it easier on yourself. Find out if financing options are available to reduce significant upfront costs for your solar installation.

Check on government rebates and credits. You might qualify for incentives to help offset the overall costs for your solar panels.

Renew Your Energy With a Solar Panel Investment

It’s not quite a no-brainer, but a solar panel investment can mean long-term savings on clean energy for your home. Before you invest, do your research and make sure the costs and installation meet your expectations.

You will be glad that you have taken the time to investigate your options.  Once you do, you’ll be able to make a very smart investment for your future.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out more property insights right here on our blog!

Did you know that custom home builders typically work on less than 10 homes per year? If you have been considering having a home built for you then you are in the right place. We are going to go over the details of building a custom home.

Keep reading to make this complicated process a little easier and help you understand the process and what a builder goes through when building a custom home.

Foundation and Construction Site

Once you know where the house is being built and you have your budget figured out the first step is to prepare the site and pour the foundation. Clearing the site will include removing any trees that are in the way, clearing rocks, debris, etc. 

After the land is clear and ready for the foundation, the framing concrete is poured and left alone to cure. It is extremely important to allow the concrete to cure all the way to avoid any issues. 

When the concrete is 100% cured a waterproofing membrane has to be applied to the foundation walls. Then the sewer, water taps, drains, and all other plumbing is installed. 

Typically after the foundation is cured a city inspector will come to the site to make sure the foundation is properly installed and it is up to code. This inspection depends on the area your home is being built.

Framing

During this step, the shell of the house is put together. The floor systems, roof systems, and walls are all completed. 

The exterior walls, windows, and roof get either plywood or oriental strand board sheathing applied. Once the sheathing is up it is covered with a house wrap to prevent liquid water from coming into the structure. The house wrap allows water vapor to escape at the same time to reduce mold and wood rot from forming.

Plumbing and HVAC

Siding and roofing can be installed once the shell of the home is done while the plumbing and electrical wires are run through the interior ceiling, floors, and walls. Everything is put in place before the insulation and drywall are put up.

All the HVAC ductwork is installed along with all the vent pipes. Once the roofing is placed on the house the electrician installs the lights, switches, and receptacles for the outlets. 

Depending on the area you live there will more than likely be another inspection or two done after this phase. The framing and the electrical work will be inspected to make sure it is up to code.

Insulation

Next up is insulation to help keep mother nature outside. The better your insulation the lower your utility bills will be in the future. You want to choose insulation that will resist as much heat transfer as possible. 

You have different options when it comes to types of insulation. The most common ones are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. You will want to choose an insulation that is appropriate for the area where you live. 

If you have extreme weather then you want to make sure that your insulation will be able to handle keeping either the extreme cold or the extremely hot weather outside. 

Drywall and Interior

Next up on the list is hanging drywall and taping it together. Whoever is taking care of the drywall you want to make sure they are professionals and are not making the seams in between the boards visible. 

Once the taping is complete the primary coat of paint is applied. The interior doors, the casings, window sills, fireplace, trim, etc are then put in place. After all of the interior pieces are put in place the walls get a finish coat of paint. 

Floors and Countertops

The countertops and the flooring are up next. Once those are up you have to make sure that there is proper drainage going away from the home. The exterior finish grading is completed to make sure the drainage is correct. 

Grand Finale

Before the final walkthrough all of the remaining bathroom fixtures have to go up, the rest of the light fixtures, the switches, outlets, toilets, sinks, and faucets are taken care of at this final stage of the build.

If there is any carpeting left to do this is where it is taken care of and then the final cleaning is done.

The landscaping is also completed during this final stage to tie everything together. The grass is planted, the shrubs and put in place and any trees and flowers. 

Once everything is completed you will have a last inspection to make sure that everything is up to code and to make sure there are no defects. If everything goes well the inspector will issue a certificate of occupancy and you are ready to move in.

If the inspector finds anything that has to get fixed then they will set up a follow-up inspection to make sure that any issue or issues have been corrected. 

Now You Are Equipped for Building a Custom Home

As you can see a lot goes into building a custom home. You can choose to help with certain parts of the building process if you have the knowledge or hire a professional if it’s easier. Once your home is all done, take time to enjoy it and all the hard work that went into it!

Did you find our article helpful today? Please check back often for all things home and to always stay in the know! 

Entry doors can last decades, but in time, they need to be replaced. If you are considering a front door replacement, you want to choose the best front door for your house. The door you choose will likely be your front door for the rest of the time you own your home. 

There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to choosing an entry door. You will want your door to be the correct size for your home and for it to be made from a durable and long-lasting material. You’ll want the style to reflect your personality and to complement the overall look of your home.

When choosing a new front door you’ll also want one that is strong and secure and that keeps your family and your possessions safe. You will also want to keep in mind some energy-efficient factors to keep the heat inside in the winter and out in the summertime.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about selecting the best front door for your home. After considering all of these factors, you can head to the store armed with the information you need to make an informed decision.  

Size & Setting

The most important first step to take when shopping for a new entry door is determining the door size that you will need. You also need to consider which way you want it to hang in the doorframe. These are the most basic things to consider when door shopping before going any further on your search.

How to Measure

Measuring a door is a bit more complicated than you might think. The fit of the new door will need to be exact. Fortunately, modern doors come in several standard sizes. However, older homes do not necessarily adhere to these standards. If you own an older home, it’s reasonably likely that you will need to order a custom door. 

You also need to consider whether you want to purchase a pre-hung door or not. A pre-hung door comes with the door frame already attached so that you can slide it into an existing spot without having to attach hinges or locks. 

It’s also possible to buy a door alone, but it will have to be hung. You can do it yourself, but this is a job that you may prefer to leave to a professional.

You can figure out which size your door is by measuring in two ways. When measuring height, measure from the underside of the exterior trim at the top of the door down to the sill at the bottom.

To determine the width, measure it in three places: at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom. If these numbers are different choose the shortest measurement of the three to use when shopping.

Swing

You should also make a note of your door’s swing. The swing is the direction the door opens. Is the door handle on the left side of your current door or the right? Do you like it the way it is now, or would you like to switch it up? Some doors can be used either way, but some cannot. Keep this in mind when door shopping. 

Material

The material your door is constructed from is also very important. You want something that will not only last a long time, but that will also look good too. Further, you want a door that will open and close easily without being too heavy or cumbersome. Doors come in a variety of materials; which one you choose is really simply personal preference.

Wood

The most popular material for doors is wood. Wooden entry doors look great and are versatile. They come in a wide variety of types of wood including mahogany, maple, fir, pine, walnut, cherry, oak and more. 

Stock wood doors are fairly inexpensive but you get what you pay for in this case. They are often easily damaged and as a result, they can look old quickly.

The most expensive doors are made of solid wood. They can cost as much as thousands of dollars but they will last a lifetime. Most homeowners seek out a door that is somewhere between these two types.

Steel

A steel door is the best front door choice if you are looking for security. These doors are strong and do not break down over time. Although they can get dented and scratched easily, they are also easy to repair. 

Furthermore, steel doors are very affordable. They usually come pre-hung as one large piece which makes them easy to install. 

Fiberglass-Composite

Fiberglass-composite doors are excellent for humid climates because they can really take a beating when it comes to heat and humidity. These are often made to look like wood, but they are really made out of artificial materials. 

Like steel doors, fiberglass-composite doors are priced low. They often come with excellent warranties because their manufacturers know that they will last a very long time. 

Aluminum

Aluminum doors are purchased through an aluminum door dealer and each one is made to your specifications. They have an enamel finish so they never need painting and you don’t have to worry about rust.

However, because these doors are so long-lasting and because they are custom made, they can be fairly expensive. Their cost is second only to that of solid wood doors.

Style

Once you have figured out the size and material that you want your entry door to be, the next thing to think about is style. Although the above factors are crucial considerations when it comes to use and durability, style is important because it’s what everyone will see.

Your neighbors will notice your door, it’s the first thing your visitors see, and it’s something you will also have to like for years to come.

When choosing a door style, you will want to make sure that it matches the architectural style of the house overall or it will look out of place. A door can add a special flair to a home and can say a lot about the people who live within.

If you fall in love with a door but it doesn’t match your home’s overall style, window replacement might do the trick to bring it all together. You may not have been thinking about replacing your windows when you went door shopping, but some people find it’s best to replace everything all at once for congruency of style.

Color

Color also plays a big part when it comes to style. You can go the traditional route and paint your door a standard color like gray, brown, beige, or black. If you want to use your door to draw the eye of the passerby to your home, you might consider colors that are bolder like red, yellow, orange, green, or a bright blue. 

Security

Everyone wants to feel safe in their home and a door can help you to accomplish this feeling for calm and security. Choosing a thick, strong, and durable door will help to secure your home and keep thieves out. A steel door, as mentioned above, is excellent for this purpose, but many other types of doors can meet this goal as well. 

When shopping for a door with security in mind, check out not only the construction but the locks. You can always add additional security measures to a door after installation, but the door itself should have a good amount of quality locks built right into the design.

Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency is another thing that you will want to think about when door shopping. Whether you are most concerned about keeping your home warm in the winter or keeping it cool in the summer, the door you choose can make a notable difference. 

You want the door itself to be insulated, of course, but you will also want to make sure that it will have a tight seal on all four sides. You don’t want a door that buckles or warps in the heat or you will lose a lot of your heating and cooling to the great outdoors.

Find the Best Front Door for You

Finding the best front door for your home can seem challenging when you start looking, but if you know what to look for, you shouldn’t have much trouble.

When you do go door shopping, you will likely encounter knowledgable staff that will be happy to answer any further questions you may have. Soon you will have a new door for your home. The one you choose will reflect so many things about you and your family, so once it’s installed, you can look upon it proudly for years to come. 

Good luck and happy door shopping.

If you are interested in real estate in the Miami area, please check out the rest of our site. We have many beautiful properties to offer you and will provide you with excellent customer service as well. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call today. 

The location where you operate your business plays a vital role in its success.

Did you know that?

If your business is not doing as well as you hoped for, and if it does not experience the growth you anticipated, the location might be an underlying problem.

So, what can you do about this? Well, you could continue operating your company in the same place, or you could move. Moving will require a lot of work, but choosing the right office rental space could give your company the boost it needs for success.

Here are five of the top features to look for as you start searching for the right office space to rent.

1. Location

If your current space is not working out well for you, could it be due to a poor business site? According to experts, location plays a critical role in the success of a business.

One reason for this is if the location is not in clear view, people won’t see it. It’s hard to get the word out about any business, but it’s even harder when people can’t see it.

Two, the location affects the expenses. If your company is in the nicest area in town, you might be spending way too much money on your operating expenses. If you can change the location, you might save a lot of money on these costs.

Your location also sends signals to people who see it, and these can be good or bad. The site of your company also makes doing business with you convenient or inconvenient.

As you search for office space to rent, consider these issues, and find a location that offers benefits instead of drawbacks.

2. Parking and Accessibility for Employees and Clients

A second thing to look for when renting office space is parking and accessibility. These two features are essential for your employees, clients, and customers.

People need to park their cars when they work for you or when they need your services or products. If there is no parking available, it will turn people off. Customers will find a place to go where they can easily access the services they need.

Poor parking setups and a lack of easy accessibility are two features that hurt a company’s growth.

3. The Setup, Layout, and Amount of Space

Locating an office building to rent that offers the correct amount of space is also helpful. As you look at your options, you should also consider the setup and layout of the area.

• How much work will it need to make it useful for your services?
• Does the building offer a way to effectively present your company’s ethics, values, and services?
• Are you able to change the features of it without spending too much money?

Ask yourself these questions as you view potential options.

Keep in mind, too, that you shouldn’t rent more space than you need. By renting too much square footage, you’ll be paying more than necessary.

If, however, you plan on expanding your operations in the next couple of years, it might be important to find a place where you can grow.

4. Environmental Features

One factor a lot of companies fail to consider is the environmental features a building offers. You’re probably wondering what this means, aren’t you?

Environmental features are things such as sunlight, smells, and atmosphere. You might not think these qualities matter a lot, but they do.

When employees work in environments that offer natural sunlight, they may be more productive. They may also feel happier and more content, but why is this?

Well, it’s partly because sunlight causes the brain to release hormones called endorphins. These are the same hormones your body releases when you exercise, laugh, and do other enjoyable things. When this occurs, it makes you feel happier.

According to studies, people who work in offices with poor lighting tend to be less productive and less content. Therefore, look for a building that offers sunlight. It could provide positive effects on your company’s profitability.

If you’re struggling to know what additional environmental features matter, talk to a real estate advisory firm. The experts that work there can guide you with this essential aspect of office space and many others.

5. Ability to Customize Your Branding and Business Needs

One last characteristic to consider is the ability a space offers for your company to brand and customize your business.

Branding and customizing a business is vital for recognition, growth, and profitability. The building you operate in may affect your ability to brand effectively, though.

Consider this scenario. Assume your business offers services that are on the cutting edge of technology, but you operate out of a run-down warehouse.

Would this run-down warehouse help you brand a business that sells high-tech services? Probably not. It might be hard for people to take your services and products seriously if your office space looks like it came from the 1980s.

As you start your search for the right place to rent, keep this in mind. You’ll want to rent a place that allows you to match your company’s services and values to the building you operate out of.

Where to Go From Here When Looking for Office Rental Space

As you can imagine, these are just five top features to look for in office rental space, but there are many others.

When you start searching for the right space, take your time and explore all your options. Take the time to research other things to look for in the space you rent.

You can learn more about renting office space and other types of commercial buildings by checking out the rest of our site. 

Are you buying or selling a commercial building?

If you fail to find issues with the building, you may overpay for the building or undercharge for the building. Having a commercial building inspection checklist is the best way to keep from missing important items that need attention.

Continue reading this article to learn about the items that might normally be missed when inspecting a commercial building.

1. Site Characteristics

Companies like Australian Building Inspection Services (ABIS) make sure site characteristics like landscaping, paving, and utilities are in good condition. Failing to look at the things around the building is one of the easiest things to forget about when you’re inspecting a commercial building. Concrete or pavement repairs can be pricey and time-consuming, so do a double check on this part of your checklist.

2. Plumbing Systems

Leaking or running toilets can use up hundreds of gallons of water. If you have a lot of toilets in your commercial building, it could add up to thousands of dollars and unnecessary costs.

Lower water pressure is another pain for commercial building owners. The most common reason for having low water pressure is because of multiple leaks. Find the leaks — fix the problem.

3. Fire Protection

It doesn’t matter how much equipment you have if it doesn’t work. Check all equipment you have to ensure it’s in good working condition and up to date.

Check things like fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire suppression systems for a thorough inspection.

4. Interior Elements

Do you see cracks on the interior of the building? Do you notice that the doors or windows don’t work as they should?

If you see these interior issues, this could be a sign that the commercial building has foundation problems. Plumbing issues and uneven floors are also signs that they could be trouble brewing for your foundation.

Checking for mold is another check to do for interior elements. Mold can be a health risk as well as causing structural problems.

5. Roof Surface Areas

If you or the previous owner doesn’t keep up with proper roof maintenance, the roof can be a major problem. A damaged roof could not only cause problems on the roof but also everything inside the building.

Having a quick look at the roof isn’t enough if you want to find minor issues. A good once over could allow you to catch major issues, but make sure your roof inspector takes their time and looks closely at all roof surface areas.

Using a Commercial Building Inspection Checklist

Now you know more about using a commercial building inspection checklist to avoid missing important items that need attention. Having this knowledge makes all the difference in the buying and selling process, so either create your own or find one online that works for you.

Do you want to learn more about building inspection, real estate, and other important topics? Our site is full of articles that can help you as you’re growing your business and buying or selling more properties.

Browse our site, find your favorite real estate articles, drop a bookmark, and come back soon to read more.

The total value of all homes in the United States stood at $31.8 trillion in the year 2018.

This growth is commendable, considering the endless processes that go into the completion of a home.

Previously, most of the construction projects relied on mortar to build a house, but with the changing trends, concrete is now a central ingredient in construction.

Concrete introduces a wide range of benefits to the construction process.  This option not only presents an aspect of flexibility but is also highly versatile.

Are you planning on undertaking a construction project soon? There are different types of concrete you need to be aware of before beginning the process.

Understanding these different options will ensure that you settle for an option that suits your needs.

What Is Concrete?

Concrete refers to the mixture of cement, water, sand, or stone used to serve a broad range of purposes in the construction sector.

From large commercial projects to your small mundane undertakings at home, you can rely on this versatile mixture for a strong foundation and structure.

The type of concrete you settle for has a direct impact on the outcome of the project, but most people tend to be oblivious to this fact.

Different types of concrete have varying merits.

Types of Concrete

Here are some of the ordinary and not so common types of concrete at your disposal.

The two broad approaches to concrete preparation refer to the onsite and the offsite concrete preparation processes. As such, you may opt for ready-mix concrete or volumetric concrete.

Ready-Mix Concrete

Ready-mix concrete refers to the kind of concrete where the manufacturing and preparation happen in a factory. The concrete is then delivered to your construction sites using on-transit-mixers –fitted trucks.

Most modern contractors are considering this option as a less strenuous alternative.

You only need to make the order for the mixture, and then these sophisticated vehicles will deliver the in-transit mixed concrete at the site.

This option significantly reduces work-site confusion that is common during concrete mixing. You only get to receive a concrete mix that is of high quality.

However, preservation may be needed in case the mixture is unused beyond 210 minutes after preparation.

One of the main downsides to this option is that you don’t have control over the preparation process.

Volumetric Concrete

Well, there are contractors who would prefer to oversee the process of mixing concrete at the site. With this option, you can utilize the usefulness of mobile mixers.

These portable mixers carry the concrete ingredients and water to your construction site. You can, therefore, oversee the mixing process.

This option also reduces the risk of having to cure the concrete in case the distance between the construction site and the factory is longer.

Now that you understand the two main types of concrete when mixing, here are various options you’ve at your disposal.

1. Plain Concrete

This is the simplest form of concrete, which does not require reinforcement.

With plain concrete, you only need cement aggregates and water to achieve the mix required. Most times, plain concrete has a density of 2200 and 2500 kg/cubicle meters.

You can use plain concrete when constructing pavements, footpaths, or other structures that don’t require tensile sturdiness.

2. Normal-Strength Concrete

This option is closely similar to the plan concrete mix, considering that you will use the same ingredients. However, you need to have an initial setting type of up to 90 minutes with this option.

For normal-strength concrete, you only need between 10 MPa and 40 MPa to prepare a versatile mix.

Normal-strength concrete is useful in the mundane construction and repair processes.

3. High-Strength Concrete

You can also consider the use of high-strength concrete when undertaking various construction processes.  This option involves decreasing the water ratio to below 0.35 compared to the cement ratio.

With this mix, you have a guarantee exceeding the 40 MPa level of strength.

However, this option isn’t useful in high-density projects because it’s considered to have a lower level of strength.

4. Rapid Strength Concrete

With this option, the concrete acquires the maximum needed levels of strength within a few hours after the initial preparation.

Most of the major construction projects depend on this option due to the level of result-oriented outcomes it offers.

5. Roll Compacted Concrete

You may have instances where you want to reduce the overall amount of cement used during the construction process. Roll compacted concrete is your answer in such cases.

This option requires less concrete comparatively but produces reliable results.

6. Asphalt Concrete

The process of construction may, in some cases, consider other alternatives to cement. Asphalt may be a feasible option in such cases.

This option utilizes asphalt and aggregates to produce a highly versatile component.

The high density produced by this mix makes it suitable for use in the significant construction embankments.

7. Stamped Concrete

There are times when you need to consider the aesthetic appearance during the construction process. Stamped concrete can be a useful option in such cases.

The architectural superiority enshrined in this option makes it worth the cost you must incur.

The concrete is treated in various ways to enhance its aesthetic appeal around walkways and drive-ins.

8. Reinforced Concrete

The process of preparing concrete may, in some cases, require reinforcement. This option ensures that there’s a balance between strength and tensile stress. It also enhances the outcomes of finesse when it comes to compression.

One of the critical benefits of using reinforced concrete is the ability to enhance a high compression rate.

9. Polymer Concrete

This is the aggregate mixture used in the construction sites to cure and harden specific places.

The primary ingredients in the preparation of polymer concrete are gravel, water, and sand. You can utilize advanced technologies such as pot lift in the course of concrete lifting to achieve that desired level of a hardened surface.

Your Options Are Endless When It Comes to the Types of Concrete During Construction

There are endless types of concrete, and there are more types of finishes. Various parts of your construction may require different types and various finishes.

Exposed aggregate for the driveway, and polished concrete for your foundation, and a brushed finish for the pool.

Nothing beats a proper preparation process when undertaking a construction process.

Concrete mixing is a vital phase in the entire course. However, information is limited on this process, something that tends to affect the success rate.

When you’ve a proper understanding of the types of concrete, you have a guarantee that you’ll achieve the needed strength, density, and durability.

Please explore our site for more on the construction sector.

Mark’s world was slow, cold, and distant.

When Mark found out he was moving across the country, he could hardly wait! However one week after moving into his new apartment, he began to feel off. It was almost as if all the colors in his world were disappearing, and everything was becoming gray.

Mark was very happy with this new apartment, so why was he feeling so sad? It turns out he was dealing with relocation depression.

Every year almost 40 million Americans move to a new home. For some, the impact of the move can cause intense feelings of depression.

If you’re feeling down after moving, it may be more than just a case of the blues. Read on to find out how depression with relocation works and what you can do about it.

Acknowledge Relocation Depression

The first step towards handling relocation depression is the ability to acknowledge your emotions. If you try to pretend that you’re not feeling a certain way, your feelings can begin to build up inside of you.

Soon, before you know it you’ll feel overwhelmed with an excess of different emotions. Instead of denying your feelings, you’ll want to find healthy ways to express them.

Here’s a shortlist of ways you can acknowledge emotions:

• Start journaling
• Listen to your internal dialogue
• Talk to someone you trust

As you learn more about the different emotions you’re experiencing, you’ll want to have a way to express them. We find that journaling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get in touch with each of your emotions.

If you’re feeling isolated from the world after your move, write about those feelings in your journal. If you’re feeling confused by your depression, write about how your confusion makes you feel.

It may seem counterintuitive to spend time thinking about the things that make you sad. However, you’ll find journaling is can make big feelings seem less daunting.

Now, instead of feeling guilty or shameful about your depression, you can accept and love yourself. Journaling will also empower you because you’ll be taking action to feel better.

Find Social Circles

You don’t have to be an incredibly social person to benefit from making friends. If you’re feeling depressed, you may feel like the last thing you want to do is get out of the house and socialize.

Instead of forcing yourself into social situations that annoy you, customize your outings. If you like photography, look for a local group of photographers. If you enjoy exercising, find a walking group that’s near your new home.

Now, even if you’re not in the mood to make friends, you can still get excited about the activity you’re going to be doing. Remember, just because you try out a new group, it doesn’t mean you have to stay. You may try out several different groups or activities before finding the right one for you.

Turn Strangers Into Friends

When you go to social events, it’s always a good idea to arrive early and stay late. For example, let’s say you decide to try out a Zumba class. If you arrive exactly when the class begins, and leave when it’s over, you’ll miss out on the chance to make connections.

Instead, arrive at your social activity 15 minutes early, and stay at least 15 minutes afterward. If you feel a little bit awkward coming early or staying late, that’s perfectly okay.

The more you go to the same group or class, the more comfortable you’ll be able to feel. Soon, you’ll be calling people by name, and looking forward to seeing them.

Invest in Self Care

If you’re dealing with relocation depression, it could be because you’re stressing yourself out, and trying to do too much at once. Moving is hard, and you probably have an endless to-do list. 

Still, you don’t have to stay stuck in a stressed-out state. You are responsible for your physical and mental well-being, and it’s crucial you take time to invest in self-care.

Here are a few ways you can enjoy some me-time:

• Exercise
• Take a long hot bath
• Plan a special dinner at home
• Spend half a day binge-watching your favorite show
• Treat yourself to an in-home massage

You’ll notice that at the top of our list of “me time” ideas, we suggest exercising. While exercising might not be something that you think of as fun, it can have tremendous mood-lifting results.

Stay in Touch

Moving to a new location doesn’t mean that you have to lose touch with everyone you used to know. While it’s important to make new friends, you can still cherish your long-distance relationships.

We suggest making a shortlist of people that you want to make sure you stay in touch with. Write down what individuals you want to speak to every week, and who you’d like to talk with every month.

Simply the act of writing down the names of people you will be calling will help empower you to handle your relocation depression. Soon, you’ll begin to see that the people you know and love aren’t lost.

Balancing Friendships

You want to make sure that you’re still keeping space in your life for new friendships to form. To create a good balance, of new friends and old, just pay attention to where your mind is.

When you’re hanging out with your new friends if your mind starts to wander, bring it back to the present. Soon, speaking to your new friends will take priority over calling long-distance friends. Once you have 2-3 new friends in your new location, you’ll begin to have a natural balance.

True Friendships

Moving can often strengthen relationships too, and weed out the ones that weren’t meant to last. The friends from your old home that you continue talking to months after your move are most likely true friends. Now, you’ll get to see who your real friends are, and what friends don’t align with your new life.

From House to Home

Knowledge is power when it comes to dealing with relocation depression. We hope our article will help you have the tools you need, to make your new house a home.

You deserve to love where your life, especially when it comes to loving where you live. For more ways to infuse your life with joy, check out our other articles.

Need to sell your house fast?

On average, it can take 68 days to sell your home. That’s from the time you put it on the market and doesn’t include any time beforehand that you spend preparing your home for sale.

If the house needs significant repairs, this can mean the preparation phase lasts several weeks or even months. Not to mention that you’ll need money to make those repairs.

If you don’t have that kind of time or money, you may want to consider this alternative. Selling a home as is can be faster, cheaper, and less of a headache overall. Find out what you need to know below.

What Is Selling a Home As Is?

Preparing a home for sale is usually a lot of work. Even newer homes can use a little sprucing up before putting the home on the market.

However, if you are short on time or cash, you may not have the resources necessary to make those repairs. In that case, you can sell your house as is.

When you sell home as is, this signals to buyers that there may be problems with the home that you don’t intend to repair. This can be an attractive option for buyers looking to save money on the deal and don’t mind doing the necessary work themselves.

The buyer will have to sign paperwork acknowledging that you will make no repairs and they accept the house in its current state. However, you must be honest about the condition of the house and not downplay problems, especially ones that can be dangerous like hidden mold or structural issues.

What’s the Trade-Off?

As you might expect, a home that needs repairs won’t be worth as much on the open market. Thus, don’t expect to get the full market value for your home. 

Also, while many buyers may appreciate getting a good deal on a new home, many others are not interested in a home that needs work. Thus, don’t expect the same size pool of potential buyers.

However, both of these factors depend on the condition of your home. A home that merely needs a little TLC will be far less affected than one that needs a new roof or foundation repair.

What Are the Benefits?

Alternatively, selling a home as is can be hugely beneficial depending on your situation.

The benefits include:

• Being less stressful
• Taking less time
• Not having to spend money upfront
• Providing financial relief in times of distress

While making repairs can get you the highest price for your home, it isn’t always worth it. This makes being able to sell a home as is a nice option.

Ready to Sell?

Selling your home as is can be an excellent choice depending on your circumstances. Finding buyers through the market can be a little harder, but you also have the option of selling to cash buyers. 

These are investors looking for properties that need work so they can fix them up and resell. You’ll typically get a little less but can often sell the home in only a few days, as opposed to a few months.

Looking for more real estate advice? Be sure to check out more of our articles!

According to Consumer Reports, adding curb appeal to your home can increase its value by 3% to 5%.

If you’re wanting to protect your investment or are hoping to sell your home soon, then working on easy curb appeal projects is the best way to boost property value.

10 Easy Curb Appeal Projects

There are a wide variety of projects you can undertake to help improve the curb appeal of your home. Most of these projects can be done on a budget under $500.

Here are ten different curb appeal projects you can do:

1. Replace Old Exterior Doors

By replacing an exterior door with a brand new one, you are providing an immediate facelift to your home. Over time, the paint on our doors begins to peel, or constant changes in temperature lead our doors to warp and not close fully.

Put in a brand new door and paint it a bold color. That’ll help make your house stand out in a good way. 

2. Paint the Outside of Your Home

If the walls or trim on your home are starting to look dull, throw on a new layer of paint. Fresh paint can transform a home from looking washed-out and outdated to appearing modern and new.

If you own a small home and want it to appear larger, paint it a stark white. If there are any issues with your home, paint it a uniform color to help hide the flaws.

This is one project that may require a more substantial budget. The average cost to paint a home is around $2,580.

3. Update the Handles and Knockers on Your Doors

You can get fun with door hardware and even add a bit of flair to your decor with them.

If you want a door handle that looks a little fancier, try using a door handle made of wrought iron and has a Victorian vibe to it. 

Door knockers are a great way to add character to your home. They come in all kinds of styles, so choose one that fits the theme you’re trying to set. Door knockers can be as simple or as extravagant as you want. If you enjoy the knockers that look medieval in appearance, try looking for one that has a lion’s head with the circular knocker resting in the lion’s open mouth.

4. Add Curtains to Your Porch

Curtains are always stylish. If you want to dress up your porch and make it appear fancier than it is, then try adding some nice curtains.

If you want to add vibrant colors to your porch, then choose curtains that are in a bold color. If you want classic and clean, then go with plain white. 

You can also try using patterned curtains if you want to add even more personality to your decorations. Whatever color or pattern you go with, make sure that it matches the rest of your home’s exterior.

You can dress your curtains up even further by stringing fairy lights through the inside folds of the curtains.

5. Line Your Walkway or Driveway

If your walkway or driveway is on the boring side, you can help improve its appearance by lining it with bricks, stones, or pavers.

The process for lining a driveway or walkway is simple and straightforward. You need only dig a trench along the side. Then level off the trench with a bed of sand or gravel. After that, you can set the bricks or pavers down and tamp them down.

6. Spruce Your Porch up With Potted Plants and Flowers

Adding greenery to your entryway is an excellent way to liven up the decoration. You can purchase potted plants and flowers at almost any major retailer. 

Plants and flowers look great either hung from the roof of the porch, or lining the doorway.

7. Put on Some New House Numbers

Brand new house numbers on the front of your home will add a bit of polish and shine to its exterior.

If you want to add an extra flair to your home’s address, you can purchase a custom plaque with the numbers on it.

8. Deep Clean Your Porch With Power Washing

Over the years, dirt and grime build up on your porch and steps. If you notice that your steps or cobblestone walkway is looking old and discolored, give them a good cleaning.

If you have a wooden porch that’s painted, avoid power washing this area. The powerful jet of water is able to strip paint away.

9. Fence in Your Central AC Unit

Every house needs air conditioning, but the drawback is that the AC unit on the outside is nothing short of ugly. Hiding the AC unit behind a fenced-in enclosure is a great way to increase the curb appeal of your home. You can even plant some vinery or flowers around the fencing to boost its aesthetic even more.

10. Put a Few Flower Boxes on Your Windows

If you have windows lining the front of your home and they get a fair amount of sunlight, considering adding a flower box onto the windows.

You can grow your own herbs or colorful flowers, or both, within the box. Flower boxes add color to any home and offer a quaint charm.

Curb Appeal Brings a Big ROI

If you’re looking for ways to add value to your home, or are interested in improving its aesthetic for your own viewing pleasure, then there are many easy curb appeal projects you can turn to.

The only real consideration you’ll need to take into account is your own budget. You can go as small or big as you want to boost your home’s curb appeal. Whether you’re replacing the roof or adding a few potted flowers around your door, choose what you feel works best for your home and situation.

We hope this guide was useful in giving you a few ideas on how to improve your home’s curb appeal. Before you go, please take a moment to browse the site for other related topics.