Popcorn ceilings were seen all over the place back in the 60s and 70s. It provided a fun texture to the ceiling and was a great way to hide any imperfections and cracks. There is a problem with popcorn ceilings though. 

The texture is notorious for gathering up dust and cobwebs. Once these little annoyances are there they’re hard to clean off. That’s why you may be better off learning how to remove popcorn ceiling.

Let us teach you how! Keep reading for a complete guide on how to get rid of popcorn ceiling the right way and leave a smooth, gorgeous surface in its wake.

1. Take Proper Precautions  

Before the 1980s popcorn ceilings were created using asbestos. So, before you start scrapping it away you need to make sure that yours wasn’t. Otherwise, it can make you sick. 

You can buy a testing kit or send a sample to a lab in order to confirm the existence of asbestos. Either way, when you’re getting your sample you will need to put on gloves, eye protection, and a mask. 

If your sample tests positive for asbestos you’ll have to have a professional come in to do the job or leave your ceiling as it is. 

2. Gather Your Tools  

The job doesn’t require anything too complicated to get done. You’ll need something that can spray warm water, a wide putty knife, a plastic sheet, a ladder, and painter’s tape. Once you’ve gotten your materials, it’s time to start getting the room ready. 

3. Prep the Room to Get Messy   

One important thing to note is that this job is going to get a little bit messy. Cover your floors and walls with your plastic sheeting. Don’t use a drop cloth because things are going to get a little wet and moisture can leak right through it. 

Plastic also does a better job of catching the debris so you can dump it into the garbage later on. 

4. Get the Furniture Out 

If it’s within the realm of your abilities, get all of your furniture out of the room before you start the project. Bulky furniture may get in the way when you’re trying to move the ladder around to scrape the ceiling. 

If you can’t remove the furniture, try to push it all into one place at least and cover it with plastic to protect the fabric.  

5. Remove Fixtures and Fans 

Remove your fans and light fixtures. They’ll only serve to get in your way and they’ll get covered in wet popcorn debris. You also run the risk of spraying water into your light fixtures on accident. 

You can use electrical tape to cover any wires that you’re worried about destroying.  

6. Spray with Warm Water

Now that you’ve got your room ready, it’s time to actually start the popcorn removal process. To begin, spray the section that you want to start with and wait for around 15 minutes for the popcorn to soften up. 

If after 15 minutes the popcorn doesn’t start to soften then you can spray it once more and wait for another 15 minutes. Be warned, you don’t want to completely soak your ceiling. 

If you do then you may damage the drywall that is underneath the popcorn. This being said, if the texture still doesn’t soften after the second time then it may have been mixed with some kind of paint. 

What you’ll have to do in this case is dry scrape some of the paint away and then go in with the warm water. 

7. Scrape the Ceiling 

When at last you get the texture to soften you can go in with the scrapper. You want to work in small sections at a time. This is because if you spray your entire ceiling parts of it are going to dry before you get to it. 

If a spot you’re about to work on does dry up, then spray it again and wait for the fifteen minutes.  

8. Clean Your Mess 

Now that you’ve scraped all the popcorn off the ceiling you’re going to have a large mess on the plastic tarp that’s sitting on the floor. Take it outside and shake it off into a garbage can. 

Bring the tarp back in and place it back on the floor because you’re going to need it again for the next parts. 

9. Do Any Touch Ups  

Before you paint the ceiling you’re going to need it to be as smooth as possible or it will look like a mess. Get a drywall compound and place it in areas that are cracked or dented. 

Use a drywall knife to smooth out these problem areas. Let the compound dry overnight, sand it, and then wipe it clean. 

10. Prime and Paint Your Ceiling 

To complete the look, you’ll want to go over your ceiling with white paint. Grab a roller with an extension attachment. This way you can paint the surface without having to get the ladder back out. 

How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling the Right Way 

Popcorn ceiling was popular in the 70s and 80s but it gathers a lot of dust and debris that can be annoying to get rid of. If you’re tired of trying to clean it then you may be better off getting rid of it. 

Use these tips to do it not only the right way but the safe way as well and enjoy your new smooth ceiling 

They’re always more updates you can do on your home other than getting rid of the popcorn ceiling. Check out our blog daily for even more homeowner’s advice. 

We are all on the pursuit of our dream home unless you are lucky enough to have found it already. 

You may ask yourself: how will I find my dream home on a budget? How will I know when to settle? 

Don’t settle. Your dream home is within reach.

Can I Find my Dream Home on a Realistic Budget? 

If you’re a billionaire, the answer is yes. 

If you’re like the rest of us, you may have to adapt your dream home to a realistic level. Use inspiration from the multi-million dollar homes to make a list of must-haves for your dream home.

Now tweak those aspects of the home you love to a more affordable arena.

When you explore cheaper alternatives for your dream home, you can afford it on a realistic budget. 

What’s Your Style?

One way to find your dream home is to find your style- and stick with it.

Are you a fan of bungalows? Or are you more of the sort to prefer a colonial type? 

Whatever your vibe may be, it’ll be a lot easier to search for the house of your dreams if you focus on one area. 

Stick to Your “Must-Have” List

There’s a reason you must have it! 

We advised you to find cheaper alternatives for your expensive dream home, but that doesn’t mean compromising your list of must-haves. 

If you want a big backyard to watch your family and pets play in, don’t settle. 

If you want an infinity pool looking over the mountains, do not settle!

If you want an open floor plan with a big fireplace, do not settle!

Your dream home is just that, one of your dreams. If you’re going to find it, make sure it has everything you could wish for. If it doesn’t, is it truly your dream home?

To Renovate, or Not

Can’t find your dream home? Don’t get stressed out. Create it!

Are you searching for your dream home and none seem to make the cut?

You could build your dream home from scratch. This will take a lot of planning, time, effort, and hiring if you don’t plan on doing it yourself. 

Sign on the Dotted Line

Ready to make your choice? Time to close the deal and sign your Johnny Hancock. 

First, you’ll need to make a competitive offer. Do this through your real estate agent, or yourself if you have the confidence and experience. 

It may take a while to find and sign for your dream home, and that’s okay. In the meantime look for some properties for rent to live in. 

Where Will I Find my Dream Home? 

Finding your dream home is going to take some serious work. Don’t forget, find cheaper, yet still classy, alternatives if you have expensive taste above your budget.

Most of all, if you need support or guidance, turn to professionals. 

Looking for more information like this? Check out the rest of our blog!

You’re finally in a position where you’re ready to buy a house. You’ve got some money in the bank and spent some time working on your credit. You’ve even held the same job now for two years.

So, what’s next?

Well, the next step you’ll want to complete is finding the right loan to use to make your purchase, and this is definitely a step that leaves a lot of people feeling confused – especially first-time homebuyers.

You might have questions such as:

What type of loan should you get?

What do all these mortgage loan terms mean?

What should you look for in a mortgage?

If this is where you are, I can help. I’ll explain to you the main types of mortgage loans available as well as the most common loan terms you’ll hear along the way.

After reading this, you’ll have a much better understanding of mortgages, and this will help you choose the right one for your upcoming house purchase.

Conventional vs. Unconventional Loans

If you spend any amount of time looking up mortgage loans, you’ll probably notice there are a lot of different types of loans but most loan types fall into one of two categories:

Conventional Loans

A conventional loan is a mortgage loan that requires meeting guidelines of Fannie Mae. Fannie Mae is a mortgage association that sets up guidelines borrowers must meet in a way that provides protection over lenders.

A loan that falls into this category is not backed by the U.S. government which means there is more risk for the lender who issues the loan.

To qualify for a conventional loan, you must meet all the guidelines and criteria set forth by Fannie Mae.

People who use conventional loans typically have a lot of money to use for the down payment and have great credit. They generally also do not have a history that contains a bankruptcy or a foreclosure.

Unconventional Loans

Unconventional loans do not have to meet the criteria set by Fannie Mae and are backed completely by the U.S. government. These loans come in different types, including the following:

• FHA loans – This is a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration.
• VA loans – This loan type is backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• USDA loans – This loan is backed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

People often choose unconventional loan types when they have credit that is less than perfect and when they do not have a lot of money for their down payment.

A person with a bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past could also benefit from an unconventional loan.

The reason is that the requirements for unconventional loans are less stringent than those for conventional loans. In other words, it’s easier to qualify for an unconventional loan compared to a conventional loan.

Common Mortgage Loan Terms

The loans we’ve talked about so far are the different options you have when choosing an actual loan type but now let’s discuss the different terms you will come across during the loan process.

Length or Duration

One term you will hear about is called the duration or length. This refers to the amount of time the loan gives you to repay it in full. Loans are generally 30 years in length but could be shorter or longer.

Fixed Interest Versus Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

The way your interest rate works on the loan will be one of these options. A fixed rate offers a rate that never changes while an ARM is subject to change.

Points

To earn a lower interest rate, some lenders and loan types allow you to purchase points. This process requires an upfront payment of cash in exchange for a lower rate of interest on your loan.

These terms are things you will have to decide on when getting a mortgage so it’s definitely important to understand each of them.

Loan Fees and Closing Costs

The next thing you’ll want to understand about mortgage loans is the fees and costs they come with. Every single loan type available will have fees and closing costs but the amounts and types might vary.

Mortgage insurance is also considered a fee of a mortgage loan, and while not all types of loans require mortgage insurance, most types do require some form of mortgage insurance.

Loan fees and closing costs are inevitable, though, so you really shouldn’t base your decision too much on the amount you’ll have to pay for these fees because you’ll have them with any loan type.

What Is the Right Type for You?

One of the hardest parts of choosing a mortgage is figuring out which type is the best for your situation. Lenders often help borrowers make this decision by looking at the following factors:

1. Credit score
2. Money to put down
3. Bankruptcy and foreclosure history

These are the three big factors that will affect what types of loans you qualify for and what type would be the best.

Keep in mind, you’ll have a harder time qualifying for a conventional loan if your credit score is not high or if you don’t have a large down payment. It will also be harder to qualify if you went through a bankruptcy or foreclosure in your past.

An FHA loan is often the best type for a person that does not meet the criteria for a conventional loan. You can find out more about the benefits of FHA loans by looking up FHA loan information.

Your Next Step

Now that you have a better grip on the most common mortgage loan terms and loan types, you might have a better idea of what loan type is right for you and what to look for in the mortgage loan.

If you have further questions or need advice about your situation, read our blog for more helpful tips on choosing the right mortgage loan. 

If you’re hoping to enter the housing market and buy your first home, you may be interested in learning about rent to own homes as an option. If you don’t have a large down payment saved or your credit isn’t the greatest, rent to own homes may be just the option for you.

As with anything, there are pros and cons of rent to own homes. When you rent to own, you’re able to lock in a purchase price, make rent payments, and start to build equity toward a down payment on the house you’re living in.

While this is a great opportunity, if you fail to make your payments, or if an unforeseen event causes you to move, there are some risks you should consider.

Is rent to own a good idea for you?

This guide will go over the pros and cons of rent to own houses to help you decide if this is your best path to homeownership.

What Is Rent to Own?

In real estate, typically a buyer and a seller complete a home purchase after the closing on a home. The buyers purchase the home from the seller and the home changes ownership effective immediately.

Under a rent to own agreement, the buyer and seller actually only agree on the possibility of the renters purchasing the home in the future. You can learn more about companies who specialize in these homes by continuing to read on here. 

The renter who ideally will buy the home ultimately decides if they are going to purchase the home or not.

In the meantime, the buyer will make payments to the seller in the form of rent. A portion of this money will typically go towards the purchase of the home in the future.

Let’s say your rent is $2,000. You might see an agreement where $1,000 of this will go to rent and $1,000 will go towards a down payment. That gives you $12,000 towards the purchase of the home at the end of a year.

The Pros and Cons of Rent to Own Homes

When looking at the benefits and drawbacks of a rent to own home there are several factors to consider. In many cases, the benefits to a potential home buyer, far out weight the bad.

You’ll want to consider your current financial situation, your earning potential, your long term plans, and also the real estate market where you live before jumping into a rent to own contract.

The Benefits

Here’s a round-up of some of the main benefits of entering into a rent to own agreement.

Great for People Who Need Help Qualifying for a Mortgage

If you are having trouble saving enough money for a down payment, you’re not alone. It can be hard to save for a down payment when you are also paying for an expensive rental. 

This is where rent to own options can really be beneficial. You’ll be renting the home you will potentially be living in while you’re also saving for your down payment.

If your credit is less than perfect, this can also buy you time to build up your credit. While you’re renting you can pay down your credit card, cut some expenses, and reduce your debt.

Hopefully, by the time your lease term is up, your credit has improved enough to qualify for a mortgage. 

You Can Lock in Your Purchase Price

If you live in a hot real estate market where the value of homes is constantly increasing, you might be able to lock in your purchase price while you rent your home for a couple of years.

As the price of the home increases, you’ll still only pay the price you agreed upon years before.

Allows You to Test Drive the House

Sometimes, you’re just hesitant to commit to buying a house. In this case, you’re actually renting the home you want to live in which allows you to test drive it. Test driving a home means you can feel out the area, the neighbors, and the house itself.

By renting the house before you buy it you can see if any issues come up with the home you didn’t know about.

The Drawbacks

With any real estate transaction, there are always some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the cons of buying a rent to own home.

You Risk Forfeiting Money

In our $2,000 a month rent example, $1,000 of that rent is going towards the purchase of the home you’re renting. If you decide you don’t want to rent the home, after all, you run the risk of losing that money.

Typically, with a rent to own home, the seller will put in the agreement that if the potential buyer backs out and decides they don’t want to buy the home, they will forfeit that money.

Keep in mind, however, that you likely would have paid that money in rent anyway so it isn’t necessarily money lost.

You Aren’t Fully in Control

With a rent to own agreement, there are sometimes forces that you can’t control. You may have intended to buy the home you’re renting but sometimes life happens. You may need to move for a job or you get married or divorced.

The same situations can apply to the seller and they may end up needing to sell the home sooner or foreclose. While this is rare, there is always a possibility.

Late Payments Are Costly

If you’re unable to pay your rent on time, you may end up losing the house or losing some of the money you have built up towards a down payment.

Pay your rent on time and this shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Is Renting to Own a Home a Good Idea

Deciding whether or not to rent, rent to own, or purchase a home traditionally is a tough choice. Consider your financial situation and weigh the pros and cons.

On one hand, you get the benefit of test driving a home, saving money towards a down payment, and locking in a purchase price. On the other hand, life happens and sometimes you may end up leaving the home before you intended and aren’t able to purchase it.

Whatever your situation, when it comes to the pros and cons of rent to own homes, the benefits tend to outweigh the bad.

For real estate news, tips, and ideas, visit the blog section for more great housing market resources.

If you’re thinking about making a big move in the future, Florida should be at the top of your list of potential destinations.

There’s a reason people save up money their whole lives and end up retiring in Florida. It’s one of the most comfortable, warm, and engaging states in the entire U.S. There’s sunshine, beaches, entertainment, and fantastic food nearly everywhere you look.

What’s not to like?

However, if you’re wanting a more in-depth look at the top reasons to move to Florida, read on to find more information.

1. Unbeatable Weather

Florida is lovingly known as the Sunshine State because of its year-round amazing temperatures and bright sunny days. This includes during winter months, where most people are stuck in the freezing cold scraping ice off their windows just so they can drive to work. 

In Florida, you’ll find winter month temperatures to stick between 60 and 70 degrees, about the same perfect temperature most people keep their homes at. There’s a reason people flock to Florida from all of the U.S. during winter. 

Summer temperatures are hot and humid, which makes for the perfect environment to hit the beach, lakes, or local pools. This extra outdoors time can also help you achieve the perfectly tanned look most people can only dream about while stuck inside.

2. Entertainment

If you’re looking for reasons to move to Florida, how about because of the entertainment? 

Florida is the famous home of massive amusement parks these include:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Busch Gardens
• Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom
• Universal Studios Florida
• LEGOLAND
• Sea World

If amusement parks aren’t your thing, Florida also plays host to an amazing and intense sports culture. They have 10 professional sports teams and the Daytona 500. If you’re a sports fanatic, Florida is the place to be.

Finally, Florida offers an amazing nightlife that few states could presume to match. Between the clubs, bars, theatres, and concerts, you may find your weekends booked up all year. 

3. Limitless Boating and Beach Activities

There’s something about living near the ocean that changes people. Adopting a life on the beach is one of the top reasons to move to Florida. Some people move specifically for that reason, while others vacation there and find themselves so enchanted that they end up staying.

Regardless, beach life offers unlimited beach and boating activities. Here are some ideas:

• Sunbathing
• Sand combing
• beach volleyball
• Beach bonfires
• Surfing 
• Wakeboarding
• Bodyboarding
• Skimboarding
• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Sailing
• Boating
• Fishing

It might be impossible to list all of the activities available to you on the beach, but you get the idea. If you like to be physically active and stay in shape, living in Florida makes it nearly impossible not to do so.

4. Amazing Fresh Food

If you love seafood, Florida is one of the best possible places for you to live. Living right next to the ocean comes with the valuable perk of being privy to fresh seafood no matter where you go. Florida is also home to some of the best tasting authentic Cuban food in the country.

Additionally, because of Florida’s year-round fair weather, it’s able to produce fresh fruits and veggies which can be found at farmers’ markets and all the local restaurants. Moreover, the climate allows for wine vineyards which leads to wine tastings and wine festivals.

5. No State Income Tax

There are only seven states in America that don’t charge their citizens a state income tax, and Florida is among them. This is another one of the top reasons to move to Florida. Imagine being able to spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a year.

While states who negate state income taxes often raise property taxes, you won’t find that to be the case in Florida. Because Florida has a large population of citizens with disposable incomes and a six percent sales tax, it doesn’t have to charge a state income tax or levy high property taxes.

6. The Real Estate

As we already mentioned, property taxes in Florida are incredibly low, especially considering the no sales tax. Additionally, because of all the perks of moving to Florida, the housing market is exploding. New real estate is becoming available every day. 

This means that Florida is in a somewhat perpetual state of a buyer’s market. Furthermore, while not everyone can afford beachfront housing, there are plenty of homes for sale off (but near) the coast that is easily affordable. 

Finally, because of the aforementioned boom in the real estate market, condos are springing up everywhere too. Simply put, if you’re looking for real estate in Florida, you’re bound to find some at affordable prices. 

And if you’re worried about being able to afford a house or a condo right away, there’s also plenty of opportunities to rent apartments, condos, and houses. This can be helpful in taking figuring out what part of Florida you want to live in. By renting first, you can spend a little time in each area before figuring out where to live in Florida.

7. Cultural Diversity

Lastly, one of the best reasons to move to Florida is because of its amazingly diverse culture. Because it is a destination spot for vacationers, retirees, and other national and international immigrants, Florida is one of the most culturally rich states in the country.

There are citizens from all over the US, as well as Cuba, Europe, and Latin America. If you’re looking for a place to expand your horizons and get to know other cultures, Florida is it.

Need More Reasons to Move to Florida?

If you’re looking for more reasons to move to Florida, take a look at some of the available south Florida homes for sale or rent. If you’d like to work with us to help you find your Florida dream home, we’re more than happy to assist you.

Good luck, we hope to hear from you soon!

If a disaster were to strike your home, do you know if you have enough insurance to cover your losses? Most people aren’t really sure. They find that they’re underinsured and about 75% of people underestimate how much insurance they truly need.

Should something unfortunate happen to your home, you could find yourself in a similar situation where you’re underinsured.

That could put your family and your finances at risk. Rather than do that, have the right amount of coverage from the start.

How much personal property coverage do you really need? Keep reading to find out about the importance of personal property coverage and how do determine how much you really need.

What is Personal Property Coverage?

From an insurance standpoint, the personal property consists of your personal belongings inside the home.  Your clothes, electronics, furniture, kitchen supplies are all considered to be personal property.

Personal property coverage is supposed to cover your belongings in the event of a fire or theft. You pay the replacement costs up to the deductible amount and insurance will take care of the rest.

If you have a $500 deductible, you pay $500 to replace your belongings and your insurance company will pay for the rest of the replacement costs.

This is the basic assumption that gets a lot of people into trouble. Let’s take a closer look at how it works.

Homeowner’s Coverage and Personal Property

You might think that all is well because your homeowner’s policy covers personal property. This is a common assumption that people have about personal property coverage.

Personal property coverage is usually referred to Coverage C within your homeowner’s policy. If you read carefully, you’ll find that there are limits as to what is and isn’t covered.

For example, jewelry and antiques usually aren’t covered by homeowner’s policies. You’d have to get additional coverage for these items.

Some policies are written to say that your personal property will be covered at 50% of the dwelling coverage. The dwelling coverage is the cost to rebuild your home.

Other policies will only cover 20% of the dwelling. Let’s say that your insurance policy covers $250,000 to rebuild the home. Your personal property coverage would be $50,000.

Your personal property coverage will also depend on whether or not you have coverage for floods, fires, mudslides, and earthquakes.

Understanding home insurance isn’t easy. There are a lot of terms and dollar amounts hidden in insurance policies.

Most of the time, you’re trusting the word of the insurance agent. You’re hoping that they’re telling you accurate information. Rather than do that, you’re much better off educating yourself.

Calculate How Much Personal Property Coverage You Really Need

Now that you know a little bit more about how personal property coverage works, how much coverage do you need? Here’s how you can calculate your costs.

Cash Cost vs. Replacement Cost

Insurance policies are going to have some kind of language around the actual cash value of your property or the replacement cost value of your personal property.

Here’s an example to illustrate the difference between the two. You bought a top of the line TV 5 years ago just before a major sporting event. That TV cost $4,000.

The TV depreciated over time, and the actual value is now $700. Now, if you were to replace your TV with another top of the line TV of a similar caliber, the replacement costs maybe $3000.

This is a very important distinction that can really hurt you financially if you were expecting to get paid on the replacement costs but wound up with the actual costs.

What is the Cost to Replace Your Belongings?

You’ll have to go through your home and determine how much you have, what you paid for it, when, and what the cost to replace those items.

Your best course of action to make sure that you have more than adequate coverage is to keep a running inventory of your belongings and update it every few months.

There are various ways to keep an inventory, such as using a template or an app like Encircle.

Getting a Homeowners Insurance Endorsement or Floater

If you find that your personal property coverage limits and your actual belongings don’t match up, you can adjust your policy to meet your needs.

That’s usually done through a homeowner’s policy endorsement. An example of an endorsement is if your policy says that you’re to get the actual cash value of your belongings, you can get an endorsement that says you can get the replacement cost value.

If you have very expensive items, such as an engagement ring or collectibles, you’ll want to get a floater on your policy. A floater is meant for these items and will require an appraisal of the items before you get the policy.

Get An Insurance Checkup Every Year

Similar to going to the dentist or doctor for an annual checkup, you need to do the same with your insurance policy. There are a number of variables that impact your policy, and you want to make sure that everything is covered.

That’s especially true with your personal property. You may have donated or bought a number of new items that would cost more money to replace. Your personal property coverage may need to be updated to reflect these new purchases or purging of older items.

For example, if you got a new large, comfy leather chair, you want that to be reflected in your policy. It’s the same if you got a new dining room set. Keeping an inventory and updating your policy will protect you when you need it.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage is a mystery for many homeowners. They assume that the homeowner’s policy will cover everything, which often leaves them underinsured.

How much personal property coverage do you need? It depends on your current policy and the type of belongings you have.

Once you understand the fine print of your policy and take an inventory, you’ll better be equipped to make sure that you have the right amount of coverage.

Come back to this site often for more great real estate and homeowners tips.

You have worked hard and earned the right to place a pool in your backyard to enjoy during the sizzling summers.

Now, it is time to pick out the best pool liner. These vinyl sheets will protect your pool and retain the water.

If you are just starting to look or have been looking for a while, this guide can help you make an educated decision.

Colors and Textures

The pool liner color and texture won’t affect the functionality, but there are other reasons to be picky.

• A dark-colored pool liner will retain heat and keep the water warmer.
• Certain colors and patterns can strain your eyes.
• Some colors can reveal imperfections, wrinkles, and dents.
• Different textures can offer several degrees of grip and comfort.
• The traction of the liner can provide safe footing.

Picking a color, pattern, and texture is a personal preference, but it is best to see samples in-person to make the best choice.

If you put a high priority on aesthetics, the color scheme and patterns can coordinate with the deck, patio, lawn, or travertine tile complementing the pool. 

The travertine cost can vary greatly depending on decor, but base options are available for cheap.

Types of Best Pool Liners

The biggest difference in the types of liners out there is how they attach to the pool.

Beaded Liner

Beaded liners attach to the top wall of the pool using a track. The bead channel helps make this an easier installation

Overlap Liner

Overlap liners are the economic choice and most common. The liner hangs over the walls of your pool and is locked into place with coping strips.

J-Hook Liner

The biggest advantage of this pool liner is the easy installation – easier than the beaded and overlap liners. It does not have a bead channel, but a rubber fold that hooks on to the wall. 

Universal Bead Liner

As the name suggests, this liner can fit any pool set up and also has an easier installation.

There are customizable pool liners out there that may be specific to a brand or need. Consult a professional to figure out which will suit your needs and budget.

Thickness

Bigger is not always better. A thick liner will last longer and be more difficult to puncture and damage.

But a thicker liner will also not be as pliable. Depending on the design of your pool, you may need multiple sections of multiple thicknesses. 

Even the most sturdy pool liners will need to be patched or replaced over time. But if you can control what objects get near your pool, you can increase the longevity. 

Warranty

Most of the best pool liners only come with a manufacturer’s warranty. These warranties usually only cover defects. 

Punctures, old age, and cracks from being dried out will not be covered 

If the store you are buying from offers protection outside of the manufacturer’s warranty, be sure to read all the fine print.

Next Steps

With the perfect spot and pool picked out in your backyard, you’re now armed with the information to buy the best pool liner. 

Finish the process of completing your summer pool and get back to relaxing.

Check back often to never miss our latest! 

Used for storing cars, tools, lawn care equipment, and the beer fridge, a garage is often top on the list for people looking for a new home.

But what if the house you live in or the one you’ve fallen in love with doesn’t have one? Lucky for you, whether you’re looking for some extra storage or just want to create a man cave for yourself, it’s never been easier to build a garage by yourself.

Keep reading to learn how to build a garage, and what your best option is depending on your situation.

Do Your Homework and Planning First

If you know your way around tools and have some experience, you can build your own garage from the ground up. You can design your own plan specifically to your space or find a pre-made garage plan.

Once you have the plan, you’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate permits to build and adhere to any codes or covenants laid out by your city or neighborhood. 

Things you’ll need to think about while planning include:

1. How big can it be? Most lots within city limits have restrictions on the kind, number, and size of buildings on the lot. Normal considerations include what percentage of the lot is covered with structures (including sidewalks, driveways, buildings, and decks) and how many buildings are already on the lot. You may be limited to how large the footprint of the garage can be, and it may need to be shorter than the house.
2. Are there any restrictions on materials used? Neighborhoods and developments have their own covenants that sometimes outline the type of materials that must be used. For instance, you may not be able to use corrugated steel and the garage would need to be finished in the same material as the house.
3. Will I need to hire anything out? While budgeting, you’ll need to add in the costs of hiring jobs out. If you’re capable of doing the work yourself or have friends who can help, you’ll pay considerably less than someone who has to hire jobs out. However, your work will have to be checked off by code enforcement, so make sure you actually know what you’re doing so you don’t have to redo a job to meet code standards.

Once you have the plan and any necessary permits and permissions out of the way, it’s time to build!

How to Build a Garage the Old-Fashioned Way

A garage is a fairly simple project that can be put up in a few days, with the right pre-planning and a little help. 

Foundation

You’ll first need to have a foundation for your garage to sit on. This is a job many people hire out to a capable concrete company, to ensure the finished slab is solid, won’t crack, and is square.

If you choose to build your own foundation, make sure you know what you’re doing and have done your homework. A structure built on a poor foundation will shift with time, creating structural issues that can sometimes render a property unsellable. 

Framing

Once the slab is in, it’s time to get framing underway. This is the bones of your garage, so it needs to be perfectly square.

• Mark where your walls will be
• Lay out your wall plates
• Assemble the walls on the ground
• Build in windows and doors
• Stand the walls up
• Plumb the corners to ensure it’s square
• Straighten to top of the wall and add top wall plates
• Install sheathing
• Set the end, or gable, trusses
• Stretch a centerline and tack on a ribbon board between the two trusses
• Set the rest of the trusses
• Add hurricane clips to trusses once set
• Install the roof decking
• Schedule an inspection 

Roofing and Siding

Once the inspection is done, you can add these finishing elements to your finished framework to complete your garage. A final inspection is sometimes necessary before your building will be signed off on, to ensure you’ve complied with the plan you submitted.

Using a Kit to Build Your Own Garage

If you aren’t as familiar with construction, you can order a kit that includes everything you need to finish your garage. Garage kits include the plans and basic materials. 

Most don’t include concrete or finishing touches, like insulation. They do include the framing materials, including nails and screws, trusses, and siding and roofing materials.

Finishing Touches

Once you have your garage built, it’s time for some finishing touches.

1. Electrical. If you plan to have lights or electrical plugs in your garage, you’ll need to add electrical before finishing any interior walls. A licensed electrician can help you design and install a system perfect for your needs. Make sure to allow for the extra amperage that some tools need.
2. Heating. If you live in a colder area and plan on enjoying your garage during the winter, add in a heating system of some type. You can find electric, gas, propane, pellet and wood-burning models of stoves for garages, depending on your needs.
3. Insulation. Once you have the interior workings done, you might want to insulate and finish off interior walls to better maintain temperature and moisture fluctuations within the garage.
4. Flooring. You can find numerous garage floor coatings that will add durability to your concrete foundation, as well as dress it up and protect it from spills and stains.
5. Driveway. Finish off your garage by adding a driveway and sidewalks to man doors. Make sure in your initial planning you think about the right slope in the foundation at the door to join it with a driveway and allow cars to easily drive in.

Ready to Build Your Own Garage?

Now that you know how to build a garage, it’s time to get planning and get your own space underway! With careful planning and budgeting, you can have your dream garage in no time!

Want to see more helpful and informational articles? Check out the rest of this site!

Have you been dealing with a leak or missing shingles on your roof? Are you contemplating fixing the roof vs replacing it but are wondering what a roof repair cost is going to be? 

Keep reading to learn the average price you can expect to pay for fixing the roof above your head.

What Is the Average Roof Repair Cost?

Because you are here to know what your roof repair is going to cost you, let’s dive right in. The price is going to vary based on how major or minor the problem is. The roof material you have and the slope of your roof will also factor into the cost.

If there are permits needed from your local government or HOA then you can expect your price to be a little higher. 

The average cost for a minor repair is between $200-$300. Major and larger repairs can be between $1,000 to $3,000. Whether you have a minor or major repair you typically do not want to prolong the process. Especially if you are dealing with a leaky roof. 

A small leak can turn into a huge situation and a much larger repair if you wait too long. The last thing you need is a rainstorm to come through and make your small leak an entire roof leak!

Call in the Pros

If you are debating whether to tackle your roof repair yourself to save some money or call in the professionals, we recommend calling the pros. An experienced roofing company like Ragsdale Roofing And Innovations LLC will know what to do and can guarantee their work if something were to happen.

Having a repair well done will help you sleep better at night without worrying that you or your family are at risk.

Material Types

Like we mentioned earlier the material you currently have on your roof will factor in your cost to repair your roof. If you currently have asphalt shingles you can expect to pay $5 to $10 per square foot. If you have slate tiles you can expect to pay around $15 per square foot to repair.

If your roof is currently metal the repair can vary between $5 to $15 per square foot. 

Time of Year

Another factor you want to take into consideration is the time of year that you need your repair done. Typically the cost is higher in the busy seasons which are normally summer and springtime. 

During the off-season when there is less demand you can expect to pay much lower prices and save some money.

Ready to Replace Your Roof?

Now that you are more in the know when it comes to roof repair cost you can start shopping around and getting some quotes from roofing companies. Make sure that they are licensed and insured and that they give you a warranty on their work. 

Did you find this article helpful? Check back often for all things real estate! 

It’s that time of the month again.

You expect to receive the typical payment from your renters, but this time, it’s different.

Or, maybe this time it’s just like last month, and the month before that.

Your tenant can’t pay rent or refuses to pay it. As the landlord, you’re suddenly in the middle of an uncomfortable and complicated situation. You can’t exactly go in there and pack his bags for him. Plus, eviction can be time-consuming and expensive. What other kinds of recourse do you have?

Read on to learn a few small, easy steps that could help you avoid the hassle of taking more drastic measures.

1. Consider Why the Tenant Can’t Pay Rent

It’s one thing if your tenant misses his rent payment for months on end. Yet, it’s another if this is the very first time it’s happened.

While you might be upset about the missed payment, it’s not the best time to break down his door and demand your money. A more sensitive and respectful approach would be to start by sending a friendly written reminder. If your lease agreement defines terms for a late fee, you can detail those steps therein.

2. Pay the Tenant a Visit

A cold shoulder won’t get you very far, here. To collect payment and assess the situation, you’ll often need to visit the tenant in person or at least over the phone. It’s best to perform this step as soon as possible before more time lapses.

When you do, you’ll have one mission in mind: Figure out why he missed his rent payment.

Did something recently happen in his life that might have a negative effect on his finances? For instance, did he just lose his job or experience a personal loss? Or, maybe he just forgot the payment or misunderstood the late-fee policy.

Regardless of the explanation, you don’t have to allow him to continue living in your property rent-free. However, you might be more sympathetic to the situation and less prone to respond in anger. Once you’ve heard his side of the story, calmly explain that rent must be paid on time.

The key here? Try to remain calm and understanding, but be as firm as possible. You don’t need to be disrespectful or crude, but you also don’t want to be seen as a pushover. You need to make it very clear that missed payments shouldn’t become a habit.

3. Issue an Official Notice

Did your in-person meeting leave you with more questions and controversy, but no rent money? If so, your next step is to issue an official Pay or Quit Notice.

Legal in most states, this notice is simply a document issued to the delinquent tenant as soon as his rent becomes past due. More formal than your initial letter, this one details clearly how much rent is due, as well as any late fees incurred. It also sets a firm deadline for payment before legal recourse is taken.

While some jurisdictions will require you to deliver the Pay or Quit Notice in person, others will let you mail it. While it’s tempting to scratch ASAP in bright red ink under “Payment Deadline”, it’s important to understand that most states require a grace period of three to five business days. 

Not sure about the local laws and regulations regarding landlord/tenant policies where you live? An experienced lawyer for landlords can answer all of your questions and set you down the right path.

4. Pay the Tenant to Leave

If all of the above fail and you’re left with a tenant who simply refuses to pay, you’re essentially losing money by the day. Remember: Your goal is to make that property work for you. 

While it might cost you a little, you might want to consider actually paying the existing tenant to move out and find somewhere else to live. The money you’ll lose at this step can easily be recouped (and then some) once a more reliable renter moves in. 

One caveat? The property must be in good shape if you decide to go this route. You don’t want to give someone money, ask them to leave town, and find that the place is totally trashed and unlivable. 

5. Pursue Eviction

Your final step if you have a tenant not paying rent? If nothing else seems like a viable option, it’s time to initiate an official eviction. While you might be ready to cut off the power to the property to send an immediate signal, it’s important to follow the appropriate legal actions. 

Depending on where you live, eviction could be a simple or all-consuming step. In almost every case, you’ll be involved in a lengthy court process. That’s another reason why it pays to have an experienced landlord attorney on your side. You can even hire an eviction lawyer who has specialized experienced in this exact field.

Throughout the proceedings,  try to remain as calm as possible. Even if you’re irate with the renter, there’s no need to add a potential harassment lawsuit on top of the already-messy situation. If the law falls on your side and you win the eviction case, your local law enforcement officials can help you evict the tenant.

Real Estate Advice You Can Trust

As a landlord, you know the ins and outs of real estate can be a challenge to navigate. In addition to legal specificities, there are also maintenance concerns, financial considerations and yes, the occasional tenant who can’t pay rent.

It can be difficult to keep up with it all, so that’s why we’re here.

Keep exploring our site and check out the rest of our content to discover more real estate news, ideas, and updates you can trust.