Commercial property development is a complex and challenging endeavor that involves various hurdles along the way. From securing financing to navigating zoning regulations, managing contracts, and resolving disputes, developers face many obstacles that can significantly impact the success of their projects. In light of these challenges, the importance of having legal counsel cannot be overstated. Attorneys play a crucial role in guiding developers through the intricacies of the development process, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, mitigating risks, and protecting their interests.

Legal counsel brings a deep understanding of real estate law and the complexities involved in commercial property development. They provide:

• Invaluable expertise in securing financing
• Navigating zoning and permitting
• Managing contracts and agreements
• Resolving disputes

In Idaho Falls, attorneys with specialized knowledge in commercial property development offer their services to developers, offering guidance and support throughout every stage of the process. With their assistance, developers can confidently navigate the legal complexities, minimizing risks and setting the foundation for a successful development venture.

Let’s learn more about the importance of legal counsel, such as the attorneys in Idaho Falls, in dealing with commercial property development hurdles.

Securing Financing: The Role Of Legal Counsel

Securing financing is an essential part of any commercial property development project. It involves navigating complex financial arrangements, negotiating loan terms, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. In this process, legal counsel plays a vital role in securing financing and protecting the interests of developers.

• Importance Of Financing In Commercial Property Development

Financing is crucial in commercial property development, enabling developers to fund the project. Financing can come from various sources, including banks, private lenders, and investors. Without financing, the project may halt, affecting the developers’ bottom line.

• Legal Documentation Involved

Securing financing requires the completion of legal documentation that outlines the terms and conditions under which financing will be issued. The documentation also outlines the rights and obligations of both parties, ensuring that each party understands their role within the financing arrangement.

• Negotiations And Potential Risks

Legal counsel can help navigate the negotiation process between the developer and the financier, ensuring both parties reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Legal counsel can also identify potential risks associated with the financing arrangement, ensuring the developer knows the risks before agreeing.

1. Reviewing Financing Agreements And Identifying Pitfalls

Before the developer signs a financing agreement, legal counsel can review the agreement and identify any potential pitfalls. This ensures that the developer knows any obligations and the consequences of failing to meet them.

• Negotiating Terms With Favorable Outcomes

Legal counsel can help the developer negotiate terms with favorable outcomes during the negotiation process. This may include negotiating lower interest rates, longer repayment periods, or more flexible repayment terms.

Navigating Zoning And Permitting

Navigating zoning and permitting is a crucial aspect of commercial property development where the expertise of legal counsel becomes invaluable.

• Explanation Of Zoning And Permitting

Zoning divides land into specific zones or areas with designated permitted land uses and development regulations. Permitting, on the other hand, involves obtaining the necessary approvals and licenses from local authorities to proceed with a commercial property development project.

• Local Zoning Laws And Regulations

Each jurisdiction has zoning laws and regulations that dictate land use, density, setbacks, height limitations, and other critical factors. Legal counsel can guide developers through the complexities of these local zoning laws, ensuring compliance with regulations and maximizing the property’s development potential.

• Obtaining Necessary Permits

To move forward with a commercial property development project, a developer must obtain various permits, such as building permits, environmental permits, and occupancy permits. Legal counsel can assist in identifying the permits required for the specific project and guide developers through the application process to ensure proper and timely completion.

• Importance Of Understanding Local Laws And Regulations

Understanding the local laws and regulations related to zoning and permitting is crucial for successful commercial property development. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to costly delays, fines, and even legal disputes. Legal counsel can help developers navigate the complexities, ensuring full compliance and minimizing the risk of any legal complications.

• Legal Counsel’s Expertise In Zoning Codes

Legal counsel specializing in commercial property development brings expertise in understanding and interpreting zoning codes. They know the intricacies of local zoning codes and can provide valuable insights to developers. This expertise ensures developers can make informed decisions about land use, density, setbacks, and other zoning considerations.

• Ensuring Legal Compliance

Legal counsel is critical in ensuring developers follow all the necessary legal procedures and comply with zoning and permitting requirements. This attention to detail helps developers avoid unnecessary delays, costly errors, and potential legal disputes. Having legal counsel involved from the initial stages of a project can help streamline the process and mitigate any legal risks.

Managing Contracts And Agreements

Commercial property development involves numerous contracts and agreements. Legal counsel is essential in managing those documents to avoid potential disputes and legal complications.

• Overview Of Contracts And Agreements Involved

Contracts and agreements are legal documents that outline the terms and conditions of a transaction. These documents in commercial property development include lease agreements, construction contracts, and purchase agreements. Developers must carefully review and negotiate these agreements to protect their interests and ensure they are legally enforceable.

• Importance Of Careful Review, Negotiation, And Drafting

Careful review, negotiation, and drafting of contracts and agreements are of paramount importance in commercial property development as they serve to protect developers from potential risks and disputes. Legal counsel plays a crucial role in this process by conducting thorough reviews of contracts, identifying potential issues, and negotiating terms that minimize risk and ensure legal enforceability. 

For example, in a situation where developers are entering into a lease agreement for a commercial property, legal counsel can carefully review and negotiate the lease terms to protect the developer’s rights, ensure compliance with local regulations and building codes, and address potential contingencies such as lease termination or default scenarios. 

By providing expertise in contract law and meticulous drafting, legal counsel helps developers mitigate risks and establish strong legal foundations for their projects.

• Legal Counsel’s Role In Managing Legal Documents

Legal counsel plays a vital role in managing legal documents by ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, reviewing and drafting contracts, and negotiating terms on behalf of the developer. Managing legal documents involves working collaboratively with developers, contractors, and other parties to ensure that all parties understand the obligations and expectations outlined in the agreements.

• Types Of Contracts

Commercial property development involves various contracts and agreements that legal counsel can help manage effectively. Lease agreements outline the terms of a tenant’s occupancy, construction contracts outline the terms of the construction project, and purchase agreements outline the terms of the property purchase, among others.

• Minimizing Potential Disputes And Legal Complications

By carefully reviewing, negotiating, and drafting contracts and agreements, legal counsel can help minimize potential disputes and legal complications. Effective management of contracts and agreements reduces developers’ risk exposure, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly with minimal legal issues.

Resolving Disputes

Disputes are inevitable in commercial property development, and legal counsel plays a crucial role in resolving these disputes efficiently and effectively.

• Inevitability Of Disputes In Commercial Property Development

It is important to recognize that disputes are an inherent aspect of commercial property development. These disputes can arise for various reasons, such as disagreements over contract terms, construction delays, zoning or permit issues, breach of agreements, or conflicts with neighboring properties. Given the complexity of commercial property development projects, having legal counsel involved from the outset is essential to minimize the likelihood and impact of disputes.

• Types Of Disputes

In commercial property development, disputes can take various forms. These may include disputes between developers, contractors, suppliers, tenants, adjacent property owners, or even conflicts with government agencies. Disputes involve contract performance, design flaws, payment disputes, environmental concerns, or disagreements over land use and zoning regulations. Legal counsel helps identify and address these disputes promptly to avoid potential disruptions to the development process.

• Legal Counsel’s Role In Resolving Disputes

Legal counsel plays a critical role in resolving disputes by providing guidance, expertise, and strategic advice throughout the resolution process. They assess the legal merits of the dispute, analyze relevant contracts and agreements, and identify potential avenues for resolution. Legal counsel may engage in negotiation, mediation, or arbitration on behalf of their clients to reach a satisfactory resolution and protect their interests.

• Strategies For Dispute Resolution

In resolving disputes, legal counsel can employ various strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. These may include engaging in alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration, where parties can work toward a mutually agreeable solution with the assistance of a neutral third party. If an amicable resolution cannot be reached, legal counsel can represent their clients in litigation, advocating for their interests in court.

• Use Of Local Regulations And Court Procedures To Expedite Resolution

Legal counsel’s understanding of local regulations and court procedures can be instrumental in expediting the resolution of commercial property development disputes. They can leverage their knowledge of the legal system to navigate court processes efficiently and effectively. Additionally, legal counsel can utilize local regulations and zoning codes to support their arguments or seek remedies that align with their client’s best interests.

Finding The Best Legal Counsel

Finding the best legal counsel is crucial in ensuring effective representation and guidance in commercial property development. Here are several steps to help you find the right legal counsel:

Seek Recommendations: Start by seeking recommendations from trusted sources, such as colleagues, friends, or industry professionals who have worked with legal counsel for commercial property development. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights and help you narrow down your options.

Research And Evaluation: Conduct thorough research on potential legal counsel candidates. Visit their websites, review their experience, credentials, and areas of expertise. Pay attention to any specific experience in commercial property development and related areas of law.

Assess Reputation And Track Record: Check the reputation of the legal counsel candidates. Look for online reviews, client testimonials, or any disciplinary records. Consider their track record of successfully handling cases or transactions similar to yours.

Schedule Consultations: Arrange initial consultations with the shortlisted legal counsel candidates. During these meetings, discuss your specific needs and objectives. Assess their responsiveness, communication style, and understanding of your industry and commercial property development matters.

Ask Relevant Questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask during the consultations. Inquire about their experience in commercial property development, their approach to handling contracts and agreements, and their strategy for protecting your interests. Discuss fee structures and billing practices.

Check Compatibility: Assess how well you and the potential legal counsel candidate can work together. Look for someone who is attentive, proactive, and understands your business goals and priorities.

Consider Resources And Support: Determine the resources and support available to the legal counsel candidates. Adequate staffing, access to research tools, and industry connections can be advantageous in providing comprehensive legal assistance.

Obtain Cost Estimates: Request cost estimates from the shortlisted legal counsel candidates. Consider both the fees and the value you expect to receive for their services.

Make An Informed Decision: Based on your research, evaluations, consultations, and overall comfort level, select the legal counsel who best aligns with your needs, has relevant experience, and provides confidence in their ability to protect your interests in commercial property development matters.

Remember, finding the best legal counsel is a critical step in ensuring your commercial property development projects are legally sound, minimize risks, and achieve your desired outcomes.

Conclusion

The presence of legal counsel is vital in navigating the complex world of commercial property development. They provide invaluable guidance and expertise, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing contracts, resolving disputes, and minimizing risks. In Idaho Falls, attorneys specializing in commercial property development are crucial in providing tailored legal guidance specific to local regulations. Therefore, it is highly encouraged for developers to seek legal counsel to ensure a successful and smooth development process, maximize opportunities, and protect their interests. Don’t underestimate legal counsel’s impact on your commercial property development journey.

The pandemic has been tough on renters with many struggling to pay the rent. Being a rented property owner is a challenge too. Approximately 9.2 million property owners have lost income because their renters are behind on rent.

Successfully managing your rental properties can be difficult at any time. Read on to learn about 5 essential tenant management tips for property owners.

1. Have Good Tenants

You might think that a good tenant pays the rent. Of course, it’s great if you have a tenant who pays the rent but that’s only the start.

You need a tenant that pays the rent on time and in full. A tenant who pays the rent and then causes you large amounts of problems might as well not be paying the rent. They’re costing you money and your time.

Finding and keeping good tenants is a good long-term investment. Have an effective screening process to filter out tenants who are likely to be a drain on your profitability.

Check their track record as a tenant and their capacity to honor their commitment to pay rent. Also, check that they are likely to look after your asset, be responsible neighbors, and meet your criteria for tenants.

Once you get a good tenant, look after them well.

2. A Good Lease Agreement Matters

Your lease agreement may be your most important defense in the event you have a problem tenant. Make sure it’s easy to understand and clear about the commitments you and your tenant are committing to.

A lease agreement should cover details such as how the property can be used, and responsibilities for maintenance including cutting lawns, pest control, and alterations. Be clear about your policy on pets and subletting.

It’s essential to explain what will happen if the tenant does not pay the rent or breaches the agreement in some other way. In some cases, where the property is too big and you have a lot of tenants, hiring a property management company is a wise decision to manage all your property rentals and keep track of all the contracts and records. With this, you can focus on things you need to improve and address in your Investments.

3. Maintain Professional Standards

Having good relationships with your tenant is best achieved by behaving professionally with them at all times. Honor your commitments and expect others to do so too.

This principle applies to all your service providers too. Seek out service providers such as insurance companies, contractors, and cleaning services who have the same high standards. Here’s more information.

4. Collect the Rent

Surely you don’t need to be told to collect the rent. Strange as it may seem any list of tenant management tips for property managers can’t ignore collecting the rent.

Making sure that you collect the rent is more about having effective procedures in place than simply deciding to collect the rent. All parties have to be clear about how and when rent is to be paid.

Standardizing your process with automatic reminders helps. Use online rent payments, bank deposits, or mobile payments. These are easy to check and make resolving a late or non-payment easier.

5. Keep Records

You will always hope that your relationship with your tenants will be a good one. Occasionally things might go wrong. If they do you’ll be glad if you maintained accurate and full records.

Documenting your actions can pay dividends if you get into a dispute with a tenant. It helps with litigation too.

Better Tenant Management

With more experience, your tenant management will improve. Start by applying these tenant management tips. Add to them as you learn.

Browse our blog for more property investment tips.

Trying to find the true home value of your house?

Not sure how much your home could be worth in the current market?

If you’re thinking about selling your home, it’s essential that you do everything you can to get a great offer. By thinking carefully about your home’s value, you’ll have the easiest time possible selling it, and you’ll avoid getting less for it than it’s worth.  Consider consulting a reputable realtor Fair Lawn NJ, who can provide a comprehensive market analysis and help you determine the optimal listing price for your property. Their expertise will ensure you make informed decisions and maximize your chances of a successful sale.

Luckily, we’re here to help. Below we’ll tell you how you can find the actual home value of your house.

1. Get a Professional Appraisal

One of the best ways to find your home’s value is to get it appraised by a dedicated professional.

A professional appraiser can be a great help when selling your home and can consider all of the details to help you determine what it’s worth. They’ll also be able to understand how it compares to other homes in the area and the local real estate market as well.

2. Work With a Realtor

While a home appraiser can be helpful for determining your home’s value, working with a realtor can also be a big help.

A realtor can do a comparative market analysis (CMA) on your home to compare your home against others in your area. They’ll look at the current market and will see what other homes have been selling for to help you determine your home’s value

A CMA will usually be done for free as well if you’re thinking about listing your home with a real estate agent or realtor.

3. Do Your Own Comparisons

While working with an appraiser or realtor is ideal, you can also do your own research to discover what your home may be worth. The best way to do this is to perform your own comparative market analysis by looking at what other homes are selling for in your area.

While it will take a little bit of digging, checking out real estate listings online and seeing what comparable homes have sold for can be helpful for discovering your home’s value.

4. Try an Online Valuation Tool

In addition to scoping out real estate listings online, there are some free valuation tools that can also help you find the value of your house as well. An online valuation tool will automatically check property records and do calculations to determine what the value of your home may be.

There are many on the web you can use, but some of the best are on sites such as Zillow, Redfin, and Chase.

The great thing about online valuation tools is that they’re quick and easy to use. If I were interested in selling my house fast, for example, using an online valuation tool would be a great place to start.

Using These Tips to Find the True Home Value of Your House

If you want to find a true home value, you should be happy to learn that there are several great options out there. By using one or more of the methods above you’ll be able to discover your home’s value and you’ll ensure that you have the easiest time possible during the selling process.

Looking for more real estate tips and advice? Read through our blog now to find more useful ideas and interesting articles.

With summer right around the corner, you will more than likely be spending more time enjoying your backyard. Do you feel that you have the backyard privacy that you want? If your answer is no, you are in the right place.

We have a few tips to help you create the privacy you want and deserve.

1. Fence

The first thing that probably comes to mind is to put up a fence and this will fix your problem. There are so many different types of fences and fencing materials, that it can make it a bit difficult to choose the perfect one.

Here you can learn more about fence styles and fence materials: https://www.buttefence.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-the-perfect-idaho-fence. Having a thorough understanding will make it easier to make a decision.

2. Bamboo Fence

If you love a tropical and zen feeling, then bamboo is a great choice for creating a fence in your backyard. You can either use it to fill in any gaps in your landscaping or you can create an entire fence with it.

Keep in mind that bamboo can be invasive which is why you want to choose a bamboo type that is compatible with the environment you live in. You also want to make sure that you can contain it easily.

3. Flower Wall

A flower wall might be a perfect option if you love bright beautiful colors and you live in an area that has a warmer climate year-round. You might also consider creating a fruit tree wall, where you have fruit trees in planters and they serve a double purpose. You can eat from your wall and have privacy with a view.

4. Curtains

If you prefer something unique and want a lounge feel in your backyard then curtains can help. You can hang curtains around patios, and decks to create a cozy area to hang out in.

If you do not have a place to hang them you can put down wooden posts in the ground and then use rods to hang your curtains on the posts.

5. Pergola

If you want some privacy but love your backyard view and do not want to completely block it then a pergola would work. The wood and the columns will offer some privacy but not completely close it off. You can add curtains to your pergola that can easily open and close for even more privacy.

Adding privacy panels to your backyard can be a great way to create a more secluded and comfortable outdoor space. There are many different types of privacy panels to choose from, ranging from classic wooden fences to modern decorative metal screens. When selecting privacy panels, it’s important to consider factors such as height, durability, and maintenance requirements. No matter what type of privacy panel you choose, adding them to your backyard can help create a more comfortable and inviting outdoor space.

Another option is to add trellis to the pergola on some of the sides. You can opt to cover one side with trellis, two or three.

Ready for Some Backyard Privacy?

Now that you know our top options for backyard privacy, you can decide what you love most. Please do not forget to check with your homeowner’s association (HOA), if you have one.

There are some HOA’s that have restrictions on height, material, color, etc. It’s always best to be safe than sorry by double-checking.

Did our blog post help you today? Please check back soon to always stay in the know.

Living in a condo has its pros and cons. A big old con is that you aren’t isolated from other people’s living spaces.

When you have a common wall with someone, you become more vulnerable to common bugs and pests.

To avoid this problem, it is essential to have regular pest control services. https://pestipestcontrolperth.com.au/ is a reliable provider of pest control services in Perth, offering a range of options to help you keep your property free from pests.

With their expertise and professional services, you can ensure that your home or business is protected from the harmful effects of pests.

Common Bugs in Condos

What are the most common bugs you would find in a condo?

1. Cockroaches

Oh, these guys. They’re indestructible, it seems. No matter how many you kill, it just appears that more and more are coming back.

If you’re in a condo, there are even more avenues for cockroaches to take, even more people for them to live off of. This makes them even more of a nightmare to try to get rid of.

Besides being incredibly gross to look at, cockroaches can carry some serious diseases.

How to Get Rid of Them

You’re going to want to call pest control and have them come out immediately, just make sure to get your neighbors on board.

The key to reducing the infestation is to keep your place clean, your food tightly sealed, and to throw away trash frequently.

The worst part about trying to get rid of cockroaches is that if you fumigate your condo, the cockroaches can go hide in the other condo units while extermination is taking place. When your condo is safe again, back they come. Because of this, it is important that everyone attached to you treats their condos at the same time.

2. Bed Bugs

Oof, bed bugs. They’re infamous for being hard to get rid of. They have become more common over the years.

They feed on your blood and leave small itchy bites.

How to Get Rid of Them

You can try to get rid of bed bugs by yourself, but in the end, the best route is calling pest control.

How can you try to get rid of bed bugs by yourself?

First, you should vacuum, clean up everything off the floor, and throw away any unwanted furniture or items. Then you will treat the affected area with an insecticide or by steam.

It is important to follow up cleaning and vacuuming your condo. It is absolutely essential that after you vacuum you dispose of the waste.

3. Fleas

Precious Fido carried them in, so how do you get them out?

Fleas are one of the most common bugs that affect households. A flea infestation is icky and itchy, as they will bite you and your pets to survive. You may first notice that you have fleas by seeing bite marks on your ankles.

How to Get Rid of Them

Fleas multiply quickly, so it is vital to get pest control in to bomb the place with pesticides immediately.

4. Termites

If you have noticed small piles of wood pellets, broken off wings, or hollowed-out wood, you likely have termites.

You should take termites seriously as they can severely damage the structure of your condo.

How to Get Rid of Them

You may use insecticides and treat both inside the house as well as the outdoor soil.

5. Ants

They’ve come for your food! Really, seal your food.

Ants find the smallest crumbs, so it is important to keep your house clean.

How to Get Rid of Them

Get ant traps and set them up all around your condo. Make sure to wipe down counters, put away all food, and frequently dispose of trash. It couldn’t hurt to vacuum those suckers up, as well (just make sure to dispose of the waste).

Contact Pest Control

When choosing a pest control service, go with someone you trust. If you haven’t used a service before, check out reviews. You’ll want to go with a company that has a good reputation.

Your roof is the most critical structure in your home. Not only does it protect your interior from the weather, but it also holds your entire house together.

How long do roofs last? How can you tell if my roof needs to be replaced? What are the signs I need a new roof?

Whether you’re a new home buyer or a long-time property owner, you need to make sure your building’s roof is in tip-top shape.

Keep reading to get all of your roofing questions answered.

How Long Do Roofs Last?

The durability of your roof depends on:

• Roofing materials
• Maintenance and workmanship
• Weather

Most roofs are designed to last 30 years, though some can last up to 50.

Cheaper roofing materials, such as low-end shingles, might not be able to weather a heavy storm. Metal roofing or slate shingles are durable and provide long-term protection.

Regular residential and commercial roof repair and maintenance lengthen the roof’s lifespan.

General roof and attic inspections identify problems early on. Regular gutter and downspout maintenance clear out debris that weighs heavily on your home’s structure. Chimney, skylight, and vent cleanings clear creosote and other harmful materials from around your roof.

Warning Signs of a Bad Roof

Investing in a roof is never a bad decision. A new roof can provide a 107% return on investment, making it the highest payoff of a single home renovation project.

There are a few new roof signs homeowners should be aware of. Let’s review them.

1. Your Shingles Are Falling Apart

Roofing shingles should lie flat against your roof. If your shingles are buckling, cupped, cracked, faded, or rotting, then they need to be replaced. Check for deteriorating shingles or bald spots where the granules are missing.

Weak and damaged shingles make your roof unsteady and may not be able to protect your home from the next big rainstorm.

2. Streaks on Your Ceiling

You don’t need to climb onto the top of your building to determine if you need a new roof.

Go to the top floor of your home and inspect the ceiling. Look for noticeable dark streaks and stains. If your roof is growing weaker, water will leak through and create damage to your ceiling.

Don’t ignore this damage. While they may start small, water damage can escalate and create widespread problems.

Regular roof cleaning in Orlando, FL can help prevent streaks on your ceiling by removing the buildup of dirt, grime, and algae on your roof. When these substances accumulate on your roof, they can cause water to pool and seep into your home through small cracks and crevices in your roof.

3. Rotting Wood

Wooden and asphalt roofs are susceptible to rotting as they age. If you’re worried about a bad roof, check your roof for missing, broken, and decomposing tiles.

You may also notice moss growing around your shingles. Rotting wood is damp and cool, creating the perfect environment for mold to thrive.

You can clear away small patches of moss without damaging your shingles. However, you need to replace your roof if you notice widespread moss growth and rotting roof tiles.

Proper Roof Maintenance Is Crucial to Roof Longevity

So, how long do roofs last? Like most home structures, regular maintenance leads to fewer problems, quick repairs, and a sturdy, long-lasting roof over your head.

If you’re looking for more home improvement tips, check out our blog. From selling your property to pet-proofing an apartment, we’ve got all the helpful guides you’re looking for.

Did you know that there are 15,544 security guard businesses in the United States who employ over 868,000 qualified security guards?

If you’re thinking of setting up an event or you want to secure your business, then hiring a security guard is essential. Security guards can help protect the safety of your customers and employees and the building or ground you want to be protected.

Keep reading to discover more about the type of security guards available for your event or business and security guard costs.

There are many military-friendly security companies that offer great second jobs for veterans. The security industry is one of the hottest jobs for veterans. How do people express their gratitude for the security of veterans around them?

They can also try customizing military challenge coins, a symbol of honor for veterans to commemorate and thank them for their contributions. Along with donating to relevant institutions, they can also customize military challenge coins. Veterans’ outstanding contributions were recognized with the launch of GS-JJ.com’s army challenge coins, Order Now.

Hire a Security Guard

What do security guards do and why do you need them? Security guards are trained professionals who can provide you with safety and support in a variety of settings. The purpose of a security professional is to provide trained responses and solutions if faced with crimes or dangerous incidents.

Security guard services provide a whole range of security. From theft prevention for small businesses to crowd control at festivals and concerts. You might also consider getting a security guard for unsupervised buildings.

Some security services offer a wide range of services. Depending on your requirements, you can find a business that can provide you with the safety and security you need.

Other security services might specialize in specific events. For example, some businesses might provide highly-trained party security guards.

Before looking for security services that suit your needs, you need to consider your requirements and how much it will cost to rent a security guard.

How Much Does Security Cost?

The average security guard typically costs around $18 to $25 per hour. Security for events or businesses can range from $12 to $50 an hour, depending on how qualified and experienced the security guard is.

Another thing to consider when considering the cost of a security guard is if they are specially trained. Specially trained security guards cost more money. However, they might be a better fit for your requirements if they’re working in potentially hazardous conditions.

Unarmed security guards cost less ($12 to $20 per hour) than armed security guards ($18-$25). This is because armed security guards are assumed to be taking a higher risk, and they’re usually given extra training.

The time of the day can also affect the cost of your security guard. Officers who work late nights often cost more than those who work sociable hours during the day.

How Much Does Private Security Cost?

Private security is also known as executive protection. Executive protection is a very specialized field within the security industry, and as such, it comes at a much higher cost.

These trained security professionals can provide 24/7 security to high-profile people. Due to the dangerous nature of the job and the qualifications needed, the cost of executive protection can cost at least $200,000 annually.

Check out these 10 essential tips for hiring security officers for your business or event.

Hire a Security Officer with Help from Our Security Guard Cost Guide

Now that you’ve learned more about what a security guard can do and the security guard cost, you should feel more able to make an informed decision on which security services you need and how much they’ll cost.

As a homeowner, it’s essential that you stay on top of all your home maintenance needs. Owning a home is a lot of work, and it’s not difficult to forget a few things here and there. However, forgetting to maintain even one element of your home can result in major repairs down the road.

To prevent this from happening, you’ll want to create a home maintenance schedule that’s easy for you to stick to. A great home maintenance schedule is one that includes all of the necessary maintenance tasks for your home based on the time of year. This is the best way to ensure that you keep your home safe.

Once you have a solid schedule created and set in place, you can then refer back to it every year to determine when your last appointment was made for a specific maintenance check and when you’re due for your next one. Are you ready to design a plan that you’ll stick to?

Continue reading below for our home maintenance checklist you won’t want to lose!

The Seasons

Creating a plan based on the seasons is a great way to ensure you stay on task. Each season brings a different type of weather condition and a different type of maintenance plan. Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining your home throughout the different seasons.

Winter

Winter home maintenance should be a priority whether you intend to relocate or stay in your warm home for the season, as there are  a few things that need to be done before the temperatures drop

• Check for ice dams- ice dams build at the base of your roof and will prevent snow from falling off. The trapped snow will melt and cause sitting water on your roof.
• Cover ac units outside- a cover for an outdoor ac unit will protect it from snow and ice. You should also look into insulating your pipes as well.
• Close vents- your foundation’s vents should be closed during the winter to lower your heating cost. Just be sure to open them up again when winter ends.
• Check your sump pump- When winter thaws out, you’ll need your sump pump to be in good working order to prevent water backup. Check it before winter to ensure it’s working properly.

Complete all of these tasks plus check for any drafts in your home as well. Doing so will create an ideal winter for you and your home!

Spring

When the cool temperatures of winter begin to climb back up, you’ll want your home to be ready for the changes that spring has in store. Here’s what you need to know.

• Check your HVAC- summer is most likely the time when you use your HVAC system the most. Have it checked out by a professional in the spring before summer arrives.
• Check your generator- your generator is there to back you up in case of an electrical failure. This could happen at any time of the year, so it’s best to contact a professional like Mister Sparky Electric to have it checked out around the same time as your HVAC unit.
• Check your roof- from the ground, look up at your roof and see if you notice any signs of damage caused by snow and ice. Have a professional come out and correct the issue as soon as possible.
• Check the gutters- many homeowners fail to realize that the gutters are just as important to check as the roof is. Ensure that the gutters aren’t sagging or clogged.

You can again check for any drafts in the home. If there are any cracks in the caulking, be sure to have it corrected. Sidewalks and driveways can also be affected by the harsh winter months, so repair any cracks in either of these before becoming a bigger issue.

Summer

Summer might call for vacations and a lot of time spent away from the home. Before you pack up and leave or schedule in all of those fun summer activities, be sure to cross off all of these home maintenance tasks off your list.

• Trim around outdoor units- you’ll want to keep all grass, weeds, and other debris away from your generator, HVAC unit, and any other outdoor unit that you might have.
• Inspect the foundation- your home’s foundation and crawl space should be checked for cracks and leaks.
• Check your deck- over time, wear and tear will show on your home’s deck. Before the summer heat comes into full effect, be sure to sand down any needed areas and apply a sealant.

For homeowners who own an irrigation system built underground, be sure to check this as well for any possible leaks.

Fall

When fall approaches, it’s time to start preparing your home for the cold winter months ahead. Be sure to complete these fall maintenance tasks to keep your home in good health during the winter.

• Check your HVAC system-have the professionals come out once again to check that your HVAC unit is working and ready to keep you warm during the winter.
• Inspect the fireplace- have a professional come out each fall to inspect your fireplace before burning wood in the winter.
• Check the roof and gutters- do another sweep of the roof and gutters to check for any possible issues before it begins to snow.

Keep in mind that when scheduling with professionals, you can set up an annual or bi-annual maintenance check with them for the tasks that repeat themselves throughout the seasons.

What’s Your Home Maintenance Schedule?

What does your home maintenance schedule look like? We hope you’re able to pull some ideas from our own maintenance checklist to ensure that your home is well-maintained and keeps you safe for years to come.

Interested in more helpful posts similar to this one? Visit our website on a regular basis for more!

When you first move into an apartment, there are lots of things to consider. You have lease paperwork to sort through, checklists to complete, and new neighbors. With all that on your plate, it can be challenging to remember one of the most important details: your safety!

A lot of times, the potential dangers of your new living arrangement may not present themselves right away. Suddenly, you realize the lighting isn’t as good as you thought, or the sliding door doesn’t have a backup lock.

If you want to ramp up your apartment security, read on for five essential tips to protect you, your family, and your possessions.

1. Look at Your Home Like a Burglar Would

Walk around the outside of your home, looking in through windows or doors to see what you can easily spot. Do this during the day and at night for the best idea of what they could see.

• Look for any big-ticket items like electronics, jewelry, or your purse that a burglar could quickly grab.
• If you keep your blinds open at night with lights on, it’s like performing for anyone standing outside.
• Check out any dark areas around the outside of your apartment where someone could hide.

2. Upgrade Your Locks

When you move in, ask your landlord to change your locks to make sure any previous tenants aren’t able to get in. If possible, add an extra lock on the interior of your home so that you be sure that your door is extra secure.

If you have a sliding glass door, put a plank of wood or broomstick handle in the track for an inexpensive fix to stop the door from opening. It’s also a good idea to add locks to your windows, so there are no easy ways to get in.

For a more secure option, consider consulting locksmith experts for the best way advice.

3. Remote-Controlled Lights

If you have a smart device, you can choose bulbs that can you can control remotely. These bulbs are a great way to bring life to your apartment if you’re on vacation or if you work at night. Since this option only affects the bulb, you can easily change them out and use them in your light fixtures.

4. Security Systems

Your landlord may not want you to install a wired alarm system, but most wireless systems are damage-free. You mount the control panel on your wall and use sensors that you stick to doorways and windows. The magnetic connection between two different sides will trigger the alarm if the link breaks.

5. Renter’s Insurance

If your apartment didn’t make you get renters insurance when you moved in, consider getting it for yourself. Having this insurance will cover any of your belongings should you experience theft inside or outside of your apartment.

Apartment Security: Keep Your Apartment Safe

You work hard for everything you have, so do your best to protect it. It may not be easy, and you may have to be creative to work around your landlords’ rules, but that shouldn’t stop you from finding ways to have peace of mind.

With a little creativity and determination, your apartment security can be as strict as you feel it should be. Never worry about theft or danger again!

What if someone else’s emergency suddenly became your emergency?

For some, this may sound like drama. For landlords dealing with tenants, it’s a daily concern!

To keep your sanity as a landlord, you need to know how to handle emergency maintenance requests. Keep reading to discover our landlord’s guide to handling tenant emergencies!

Knowing What’s Really An Emergency

We’ve put together a solid guide for emergency maintenance requests. However, the first step is for a landlord to understand what is (and what is not) an emergency.

Anything that may be a genuine threat to a tenant’s safety or life is, of course, an emergency. And it’s your obligation to try to take care of it right away.

Other times, though, it’s more of an inconvenience than an emergency. Something like a faulty dishwasher or garbage disposal may be annoying, but to be frank, these are problems you can tackle in the morning.

It can be tough for tenants to hear that their problems aren’t real emergencies. But they must understand that you can’t personally fix every tiny inconvenience in the dead of night.

Below, we have outlined the top emergency maintenance requests and whether they are truly an emergency or not.

Smelling Gas

Number one with a bullet on “emergency problems” is if the tenant smells gas. The actual source of the leak could be several different things, but each threatens their health and safety.

For example, leaking gas creates a fire hazard. Ask the tenant to turn off the gas valve and then take their family to a safe distance from the home.

Carbon monoxide leaks are a slightly different threat. If the tenant detects carbon monoxide, have them shut their windows and get out of the house.

In each case, you’ll need to call public safety officials in to deal with the threat.

Toilets…Depending On the Home

Everyone can agree that clogged toilets are annoying. But are they a real emergency? It actually depends on the house.

Simply put, if the home has only one bathroom, then a clogged toilet needs to be taken care of quickly. As in, 48 hours or less after it is reported.

However, you’ll definitely stay on the tenant’s good side if you have it fixed in less than 24 hours. Otherwise, they’ll have nowhere to relieve themselves and will be unlikely to renew their lease when the time comes.

If there is more than one toilet, then it’s less of a priority. And no matter how many bathrooms are in the house, make sure the tenant has attempted to deal with the problem themselves before you call a pro.

Other kinds of clogs should be treated similarly. If you need a local pro to help you handle drain cleaning, be sure to learn more before your tenants start calling!

Electrical Problems

What if the house doesn’t have any power? Does this count as an emergency? This is another scenario where the answer is “yes and no.”

Such a problem is often caused by fuses blowing or even by the tenants not paying their electricity bill. Such cases do not qualify as emergencies and can be dealt with in a standard time frame.

If the electricity dies and there is no such underlying cause, though, you should treat it as an emergency issue. This is because it may be a symptom of a larger problem and it’s in your interest to figure things out sooner rather than later.

Heating Issues

Sometimes, the heater is not working in someone’s home. Is this an emergency situation? As you might imagine, it depends on the temperature outside.

When the heat dies in the middle of summer, it’s not really a big deal. You’ll be able to get their heater working well before a lack of heat can affect their safety or quality of life.

If the heat dies in the middle of winter or whenever the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the tenant’s safety and health may be in legitimate danger. Treat this as an emergency and fix things as soon as possible.

Cooling Issues

Problems with the air conditioning in a home are like problems with the heater. It’s only an emergency based on the exact temperature, such as when temperatures are 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.

If the temperature outside is reaching such temperature, then having no AC is a real emergency. Otherwise, it’s an inconvenience that can be fixed within standard operating hours.

Keep in mind that too much heat can be particularly dangerous to children and animals within the home.

Sudden Flooding

Sometimes, an emergency issue is a little more obvious. For example, a flooded home is an emergency you need to take very seriously.

Flooding water from leaks and extreme weather threaten every aspect of the house. This includes everything from the tenant’s prized possessions to those new wooden floors you just had installed.

And if you take too long to deal with the water, you may end up with mold, creating an even more dangerous environment. Ask the tenant to turn off the water valve if it is an internal leak and to try to contain water in buckets if it is an external leak.

The House Is On Fire

Emergency Maintenance: The Bottom Line

Now you know how to handle emergency maintenance requests. But do you know who can help you grow your business as a landlord?

We are experts in real estate development. To see how we can help expand your business, check out our developer services today!