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4 Simple Ways to Modernize Your Kitchen to Improve Home Value

August 9, 2019September 20, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsKitchen Remodeling, kitchen renovationskitchen remodeling, kitchensLeave a comment

Investing in home upgrades and renovation projects that can increase the market value of a home is a great way for homeowners to protect their investment. The need for a practical, comfortable and efficient space often means that the kitchen is often the best room in the home to modernize. Relatively simple additions and upgrades can often make a profound difference on the value of a home.

Tile and Hardwood Floors

Replacing floors that have begun to show signs of aging and wear is a great way to add a more modern feel to the kitchen. Flooring materials like cheap tile or linoleum could be negatively impacting the value of a home, especially with flooring materials that may have become visibly damaged. Stylish tile floors and quality hardwood flooring are both options that may provide a superior return of investment in the days ahead.

Butcher-Block or Concrete Countertops

New countertops can make for a more dramatic kitchen environment. Counters that provide superior durability help to ensure that purchase and installation costs are able to provide a superior value. Having to deal with upkeep, maintenance or being forced to replace new surfaces prematurely are all issues that homeowners would do well to avoid. Butcher-block and concrete are ideal material choices due to the superior ruggedness and durability they are able to offer.

New Cabinetry

Along with counters and flooring installations, cabinets are often the dominant design feature of the space. Replacing the existing cabinets or even swapping out the pulls, accents and hardware is an important part of any kitchen renovation or modernization project. Outdated cabinets can be more than just unfashionable, they may actually be harming property values.

Replacing the Kitchen Sink

The typical for the kitchen sink to see more frequent use than any other kitchen fixture or appliance. Dealing with a clogged sink, broken faucet or any other issue that may require professional plumbing repair services can be a golden opportunity to further upgrade and modernize the environment. A sleek new sink can make for a welcome addition to any kitchen.

Homeowners who fail to look after their property could see market values plummeting as a result. Basic maintenance and upkeep is not always enough to ensure that residential properties are able to maintain a greater percentage of their value over time. Modernizing the kitchen with a few simple upgrades or installations is often well worth the time, effort and expense involved.

4 Ways to Show Your Personality through Unique Landscaping

August 3, 2019August 3, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementslawn and gardenhome improvement, landscaping, lawnLeave a comment

While many homeowners utilize the inside of their home to show off their personality, they’re missing out on a whole blank canvass outside of the home. Your yard is just waiting to be transformed in such a way that reflects what kind of a person you are. Stray away from cookie-cutter landscaping and instead opt for these four ways to showcase your personality through unique landscaping.

Stone Pavers

One beautiful method is to utilize natural stone pavers. These can be used to create trails that run through your garden. Or they can add an elegant border around your driveway, existing pathways, or around the garden. There are many different shades and colors of pavers. Choosing those which best fit the rest of the landscape and your home’s exterior is ideal.

Fountains

There’s a lot of creativity that can be put into fountains. You can make it as eccentric or as sophisticated as you want. They can double as an irrigation system for the rest of your yard or just be a central focal point. One aspect to consider is the size. Fountains can be as large or as small as you need. That makes them a great choice for homes that have a lot of space and homes that don’t have a lot of space. You can place them in the yard itself or in the garden. From there, you can add additional sculptures and other elements to further make the fountain unique to you.

The Garden

One of the best landscaping features that you can add to your home is a garden. Whether it’s just a flower garden or one that also grows herbs, the aesthetic it brings to the yard is incredible. However, you should also take your activity level into account. If you know you’re not the kind to regularly weed and mulch your garden, then you might want to opt for plants that don’t require a lot of care. The best gardens are those that are weeded regularly and kept fresh and pruned.

Lawn Decorations

For those who feel bold, one certain way to make your landscape unique to your personality is to include lawn decorations. You should be wary of having too many and making your lawn look cluttered. However, a few garden gnomes can look cute.

These four methods can transform the blank canvas of your lawn. Have fun and be creative.

THE BENEFITS OF INSTALLING DOUBLE GLAZING IN YOUR HOME

July 25, 2019July 25, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Energy Efficiencyenergy efficient, home improvement, window replacement, windowsLeave a comment

If you have double glazing in your home, you’ll have no doubt already recognized and experienced many benefits. However, homeowners with single glazing might not yet realize just how beneficial new double glazing may be for a number of reasons. Single glazing windows require regular treatment and maintenance, and during Winter, homes can become incredibly cold and often subject to damp and condensation. This in itself can lead to more serious issues and as a result, costly, unnecessary repairs.

Kenneth Hislop, of Window Advice Centre in Scotland – specialists in double glazing in Glasgow, Scotland – says that “the actual benefits of double glazing can save you a lot of money over time, on your energy bills and on general maintenance, like treating timber window frames”.

If you currently have single glazed windows, or your existing windows are due for replacement, consider the benefits of double glazing when deciding to buy new windows.

Style & Appearance

Double glazing is widely available in many different styles and finishes. Of course, standard white UPVC double glazed windows are still a popular choice, but you will find yourself choosing from a huge selection of colours, materials and finishes. This means that your home will enjoy a new aesthetic and look the part once your new windows are installed. Styles might include; reversible windows, sash windows, tilt and turn windows and more.

Security & Safety

It’s important to feel safe in your own home and UPVC windows with double glazing can increase security to give you the peace of mind that windows are difficult to damage and penetrate. Single glazing does not offer much in terms of security. Thin panes and timber frames can often be easily broken. Double glazed windows – with two windowpanes and strong, durable UPVC frames – offer safety features that are not provided by other window styles.

Saving Money

Double glazed windows can certainly save you a lot of money over time. Timber frames with single glazed panes require regular maintenance, including painting and treating. In addition to this, they don’t offer much to your home in terms of insulation, if anything at all. Double glazing, on the other hand, is a very energy efficient solution. With increased insulation and noise reduction properties, double-glazed windows will save you money on your household energy bills simply because your home will retain more heat.

Double Glazing For Your Home

When choosing new windows for your property, it’s important that they look good and last, in addition to keeping your home safe and warm. There are, of course, alternative options you can choose from – such as triple glazed windowpanes – and various styles too, such as reversible windows and sash windows. However, double glazing proves itself time and time again to be the most popular choice for homeowners choosing new windows in the UK.

If you’re ready to replace the windows of your home, make sure you consider the benefits of double glazing before making your choice, as the benefits are priceless.

4 Crucial Renovations to Perform When Moving into an Old Home

July 13, 2019July 13, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Improvement Tips, home improvementhome improvement, renovationsLeave a comment

The unique charms of the homes of yesteryear are appealing to many people. Whether it’s the high ceilings, intricate woodwork, or other attentions to detail that are signs on times-gone-by, there are just some things that you can only find in older homes. Unfortunately, they are old and may require a little extra maintenance to keep them in good condition.

If you are moving into an older home, a specialized home inspection is a great way to find out the condition of the home. Here are four things that you could zone in on that could be potential crucial renovations that would save the integrity of your home.

Roof

The roof is your home’s main protection against the wrath of Mother Nature’s fury. It should last somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 years, with a little regular maintenance. A certified inspector would be looking at all aspects of the roof, making sure that there aren’t any signs of age, damage, or undue wear. Replacing a failing roof would be a crucial renovation, saving your home from water damage.

Pest Inspection

Mice, termites, and other critters can sometimes find their way into homes. And, the longer a home has been standing, the better the chances are that there could be a present infestation or damage from one in the past. A pest inspector would be able to steer you towards a rodent or termite treatment plan or any other remediation that would eliminate any current pest issues. If there is any damage caused by past infestations that would need to be addressed as well.

Electrical

You’d want a certified electrical contractor to thoroughly inspect the home’s entire electrical system. It’s worth the small investment of paying for an inspection. Replacing an old, outdated electrical system could save your home from a fire.

Plumbing

A lack of adequate plumbing can shut down a house quickly. An experienced plumbing contractor would be able to give you the best advice on the condition of your entire plumbing system. Faulty plumbing can cause serious water damage, sometimes to irreplaceable parts of an older home.

There are actually a lot of different aspects of an older home that you would want to pay attention to. These are only four of the most crucial things that you should look at first. It’s all about maintaining the beauty of the home that you fell in love with in the first place.

How to Protect Your Bathroom from Dangerous Mold

June 26, 2019June 12, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Maintenancehome maintenanceLeave a comment

In addition to being an unsightly problem, mold can also be very harmful. Inhaling mold spores will increase your risk of countless health complications ranging from asthma to sinus infections. Those are just a few of the reasons why you need to come up with a comprehensive plan for keeping mold and mildew out of your bathroom.

Open the Window

One of the easiest ways to ensure that your bathroom remains mold-free is to open a window whenever you take a shower or bath. Opening the window will allow all of the moist air to escape, and mold won’t be able to grow if there isn’t any moisture. After your baths and showers, you should make sure that the window remains open for at least a few minutes. You can also open the door and turn on a floor fan to create a breeze.

Install or Upgrade Your Vent Fan

In most states, you must install a bathroom vent fan if the bathroom doesn’t have a working window. If you already have a vent fan and the bathroom still seems humid, then you might want to upgrade the unit. Vent fans are relatively easy to install, and you probably won’t need anything more than a few basic tools as long as there is already a vent duct.

Take Care of Leaks Right Away

Even a slow leak can do an incredible amount of damage in a short period of time, and you must take care of broken faucets and pipes right away. As a general rule, all of your shower heads, fixtures, and pipes need to be inspected once every few weeks. If you notice any signs of moisture damage, then you will need to hire a contractor who offers basic plumbing services. While you should be able to handle clogs and other minor issues on your own, leaks must be taken care of by a licensed plumber.

Regularly Disinfect All Surfaces

Another important step in this process is thoroughly cleaning your bathroom as often as possible. Instead of using over-the-counter cleaning products, you might want to make your own disinfectant with a little bit of white vinegar and some warm water. Vinegar quickly kills most germs, and it completely non-toxic. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the cleaning solution to give your bathroom a pleasant smell.

If you notice larger patches of mold in your bathroom, then you need to call a mold remediation company right away. Mold spores can circulate through your home in the blink of an eye, and ongoing exposure is going to impact your family’s health and well-being.

Guest post by:

Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

Home Improvement Projects that offer the biggest bang for your buck

June 19, 2019June 6, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, infographichome improvement, infographicLeave a comment

If you’re like nearly every other homeowner on the planet, you probably have something about your house that you want to fix or change. You might want to do something big like an addition or you might just want to update a room with a fresh coat of paint and new window coverings.

Whatever the project, you need to make sure that you aren’t investing in a lemon—that you’re not planning on completing something and then going to lose your shirt. And you also want to make sure that you can recoup and maybe even add on to the value that you put into the house. Luckily, the experts have put some thought into what home improvement projects are likely to translate into an increase in future sale value. So what are those projects and how do you sort through what you should invest before you even pick up a hammer? This graphic explains it.

Adjusting To Disaster: A Claim Filing Checklist

June 14, 2019February 23, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementsinfographicinfographic, insuranceLeave a comment

Homeowners insurance is something everyone needs to have but no one wants to use. As it turns out, insurance companies feel the same way. Homeowners who file too many claims in the eyes of their insurers can find themselves slapped with much higher premiums for being “high-risk.” Unfair as it may seem to homeowners, the regulatory climate surrounding the insurance industry in most states makes it necessary for them to use caution before filing a claim. Anyone unlucky enough to need the services they pay their homeowners insurance provider for more than once a decade may be “rewarded” with exorbitant premiums or the outright cancellation of their coverage.

That’s why it’s essential for homeowners to protect themselves by knowing how to file an insurance claim judiciously. There are times when filing a claim for damages is the right choice, and other situations in which it can become more trouble than it’s worth. The price of using your homeowners insurance may be higher than the costs of the damages, in the long run.

Before filing a claim for any reason, take a moment to consider the advice in the accompanying checklist — it provides important do’s and don’ts to consider.

Adjusting to Disaster: A Claim Filing Checklist from Expert Public Adjusters

4 Home Improvements that May Require HOA Approval

June 13, 2019June 13, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Improvement Tips, home improvementhome improvementLeave a comment

When it comes to owning a home, one of the most exciting things you can do is take on a home improvement project. Turning your home from what it currently is into what you’ve always wanted it to be is extremely rewarding. While you should be able to enjoy the right to improve your own home, if you’re subject to a homeowner’s association, you may need to get approval. HOA’s are there to protect your property values and set guidelines for everyone in the neighborhood to abide by. However, they can make your life challenging when it comes to a home improvement project. Here are four home improvement projects that may require HOA approval.

Adding On

If you’re planning on adding on space to your home, you should most likely count on having to obtain HOA approval. Many HOA’s have rules about how many square feet each house can be. If you are below or above that range, then you will most likely have to obtain permission from the HOA. In some cases, you simply cannot go above the max square footage number. This could prevent you from being able to add on to the house.

Roofing Replacement

When you’re thinking about getting a new type of roofing on your home, you may need to obtain for this. If you’re just going back with what type of roofing you had before, this may not be an HOA approval issue. However, if you’re changing to a new color or a type of roof that doesn’t match the rest of the neighborhood, you might have to get approval. Good roofers will be able to provide you with the information and assistance that you need to get an HOA approval.

Adding a Pool

Another common home improvement that is often subject to HOA approval is adding a pool. Some HOA’s look favorably upon pools in the back yard, while others frown on it. Check the HOA bylaws and go through the steps to gain approval before breaking ground.

Adding Solar Panels

Saving money on your electric bill with solar is becoming a popular investment for homeowners. However, don’t count on being able to put the panels on the roof without running it by the HOA first.

Overall, it might seem like having an HOA is a pain when you want to improve your home. But when you step back and look at the big picture, they are there for your protection. If you play by the rules, the improvement project will ultimately go a lot smoother.

Unique Home: 4 Ways to Branch out of the Design Norm

June 8, 2019October 21, 2020Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Home Improvement Tipshome improvementLeave a comment

Whether you’re building or renovating, there are changes you can make to your home that will help it stand out from other homes in the area as well as those in your memory and make it uniquely yours.

Color

Depending on the HOA rules and regulations in your neighborhood, you may be limited on the colors you can use or how and where you can apply them. However, if you’re given some flexibility on factors such as trim or door color, you can still enjoy the unique touches that make your home truly unique.

Consider trimming your white, cream or beige home in a strong burgundy or luscious cobalt blue. If you’re able and ready to paint the whole house, tones including sage green or creamy vanilla will draw the eye of every guest.

Windows and Porches

As we move toward simpler lives and more connection, the addition of a great wrap around front porch will make your home a gathering point for friends and family. Additionally, this will give you a great place to show off your green thumb and celebrate the changing of the season! Large front porches are classic and will encourage more time spent outside.

Hardscaping

If part of your renovation goal is to take care of some drainage issue or handle a challenging lawn feature, hardscaping is a great way to improve the look of your home and reduce your yardwork. Great changes in landscaping are on their way in, and low-maintenance garden plans are very popular. Other options include putting in pollinator gardens to promote bee health and building in privacy with a well-designed garden.

Your landscaping and hardscaping plans can contribute greatly to the look of your home, serve as a way to improve drainage around your home and give you a private, cozy spot to enjoy a book or the company of just a few people.

Change Up Your Garage Door

Modern garage door trends feature the charming carriage house hardware and a unique layout that features windows down one side of the door. Other unique features include garage doors in bright colors or Clopay style doors.

Of course, new technology means new ways for automatic garage doors to know you’re on your way home. No matter what color or style you go with, be sure to discuss your varied options with a local company, like Plano Overhead Garage Door, to make the best decision now and in the future.

Home Electrical Tips: Common Causes of Flickering Lights

June 5, 2019June 24, 2020Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenancehome improvement, home maintenance, SafetyLeave a comment

Do you worry when your lights flicker? Or do you just accept that it is normal for that to happen on a regular basis? Sometimes flickering lights are harmless and are a normal occurrence as part of the electrical system and cannot be entirely eliminated. But if they happen too often, it is time to call an electrician to come in for some testing and resolution if there is a serious electrical problem that could possibly start a fire.

Try to Figure Out the Cause

Flickering lights are from a fluctuation or reduction in the household voltage that makes the lights dim for a moment. Pay attention the next time that happens so that you can try to narrow down the underlying cause. A simple solution is to change or tighten the bulb. If that is not the answer, and you fear that it may be another issue, do not attempt to fix it yourself. It is important to have a professional electrician determine the cause and use the correct equipment and expertise to fix it.

Large Appliances

If your lights flicker when your air conditioner or clothes washer or dryer or the refrigerator or another large appliance goes on, that is usually because a heavy demand is put on the electrical service. This may be more than a nuisance if the increased current draw causes wiring, breakers, connectors, or other electrical equipment to overheat, which presents a possible risk of fire.

Wiring Can be At Fault

Defective wiring is another possible cause. Loose connectors, undersized breakers, or damaged wires can cause intermittent current losses. If there is a mixture of aluminum and copper wires, special connectors have to be used where the two types meet. The wrong connectors can corrode and cause problems. Having an electrician examine your wiring can quickly reveal if this is the problem and may only need an initial estimate to determine.

Overloaded Circuits

Be warned against plugging wall air conditioners, microwaves, washing machines, or dryers into extension cords or power strips. These appliances must be plugged directly into their own outlets. If there aren’t enough outlets, an electrician can add extra ones. Be aware that this is not a DIY project, and that you should let a professional install any new circuits or outlets.

Any electrical work in your home should be done by a certified electrician to reduce the risk of electrocution. Professionals have the tools and training they need to handle your wiring safely. Take the time to compare different services and electricians in your area and focus on ones that offer free initial estimates.

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