March 2017 - Page 2 of 4 - Bruzzese Home Improvements

Is Your AC Ready to Handle This Summer’s Heat?

March 21, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenancehome improvement, home maintenance, summerLeave a comment

It is tough to imagine when the weather is mild, or even cold, that there are sweltering days of summer on their way. You know, those days when the sun is beating down and the humidity is so high your lungs feel like you are breathing through a wet sponge. This is when you need your central air conditioning to be operating at peak efficiency, but is your AC ready to handle the coming summer heat?

Central AC Cleaning

It is the air blowing over those aluminum fins that cover the coils of the condenser and evaporator that slowly build up grime that can drastically reduce AC efficiency. The part outside with the big fan and large surface area of aluminum fins is the condenser. It is the hot side of the AC system that dissipates the accumulated heat from inside your home to the outside. Oxidation, debris, insect nests and airborne particulates can block airflow. The evaporator is the cold side and is usually housed inside the main air duct of your furnace. These coils get wet with condensation that is drained away, and dust is the main offender that leads to blocked drains and coils that freeze up to block airflow. Your central AC system may be in desperate need of cleaning.

Low Refrigerant

Your central air conditioning system relies on a specific amount of refrigerant to operate at peak efficiency. The compressor has a low refrigerant sensor that will shut it off once the compressed gas drops to a set point. However, the system can operate for years with slightly low refrigerant levels that keep it working but at a considerably reduced level of efficiency. Also, low refrigerant can lead to evaporator coil freezing. If you notice your AC system is not pumping out air as cold as it did a few years ago, it is time to call professional AC technicians to have it tested. Getting your AC system back to operating at peak efficiency saves you money in energy costs.

Home Additions

Many homeowners have had a contractor add an addition onto their home. In some cases the ability of both the furnace and central air system to handle the extra square footage has not been taken into consideration. Each furnace and AC unit is designed to heat and cool a specific area usually determined by its volume in square feet. If you have noticed that your furnace or AC system is not heating or cooling your home like they did before the addition, then contacting an HVAC professional who can look up the specifications of your system and calculate the total square footage of your home can be useful. Also, there just may be a problem in how the air is distributed or a problem with returning air back to the system that just requires adjustments and not equipment replacement.

Tree Cutting and Insulation

Things can change around and in your home that affect the ability of your air conditioning system to be able to cool your home properly. Cutting down a large shade tree on the southern side of your home exposes it to more heat from the sun. This can make rooms on that side of the house hotter than they were before a tree was cut down. This can often be corrected with some fine tuning of the air distribution system. Insulation is usually only considered when it comes to keeping the heat in during the winter months, but good insulation is needed to keep the heat out in the summer as well. This may involve something as simple as installing solar films on windows on the sunny side of your home to block out some more of the sun’s heat in the summer.

If your AC system is not performing up to your standards of comfort on the hottest days of summer, it may just need cleaned and adjusted to get back to keeping your house cool and comfortable on those miserable days. The best time to ready your home for the heat of summer is to get your AC system inspected and serviced before that first hot day when you really need it.

Enhance Your Curb Appeal This Spring with These Trends

March 20, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home trends, Outdoor Living, springLeave a comment

Spring is coming! You see all sorts of articles in magazines and blogs online about fashion and interior design trends for the season.

But what if you want to update the outside of your home? Below are 7 of the hottest trends in home exteriors for Spring 2017!

1) Covered and Screened Decks and Patios

Take your outdoor living space up a notch by adding pergolas or covers to your deck or patio. Besides providing shade, it will beautify and define the space.

Screens are another way to make the exterior of your deck or patio look great for your neighbors and people driving by. But they also provide you with the privacy that makes your outdoor space actually feel like a retreat. You can buy ready-made screens or get creative and design your own. In any case, the neighbors will get a nice view and you will get your spa-like retreat.

2) Fancy Pools

There is nothing like a swimming pool to beat the summer heat and provide a fun gathering spot for friends and family. So, if you’re considering building one, why not follow the current trend of building a luxury pool?

If you have the space and budget, you can build a rooftop pool that looks out over your city. Or you can build one that combines indoor and outdoor living by installing a retractable wall of windows that lead to your pool. Or you can invest in an infinity pool that makes it look like you’re swimming in the sky.

Whether you use the contractor’s established designs, or come up with ideas of your own, a pool will add a splash of curb appeal.

3) Structured Gardens

Make your garden appear larger and more stylish with garden structures. First, design a layout for your space that includes where you want to place the pieces. The type of garden you want, whether it be cottage style, a Zen retreat, formal or an eclectic mix, will determine what type of structures you use.

You can go the traditional route and choose brick walls or concrete fountains. Or you can use sleek modern vine-climbing walls or garden sculpture. Buy your pieces or make your own. Either way, you can create your own enchanted garden that you and passers-by will enjoy.

4) Home Additions

Another growing trend is home remodeling. Porches are a popular exterior addition. Or, if you already have a porch, you can make it up-to-date by adding design details like those on Craftsman or Victorian homes. Cornice moldings, thick porch posts, finials, urns and much more can be added to your porch to make it stand out. Also, most of these porches display boho-chic furnishings.

Another popular remodel is replacing builder-grade garage doors with garage doors that match your home’s style. If you’re replacing an old door or adding a brand-new garage, don’t skimp on this item. Whether your garage is front-facing or not, the look of its door can have a major impact on the appearance of your home.

5) Limiting the Colors in Your Garden

Another trend for gardens is using a simple palette of only 2 or 3 shades. It’s a modern, almost minimalistic look. But for those new to gardening or don’t want to be bothered by too much planning, it’s any easy way to go.

So how do you keep your garden from looking boring? One way is to have 1 color be the feature color and have the other shade or shades be highlights. And choose a variety of plants of the predominant color or colors. For example, have white roses, white hydrangeas and a white dogwood tree in your landscape.

Limiting how many shades appear in your garden will make it look classy, modern and sophisticated.

6) Grand Entrances

Even if you don’t have or want a porch, fabulous entrances are all the rage. The recent trend of red doors is now being replaced more imaginative front entries.

Some doors that are growing in popularity are Dutch doors and doors made of glass encased in intricate iron work. The symmetrical look of matching topiaries or marble benches on either side of the front door is trending. As are wreaths made for each season, banners and wind chimes.

All of these elements will make people say “Wow!” when they are about to enter your home.

7) Stone and Brick Exteriors

This trend piggy-backs on the natural, sustainable materials movement. If your home is already built with brick or stone, you can use paint to give your home a new look. Just be sure to choose the right type of paint and that it is applied properly.

If you just want to add a stone or brick accent to your home, you can choose between the real thing or an artificial alternative. Man-made options can look just as good and are usually cheaper.

Out with the old and in with the freshness of the season! Follow these trends so your curb appeal will pop this spring!

Author Bio:

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

https://twitter.com/kacey_mya

https://www.pinterest.com/kaceymya/

https://www.instagram.com/thedriftercollective/

Home Security Tips-Infographic

March 19, 2017adminHome Security, infographichome security, infographicLeave a comment

Every year 2 million home burglaries are reported in the U.S. If homeowners were to take a few extra security measures, this large number can be reduced. It is very important to know what you can do to prevent break-ins as this is not only a matter of your personal belongings being taken, but also a violation of privacy and that can have many emotional effects on a person that last a lifetime. A few measures you can take include installing motion lighting, locking all doors and windows, and preparing for out of town trips. Please see the infographic below for more information.

Keeping Your Home Secure created by SABRE

4 Neighborhood Perks To Look For When Home Shopping

March 18, 2017adminReal Estate Tips, Tips for homebuyershome buyers, real estateLeave a comment

When buyers are looking for a new home, they must consider many different issues, including price, size, and convenience to work, taxes and a host of other concerns. The neighborhood in which the home is located is another important factor to consider, because it not only influences how comfortable you will be in your new location; it also affects your home’s value in the future.

1 – Convenient Transportation

Convenient access to transportation is one of the top features of a desirable neighborhood. Communities that are close to major highways, provide commuter trains to nearby cities and those that provide local public transportation ensure that residents can get to jobs, shopping and community activities easily.

2 – Park And Preserve Areas

Attractive parks and natural preserved areas always increase the value of homes that are in the area. These settings are important for children’s activities and for family enjoyment, but also singles that enjoy being outdoors, cycling, running and engaging in sports. Many park districts also offer lessons and programs for people of all ages. Some park districts offer swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts or fields for ball games. These amenities help to make a community a vibrant place where people get together, play together and socialize.

3 – Neighborhood Festivals And Events

Another perk that helps to promote community enjoyment and increase home values is organized festivals and other community events. Communities may celebrate their history or the founders of the town, which gives an area a strong sense of identity and continuity. Other places celebrate national holidays and other topics. These events provide a central place where residents can meet and get to know each other, as well as to attract public interest in the community as a whole.

4 – Convenient Shopping Venues

The community should have one or more local shopping areas for purchasing food, clothing and home care items. These stores are the most frequently visited venues that will save time and gasoline expense if they are located in close proximity to residential communities. This convenience is important to homeowners now and will continue to be of interest in the future.

Homes that are located in areas with these features tend to be popular with buyers, which increases their value over time. These properties are a good investment for families. Work with a real estate agent, like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, to find the perfect spot for your family. Carefully research the amenities in the area where you are considering a purchase, and find the desirable features that will keep neighborhood home values high.

Tips To Select Fence Contractors For Home

March 17, 2017adminFencing, Home Improvement Tips, Home Securityfencing, home improvementLeave a comment

Fencing clearly states a perimeter of any property and is a mandatory installation to enclose various entry points to a property to secure it and avoid trespassing. There are various types of fencing meant to bound different types of properties from all of its ends. The types of boundaries differ from property to property, such as farmhouse, residence, agricultural land, etc, and have completely different types of fencing requirements. Being of such a significant establishment, it requires proficient hands to establish durable and good looking fence. These professionals are known as Fence Contractors who are skilled at installing the finest and most alluring fences to any property, which not just prevents the home from unwanted intrusion, but also adds good looks to it.

Fence Contractors

Selecting Fence Contractors

Selecting Fence Contractors could be messy only if a person is not aware of what they have to look for. There are some of the basic facilities which should be provided by any fencing contractor as their proof of quality work and after sales support. Some of these facilities which can be asked by the employer to the concerned fencing services can be enumerated as:

Expert Advice: Anyone looking ahead to have a fence protected home, may not have any idea about what type of fence they would prefer to put around their property. It should be the moral duty and ethical practice for any professional fencing contractor to advice and guide their client with right sort of fencing option. Owning the right sort of fence also becomes necessary when it is concerned with properties like residences, farm houses, official and commercial spaces. This is because such places keep on receiving guests and fences are the first thing which they are going to notice while entering the property. Thus suggesting and showing various suitable colors and designs of fences would help them greatly to choose a right style of fencing option for their property

Experience: Any of the hired fence contractors must possess a good amount of experience in fencing as they have to deal with marking the boundaries of a property and establishing fences according to the measures. Not just that, only experienced contractors can perform fencing professionally so that it can last for a longer duration of time with proper finish.

Fence Contractors

Adaptability to Work with Different Fencing Material: As there are various types of fences, suitable for different types of properties. Expert fence contractors must be adept in working with fence establishment of various materials. Fence can be obtained in various materials, such as wood, metal, concrete, bricks etc.

Guarantee/warranty: Many fencing contractors or firms often back up their work with the policy of guarantee in case of any wear and tear or irregularity in their work, within a limited time period. This not only relaxes the clients with the work done by the contractors, but also enhances the trust of clients in the services provided by their contractors.

Fair pricing: The fence contractors and their services must be fairly priced. It should not be over-priced, compelling clients to move to other vendors rather than choosing your services.

Registered Service Provider: Prior to hiring any fencing services finally, ensure their legal registration and licenses, so that, in case of any unprofessional work standard or due to any other legitimate reasons, claims can be move forward easily.

Customer Support: Any services which are not backed up with proper customer support would not be termed as good. Hence, lending fencing contract to such contractors who are having potential customer support facility would be a win-win deal, as anything can be immediately notified and get resolved at their end, easily.

How to Decide Which Home Improvement Projects to Tackle First

March 17, 2017adminDIY Projects, home improvement, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

Are you thinking of renovating your home but don’t know where to start? The process of home improvement can be overwhelming if you don’t know what exactly you should do first. It’s hard to imagine the finished look before you even begin. Here are a few home improvement projects for you to tackle that will help you envision the end result.

Bathroom Boost

The best piece of advice someone can offer you for home renovating is to start with the bathroom first. Bathrooms are tucked back away from the main rooms you use in your home, and are the perfect place to start. Remember to keep a guest bathroom ready to use during this renovation period.

The first step is to decide what stays and what goes. Need a new tub, toilet or sink? Start with the bigger projects and work your way down to the small details.

Once you have the main appliances, consider DIY upgrades to make your bathroom beautiful. Now you can focus on painting the walls and bringing the room together with décor. Stick to cool or natural colors for a more relaxing feel to your bathroom. Picture blues, whites and grays to easily make you feel cleansed after every shower.

Cabinet Re-Create

A big focal point in your kitchen are your cabinets. They attract the eye whether they’re gaudy or great. If you’re renovating your kitchen, start with a kitchen cabinet upgrade. Look at the design behind kitchen cabinets for inspiration. It will help you decide if you want stained wood, sheer glass or no doors on your cabinets at all.

Re-doing your kitchen cabinets is an easy process for a kitchen renovation because you can get the big project out of the way. If you have to tear down cabinets and re-install them, you’ll want to do this first so if the walls are damaged, or something breaks, you don’t have to fix it twice. You can simply finish all the other details of the kitchen after the cabinets are done.

Kitchen Backsplash Spruce

The backsplash of your kitchen is a detail that comes after you’ve finished your cabinets or changed the counter tops. This is an easy DIY project to give your kitchen the amazing upgrade it needs. To give yourself inspiration, check out gorgeous kitchen backsplashes and see if any catch your eye.

Take a stroll through your local hardware store to see what tiles they offer for a backsplash. You can even bring samples home with you to help you decide and get a better idea of what it will look like when it’s all finished.

Make sure your tile design goes with the look of your home. If you have a rustic home, keep the backsplash simple and chic. For a more modern look, go with a marble-like tile to give your kitchen fancy detail.

Garage Door Upgrade

Get some fresh air and give the outside of your home a little sprucing up. A new garage door will give the outside of your home a nice upgrade in just a little change. If you’re not sure what type of garage door will go with your home, look into a garage door imagination system. You can upload a picture of your garage and virtually see what different doors will look like.

Home improvements aren’t just about the inside. Upgrading your garage door will add to the curb appeal of your home. It may even help you decide if you want to upgrade other features of your home such as landscape, the siding, or even a new roof.

Paint Party

Painting any wall in your home should come after upgrading appliances and remodeling the details of the room, but before you upgrade your floors. If you know that you’re going to install new hardwood floors or brand new carpet, leave the old floors the way they are while you paint. You won’t have to worry about dripping paint and ruining your nice new floors.

Hard question. How do you pick the perfect paint color? There are a lot of things to consider when picking the paint for your room. How do you want the room to look and feel? The color of a room can actually create a mood. Soft colors such as blues and neutral colors create a relaxing feel. Bright colors like reds or yellows will give a room more energy.

Flip Floors

The last project you want to tackle in any room are the floors. Once you have everything finished such as paint, new cabinets, or even a new tub depending upon the room, then you can take on a flooring project.

There are so many options for hardwood flooring for your home that it can be hard to choose. Think about what type of wood you want, how durable you need it to be and what the installation process would be. A durable hardwood floor is easy to keep clean and looks great in any home.

Don’t let home renovation projects overwhelm you. Start with the big details and work your way down. Start with a vision and go from there. You’ll have a nice, newly renovated home in no time.

Author Bio:

https://twitter.com/kacey_mya

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Going Modern: 4 Pointers to Help Turn Your Home into a Contemporary Setting

March 16, 2017adminHome Decor, Interior Designhome decor, home trends, interior designLeave a comment

The contemporary style is recognizable by its uncluttered and organized appearance. It focuses on comfort, simplicity and a visually soothing atmosphere. An open concept design is typical of a contemporary style home. Spaces can be unified through the use of rugs and by strategic furniture arrangements. There are specific design elements you can rely on to give your home a contemporary appearance.

Contemporary Color Choices

In a contemporary home, the colors used are usually similar in tone. Beige, cream, taupe, brown and possibly white are the most popular choices for a contemporary décor. Don’t worry, though, your décor will not be too plain as you’ll definitely want to add in some accent colors as well. An accent color should be vibrant and stand out. Some good colors are red, blue and green as well as their many different shades and tones. Accent colors can easily be shown off through pillows, rugs, wall art and many other such decorative items.

Architectural Design Elements

A stairway can be an impressive architectural feature in a home. You can get inspiration for stairway designs from specialty companies, such as Tarosa Stairs, and their websites that feature the different types of staircases. The balustrades are a key design element that can make a stairway incredibly impressive. Stainless steel and glass are popular features in a contemporary stairway design.

Contemporary Furniture

If you’re wanting to create a contemporary look in your home, you can easily achieve your goal by selecting furniture that has contemporary characteristics. Generally, that would involve selecting furniture that has curves rather than defined lines. The furniture you select should be simplistic and void of decorative embellishments. Natural fabric is essential in a contemporary décor. Silk, linen, jute wool and cotton are good choices. Keep this in mind when choosing upholstery fabric and accessories such as pillows and rugs.

Creating a Unified Décor

To achieve cohesiveness in your home décor, the design elements in the kitchen and bathroom should comply with the design elements in your living room and bedrooms. Accent tables and other pieces of furniture can feature chrome or glass details. Those same elements can be used in the kitchen and bath. Glass or frosted glass cabinet fronts are appropriate in a contemporary home. Stainless steel and chrome are also popular material choices for a contemporary home. These can be incorporated in individual rooms in the form of lamps, cabinet hardware and accent furniture designs

It’s not too hard to incorporate contemporary style in your home. Hopefully, the above advice will help you to be able to change up the style in your home using this elegant style.

What Are the Different Layouts and Styles of Kitchens

March 15, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Kitchen Remodeling, kitchen renovationshome improvement, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchensLeave a comment

Kitchen layouts are very different and diverse. There are so many types of kitchen which cater not only to different needs and functionality, but also to different types of home décor as well. Here are some common layouts of kitchens.

1.One Wall Kitchens: These kitchens are also known as Pullman kitchens, and are usually found in studio apartments or in loft spaces. The main reason for such type of
kitchens is that they save a lot of space. The appliances as well as the cabinets are all fitted on just one wall. Some modifications can be done to this basic style which includes creating a kitchen island made in a galley style which can have a walk-through corridor.
2. Galley Kitchens: Galley kitchens are lean and efficient. They are good for small spaces or for kitchens where with just one cook. A galley kitchen is also called a walk-through kitchen. It has either two opposite walls or parallel countertops which have a walkway in between. Galley kitchens use every inch of space, so there are no corner cabinets that can be inserted.

3. L Shaped Kitchens: L Shaped kitchens use the corner space effectively. Such kitchens are good for small and medium spaces. The countertop is installed on the adjoining walls which forms an L shape. The legs of the L kitchen can be if you prefer. When there is an L shaped layout, traffic is reduced and such kitchens allow for dining spaces to be added as well multiple work zones. If there is more than one cook, a kitchen island can be added to this layout.

4. Horseshoe Kitchens: Horseshoe kitchens are U shaped layouts which house the cabinets and appliances on three walls. This layout allows a smooth flow of traffic, and is great when there are several cooks in the kitchen.

5. Island Kitchens: Kitchen islands add a work surface to the kitchen and are used for appliances and storage. The island can be fitted with stools so that there is a place to eat. You can add a sink that can be used to prepare food or a wine cooler that can be used to store beverages. You can convert a one wall kitchen into to a galley style kitchen by adding a kitchen island. Using a kitchen island, an L shaped kitchen can be converted to a U-shaped kitchen.

6. Peninsula Kitchens: Peninsula kitchens are a connected island where an L shaped kitchen layout is converted into a horseshoe layout, and a horseshoe one layout is converted to a G shaped kitchen layout. The peninsula type kitchens are like island kitchens, but they allow more surface working space when compared to kitchen islands.

6 Different Styles of Kitchen Layouts

1.Farmhouse kitchens: Farmhouse kitchens are functional and comforting. They have open shelves, wide sinks and classic flooring. Such kitchens usually have a big kitchen table.

2. Rustic kitchens: Rustic kitchens are made of stone, timber, brick with a worn or rough hewn finish to them. Such kitchens go well with vintage appliances.

3. Modern kitchens: Modern kitchens are those with natural beauty of materials. They consist of frameless cabinets and hardware which are sleek and simple. Usually modern kitchens have strong horizontal lines.

4. Traditional kitchens: Traditional kitchens have arches, decorative moldings and raised panel cabinets. These kitchens could even sport a chandelier or any type of traditional décor.

5. Contemporary kitchens: Contemporary kitchens are sleek just like modern kitchens but more playful in their finish and form.

6. Transitional kitchens: Transitional kitchens are kitchens with combined flexible features. Such kitchens have the warmth of traditional kitchens with contemporary style.

If you have been wondering how to design your kitchen, now you have the answer. Select your preferred layout, style and apply.

Tips on Improving Your Backyard

March 14, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, lawn and gardenhome improvement, home trends, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

One of the most important parts of the home is the backyard. The backyard is a place for your family to come together, have fun, and commune. It shouldn’t be a part of your home that you avoid because it has nothing to offer. If your backyard is nothing more than an empty patch of grass, you’re not using it to its full potential, and that is why Tru-Link Fence put together a slideshow that lists 10 backyard ideas that can bring life back to your property. You can view the slideshow below.

10 Ways To Improve Your Backyard created by Tru-Link Fence

Author bio: Dean White is Owner and Operator of Tru-Link Fence, one of the largest fence companies in northern Illinois. He has more than 30 years of experience in the fence industry.

Moving in with Mates: How to Break All the Myths and Truths

March 13, 2017adminFinances, Real Estate Tips, Tips for homebuyershome buyers, real estateLeave a comment

Renting a house/apartment with one or several friends is a great way to save money and enjoy the company of other people. However, while this step is rather common during college and after high school, it’s rarely considered a long-term arrangement. As soon as one roommate gets married or is able to afford their own place, they go their separate ways. What if there’s no marriage in sight and the financial prospects of each individual involved are not enough to get their own property? Well, if the present roommate situation works, and you get along well, buying a house with your friend(s) can be a smart investment. Before you make that big move, you need to be aware of some things.

The Pros of Buying a House with Your Friends

We’ve already mentioned some of the reasons people make this decision. The financial benefits are obvious. A joint property means that you’ll share all the costs including the deposit, transaction costs, mortgage payments, decoration, maintenance, monthly payments, repairs and household bills. Due to high prices on the housing market, many people don’t even consider purchasing a house. Joint ownership can be a useful solution for two families who could, in that way, afford a bigger property.

Agreeing on the Things that Matter

When the ownership status is regulated properly (each tenant can own different shares of the property and tenants can choose to leave their shares in a will or sell them, etc.), owning a property with a friend can save you a lot of trouble. It’s important to agree on things that can largely impact your co-habitation, especially money-related issues. That can include setting up a joint bank account for paying the mortgage or any other agreed shared expenses. A household rulebook is also a crucial point of discussion. You need to be very clear on the rules regarding guests, partners, pets, smoking, etc.

Starting from Scratch

Different people have different needs. Finding a property to meet the needs of one person (with or without a family) is hard. Finding a property that will suit two different people is next to impossible. If that’s the case for you and your friend, building your own home may be a better idea. This way you will be able to make everything just the way you like it from the ground up. The design can be adapted to provide you both with the privacy you need in order to lead independent lives. According to custom home builders from Brisbane your home can be built to individual specifications, but it can also be changed during the building process, so you can follow the construction and make decisions that will make cohabitation easier.

Consistency in Décor

Congratulations, you’ve bought/built your own property. Once the moving in process begins, you will need to decorate the place. Much like with the very design, it is difficult to choose one décor style that suits different persons. Of course, your bedroom, bathroom and other personal spaces should be off limits to the other tenant, and vice versa. If there is a common area, it should be decorated in a neutral manner, except if both tenants agree on one specific style. Although you and the other tenant will decorate your own spaces based on your preferences, keep in mind that there should still be a certain consistency in décor, so try to settle on one color palette or design era.

A Trial Period

You and your best friend get along great. You love spending time with each other, drinking coffee and hanging out in a cocktail bar. That seems as a great foundation for buying a house together, right? Wrong. If you have never before tried to live together you can’t be sure that your relationship will remain just as ideal. Maybe you’ll hate that your friend is smoking in the morning, or they will dislike your early bird habits. Maybe one of you is irresponsible with money. There are too many maybes to count. That is why it is better to have a trial period of renting a place, before going down the more permanent road.

Buying a house with your friend(s) can be a great decision, both financially and when it comes to social life. Still, there’s the danger of losing both a friend and an investment, so be very careful.

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