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.
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.
Whether you’re building a new home or completing a home improvement project, you’ll eventually need a new water heater. That decision used to be relatively straightforward: there were tank water heaters available in gas and electric configurations, and that was that. However, with tankless systems now becoming more prominent in the market, deciding on that new water heater is more complicated. In this article, we’ll address the pros and cons of each type and identify the system that’s best for your home and budget.
All about tankless water heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as “demand-type water heaters,” represent the cutting-edge in water heater technology, and they’re an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking for an energy-smart, convenient upgrade to their home. These systems are more energy-efficient than tank water heaters: since they only heat water as it’s needed, there’s little energy wasted keeping water warm over sustained periods of time. Over the years, this can add up to major savings for homeowners, especially when you consider that tankless systems can last twice as long as standard water heaters.
Of course, the most famous upside of tankless water heaters is the unlimited hot water. Any homeowner with a large family knows the cold consequences of being the last one to take a shower. That’s because continuous use exhausted the pre-heated supply in a tank water heater. Since tankless systems heat water as it runs through the unit, they eliminate that problem entirely.
As tank water heaters near the end of their lives, there’s a risk that corrosion inside the tank could cause a tank burst—an event with the potential to cause major water damage in your home. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not carry this risk.
Whole-home or one for each room?
Most tankless water heaters are capable of providing hot water to your entire home. However, it’s also possible to “zone” your demand-type water heaters, putting them under sinks and behind showers. This means that you can have near-instantaneous, unlimited hot water at that tap specifically. Whole-home tankless water heaters are limited in their ability to provide hot water to multiple taps, appliances, and faucets simultaneously. By zoning your systems, you won’t have this disadvantage.
Standard water heaters
Tank water heaters, also known as “standard water heaters,” have been a reliable staple of the American home for more than a century. Most homes today still use a standard water heater, and for several good reasons. First, most homes are configured for them. Even though these systems do take up space, many homes have reserved space in the garage, a utility closet, or elsewhere in the home for a water heater, complete with all the needed connections.
Second, these water heaters make up for their capped total hot water supply by being able to provide hot water in large quantities simultaneously. With a tank water heater, you can run your dishwasher, washing machine, and shower at the same time. Since tankless systems heat water as its needed, the total water required at once in such a scenario would probably exceed the demand-type water heater’s ability to keep up.
Comparing performance and costs
Tankless water heaters are the more energy-efficient of your two choices. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, demand-type water heaters use as much as 30% less energy than standard water heaters. When you consider that heating water is the second-largest chunk of energy spent in your home (14%), this can add up to big savings on your monthly utility bills. These savings are even greater with a gas setup, if your home has that option. Gas water heaters run more efficient than electric ones do.
At this point, you may very well be asking yourself why you should consider a standard water heater at all. Well, here’s one thing to consider: tankless systems can cost anywhere from 2-3 times of what a tank water heater typically does. You’ll earn back some of that additional upfront cost in your lower energy bills over the lifespan of the system, and there’s a good chance your tankless unit could outlive two standard ones, but the higher initial investment is something to weigh against the otherwise outstanding benefits of demand-type units. Also, no matter which type of water heater you’re looking at, most gas systems cost more than their electric counterparts.
Which is right for your home?
This answer comes down to a few key factors. If you’re planning on staying in your home for the long haul, you’ll get the most out of the energy savings offered by a tankless water heater. A demand-type system might also make sense if you have a large family and you’re all sick of running out of hot water in the mornings. On the other hand, a standard water heater might be a better fit for your budget. If you’re planning on moving in the very near future, a tankless water heater represents an investment you may not be around to see the long-term returns on.
Better yet, talk to a trusted local plumbing contractor. They’ll be able to make an individualized recommendation that takes into account your home, your local energy costs, and any energy-efficiency upgrade rebates in your area. Plus, once you’ve made your decision, you’ll have a team ready to install your new water heater—no matter which one you choose.
Victoria Sanders is the communications director and plumbing writer at Reimer Home Services , a professional home repair & plumbing company servicing Western New York. Victoria has been working within the home repair & plumbing industry for almost 15 years and enjoys sharing her plumbing knowledge with homeowners and other home repair professionals.
There’s an old joke that an
innkeeper explains his guest’s leaky roof by saying, “When it’s raining, I can’t
fix it, and when it’s not, I don’t need to.” Summer is the time when you don’t
need winterization, but it’s the best time to do it. Temperatures are warmer,
there’s no snow and ice, and there is plenty of time to get professional help
if you find out you need it. Here are some things you should be crossing off
your to-do list well ahead of the first flakes.
Add Some Insulation
Winter typically has two memorable
parts: Bad weather and high utility bills. You can’t control the weather, but
you can certainly prepare your home to handle it the best you can. A very
common step is to add some insulation in the attic. Summer mornings are
typically cool enough to make the job bearable, and the payoff will be evident
with your first winter heating bill.
Improve Runoff
A dribbling gutter or slow downspout
may not be a big problem during warm weather, but cold temps could cause icy
patches or clogs that could create a slippery mess when temperatures drop below
freezing. During a summer rainstorm, see if there are any problems with water
accumulating on sidewalks, porches, or driveways, and resolve them while it’s
warm out.
Prepare Your HVAC
An efficient heating and cooling
system uses less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. Key to that good
performance is getting the unit service. Have your contractor give the system a
thorough inspection and cleaning, and do it during warm weather when you can go
without it for a few days if repairs are needed. Your contractor won’t be as
busy then either.
Get Heating Oil
The innkeeper didn’t need fuel oil
in the summer either, but he should have known that’s usually a cheaper time to
buy it. If you call a local company, like Cash
Oil, and have them get your tank filled
during the summer months, you’ll not only save some money but you’ll also be prepared
if a surprise early cold snap hits. And just like your HVAC technician, you’ll
get faster service, too.
After a rough winter, the last thing
we want to spend the summer doing is thinking about cold weather. But if you’ll
invest a little time in some upgrades while the weather permits it, you’ll find
yourself safer and financially better off as the north winds begin to howl.
The fact of the matter is – more
and more people are turning to renting than owning their own property. Renting
is especially popular among younger age groups. However, when renting an
apartment, there’s not too much you can do to make it your own. In fact, one of
the things that is most tricky about renting is making the place seem like home while also not losing that deposit.
Any major changes in a rental apartment are definitely not allowed. But, you
can still customize your new home with these 10 rental apartment decorating
tips.
Color on the walls is a must
The walls in a rental apartment
are usually quite dull. This is mostly because they need to be neutral to
appeal to everyone. Therefore, one of the best ways
of personalizing your home is to add
a splash of color to the walls. However, there’s a catch. You first have to
check with your landlord and see whether you can change the color. Most
landlords will be okay with the idea. If you’re not too keen on painting, you
can always try out removable wallpaper. There are plenty of designs you can
choose. Also, it’s a better option if you end up disliking the pattern or color
for some reason.
Add curtains as a personal touch
When you’re decorating a rental
apartment, you’re looking to find a balance between your style and what is
allowed. Believe it or not, curtains can
help you immensely! They are easy to hang and easy to take off. And you can
choose various colors, different patterns, even length. Go for long curtains if
you want to make the illusion of high ceilings. There are so many options, and curtains
can give your rental apartment the pizzazz it needs!
Get some rugs
Rugs are a perfect way to make
your new place cozy and personal. You can place them in any room in the
apartment. Again, this comes down to choice and there are truly many, many
options. You can choose size, color, and pattern. Also, you can match them with the walls or other decorations in the
apartment. For instance, if your walls are neutral, place a bold-colored rug in
that room.
Store what you can’t hide
If something simply doesn’t work
with your imagined space, it’s sometimes
easier to use storage units. That way, you’ll have a place to put
everything that you don’t need and don’t want to see in a safe space. Go to mastermovingguide.com and explore
their storage options. You can choose the size of the storage unit that you
need at an affordable price. The best part is – you don’t have to worry about keeping
things in your rental apartment that you simply don’t want there.
Rearrange the furniture from time to time
You wouldn’t believe how
different a room seems with such a simple shift. Simply moving the sofa to the
right and the table to the left can mean a lot when you’re decorating your
rental apartment. Take a good look at the rooms and try to imagine how it would
look like before you move the furniture.
Also, if you’re taking your own
furniture to a rental apartment that’s not furnished, it’s good to go and visit it once again before you move.
That way, you’re able to envision where your furniture could go best. And then
you can tell the movers directly where to put the furniture.
Upgrade the bathroom
There are plenty of things you
can do to change up the bathroom in your
rental apartment. Buy new bath accessories like shower mats and curtains.
Get a new soap dispenser and even new bath towels. If you want to break the
monotony of the bathroom tiles, you can use some tile tattoos. These are fairly
cheap upgrades
that you can customize to your heart’s desire.
With the approval of the
landlord, you can even change the fixtures in the bathroom. Replace old
faucets, towel racks, the shower head, and even the sink if the landlord allows
it. This will go a long way to improve the appearance of the bathroom.
Spruce up the kitchen
Again, as with the bathroom, you
can change the fixtures for a cleaner look. That is one of the most
efficient kitchen updates for your new rental apartment. You can also buy
kitchen accessories in various colors. This will definitely spruce up your new
kitchen.
Add plants
A few plants go a long way. There
are so many different types of house plants and they do look incredibly lovely.
If you have a green thumb, try to put a few plants here and there, see if it’s
a good look. This will make your rental apartment feel truly like home. Of
course, you can also put flowers in a
vase at the kitchen/dining room table. This is yet another touch that can
truly mean a lot.
Use your hobbies as artwork
When we think of hobbies, our
mind usually goes straight to clutter. After all, almost every hobby has some
equipment, and that translates into junk that you don’t know where to put. However,
if you simply think it through, you’d realize that you can use that to your advantage when you’re decorating your rental
apartment. For instance, if you surf, you can hang the surfboard on the
wall, or even simply lean it on the wall for a more modern look. If you travel
a lot, put framed photos from your travels on the wall or on shelves. Try to
incorporate the things you love into the décor of the apartment.
Hang shelves
Aside from being great for
storage, wall shelves are also incredibly useful for decorating. You can put
plants there, pictures, even books and lamps, and it will still look wonderful.
Also, if you’re feeling a bit daring, you
can choose shelves in a bold color, especially if the walls are painted in
a neutral color. Simply have fun and make your rental apartment truly yours!
If you want to give your kitchen a modern makeover, there are some additions that you can include with your design that will help you create a more contemporary space. Having a more modern kitchen is a great way to boost your enthusiasm about preparing meals for you and your family. Here are four contemporary kitchen additions that will appeal to your modern sensibilities.
Muted Green Accents
Adding some muted green accents will help make your kitchen
more appealing to the eye. These accents can be used to create a setting that
looks more luxurious and modern. Your kitchen will also look like an
eco-friendlier space with the muted green. You can have cabinet drawers with
muted green coloring installed in your kitchen. A muted green cutting board and
other kitchen utensils can further enhance the room.
Dark Wood Floor
To give your modern kitchen a cozier, more inviting feel,
try putting in a dark wood floor. Dark bamboo and maple are popular flooring
materials that are noted for both their style and durability. Other good
flooring material options include cherry, oak, and walnut. A dark stain can
give your floor an even more sophisticated and modern look while helping to
protect the material from scratches and other damage.
Modern Lighting
Contemporary light fixtures will make your kitchen more
up-to-date with the current times. Pendant light fixtures can work especially
well if your kitchen and dining room are seamlessly connected to one another.
Track and recessed lighting are also effective in modernizing kitchens. Using
energy-efficient bulbs that emit soft lighting that’s easy on the eyes but
still allows enough visibility to cook and clean can give your kitchen even
more modern appeal.
Stone Backsplash
Instead of installing a glass or tile backsplash, you can
add a backsplash made of stone to accentuate your modern kitchen. In addition
to looking nice, a stone backsplash can protect your wall from water damage
that sometimes results when water from the kitchen sink splashes against it.
The best stone kitchen
splashbacks are easy to clean and are highly durable for the long term.
Some companies that sell these types of backsplash also offer warranties that
cover chip, crack, and stain repairs.
Creating the modern kitchen of your dreams is possible with
the right enhancements. These additions can help give your home a more
up-to-date ambience and allow you to live in a more contemporary setting.
Is your home looking a little tired? It happens, especially
with older homes. Mother Nature just has a way of beating up every surface on
the exterior of your home. And, over time, all of that abuse will start to
show. Here are four ways to put some pizzazz back into your home’s curb appeal.
Paint
You can drastically change the look of your home’s exterior
by painting. And, almost any exterior surface can be painted.
Wood: Whether your entire home’s exterior is wood or just the trim around the windows and doors, you can spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint. And, you can play around with some colors to create a new and different look for your home.
Siding: You can also paint your siding, regardless of what it’s constructed of.
Brick: Painted brick is a very attractive exterior enhancement for your home. It’s also an affordable method of covering bricks if they aren’t in the best shape.
New Windows
Another great way to update the look
of your home’s exterior is with new windows, especially if you have older, wood
windows where the caulk or the integrity of the wood is compromised. Window replacement
will not only make your home look more beautiful, but it will actually save you
money in the long run. With the reduction in utility bills,
they will quickly pay for themselves.
Siding and Shutters
You can also completely resurface
the exterior of your home with new siding and shutters. There are so many
different colors, designs, and materials that you can actually create an
entirely different look your home.
Landscaping
A big part of your home’s curb
appeal is the landscaping. Step back and take a good look. Think about these
areas to make your home’s exterior look fresh and updated.
Are there any overgrown shrubs? They can be very unsightly.
Do you have trees and bushes covering the windows or other parts of your home? Clean and crisp always looks better.
An overall tidy, green lawn is always a win for curb appeal.
You could also highlight certain attractive features of your home with flowers or gardens. There are many options out there for adding some zing to your landscaping.
These are just a few ways that you
can update your home’s exterior. Keeping your home’s exterior looking great not
only makes it a more comfortable and enjoyable home for you and your family, it
also increases the value of your home. And, it’s so much nicer to come home to
a beautiful house.
While a new coat of paint is
guaranteed to spruce up your home, sometimes it’s just not enough to turn that
old ranch or Cape into something you’d see on HGTV. You need bigger and splashier
upgrades, dream-house touches that will forever transform your home. Here are
four ways to make your home more luxurious.
Add a Touch of Tile
A little tile goes a long way.
Whether it’s a subway tile backsplash in the kitchen or colorful, Southwest-influenced
mosaic work in the bathroom, tile can make any room feel luxurious,
transforming a plain space into a signature location. While tile patterns like
chevron and herringbone are timeless, there are styles for every taste. More
importantly, adding a touch of tile can be a DIY weekend project.
Add Resort-like
Amenities
While covered tennis courts or a
home movie theater might not be in the budget, amenities like a wine room or
swimming pool are more practical. Pool
construction will make your home feel like a
swanky, five star resort. Add a red felt pool table and game room and, well,
now you have an all-inclusive resort.
Let There Be Light
Adding or upgrading lamps and light
fixtures is an easy way to make your home more luxurious. If sustainable renovations
are your thing, consider incorporating LEDs; these types of lights work best
with track and recessed lighting. Another sustainable option is a sun tunnel.
Similar to a skylight, sun tunnels are the newest trend in natural lighting. In
addition, consider installing dimmers. Dimmers will enable you to control the
ambiance of your home. And don’t shy away from a big, beautify light fixture. A
chandelier has serious wow factor.
Furniture and Décor
From sleek and modern to distressed
and rustic, there are all types of ways to dress up your home so that it looks
luxurious. Make sure that the furniture and décor match. In other words, don’t
pair Mid-Century furniture with those 1970s beaded lamps that you can’t seem to
part with. Moreover, you don’t need to spend a fortune on furniture and décor
to make your home look luxurious. If you’re fond of the vintage look, consider
reclaimed furniture. Upcycling is one of the hottest trends in home décor.
Diversity is the first step towards
luxury. Whether big or small, renovations and upgrades can turn your home into
a dream home.
As the weather starts to warm up, it’s only a matter of time
before summer arrives. If you’re trying to cut down on your AC use this coming
year, there are a few alternatives you can try for cooling your home. Read on
for four ways to cool your home this summer.
Install
Heat-Reflective Window Film
Heat-reflective window film is an easy way to update your
home to keep you cooler. Installing this almost invisible film helps to cool
your home by rejecting 57% of all solar energy. Instead of allowing the summer
sun to steadily stream in through the windows and heat up your home, installing
this film is a quick DIY project that you’ll really feel pay off.
Use a Ceiling Fan
While ceiling fans aren’t an innovative way to keep cool,
they are quite effective. If you don’t have any ceiling fans in your home,
consider installing them before summer arrives. Ceiling fans help to save money
as they use 60 watts of energy while AC’s use about 2000 watts.
Additionally, the ceiling fan helps to provide a consistent
and constant breeze. While your air conditioner blows cold air (hopefully),
your fan actually allows for the constant flow of air throughout your home. In
the event that your AC isn’t working effectively, you’ll be able to turn your
fan on and enjoy the cooler air.
Add Shutters to Your
Windows
Aluminum
shutters are another update to add to your
home to keep you cooler in the summer months. While these shutters are on the
exterior of your home, they are an effective way to add shade to your home.
During the day when the sun is its hottest and brightest, close your shutters.
This will significantly reduce the amount of sunlight coming into the windows,
ultimately making your home feel cooler.
Seal Your Windows
and Doors
To make sure your home is as cool as
possible during the summer, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t letting cold
air escape. While running your air conditioning is a quick way to cool down, if
you have cracks around your windows or in the walls, you’re not efficiently
cooling your home. Before summer hits, go around the home to make sure all of
your windows, walls, and doors are properly sealed. This way, you’ll be able to
make the most of running your air conditioner.
With these tips, you don’t have to
blast the AC this summer to stay cool. Keep these four ideas in mind to make
sure you keep the heat away, even on the hottest days of the year.
Your home is where you spend most of your time, so it should reflect your personality. From construction to furniture, there are many ways to make your home unique; the ones you choose will help showcase your personal taste.
Choose Your Colors
Color is an easy way to add life and personality to any home. As you begin your home design process, start by choosing a color palette. Select a few shades that you absolutely love. You can then use color theory or an automatic color palette generator to find more colors that match your palette.
Once you have a list of 5 to 10 shades that go together, use this palette throughout your entire design process. From paint to furniture to decorative throw pillows, a matching color scheme will fill your home with personality.
Show off Your Hobby
If you have a hobby that you love dearly, incorporate it into your home design. Hang bike racks in your mud room or choose an ocean motif that shows off your love for boating. Select wall art that fits your theme, and put the tools of your trade proudly on display. The things you love to do have a huge impact on your personality; your home should reflect them.
Redo Your Walls and Floors
When you purchased your home, you may not have been in love with every detail. Just because the last tenant had a love for shag carpet doesn’t mean you need to live with their decision. Personalize your home by repainting the walls and putting in new flooring. Many floor installation services will help you choose a material that’s easy to maintain and looks amazing. You might be surprised at how easily new floorboards can make your home feel brand new.
Consider Your Exterior
The outside of your home is the part that most people see. It’s also the first thing you see when you come home for the day. If you feel like your home doesn’t have personality, it might be time for an exterior paint job.
If your home is themed around a specific color palette, consider using those same colors on the outside. Choose lighter, more muted versions that won’t fade as easily in the sunlight. Add a few plants that match your theme, and soon the outside of your home will be just as beautiful as the inside.
Customizing your home is a process that takes time and careful consideration. Take each step slowly and make sure each change moves you towards your end goal. Before you know it, your home will be simply brimming with personality.