fbpx ...

Call Us

The ultimate solution to your spacious needs: ways to utilize storage units

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories Uncategorized, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization TipsTags , Leave a comment on The ultimate solution to your spacious needs: ways to utilize storage units

No matter how big our homes might be, at times, it feels like we need some extra space. Getting this additional utility can help us live a better, more organized life. Having a spare room we can use productively is more of a need in this era. The ongoing pandemic means that most of us are busy working and studying, unable to go out and do the things we love. We can’t head to our local libraries, gyms, art galleries, or shopping malls and get a chance to relax and unwind. However, there may be an out-of-the-box solution to all your space-related concerns. When we think of storage units, we don’t imagine them to be a place we can use creatively. However, storage units don’t just have to be a space where you can toss your unused furniture. If you’re looking for a creative solution to your quarantine blues, keep reading below for the best tips to use storage units.

A secluded library

Inarguably, one of the best ways to use a storage unit is by transforming the space into a luxurious and relaxing private library. You don’t need to have a mansion or spend thousands of dollars to have your library. Instead, all you need to do is rent out a storage unit according to your size requirements. If your home is getting a bit crowded with all your books, transfer them to a storage unit, add some shelving, and your private library is ready! You can add some chairs and lighting to make the space seem more welcoming and create an area where you can read and study peacefully.

Storage units are handy for your DIY projects because of their affordability. Furthermore, each unit is incredibly secure. You don’t need to worry about security or any atmospheric damage. Each facility is well-maintained and clean. In the light of these provisions and offerings, self storage spaces have become a popular choice worldwide.

Home gym

With the pandemic upon us, gyms globally have shut down because they are potential places where infection may occur. While the ban on gyms is understandable, it doesn’t mean you have to put your fitness journey on hold until the pandemic ends. However, it can be incredibly challenging to work out properly at home. Not only are there infinite distractions, but there can often be a lack of space and equipment that hinders us. However, renting a storage unit is an easy way of creating a private gym where you can sweat it out without endangering yourself or others.

Renting out a storage unit and converting it into a private gym is a cost-effective solution to your gym needs even after the pandemic. Gym memberships can often be incredibly costly, and the timings can often be restrictive. Instead, you can pair up with some friends or save up on your own and make an investment that’ll last you many years to come. You can create a personalized space that caters to your needs and workout for as long as you like, whenever you want.

Band practice

If you’re brushing up on your music skills, you want to find the perfect place where you can practice for hours with no interruptions. However, doing so in a regular housing complex can make you a nuisance for neighbors and family members alike who may want some peace. Luckily, a storage unit is a perfect place for you to practice your heart’s desires and perfect your music skills. While you may find yourself unable to practice at night in your home, you can practice at any hour without disturbing anyone in a storage unit.

Furthermore, a storage unit gives you all the space to accommodate your instruments. You can easily fit in with all your band members. You can even install soundproofing and make your storage unit the perfect place for rehearsals. Furthermore, you can also conveniently store your instruments and other equipment in your storage unit without any worry.

A walk-in closet

If you pay a lot of attention to how you look, you’ll know that a walk-in closet is essential. It can help you organize all your clothes properly, making it much easier to get ready. However, making a walk-in closet at home can often be a challenge. You may not have space for it and might need to opt for time-consuming and expensive renovations. However, an easy way to have the luxury walk-in closet of your dreams may be in a storage unit.

This project can be easy on your budget, and it’ll allow you to organize your clothes easily. All you need are some racks and hangers and some shelving to help display all your clothes. Furthermore, a storage unit is a perfect place to store clothes and accessories you don’t wear on a day-to-day basis as it is temperature-controlled and safe. Based on your budget, you can create a luxury space or opt for something simpler. No matter what you choose, however, a storage unit will help decrease the clutter at home.

Home office

One of the hardest things to deal with in this pandemic has been working from home and ensuring that we maintain the highest productivity levels. While some working from home may be a blessing, others have to deal with insurmountable challenges to get their work done. Many find themselves bogged down with home chores or unable to focus because of their living circumstances. Whatever the case, you can find storage units to be an excellent place to make a home office where you can work without any disturbances.

Away from the confines of your home, working in a storage unit can help add some much-needed structure to your day. You can get a peaceful, quiet place to work where you don’t need to worry about being interrupted in the middle of something important.

Conclusion

So, if you ever feel like you need to get some extra space, renting a storage unit can be the best option. You can make a storage unit as comfortable as you want and use it to brush up on your music or art skills, or even as a place to stay. All you need is some creative, out-of-the-box thinking, and you can transform your storage unit into anything you like!

Tips to make your home clean and presentable during the new season

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories Spring, Home Improvement TipsTags , Leave a comment on Tips to make your home clean and presentable during the new season

With spring upon us and summer around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for the hotter months. You need to pull out your planners, mark a date for that beach vacation, take out all your light summer clothes, and look up recipes for your favorite chillers. However, more than any of this is preparing the house for the new season, and making it presentable is essential.

Our homes can get dusty, gloomy, and musty during the winter months and need some serious cleaning to freshen up again. A spring cleaning may seem like too much work, but walking into a fresh, sparkling, airy, and clean house can make you feel refreshed, unlike anything else. So, it’s time you get out all your cleaning tools and get to work. However, before you do, it’s crucial to have a clear list of areas you need to focus on to make the most of your cleanup. Below, we’ve listed some essential tips to help give your cleaning mission some focus.

Make some space

Before you get on with the rest of your cleaning process, you need to make some space and get rid of things you don’t need. Unnecessary clutter can make your house feel cramped and make it seem much smaller than it is. Furthermore, clutter is the perfect breeding ground for dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens that can seriously affect you and your family. You don’t have to be a chronic hoarder to have clutter piling up – it’s something that happens to the best of us. Luckily, getting rid of all your clutter without throwing it away is easier than it seems.

Getting a storage unit is an easy way to store away anything you don’t need this season. Whether it’s clothes, furniture, tools, or anything, you can keep each item away indefinitely in a storage unit. All units are temperature-controlled and located in incredibly safe facilities with no fear of theft. Furthermore, storage units are highly affordable, and they come in various sizes. Once you’ve stored everything away, you can get on to making your home look its best for the coming season.

Clean your bathroom

There can be nothing that sets a worse impression than a musty, damp, grimy bathroom. No matter how well-decorated and clean the rest of your house is, having a dirty bathroom can give the worst impression to any visitor. If you’ve skipped on deep cleaning of your bathroom in the winter months, now is the time to catch up.

Before cleaning your bathroom, it’s vital to get the right tools. It can help use a spray to scrub away at any lime-scale on taps, floors, and other surfaces. Getting a good toilet cleaner will help you cut away from any discoloration and keep your toilet bowl germ-free and sparkling clean. Once you’ve scrubbed away nicely, open up the windows and let the sunlight stream in to make the place seem fresher and airier. Scented candles or diffusers are also excellent additions to the bathroom and help deal with any smells.

Clean as you go

It can be easy to feel lazy and slow during the colder months and let the cleaning pile up. However, one of the best ways to keep your house looking consistently presentable no matter what the season is to clean as you go. Don’t let the chores pile up until the very thought of doing them fills you up with dread. Instead, be proactive and have a daily and weekly checklist. Make sure to do laundry at least once a week or more, depending on your needs, and dust and clean each room each day.

When you stay on top of things, you’ll significantly reduce your workload in the long run. Furthermore, regular upkeep can substantially increase the lifespan of your furniture and appliances alike. You can prevent wear and tear and make sure your home always looks immaculate.

Clean up after your pets

Having pets in the house is nothing short of a blessing – except for the smells. Even the cleanest of pets have a distinct odor, which can make your home seem dirty and unkempt. Sometimes the scent can be so persistent that even the strongest of air fresheners can’t do much to cover it up. However, the best cure to pet odors lies in your kitchen cabinets. Baking soda naturally neutralizes odors by reacting with the acids that produce smells. Baking soda can thus be much more effective than air fresheners. It combats the scent itself rather than covering it up with an artificial fragrance. Sprinkle some baking soda on your pet’s beds for 15 minutes, and vacuum it up. You can also sprinkle baking soda in the litter box to keep any unpleasant smells at bay.

Furthermore, when cleaning up after your pets, be sure to clean away any hair, especially as the shedding season comes around. A simple lint roller can help you clean up most pet hair from furniture, clothing, and any other surfaces.

Conclusion

Keeping your home presentable and clean doesn’t have to be a challenge with these valuable tips. They can help your home stay sparkling clean no matter what the season. Furthermore, these tips help make your home a much safer place for you and your family. As you follow a proper cleaning schedule, you don’t need to worry about any germs or allergies.

Apartment renovation tips to make small space look bigger

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories home improvement, Home Improvement TipsTags , , Leave a comment on Apartment renovation tips to make small space look bigger
cozy green living room with lots of wall art

So, you plan on remodeling your home to make it appear larger than it currently is. Many people find it difficult to imagine how they can do that without making large structural changes in their home. However, there are a few apartment renovation tips to make a small space look bigger without investing too much money into elaborate changes of your living space. Read on to find out how to do this easily. 

Room flow is one of the most effective apartment renovation tips to make small space look bigger

Essentially, you need to think about your living space in terms of occupied and free space. Although this can be challenging if the rooms in your apartment are rather small, it is far from impossible to find an adequate solution for your furniture placement. This is important because the way you walk in, out, and through the rooms significantly influences the overall impression you get from spending time in the given space. 

You will feel better about your interior design if you enable your space to breathe, so to speak. One way to achieve this is to simply declutter your living space from unnecessary things that you had gotten so used to you do not even take notice of its cluttering effect. 

For example, once you get rid of such belongings, you might be able to achieve a smooth room flow by buying a smaller and more ‘space-friendly’ dresser that does not take up as much space as an old, clunky wardrobe might.

Avoid swerving to make small space look bigger

If possible, always place furniture and large appliances away from doorways. This works towards maintaining an unobstructed movement through the rooms. Likewise, be sure to place furniture against the walls – even armchairs, chairs, and smaller tables such as bedside and glass tables.

Define boundaries in your living space

Smaller spaces can be visually broken up with the help of rugs, carpets, or flooring to create an illusion of two independent and distinct wholes. So, with clever rug placement, you can clearly designate where one part of the room is supposed to be. This also helps create a clear boundary of occupied and free room space, that is, a clear room flow.  

Create a Path

As with creating boundaries, creating a clear path from one doorway to the other allows the eye to scan the room as an ordered, chunked space. Accordingly, make sure to get rid of roadblocks from the path that ruin the balance of room flow. 

a bright room with white armchairs table sofa
Always try to have the passage through the room unobstructed with unnecessary things.

Create smaller, focused, and usable areas

At first sight, dividing your room into smaller visual compartments might sound contradictory since your goal is to make the small space appear larger. However, if you are using the room for two or three particular purposes, it makes sense to focus the items that you use to do the activity into a single corner or part of the room. 

So, if you are using a single room as an office, leisure room, and a dining room, then it makes sense to place larger pieces of furniture such as your desk at the opposite side of the sofa and TV. If the room flow allows it, then you can place a small table and chairs next to a wall in the middle of the room. This clever sectioning of different activities keeps your living space focused, the room flow clear and thus, makes the entire room appear larger. 

a study room with a filing cabinet and a sofa
There are ways to make the room multifunctional and uncluttered at the same time.

If you are doing major remodeling, we suggest you consult a reputable moving team on how to achieve the best effects with smart furniture placement. We recommend hiring a moving company such as Ample Moving NJ, since they have ample experience with placing furniture and appliances into all kinds of apartment types and sizes.

Use wall art, lighting, and paint to enlarge the space

Another way to additionally section parts of the room is to add decoration to signal the imaginary lines of separation. Wall art and focused lighting in one part of the room can let the visitor observe the space as a distinct area, which mentally contributes to the feeling of spaciousness. The same goes for paint – you can play around with bright and neutral paint colors to achieve an effect of depth contrasted with light. 

During your apartment renovation, applying wall art, lighting, and paint to make a small space look bigger should make the process as affordable as possible since you do not have to invest in buying new, sleek furniture to replace your old furniture.

Appropriate wall paint and lighting is crucial

Most interior designers vouch that professional interior painting is a must when it comes to creating a clean, tidy, and spacious surrounding. Another benefit of investing in good wall paint is the fact that it can bring an entirely fresh and new feel into the room. There are two common ways you can refresh your small space and make it appear larger.

Firstly, white, off-white, or any other neutral nuance of white optically makes the room feel open, large, and fresh. Also, it is the best color to make the room feel less cramped, since it does not clash with other colors, especially when accompanied with good lighting with white, quality light bulbs.

a white room with grey carpet and plants
Neutrals are good for creating an easy, bright vibe.

In fact, the importance of lighting when it comes to making small spaces visually larger cannot be stressed enough. Remember that nice lighting goes a long way, no matter the size of the room.

Another way to achieve an interesting effect is to add depth to your all neutral walls. Painting one wall inside the room into a bold, well-pigmented color is among old apartment renovation tips to make small space look bigger. 

Tips For Making Paint Cleanup Easier

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories Home Improvement TipsTags , , Leave a comment on Tips For Making Paint Cleanup Easier

Painting can be quite a messy thing and if you paint a lot, you need to have some tips handy to make paint clean-up a seamless activity. Since many tools go into the painting process, it is imperative that you know how to go about with each tool, how to maintain them, and basically have a list of to-dos that you automatically follow after a paint job. The tips in this article are easy to follow and can save you a lot of time. Now, let’s get to it –

The Mandatory Drop Cloth

You absolutely should have it ready before your paint job starts. If you flatten out cardboard boxes, they can be a very good drop cloth alternative. They can be cut into any size you want and are thick enough to resist thick paint spills preventing it from sipping onto the floor. Old shower curtains are also a good choice. However, if you are looking for a variety of options, you can check out Zip Wall products which have several, top-quality products.

Keep Your Paint Can Rim Gunk-Free

Another way to smoothen the paint clean-up process is to ensure that gunk does not build up in the rim area. An easy way to achieve this is by using an awl and a hammer to punch holes in the can rim throughout its perimeter which will enable the paint to drip back inside the can instead of getting stuck in the rim. This also minimizes the need to clean the rim after you are done.

The best way, however, is to pour the paint into a tray or something akin to that; even empty coffee containers work! However, if you absolutely want to dip into the can directly, wire scrapers can be fitted over the paint can where some of the paint can be wiped off after a dip in the can.

How to Get Your Hands Cleaned

Getting the paint off your hands can be quite the task, especially with many paint formulas coming in paint + primer combination. While latex gloves can be used, having them on for a long time can seem uncomfortable. There are some excellent soaps that can come to the rescue – try some strong pumice soap that will adequately get the paint off without having a drying effect on the skin.

Handling Your Paint Tray

Paint tray liners can prove to be a costly affair if you paint a lot. Instead, invest in some foil and line your paint tray with it. After use, you can simply dispose of them.

Cleaning Your Paint Brush

A few steps here –

(a)       If your paint brush has a heavy crust and needs soaking, get a magnet glued on the inside of a tin can. The brush’s metal ferrule will get stuck to it with the bristles away from the can bottom where they are likely to get damaged

(b)      As an alternative to washing your brush in between coats or overnight, get it locked in a zip bag in the refrigerator. When it’s time to use it again, let it get to room temperature and it can be used readily.

(c)       While cleaning out the brush, immerse it in soapy, warm water and then with the help of a brush comb, dried paint lodged on the inside of the bristles and the bottom of the metal ferrule can be removed.

(d)      Following these methods will help lessen excessive paint built up and also help in preserving the health of your paint brush.

Cleaning the Paint Roller

If your home has a septic system, cleaning the paint roller almost becomes an impossible task. Not an ideal choice, but in this case, the best is to throw it away after you are done with it. If white is the primary colour you use with a paint roller, keep it refrigerated like it is advised for paint brushes. Take it out when it is time to use it again and put it back in the refrigerator after use again. When you see it has reached the end of its lifespan, it’s time to get another.

Running a curved blade of a 5-in-1 tool on the surface of the roller can be used to get rid of excess paint after which you can use hot water and your hands to wriggle out the remainder paint off the fibres.

All in all, choosing the right painting tools will make your painting life a much easier one.







What to Do to Increase Your Home Value

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories home improvement, Home Improvement TipsTags , , Leave a comment on What to Do to Increase Your Home Value

In its 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, the National Association of Realtors or NAR revealed that not all home improvement or remodeling projects delivered their purpose. In fact, only three out of the 20 projects in the study recovered expenses and investments when they were sold. Improving and increasing your home’s value takes more than just a few furniture upgrades, garden landscaping, and new garage door installation.

There is no formula or secret procedure for home improvements, but there are simple tips you can follow. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the effect of an upgrade or remodeling depends on factors such as your home’s location and current home value. For example, a complete bathroom makeover significantly increases the value of smaller, more affordable homes. For more expensive homes, adding a home theater or a swimming pool will increase their value.

Nevertheless, here are some suggestions on what to do to increase your home value. Although there is no guarantee that all these tips will help add value to your home directly, they can build up your house’s appeal.

How to Increase Your Home Value

Check your home

Before starting any remodeling, renovation, or home improvement project, go around your house to check out if some areas or items need improvement or replacement. It’s essential to get an idea of what and how much work is required. Likewise, a house check will help you come up with interesting inputs for your project.

Invite an interior designer or a realtor to tour your home

The idea of inviting a professional might sound intimidating to you, but it can be a big help. Getting some inputs from an interior designer or a licensed realtor is one way of adding creative ideas to your home improvement project. These professionals are trained, experienced, and know what to watch out for and which factors matter the most.

You may have to spend a little bit on the consultation fee, but this activity is a good investment and offers great benefits.

Pay attention to the essential aspects of your home

Now that you’ve had the chance to go around the house and collect creative inputs from professionals, it’s time to start the project. First things first, though – work on the most basic and essential aspects of your home.

There is no guidebook on how to do this, but you have to make sure your electrical panel, water heater, and furnace are correctly maintained.

Although these are non-physical or visual aspects, they create an impact on potential buyers (in case you want to sell your house later on). For example, if your electrical panel is old and does not follow current codes and specifications, buyers will either ask for a lesser price or not push through with the deal. Buyers want a home that they do not need to upgrade or require only very minimal work.

Fresh paint helps update your rooms

Many homeowners start their home improvement projects by repainting rooms. It’s one of the simplest but most effective upgrades. A fresh coat of paint adds value to your rooms in many ways – cleaner, more organized, and appealing. It’s also a cost-effective option for turning old, lived-in rooms into comfortable new spaces.

If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere, go for grey, tan, beige, and other neutral colors. If you want to make the rooms look large and spacious, use lighter colors. Add some life to your windows and walls by using accent colors.

Declutter your home

Another cost-effective option is decluttering and organizing your home. Clean all rooms and areas of your home. Go from room to room and remove all unnecessary items. Remove extra furniture and anything that blocks hallways. Replace or throw away non-functioning furniture and appliances.

If you can, do not keep your old and discarded items in the garage, attic, or basement. A better option would be to find a good but affordable storage unit.

Hire a reliable cleaning company if you want to deep-clean your home.

Also, if you’re planning to sell your home right after remodeling it, remove any personal items such as family photos and other memorabilia. Create a welcoming atmosphere for your potential buyers, one that makes them feel they belong. Buyers should be able to visualize themselves living in your home.

Air quality is also important

Your home’s indoor air quality has a considerable impact on its value. If it is stuffy, too hot, or too cold inside, potential buyers will take notice.  

Besides ensuring that your HVAC system is well-maintained and functional, there are other vital aspects to consider when upgrading air quality. For starters, be mindful of all the rugs and carpets in your home. If they are old and haven’t been cleaned for months, you need to replace them to ensure that allergens and contaminants do not linger in the air.

If you need to clean your floor and walls, refrain from using chemically-heavy cleaning products. Instead, go for organic or environmentally friendly ones. This will not only help clear indoor air of allergens and contaminants, but it will also prevent you and other household members from developing allergies and respiratory-related illnesses.

Improve the aesthetics of your home

There are several things you can do to improve your home’s aesthetics.

  • Update your bathroom and kitchen. You do not have to have a full scale remodel; change the bathroom tiles to better ones or repaint the kitchen cabinets. Upgrade your bathtubs and sinks. Even small upgrades will matter.
  • Change the flooring in bedrooms and the living and dining areas. Hardwood floors are highly recommended because of their aesthetic value and durability.
  • Improve the lighting fixtures in your home. Use hanging bulbs and other innovative and creative lighting products. If you find it necessary, you can even add a chandelier, probably in the living or dining room.
  • Have your garden landscaped. Add some flowers, plants, and trees to your lawn or backyard. It would help if you also put plants indoors, in strategic areas. Just don’t overdo things so your home and garden won’t end up looking like a mini jungle. A few greens here and there will add more relaxing and healthy vibes to your place. Be sure also to install some good outdoor lights to add more drama to your outdoor space.
  • Repaint your front door and other entrances. Fix your roof or upgrade it.
  • Install some smart technologies in your home. Some examples to consider are digital door locks, Wi-Fi-operated thermostats and alarms, fire detectors, automated lighting, and energy-efficient appliances.

These are just some of the things you can do to increase the value of your home. If you need more ideas, talk to your realtor or interior designer. You can also find a lot of inspiration from various online sources. 

How Can Weather Damage Your Home?

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories home improvement, Home Improvement TipsTags , , Leave a comment on How Can Weather Damage Your Home?

Weather is one of the biggest reasons that people have issues with home damage. It’s much more common for people to have weather problems with their home than it is to have most other problems. Even many generalized problems, like overarching structural problems, often start with issues regarding the weather. If you want to know more about how weather damage impacts your home, here are a few things to think about first and foremost.

Mother Nature vs. Your Home Created By: Foundation Recovery Systems

The Biggest Natural Disasters 2010-2020

Since 2010, there have been a variety of significant natural disasters both in the United States and beyond. In the United States, many of the biggest natural disasters have caused billions of dollars of damage. If you’re looking to learn more about how natural disasters can really have an impact on your home, here are the most damaging natural disasters since 2010 in terms of how much damage they caused.

  • Hurricane Harvey – 2017 – $131 Billion
  • Hurricane Maria – 2017 – $95 Billion
  • Hurricane Sandy – 2012 – $74 Billion
  • Hurricane Irma – 2017 – $52 Billion
  • Heat Wave of 2020 – 2020 – $32 Billion
  • Hurricane Michael – 2018 – $26 Billion
  • 2018 Wildfires – 2018 – $25 Billion
  • Hurricane Florence – 2018 – $25 Billion
  • 2017 Wildfires – 2017 – $19 Billion
  • Hurricane Irene – 2011 – $16 Billion

As you can see, hurricanes were by far the most damaging thing to happen to American homes since 2010. Just the hurricanes in the top 10 were responsible for over $419 billion in damages. Hurricanes and wildfires were clearly the most impactful problems for American homes in the past 10 years.

How Can Natural Disasters Harm Your Home?

There are a number of ways in which natural disasters can seriously harm your home. That’s because specific natural disasters can have specific concerns for your home. If you want to know what to look out for, here are the biggest issues with certain natural disaster concerns, especially when it comes to your home.

  • Drought – Forest Fires and Landscaping Problems
  • Lightning – Fire and Electrical Damage
  • Water – Flood Damage Inside and Outside
  • High Winds – Structural and Foundational Damage
  • Hail – Damage to the Roof and Windows

As you can see, natural disasters can harm your home in more ways than you may have initially expected. Whether it’s drought, lightning, hail, or something else entirely, these natural disasters can have a serious impact on your home’s wellbeing. It’s always important to keep an eye out for natural disaster concerns throughout the days.

The Best Ways to Fix These Natural Disasters

So, how can you fix natural disaster problems that pop up like this? The good news is that there are actually many ways to make sure natural disasters don’t have an extended impact on your home. You just need to invest in the fixes before those natural disasters impact your home. Here are a few of the things that can keep your home from having extended natural disaster problems.

  • Sump Pump
  • Windproofing
  • Hurricane Shutters
  • Fire-Resistant Planting
  • Flood Prevention
  • Home Maintenance
  • Winter-Proofing
  • HVAC System Services
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Foundation Inspections

Some of these are easy, like installing smoke detectors in and around your home. Some of them are more difficult, like servicing your home’s HVAC system. However, no matter which one you’re looking at, it’s crucial that you keep your home safe and secure. Seriously consider all of these fixes to make sure that your home doesn’t fall victim to these natural disasters.

Conclusion

It’s really not that difficult to reduce the impact that natural disasters may have on your home. All you have to do is make sure that you’re keeping up to date on your weatherproofing processes. As long as you’re able to do that, you’ll be able to keep your home safe and secure. Talk to a home repair expert to make sure that you’re up to date in the right way.




Choose Your Residential Contractor With Care

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories infographic, Home Improvement TipsTags , , , Leave a comment on Choose Your Residential Contractor With Care

Hiring a contractor for your home remodel can be an intimidating and nerve-racking task. How do you know if you are hiring the right professional for the job? What questions do you ask to make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate contractor, and not a scam artist who will take your money and leave your property a mess?

Most contractors are legitimate, reliable, and skilled professionals who produce high-quality work and coordinate activities efficiently to complete projects on time and within budget. However, like any industry, home contracting has its share of bad players — and it is up to you, the homeowner, to identify them before you agree on the project rather than after the fact, when it’s too late.

The accompanying infographic, Red Flags Before Hiring a Home Contractor, offers tips for anyone thinking about a renovation or remodeling project. The infographic tells you what to look for when interviewing a contractor, and describes the warning signs that the person you’re talking to is not the one to hire. A 10-minute time-out to digest this information could end up saving you thousands of dollars and preventing months of stress and anger.

Graphic created by CraftJack, a provider of remodeling contractor leads.

How Roof Ventilation Can Benefit Your Entire Home

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories Roofing, Home Improvement TipsTags Leave a comment on How Roof Ventilation Can Benefit Your Entire Home

Roof ventilation systems have become very popular over the last few decades and that simple upgrade could have a huge impact on your home. Here is a look at just a few of the benefits that you might enjoy after you install your roof ventilation system

Lower Energy Bills

You could easily be spending thousands a year on keeping your home at a comfortable temperature and your energy bills are probably going to be particularly high during the hottest months of the year. If that sounds like your own situation, then you might want to install an attic vent. That system is going to lower the temperature inside your attic and that will prevent hot air from seeping into your home through vents, outlets, and other openings.

Keep Moisture Out of the Attic

There are many different reasons why you should do everything in your power to keep excess moisture out of your attic. Over time, high humidity levels could result in a major mold outbreak and those spores will eventually make their way into your home if you aren’t careful. A ventilation system will lower the humidity levels inside the attic and the rest of the home by keeping the air constantly moving.

Increase the Lifespan of Your Roof

Even though residential roofing services can be very affordable, you still need to take steps to protect your roof. When an attic is hot and humid, it could prematurely age the roof’s tiles or shingles. By lowering the temperature inside the attic, you could increase the lifespan of your roof by multiple years. The vent will also reduce your risk of wood rot, rust, and other types of damage that might impact your roof.

Prevent Ice Dams

Those who live in a cold environment could greatly benefit from installing some type of modern roof ventilation system. When you stabilize the temperature inside your attic, the chance of an ice dam developing is going to plummet because the snow won’t constantly be freezing and thawing. Unfortunately, ice dams are extremely common and they can eventually damage your home’s roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation.

This simple and inexpensive upgrade is very easy to carry out and it could pay for itself in a matter of months. If you want to protect your home while lowering your energy bills, then you might want to speak with a roofing contractor about modern roof ventilation systems.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks
Freelance writer and web enthusiast

4 Economical Tips to Update Your Century-Old Home

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories Home Improvement Tips, home improvementTags Leave a comment on 4 Economical Tips to Update Your Century-Old Home

You have a beautiful century-old home. You chose it for the charm and history that came with it. You want a house that has withstood the test of time. You’re not interested in modernizing your home, but you do want to maintain its beauty. Consider four economical tips you can take to update your older home to realize its full potential.

Never Be Afraid to Add a Fresh Coat of Paint to Accents

Painting the exterior of your home is a daunting and expensive task. As a rule of thumb, you can wait about a decade before you need to take on such a big job. If you have vinyl siding, it won’t be a concern. Pressure washing can make it bright again. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on paint altogether. Think about sprucing up your older home by freshening up your accents. Your shutters and your doors can draw the eye when you add a new coat of paint. Go with the colors you have always loved or consider something new.

Give Your Floors Attention

If your home has the original wood flooring, you won’t want to replace a work of art. However, your floors may look tired. You can bring out their beauty by sanding, staining, and adding a protective topcoat. Your floors can look like they did when your home was new. If you have carpeting, you can hire a professional cleaner or rent a steam cleaner to spruce them up.

Repair Instead of Replace

A century-old home is going to show signs of aging no matter how careful you are. You may have a chip in your counter or your claw foot tub may have nicks. Your beautiful floors could be scratched. Many people choose to replace damaged items in their homes. Consider onsite surface repair instead. Professionals can offer you guidance to save what you have and maintain the vintage look at an economical price.

Give Your Light Switches, Plates, and Outlets Attention

Light switches, plates, and outlets are often ignored. They tend to yellow over time, become stained, or don’t match the rest of your home. You can swap them out at your home improvement store without hurting your wallet.

You don’t have to sacrifice what made you fall in love with your century-old home when you update. Make simple changes that will bring out the best features of your house. If you do bring in something new, plenty of vintage options are available to keep that old time feeling.

Guest Post By:

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys Tennis and spending time with her family.

5 Maintenance Habits to Keep Your Older Home Looking New

Posted on Author Bruzzese Home ImprovementsCategories Home Maintenance, Home Improvement TipsTags , Leave a comment on 5 Maintenance Habits to Keep Your Older Home Looking New

Your home is your castle and your haven. You’ve enjoyed many years in your older home. You couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. You’re always looking for ways that you can spruce it up to make your home look its best. Regular maintenance over the years is key. Consider five tips you can follow to make your home look like new.

Change Your Windows to Make a Difference

Your windows can make or break your home. If you have older windows with peeling paint, you can begin with fresh paint. However, vinyl windows are more energy-efficient. They’ll last twenty to twenty-five years. You’ll love the way new windows can breathe new life into your home inside and out.

There’s Nothing Like a Fresh Coat of Paint

If your home is painted, you won’t believe the difference fresh paint can make. As a rule of thumb, consider freshening up your exterior paint every ten years. Depending on your location, you may need to bump that up to five years if you notice that your paint is fading sooner. If you get tired of painting, vinyl siding will transform your home. Change up your color when you really want to make it pop.

Exterior Maintenance

As you consider ways to give your home a facelift, don’t forget to look up. Your roof may need to be updated. You can have a professional evaluate your residential roofing to see if it is in need of replacement. If you have asphalt shingles, you should think about replacing them anywhere from fifteen to thirty years. Wood shingles should be replaced every twenty years or so. If you have a metal roof, you could get as much as twenty-five years out of your roofing before you need to replace it. Consider an alternate type of roofing when you want a brand new look.

Pay Attention to Landscaping

A well-maintained lawn can turn your residence into a neighborhood showpiece. Whether you like to do your own work or you bring in lawn care professionals, make sure the yard gets the attention it deserves. New landscaping designs can take everyone’s breath away.

Keep Your Driveway in Tiptop Shape

A paved driveway can really make your home have a finished look. If you don’t have an asphalt driveway, pavement is an investment that will offer you many returns. If you already have pavement, add fresh seal coating to your driveway every one to three years. You’ll protect your driveway from damage and make it look like new.

Get the most out of your older home by giving it tender loving care on a regular basis. You won’t need to move to a new home. When you put time and energy into your home, it will be worth it.

Guest Post By:

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys Tennis and spending time with her family.

Copyright © 2024 | Bruzzese Home Improvements | All Right Reserved | Web Design & Development by QualityMust