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Choosing the Best Roof for Your Climate

Posted on Author adminCategories RoofingTags , , , 10 Comments on Choosing the Best Roof for Your Climate

House with Inclined DrivewayChoosing the best roofing material for your home will depend on many factors, including your budget and style. Perhaps the most important factor you should take into account is the climate in which you live. Some materials fare better in warm locales, while others are built to last in colder or wetter environments. Researching the best roofing material for your area will help you settle on the ideal solution for you and your home.

Warm Climates

If you live in a region with warm temperatures throughout the year, consider a roofing material that will release, rather than store or absorb, the heat from sun. You have the option of installing a cool roof, which reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat than your standard roof. These types of roofs feature a reflective paint, as well as a sheet covering or reflective tiles and shingles. Dark roofs can reach a whopping 150 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer sun, while a cool roof can stay more than 50 degrees cooler.

Cool roofs also come with plenty of other benefits. They can lead to lower energy bills because occupants won’t need to use as much air conditioning during the summer, they can improve indoor comfort for non-air conditioned spaces, and they can extend the roof’s service life. The United States Department of Energy also points out that cool roofs can also do wonders for the surrounding environment, reducing local air temperatures, lowering peak electricity demand, and reducing power plant emissions, due to a lower demand for cooling energy use.

Cold Climates

People living in cold climates have an entirely different set of weather problems: freezing rain, snow, sleet, and cold. Roofs in such locales must be sized properly, well-sealed, and energy efficient, with the durability to handle the extremes of each season. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice in regions that see cooler temps, with shingles providing a high durability against the weather, with more insulation properties and a life expectancy of about 30 years, according to home improvement guru Bob Vila. However, these shingles can warp and develop algae in moist, damp climates. Steel roofs are recommended for areas that see high winds on a regular basis. Metal roofs are good for wintry locales, as the snow just melts right off.

Green Solutions

You can have your cake and eat it too, thanks to the recent invention of a new “smart” roof that saves energy in both hot and cold climates. According to U.S. News and World Report, scientists have developed a roof coating made from waste cooking oil from fast food restaurants that has the ability to interpret thermometer readings and switch roles depending on the weather — either reflecting or transmitting solar heat. This bio-based intelligent roof coating repels summer sunlight and significantly reduces air-conditioning bills. When the colder air arrives, it transmits heat to help warm the interior of the structure.

The roofing method you choose will ultimately depend on your budget, as well as the environment in which you live. Consult with a professional roofing company to find the best option for you.

This article was written by Jared Miret, father and home handyman.  He spent many hours researching roofing when he was shopping for his own roofing in New Orleans, and he is excited to make your roofing quest a little easier.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Beachfront Property

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beach homeTo Sea or Not to Sea

Most people can only imagine hearing the sound of waves crashing against the shore or watching as the tide pulls within a few feet of their back door, and it’s safe to say that waking up to this kind of scene would be a dream for many. It is important, however, that the beauty of a beach home not distract you from other considerations that should be kept in mind when you decide whether to buy waterfront property. Here are three important things to remember when considering living on the beach.

Effects of Salt Water

You are bound to have beautiful views from your oceanfront home, but you need to be prepared for some of the property damage inherent with living so close to the ocean. The salt in the air is highly reactive because it carries an electrical charge. This electrical charge allows it to penetrate a variety of different materials, taking hold for years, and eventually causing corrosion and structural damage to property if not treated properly. You might even be unfortunate enough to get salt into your electrical wiring. This corrodes the metal and leads to short outs, broken electrical equipment, and in some cases, a fire.

Salt can also eat away at concrete. Too much exposure to salt will eventually lead to structural problems with your foundation, sidewalks, and pillars. Salt can also have the same effect on brick, mortar and plaster.

Furthermore, salt can eat away at wood in a process called delignification, where saltwater penetrates the wood and causes a formation of fuzzy crystals on its surface. These crystals pull out part of the cellular wall of wood. Delignification won’t cause significant damage in a one time flooding event, but after repeat exposures to salt, wood can wither away and become unstable.

Insurance

One other factor to keep in mind is homeowners insurance. Do your research on different insurance requirements. You’re likely to pay more for your insurance as you live closer to the water. You also want to look closely at the different insurance policies and what they cover. Every insurance policy is going to cover something different, and you’ll want to make sure that events like strong winds, tides, rain, hail, and any other types of destructive weather are covered under your plan.

Research

While living on a beach sounds ideal, this dream location can come with some nightmare weather. When you live on the ocean, you are going to have to be aware of the tides, as well as severe weather storms including hurricanes, and potentially, tsunamis. It is best to do plenty of research about the area you will live in, so you can decide if you are prepared to handle everything that can come with owning an oceanfront home.

If you find doing all this research on your own a little overwhelming then it would be a good idea to call a realtor in the area you want to buy a home. They should have all the information about weather, insurance, and any other details you might need to know before you buy a home on the ocean.

This article was provided by Chase Roberts, home and garden expert who dreams of an ocean-side home. If you’re a Texan looking for sturdy roofing perfect for seaside weather conditions,  Chase recommends checking out a company that specializes in roofing in Katy, TX.

This article provides some great info for those of us in the Northeast who are considering becoming snow birds! ~Gary

Five simple ways to save money on energy costs

Posted on Author adminCategories Energy EfficiencyTags , , , 4 Comments on Five simple ways to save money on energy costs

Electric BillRemember when your parents jumped down your throat for leaving the lights on? As a kid, it is hard to understand why adults insist on turning unused electronics off. Now that you are older and pay your own utility bills, it is much easier to appreciate their perspective. Fortunately for you, there are other ways to save money on energy too. The following are five simple ways to save on energy costs:

Unplug devices not in use

If you have power tool equipment or electric devices that you only use on occasion, unplug them while not in use. Another option is to plug all pieces of equipment you seldom use into a single power strip and keep the port powered off until you need one of those appliances. Even smaller devices such as hair dryers, hand vacuums, toasters, blenders, etc. can be unplugged until you want to use them.

Replace inefficient appliances

Two of the most popular green and efficient labels include “Design for the Environment” (DofE) and “ENERGY STAR” appliances. Both are recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and help individuals save money while using energy efficiently. The EPA states that Americans using products with the DofE label on them reduced the amount of harmful chemicals they emitted by 756 million pounds in 2011. ENERGY STAR appliances prevented 1.8 billion tons of GHG emissions in 2012. Not only can you save money in the long run, but using energy efficient appliances may qualify you for certain tax credits.

Turn thermostats down in the winter

Try maintaining a temperature near 70 degrees instead of something near 76 or 77 degrees. You might also consider layering comfortable clothing while inside the house. Limit water consumption from long, hot showers, as these require more energy to keep water warm. When you are gone, turn the thermostat off or install an automatic setback thermostat in your home so the temperature can adjust accordingly while you are away.

Limit air conditioner use

During the hot weather months, avoid using the air conditioner whenever possible. Try keeping your windows and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to keep the heat out, opening them at night when it’s cooler. On days you must use the AC, keep it at a higher setting such as 71 degrees instead of 67 degrees. An air conditioner devours electricity, so keep it on a higher temperature or turn it off completely.

Maintenance

General home maintenance is crucial to keeping energy costs down all year long. A significant portion of electricity is used to heat and cool a home, so ensuring that your residence is properly insulated can save energy and lower your utility bills. If you have old windows drafty windows, repair or replace them. Lastly, replace incandescent lights with fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs can last up to ten times longer than incandescent, and use 70% less energy.

This article is written by Jared Miret, a father and home handyman.  He is excited to share these tips with you, to help save you money and keep your house running smoothly.  He writes this article on behalf of electric providers in Houston.

How To Properly Maintain Your Hardwood Floors

Posted on Author adminCategories Home Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homeTags , , 19 Comments on How To Properly Maintain Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors have long been seen as a beautiful way to create a classic look. Not only are hardwood floors always in style but they can raise the value of a home and provide a durable surface for every walk of life. Installing hardwood floors can be seen as an investment in the future with which carpet, tile, linoleum or laminate simply cannot compete. However, caring for hardwood floors takes more care and effort than most other flooring styles.

how to care for hardwood floors

There are many cleaning techniques and products to avoid using on your hardwood floors. This includes cleaning solutions, mops, brushes and sanitizers not specifically intended for use on wood. Wood can be affected strongly by numerous chemicals, making proper attention to detail imperative. Additionally, do not use excessive water to mop your hardwood floors as this can cause warping and mold growth. If your floors are pre-sealed with a urethane finish, do not use oil or wax. If you choose to move your furniture in the process of cleaning, either lift and place it carefully to avoid scuff marks or be sure all legs and feet have protective pads to prevent scraping.

Before you wash or polish your hardwood floors, take precautions to remove all dust, dirt and debris. Vacuuming is preferable to sweeping because it can more thoroughly remove particles stuck between boards. If you choose to vacuum your floors, be sure to use a hard floor attachment. For minor touch ups, you can use a soft mop with a dusting spray to keep your hardwood sparkling. For deep cleaning, you will need to be more meticulous.

 hardwood flooring
In order to clean the dirt, oils and grime that can build up on the surface of your wood floors, you should use a wood-safe cleanser, like BONA. Following the instructions on the packaging, dilute a proper amount of cleaning solution as indicated or use the convenient spray and clean thoroughly with a soft mop. Cleaning products specifically designed for wood floors will kill bacteria and germs as well as protect your floor’s surface. Be sure to properly wring out your mop in order to prevent standing water that can damage the wood. If suggested, go over the surface once more with a damp mop. If it is humid outside or in your home, consider using an overhead or floor fan while cleaning to keep air circulating.

In between cleanings, you can take additional steps to prevent damage to your hardwood floors. To avoid scuffs and scrapes, cover the main walkways in your home with cotton rugs and proper slip protection. Keep pets with claws, high-heeled shoes and toys with wheels off your floors as much as possible. Be sure your windows are fitted with the proper blinds to avoid fading or discoloration from the sun, as well.

 hardwood floors


Hardwood floors are among the most coveted additions to a house, and rightfully so: they are attractive, timeless and add value to your home. In order to protect your investment, put the proper care and attention into cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors so that you and your family can continue to enjoy them for years to come.

Guy Ventimiglia is the Sales Manager for Hardwoodbargains.com. He has over 23 years’ experience in the flooring industry, and is an industry expert in all types of hardwood flooring. When he isn’t working at Hardwoodbargains.com, he is enjoying time with his family skiing and snowboarding. 

Kitchen Gadgetry: Unique, Useful and Fun

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kitchen gadgetCooking can be a daily chore or an experience to be embraced. Gadgets in the kitchen can make the difference. Whether to make your cooking experience easier, more convenient or just more fun, gadgets can be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Some are simple and inexpensive but nevertheless extremely helpful in the kitchen. Other gadgets require more expense and/or space to accommodate into your kitchen design. Let’s start with some simple gadgets that might help alleviate the stress of cooking.

Digital Meat Thermometer

This gadget helps measure the exact degree of cooked chicken, roast or turkey so it does not become overdone and dried out. It can also be used as a measure for the warmth of the water when dissolving yeast so it’s not killed by overly warm water.

Silicone Baking Sheets

If baking is your forte, silicone baking sheets will help those cookies slide right onto your cooling racks. Being eco-friendly, silicone baking sheets eliminate the expense and waste of using parchment paper.

Kitchen Tablet Mount

Using technology in the kitchen is becoming truly necessary—after all, Pinterest has all the recipes you could ever want! Because of this, the tablet is becoming a fixture in the kitchen. To protect your iPad or tablet, install a mount that will keep it at eye level and out of the mess of cooking.

Parchment Cooking Bags

These handy cooking bags make cooking without extra butter and oil a reality. They can be used to cook vegetables, as well as fish and meat. They help keep the moisture in food without any added fat.

Herb Mill

If fresh herbs are used frequently in your kitchen, an herb mill is the gadget you need to get the freshest chopped herbs into those recipes with just a turn of the wrist.

Pasta Maker

There is simply nothing as delicious as freshly made pasta. A pasta maker is a must if you’re taking on the task of creating your own spaghetti, ravioli or fettuccine. Simple to use and fun, the pasta maker is worth it, eliminating the need to roll pasta by hand.

Some gadgets that help make the kitchen the room of choice are not as inexpensive and simple, but definitely can make the kitchen a happier place!

Pot-Filler Faucet

With a gallon of water weighing in around eight pounds, this gadget is a wrist saver. The faucet is plumbed right behind your stove, making it a convenient tool with which to fill a pan right on the stove (and no spilling!). Many models come with swing arms so they can be out of the way when not in use.

Beer Tender

If someone in your home enjoys a frosty mug of beer, this appliance will please. Basically, it is a small appliance for your kitchen that refrigerates your beer, keeping it at the perfect temperature (37.4 degrees) for optimal enjoyment. Beer is drawn right from the tap, making it extremely convenient. The cooling system is quiet but effective at keeping a brew nice and frosty!

The kitchen has always been the nucleus of the home: it’s where you gather with your loved ones with few distractions. With so many new, unique and innovative gadgets available today, that nucleus can keep getting stronger!

This article was provided by Chase Roberts, home and garden expert and kitchen gadget guru. If you’re looking for replacement parts for a kitchen appliance, Chase suggests checking out http://www.yourspares.co.uk/.

 

Tips for a Cozier Apartment

Posted on Author adminCategories DIY Projects, home improvementTags , , , , 4 Comments on Tips for a Cozier Apartment

apartmentWhen you’re renting a place, it can be easy to forget all the ways you can make it feel like a home and less like a rental. Whether you will be renting short term or long term, there are many ways you can make your rental feel cozier. Even if your space is small, adding the extra touches below will make it feel warmer, more inviting and more like your home.

Paint

Check your lease to see what restrictions you have when it comes to painting your rental. If you are able to paint, add a warm or trendy color to your walls. If you don’t want to paint your walls in their entirety, paint the wall trims a different color or stencil a pattern around the center or top of your walls. If you are not allowed to paint at all, check your local home improvement store or visit websites for temporary wallpaper or decals.

Decorate the Walls

While paint, wallpaper and decals can give your room more style, color, and textures, you still want to decorate your walls. You can use artwork and framed photos to create focal points that will make your rental feel more personalized and cozier. Your wall décor can be large or small; just make sure scale matches the size of the room.

Add Natural Elements

Adding a touch of nature to any room will make it feel more like a true home. You can do this by decorating with items found in nature like placing beautiful stones in a decorative bowl or filling a vase with twigs and branches. You can also buy art that depicts nature such as a photograph of a forest or a painting of a landscape. If you have a green thumb, you can place plants on shelves, create a windowsill garden or bring in fresh and dried flowers arrangements.

Buy Window Treatments

Many rentals come with inexpensive white or off-white blinds. While they do the job of creating privacy, they are not particularly decorative. A simple way to make your rental feel cozier is to install a rod and hang single or double paned curtains. The curtains will add a pop of color to your room, will allow you greater control of incoming light, will help keep cold air out and can help muffle outside noise. If curtains aren’t your first pick, opt for higher-end blinds that come in different colors, textures and materials other that the standard plastic or metal.

Buy Comfortable Seating

Sometimes when you select seating for a rental property, your primary focus is size and scale. While you do want your seating to be size-appropriate for your room, you also want it to be livable. When picking seating, make sure it is something comfortable and inviting: something that you would want to curl up in or sit in for long periods of time. To make less comfortable seating more comfortable, add throw pillows, throw blankets or chair cushions for hardwood seating.

All of the ideas above are easy ways to make your rental feel warm, cozy and inviting. By adding a few extra touches, you will express your personality and sense of style, and you will create a space that you’ll enjoy spending time in.

This article was provided by Chase Roberts, home & garden expert and current apartment dweller. If you’re renting your place and were looking for ways to keep your belongings safe and secure, Chase recommends Protectyourbubble.com renters insurance.

Looking to spice up your walls with a new coat of paint and live in the Westchester NY area?  Give us a call and take advantage of our 10% discount for all painting projects scheduled for the month of September! ~Gary B.

 

Dreaming up the Perfect Vacation Home

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vacation homeVacation homes are a way to escape from the daily routine and stressors of life. They give you a place to relax, sip some wine, and talk to absolutely no one at all (if solitude is your thing!). But while you’re dreaming away about the perfect crib to escape to, you might want to take a practical approach to getting the job done within your means.
Here are just a few questions you’ll need to ask yourself to turn that dream into a reality!

What Can You Afford?

You can’t relax and enjoy the place if you’re worrying about how you’re going to pay for it. Therefore, among the most important considerations in building or buying a vacation home is your budget. Think hard about how long you’re willing to save up for your dream home and whether you’re willing to take on a mortgage for it. Determine a minimum amount per paycheck that you’ll set aside toward the project. Once you have the budget down, you can then determine the size of land or house you’ll be able to purchase and its location. Sometimes your budget will allow you to purchase a mansion on a lake with neighbors or to build (maybe even yourself!) a secluded little cottage miles from anyone.

What Would Make You Happy (Within Your Budget)?

It seems that the most popular features for a vacation home today are the windows, the landscaping and the sheer size of the home itself. But you have to wonder: have we forgotten the purpose of a vacation home? It’s not supposed to be a competition of who can have the biggest or best! The point of a vacation home is to get away and relax. You’re supposed to be escaping the Joneses while on vacation, not competing with them!

My vacation home, for example, would be an older-but-smaller house with an abundance of character…something with old fixtures and a rustic feel. There would be large windows and a huge porch on the side that would face the lake, river or pond. And it would be simple: there might be a small TV and DVD player but nothing fancy, and there would not be any Internet or cable. The atmosphere would be warm and cozy, with a fireplace in the living room that could warm the entire house because of the open floor plan. What about you?

Is It a Need or Luxury?

You know your budget. You know what you really want in your home and you’re pretty sure it’s at least in the same neighborhood as your budget. Now…where can you cut to make sure your project absolutely comes in at or under budget?

It might be that all you need to really relax is a roof over your head, a comfortable place to lay your head at night, a stove and fridge, running water and a bathroom with a shower. Start here, and one by one (and with price tags attached), add the things you just can’t do without, be it a hot tub or fancy kitchen. Think about what would make you happiest—the Joneses are not invited, remember!

All in all, vacation homes can really be worth owning. They can be excellent investments if done correctly, but they also provide you with a place to make memories and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A vacation home that is yours and yours only, give your mind and body a break, something everyone deserves from time to time.

This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, active mother of two and outdoors fanatic. If you have an interest rustic get-aways or vacationing spots, Samantha recommends checking out Nueltin Fly-in Lodges.

What does your dream vacation home look like? ~Gary B.

How to Choose a Suitable Material for New Home Floors

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We’ve all seen and heard it before: finding a suitable material for new home floors can be really daunting with all the products and materials you can choose from. Most homeowners are often wondering what exactly is the best choice and what are the things one should consider when deciding which material would go well with his or her new home.

There are several things you need to know to be able to choose a suitable material for your new home floors. First of these things to know to make an informed choice is to know what are the flooring materials to choose from.

wood based flooring

http://freshome.com/

First are the wood-based products:

 ●     Laminate Flooring. Laminate is one of the more popular flooring choices available. Some key characteristics like affordability, durability and variety make it a suitable material for new home floors. It’s a few layers of wood veneer with a highly detailed image of the material it tries to mimic – it can either be stone or wood and its also more resistant to moisture compared to typical woods.

 ●     Engineered Hardwood. As the name implies, it is still hardwood, at least in part. While engineered hardwood is still mostly hardwood, the boards or planks are reinforced to make it more stable – less prone to cupping, expansion and contraction and more resistant to water and moisture.

 wood based flooring options

http://www.home-style-choices.com/

 ●     Solid Hardwood. As the name implies this is pure hardwood flooring that adds value to the home. While it may cost more and may have a few changes from one season to another, solid hardwood is exceptionally warm and beautiful. They come in a great variety from the traditional oak and pine to the more exotic materials like tiger wood and teak. Given proper care however, solid hardwood flooring will more than likely outlast our lifetime.

 ●     Bamboo Flooring. Bamboo is a wood-based flooring material, however, bamboo is not a plant nor a tree but a grass that grows in most temperate parts of the world. It has various uses and while it may look fragile, it actually ranks high in the Janka Hardness Scale, above more common hardwoods.

 ●     Cork. Known for its versatility and durability, cork is also a wood-based flooring material though it is not sourced from timber but the bark of a live cork-oak tree. Like bamboo, it is hypoallergenic. It has a naturally occurring substance known as suberin that resists insects and decay.

 Then, there are the natural stones like marble, granite, travertine and slate.

stone flooring

http://www.homeharmonizing.com/

●     Granite. Granite is said to be one of the hardest materials around and is ranked second to diamonds. It comes in beautiful shades like blacks, greys, reds and even purples.

●     Marble. Smooth and versatile, marble has been used in sculptures and buildings even in the olden times because of its luxury and beauty. It may be used with a smoothened, glossy surface like most common marble flooring or with rough pores, naturally occurring in travertine tiles, which is closely related to marble.

●     Slate. While it may not have the equally regal appearance of both granite and marble, slate is also a popular favorite among natural stones because of its strong traction and non-slip surface properties.

Other versatile flooring choices are ceramic and porcelain tiles, carpets and carpet tiles. Vinyl comes in different forms like sheet, tiles and planks. If you want to be a little kinder to the environment then you might want to try linoleum flooring. Genuine linoleums are made from linseed oil and other natural materials.

Now that you’ve been acquainted with your choices, its time to think about the things you need to consider:

laminate flooring

http://www.buzzle.com/

1.    The property. If you’re renting, starting out or just plan to stay in that home for a certain number of years, then consider the material for your new home. Since floors can be costly, be sure to choose your materials well and where you can reap the benefits for the long-term. While natural stone and solid hardwood would add a significant amount to the property, also consider the location and size of the property as they help determine   property values. If you are in a home where you intend only to stay for a certain period of time, then consider cheaper alternatives like vinyl or laminate.

2.    The location. Consider the room in your new home where you plan to install a specific flooring material. Hardwoods or natural stone might work well in the living room, kitchen or dining area but they are not exactly the top choice for bedrooms or bathrooms (at least for hardwood). Cork is well suited for bedrooms, home offices and studies. On-, above-, or below-ground installation will determine which material is most suitable for your new home.

carpeting

http://home.howstuffworks.com/

3.    Style and lifestyle. There are a variety of flooring materials and, keep in mind that, each variety offers even more variety. Be sure to check out all the possible options you have as well as all the resources you can get your hands on. Also be mindful of the activities you intend to have in each area of your new home as traffic is a great factor for choosing how much wear and tear the floors in your new home can take.   

4.    Numbers. By this we mean calculating the area as well as the installation costs for each supplier and contractor who can offer a quote so you can be assured that you are getting the best value for your money. Speaking of best value, also check out forums and product reviews for the products that have made it in your shortlist.

Your floors will play a great part in having lots of good times at home either with friends and family or by yourself. The most suitable material has to be something that meets your budget, reflects your style and something that will keep up with your lifestyle so make sure you look at all the possible places for best ideas and deals.

About the Author

Bryan Vu is a home improvement blogger and community outreach associate for BuildDirect, a leading flooring and building materials provider online.

15 Blogs with Creative Ways to Reuse and Recycle Outgrown Nursery Furniture

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cribThe saying that that time flies is especially true when it relates to your children growing up. No matter how much you want them to, kids don’t stay in the baby stage forever, and before you know it you’ll find yourself with a slew of baby items that your toddler has outgrown. Once your child is no longer in the baby stage you’ll have to find something to do with all of these things, from changing tables to cribs to  other various odds and ends. Instead of tossing them, consider reusing and repurposing outgrown nursery items. These 15 blogs will show you how.

Changing Table

Changing tables don’t have to be used solely for that purpose. In fact, you can repurpose them into everything from drink carts for parties to craft stations for the kids. With the help of these five blog entries you’ll be able to repurpose your changing table into something you can continue to use.

Crib

You were likely over the moon excited about the prospect of becoming a parent when you bought your first crib, however, once your child has moved past the crib stage you have to find something to do with this now unnecessary piece of furniture. Many cribs can’t be re-sold due to changes in the models and because of evolving safety standards, so what do you do with it? Take a look at these five blog posts to find out how to transform your child’s crib into something new.

  • Repurposing Old Items to Save Money There are several ideas on this post you can use to transform your crib into a functional piece of furniture.
  • The Other Three Benches Revealed! Take a look at the pictures of how this blogger took a crib and turned it into a one-of-a-kind bench.
  • Repurposed Cot This blogger couldn’t stand the idea of completely changing the crib into something else, so she made it into a desk that can be turned back into a crib if the need arises.
  • Crib to Chalkboard Easel Tutorial Take the headboard and footboard of a crib, paint it, then hinge it together to make a chalkboard easel.
  • $2 Magazine Rack! By using the frame that holds the box spring and mattresses you can make an inexpensive magazine rack.

Odds and Ends            

When you have kids you quickly find that there are all sorts of odds and ends that your kids outgrow over time. Take a look at these five blog articles to learn how to transform just about everything into something new and useful again, from an old high chair to a child’s play set and even some old dresser drawers.

Kaitlyn Johnson is a regular contributor for newborncare.com. She loves writing articles on baby care & parenting influences. Kindly check out the recent published article “http://www.newborncare.com/blog/15-blogs-with-creative-ways-to-reuse-and-recycle-outgrown-nursery-furniture/“.

Buying a Home for the First Time

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First time home buyersWhen you make the decision to buy your first home, it is a commitment that you are going to have to stick to for many years. Many people take out a 30-year home mortgage loan in order to purchase a new home; if you plan on taking out a mortgage, it’s important to be prepared for the ongoing financial responsibility it will require.

There is a lot of preparation that is involved with purchasing a new home. You have to first save up enough money to provide a reasonable down payment. Second, it is better to have a good credit score if you want to get the best interest rate on your loan. Having steady work is also a big factor, since lenders do not like to give out loans to someone that may not be able to pay it back.

You have to take all of that into consideration in addition to searching for a house to move into. Buying a home is not an easy process, but if you do it correctly then you will be very happy with your decision.

The Importance of Good Credit

Credit is a big factor as to whether or not you will be able to purchase a particular home. A good credit score will allow you to be able to finance a more valuable house with lower interest. Before you attempt to apply for a home loan you should try and increase your credit score as much as possible. Pay down all of your lines of credit including any outstanding loans, credit card bills, and any other debts that you may owe.

A person should not try to apply for a home loan with a credit score less than 650. To be considered for a good home loan you should get your score up to at 750 or above. 800 is an ideal range, but it may take years to establish credit like this. Pay all of your bills on time and reduce your overall debt to credit line ratio to 30% and you should see credit score improvement.

Buying with Another Person

Buying a home with a spouse can either help or hurt you. A spouse with a low credit score and big amount of debt can hold you back from being able to finance a dream home. If your partner spends a lot of money then it may be hard to get him or her to break out of bad habits. Try to get both the credit score of you and your spouse in the best standing possible. You may just want to apply on your own to see if you are able to finance a home without your spouse. Speak with a lender to learn about the options available to you.

Saving is Key

The more money you have to put down on a home the better position you’ll be in to finance the home of your dreams. Try and save to put a 20% down payment on the home you’re interested in moving into.

If this is not possible, then save as much as you can. A down payment of 15% or even 10% is better than nothing. Putting down a significant down payment will automatically add equity to the house and lead to lower mortgage payments down the road. Budget your money wisely to figure out how to save enough for a good-sized down payment.

This article was provided by Mike Gordon, recent business school grad, on the hunt for his first house.. If you are looking to buy your first home on the East Coast, Mike recommends getting in touch with Avenue Realty, a Northern Virginia Realtor.

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, you may need to do some home remodeling to make it truly your dream home.  Contact us for all your home improvement, remodeling and renovation needs!  We’ll come out and give you a FREE in home estimate. -Gary B.

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