Getting Your House Ready to Sell - Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the first impression potential home buyers have of your house. If the outside of the home looks good, people will more than likely want to see what the inside is like. Following are tips for ensuring the outside of your home is attractive for potential home buyers.

Landscaping

Make sure your landscaping is at least average in comparison to other homes in the neighborhood. If it isn't, buy a few bushes and plant them. Don't worry about investing in trees or expensive landscaping propositions. Planting immature trees does not add much to the value of a home and you are not likely to get your investment back. Consider planting some flowers to add color (no bulbs or seeds since they won't grow in time to show the house).

Keep your lawn evenly cut and edged, well-watered and free of brown spots. Fix any problem areas before working on the inside of your house to allow these areas some time to grow. Rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.

Home Exterior

To paint or not to paint? Take a look at your house from across the street. Does it look tired or faded? If so, it may be wise to paint and spruce up the appearance of the house. You are likely to receive your investment back. If you opt to paint, be sure to pick a color that fits well within the neighborhood. If you opt not to paint, consider washing the exterior of the house. Clean the windows inside and out and remember to check the gutters and chimney.

Roof

If you know your roof leaks, repair it. If you don't repair it, you will have to disclose this information to the buyer who will want a new roof. Roof issues may potentially come up during the inspection as well.

Backyard

Make sure your backyard is tidy. Keep the kids toys cleaned up. If the lot size is small, you may consider removing swing sets or forts to give it the appearance of being more spacious. If you have pets, be sure the lawn is constantly clear of "debris." If you have a pool or spa, keep is well-maintained and constantly clean.

Front Door

The front door is the entryway into the home. Refinish or repaint the door as needed and ensure the door fixture stays polished.

Driveway

Keep your driveway clean and clear. Store RVs or old cars elsewhere while the house is on the market. Consider re-sealing an asphalt driveway.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at [http://www.myguidesusa.com], you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find tips and resources for buying and selling a home at [http://buyingandsellingahome.myguidesusa.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Hilary_Basile/78760

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Home Restoration Services - Different Types, Services and Precautions

Restoration can be defined according to Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary (1975) as a process that is 'a bringing back to a former position or condition.' Restoration is a necessity for antique lovers when it comes to preserving the beautiful framework, historical importance, and aesthetics. Yet sometimes it is just an unavoidable process due to natural calamities or other damages. At times there can be some sentimental or traditional memories to be taken care of. But regardless of the reason behind restoration, it is always the highest concern of both the restorer and the client to return back into the home's original shape and design.

Types of restoration services:

Three major types of damages affecting the homes can be mentioned, for which home restoration services are needed:

1. Water Damage restoration services

Water damages can range from natural catastrophe to simple faults in household contents, like floods, heavy rains, toilet overflow, plumbing leaks, dishwasher leakage etc. Whatever the reason is, it causes great damage to homes and is often followed by molds.

2. Fire and Smoke Damage restoration services

Fire damages can take place due to heavy lightning strikes to simple candle fire, even smoking. It also includes faulty wires or electrical equipment, natural gases and fireworks. It is the most dangerous form of damages, as it can spread out so easily and frequently destroying even a whole city.

3. Mold Damage restoration services

Due to poor ventilation, high humidity and darkness molds start to grow at homes. Molds are also side-effects of water damages. And sometimes it occurs to a greater extent because of not taking it seriously at the very initial stage.

Steps in restoration services:

Whatsoever the damage type is, at first the restoration team will monitor the place thoroughly and after analyzing they will make a plan to execute. Then they will take the necessary steps according to the damage type. Generally, the steps include limiting the damage, draining out excessive water (if any), evaporating contents, helping family members in disinfection, odor treatment, cleaning up the residues and lastly decontaminating everything.

Precautions to be taken:

Both a huge amount of expenses and effort can be saved if several precautions can be maintained. Using waterproof materials for household contents and raising the electrical systems' level can prevent severe water damage. Incorrect cleaning and using defective electrical appliances should be avoided. Smoke alarms and fire exit doors should be planned for each and every house. Using organic materials and controlling moisture at home can prevent molds to grow.

Health hazards:

There are possibilities of being highly infected by these damages, especially molds. It can be allergic reactions, fungal infections, asthma problems and also inflammatory infections. So molds must be taken care of at the early stages.

Time plays a vital role in affecting the walls, rooftops, furniture, electronic appliances and everything else as a result of these damages. So it should be treated with high priority as soon as possible, as it spreads out fast with time. Also the right procedure and appropriate materials usage count regarding this. It is highly recommended to contact with home restoration professionals in all above cases. At the time of restoration process, some factors should be kept in mind with high priority, such as: using cheaper painting, mixing different types of materials, lack of knowledge etc. can even lower the durability.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9189026

Tips on Hiring a Contractor After a Flood Disaster

What type of contractor do I need to repair my flooded home?

If your home has been damaged by a flood, you may need to hire the services of professionals to mitigate the damages, handle any damaged personal property, or perform repairs. Typically, contractors who specialize in flood mitigation and repair are most familiar with the techniques and processes that this type of work requires. Contractors who specialize in flood damage remediation or "flood restoration contractors" understand the proper procedures necessary to restore and/or dry out a home or building and its contents. Some of the specialized equipment they may include: truck mounted and portable vacuums or water extractors, high-velocity air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to monitor the drying process.

Residential home re-modelers or custom home builders may not have the experience that flood restoration contractors have in this field and may not have the expertise to properly mitigate the damage and/or prevent increased levels of microbial growth (mold). If mold becomes a concern, you may need to hire a certified industrial hygienist to test for mold and provide a restoration protocol or guidelines to mitigate any mold issues. Keep in mind that if you have insurance, your homeowners' insurance policy may have very little or no coverage for mold remediation, so contact your insurance company to find out if you have coverage and what your limits are. Mold remediation can be very expensive!

Usually, after a flood, the restoration process will have three main components:

1. The first is the structural drying phase. This is where the water and moisture are removed along with any materials that cannot be saved such as warped or damaged flooring, baseboard, wet drywall, etc.
2. The second component is the handling of any personal property. This may entail packing up all of the contents of the home including clothing, furniture, or other items and storing and/or restoring them offsite until the structural repairs are completed. This phase also may require the creation of an inventory to document or list any personal property that may have been damaged beyond repair and that needs to be replaced.
3. The third phase in the restoration project is the structural repair. This entails the restoration of building elements that need to be repaired or replaced, including insulation, drywall, baseboards, cabinetry, flooring, painting, etc. In some cases, a single restoration contractor may offer to perform all three phases or you may want to choose one company to handle the drying while other companies handle the contents and structural repair.

Before you sign a contract for flood remediation services, consider the following:
 

• Read every word of the contract and be sure you understand the terms and conditions.
• Review any fee schedule that details what the charges will be for labor and equipment.
• Get an estimate of what the drying process may cost before any work begins. Any costs or charges that your insurance company does not cover or pay for, you may be held personally responsible to pay.
• Obtain copies of certificates of general liability and workers compensation insurance and be sure the policies are current and in force.
• Obtain copies of any Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) if the contractor intends to use any chemicals, anti-microbial agents, or other substances in your home that could cause adverse health effects.
• Check references and affiliations with trade organizations and the Better Business Bureau.
• Photograph and document your home, its contents, and the extent of any damages prior to anything being done or moved.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sean_Monroe_Scott/1290184

Watch the BEST Renovations of Historic Homes | Full Episode Recaps | HGTV

Fresh, fabulous makeovers while still preserving their charm and character! Tune into this mashup of episodes from Home Town, Fixer to Fabulous, and Farmhouse Fixer to watch the transformations.

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Painting Kitchen Cabinets Without Stripping | Ask This Old House

This Old House

2026 Color Trends: A Quiet Joy | Dunn-Edwards Paints

The Dunn-Edwards 2026 Color Trends feature nine trending colors and eight notable neutrals - each drawing inspiration from colors found in nature and offering a balance of tones to create a sense of harmony in any space. As we continue into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and technological advancements, the Dunn-Edwards team of Color Experts identified a growing desire for warmer, more grounded hues with natural materials and textures.

Dunn-Edwards Corporation

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Light Paint Colors That Actually Have Personality (Sherwin Williams)

Light paint colors don’t have to be bland. in this video, I’m sharing *Sherwin Williams light paint colors that actually have personality* — colors with depth, undertones, and character that make your home feel calm and intentional. these aren’t your typical builder beiges. from airy mushroom neutrals to modern soft greens and powdery complex whites, each of these Sherwin Williams colors brings subtle warmth, balance, and emotion to your walls. I’ll explain why they work in different lighting conditions, how they compare to benjamin moore favorites, and how to choose the right light tone for your own space.

The Paint People

This Old House | Focus on Framing

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Silva frame an exterior wall on ground and raise it into place. Tom gives a personal history of framing tools. Kevin, Charlie Silva and Heath Eastman talk about different types of recessed lighting, installation of and layout. Electrical panels are discussed. An old ridge beam is replaced with three LVLS sandwiched together in place to support the addition.

This Old House

This Old House

How to Understand Two-Prong Outlets | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House electrician Heath Eastman explains what two-prong receptacles are, why they’re no longer to code, and how to replace them. SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse. What should a person do with their two-pronged outlet when so many cords have three-prongs? To answer this, Heath has to take a step back and clarify a few things. He goes through the correct terminology of an outlet, a receptacle, and a receptacle outlet. Afterwards, Heath explains that the number of prongs has more to do with the wiring behind the receptacle than it does with the receptacle itself. Pre-1960’s, homes used two conductors, but post-1960’s a third conductor was introduced for safety, the ground wire. The ground wire will safely carry a stray, potentially dangerous, current away from risk of causing a fire or electrocution. Heath then explains that replacing them can be costly if there is no ground present, as it will require rewiring the whole room or home. However, he shares another way to get a grounded, three-prong receptacle without rewiring- using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Heath explains how the GFCI receptacle outlet works and gives some tips on how to install one.

This Old House

Cost: $20 for a GFCI and $200 for professional installation

This Old House | Engineered for Accessibility

Great progress is being made on the project house. The primary addition is being framed and the rooms are starting to take shape. A sound deadening wall is built. A lally column is removed and a larger ridge beam is installed to create an open kitchen and dining area. The homeowners choose hardscape finishes based on 3D renderings. An accessible designed bathroom is toured.

SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse. Where to find it? Contractor: TJ Berky Builders  [https://berkybuilders.com/Home_Page.php] Landscape designer: SiteOne Landscape Supply [https://www.siteone.com/en/] Accessibility consultant: Solutions for Accessibility [http://www.solutionsforaccessibility....] Enjoying full-episodes of This Old House? Join This Old House INSIDER to stream every episode ever made of This Old House (over 1,000 hours), commercial-free. https://bit.ly/32CLaGe Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew? Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/ne... Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/st... About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home. Follow This Old House: Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG