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• What is Japanese Knotweed, and Why Is It So Dangerous? 

  
  

  Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or not, the chances are that you’ve heard of Japanese knotweed thanks to the reputation it has as a notoriously invasive plant. Knotweed can become a danger to both natural and manmade structures. Learning how to spot the plant, as well as the risks it has if you find it on your property, will help you deal with the invasive species safely, without causing any further disruption to your premises.

  What is Japanese Knotweed?

  Japanese knotweed is an invasive vegetation species that can grow extremely quickly.  Rather than spreading through seeds like many other native plants, Japanese knotweed can regrow through roots and rhizomes. Rhizomes are tiny fragments of the plant; this means that any disruption to the area can cause them to easily transfer, and spread through the local area quickly. Because of this, it’s important to contact an invasive vegetation specialist like Ebsford Environmental as soon as you spot the plant on your property.

  The plant dies back in the winter but can be recognised in the summertime by bamboo-like stems, large, shovel-shaped leaves and small white flowers. As the plant grows so quickly, it’s rare to spot it alone; usually, you’ll see Japanese knotweed in a thicket of several plants and stems together.

  Where did the plant come from?

  Native to Japan, Japanese knotweed arrived in England in the 1800s, as part of a drive to collect and study flora and fauna from around the globe. At this time, the plant was used as an ornamental feature in gardens, as well as feed for farmed animals. Unfortunately, by the time the destructive nature of the plant was realised, it had already spread.

  Today, Japanese knotweed can be found all over Britain. You’re likely to spot the weed on verges by the side of the road, but it has spread so far, so quickly, that it crops up all over the country, in gardens and commercial premises as well as in the wild.

  What are the dangers for homeowners?

  Since it was made illegal to dispose of Japanese knotweed in England in the 1980s, it has become considerably more difficult for homeowners with the plant on their land to sell their homes. It’s common for mortgage lenders to refuse to offer a mortgage if Japanese knotweed is found on your potential new premises. As the responsibility for dealing with the plant lies with the person who owns the premises it is found on, homeowners can face hefty bills and a long eradication process in order to remove Japanese knotweed safely and permanently.

  Knotweed’s roots can grow up to 3m long and are able to grow through concrete, tarmac and the foundations of most buildings. This makes them a real threat to the structural integrity of building premises, as well as your insurance premiums and so can be very dangerous for any inhabitants living there, as well as an expensive issue to fix.

  What are the dangers for the local environment?

  Japanese knotweed grows in harmony with other plants in its native environment. However, it can cause serious issues for local flora and fauna in the UK, as well as the habitat it is growing within.

  Because the plant’s thick roots can grow very quickly, they pose particular risks for riverbanks, as well as fish and animals that rely on the water source. If left unattended, Japanese knotweed can even redirect the natural path of brooks and streams, and its thick leaves can create shade, stopping other plants from getting the sunlight they need to grow further.

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• 3 Most Popular Home Designs Today and Their Features

  
  

  With more than enough home designs today, homeowners have trouble settling on a plan for their homes. It is essential to understand the main home designs and their features before deciding on the best plan for your space and style.

  With the industry flooded with many choices, knowledge of what each design entails is crucial. It helps to write the features you want and compare them to known house designs to pick a name for your design. Let’s look at some of the home designs making headlines today.

  Farmhouse Home Design

  The most prominent feature about farmhouse home designs is ample space both indoors and outdoors. Unlike other plans, this one eludes a homely feel for families yearning for a suburban lifestyle. Anyone going for a farmhouse home plan wants some or all of the following features:

  • Woodsy decorative details
  • A few stories
  • Extended porches
  • Ample space
  • Open-plan kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Wide footprint

  Other home details depend on your specific taste and preference. The features are pretty flexible in modern farmhouse home plans, with constant features being the space and porches. You can incorporate other features like sliding barn door hardware into the design to make it personal and in line with what you had envisioned for your home.

  Modern farmhouse plans today also have large windows, sleek lines, wrap-around porches, gables for additional light, and flexible layouts. Most people going for farmhouse home designs want a peaceful and spacious environment to live with loved ones. A beautiful landscape is often the best part of living in a farmhouse.

  Cottage Home Design

  Cottages are often referred to as tiny, cozy houses in semi-urban or rural areas. For that reason, most people will build cottage homes as holiday homes and not their leading houses. However, modern architecture has allowed people to live in any place they want.

  If you want to live every day of your life in a picturesque house, the cottage home design is your go-to house plan. The small space allows you to experience a warm and neat environment in the home. Some of the defining features for this home plan are:

  • Magnificent views
  • Outdoor living space
  • Stone, wood, or brick construction
  • Overhanging roofs
  • Irregular layout
  • Small footprint
  • Smaller, cozy interiors
  • Arched doorways
  • Wide front porches

  The cottage home plan is economical and has a somewhat traditional style focusing on breathtaking views.

  Craftsman Home Design

  Craftsman home designs are popular for individualism. The idea behind the homes is that the homeowners build the houses to their liking, and, therefore, no one home should look like the other.

  However, in modern-day architecture, architects have adopted and documented these designs with a few similar features, as seen below. The modern home designs also include very appealing front yards to complement the houses.

  • Bungalow
  • Overhanging eaves
  • Pillars at the entrance
  • Single protruding dormers
  • Windows with separate panes of glass on top and at the bottom
  • Gable style, low-pitched roofs
  • Exposed rafters
  • Built-in storage
  • Natural construction materials
  • Conspicuous fireplaces
  • Window seats and nooks

  Fireplaces are the focal points of the living room in the craftsman bungalows. Other interior decorations in a classic craftsman home are bookcases next to the fireplace. Today, we find the bookcases have been replaced with artsy items or other pieces of décor to improve the aesthetic value of the living room.

  Home plans often depend on the homeowners’ taste. Whether you are building a home with a loan from the housing authority or without it, choose a design that works best for you. The craftsman home design is embraced more by ordinary people who want a house representing every design aspect they want without attracting too much attention. In short, it is a simple design with more focus on functionality than appeal.

  The farmhouse design is ideal for families that want to settle in the rural area with enough space for outdoor activities and lots of room inside the house. The beautiful landscape on the property is the selling point for such homes.

  Last but not least, the cottage home design is perfect for vacation homes with splendid views and cozy interiors. The beauty of a picturesque home is to have it as a getaway home and not a regular place to stay. Most people build cottages like guest houses or vacation homes.

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• 5 Smart Tips to Boost Your Home’s Resale Value

  
  

  The housing market is always brimming with options for all kinds of buyers. Any good house rarely stays in the market for long, but the real deal is when the house sells for more than its original value. Many factors affect the resale value of your house, such as home appreciation, inflation, demand for property, and so on. However, these factors are uncontrollable and may negatively or positively impact your property’s value. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to boost your home’s resale value without breaking the bank. If you want to inch up that sale price, take a look at the following simple tips to make your house worth top dollar.

  1. Work on the appearance

  Undeniably, you want potential buyers to get hooked to your house right away. According to experts, essential upgrades to your house’s exterior and sprucing up the curb appeal can improve your house’s resale value by 7% to 14%. So, start by giving your house’s exterior a paint job in neutral tones. Similarly, if you have a wooden door, paint it with bold colors such as forest green or buttery yellow for an aesthetic appeal. According to many real estate agents, curb appeal ranks as the number one way to increase a home’s resale value. Therefore, meticulously clean the outside of the house, mow the lawn, plant fresh flowers, and so forth.

  2. Focus on your home’s efficiency: 

  Who wouldn’t love a smart thermostat or LED lights around the house? Fortunately, you can get the LED Recessed Lighting Retrofit in your humble abode through professionals. You’ll be surprised to know that more than 70% of real estate professionals say that making your home energy-efficient adds significantly to your house’s sale value. Take a look at the following home efficiency improvement features which homebuyers value the most:  

  • Energy-efficient lighting such as Retrofit LED lights 
  • Adequate HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems 
  • A smart thermostat for managing energy costs 
  • Adding doors, windows, and siding installations
  • Solar panels for the entire house

  Making your home energy efficient may cause you to spend a few thousand bucks. However, upgrading your house can boost your home’s value by thousands of dollars.

  3. Add usable space

  Focusing on this tip can boost your house’s resale value if you sell in areas with finite space and land. Since homebuyers prefer as many livable square feet as possible, it’s evident that adding extra usable space or storage makes sense. Buyers also prefer when every inch of space outside can be used for storing equipment like mowers or gardening tools. 

  Therefore, knock out some walls and throw in an extra room wherever sufficient space is available. People can even use this extra room as their home office, storage room, or an accessible laundry room. Don’t forget to make the outside space count as well by adding a gazebo or a deck. People love a comfy outdoor space where they can spend time or have weekend hangouts. However, you should know that you won’t always earn back all the money you invest in this kind of home renovations. Nonetheless, it still adds handsomely to the overall value of your house.

  4. Deep clean and declutter

  It is entirely understandable if you think, how would cleaning add to your house’s resale value? But statistics say otherwise. According to a 2019 Home Light report, you can add more than $4000 to your house’s resale value by decluttering and deep cleaning it. Isn’t it obvious? No one prefers to purchase real estate having mounds of dirt, mold, and pests crawling everywhere. According to a NARs (National Association of Realtors) study in 2017, 89% recommend deep cleaning houses before listing, and 93% recommend decluttering. 

  To ensure buyers see most of the house and don’t hesitate from paying a little extra, declutter and throw away any unnecessary item. Remove items that make the interior look congested and pay extra attention to cleaning out the storage spaces. Scrub away the mold, especially in the bathrooms, add some shine, improve indoor air quality, and organize. Even though decluttering and cleaning are inexpensive ways to add to your house’s value, you can always hire a cleaning service for top-notch results.

  5. Make your home smart

  The largest group of buyers in 2020 are millennials, who represent 38% of all homebuyers. Therefore, you have to appeal to the demographics and add features in your house that they feel best adds convenience to their lives. Making your house innovative by adding advanced systems is one way to do it. Home gadgets appeal to tech geeks and a large number of people who love the convenience they offer. Therefore, hit the electronic store and grab a few things like smart fire detectors, thermostats, advanced lighting systems, door locks, smart cameras, etc. These upgrades can tremendously enhance your house’s value.

  Conclusion

  You don’t need to wait for the market to shift or the inflation to decrease to get a lucrative resale value of your house. With some simple and budget-friendly ways, you can easily appeal to the right buyers. For starters, you can work on your house’s curb appeal, add sufficient space where possible, work on the outdoors and exterior, and fix in advanced systems. Similarly, upgrade appliances, and finish it off with energy-efficient technology. Within no time, potential buyers will be flocking near your property.

  partnered post • cc-licensed image from tkoch on pixabay

• How to Use Your AC and Save Electricity During Summer

  
  

  Summer is the best time for fun activities such as outdoor games, pool parties, backyard cookout, road trips, and more. However, too much exposure to the sun is dangerous, as our climate has drastically changed over the decades. These days, an increasing number of people prefer to stay indoors to keep themselves protected from the scorching heat of the sun. 

  With the intense heat, homeowners are now using their air conditioners for longer periods than usual, which leads to these units expending more energy to regulate the temperature. If you’re seeing a surge in your electric bill, here are some ideas for how to save electricity during summer.

  Get a Smart Thermostat

  One of the best upgrades that you can get for your air conditioner system is a smart thermostat. It helps reduce the energy costs from the heating and cooling process during the dry season. A smart thermostat can regulate your home’s temperature and it allows you to adjust the settings with the use of your mobile device.

  Using a smart thermostat will let you switch the AC on or off automatically. It also keeps your house with a steady temperature throughout the day, which can also help you save energy by avoiding power surges from abrupt adjustments in temperature.

  Install a Ceiling Fan

  Installing a ceiling fan inside your home is a great alternative to using your AC. It has the ability to reduce the temperature up to 10 degrees, provided that there are enough openings to achieve better circulation.

  When you use your ceiling fan together with your AC, it can reduce the thermostat setting to plus four degrees Celsius, making it more efficient and providing the same comfort. However, you need to switch off your fan if not in use. This helps with regards to global energy conservation initiatives.

  Door and Window Tightness

  If you want your AC unit to function properly, you need to check that the openings of your house have the proper insulation and sealants. The insulation works to prevent heat from penetrating your house, while the sealants will make sure that no cold air will escape.

  Attach Window Shades

  To be able to achieve the output of your AC, make sure that your windows have shades to prevent the sun’s heat from going inside your house. Direct sunlight can increase the temperature in your house, which makes your AC system work harder and makes you pay extra.

  Perform Maintenance Works

  You need to perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and replacing filters every month to help your AC unit achieve optimum performance. The importance of clean air ducts for your AC unit is also vital to know in order to prolong its lifespan. A healthy system will provide you comfort and energy savings at the same time.

  Prevent Heat Buildup

  The summer heat will make you feel uncomfortable inside your house due to the increased temperature. While it’s the best season for outdoor activities, it would be better to avoid exposing yourself to the sun’s harmful rays as much as you can. There are also other factors that contribute to the heat inside your house, such as using the clothes dryer, cooking on your stove or oven, and using your dishwasher.

  To prevent your AC from working harder, try decreasing the use of other appliances that generate heat. You may want to consider grilling your food or using the microwave. You may also do the dishes by hand and let them dry on a rack. Hang your washed clothes on a clothesline instead of using the clothes dryer. These simple changes will help you manage your energy consumption.

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by Pixabay

• How to Increase Your Home’s Value Without Hurting Your Pocket

  
  

  During home renovations and remodeling, the main goal is to increase the value of your home without overspending on your budget. While this may seem impossible, you just need to be creative in order to achieve it. Here are some cost-effective ways of increasing your home’s value:

  Work on Interiors

  One good way to bring value is to work on your home’s interiors by:

  Freshening-up Walls

  A home’s value can significantly dip if the walls look old and worn out. Chipped paint, scratched walls, fading wallpaper, and even dated colors can lower the value of your home. Try to give it new life with a fresh coat of paint. If you plan to sell it, a neutral color is a good way to maximize its value. Neutral colors can unify the entire look of the home since they are easy to pair up with any decoration.

  Change Fixtures

  You can give your home a new look by simply replacing the fixtures. If you are up for it, you can even scour thrift shops to find the best hardware that would match your home’s aesthetics. If you are on the creative side, you can paint your switch plates with matte paint.

  Focus on Windows

  Do away with window treatments that don’t provide value to your home. Go for classic looks that blend well with your home. If there are chipped parts or broken glass, replace them. If they need to be replaced entirely, invest in energy-efficient windows. Add some window treatments such as wooden blinds, premium drapes, or plantation shutters. Make sure it is tied to the home’s overall look. Add a security screen if necessary.

  Ditch the Carpet

  If at all possible, ditch your carpet. In most older homes, floors are usually made with hardwood but are covered with carpets. If you notice that your floor is squeaking, chances are you have a hardwood floor. Reveal its natural beauty by removing the carpets and work on refinishing the floor. It will be a lot of work, but it would definitely add to the value of your home.

  Attract from the Outside

  Of course, you should not forget to attract potential buyers by increasing your home’s curb appeal.

  Check the Roof and Gutters

  One of the first things you have to check on the exterior of your home is your roof. See if there are areas that need to be replaced. Inspect the gutters and clean them if necessary. You’ll notice the advantages of quality gutters when you inspect them after a careful inspection of your roofing system. Quality gutters will take years before they would need any repairs. In comparison, cheap ones will cost you more. In the long run, good ones actually help you save money.

  Maintain Lawn and Garden

  If you have an outdoor space, trim the grass and make sure that you take care of your outdoor plants. If you have a bigger budget, try installing a pergola to give your home a cozy feeling. Get yourself solar-powered outdoor lighting, and you’ll have an extended living space in your home.

  Increasing your home’s value doesn’t have to be expensive. The important thing is that you carefully plan it. Set a budget for yourself, and don’t go overboard. Don’t do everything in one go. Try to start small, and before you know it, you’ll have a wonderful home.

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• Making a Home More Accessible for Those with Limited Mobility

  
  

  Disabilities can alter the way we move through our lives on a day-to-day basis, even when we’re in such familiar places as our homes. The home itself can actually be a challenging place that’s chock full of obstacles if the disabilities are new occurrences. Things like doorknobs, bathrooms, stairs and even a variety of surfaces can be hazardous, and learning to adapt can be overwhelming. Let’s explore a few ways to make the home more easily accessible for those with limited mobility.

  Bathroom

  For many people, the bathroom can present quite a few obstacles. Whether your disability stems from birth and genetics or you’re off your feet during post-surgical treatment, it’s easy to imagine the calamity that can ensue when slick tile gets soapy.

  Countertops and tubs aren’t great surfaces for able-bodied people to fall on, let alone those with physical difficulties. Aside from that, tubs have tall sides that can be difficult to get over. Replace that old tub with one that has a step-in feature and make sure your tub also has a surface that’s slip-resistant.

  Some people suffer from things like being prone to falls or have poor balance. Others just need a bit of help to get into and out of bathrooms, beds, and chairs. For these people, handrails that are well-placed can be life changers. Grab rails in bathrooms can especially decrease risk for falling while assisting users to lift themselves up on their own. They can both create peace of mind and increase independence.

  Kitchen

  As with the other rooms in a home, the most critical aspect of a kitchen is its functionality. If you have limited mobility, the layout of your kitchen is even more critical and must be taken into account when being designed. When things are stored where they can’t be reached, this can become an issue that can lead to frustration and even the occurrence of accidents.

  If you have mobility that’s decreased, accessible storage via the use of adjustable wall apparatuses, magnetized storage units, and even baskets can assist with the creation of a space that’s both functional and safe. Also, consider adding features like SMART light fixtures, outlets that are well placed, and tools and appliances that are designed specifically for people with limited mobility. You want to make it as easy as possible to do ordinary tasks.

  Stairs

  Did you know that according to the Census Bureau, mobility is the most common disability among seniors? If someone in your household finds the stairs to be an obstacle because of this, consider installing a stairlift. These are available in a multitude of styles and can be either a permanent solution or, if you get a portable stair climber, can be used anywhere.

  Doorknobs

  There are quite a few styles of doorknobs out there that are both difficult to use and cumbersome for people who have difficulty gripping things. Replacing these with bars for pushing or pulling, handles with press levers, or even doors that are automatic can tremendously increase the accessibility of your home.

  There are quite a few things that you can do in order to make your home one that’s more accessible for people with limited mobility. So many, in fact, that it can easily become an overwhelming, seemingly Herculean task. The good news is that there are people out there who can help with this – from ideas gotten from medical professionals to the designers that can turn those ideas into reality. Just remember that just because you add a few safety features, that doesn’t necessarily mean your home is becoming less homey, just more user-friendly.

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• 7 Ways to Soundproof Your Walls

  
  

  Living in row houses and condos has become a popular housing option for many people in Australia. But often in this type of housing, the units are mostly adjacent to each other and the wall system is not particularly soundproofed which results in a noisy occurrence in the tower. 

  These noises become way more prevalent when you have noisy neighbors, loud music, and kids. If this has become a serious issue for you then fortunately you don’t have to put up with the noise anymore.

  For determining which type of soundproofing is needed you have to do two things. 

  First, identify what type of noise you’re hearing. Is it the neighbor's dog, highway traffic, tv noise, etc? After that, identify the source of the noise or where it is exactly coming from. It might be coming from the bedroom to the front door. After identifying the part of the house, focus on soundproofing that part.

  In this article, we will see the best ways to soundproof your condo and row house walls.

  1. Add Dense Sheets

  Although this won’t look good and you might not stand the way your house will look after adding dense mass like this but it does seem to work. So if you’re looking for a cheap way to resolve this you can opt for this method.

  2. Focus on Specific Areas

  If you’re tight on budget then lookout for the most specific area of your house from where the noise is coming in and try to block it out by applying soundproofing wallpaper or duct tape or sealant.

  3. Insulate Interior Walls.

  Insulation not only makes your house soundproof but will help lower your electricity bills as well. There are a lot of soundproofing materials in the market and you can choose the one which is perfect for your condo.

  4. Add an Extra Layer of Drywall

  Although it is a bit expensive, it is deemed to be a long-term solution. You can create a layer of double drywall all around your room as this will create a barrier and will make it hard for the sound to leave through.

  5. Add an Audio Blanket or Soundproof Blanket

  These are easy to block noises as you have to just simply hang them over the unit or the walls for soundproofing. Although a bit expensive these serve as a great option for condos or rowhouses. 

  One thing you have to keep in mind is that you might need to cover these blankets with something else or hang something beautiful on them to cover them up as they are not aesthetically beautiful.

  6. Damping

  Damping reduces the vibrations of sound by absorption and helps reduce the overall sound level. Sound damping and soundproofing may seem the same and they are but one difference is that sound damping just involves dissipating vibrational energy before it can build up and radiate sound whereas soundproofing involves various techniques and different means to achieve the goal of reducing the noise.

  7. Decoupling the Wall

  The decoupling technique is a simple procedure but would require tearing down the walls and involves separating the two sides of the wall into two different sections. This technique helps as it makes it harder for the sound to pass through the wall and helps in reducing the noise overall.

  Take Away

  These are some methods you can use to soundproof your condo or rowhouse. You can use any of these methods to soundproof your wall. 

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by Aaron Parker

• Why Should You Never Ignore Home Inspections Before Buying a Property?

  
  

  Home inspections should be a part of your home buying routine, and having a professional home inspector for the purpose is the best way to protect your investment. While a property might look flawless when you glance over the various areas, a detailed home inspection might reveal some underlying issues you can insist on resolving before making the payment. This will save you a lot of unnecessary expenses later. 

  If you were ever wondering what do home inspectors look for, here are some of the areas they take heed of: 

  • Finding Out about Costs

  A property might come with several attractive features, and you perhaps would not mind paying for them at the time of purchase. However, what will it cost you to maintain those features in the long run? Moreover, are those features essential? Do you need a sauna and a Jacuzzi on the property? Is there a canopy over the swimming pool? 

  If yes, will you schedule a pool clean-up every other week, and will it be feasible? A home inspection can help you ask pertinent questions about the property on issues you might not have had even noticed before.

  • Safety Features

  A home inspection allows you to check all the safety features that are promised in the house. Are all the CCTV cameras working, recording and filing everything properly? Is the electrical circuit flawlessly set up? Is the HVAC free of all issues and does not release any carbon monoxide.

  Do all the rooms with fireplaces have adequate ventilation? There are also other safety features that a home inspector will draw your attention to anything out of place.

  • Checking for Damage 

  Unless and until a property is brand new and recently constructed, there is always a chance that the house might have undergone some damage over time. A transparent seller will try to fix these issues, but they might have missed it too. A home inspector will check for water damages and structural damages.

  Damp patches under the ceiling or wet drywall in the basement can indicate water damage, and the seller should fix them before selling. There could be fungal growth and pest infestation in your home due to the damage as well. The inspector will also check for faulty faucets or clogged drains, as all of these issues could lead to water damage at some point.

  Renovating such damages can be costly, and you do not want to deal with the mess or the expenses after moving into a new home. If the seller refuses to comply and repair the damages, you can choose to look for another property.

  Now that you know an answer to the question, what do home inspectors look for? You will understand how crucial home inspection is. You will never be able to spot all the major issues with the property unless you have a detailed eye and know what to look for. A home inspector will make the task easier for you and make sure your money is well spent.

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by Chris Potter

• Most Popular Reasons To Install Safety & Security Screens

  
  

  A safety screen is designed to fit in your window space. It is made of a fine mesh that allows the air into your home and doesn’t significantly interrupt your view of the world around you. But, the safety screen does block bugs and other pests from entering. These screens can also be used on doors and are often referred to as flyscreen doors or windows.

  Security screens take this a step further. They still keep the bugs out of your house. But, instead of being made of mesh, these screens are made with metal and locked into position. This makes them a good deterrent for people trying to break into your home. The average security screen won’t break even if you use a hammer or screwdriver on it.

  In short, a safety and security screen will keep your home safer. But, you should also be aware of the following benefits, they are all reasons to install security screens today.

  Fire Prevention

  Many modern screens are made to withstand the heat of a fire, even bush fires. This means that they will keep the temperature inside your home cooler for longer. The screens will not guarantee that the fire doesn’t burn your house down. But, they will buy you valuable time to get out safely. 

  If you live in a bushfire area you need to check your screens are approved for bush fires.

  Exit Point

  If you have an emergency and need to get out of your home fast you usually head for the door. But, if the door is blocked by a fire or some other issue, then you need to find a window you can get out of. If your house has security bars then you may be out of luck. But, if you have security screens they can be quickly removed and allow you to escape the property.

  In fact, in most cases, they have a simple opening mechanism that can be done by any adult. 

  Wind Damage

  If you have ever sat through a tornado, cyclone, or other storms then you will understand how devastating the wind can be. It will pick things up and throw them at your house. While a window may break, a security screen should be strong enough to withstand that impact, keeping you safe. 

  Prevent Falls

  Having the windows open in your home is a great way to get air in and still appreciate the view. However, when you have upstairs windows this does increase the risk of children accidentally falling out the window, or intentionally climbing out.

  Security screens with child-proof locks prevent your child from being able to climb or fall out of the window, slipping on the roof, and falling, potentially seriously hurting themselves.

  Of course, the assumption is that you are using security screens and not just flyscreens which are unlikely to prevent a child from falling out. This is one of those things that most people think will never happen until it does.  

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by ntm1909

• The Best Upgrades To Increase Home Value

  
  

  People will always tell you that property is more than just a home, it is also an investment as it will increase in value over time. In truth, this is correct, over time property prices have always risen, even if there are small dips along the way. However, that doesn’t mean you have to rely on time to increase the value of your home.

  If you want it to be worth even more or simply want to increase the value to sell it quicker, there are several ways in which you can increase the value of your home by undertaking simple upgrades.

  However, before you start it is a good idea to speak to your local real estate agent or a reputable real estate auctioneer. They will be able to advise you regarding which are the best upgrades to do in your specific locations. While all the following will add value to your home, the area you live in influences which ones are in most demand by people looking to buy. 

  Change Your Front Door

  This is a simple job as your replacement door should be exactly the same size and shape. But, it is worth doing as the front door is often the first focal point of your home and something that buyers will remember later. 

  You should consider installing a modern metal door. These look like traditional doors and can be purchased in a wide array of colors. But, they offer additional security, which is important to many buyers.  A metal door can also reduce your insurance costs which is beneficial to you and any buyer. 

  The Basement

  Many homes have basements that are simply storage areas, perhaps where the furnace is or the washing facilities. However, this is actually a very easy space to transform, increasing the appeal and the available space in your home. You can create a secondary living space, extra bedrooms, or a games room. The use of the space is less important than finishing it properly. This makes it feel like part of the house and adds a significant amount of value, at surprisingly little cost.

  Renovate The Kitchen

  Despite advancements in technology and the coming of the digital age, the kitchen remains the heart of the home. This is the most important room in the house and renovating it will increase the value of your home. 

  All you have to do is make sure there is a good flow around the kitchen and that all the latest energy-efficient appliances are installed. Add in smart technology and you are onto a winner. 

  Open It Up

  Another great way to increase the value of your home is to open it up. Most of the internal walls will not be supporting the structure and can be removed. It is advisable to check with a professional first. This will create more light and space in your home which will make it seem larger and more appealing. Both of these are good for the value. 

  Landscape

  The front yard is the first thing people see and this can entice them into your home or send them packing. Spend a little time tidying, making sure the driveway looks great and your house is appealing.

  But, you also need to do the rear yard to ensure any buyer has a good impression of the outside eating and entertaining area.  That adds appeal as well as value to a property.

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