It’s been no secret that housing in the United States has been at a premium for the past year and a half, and though there has been some recent news that prices may be stabilizing, it begs the question: Is it better to sell now or hold off and hope for the market to continue its hot streak? Some analysts are concerned that housing may be operating on a bubble and that the bubble may burst any day. 

However, the price imbalances, scarce inventory, and lack of sanity in sales prices show signs of slowing. Does that mean that the housing market will suffer a correction or housing price fall such as witnessed in 2008? Whether you believe that the market will suffer a correction or if the rate of appreciation will continue if you’re thinking of selling your home, are you looking to sell quickly, or are you willing to invest some money and make renovations with the hope of securing top dollar for your property? 

While it ultimately is your decision alone, there are a few pros and cons to selling your home without putting any renovations before putting it up for sale. Renovations can be complicated, they take time and money, they aren’t easy, and there’s no guarantee that they will fetch a top offer.

The pros to selling your home without renovations are that you can grab the advantage of a red-hot market and get your home sold well above what you probably paid for it. Cons to selling your home without putting any money into renovations are that you may miss out on top-dollar for your sale. When weighing the pros and cons of selling your home with and without any renovations, you need to factor in a few different things to help you determine the right course of action for you.

Knowing The Risks of Spending Money on Renovations

Before deciding on costly and timely renovations, there are three primary considerations to help guide you — know the market, check like properties, and consider the return on investment.

1. Know The Market Conditions
   When you’re listing your property during a buyer’s market, your home needs to be in tip-top condition to get the best offer. However, in a seller’s market, when interest rates are lower and there is less inventory available, home sellers have the advantage of not investing too much into their property and still get great offers.
2. Check Other Similar Properties
   Using a CMA, or Competitive Market Analysis, of similar properties will give you an idea of what homes like yours are selling for and their condition before the sale.
3. What Is The Potential ROI
   ROI stands for “return on investment” and should be one of the critical factors in your decision-making on renovations. Too often, sellers think that if they invest X amount of dollars in their home, they will get an offer of X+ listing price. Too often, this is misguided and wrong. 

In some cases, people are looking for “turn-key” properties, that is, a home that is ready to move in with a lot of top-notch upgrades and fixtures. However, there are even more buyers that are looking to put their touch on the house, so your renovations may not even be necessary.

You may have an advantage over other sellers by investing time and treasure into renovating your home, but those advantages aren’t as necessary in hot markets. In addition, by putting money into your home, you may not necessarily recoup what those costs were, meaning your profit on the sale of your home may be less than it could be if you just let it be.

In essence, sellers have the luxury of listing a property and testing the market most of the time. So, if you’re looking to sell your home, the best way to sell it is to get it on the market.

The best strategy then is to make minor renovations such as patching up any possible cracks, touch up the paint where needed, and replace any fixtures that are broken or damaged then test out the price and the condition of the home as-is. There are advantages to this strategy of selling a house as-is, from possibly getting it sold without any costly repairs to finding what is acceptable to the market.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Alan Gold

So you’ve decided on a new construction home. Buying a new construction home is an exciting time. You get to be part of the design process, and you can choose from many different floor plans. However, it is important to know what you are getting into before making such a major purchase. Here are some things that every buyer should know before buying a new construction home:

Construction homes start when one of two things happen:

You start your own home plan:

If you are starting your own home plan, then be prepared to make the major decisions. This includes choosing where the house will go on the lot or which builder is going to build it for you. The exact process of creating new construction homes varies greatly depending on what type of floor plan that buyer purchases.

Select one of the pre-designed floor plans:

If you are choosing a pre-designed floor plan, then the builder will work with your architectural firm to design and build the house. The buyer won’t need to worry about making all of those decisions. However, it is still important that buyers know what they are getting into when purchasing this type of home because there may be some surprises.

New construction homes can be more expensive than resale homes.

This is because they are often built with the latest technology and architectural trends, so you get what's new without having to wait for it to become a standard in older models.

New construction homes are usually sold as is.

It can be a hassle to have an inspection done on new construction and then negotiate with the builder, so you'll need extra money for unforeseen repairs.

• You don't always get a say in what finishes you want inside your home or landscape preference outside.This means that if you want something really specific, you may not have a lot of options.
• The builder is often the seller, so this can result in an unfair negotiation process (like if they ask for more money than what the property actually cost).
• New construction homes are usually sold as is and come with all fixtures included. This means that builders won't typically take back the appliances or other fixtures for a service refund.

You should have an idea of how long it will take and what you can expect from the process.

This way, you'll be able to prepare for delays (which are unfortunately very common). For example, if your builder tells you that they don't anticipate any delays then this is a good sign that there might actually be some surprises.

New construction homes will have an inspection prior to delivery.

This is called "lien free" and means that you don't need to pay for anything other than your down payment until closing day. The home must be finished by this date in order to receive your new home warranty.

More things to keep in mind:

• You can customize many aspects of the construction process, from deciding on finishes to selecting floor plans and layouts. The more time you take in this step, the better it will be for everyone involved.
• Construction schedules are often published online or available at a nearby builder's office (usually by appointment only).
• You are allowed to have a contractor or builder come with you during the construction process. This is for your peace of mind and helps avoid any miscommunications that might arise between builders, subcontractors, and potential buyers.

Summary:

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when buying a new construction home. By educating yourself on the process and what's involved in making this type of purchase, then you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not it is something that you want. The rewards for investing in your own dream house are worth the effort.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Armchair Builder

Have you recently decided it’s time to give your roof an update?

With the rising cost of traditional electricity sources, many homeowners are looking for alternative options to save money, with the added benefit of being more eco-friendly. These green roofing alternatives are energy-efficient and reduce the need for standard heating and cooling systems within your home.

Before updating your roof, consider available eco-friendly options, to help the environment and keep things cost-effective for you.

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Roof Ideas

When it comes to the best eco-friendly roof ideas to update your home, there are five that stand out. Each option has its benefits, providing your home with an eco-friendly roofing system that can help you save by investing in a useful alternative.

Keep in mind, the best roof ideas for your home will vary based on your location. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to eco-friendly roofs, so you need to find what will work best for your home and the environment you live in.

Solar Panels

One of the most popular ways to make your roof eco-friendly is by adding solar panels. They can easily be added to any roof, making this an ideal choice for homeowners, regardless of your home’s size.

To be effective, solar panels need sunlight. Solar roofs absorb the sun’s rays and convert their energy into usable electricity. Therefore, solar panels are not a worthwhile investment if you live in a place that doesn’t receive much sunlight. But, if your home receives an adequate amount of sunlight, then this may be the perfect option for you! Keep these things in mind before you make a commitment to this roofing option.

While solar panels aren’t nearly as expensive as they used to be, it can be several years before you see any financial kickback. However, if you are in your forever home, solar panels are a worthwhile investment. On average, solar panels cost roughly $15,000-$25,000 for total installation. This can vary, depending on your needs and the investment you’re willing to make.

For an eco-friendly roofing update, that will help you out financially in the future, solar panels might be a green alternative to look into.

Metal Roof

A metal roof is a highly durable, long-lasting option when it comes to eco-friendly roof ideas. They can stand up to severe weather and they don’t require much maintenance.

For an even more eco-friendly option, choose a metal roof in a light color, like white, to drastically cut down your current energy costs. The light shade you choose will reduce the amount of sun that hits your roof, keeping your home cool during the day.

Metal roofs can also complement a wide range of architectural designs, bringing a new style to your home.

If you live in a colder climate with this roofing option snow will slide right off your roof. While a slight snowfall won't cause any significant problems, several inches could easily cause a collection of snow surrounding your home. Keep this in mind before committing to this roofing option, especially if you are in a colder climate.

Green Roof

By adding a green roof to your home, there are several eco-friendly benefits you will see.

Due to the green insulation, it will be easier to cool your home and keep it comfortable during warmer months. This option is also beautiful, bringing the essence of natural beauty to your home. Whether you choose flowers or other plants, this will add more life to your home instantly.

Green roofs help keep rain runoff under control, and as a result, improve stormwater management. This alternative can aid in keeping any dirt or contaminants out of the water running through the sewer.

In addition, green roofs also help reduce the urban heat island effect, a situation where urban environments trap and absorb heat.

Keep in mind, green roofs do require an extra amount of structural reinforcement. The added soil and plants can cause problems if your house cannot handle the excess weight, so you will need to prepare your roof with reinforcements if you want to utilize this option.

Clay Tiles

Another eco-friendly roofing alternative is clay tile roofing, with multiple benefits that will help the homeowner in the long run.

This is a durable and lost-lasting option, with the ability to hold up for hundreds of years. Clay tiles have a longer lifespan than your typical roofing materials, making this a good option to consider when updating your roof. They are low maintenance, compared to other options, making it easier for homeowners to keep up with and maintain over time.

Another added benefit of clay tiles is that they repel insects, resist fire, and they cannot rot. This means they will hold up, regardless of the elements, making this eco-friendly option a smart choice for any homeowner to choose.

Wood Shingles 

For a more eco-friendly option, consider swapping out your existing roof for wooden shingles. While wood shingles can come from various woods, they typically include recycled cedar shakes.

Cedarwood shingles are ideal for repelling insects and they resist water better than other types of wooden roofs you will come across. These options are reasonable, but they do require a fair amount of maintenance and upkeep, so be mindful of this before you decide which option you want to stick with.

Updating Your Home with Eco-Friendly Roof Ideas

If you’ve been looking for ways to update your roof and be more eco-friendly while keeping things cost-effective, consider these green alternatives.

To save money on traditional energy costs, invest in a roofing option that will not only help our environment but help save you money in the grand scheme of things. Even if you don’t see a financial kickback right away, the investment will make it worthwhile when you start seeing bills lessen over time.

In this day and age, it is important to be environmentally sound and aware of things you can change to be more eco-friendly in your life. Simple switches, like updating your roof, can help the environment and make you more aware of the energy you’re using.

To better the planet while lowering your energy costs, start by updating your roof. Choose an eco-friendly option that will help save the Earth, while you save money to make more green choices in the future.

partnered post • images from Unsplash by Todd Kent, Vivint Solar, Chuttersnap, and Marcin Dziedzic

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating before you move in, or doing renovations to improve the value of your home before you sell, you want to know that you’re using the best materials available. Quality materials will do more to improve the value of the home, and if they’re used correctly, make the home more comfortable and durable.

Windows are one of the most important materials your home will need. These tips will help you find the best replacement windows in Toronto.

#1 Upgrade for Energy Efficiency

If you’re going to replace your windows, now is the time to invest in energy efficient building materials. Today’s windows use a variety of materials and technology to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, including:

• Low-emissivity glass that blocks heat from coming in through the glass

• Argon gas fills that prevent heat transfer through the air

• Vinyl for reduced condensation and better noise reduction

• Superior installation

Energy efficient windows can reduce heating and air conditioning costs year-round. Take advantage of new energy efficient technology for better results.

#2 Experience Counts

Look for experienced window manufacturers in Toronto with a history in the industry. You want to make sure that the supplier you’re working with is in a good financial position so that they don’t just disappear and leave you high and dry.

History in the industry also means they likely have a wealth of reviews online that you can check out for yourself, as well as a reputation with the builders and contractors you’re working with. You can look them up on Homestars or another review site dedicated to construction. 

#3 Installation from the Supplier

For the best results with your new windows, you want installation from the supplier. Ask if the installer is a contractor or an employee of the supplier. An employee is preferable in case anything goes wrong. Rather than dealing with a middle man, you can go straight to the supplier to sort out the issue.

It doesn’t hurt that the supplier will have better knowledge of the product, either.

#4 Find Out Where the Windows Are Made

Some suppliers purchase their windows from a third party, while others manufacture themselves. When you go with a manufacturer, you can get more information about the product you’re purchasing. Locally-made windows are also a superior choice because they build products for the local climate. It’s not just cold winters that homeowners have to deal with in the Greater Toronto Area, it’s also hot and humid summers that bring their own challenges.

#5 Get a Walk-Through on Installation

Last but not least, work with someone who can give you a walk-through on the installation process so that they understand the home and the project before showing up to do the installation. Get someone who will take the time to explain the materials and the installation process.

Better windows will make a huge difference on your new home. Make sure you find the right source when you renovate.

If you are looking to purchase a smart-home device, it can be difficult to decide what the best one is for your home. There are many devices that all claim to do something different and better than their competitors. To help you make a decision on what smart-home device is best for your home, we have compiled a list of all of the popular options and ranked them from 1st place down to 10th place, with our reasoning behind each ranking.

1) Nest Learning Thermostat

This thermostat learns about your personal preferences and adjusts itself accordingly so that you aren't wasting energy or money on heating/cooling an empty house! It's also easy to install yourself without hiring someone else and there are no monthly service fees!

2) Philips Hue Lights

These are a great option if you're looking for something that is easy to install and doesn't require any wiring! If you have the Philips Smart Hub, it will also work with other smart devices in your home so they can all communicate.

3) Amazon Echo

This device is great if you want to control your music, ask questions and get answers from the internet with just your voice! It also has a variety of "skills" that can be added on so it doesn't have any limitations.

4) Nest Cam

This camera has a great night vision system and is compatible with other Nest products in your home. It also comes with a two-year warranty which gives you peace of mind that it will last!

5) Philips Hue Bulbs

These bulbs are a great option if you're looking for the best color range to coordinate with your décor! They also have an app that lets you change colors on demand, set schedules and sync them with other lights in your home.

6) Amazon Echo Dot

If you already have an Amazon Alexa device but are looking for something a little more compact, the dot is great! It's basically like the full size version that can fit in your bedroom.

7) Nest Protect

This device is great if you want to keep an eye on your home while you are away! Not only will it alert you of any changes in temperature or smoke, but it also has a feature that alerts the fire department and turns off gas/electricity.

8) Philips Hue Motion Sensor

This device is great if you want to turn your lights on and off with just a wave of a hand and it also has a two year warranty!

9) Philips Hue Smart Bulbs

Amazing because they give you the most customization options, but every smart home device has its own strengths. If none of these appeal to you, make sure to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs!

10) Nest Cam Outdoor

This camera is great if you have an outdoor area or backyard and want to monitor it. It's a top seller for the Nest brand but does require wiring which can be pricey.

Final Notes

We ranked them with our reasoning behind each ranking and we hope it helps you decide on what will work best for your home! If you want more information about smart-home devices or need help picking one out, contact us at your convenience and we will be happy to help!

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Lynn Friedman

Blocked drains are a common household occurrence and one that necessitates the intervention of a qualified plumber. You can depend on a reputed drain cleaning service provider like Roto-Rooter to effectively resolve your drainage woes. 

If you throw cooking oil and food scraps down your kitchen drain, a blockage is imminent. When food debris and cooking oil clump together, they block your drains and obstruct your drainage mechanism. 

Warning Signs

Not attending to badly blocked drains can cause extensive damage to your property. Moreover, your family and pets may develop health complications from exposure to overflowing drains. 

As tree roots spread their reach underground, they can disrupt the main sewage system by breaching drainage pipes. Even a calcium build-up within your pipes causes constriction making them vulnerable to blockages. 

In the absence of gutter guards, your outdoor drains invite debris like twigs, dirt, leaves, and grit which chokes your otherwise freely flowing drainage. 

Listed below are the early warning signs to help you identify the problem and take immediate action: 

Foul Odor

A foul smell emanating from your drains similar to what you associate with sewage is an indication that you have a blockage to contend with. This usually is the first noticeable and powerful indicator of the issue at hand.

Gurgling Sounds

Each time you open your kitchen tap, if the resultant water pools and pushes against the pipe, emitting a gurgling sound, it indicates a drain blockage.

Overflowing Drain

Instead of the water flowing down your drain, an overflowing sign is when the water alarmingly spills back up. The only reason for the reverse flow is due to your drain facing a blockage. 

Slow Draining

When water circulates your drain instead of exiting for longer than expected, this situation worsens with time, suggesting the blockage is growing. 

Identifying a Qualified Service Partner 

Plumbing mishaps can happen despite your best efforts to avoid them. Calling in the experts who excel at unclogging drains like those associated with Roto-Rooter enables you to continue with your daily chores. 

Whether the cause is natural or artificial, hiring a professional to resolve it preserves your drains, property, and health. A local plumber can capably tackle your clogged kitchen drain, provided they meet the recommended criteria. 

Suggest you ask the potential service provider the following pertinent questions to gauge their expertise: 

Do You Have A Valid License?

Having a licensed plumber attend to your blocked kitchen drain ultimately protects you should something untoward happen. Authorized licenses are only issued to those who clear rigorous testing, and there is no harm in seeking relevant proof. 

You can be confident that the work of a licensed entity or individual will conform to the highest industry standards. They rule out extensive property damage or a worsening clog. Moreover, all safety protocols are adhered to without fail.

Can You Expect Round-the-Clock Service?

A major plumbing problem can arise at any odd hour and demands urgent and prompt intervention. Thorough professionals understand this urgency and operate year-round. Irrespective of the time you call on their listed number, you will not be met with a voicemail. 

It is such a relief to know a local plumber who comprehends the extent of your drainage problem and promptly takes charge. Service providers who are not reachable when in dire need must be clubbed as highly unprofessional and should compel you to look elsewhere.

What Are Your Rates, Any Free Estimates?

After inspecting the blockage, a plumber who promises to give you a transparent and free estimate inclusive of labor and material charges is worth trusting. Also, confirm if they charge an hourly fee or flat rate. A long-drawn plumbing job becomes an expensive affair for you when the vendor levies a fee per hour. 

Irrespective of how long it takes to unclog your kitchen drain, a flat fee helps you budget accordingly. A fixed upfront quotation is likely to double and triple when the plumber's fee structure is designed hourly. With a flat rate, you are more at peace as unpleasant surprises are ruled out on completing the job.

Do You Provide Guarantees?

Your kitchen sink is extensively used to wash food items, utensils, and even your hands. A clogged drain hampers essential work. Plumbers who are confident in their abilities happily provide a guarantee for the work undertaken. 

It helps to make inquiries beforehand on the potential plumber's plan of action to unclog your kitchen drain. Also, check if they willingly clean up the mess after servicing. You could opt for Wren ex display kitchens and save money.

Delegate your clogged kitchen drain to trusted hands with significant plumbing experience backing them.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Susy Morris

One way or another, homebuyers, especially first-time homebuyers, feel overwhelmed by homeownership. If you’re feeling this way, you aren’t alone. A lot of folks are feeling like this. The good thing is that there are many digital resources and apps designed to make homeownership a little easier. The following are five of the best:

Mortgage Payoff Track

Homeowners have a lot to worry about, but one of their biggest concerns is the mortgage payment. It’s a big, recurring payment that you have to worry about every month, on top of other living expenses. Even if you’ve calculated everything, at some point, the mortgage payment starts to feel like too much. You aren’t the only one that feels this way. The good thing is there is a good app you can rely on, and it’s the Mortgage Payoff Track app. It helps you organize everything and lets you see if it’s a good idea to increase your payments if you want to get rid of that mortgage quicker.

Nextdoor

Sometimes, one of the most significant issues homeowners seem to face is loneliness. Sure, you’ve got loads of neighbors all over the place, but it’s hard to find a reason to get to know anyone. Even if you want to stand outside to say hello and get to know people, it’ll look a little strange. If you’re lucky, your neighborhood is a little friendly with each other. They may love to throw block parties to get to know each other and mingle, but that’s not always the case. Most of the time, you only notice or acknowledge your neighbors from your window or wave when you’re leaving for work. The good thing is there’s an app for this, which is Nextdoor. People have dealt with racism on apps like this, but Nextdoor is doing its part to eliminate racist content on its platform. While completely avoiding discrimination on Nextdoor is impossible, the company has taken several steps towards making it easier to report racism and hate speech.

Centriq

Renters don’t have to worry about repairs. If something happens to their fridge or plumbing, the landlord has to worry about fixing all of that. The renters can just sit back and complain that something isn't working right. That’s not the case for homeowners. These folks have to worry about everything in their homes. If everything is new, things will most likely be fine for a while, but at some point, something will break down, and without the owner's manual, you won't be able to fix the issue. The good thing is you could download Centriq. This is a great app that can pull up any owner’s manual so that it can guide you as you fix your dishwasher or AC.

Houzz

At some point, homeowners consider updating their homes. They may want to keep up so that their homes don't look dated, or maybe they want to make a change or two to make their homes feel more personalized. Whatever the reason, homeowners tend to think about making changes to their homes at some point. The problem is figuring out what to do. That part could be hard for homeowners. The good thing is there are apps like Houzz. This app allows you to learn what other homeowners are doing or give you a few new trends that seem to be taking off. When it’s time to update your home, you'll have an easier time doing so with this app, so it's a must-have.

Joulebug

Homeowners want to be green and eco-conscious, but that can be hard. Maybe you want to do this because you care about the environment, or maybe you figured out that green can save you money. Sometimes, you just don't know where to start to be more eco-conscious. The good thing is app developers thought homeowners might have a hard time figuring out what to do to be more eco-friendly. You can use the Joulebug app, which helps you figure out how to conserve more energy. It gives you all sorts of practical tips. You'll get tips on how to conserve more than just energy. You'll learn to conserve water, too. You'll learn how to save on transportation and reduce waste.

Hopefully, you can use all of these apps to make your new life as a homeowner a little easier. There are always more resources and apps to find, so just keep looking until you find everything you need to make your life as a homeowner easier.

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If you live in the outskirts of the city, there is a chance that you don’t have any roofing contractors near you. Typically, when it’s monsoon, there are issues of moisture within the roof ceiling or damaged or rusted metal roof. And these things require the attention of a roofing contractor. 

If you have been the victim of these problems, then your roof is getting damaged, and you need to do something about it because it is not safe. Living under an expired roof is very risky so, if you are looking for a roofing contractor, contact a Guelph roofing contractor. They are the best roofing contractors in the vicinity. 

The roof is one of the main things for a house because it provides protection from so many things. This one thing should be enough to describe the importance of proper maintenance. If the roof gets damaged and start leaking water, then you need roof maintenance services. Finding the right roofing company that can accommodate all your roofing problems could be hard to find so if you have found one, stick with that. 

Cambridge roofing company is a small company, but we can accommodate all of your roofing needs whether it is maintenance, cleaning, renovating, or its replacement. We have got a bunch of people who are equipped to handle your roof problems. You just have to call our number mentioned on the website or contact us through our website and we will be able to help you with our long list of roofing services.

At first, our expert examines the roof and then lets you know their opinion regarding the service you require from us. We understand our clients and we want to give them the best service with proper quality standards that is why we use advanced research methods and quality material to fix or renovate the roof. It is our prime objective to satisfy our client’s needs because we believe in a business where quality services shape the course of business. The staff is trained well and helpful while answering the queries that many clients have regarding roof problems. Our staff will help you understand the situation and its solution. They will give you options and you can choose the one that is more suitable for your roof. We fix residential and commercial roofs as per requirement. Before the actual work is done on your roof, you can have our team at your house for a consult and a proposal too.

We provide roofing services for residential and commercial sites in our vicinity. Although we offer our services for new roofing, but people are not always building new homes, so we manage the repairing tasks as well. There is a strong chance that your roof can be repaired through our reliable and quality service. This way, you can save money by choosing maintenance over replacement. But sometimes, replacing your roof is the only solution especially when people buy second-hand houses. If your roof has mold or has been damaged by rust, then you must replace your expired roof on an emergency basis. 

Lastly, our prices are reasonable and affordable for everyone. So, give us the opportunity to work for you and you will be satisfied.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Robin Tell

Have you signed the deal to your dream house? Or are you perusing through real estate options to snag a stellar apartment deal? Whether you are in a rush to get away from nagging owners or making grueling adult decisions- the euphoria of owning a property or the thrill of a fresh start trumps all fatigue and hardships that moving entails.

However, before you sign up for the onset of chaos and turmoil brought on by shifting places for the next few months – you’ll want to play it safe, particularly with baby steps. Make sure you are not risking your safety and family's health during the move. It is not just the physical fatigue or mental stress that could potentially bog you down- but hidden toxins and hazards lurking around your new place is also a severe cause of concern. 

In the rush of making an offer, gabbing the pair of your new home keys, putting away the furniture, sprucing up your latest acquisition with a coat of fresh paint here and a wee bit there- that staying organized becomes especially challenging with work and other priorities.

Cosmetic repairs aren’t the only solution to make your place habitable. Tackle the unwanted health risks that come along—confused about where to begin? Keep on reading to find the potential health hazards and how to avoid them.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate arranged in microscopic fibrous patterns. If you possess any construction knowledge, you'd be aware that asbestos is vastly popular for building purposes since the 1950s. What makes asbestos a unique and sought-after construction product?

It offers strength, stability, fireproofing, resistance to chemical and heat abrasion. Today, asbestos is not only used in constructing buildings but everywhere in your surroundings- from flooring to tiling to insulation. 

So, how can asbestos cause health risks? The hazard arises when asbestos gets damaged and starts deteriorating. The broken fibers, during inhaling, can cause fatal lung diseases such as mesothelioma, malignant and deadly lung cancer that results in respiratory failure, congestive pneumonia, and bowel obstruction upon its spread. Therefore, if you are planning on renovation, it is better to call for professional help.

 Be Mindful of Molds and Insect Colonies

Put your adult pants on and do a mommy inspection of every nook and cranny for crusty molds and creepy crawlies. Always give the new place a thorough wash and let it air dry before you stack your furniture against the wall. 

Mold thrives in dark, damp, and humid places. If you can't see the mold, it doesn't mean it can't be hiding around. 

Molds – can penetrate through walls and emanate a pungent odor. You want to be regular and thorough with cleaning showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, kitchen, and floors. The mold variety that commonly resides in homes includes Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. If given the opportunity to flourish, they may end up causing allergies, skin infections, fever, and breathing difficulties. Use strong chemicals like bleach for cleaning and dehumidifiers to prevent humidity.

Insect Colonies – many insect species love to reside in places that you always 'forget' to clean or the mess you plan to clean one day. Prevent your children from rummaging around in such areas to avoid being bitten by wasps, ants, and cockroaches. 

Clear out the mess, as you don't want the termites eating away at your furniture!

Faulty Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It is imperative to install smoke detectors. The harmless smoke that sets the infuriating alarm blaring when you burn a bit of lasagna or take a casual smoke inside your house should not be taken carelessly. Though, it may be exasperating to shut the alarm for the most insignificant reasons. Fire casualties are incredibly destructive! You need to be a responsible adult for your family and avoid a little baking mishap from burning down the house. 

Aren't smoke detectors enough protection? Why would you want your house to be blaring like an ambulance all the time? While carbon monoxides may not be on your priority list during the move, it is always a good practice to check your exposure to air quality.

Loose Cables

One of the predominant causes of accidents at home is caused by sagging electric cables and power leads. It is risky to leave wires draped along walls, desks, and floors. Tie up the cable cords with cheap ties or a piece of rope while moving electrical appliances from trailing behind to avoid serious injuries caused by tripping incidents and electrocution. 

Cable protectors are also an excellent way to avoid unnecessary accidents. Additionally, incasing cables in plastic or vinyl sheaths and fixing them along the wall edges would prevent your children from accidentally touching live wires! 

Radon

Our exposure to radioactive substances has unknowingly increased over the past decade. What is even more surprising are the potential radiation sources right under your roof! Radon is a radioactive gas released from the natural decomposition of uranium under the soil. It moves from the ground and enters the houses through cracks and crevices.

We have listed down a few culminating sources for you to get tested out by professionals.

1. The toxic and radioactive build-up of gases in basements
2. Granite countertops may carry radioactive radon, resulting in low levels of radiation.
3. Ceramic tiles and utensils
4. Fertilizers used in your new garden
5. Glow in the dark wall clocks

Final Words

Homeownership isn't just about acquiring a piece of beautiful property, rather a responsibility that you owe to yourself and the people who inhabit it to make your humble abode a safe and hazard-free zone.

Although it is practically impossible to eradicate every single health hazard from your place- we can always start by minimizing the most probable hazards and work our way up. Don't let these responsibilities deter you from buying your dream house. All that is required is a little diligence to make your home secure for all occupants.

partnered post • image by Karolina Grabowska & Pexels

You’ve tried everything you can think of to keep the insects, mice, and pests out of your home. When you noticed their presence, you cleaned the house from top to bottom, sprayed the perimeter of your home, and even set a few traps to catch those that might be lingering. Yet, every time you turn around, there’s evidence that these unwanted visitors are still in your living space.

You know it’s unhealthy and uncomfortable to have pests in your house, but getting them out is a pain in the neck. Hiring a pest control expert like Saela is a great way to get pests out of the house. However, there are preventative measures you need to take to keep them out. The question is, what are you doing wrong? Below are a few possible answers. 

Too Much Clutter

When you think of cleaning your house to get rid of pests, you think about getting rid of food, garbage, and debris. While these are great starting points, it’s often not enough to keep these tiny intruders at bay. Insects and mice take shelter in the junk. So, if you have a lot of boxes, paper, old clothing, and other items stored in your home, these serve as places for pests to hide.

Get rid of the clutter in your home. Go from room to room, eliminating things that you don’t need. Pay close attention to items in boxes or low-traffic areas of the house, as this is where pests are likely to take shelter. Discard anything useless and either donate or sell the rest of these belongings. If you live in a smaller residence, you may want to consider putting some things in storage.

Cracks and Holes

Mice and insects don’t need much space to gain access to a home or apartment. They can enter through the tiniest holes and cracks. So, when you try things like placing traps, spraying, and even using insect bombs, they will leave temporarily but quickly return. If you want them out of your living space for good, you must seal up their entry points.

Complete a whole-house assessment to discover any cracks and holes. Use caulk or other sealing agents to block these access points. If the problem persists, you may need to hire a professional like a pest control contractor. They’re trained to identify entry points that you may have overlooked.

Water leaks are not something that you can ignore, as they can lead to severe damage to your home. A wall crack or small water leak can cause several issues like foundation cracks, mold in the wall, and musty odor. And worst of all – water damage could cause pest problems.

Attics, Basements, and Crawl Spaces

Believe it or not, bugs and mice don’t want to come in contact with you just as much as you don’t want to see them. They prefer to operate when there’s minimal activity and reside in spaces where you are less likely to visit. That means your attic, basement, or crawl space are vulnerable places in the home.

If you check these areas, you’re likely to find significant evidence of pests like feces, damaged electrical wiring, and even nests in the insulation. As cleaning these areas is risky for your health, it’s best to hire a professional to complete basement, crawl space, or attic clean out services for you. They will not only get rid of debris, feces, and eggs but can assess the area to determine whether there’s a need for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, foundation, or roofing repairs.

Landscaping

An unkempt lawn can easily attract pests to your home. High grass, giant puddles of water, crops from gardens, and other lures cause bugs and mice to your property. Trees and shrubs that aren’t maintained can also make it easy for them to enter the home through second-story windows and entry points.

Maintaining a clean front and backyard is essential to keep the pests away. Ensure that you regularly cut the grass, trim the trees, clean up garbage, and harvest crops to minimize their attraction. If yard work isn’t your cup of tea, hire a landscaping company to take care of these tasks for you on a bi-weekly or monthly basis

No one wants to live with pests, but unfortunately, it happens all the time. If you’ve tried basic practices like cleaning your house, using defensive sprays, and laying traps with little to no results, it’s time to consider other approaches. Try removing clutter, filling cracks and holes, cleaning your attic, basement, crawl spaces, and maintaining your front and back lawn. If that doesn’t work, contact a pest control expert to assist you in resolving the matter more efficiently.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Rennett Stowe