All posts by jburn

How Clean is the Air Inside Your Home?

By in Eco-Friendly Properties
https://youtu.be/rF2tEtvHBaM

 

 Indoor Air Quality is Important

The air inside a home can become unhealthy. It isn’t always a matter of lack of cleanliness or neglect to address dirty air problems.

Even in new and unoccupied homes, indoor air quality can be compromised. Air is that component of human existence that may seem invisible. Yet, there are times when air is quite visible.

For example, a cold winter day with frigid temperatures will show air expelled from each human breath. You can also see air in a glass container as water is poured into it too quickly. We hear air escaping when it is released from a flat tire.

Air is a mix of several types of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. These gases contain tiny molecules. This is a clue to learning how to judge the level of air quality in your home.

Become an Air Quality Inspector

Once you know the air is a mix of gases, it makes a home inspection for potential problems easier to find.

The internal areas of your home have several possible causes of dirty air. Dust accumulates easily in homes located in windy areas just as it does in sandy beach locations. Dust in airstreams occurs when particles heavier than air clings to air molecules.

It is important to create a designated inspection list to ensure the air inside your home is clean. The list should include:

. Inspecting heating, cooling, and ventilating units and ductwork that collect dust and give off musty odors when actively in operation

. Replace furnace and A/C filters regularly

. Check pipes for leaks that create mold and mildew odors

. Vacuum floors, upper areas of walls, and draperies to remove dust

. Steam clean kitchen areas where cooking odors and grease lodge on walls

. Regular upholstery cleaning to remove stale odors

. Keep pet areas inside the home fresh and clean

. Sanitize floors and carpets regularly

Clean Air Inside Your Home for Good Health

Once you identify the causes of air quality problems, you may want to invest in an air purifier. For individuals prone to lung and sinus problems, an air duct cleaning can reduce the amount of dirty air inside the home.

Contrary to popular belief, opening windows may add to air quality problems depending on location. Keep in mind the use of air fresheners, hair spray, and perfumes in aerosol form adds to odor buildup in the air and on all surfaces.

An air quality professional begins with a sniff test. Next, special detection and metering equipment identify the particulates in the air and the volume. If the air inside your home is a persistent problem, you may need an indoor air quality expert to test the air.

For minor air quality issues, the best way to judge how clean the air is inside your home is the sniff test. If your nose detects odors, it’s time for cleaning.

 

Best Ways to Keep Your Home Dust-free

By in House Cleaning
https://youtu.be/vd5OFpcNuN0

Everybody wants to live in a clean, neat, and comfortable house. A clean house makes your home look organized and attractive, and it is also healthy. However, sometimes you can be too busy, especially if you have kids, and you might find it hard to maintain a clean home. Fortunately, you can apply simple daily tips to keep your house sparkling and allergen-free. Here are the best ways to dust your home.

Keep Floors Clean

Carpets and floors are the places where the most dust collects in your house. Whenever possible, your family and guests should remove their shoes to prevent tracking dust and dirt throughout the house. Sweep or vacuum your carpets and floors at least twice a week and use a professional carpet cleaning service twice a year.

Encourage Your Kids to Wash Their Hands

Kids play a lot, which means that their hands are always full of dust. Once they get into the house, they may end up touching the couches and other things, and transfer the dirt to them. It is, therefore, advisable to encourage them to wash their hands often. It is also great to teach them how to wash their hands properly using running water. Also, encourage your kids to wash their hands after using the bathroom and washroom. You should use a timer or sing the birthday song to teach them how long they need to wash their hands. This practice will substantially keep dust out of your house.

Open Windows

When windows are closed, dust lacks space to leave the house. This gives germs the chance to breed and multiply. If you want to live in a dust-free house, you need to open your windows every day. During cold days, you can open the windows for a little while. This will allow fresh air to circulate in the house, keeping it fresh.

Wipe Your Electronics

Electronics such as stereos, computers, printers, and TVs always amass dust on their surfaces. Hence, it is important to wipe them regularly. Ensure that the equipment has been unplugged before you start cleaning them. Use a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush to collect the dust. The windows should be open when you are dusting.

Clean Your Appliances

Appliances such as refrigerators, cookers, and microwaves, among others, always have dust, whether you use them regularly or not. Use a damp sponge mop to clean them. Don’t forget to clean behind the appliances.

Dust Your Furniture

When working to keep dust out of your house, you should dust your furniture at least once a week. Use a vacuum cleaner or a microfiber cloth to dust the sofas. If the cushions are removable, you should also consider washing them.

Wipe Your Walls

It is vital to wipe your walls once a week to remove any clinging dust. Your walls may look clean, but they have dust, and that is why you need to wipe them using a cloth and soapy water.

Hire Cleaning Services

If you are too busy to carry out the dusting activities, then you should consider hiring professional cleaning services. The cleaning team will be coming regularly to clean every part of the house. Take your time to research and identify a company that charges affordable fees and meets your needs.

Having a clean house is critical, and you need to take measures to keep it clean. If you want to maintain a clean home, consider applying the above tips.

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What does your house color say about you?

By in Home Decor
https://youtu.be/uSqn1Rh2WAg

 

Are you planning to paint your house? Or do you have confusion regarding different exterior paint colors? If you have any of these questions, then this article is very beneficial for you. There is no doubt in saying that your house tells a lot about your personality. Though many things together make a home, the color of the house is one of the important things as it covers your entire house.

Apart from this, your house color can also tell what kind of person you are. So if you want to know more, then keep reading this article. In this article, you will get to know about different colors and what they indicate about your personality. Now without wasting any time, let’s jump into the main thing.

1- Blue

If you are someone who loves reading books and doing intellectual stuff, then blue is the color that you should choose. It is also considered the world’s favorite color. It provides a sense of relief or you can say a soothing feeling. Being the color of mind, it can help you concentrate more. The blue color indicates that you love solitude and love enjoying your home rather than going outside.

2- Yellow

The color yellow is considered the strongest color and it is also a color of confidence. According to studies, if you paint your room with yellow shades, then it will help you increase your self-esteem and boost your self-confidence. Though you have to make sure that you use the right yellow shades. Avoid some shades of yellow as they can affect oppositely and can elevate stress and anxiety levels. For the kitchen and bathroom, the yellow color is a great choice as it will give you an uplifting feeling.

3- Purple

For all the people who love to do creative stuff, painting your room with purple color is one of the best home improvement tips. Purple is more like a glamorous color and gives a sense of intimacy. It can help you increase your awareness. It is also said that people who love the purple color are very witty, creative, and ambitious. Purple indicates that you enjoy your company and are highly individual.

4- Black

Though black color is not considered by some people if done properly, it can elevate the entire look of your house. Black color helps to create a serious and mature vibe and that’s the reason why most teenagers love to paint their rooms black. The black color makes your room feel like a little sanctuary and it creates a comforting environment.

Conclusion

So these were some of the most famous colors and what they indicate. All these colors are generally used by most people. Painting a house is a big task and you must choose all the colors and other patterns very carefully. Colors will not only affect your mood but they can also impact your lifestyle. So think twice before choosing any options. Hope you will get some useful information from this article.

No matter which color you choose, protect it from sunlight, rain, wind, dirt, pollution, and smoke by hiring a pressure washing service once a year.

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Dealbreakers for Renters-and How Owners Can Avoid Them

By in Eco-Friendly Properties

unhappy renter arguing with landlord

 

If you’re a renter, you know how frustrating it is to find the perfect place only to have the landlord tell you that they won’t rent to you because of your income. If this has happened or if another dealbreaker has prevented a renter from renting your property, here are some tips on how owners can avoid them.

Dealbreakers for Renters

Dealbreakers are the specific conditions that renters look for when looking for their new place to live. Some common dealbreakers for renters include:

1. Pets

Dozens of renters will not rent if they cannot have pets, or they will only accept small lap dogs or cats and not other larger animals. If you own the property, this is not your problem. But if you are trying to rent it out, you need to consider this when setting up your advertising and showing the property. You can ask for a pet deposit that is usually equal to one month’s rent, but some tenants will refuse to pay this.

2. No Smoking

Many renters are looking for properties that do not allow smoking. This is becoming more common as concerns about second-hand smoke grow. Some owners only allow tenants who will not smoke in their home, while others include no-smoking rules in the lease, which usually requires a higher security deposit.

3. Employment

Many owners will not rent to tenants who do not have a stable income. If you’re trying to rent out your property and realize that you’ve chosen renters who don’t meet this criterion, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board on choosing your potential tenants. You can resolve this issue by requiring that the tenant have two years of stable employment before allowing them to rent.

4. Cleanliness of the Property

If the property is not well kept you could deter renters. Bad smells and items in disrepair can prevent a potential tenant from renting, no matter how low the rent is.

 

Tips on How Owners Can Avoid Them

If you’re an owner and you realize that you’ve chosen renters with dealbreakers, then there are a few things you can do to avoid them.

1. Ask Questions

When meeting with a potential renter who wants to see one of your properties, do not hesitate to ask them questions about their lifestyle and whether or not they have any pets or children. You can also find out if they smoke by asking specific questions or smelling their clothes.

2. Be Honest

Before working out a deal with potential tenants, owners need to sit down and be honest about the terms of their rental agreement. If you do not allow pets or smoking in your home, say so. Most renters are much more flexible than it appears when it comes to renting and will be open to the idea of having a pet as long as they can afford an extra security deposit.

3. Get Good References

Many owners will ask for references from potential renters, but they need to do more. In addition to asking for written references, you should call the references to see what kind of tenants they were. If most of their references are landlords, then it is likely that this tenant will be the same way.

4. Keep up With Maintenance

Be sure that all small projects are kept up with including plumbing fixtures and painting. Perform a thorough steam cleaning before showing the property.

The Takeaway

If you’re an owner and realize that you’ve chosen renters with dealbreakers, then there are ways to avoid them. It would help if you asked questions about their lifestyle, were honest about your terms, and got good references.

How To Make Your Roof Last Longer

By in Home Improvement

The roof is a significant component of your home. That’s why a home with a damaged roof is uninhabitable. Although you have no control over the weather – which can have a devastating toll on your roof, you can still do something to prolong your roof’s lifespan.

new roof on a large house

There are numerous benefits to maintaining your roof. Inspect your roof regularly to identify signs of damage before they wreak havoc. If you live under a flat roof, you need to perform regular repairs than people living under a pitched roof. A flat roof doesn’t allow debris and rainwater to roll off with ease. Here are several things you can do to make your roof last longer.

 

Trim Overgrown Branches Near Your Home

Overgrow branches can damage your roof and allow small animals to access your house with ease. It’s prudent to be cautious when trimming overhanging branches to avoid destroying the roof. Roofers recommend hiring a tree removal service since they have the right tools and equipment to perform the job safely.

Avoid Power Washing Shingles

No one wants to see dust and debris on the shingles. Utilize other cleaning methods to get rid of unsightly grime and debris on the roof other than power washing it.

Power washing loosens granules from the top coating of shingles. This can reduce the lifespan of your shingles by several years. Once the granules are loosened, they can’t be replaced unless you replace the shingles. When the granules are gone, your roof is exposed to harsh weather, making it age faster. Rather than power washing your shingles, use a leaf blower or a boom to eliminate moss.

Most pressure-washing companies offer soft washing as an alternative to power washing for roof cleaning.

Clean Gutters

Many people have no idea that gutters should be cleaned at least once a year. If you chose to clean the gutters yourself, look for a firm ladder and two buckets. One bucket should contain the tools you need while the other one should be for putting debris. Use a trowel to get rid of debris and a hose to flush dust out. Also, remember to unclog the downspouts and clean them thoroughly.

Fortify the Roof

Those living in areas prone to thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes should prioritize fortifying their roofs. The fortification process involves sealing decking with a sealant or a special tape, ring shank nails that can hardly be uplifted by wind, and metal flashings to lock down the roof edges. Although fortifying the roof is an expensive project, it is worth it when living in an area susceptible to strong winds.

While you maintain other parts of your home, remember to maintain your roof too. Develop a maintenance schedule to catch issues before they deteriorate.

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Things That Can Lower the Value of Your Home

By in Home Improvement
https://youtu.be/TJuuVyUjWoc

 

Your home is a significant wealth-growing asset. You want the value of your home to appreciate over time so you can reap the benefits of homeownership. Yet, many things can lower the value of your home and decrease your ability to grow your wealth.

Problems that can lower the value of your home can be costly and complicated to fix. You can increase the value of your home and get it in great shape if you take the time to discover these problems. Here are a few issues to look for that can hurt the value of your home.

Mold Damage

Mold is bad for your health, makes your home look unsightly, and eats away at the structure of your home. It also does not smell good. Mold damage can take a long time to occur, but you do not want to wait for this to happen. Mold grows where there is moisture. You can find mold anywhere in your home where there is moisture. If you detect mold damage in your home, contact a restoration company for an in-home consultation.

Old Kitchen and Bathrooms

People can date your home based on the look of your kitchen and bathrooms. Most of the time, it is not good when people look at your kitchen and bathrooms and feel like they are going back in time. Even if you have an older home, most people like to see updated features.

Thankfully, a few renovations to your kitchen and bathrooms can increase the value of your home. Replacing old appliances, cabinets, countertops, and fixtures can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value.

Lack of Maintenance

Your home may be standing, but it may not be in good condition. The value of your home can decrease if it is not in good condition. A decaying foundation, a cracked driveway, an old HVAC system, and leaky plumbing are issues that need fixing if you want to maintain the value of your home.

Bad Renovations

Renovations and upgrades do not always increase the value of your home. Poor workmanship, materials, and finishes can damage your home’s value. Issues such as awkward home additions, crooked tiling, and warped flooring will cost you extra money to fix. Get recommendations for a few contractors and choose the best one for the renovations, even if you need to pay a little more for quality workmanship.

Many things can decrease the value of your house, like bad landscaping, plumbing and electricity not up to code, and old roofing. You do not need to do a complete remodel in most cases. Just add a fresh coat of neutral interior and exterior paint, clean up the yard, and replace old appliances to add value to your home.

TOP 6 Upgrades to Increase Your Home Value

By in Home Improvement

As a homeowner, your major worry may be getting a better ROI on your house when you decide to sell. The demand for housing units has increased tremendously over time, and customers look for various features in a house. You may have concerns about how the home inspector’s report may affect your home’s value.

However, you can make some changes to your house to fetch a better price. Contrarily, it would help if you knew the right changes to make to your home to increase its market value. Research the factors affecting house prices in your region to make the necessary modifications.

You can consult your realtor and home inspectors to know about the preferred features of prospective home buyers. With that, here are some upgrades to help increase your home resell value.

https://youtu.be/ZGQbBJxnqu4

Landscaping
A prospective buyer will tell you a lot about your home from your curb appeal. The exterior should be appealing to the client to look at other home features and start the negotiations. Ensure you trim down any overgrown vegetation in your yard.

Consider replanting your grass and hiring lawn care services. Add some flowers with bright colors to complement your home’s exterior. You can also add a few shrubs and vegetation to your yard and ensure that they’re watered.

 

Painting

Giving your house a new paint coat will play an integral role in improving your house’s appearance and value. Check for any painting flaking of the walls to determine whether there are any leaks in your walls. Check for mold growth on your walls as it may also indicate a broken pipe.

Consult a painting expert to know which colors will work for your home and blend into your interior design. Your interior colors should also complement your exterior paint job and overall home design.

 

Exterior Cleaning

The cleanliness of your home’s exterior is essential for curb appeal. Dirty siding, clogged gutters, and grungy driveways will turn prospective buyers off. Cleaning the roof will also help convey that the property has been well-maintained. A pressure washing service can help resolve all of these issues.

Click here to learn more!

 

Add New Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures

You can also add new fixtures such as cabinets, faucets, and handles to complement your interior design. You may add a new bathtub or a spa-like shower head in your bathroom. A mirror would also help the bathroom appear brighter.

For your kitchen, you can consider adding a new countertop. You can choose a material that offers durability and is much easier to clean. Replace broken cabinet handles and create more space in your kitchen.

 

Open Floor Plan

An open floor plan makes the house appear more spacious and bright. Consider removing heavy furniture or knockdown your walls to have an unobstructed view of the living room and the kitchen. This way, more natural light can get into your home and ensure the house looks inviting.

 

Garage Door Replacement

You can choose to repaint your garage door or replace it entirely. Go for a garage door that fits into the house’s structural architecture and complements your exterior design. You can opt for an automated garage door for easy access and attract savvy home buyers.

Tips for Water Damage Repair

By in Home Improvement

Water damage is a common problem homeowner face which can occur anywhere such as the kitchen, laundry room, basement, and even the walls of your home. Here are a few tips you should know to take action when you need water damage repair.

Water damage in home

 

  1. Disconnect Outlets

 

Natural occurrences like bad weather, leaks, and accidents sometimes happen which can cause water damage in your home. If it happens, make sure to unplug all electronics from outlets immediately. You should also be very careful when going near appliances or gas lines because you do not know the extent of the water damage. Dangerous situations can happen like fire, shocks, or explosions when using equipment in this type of situation.

 

  1. Dry and Eliminate All Moisture

 

If possible, try to eliminate all water and make sure everything is dried out before any water damage can occur. If the wet area is made of a material like wood, carpet, or tile, you can use a room fan or other air-circulating appliances like a dehumidifier. You want to make sure to keep the air circulating and dry out any wet materials.

 

  1. Inspect for Mold

 

You should always inspect for mold in any area that has experienced water damage. Certain types of mold pose serious health risks and are known to be toxic to humans. Mold can appear inside the building structures especially the floors and walls. Once it becomes an infestation, it can spread very quickly.

 

Small infestations can be cut out, bagged, and disposed of immediately. Larger, more serious infestations require shutting down all airflow to stop the contamination. A mold specialist will also be required to treat the problem.

 

  1. Remove All Damaged Materials

 

Any materials that easily soak up water like carpet or insulation have to be removed immediately once they are damaged by water. Any porous material that is not disposed of immediately will begin to grow mildew.

 

Concentration should be maintained on the ceilings and floors. Special attention should be paid to any damaged wood, drywall, or unsealed cement. Any of these materials that were damaged by water needs to be replaced right away.

 

  1. Sanitize and Disinfect Remaining Areas

 

It is important to disinfect any water damaged area immediately. Some types of water can be unsafe and have other hazardous organisms which can become a major health concern in your home. After removing all of the damaged materials, disinfect the entire area by spraying and wiping down all areas and surfaces with a bleach spray solution. By doing so, the mold spores will not be able to grow. It is necessary to sanitize the entire area for mold before beginning any restoration.

 

Treat Water Damage Right Away

 

Water damage is something that must be taken very seriously. Oftentimes, water can go deep where it will not actually be visible to the eye. Undetected leaks are something that homeowners should be wary of because they are not only physically destructive to your home but even worse, can lead to health problems and other very dangerous and hazardous situations.

You can learn more at https://chiefrestorationswmo.com/.

Cleaning Hacks for Pet Lovers

By in Home Improvement

How to Ensure Pet Cleanliness

As much as owning a pet is awesome, it comes with some responsibilities. Cleanliness is essential because pets can get messy. If left unchecked, the pet fur and dirt they carry can invade your home, leaving you feeling overwhelmed. However, this does not need to be the case. Here are a few pet cleaning tips that will help. Use detergents and shampoos that are safe to use with pets.

cat in a litter box

Brush Pets

Hair is one of the most recurring cleaning issues revolving around pets. Some pets shed more hair than usual. Brushing the pet’s fur is advisable. Consult on the right tools to use in brushing pets. In addition to ensuring your home is clean from fur, brushing has added advantages. It has some health benefits.

 

Clean the Pet After a Walk

After taking your pet for a walk, they may have stepped on mud or other kinds of dirt. Especially dogs that tend to step on muddy pools. It is good to be prepared with a clean towel and some water at the door. Clean the paws and wipe them. It will prevent dirt from entering your home through your pet. It prevents constipation.

 

Have a Lint Roller

Lint rollers can trap hair left lying around by your pets. After a vacuum of the surfaces that have hair on them, use a lint roller to trap any remaining hair on those surfaces. Also, it can clean pet beds.

 

Use Baking Soda to Wash Pet Beddings

Baking soda is known to eliminate persistent odors. Using it to clean the beddings together with detergent will help do away with any smells while ensuring a good and clean environment for you and your pet.

 

Clean Pet Toys and Collars

These are often overlooked. They may get dirty and smelly with time making you and your pet uncomfortable. It is advisable to wash with pet shampoos which leave a good fragrance on them. Also, a dishwasher can be used to clean the toys.

 

Urine in the carpet!

This is almost every pet owner’s nightmare. This can leave a stench on your carpet that will make your home uncomfortable. White Vinegar and baking sodas are easy solutions. They do away with any foul odors. Spray on the stained area and let the vinegar do its job. A professional cleaner such as a carpet cleaning service in Frisco, TX, might be your best option for permanently remove odors caused by pets.

 

Clean the Litter Box

Litter boxes should be emptied and cleaned often to avoid foul smells and maintain a conducive environment for your pet. It is advisable to change it after a couple of months of use.

 

Use Room Deodorizers

These are essential because pets can leave foul smells as they go about their business. These ensure your home has fresh air. Allow fresh air in your home.