Home & Garden

Did you know that hanging family photographs in your home can improve your children’s confidence? Photos of your kids (and your entire family) prominently displayed in your home communicate that you value them and that they are important family members.

The photos let them know they are seen.

Not only that, but family photos on the wall can also boost our mood, helping us feel happier and more relaxed on a daily basis. So if your walls are bland, or if you are currently displaying stock art from a big box store, it’s time for a little home makeover.

One of the best ways to add personal photos as decor is to create a photo wall or a gallery wall in your home. Read below for helpful tips on crafting the perfect gallery wall today.

Choose a Theme

Step one is to choose a theme for your gallery wall. You need to decide ahead of time what vibe you are going for. What feelings do you want to inspire with your gallery wall?

If you don’t think this through, you’ll have a wall that feels disjointed and unorganized.

Common themes include travel, wedding, outdoors, or funky.

If your family likes to travel, then displaying photos of your family during various trips makes sense. It’s best if all of the photos and artwork on your wall contribute to the theme.

And yes, you can through in some additional artwork within your photos. This might be vintage travel posters, maps, or other types of artwork that match your theme.

Have Pictures Professionally Printed

When putting your gallery wall together, it’s important that you have photos professionally printed. Since most of your photographs are likely digital files on a computer, it’s tempting to save some money and print them on your home printer.

But doing so will lead to tacky results. Your wall will feel flat and uninspiring since regular printers aren’t designed to print highly details, colored photographs.

This is especially important if you have professional photos, like wedding photos. You don’t want to take photos that were captured on a high-quality, super-expensive camera and lens, and then print them with a cheap printer designed to print simple PDF documents, do you?

Instead, choose an online printing company that allows you to upload your photos, choose the print size, and order all your photos at one time.

Decide on a Layout

Some people like the clean, modern look of perfectly organized photos. Each photo is in the exact same frame, spaced evenly apart, creating perfect rows and columns.

Others prefer a more rambunctious approach. They choose frames that are different styles and sizes and organize them in a more random, artistic approach.

Figure out what will look best with the current style of your home and the size of your gallery wall. Look at lots of images online for inspiration and help decide what approach works best for you.

Frame and Hang Your Photos

Once you have your photos and artwork, and you’ve decided on a layout, you just need to frame and hang them. Smaller, lighter frames should require nothing but a picture nail. Larger frames will likely need more support.

It’s also best to have a ruler and a level on hand. You’ll want to make sure your frames are level with each other and evenly spaced. Otherwise, it will look like a toddler assembling your gallery wall.

Once complete, stand back and admire your work. It might help to move photos around into different spots to help balance out colors and people. If you really want to try and perfect your wall, ask a few people to come to look at it and get their opinion. They’ll think of things that never crossed your mind.

Enjoying Your Memories

Most people can tackle a photo wall in their home in less than a day after they’ve ordered their photo prints and purchased frames and hanging hardware. It takes a lot longer to plan the wall and choose a layout than to actually hang everything.

Once it’s up, you’ll benefit from a house that feels more like a home, and you’ll enjoy the many mental and emotional benefits that come along with a photo display.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

Did you know drinking water contains some contaminants? Americans have begun using distilled water, instead.

Distilled water improves the quality of baking and cooking. If you want to learn more about distilled water uses, keep reading.

In this guide, you’ll learn how distilled water can provide you with better living. Some homeowners will actually invest in a distilled water setup.

Ready to learn more? Check out the tips below.

1. Baking and Cooking With Distilled Water

Recipes calling for water can usually swap out tap water for distilled water. Soups will actually taste better, and flavors will taste better. You should also try making bread with distilled water.

Your cake or bread will actually come out a lot fluffier.

2. What About Ice Cubes and Water?

Do you put ice in your soda and ruin it with poor-quality ice?

You should look at using distilled water to make your ice to enjoy crystal clear ice. Distilled water will give you ice cubes without contaminants or particles. This will help ensure a crisp drink, like gin or whiskey on the rocks.

Stainless steel water bottles filled with distilled water are an excellent option.

3. Baby Formula and Distilled Water

Owning a water distiller is an option to ensure you have safe drinking water. Water distillers remove almost all the nitrates, lead, uranium, bacteria, and viruses.

If you need to make baby formula, you should use distilled water. Pediatricians and formula manufacturers recommend distilled water because it’s contaminant and toxin-free.

4. Improved Hair Quality

Have you ever thought of shampooing your hair with distilled water? After you shampoo, look at rinsing your hair with distilled water. Tap or hard water has minerals that dull your hair and weigh it down.

Do you have curly hair? You should definitely try using distilled water. High-end salons will actually rinse their client’s hair with distilled water. This will remove any build-up in the hair.

5. Your Plants Will Love Distilled Water

Seeds and houseplants benefit from distilled water because it’s chemically free. Spray leaves with distilled water. Avoid using tap water because a hard water residue will form.

You should look at germinating your seeds with distilled water.

6. Clean Your Home With Distilled Water

Do you need to get water stains off the glass? Make a natural cleaner with half vinegar and half distilled water solution. You’ll find it easier to remove the stains when you soak them in this kind of water.

7. Iron Your Clothes

Irons need distilled water. A crust will build up with tap water usage. You don’t want to clog your iron steam holes or end up with gunk on your clothing.

Make sure you buy plenty of distilled water if you need to iron business clothes. You could also get a pure water distiller, so you don’t need to buy the water jugs.

8. Use Distilled Water

Only use distilled water in your humidifier. Your humidifier will have the same experience as your iron; it will have crust from the tap water. An automatic water distiller will provide gallons of water to fill up a few humidifiers.

9. Do You Use a CPAP Machine?

People should always use distilled water in their CPAP machines. If you breathe in humidified air from your CPAP, you don’t want tap water. Tap water will often contain contaminants, bacteria, or viruses.

You’ll also lower the lifespan of your CPAP humidifier when using tap water. Pick up CVS distilled water.

10. Distilled Water Is Healthier for Your Pets

Keep your pets healthy and safe by giving them distilled water. You might invest in high-quality pet food, so do the same for their drinking water.

You can even get a water distillation system at your vet’s office. Any animals with stomach issues will benefit from drinking distilled water. Some small animals are vulnerable to waterborne chemicals or illnesses in tap water.

11. Where Will You Get Distilled Water?

An automatic water distiller that gives them gallons of water.

Some homeowners will actually purchase a water distiller. You can get a pure water distiller in a countertop model. This will provide you with one gallon of water for every batch.

If your family is large, you should look at getting an automatic water distiller. You could do fine with a portable water distiller for apartments or a small home.

12. Distilled Water and Vehicle Maintenance

Some mechanics prefer to use distilled water when working on a vehicle.

Lead batteries in trucks and cars rely on water. If the water inside the battery isn’t pure, the battery will begin to break down. If distilled water isn’t used, the same issue can occur in a vehicle’s cooling system.

13. Cosmetic Companies Use Distilled Water

Some cosmetic companies only use distilled water because they don’t want any contaminants or impurities. Makeup and skin care products should have clean water in their ingredients to keep customers safe.

If you’re interested, you could contact the makeup company and ask about the ingredients.

Consider Trying Distilled Water

Did you find this guide helpful on the many uses of distilled water? Look at getting distilled water installed in your home. You can keep your CPAP filled with clean water and provide your pets with quality drinking water.

Clean your home with a mixture of distilled water and vinegar.

Need more home tips like this guide? We have a home improvement category here on our blog that you can check out.

If the impenetrable green grass that your lawn used to be has turned into a tangled mess in the last few months–it might be dethatching time.

Dethatching grass is a process designed to remove dead matter from the roots of your lawn. If you’re dethatching the right way, your lawn will emerge anew with a bountiful harvest of dark green new growth that springs out of healthy roots.

Grab your spade and read on this lawn dethatching guide! We’ll teach you how to dethatch a lawn the right way.

Steps on How to Dethatch a Lawn

If your lawn is looking more worn out than usual and the grass isn’t as green and luscious as it use to be, chances are it’s time to dethatch. Dethatching is the process of removing the thatch, or dead grass, from your lawn. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a garden rake to loosen the thatch from the soil.
2. With a thatch rake, remove the thatch from the lawn. Be sure to get all of the thatch, including any build up around the edges of the lawn.
3. Finally, use a garden hose to lightly water the area. This will help the new grass to grow.

If your lawn is looking more worn out than usual and the grass isn’t as green and luscious as it use to be, chances are it’s time to dethatch. Lawn dethatching is the process of removing the thatch layer from your lawn. Thatch is the layer of dead and living grass, stems, and debris that accumulate on your lawn over time.

A thatch layer more than half an inch thick can prevent nutrients, water, and oxygen from getting to the roots of your grass, causing it to become weak and unhealthy.

The Best Tools To Dethatching A Lawn

Knowing how to dethatch a lawn involves using a special machine called a dethatcher, which has blades that loosen and remove the thatch. The best time to dethatch a lawn is in the fall when the grass is dormant.

This allows the new grass to grow in without competition from the old grass. It also allows lawn dethatching to remove the thatch without damaging the lawn.

Dethatching a lawn is an important part of lawn care and should be done every few years. Visit https://heartlandturf.com/prairie-village/ for more information about lawn care professionals and more lawn dethatching tips,.

Importance of Knowing How To Dethatch Your Lawn

Detaching your lawn is important because it helps to remove dead grass, thatch, and debris that can prevent new growth. Lawns need to be thatched at least once a year, and more often if they are heavily used.

The best time to dethatch a lawn is in the fall after the growing season is over. This will give your lawn a chance to recover before the next growing season.

After Dethatching a Lawn- What’s Next?

Now that you have known how to dethatch a lawn, your lawn should now be dethatched and ready for a fresh start. For best results, fertilize and seed your lawn after dethatching and follow these lawn dethatching tips.

Be sure to water regularly and mow at the recommended height for your grass type to ensure a healthy, thick lawn.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

Recent research shows that 1 out of 600 homeowners in America is installing solar panels every quarter. This population is well-positioned to leverage the numerous benefits of solar energy, including cost-saving.

If you’re like these homeowners, saving money is a top priority. And there’s no better way to save money than by embracing green energy. Installing solar panels will help you reduce your energy bills since it’s a sustainable option.

And what’s better, installing solar panels is easier than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the reasons to install solar panels and everything you need to know about the solar panels installation process. So read on to find out how you can start saving money by choosing solar energy.

The Benefits of Solar Panels

Installing solar panels will help reap various benefits. But you should be aware that solar panels also have disadvantages. One thing that should motivate you to go solar is that the advantages always outweigh the disadvantages.

Here are just a few reasons that might convince you to transition to this green energy solution:

Reduced Electricity Bill

Solar panels might be your saving grace if you struggle with high power bills. You’ll produce your own electricity if you have the right solar panels. You will rely less on grid power, which will reduce your monthly electricity bill.

In most cases, you’ll only pay a few dollars a month to ensure you remain connected to your utility provider. So if you’re looking to eliminate your power bill, you should install solar panels on your property.

Reduced Environmental Pollution

One way to reduce your carbon footprint is to install solar panels. Solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning you won’t deplete the sun’s energy.

Solar panels will also not produce carbon emissions that pollute the environment. As such, solar panels are a clean and renewable source of energy. If you install solar panels, you’ll make a significant dent in the amount of pollution released into the atmosphere each year.

Income Earning Potential

One of the reasons for installing solar panels in your home is that you can earn income in different ways.

First, you may be eligible for government incentives, such as tax credits or rebates. Secondly, you can sell excess electricity back to the grid through net metering programs.

Selling the excess energy to utility companies will allow you to earn tax credits. You can stockpile the credits until the point where the company pays you for your unused credits.

You may also take advantage of utility company rate structures that offer lower rates for solar-generated electricity.

Increased Home Value

Homebuyers are always on the lookout for energy-efficient homes. So, if you install solar panels, you’re likely to see a higher return on your solar panels’ investment when it’s time to sell.

According to Zillow, homes with solar panels have a 4.1% higher value than homes without solar power.

Solar panels will add to your home’s appeal and earn you extra money. This means that solar panels are a must-have whether you intend to live in your home forever or sell it someday.

How to Install Solar Panels on Your Home

When it’s time to install solar panels on your roof, your biggest question will be whether to DIY the process or let a professional solar installation company handle the legwork.

DIYing the process may be cheaper as you won’t pay the installation cost. However, installing solar panels is complicated and may be beyond your technical know-how.

The best option is to leave the solar installation work to a professional. Still, you need to understand what will transpire when installing solar panels in your home. We’ll explain the steps for solar panel installation below to ensure that nothing about the installation catches you off-guard.

Choosing the Solar Installation Company

The first step will be choosing the solar installation company you want to hire. This is an important step as the quality of your solar panels will depend on the quality of work from the installer.

When choosing a solar panel installer, you should consider the following factors:

• Past customer reviews and feedback
• Accreditation and licensing
• Experience
• The company’s local presence

Also, consider warranties and installation costs, and timelines.

Site Survey by an Engineer

An engineer will need to conduct a site survey before the installation company starts its work. The purpose of the survey is to ensure that your home can support solar panels.

The engineer will assess your roof’s angle. They’ll also consider the amount of sunlight that hits your house each day. If trees shade your house, solar panels may not be good for you.

The inspector will also assess your electrical system. They will check whether the system is compatible with the design of the solar system you intend to install.

In some cases, a solar panel installation company may recommend that you upgrade your electrical system to handle solar power generation. This is especially true if your home has an outdated or old electrical system.

Getting Permits and Approval

This will be one of the most time-consuming steps in your solar panel installation. But don’t make the mistake of skipping it. You’ll need to obtain a permit from your local government showing that installing solar panels in your home is legal.

The approval is necessary because solar panels require special zoning considerations and regulations. For example, solar panels may be prohibited due to their large size or the amount of sunlight they reflect on neighboring properties.

The good news is that your solar installation company can handle most of the paperwork for you. The company will file for the building or electrical permit on your behalf.

It will also file for an interconnection agreement with your utility company to allow you to benefit from net metering.

Applying for Incentives

After obtaining the necessary solar installation permits, you can start applying for solar tax credits and other solar incentives. These incentives will save you significant money on your solar panel installation.

Depending on the solar policies in your state, you may qualify for rebates from the government and solar energy companies. You may also qualify for federal tax credits.

Some solar installation companies will also offer their own solar incentives in the form of solar panel discounts or solar panel coupons. You can use these solar incentives to reduce the cost of your solar panel installation.

Ordering the Necessary Equipment

Once you have the permit, your solar installer will help you order the right equipment. They will help you choose equipment that will align with your solar power goals.

Your solar installation company will help you choose the right solar panels for your home. They will also recommend a solar inverter compatible with your solar panel system.

The solar installer will also provide you with solar mounting equipment to hold your solar panels in place.

After ordering the equipment, the installation company will put your name in the queue to await the installation day. Your turn will depend on how many clients the installer has in the queue.

Installing Solar Panels

On the installation day, solar installers will come to your home and begin the solar panel installation process. The first step will be to prepare your roof by ensuring that all the tiles are secure enough to support the panels.

The solar installer will then connect the solar inverter to your home’s electrical system. After that, they’ll start wiring each solar panel so that it can communicate with other solar panels connected to a single solar power generation system.

The solar panel installation process will take one or two days, depending on the size and complexity of your system.

Approving and Connecting the System

After the installation, a representative from the local government will assess the solar system and issue permission to operate (PTO). The aim will be primarily to verify the electrical work for safety purposes.

A representative from the utility company will also interconnect your solar system to the grid. This step will allow you to draw electricity from the grid when you need it. It will also help you send the excess energy back to the main power lines for credit.

Consider Installing Solar Panels Today

Installing solar panels in your home is a great way to save money and embrace green energy. You can use our article as your guide if you’re considering installing solar panels in your home.

You’ll learn the reasons you should invest in solar panels and the process that will take place during installation. If you have any questions about solar panel installation, consult with a reputable solar installer in your area.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

It is essential to do it right to sustain a home’s beauty when it comes to home gardening. Not only will it enhance the aesthetic value of a home, but it will also greatly benefit the homeowner, especially if healthy and non-GMO plants, flowers, and herbs are grown. With every bit of space on the compound, many people consider starting their little garden with the hope that it will blossom someday. However, as much as the blossoming depends on the quality of the soil and weather conditions, it also largely relies on the types of live herb plants delivered. Grower’s Exchange is one of the reputable firms for growing and supplying quality plants that are ready to be transplanted. Here are some of the best-selling categories of herbs that homeowners should consider having in their gardens.

New Plants and Herbs

Each new day, there are a lot of plant ideas brought in or borrowed from across the world. It can be exciting to have such plants in a garden owing to their unique appearance. Having a unique garden in the entire neighborhood is exciting since it will always leave heads turning in amusement, followed by great complements. These plants and herbs include Astragalus membranaceus, Aster ‘Purple Dome’ Butterfly Bush, Basil, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Gomphrena, Henna, Lantana, Lavender, Marshmallow, and Mugwort, among many more.

Rare and Exotic

Nothing beats the beauty of a garden filled with rare and exotic plants and herbs. Most of these plants and herbs are beneficial to the owner since they have different uses when ingested or in the immediate environment. There are numerous exotic plants across the US; some include the Ashwagandha, Artichoke, Basil, Betony, Brahmi, Cardinal Flower, Clary Sage, and Comfey, among others. Depending on an individual’s needs, they have a wide range of selections for herbs that can work best in their gardens.

Aromatic Herbs

Aromatic herbs are planted in gardens to add and benefit from their culinary, fragrance, and mood-enhancing properties. They appeal to many human senses by being both practical and decorative. More so, the fragrances from these herbs directly impact an individual’s emotional well-being. These herbs include Bergamot, Patchouli, Lavender, Parsley, Lemon Verbena, Dill, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, and Feverfew, among others.

Culinary Herb Plants

Having a garden filled with culinary herbs is essential since one can eat fresh plants that are free from any contamination. In addition, this is a great way to minimize one’s monthly food budget since fresh vegetables can be harvested from their home garden. Some of the essential culinary herbs one can plant in their garden include Basil, Bergamot, Lemon Verbena, Bay Trees, Thyme, Chives, Lovage, etc.

In addition, there are many other groups of plants and herbs, such as medicinal herbs and flowers.

In conclusion, one sure way to have the perfect garden is to settle on the sole reason one wants one before securing the seedling. It is equally important to get healthy non-GMO plants ready to be transplanted to ensure maximum survival and fast growth. Only a reputable plants and herbs company can make this come true by ensuring live herb plants are delivered.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

Did you know that kitchen counters are some of the dirtiest parts of a person’s home?

Aside from the kitchen, you can’t forget about your mattress. It can be hard getting a good night’s sleep knowing you’re sharing the bed with all types of germs and bugs. Fortunately, there are proven ways to keep a mattress spic and span.

Are you wondering what you need to do? Keep reading to learn all about the latest mattress cleaning tips that you should start using today.

Handle the Blanket and Sheets First

To properly clean your innerspring mattress, you should start by removing all the blankets, sheets, and pillows. These can be washed in the washer and then put in the dryer like you would a set of clothes. Depending on the size of things, it might be best to clean the blanket first, then the sheets and pillowcases afterward.

Make sure you use hot water so that potential germs and dust mites don’t survive.

Look for Stains

Now that you’ve stripped your bed, you should be able to inspect it for any mattress stains. The most effective strategy for mattress stains is to clean them as soon as you notice them. The longer they hang around, the harder it will be to remove them.

One way to tackle stains is by mixing together equal parts dish soap, water, and hydrogen peroxide. This homemade cleaner can often work wonders on stains, even if you’ve spilled hot sauce on your best foam mattress.

Use a Vacuum

No matter what types of mattresses you have in your home, they can all use a good vacuuming. After you’ve inspected them for stains, you should whip out the vacuum and cover both sides of it, as well as the surrounding area. A handheld vacuum is often the best tool for the job.

This should take care of hair, dead skin, bug corpses, and other unwelcome debris.

Cover the Mattress in Baking Soda

Baking soda has many amazing uses, and cleaning mattresses is one of them. Not only can it get rid of odors but it can also provide a deep clean. After you let the baking soda settle in the mattress for a few hours, all you have to do is vacuum it up.

It can also be a good idea to beat the mattress outside. If your mattress is too far gone, you can invest in a new one at drsnooze.com.

Ready to Excel at Mattress Cleaning?

Now that you’ve learned all about the latest mattress cleaning tips, you can make sure that your bed is as clean as it is comfy. Who can feel warm and cozy knowing that their mattress is teeming with all kinds of dirt and germs?

There’s so much more you can do to ensure you have a clean home and a thriving lifestyle in general. The best way to keep your ear to the ground is by clicking through our site on a regular basis, especially since we post new content every single week.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

Living the life of a minimalist is a freeing experience that many strive to incorporate into their ongoing daily existence. The ability to declutter your home, mental space, and more is liberating on many different levels. While some might think that minimalism is full of rules and structures, making it unapproachable, the truth is that living as a minimalist is as simple as you want to make it. Not everyone will completely upend their living situation and adopt the most extreme forms of minimalism in the early days (of course, if you choose to pursue these paths later down the road, that’s totally acceptable as well).

Indeed, becoming more minimally minded is as easy as looking to rent a storage unit and shifting some of your unneeded belongings out of the home for a quick turn toward physical minimalism. A storage unit operates as the first step toward greater minimalism in any lifestyle and in any city. With the help of a great storage facility that’s affordable, offers the blend of security features and access that you’re looking for, and perhaps even brings in climate-controlled storage and other additional amenities, you can take the first steps toward this brand new lifestyle that promotes health, happiness, and mindfulness at the forefront of every experience.

Continue reading to learn about storage options and other benefits and approaches to living the life of a minimalist today.

Minimalism helps reduce stress in your life.

One of the main benefits of a minimalist household is the reduction of stress. In your home environment, clutter can easily translate into a restriction of movement, which in turn adds to the stress levels that you experience on a daily basis.

Taken in tandem with the expense of a large home that involves a lot of belongings (many of which you never touch or even consider), shedding some of this weight is a great way to enjoy a larger sense of freedom and carefree living without any major changes in your ongoing lifestyle. With the help of a storage facility, it’s easy to remove some of this clutter from your everyday living space and transfer it into a permanent or short-term storage space that’s, importantly, not at your home. Reducing stress is important these days, and many people are searching for ways to incorporate more stress elimination in their lives.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to derail plans, force workers to telecommute from their living rooms or kitchens, and more, homes have become a place of immense pressure throughout all phases of life. Taking back control of the stress management that you’re able to bring into the space is a great asset. Minimalism can help you regain this sense of ownership over the physical and mental space that your home presents to you and your family.

Minimalism is about more than possessions.

While many people who are approaching minimalism might point to the number of things a person owns as a surefire way of identifying a minimalist, this isn’t the only change that signals a shift in mindset. Belongings are but one way in which minimalism can transform your life. In addition to a more streamlined home environment that allows for the display of the things that actually matter to you and your loved ones, this way of life also provides you with more time for the things that matter the most to you.

For instance, many people love spending time outside, but their mental state is bogged down in all the little tasks that must be completed each day, leaving them with little to no time to engage with their outdoor activities (perhaps even just sitting in the grass to feel the sunshine). Spending time outside is a proven means of reducing stress as well, and this stress management feature is a common theme within the world of minimalism.

Consider these approaches and benefits of becoming a minimalist in your own home.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

The housing market is undergoing a transition period, according to experts like Ram V Chary, and investors should be on the alert for new trends in the coming year. Here are some trends investors should watch in the coming year:

1) The Rise of e-Commerce

For one, the rise of e-commerce is affecting the housing market in a few ways. First, it’s leading to more people living in cities and closer to their places of work. This is due to the fact that more and more people are buying items online and don’t need to go to stores to make their purchases.

This is not good for malls and other shopping venues, but it’s great news for property owners who own homes close to the office or offer easy public transportation access.

2) Millennials Will Continue Their Housing Trend

Millennials have fueled another trend: they are eschewing homeownership in favor of renting longer. Not only are they delaying marriage and children, which traditionally led to the purchase of homes, but many are opting to stay at home with their parents or move back in for financial reasons.

Millennials have also been slow to embrace credit cards, which could be impacting their ability to save for a down payment on a house. As millennials continue to choose to rent over buying, investors should be on the lookout for properties that make great rentals.

3) More Work-Life Balance Needed

As more people opt to work from home and put in longer hours, they will need to make sure their homes offer them the space and conveniences they need. This means that spare bedrooms and other rooms may not sit empty and could provide another source of rental income if turned into a home office or media room.

Expect to see more homeowners investing in things like storage spaces, entertainment areas, and even gyms in their homes as they try to strike a better work-life balance while saving time and money commuting every day.

4) A Smaller Footprint

As work and shopping habits change, consumers will need to rethink the size and layout of their homes. This means thinking smaller and living within a more compact footprint.

This trend is already evident in smaller houses, condos, and other popular housing spaces among first-time home buyers. For real estate investors, this means there may be an opportunity to renovate or update properties before reselling them for top dollar. It also means looking at older homes that were built before the advent of bigger spaces, as these could become part of a renovation project.

5) More LEED Certified Homes

Finally, consumers want to live in a greener and more sustainably developed neighborhoods, which has led to a rebranding of environmental certification marks. As one example, more homes are being built to be LEED-certified after local governments began offering incentives for green builders.

This means real estate investors should look at properties in these areas to ensure they can turn a profit while still complying with environmental standards. It could also mean picking up older LEED-certified properties at good prices and making them rental units if needed.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

Having guests over can be a source of stress and anxiety for many homeowners. Even the smallest details can make a big difference when you’re entertaining, which is why it’s essential for you to start planning as far in advance as you can for special events. You might be surprised by the number of tasks and errands that end up on your to-do list, and you don’t want to leave everything to the last minute. Make sure to leave room in your budget for professional help with more complicated projects, especially if you haven’t done any home maintenance recently. If you’re planning to have guests in the near future, keep reading to learn more about what you can do to get your home ready.

How do you prepare your home for guests?

One important part of having guests over is making sure they’re happy and comfortable. To that end, finding out more about their preferences for music, dining, and entertainment can help you create an environment that your guests enjoy. If you’re planning to serve food, you’ll also need to ask your guests about any allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. Not having food for everyone to eat is one of the quickest ways to ruin any special event.

Anyone who entertains frequently should also consider investing in a home warranty. If you aren’t familiar with home warranties, they’re like an insurance plan for your major home systems and appliances. Typically, in exchange for a monthly premium, home warranty companies provide repair and replacement services for a fraction of what it would cost to solve the problem on your own. Companies like this home warranty Texas business offer different levels of coverage based on your individual needs.

Families with pets or small children need to make a plan for how to entertain and occupy them while you have company over. Provide them with plenty of entertainment options and consider creating some play space for them in a spare room where they can go if they get bored or overwhelmed. It’s often best to leave pets in a guest room or use gates to keep them away from high-traffic areas. Just check in on them frequently and provide plenty of food and water.

What home maintenance should you take care of?

If you’re having a large party or guests staying with you, you’ll want to ensure that everything in your house is in good working order. Your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems should be your highest priorities. Electrical work, in particular, can be difficult, so look for well-regarded professionals like these electrical contractors in Harrisburg, PA. While some simpler tasks can be done on your own, it’s usually a better idea to enlist expert help for essential home maintenance projects.

You should also consider taking care of exterior maintenance. This can include tasks like lawn care, gutter cleaning, and power washing. While not strictly necessary, most people want their homes to be in the best possible condition when they’re having guests over. It’s always a good idea to make a positive first impression as soon as your guests arrive.

You can significantly cut down on the stress and anxiety associated with having guests over if you give yourself enough time to prepare and organize a to-do list. Anyone who entertains frequently may benefit from investing in a home warranty plan to protect their home systems and appliances from damage or wear and tear from frequent use. Being diligent about regular home maintenance even when you aren’t expecting company is another important part of ensuring everything goes smoothly. Though the list of things to do before an event can seem overwhelming, the work will be worth it when you get to make new memories with the people you care about.

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Remodeling your home is a common requirement for many. No matter where you live, remodeling efforts are a great way to reimagine your living space and build additional value into the foundation of the property. Many homeowners forget that real estate property is both a living space—one that facilitates your daily routine, habits, comfort needs, and more—and also a financial asset that grows alongside you and your family. In fact, your home is likely your most valuable fiscal possession and should always be treated as such.

Remodeling your home is an effort designed to increase your family’s peace of mind and comfort, but it also must be done strategically. The truth is that the average homeowner remains in their property for around 13 years before selling and moving on to a new space that better suits their needs. This means that a family will spend one major chapter of life, collectively, in a property, but likely not another. Families that are just starting out are likely to raise young children in their home and then move as their oldest become teenagers.

Likewise, for families that have moved with younger children, as soon as they start to age out of the period in life where living at home is typical and chase after their own hopes and dreams, the large, family space might seem like a hassle to maintain for parents who have become empty nesters.

This all means that remodeling is designed for both improving comfort in the home for your family, but also remains targeted at structural upgrades that will improve the value of your property over time. As a result, you’ll have greater capital access when it comes time to set out on your next home. With these action items in mind, approaching the renovation and remodeling process can be made far easier.

Consider the bathroom for a major impact.

The bathroom is a luxurious space designed for creature comfort and relaxation. This is a place that you begin your mornings and end your evenings in and will use numerous times throughout the days you are working from home or relaxing—which are great in number these days. Bathroom remodeling in Minneapolis that targets the shower, tub, and vanity offers a great way to immediately boost the comfort level that you enjoy in the property and give it the boost it needs to make a real impact on the property market when it comes time to sell and move on. The bathroom is a place that can make or break a home, and a well-kept bathroom can provide a real selling point for a home that’s just hit the market. On the other hand, a bathroom that hasn’t been updated in years can feel old and stuffy. This creates strain in your daily routine and will turn buyers off to the property as well.

Implement fast-acting solutions.

Flooring, walls, and window solutions are all great impact additions to any home. A removable peel and stick wallpaper can give you a totally new and fresh look throughout the house with only minimal effort. In fact, these projects can often be completed in a weekend or even an afternoon for some of the more crafty homeowners out there. Wallpaper and painting options are great for revamping a home in a hurry. These give off a new energy within the home and can transform your level of comfort and enjoyment in the property. Likewise, a new wall color that matches the prevailing trends can even boost the eventual sale price of a home on the market without any additional work.

With these areas at the front of your mind, making your home more comfortable is a simple task.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category