How to Safely Use Appliances In the Kitchen

Posted on December 26, 2022 by Damon

kitchen appliances

When you think of kitchen safety, you probably think of hot stoves, sharp knives, and food-borne illnesses. While these are certainly important issues to consider, many other areas in the kitchen can be dangerous if not properly addressed.

Appliances come in handy in any kitchen, but if you are not careful, they can cause fatalities. Here are some pointers given by commercial kitchen appliance repair on how to use appliances safely in the kitchen.

Read the manual

The first step is to read through the manual before using your appliance for its intended purpose. The manual contains important information about your appliance’s operation and safety features.

As such, you want to keep it in a handy location so you can refer to it whenever necessary.

Inspect cords and plugs for damage

Damaged electric cords should be replaced immediately. Be sure that cords aren’t pinched or frayed since this could cause them to overheat and start a fire. Check for signs like discoloration or overheating in areas where there may be damage.

If you notice any signs of damage, don’t use the appliance until it has been fixed.

Switch off the power source before unplugging

Unplugging your electric appliances can be dangerous if you don’t do so correctly. Ensure all power sources have been turned off before unplugging any electrical device. This includes wall sockets, extension leads, plug-in adaptors, and chargers.

Keep appliances away from water and moisture.

Don’t place any electrical appliance near a sink or other wet area. Water and electricity don’t mix well; even a little moisture can cause an electric shock or fire.

If you spill something on your appliance, unplug it immediately and wipe up any liquid with a dry cloth. If you are unsure about the safety of your appliance, consult an electrician or an appliance repair specialist.

Make sure that all electrical appliances are properly grounded

If an appliance isn’t grounded, it could cause a shock or fire hazard because there would be no way for any stray electricity to escape.

To check for grounding, plug one end of an outlet tester into the outlet itself; plug the other end into a working outlet somewhere else in the house. If the tester lights up green or red, depending on the type, then that outlet is properly grounded.

If not, then grounding needs to be added to that outlet and all others like it throughout the house.

Never touch a live electrical cord with wet hands.

Never touch a live electrical cord with wet hands. Even if something falls into the water while you’re cooking, don’t reach for it. Instead, you want to unplug the appliance first, then deal with the problem. If there’s no way around touching a hot surface, use a potholder or towel before touching it.

When cleaning appliances, it would be best to unplug them before washing them.

Don’t overload outlets or extension cords.

Ensure that each outlet and extension cord is only used for one appliance at a time. Multiple appliances running off of a single outlet or extension cord can overload it and lead to a fire or electrocution.

If you have too many items plugged into an outlet or extension cord at once, unplug some until they’re all safe to plug back in together without exceeding capacity.

Bottom Line

The kitchen is a hub of activity and is not just about food preparation. Many people use the kitchen for cooking, cleaning, and other tasks that require electrical appliances. Some appliances are safer than others, but improper use can still lead to injury or death.

To be on the safe side, follow these guidelines given by commercial appliances repair Springfield on how to use your appliances safely.

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How Can You Improve The Quality Of Filtered Water?

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Damon

Drinking filtered water is one of the best things you can do for your health. However, it’s not always the easiest to find.

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you can easily find water that has gone through a water filtration system, good for you, but if you’re like most people who have to rely on bottled water or unfiltered tap water, then you can still improve the quality of your drinking water by following these tips.

Use a quality filter.

The quality of your filter primarily determines the quality of your water. Therefore, you want to buy one that’s NSF-certified to ensure it removes at least 99% of lead, chlorine, and other contaminants.

If you live in an area with higher levels of contamination, consider buying a more expensive model with additional features like carbon filtration for removing organic contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals.

Change the filter regularly.

The time you should wait between changing your water filter depends on how often you use it. If you’re using filtered water for drinking and cooking daily, change it once every six months to one year.

If you’re only using it occasionally or want to thoroughly clean it every few years, change it once or twice per year or whenever the flow rate slows down or stops altogether.

Clean the filter regularly

Many people forget about their water filters until they stop working correctly due to clogging with sediment build-up or biofilm accumulation, a thin layer of microorganisms that can form on surfaces.

However, if you clean them regularly with vinegar, baking soda, or bleach solution, this won’t happen as often.

Don’t overuse chlorine.

Chlorine doesn’t last long in your water supply, so you don’t need to treat your entire volume every time you fill up a glass or run the dishwasher.

Instead, add chlorine only when necessary, such as when someone in your household has been sick with diarrhea or vomiting, or after an emergency, such as a broken pipe that could contaminate your water system.

Use a filter made from 100% coconut shell-activated carbon

If you live in an area where the water quality is questionable, you may have heard of activated carbon filters. Even if you don’t have bad water, they can improve your drinking water quality by removing chlorine and other unwanted chemicals.

Activated carbon filters are made from coconut shells or other organic materials specially treated with steam and heat to create a highly porous structure. This allows them to trap dirt, contaminants, and chemicals much better than a standard filter.

Buy a good-quality whole-house filter.

Whole house filters are usually installed under the sink in your kitchen or bathroom, depending on where your incoming water supply enters. These filters remove most impurities from your drinking water, but they’re expensive and require regular maintenance, which can be time-consuming.

Use a reverse osmosis filter.

Reverse osmosis filters use pressure to force filtered water through semipermeable membranes that separate dissolved solids from the liquid. It’s important to note that reverse osmosis filters do not remove all impurities.

They only remove dissolved solids, but they can help reduce levels of arsenic and nitrates in drinking water.

Bottom Line

The quality of the water you drink directly affects your health. Water is essential to your body, and you need it to survive. However, the quality of water may vary from place to place and even from time to time.

The water in your locality might be contaminated with chemicals or other harmful substances that adversely affect your health. Thankfully, investing in a whole house water filtration, Warren, can help you mitigate that.

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What Is The Purpose Of Chimney Pots?

Posted on October 29, 2022 by Damon

Chimney pots have been in use for hundreds of years and are still an important part of chimney construction today. Although they may not be as necessary as they were when they were first invented, they still serve a fundamental purpose. 

If you’re looking for a way to protect your home’s structure against the elements, chimney pots can be a great solution.

Here are some reasons chimney repair professionals give you why you should consider installing chimney pots.

They prevent birds from nesting in your chimney.

Chimneys are often a good place for birds to build their nests. This is especially true if a nearby tree protects from predators and gives easy access to food sources. 

Birds also love the warmth and shelter provided by chimneys and the protection offered by their high walls. The problem is that these are also great places for them to raise their young, which can cause problems down the road when those baby birds decide it’s time for them to leave home. 

A chimney pot will keep those little critters from contacting your roof shingles or any other parts of your roof system that their nests or droppings could damage.

To allow smoke to escape from the top of a chimney

Chimney pots allow smoke to escape from the top of a chimney. They can be made from various materials and come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Chimney pots are not essential for a fireplace’s safe operation, but they help prevent soot buildup on your roof and keep the rain away from your home’s exterior.

The purpose of chimney pots is to allow smoke to escape from the top of a chimney. Because there is no need for smoke to pass through the flue, these are often referred to as ‘smoke pots.’

To prevent rainwater from entering the chimney and increase the risk of fire.

Chimneys without pots may allow rainwater to enter and flow into the chimney flue. The water then flows down through the chimney and collects in a depression around the base, where it can catch fire if exposed to sufficient heat, for example, from an open fire. 

This is known as back-drafting or smoldering combustion. Fireplaces without pots may back-draft even when there is no fire because they are not designed to ventilate smoke up through a chimney without drawing air down at its base. Chimneys with pots also tend to draw smoke up more efficiently, which can cause problems if there is already too much smoke in the room.

To give your home a unique look that sets it apart from others in the neighborhood.

The purpose of chimney pots is to give your home a unique look that sets it apart from others in the neighborhood. They are also used to draw attention to the chimney, which may be an eye-catching feature on the exterior of your home. 

If you have a brick or stone chimney, it is possible that you already have some decorative elements at the top of it. However, if you have a metal chimney, it may seem like a space or something to be ignored.

Gardening aid

These items have grown in popularity over recent years due to their ability to grow plants inside them. This gives you an extra area in your garden where you can grow plants without having to worry about soil erosion or drainage issues, as it’s all contained within the pot itself.

Bottom Line

Chimney pots have been used to protect masonry structures from weather damage since ancient times.

Recently, they have been used as decorative elements in their own right, often imitating other architectural styles or materials like stone or wood.

If you think your home will benefit from a chimney pot, have it installed by professional chimney contractors Upper Marlboro.

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Is Replacing A Countertop Easy?

Posted on September 24, 2022 by Damon

granite countertops

When it comes to replacing a countertop, you have two options: hire a professional or do it yourself. While hiring a professional can be expensive, doing it yourself requires research, patience, and handyman skills.

If you are wondering whether replacing a countertop is easy, this guide will come in handy. You will get some useful tips for making the project a walk in the park.

Are you up for the challenge?

Replacing your granite countertops or any other countertops is not an easy task. It involves removing the old countertop and installing the new one in its place. This means you’ll need to buy tools and materials like tiles and cement adhesive.

If your kitchen has cabinets attached to the wall, you’ll also need to know how to remove them, so they don’t fall off during installation.

Finally, if you’re replacing an old laminate countertop with a new granite one, there’s another thing to keep in mind: granite is heavier than other types of stone and wood, so if your cabinets aren’t designed for it, they may not hold up under the extra weight alone.

Tips for easy DIY countertop replacement

Replacing a countertop is a great DIY project, but it can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Plan ahead

Decide what you want the new countertop to look like, and then find a company that can supply it for you. This may involve a trip to the home improvement store or visiting some online retailers.

If you’re replacing an existing countertop, measure the surface carefully to determine how much material you need. The new material should be slightly larger than the existing piece, so gaps between the two ends will be filled with caulking or adhesive.

If your new countertop is going to have a backsplash, measure carefully so that it doesn’t overlap with the wall when installed.

Make sure your new countertop matches the height of your cabinets and sink as closely as possible so they will all line up visually once installed. If necessary, adjust the height of cabinets by adding or removing spacers between cabinets and walls before installing new countertops.

Know the type of countertop you have

The first thing you need to do is identify what kind of countertop you have. This can be tricky because many materials were used in the past to make kitchen counters. Some materials include ceramic tile, Formica, solid surface material, laminate, and natural stone.

If your countertop is in good condition, it may be worth refinishing it rather than replacing it with new material.

Have the right tools on hand

First things first, you’re going to need supplies. The exact supplies you need depend on what kind of surface you’re replacing and whether you’re doing any work around the edges of the countertop, such as adding tile or installing a backsplash.

For example, if you’re installing travertine tile over old Formica countertops, you’ll need tools for cutting tiles and grout and adhesives for attaching them to the wall. If some part of your existing countertop is structurally unsound, like loose laminate or cracked concrete, then you may also need tools like hammers and chisels for removing that material from the wall before installing new materials over it.

Having the right equipment will save you time and energy.

Bottom Line

Replacing a countertop is a major home improvement project. It’s not something you want to rush. Nevertheless, with care and planning, it can be done. For the best outcome, involve the services of granite installers Rockville or any other expert. 

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Kitchen Countertop Best Practices

Posted on August 20, 2022 by Damon

kitchen countertops

As a responsible homeowner, you want to keep your kitchen countertops in top shape, don’t you? And the good side is that it’s possible to do it. Some of the things you need to do to achieve this include:

Clean the countertops regularly

Cleaning the countertops keeps the surfaces looking clean and organized and prevents stains from developing. The cool thing is that you don’t need to be fancy about your cleaning. Regardless of whether you have granite or quartz countertops in your kitchen, you should have a simple cleaning procedure. Water and soap are usually enough.

Don’t use harsh cleaning products if you want your countertops to be spotless. This means that you should never use ammonia or vinegar in your cleaning. The reason for this is that the products etch the surfaces and at the same time give the surfaces an ugly look.

Some products also eat at the countertop sealer, which exposes the countertops to stains and bacteria.

Don’t cut directly on the countertops.

As much as the countertops appear tough and indestructible, they aren’t. You might get away with cutting on the countertops once or twice, but when you repeatedly do it, you are bound to cause extensive damage.

To protect your countertops, always use a chopping board when cutting meat, fruits, or anything else.

Get rid of clutter

You can have the cleanest countertop surfaces, but if they are full of clutter, there is no way they will be pleasant to look at.

To give a good impression, remove any unwanted materials from your surfaces. This calls for you to remove papers, appliances, plates, spoons, and other things from the surfaces.

A good rule of thumb is to remove anything that shouldn’t be on the countertop surfaces. This means that the plates, cups, spices, and other tiny items should be in their designated areas.

Some of the items that you should only have on your surfaces are a coffee maker, toaster, and any other necessary item. If you can place an appliance anywhere other than the countertop surfaces, put it there.

Don’t sit on the countertops.

The same way some homeowners have the impression that countertops are too tough to be destroyed by knives is the same way they have the impression that the surfaces are too tough that you can sit on them without causing any damage.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

When you sit on the countertops, especially on the edges, there are high chances of the surfaces cracking or chipping, and you don’t want this, do you?

To keep your countertops in top shape, avoid sitting on them.

When you are in the kitchen preparing the meals, have a chair to sit on, instead of sitting on the surfaces.

The same thing applies when you reach the ceiling to replace the bulb or remove a plate from the top shelf—don’t step on the countertops as you will damage them. Instead, have a ladder or stepping stool.

Don’t let liquids sit on the countertops for too long

Even with the best care, spills will happen, and you shouldn’t ignore them when they do. Instead, move with haste and remove them before they seep into the deeper layers.

While sealed marble and granite countertops Raleigh NC will have higher resistance levels, and the water can stay for a long time on the surfaces before it seeps through, it can still seep down when you let the water stay there for too long.

A good rule of thumb is to remove the water as soon as you notice it.

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What Should You Not Do In A Bathroom Remodel?

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Damon

bathroom remodeling

Bathroom remodels are a great way to add value and spice up your home. Unfortunately, they can be a challenge as you have to tear down walls, install new fixtures, and add tile, among many other things. 

While this is the case, they don’t have to be complicated. One of the major things you should do is to avoid doing the wrong things. Wondering what you shouldn’t do in a bathroom remodel? Here are seven things you should not do when doing bathroom remodeling:

Don’t go too small

Having a small bathroom doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style or comfort. The right products and design make even the tiniest spaces feel luxurious and spacious.

Don’t use cheap materials or fixtures.

Bathrooms are some of the most important rooms in the house, so they must reflect good taste and quality craftsmanship — especially if you plan on staying in your home for decades to come.

If you want your bathroom to last for years after completing your renovation, invest in high-quality fixtures such as faucets and showerheads that won’t corrode or break down over time.

It’s also important to choose durable materials such as granite countertops that won’t crack or stain easily over time, especially if they come into contact with water.

Don’t over-complicate your plans.

Even when doing a major overhaul, it’s important to keep the project simple so that you can complete it within budget and on time. There’s no need to add extra features if they don’t fit your overall design scheme or aren’t essential for your family’s needs.

For example, if you already have ample storage space in the closet and vanity cabinets, adding more might not be worth the expense or effort involved.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning a bathroom renovation because there are so many options available to you today compared to older homes with fewer choices regarding fixtures and finishes.

You, therefore, want to work with an architect or contractor who can give you solid advice.

Don’t skimp on plumbing.

One of the most important aspects of any bathroom remodel is plumbing. You want to ensure everything works properly before moving forward with other aspects of your renovation plan.

When selecting fixtures like sinks and toilets, choose ones that will last for years without requiring constant maintenance or repair work by a professional plumber.

Don’t rush it

If you’re starting out on your home improvement project, getting excited about making changes as soon as possible is tempting, especially if you can see some dirt or mold on the walls.

However, taking too much time in the planning phase can lead to problems later, when you realize that your renovation plans don’t make sense for your space or budget. So take your time and ensure you’ve thought things through before jumping into action.

Don’t underestimate how long it will take to complete a project

Having to put off work because contractors showed up late or took longer than expected is frustrating enough. It is even worse to do it again because they didn’t finish the first time.

Make sure you know what kind of timeline you’re looking at before hiring any contractors, so they don’t leave you hanging while trying to fit in more jobs than they have time for.

Bottom Line

Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular remodels in the home. To have an easy time and avoid making costly mistakes, work closely with experienced bathroom remodeling contractors Rockville. 

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4 AC Myths You Should Be Wary Of

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Damon

As a homeowner, you should know that there are plenty of misleading air conditioner myths that you should be wary of. Which are these myths? Here they are as given by air conditioner repair services DC :

Bigger is always better

If you are looking to buy an air conditioner, you must have heard that you should always buy a bigger appliance as it’s better and will give you an excellent service. This is untrue.

To keep your unit functioning optimally, go for an appliance that is the right size for your home. When you buy an appliance that is too big for your home, you end up with plenty of energy wastage and comfort issues, and you don’t want this, do you?

To save money and have peace of mind, go for a unit that is the right size for your home. If you aren’t sure about the right one to go for, get the input of a professional.

Besides the appliance’s size, pay attention to the energy star rating. Of course, you should go for a unit with a high-energy star rating as this way, you are sure that the unit will function optimally and save you a lot of money down the line.

Lowering the thermostat settings cools the house fast

You must have also done it. You get into the house only to find it too hot for comfort. What do you do? You rapidly lower the thermostat settings with the hope that it will cool the house fast.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen.

When you lower the thermostat temperature, you don’t make your AC cool the house fast. Instead, it leads to energy wastage.

The reason for this is because the air conditioner works harder to reach your set temperature. While the AC will work harder, you should note that it doesn’t cool the house faster than it usually does.

To avoid overworking your appliance and wasting energy, set your thermostat at a temperature you are comfortable with, then let it slowly work its way.

The only time to maintain your appliance is when it breaks down

How often have you heard that you shouldn’t try fixing something that isn’t broken? While the saying is true, it doesn’t mean you should ignore your furnace.

Even if your appliance doesn’t develop problems, hire a cooling expert to inspect the unit and tune it up at least once a year. During the tune-up, the professional might find out minute issues your unit might be having and fix them before they worsen.

Reviving an old appliance will save you money.

If you have an old unit that keeps breaking down, you might have the impression that you can fix it and save money you would have spent buying a new one.

While you don’t have to buy a new air conditioner every time it develops a problem, it comes a time when you have to install a new one as fixing the old unit, wastes your money.

If your appliance is more than 15 years old and keeps breaking down, there is no point in spending money on repair professionals—you should simply get a new one.

Remember that even if you can fix the old unit, it will still run inefficiently and will be prone to extremely expensive repairs. When you keep fixing it, you end up spending more money than you would have spent buying a new appliance.

A good rule of thumb is replacing an old unit that has developed the same problem twice.

When buying the new appliance, ac repair services DC recommend that you get a high-quality one that will withstand the test of time. The new appliance should also have a high-energy star rating, so you have peace of mind that it’s going to run efficiently.

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How Can You Tell Where A Tree Will Fall From?

Posted on May 26, 2022 by Damon

tree services

Tree cutting can be dangerous, especially if you have no idea where it will fall from. Knowing where a tree will fall from is important to avoid risky accidents.

Whether you are cutting the tree yourself or hiring tree services, it’s important you know where your tree will fall. Not sure how you will go about it? Here are several ways to tell where a tree will fall from.

Is it leaning?

If a tree is leaning towards one side, the chances are high that it will fall in that direction. If you’re planning on cutting down a tree, examine the tree from all angles and check in the direction where it is leaning the most.

You can also check whether there are any dead branches at the top, indicating that there’s been a recent movement in the trunk or roots due to wind or other reasons.

The direction of the wind

The direction of the wind is one of the most important indicators to tell where a tree will fall. The tree’s trunk faces the wind, even though its branches may be blown in other directions.

When hiking through a forest or walking along a path, look where the trees lean when the wind blows.

This could indicate that there’s more wind blowing from that direction than from others, or it could mean that there’s something wrong with that tree, such as rot or disease, making it a weak point and hence the most likely direction to fall from.

The slope of the ground

An important factor in determining where a tree will fall is the slope of the ground. If you’re cutting down a tree and it starts to lean in one direction, it may be because the ground underneath it is sloping in that direction.

If this is the case, you’ll want to cut the tree from the opposite side so that it leans in the opposite direction. This will ensure that it doesn’t fall on top of your house or other nearby buildings.

The exposure of the roots

A tree’s roots can tell you a lot about its future behavior. If the roots on one side of a tree are often more exposed than those on the other side, and you can see them, they’ll likely be weaker when they’re under pressure. Trees with deep roots tend to topple over onto their sides in storms, while shallow-rooted trees break into pieces and scatter.

The height of the tree’s crown

The height of the tree’s crown is a good indicator of where it will fall. If the tree has been cut to a stump, look at the cut surface.

The top of the stump usually shows where the tree was growing. If you are trying to decide whether a tree can be safely felled, this is an excellent way to tell if there is enough room to fall without damaging anything or anyone.

The presence of obstacles 

Trees tend to fall in the direction of least resistance — away from obstacles that might stop them from falling. This means that if there is an obstacle, such as buildings between you and the falling tree, it’s likely to come down in front of you instead of behind you.

The size of the tree 

According to tree removal services Chevy Chase, the large tree tends to fall in the direction it leans. If it’s growing out of an angle or has a root structure that’s growing toward another trunk, it may fall in that direction.

Bottom Line

Trees don’t fall in a vacuum. They fall in the context of their environment, so knowing something about that environment can help you anticipate where a tree will land if it falls.

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Building a Pool? 5 Things You Should Know Beforehand

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Damon

building a pool

Building a pool can be one of the most fun and rewarding DIY projects you’ll ever do. There’s something about it that just brings smiles to everyone’s faces. 

Your children will have endless hours of fun getting wet with their friends, and before you know it, you’ll be hanging out with your friends too for fun parties.

However, before the fun, there are many things you should know beforehand. Here are some tips before you hire pool contractors and embark on the journey of building a pool.

Familiarize yourself with the laws

Each area has its own set of laws governing pool building. It is important that you know the zoning laws in your area before you start constructing your pool. 

Local municipalities put zoning laws in place to maintain order and control over the community. 

Such laws may dictate how large your pool can be, where it can be placed on your property and where you can have other features like decking or water features. 

Make sure you research these laws before construction begins so that you do not run into any trouble when you are way ahead in construction, only to be shut down.

Determine your budget

Once you are cleared with the law and have the go-ahead to start building, you need to look into your finances.

Your budget is obviously one of the most important considerations in deciding to add a pool, so you need to determine how much you are willing to spend. Building a swimming pool can be a massive expense, but the results are priceless. 

You’ll have a place where your family can spend time together and get valuable exercise. 

Get multiple quotations

Once you have set a budget, you need to talk to various contractors and get their price quotations. This will also help you get an idea of the market price. Ask for recommendations from friends and family who have built pools before.

Compare the various prices, narrow down your options and settle for one that meets all your needs and is within your set budget. 

Go for a durable pool

It can be tempting to go for aesthetics when building your pool since vinyl-limed pools beautify your exterior.

However, you must remember that this is not a short-term investment and consider the longevity of your pool. If you have bought the house and plan on living there for a long time, then you should invest in a pool that will serve you for years to come.

Speak to your insurance company

If you’re planning to build a pool, speak with your insurance agent prior to putting it up. A standard homeowners policy typically covers swimming pools, but there are some important factors that may affect your coverage.

If you have younger children or guests who use the pool, it’s important to make sure they understand how to swim safely and follow all of the rules. 

Your insurance company will require you to include a fence and include other safety precautions to minimize liabilities. Your premiums also have the potential of going up, so be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets.

Bottom Line

Building a pool is no small task! Every pool is unique and specific to your needs. Regardless of what you need, there are some things that will save you some money.

Make sure that you thoroughly research the costs associated with building a pool, as well as what features you require. 

If you’re having trouble deciding the best method for your pool, call on professional pool buiilders Long Island to help you with the process and make everything easier from the beginning.

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Do Renovations Add Value?

Posted on January 22, 2022 by Damon

house renovations

Whether you are a homeowner taking advantage of the ever-increasing home prices to add a deck and patio or a real estate agent encouraging clients to put in granite countertops, you may have wondered whether hiring architects, builders, and renovating the house will increase the value of the home.

Do renovations add value? Renovating your home can be a stressful experience. There are a lot of decisions to make, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the process. 

When you’re making choices about countertops, backsplashes, cabinets, and appliances in the kitchen, it can be hard to know whether it’s adding value or costing money.

If you have been thinking about it, we are here to put things into perspective to help you make a decision.

Go For Practical Updates

When buying a property, specific home improvements will add value to your home, while others won’t. Upgrades that are functional and practical — those that increase the comfort of the house or make it more energy efficient — will add value. 

Many homeowners think they need to do a complete renovation to get top dollar. However, this isn’t always the case. If you have a long list of home improvement projects, it can be tempting to tackle them all at once. But that’s not always the best strategy.

Do only the minimum upgrades needed for your home to be sale-ready. Don’t go overboard and invest in a full kitchen remodel to get top dollar.

Also, be strategic with the timing in the renovation as trying to sell a home during a recession can be challenging, especially in some markets. If your neighborhood suffers from high unemployment, your renovation project may not yield the returns you want.

Consider Your Location

The first step is to research how much similar homes in your area have sold for recently. If you know how much similar homes have sold for, then you’ll know what those homes are worth. 

Then you can compare those values with what you paid for your home to determine the improvements’ effect on your price when you sell it.

Does your neighborhood have an established track record for appreciation? If so, you might want to consider renovations that appeal specifically to local buyers. However, if other homes on the block haven’t been appreciated in years, consider remodeling for yourself and your family instead of for buyers.

Consider The Return on Investment

Will your renovations return the value you put into them? Sometimes the added value of a renovation, such as a kitchen overhaul or bathroom update, isn’t worth the cost, especially for resale. 

For instance, if you plan to sell your home in a year or less, it may not be worth the cost of an extensive renovation project. 

But there are ways to add value to your property that won’t break the bank. One way is by taking on projects yourself; although you won’t earn much from them when you sell, you’ll also avoid hiring contractors who can charge hefty fees for their services. You might also want to focus on projects that increase your home’s value by more than their cost.

Bottom Line

When it comes to renovations, there are no shortcuts—you’ve got to be patient. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should approach renovations without a solid plan. 

By asking these questions before undertaking a renovation, you’ll be better able to increase the value of your home and protect your investment.

Renovations are good, but only when they generally follow good design practices. Do things like build it to last and make sure that it’s functional, and you’ve got a winner. Keep it simple, work with an experienced home addition builder DC and keep it as practical as possible. 

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