New Homes For Sale

Checklist For Mobility Impaired Holiday Or Property Rentals

When it comes to someone seeking out the right holiday or property rental for them, it’s the small, thoughtful details that make a place truly stand out. Equally so, overlooking larger details can be a total dealbreaker, causing your property to take a serious backseat amongst the competition. 

One way of avoiding this is by placing yourself in the shoes of your future guests or tenants. Be sure to consider every single potential guest, and not only those who immediately come to mind. Naturally, if done correctly, this should offer an all-inclusive stay without alienating anyone.

  1. Floor layout plan

A well-planned floor layout is essential when it comes to the mobility and accessibility of a space. Those with wheelchairs, for example, find it much easier to move around from space to space freely without having to get through multiple doors or entrances. To accommodate this freedom of mobility, consider open-plan layouts over closed layouts where possible, like joining the kitchen and the living-room. 

Not only will an open plan layout add to the mobility and accessibility of your property, but it could also bring in more light, make spaces appear much larger than they actually are, and give guests more of an opportunity to spend more time together – a bonus for everyone. For the living room and kitchen, don’t forget to leave enough room to move comfortably between seating and counters. 

  1. Door knobs, entrances and hallways

For the parts of your property that do have doors, you might want to ditch the doorknobs and opt for door handles or levers instead. This goes for tap handles too, so keep this in mind when looking at areas like your kitchen and bathroom. You might have guests who are injured, suffering from joint pain or simply can’t use their hands to grip onto a doorknob. Not only can door knobs be slippery, but they also prevent anyone from using their elbows or bodyweight to open the door should they need to. 

Be sure to leave enough space for guests to get in and out of entrances and hallways comfortably. Create a clear pathway between them by removing unnecessary objects which may act as obstacles along the way. This includes carpets or floors which are slippery, rough or difficult to cross. 

  1. Floors, shelves and counters

Certain floor choices may look great, but they need to be practical too. For example, you might choose tiles because they look good or are easier to clean, but they might be a hazard for children or the elderly. Some surfaces might cause a fall if they are too slippery. At the same time, overly rough surfaces can make it difficult to move around freely on a wheelchair, so it helps to keep both extremes in mind and meet safely somewhere in the middle. 

When it comes to surfaces like shelves and counters, be sure to create a space that is easily accessible for people of all ages and heights. You might even want to make certain surfaces adjustable, especially workstations like kitchen counters or desks. 

  1. Lighting 

Light switches should be in a sensible location and at arm’s reach from both a seated and standing position. There is nothing worse than having to cross a dark room riddled with obstacles because you can’t find or reach a switch. With this in mind, you might even want to add two-way switches to your property, with one switch on each end of the room. This makes them more accessible from both ends of a room, particularly useful if you’d like to switch off the lights from the bed or sofa without getting up. 

  1. Stairs, ramps and lifts. 

Stairs can make it impossible for some people to get from one floor to another. For example, those who are disabled, elderly, injured or suffering from leg pain – just to name a few. They can also be hugely tiresome, especially in larger homes. If you do have stairs, be sure to make them more safe, secure and accessible by adding hand railings on one or both sides.

One way of getting around stairs entirely is by adding lifts to your property. This way, you can assure quick and easy access to all floors for everyone in the household. As with any entrance, remember to choose a spacious option to make entering and exiting the lift possible. 

If there’s no space for a traditional home lift, then you might want to consider a two-in-one stairlift. These don’t take up any additional space and provide independent, safe and secure transport for those using it. 

And finally, when dealing with fewer stairs, opt for ramps over stairs. Ramps can be a great way to make lower or higher grounds more accessible, especially for those on wheels.

The Best Ways to Keep Your Home Clean

Home clean

Struggling to keep your home clean is understandable. It can be tricky to focus on what and when something needs to be done, on top of daily housework. Check out these suggestions on ways you can keep your home looking clean and beautiful regardless of what is going on.

Schedule Regular Cleanings 

Have a regular cleaning schedule for certain areas of your home. Consider daily tasks, like making the bed and running laundry, along with each area of your house so you can focus on deep cleaning. One system many people find helpful is the Flylady method of cleaning. This allows you to focus on maintaining your home while ensuring every task gets done in a timely manner, including touching on various parts of the house.

Have Someplace to Put Your Animals

When you are cleaning, it is helpful to put your animals somewhere so you can focus on certain areas. Maybe you need to carpet clean or vacuum and need your pets out of the way in order to do so. One way to make it easier for yourself is to utilize large animal kennels Glen Allen VA. That way your dogs can go somewhere into the yard or elsewhere, so you can focus on what needs to get done.

Make a Plan for Messy Weather

Rain, sleet, snow, and mud can ruin a clean house. Make sure you have a plan for when this type of weather attacks, so you don’t have to worry about tracking mud or snow throughout your home. Have an area for family members to put their boots and shoes. Using carpet and designating a coat area, however small, can make a big difference.

When it comes to keeping your home clean, schedule regular cleanings and have a place to put your pets so they are out of the way. Creating a plan for messy weather can help as well.…

How Residential Roofing is Installed

Roofing

Have you ever wondered how roofing is installed? It’s a detailed process that should be followed closely to ensure it is done correctly. It can be beneficial to understand the process, even if you never plan on installing your own roof. That way, when you need to meet with roofers, you will understand what they are saying and billing you for. Additionally, you’ll be able to see if they’ve missed a step and ask appropriate questions.

Removal

The first step to a new roof is to remove the old one. Some companies will install a new roof over an old one, but that is not a good St Louis residential roofing business practice. It doesn’t allow the roof to sit correctly and could be just putting a bandage on some issues with the roof.

Drip Edge and Underlayment

A drip edge isn’t always done, but it’s advised. It prevents water from running onto your fascia boards, keeps the shingles from curling, and should be put on before the underlayment. The underlayment is vital because it stops water from getting into the house. It also prevents water from building up and creating ice dams under the shingles in winter.

Felt Paper

Felt paper increases the roof’s fire rating and helps remove water that might have gotten under the shingles. It is rolled out on top of the underlayment and stapled in place.

Shingles

A special row of starter shingles is first laid onto the roof. They are smaller than traditional shingles and create a barrier that prevents water from getting in the first seam of shingles and causing a leak. Next, the shingles are laid. They are installed in an overlapping pattern and are usually secured using a nail gun.

Flashing

Flashing is a thin, metal material, usually steel, that helps protect your roof and give it a clean, finished look. It is installed to direct water off the roof and away from specific areas. It is placed around areas where the shingles butt up against something, such as chimneys or roof valleys, where you don’t want water to stand.…

Why It’s Okay for Your Starter Home to Be ‘Just Okay’

Climbing up the property ladder requires getting on that first rung. Unless you are a real estate superstar, you are not going to leap and catch the top rung on your first try. You are going to have to start at the bottom of the ladder and climb your way up. That’s how this works.

In light of that, it is okay for your starter home to look nothing like your eventual dream home. There is nothing wrong with buying something you can manage to make work until you’re ready to upgrade. In short, it is okay for your starter home to be ‘just okay’.

1.                 You Won’t Be There Long

There is no hard and fast rule about how long you should stay in a starter home. According to CityHome Collective, a real estate brokerage in Salt Lake City, UT, the general rule of thumb is to not buy a home unless you plan to be there at least five years.

Note that five years isn’t as long as it sounds. It may seem like an eternity if you have always rented, but any homeowner can tell you that five years passes quickly when you are looking to move up the property ladder. You might barely have time to get in and finish all the remodeling projects before it’s time to sell again.

2.                 Building Equity Takes Time

The key to gradually moving up the property ladder is to build equity with each home you buy. Equity is the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and the market value of your home. It is important because equity is that which makes it possible to afford gradually more pricey homes as you move up the ladder.

With a starter home, you probably don’t have a lot of money for a down payment. Mortgage lenders expect that. But if you make all of your payments on time for five years and combine them with a moderate investment in home improvements, you can increase your equity fairly quickly. Then you just lather, rinse, repeat.

3.                 You Need Time to Figure Out What You Want

Starter homes represent a fantastic opportunity that far too many people miss. What is that opportunity? The chance to figure out what you really want. It’s one thing to dream of the perfect house before you make your first purchase. It is another thing to actually be a homeowner for five or six years.

Your starter home may change your mind about wanting ten acres of land. Living in that first home might make it clear that you want separate bedrooms for all the kids. The learning possibilities are endless. The point is that going from apartment to home ownership and knowing exactly what you want on that first purchase is nearly impossible. Most people don’t get their dream homes on the first try.

4.                 You Need Time to Figure out the Money Aspect

Finally, there is more to the financial aspects of owning a home than paying your monthly mortgage. You will also be spending on property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, routine maintenance, and non-routine repairs.

It can take new homeowners a couple of years to fully get a handle on home ownership financials. A less expensive starter home gives you the opportunity to learn without pushing your budget to the breaking point.

Do not underestimate the benefits of buying a starter home. If you are anticipating owning your dream home at some point in your life, don’t shoot for it right away. Begin with a starter home and work your way up. You’ll be glad you did.…

3 Ways Water Can Damage Your Home

Water

Water leaks are never a fun part of homeownership. There are many potential origins of unwanted water in a home, but each water problem can be solved quite easily with the help of experienced roofers, repairmen, and plumbers.

Exterior Water Through the Roof

A common place for unwanted water to leak into your home is through the roof. Older shingles that have been worn down by the sun and the elements are not able to repel water as well as newer shingles. Water can also sneak in through unsealed or rotting siding.

If you suspect a water leak from your roof or siding, then there are many roof repair services Denver CO that can help you get to the bottom of your leaking roof.

Appliance Leaks

Perhaps one of the most usual forms of unwanted water in a home comes from appliance malfunction. Washing machines, dishwashers, and hot water heaters can all break, causing water to flood the floors.

A certified appliance repairman can sometimes fix the problem, but other times it’s necessary to buy a brand new appliance. Keeping on top of appliance maintenance is important so that you can avoid unwanted water leaks.

Bursting Pipes

In cold climates, frozen pipes can cause much damage to a home’s interior. When a pipe bursts, it leaks through the walls and floors. Even if you don’t live in a cold climate, you could still experience a bursting pipe; pipes that are old and rusty can wear thin enough and leak water, causing flood damage in your home.

A certified plumber can help you to assess the origin of the water problem, and easily repair any pipes that are broken or in need of replacement.

Overall, having an unwanted water leak in your home is never fun. Assessing the source of the unwanted water is always the first step, and generally, an quick remedy can be found with a quick call to a roofer, appliance repairman, or plumber.…

How To Style Your Home Like an Italian

If you want to live a happier and healthier life like many Italians, look no further than implementing the philosophy of “La Bella Figura” into your life. Directly translated it means the beautiful figure. This philosophy applies to more than just personal beauty though. La Bella Figura is about presenting beauty in every aspect of your life. Here are some tips to add La Bella Figura to your home.

At the Dinner Table

Food is a mainstay of Italian culture. Sunday dinners are traditionally long family affairs. Insert the concept of La Bella Figura into your family dining by setting a nice table. This includes having a tablecloth, linen napkins, and the best stemware you own. Including an eye-catching centerpiece is also important. You don’t have to spend a fortune however, many discount centerpieces are available online.

Around the Home

Cleaning can seem like a chore. When considering the philosophy of La Bella Figura, having a clean home becomes an outward reflection of inner beauty. Keep your home organized by establishing places for everyday items to live. Occasional deep cleaning activities can go a long way to presenting a well-maintained home. Wash and press your curtains if they haven’t been cleaned in six months.

When Guests Come To Visit

No one expects a homestay to have the same glamour as a hotel. However, if you implement the principles of La Bella Figura you can surprise and please your guests. Place a sachet of lavender on their pillow. Fold towels neatly and place them in a decorative basket. Or you can try your hand at creating animal shapes to really impress your guests.

It is surprising how a little attention to presentation can affect your life. Give one of these tips a try to see how it changes the way you feel about your home and about yourself.…

Roofing Tips That Everyone Needs To Know About

Whether you are building your house from scratch or you’re just an average homeowner, you are going to want to think long and hard about your roofing needs. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to addressing any roofing issues. The article below, will tell you everything you need to know about the roofing. Read on and learn.

When taking on a roofing job, make sure that you understand what you are doing, before starting the project. Taking a class at your local hardware store can prepare you for the job. Not understanding what you are doing can result in the job costing more than you ever intended.

Never, under any circumstances paint your roof as a way to give it a new look. Doing so may void any warranty you have which could end up costing you quite a bit of money if something unfortunate were to happen. If your roof is showing signs of age, a good cleaning may be all you need.

When a storm blows through your area, beware of roofers who knock on your door. They often follow a storm and offer their services to everyone on the block, then they put up a cheap, inadequate roof while taking all the money your insurer will offer on your claim, ripping you off.

Avoid paying a roofer in full before they do their job. You want to make sure the roofer does good work on your roof before you pay them everything they are owed. Some roofers may require a down payment to begin the work, though, which is usually about 25% of the final cost.

Measure twice, cut once. If you will be doing your own roofing job, you want to make sure your measurements are correct. This will save you both time and money. You can assure your measurements are accurate by taking the extra time it takes to measure two, or even three times.

Different states often have different requirements when it comes to roofing. You may need to have a permit or a bond if you want work to begin on your house. Get in touch with the building department in your area to ask them whether this applies to you or not.

If you have a general handyman that does work in and around your home, do not allow him to do anything to your roof. Fixing a roof requires a high level of experience and know-how. This is why you would be better off hiring someone that specializes in this type of work.

Sometimes it can be hard to determine if you just need your roof fixed or if it needs to be replaced. This decision is usually made when you have a leak, storm damage or your roof is at least 15 years old. Have your roof inspected by your insurer and trust in their diagnosis.

Now that you’ve read the article above, you should feel much more comfortable with the prospect of addressing any roofing needs or issues your home may need. Use the information provided so that you make a decision that makes sense for your situation. After all, you are going to be stuck with this decision for a long, long time.…

Making More Money Off Your Real Estate Investments

If you are looking for more information on real estate investing, then you have come to the right article. Many people choose to invest in properties to ensure a solid income for years to come. What it takes to be a pro is to make only wise business decisions that yield great results. Keep reading for some insightful tips!

Your reputation is going to be of utmost importance when you venture into real estate investments. Therefore, it is essential to be honest and forthright in all of your real estate dealings. This will give you the credibility around town that will make people more loyal to you.

Be certain you spend enough time on the endeavor to really understand it. If this means sacrificing an activity or hobby, then that’s what you have to be willing to do. Ditch the poker night or softball league that you go to in order to become a better investor.

There are to essential rules to making an investment in an industrial or retail property. First, don’t pay too much for the land. It’s also important to make sure that too much money isn’t spent on the property. Consider separately the true value of the property on an as-is basis, and then think about the rental prospects for the business. Each of these numbers needs to be right in order to go ahead with the deal.

Think long-term when investing in real estate. While some investors seek to make quick turnovers by buying cheap and flipping within weeks or months, your better bet is a longer view. Look for safe properties where you can park a big sum of money and get investment return via monthly income like rent.

Hire a professional inspector to come out and see the property you’re thinking of putting your money into. You may think that you can just look over the property on your own to find problems, but if you’re not trained you may miss some things. When problems are found, you should make sure to get some money off of the property or have the owner fix it for you.

Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgement. Choosing a property to invest in should be a business decision, not an emotional one. It can be easy to get attached to a house or really fall in love with a location. Try to always look at things objectively. Shop around for the best deal without getting attached to one of the first few places you look at.

Don’t think that you always have to pay the list price for a piece of property. A lot of the time an owner will make the price higher than it should be because they expect people to try and negotiate with them. Don’t be scared to give them a lower offer because they may just give you that money off.

It is important to know what you’re getting yourself into when you decide to invest in real estate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a novice investor or a pro, you still need to have the right advice to look up to. Use what you have just learned from this great article to ensure your success for years to come!…