How to Prevent Household and Yard Pests

Wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, bats, and birds are part of nature and can be wonderful to observe. However, they can be troublesome and threaten our health and safety when these creatures invade our property and home. Unwelcome vermin can spread disease, cause structural damage, and inflict bodily injury to humans and pets. Here are some signs that you may have wildlife inhabitants and helpful tips to avoid infestation.

Check for Signs of Infestation—General indications are fecal droppings, odor, holes, tunneling, nests, odd sounds, and gnawed or pecked at siding, flooring, walls, and roofing. Signs of specific wildlife will help you target a particular species to eliminate. For instance, five-toed paw tracks, barks, growls, shuffling, bent rain gutters, and chewed-up wiring could be a sign of raccoons, while stains on the ceiling and squeaking sounds could mean the infestation of bats. Damage to your garden, bird feeder, and insulation may indicate that squirrels are your problem. If you hear scratching sounds in the walls and ceilings, see tracks, and notice that food has been gotten into, that could be mice. Birds are another common home invader. You could have a trapped bird or two if you hear scratching and shuffling of wings. Holes in the roof and nesting materials are other signs that you have a feathered housemate.

Seal openings—Holes and crevices in your attic, floorboards, ceiling, roof, and other areas of your home are an open invitation for pests to invade and make their nests. Identify any openings and shut or seal them off. For example, install chimney caps and steel screens on vents. Use silicon caulk or cement to discourage other vermin that can gnaw through plastic, rubber, vinyl, or wood. The best time to do this is in the fall or winter after some species of animals have left the nest or to anticipate creatures looking for a warm haven to escape to.

Manage garbage disposal—Deter animals from getting into your trash by keeping cans indoors or tightly securing lids. Avoid spilled food scraps that can attract wild animals.

Trim tree limbs—Discourage climbing by regularly cutting back large branches and tall brush.

Ensure cleanliness inside and out—Declutter areas of your home that tend to amass the most trash, such as your garage or attic. Eliminate newspapers, empty boxes, piles of wood, and other materials that animals can use to build their nests. Mop, sweep, and vacuum regularly. Wash your pet’s bedding often to avoid fleas and fix leaky pipes to prevent insects drawn to excessive moisture build-up, such as ants. Infected linens and other materials should be washed or discarded.

When all else fails and you are already facing an infestation problem, it’s always important to practice safety and seek professional intervention. Pesticides should only be used as a last resort. Use safe methods such as non-toxic bait and friendly traps to capture and release. Protecting humans, beneficial plants and insects, and non-threatening animals from accidental poisoning are important. Protecting the air, water, and soil from toxicity is equally essential. Call on an exterminator or animal control expert if the problem is beyond your scope of knowledge to control. They have the expertise and proper products to identify entry points and safely dispose of dangerous and disease-breeding wildlife. In addition, they can schedule follow-up visits and offer solutions to prevent further outbreaks.

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Foundation Cracks

Due to shifting soil, water issues, and normal settlement, most foundations will crack. There are different kinds of foundational cracks and varying causes. Once you understand the type of cracks you have and the underlying cause, you’ll be better able to repair them to protect your home.

There are two basic types of foundational cracks. They are horizontal and vertical cracks that differ in causes and severity.

Vertical Cracks—These run up and down your foundation. An example of one is a hairline crack. Vertical cracks are often small and don’t require professional help. If there are only a few cracks and they don’t get longer or wider over time, they can be patched to reduce the potential for moisture or infestation.

Horizontal Cracks—Unlike vertical cracks, horizontal cracks, which run across your foundation or walls, can be more serious. These are caused by different sources of pressure, such as water and soil, which can severely impact the structural integrity of your home. They can also be due to poor workmanship when contractors fail to grade the property properly before construction.

To get an idea of the severity of either a vertical or horizontal crack, you can test it with a dime. If you can fit one into the crack the damage is large enough to require repair. If small, it should be monitored over time to see if gets worse and then addressed accordingly. It’s easier to fill small cracks, and it is best to stay on top of them before they become vulnerable to bugs, water, mold, and other infestations.

Generally, any horizontal crack should be evaluated by a licensed home inspector or engineer to assess the underlying cause, and if the cracking has caused any other structural concerns.

 

Easy Instructions for Kitchen Cabinet Painting

Now that it is nearing spring, you may be considering refreshing the look of your kitchen. Your cabinets tend to get shabby, worn, and stained from constant cooking splatter and food odors. For a new look, you can replace them, but in considering cost, painting them is a cheaper option to add new life to your cabinetry while getting creative at the same time. It will depend on your kitchen size, but the paint and supplies cost usually averages about $200. If this is your first time painting your cabinets, here are some steps to consider before tackling this project.

Check that your cabinets are paintable—Wood, wood laminate, and metal usually can be repainted, but plastic laminate may require a special paint. Check with a paint dealer by bringing a door sample or test a hidden patch to ensure it will adhere correctly. Panels and other architectural details and damaged joints may need special care. You may have to purchase new parts or use a special painting technique such as spraying, rolling, or brushing with different-sized or textured brushes.

Decide on Latex or oil-based paint—If you are looking for quick-drying and easy-to-clean paint, Latex is your best selection. However, you may find oil-based paint more advantageous even though it is more expensive. Oil paint is more durable, yields a smoother finish, and is stain resistant. If you opt for latex paint, choose one with 100 percent acrylic formation for greater adhesion.

Kinds of paint application—You’ll need to decide if you’d rather spray or brush as per your budget and ability. You may need to rent a spray machine for accuracy and less mess, but it will bring your cost up. Brushing is more time-consuming, but this is a better choice if you’d prefer to take your time with the details. You’ll need both a flat and angled brush; natural bristles for oil-based paint and synthetic bristles for latex paint.

Preparation—You want to protect your surrounding items from paint residue in any painting task. Start by removing all contents from your cabinets. Cover your counters, appliances, and surrounding fixtures with a plastic tarp and affix firmly with tape. If the cabinet door needs to be detached to paint, create an area for items to hang or lay afterward to dry. If you have to dismantle doors, organize hinges, screws, and other hardware into a bag and label the area they belong to help you reattach them correctly. Scrub your soiled hardware with warm water and dish soap. Wipe off any grease or residue and completely dry before you paint. Sand as needed to remove the old finish and wipe or vacuum residual dust afterward. Instead of sanding, you can use a primer-sealer that helps the finish coat bond properly.

Applying the paint—Start with the most critical areas you’ll need more time with. Paint the inside edges and openings of the face frames first before you do the outer sides. Lastly, paint the face frame fronts. Be careful when painting wood pieces or molding that extra paint does not dry in the corners and crevices. Apply thin, light strokes and dry between coats for at least four hours. Two coats are usually sufficient, but you may want to apply a third for extra protection from everyday wear.

You can easily renew and refresh the look of your kitchen without replacing cabinet doors and other hardware. Painting your cabinets, provided you prepare with the proper paint and tools, will give you a cost-friendly option to try new colors and test out your creative flair. At the same time, you will extend the life and durability of your cabinetry to help it endure for more years to come.

 

Roof Exposure and why it matters

The direction the front of your home faces will determine the amount of sunlight it receives which has an impact on many elements of your home. There are four types of exposures: Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Western. One is not necessarily better than the other but there are advantages and disadvantages to all.

Southern exposure—When your home faces south, you will experience direct sunlight throughout the day. For sun lovers and green thumbs, this is the most favored because you get the most natural light during the day, and with extra warmth, you can save on your heating bills in the winter. However, concentrated sunlight can damage siding, roofing, furniture, fabrics, and flooring. You will need to pay closer attention to regular maintenance such as repainting, residing, and UV protection.

Northern exposure—A home that faces the north will have indirect sunlight. This exposure is preferred for those who don’t like intense sunlight because the light is softer and less harsh. In addition, the home will be easier to keep cool in hot weather. Conversely, winter snow and ice can be challenging because there is less sun to allow for quicker melting. Hence, the snow and ice weight can be very stressful on your roof. In addition, you have to keep walkways continually cleared to avoid falls.

Eastern and western exposure—When your home faces the east or the west, you will have more sun either earlier or later in the day. For the east, you will experience the most sunlight in the morning, but if facing the west, you will have more sun exposure later in the afternoon. Early morning risers may feel more comfortable with eastern exposure, while those who prefer late-day sun would do better with western exposure. You will need to install shading to windows facing east and west to eliminate the glare and UV damage of morning or afternoon sun.

While most people won’t buy or not buy a home based on the home’s exposure it is important to consider the effect the different exposures will have on wear and tear of the home as well as incoming natural light.

 

The Importance of Attic and Crawlspace Ventilation

Ventilation provides air circulation crucial to protecting your roof and other structural areas of your home. The attic and crawlspace are two of the most important areas for air to flow freely from the ground to the roof. However, these areas can get easily overlooked because we rarely check the attic or crawlspace for any problems. With the proper installment of vents in your attic and crawlspace, you can guard against the buildup of excessive moisture that can lead to damaging mold growth, unhealthy air, and other hazards. The following are specific reasons why attic and crawlspace ventilation are vital.

Protect against water damage—Vents in the attic and crawlspace are important to protect against the damage that water accumulation can bring to your roof, flooring, drywall, and insulation. Crawlspace ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup from the soil, while intake and exhaust ducts in the attic ensure the roof will be safeguarded against the ravages of concentrated pockets of hot and cold temperatures. For instance, rooftop snow and ice become more manageable. With proper circulation, there is even melting, so there won’t be an excess of water run-off to damage your gutters, downspouts, and shingles if the water refreezes. This occurrence, called ice damming, can be prevented with proper air circulation.

Energy efficiency—Vents prevent the air from stagnating and pooling in one area. When air is enabled to flow freely, there is no burden on your heating and cooling system to work hard to control the indoor climate. Ventilation can help you cut costs in wasted energy, so you’re not paying more than you need to heat and cool your home.
Allergy and dust elimination—With vents installed to facilitate the efficient entrance and exit of airflow, dust, airborne pathogens, and other impurities are filtered out to ensure clearer and healthier indoor air.

Control infestations—When the accumulation of moisture is kept at a minimum, so too will mold, mildew, rodents, and insects that can warp and eat away at flooring, walls, and insulation.

Oxygen for gas—Gas appliances such as water heaters and furnaces need a proper flow of air to avoid the ignition of embers from a dry environment. Combustible materials such as cardboard boxes and clothing can be a fire hazard if embers are allowed to settle on them. Special ventilators, such as Turbine vents, are resistant to the entry of embers. A mesh screen can also be used to further prevent embers from entering. It also helps to cut down on the amount of storage you amass.
You can protect your home’s foundation, improve air quality, and ensure safety from hazards by checking for the absence of air ducts wherever you have square footage. To install vents, or if your existing vents need cleaning, repair, or replacement, hire a ventilation specialist to conduct an assessment. After inspection, they can advise you on the appropriate procedure.

 

Potential Plumbing Problems

It’s important to know how to tell when you have a plumbing problem so that you can address small issues before they become bigger ones. When pipes are left unchecked over time, some common occurrences are exuberant water bills, permanent water damage, the spread of harmful mold, and bursting pipes and sewer lines. The following are some things to look for to tell if you have a plumbing issue that needs attention.

Your faucet is making strange noises—A loud sound like a screech when you use the tap is a sign there is air in your pipes that signifies something is not right with your bleed-off system. This system allows fresh water to enter while reducing the buildup of mineral concentrations.

Unpleasant smell in the drain—If you only detect a rotten smell in the kitchen sink drain, this could be due to lodged decaying food fragments. However, if the odor comes from all your drains, your drain vent may be clogged, allowing sewer gas to back up into your pipes. Consult with a professional plumber to pinpoint the problem.

Low water pressure—Several issues could be causing this, such as a leak, a clog in multiple places, or inadequately-sized pipes that provide poor water pressure.
Slow drainage—Clogs are common occurrences that can be fixed with a drain-clearing liquid or tool. However, if this process does not yield results after multiple attempts, contact a professional to investigate.

Discoloration in the water and pipes—Your pipes could be corroded if your water is yellow, green, or brown. White, green, and red hues indicate corrosion, rust, or a slow leak. Lines should be inspected twice yearly for discoloration, a sign of wear and tear.

Be sure to stay alert to signs of problems with your plumbing. You can avoid further or more extensive damage by paying attention to the signs early and calling a professional before the issues get worse or cause consequential damage.

 

Is an ARM for you?

Before you move into the home of your dreams, you’ll need to decide what type of mortgage will work best for your financial needs. One type is an adjustable-rate mortgage, also called an ARM. What is an ARM? We’ll explore this kind of loan so that you can decide if it’s right for you. An adjustable-rate mortgage or ARM is a home loan with an interest rate that adjusts over time. These rates are governed by benchmarks such as the U.S. Treasury and are influenced by economic conditions and your credit score. These are unlike a fixed-rate mortgage which keeps the same interest rate and payment for the life of the loan.

If your goal is to get the lowest mortgage rate on a starter home, an ARM is a good introductory option because it usually starts low. Although it is generally lower than a fixed-rate mortgage, a caveat is that the initial interest rate, after the fixed period ends, can fluctuate over time, causing unpredictability of what you will owe on your payments each month. You will have to be prepared financially if the rate goes up. However, it can also go down.

Advantages—An ARM allows you to pay more for the principal during a fixed period. If you anticipate being in your home for no more than five years, an ARM may be your best option. Also, if you’re planning to upgrade to a larger home, the plan will enable you to sell your original house before the interest rate begins to adjust. If you can’t sell your home before the rate changes, you may want to consider refinancing into a fixed-rate or a new adjustable-rate mortgage. There are also rate caps which will allow you more management with each recent rate change because they are limited to how much they can rise.

Disadvantages: The downside is that your interest rate will likely increase after the fixed rate period ends, causing your payments to go up. This increase can cause a feeling of instability and may discourage some homeowners from taking out this kind of loan. In addition, it could be difficult to project how you stand financially when the rates start fluctuating.

Types of adjustable-rate mortgages—The Hybrid ARM starts with a fixed interest rate for 5, 7, or 10 years, then the rate adjusts up or down on a pre-set schedule of your choosing, either once per year or every six months. For instance, if you choose a 5/1 ARM, your rates will begin to adjust yearly after the five years have lapsed. For a 7/6 ARM, your rates will start to adjust every six months after the seven years have lapsed. The most popular is the 5/6 ARM plan.

The Interest-only ARM allows borrowers to pay only the interest for a set period. Once that period ends, the principal and interest are expected to be paid.
The payment-option ARM gives borrowers the most freedom by permitting them to select their own payment structure and schedule equal to or greater than the minimum payment. It can be for a 15, 30, or 40-year term. The downside is that your costs may increase because you need to pay more to cover the interest.
Qualifications—As with all mortgages, ARM loans have several requirements. You have to prove your income with documentation. Your income level and credit score will determine how large of a mortgage payment you qualify for.

When deciding on a mortgage plan, it’s always advisable to examine your long-term home ownership goals. You could be ready to buy your dream home that you want to live in long-term or start to test the waters and enjoy a temporary situation until you are secure enough to upgrade. If you are considering the latter, then an adjustable-rate mortgage is your best plan. Already have an ARM plan and are looking for a change? First, explore rates to see if it’s a good time to refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage. If rates are higher than your current ARM, it’s not the right time to switch.

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Five New Year Resolutions for Your Home

A new year is often a time you are thinking about changes you want to make. You may consider personal, financial, and other lifestyle adjustments, but what about your living space? Changes to your home may be necessary to refresh and renew it to increase safety and comfort and make you feel happier while also saving you money. A major renovation is an option, although there are some changes you can do cheaply and easily yourself without needing professional labor.

The first step is to assess what needs to be done. It could be you are tired of looking at the same color and décor of a room and may want to redecorate. Upon closer inspection, you may realize that you need to repair, replace or even update. If you know you need to make changes but don’t know where to start, the following ideas can help you create a checklist of assessments and tasks to get started.

A New Look

A new look—If you can’t afford a full overhaul, you can do a mini-makeover. Rearrange your furniture and replace your wall décor. It could be as simple as finding a new location for a coach or coffee table and replacing an existing gallery of photos. You may also want to repaint a room a different color, add a mirror, or accessorize a spare room for a particular use. Also, consider your home’s outside attractiveness by improving its curb appeal, hence increasing its value. Some simple projects could be painting the front door, planting hedges, or adding outdoor furniture and path lighting.

Save on Energy

Save on energy costs—If a high electric bill has given you cause, make some adjustments by considering alternations to your lighting, heating, and appliances. If appliances like your dishwasher, washer, dryer, or refrigerator are dated, they probably use more energy than is necessary. Considering purchasing newer, more efficient models. Make a switch with your lighting by replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. As for heating, connect your system to a smart thermostat. Why heat an empty room you don’t frequently use? You can control your heat settings through a smartphone app, scheduling specific rooms to get heated when inhabited.

Clean and De-clutter

Clean and de-clutter large storage areas—Think of your basement, attic, and garage. These areas tend to amass large amounts of stored items we don’t know what to do with. Create three piles, one pile of things you need, one to be discarded, and another that is questionable. For the dubious pile, consult your family about what items should be donated or sold. If you cannot part with something, you can minimize clutter by organizing your treasured belongings into labeled bins or adding more shelving.

Improve Health and Functionality

Improve health and functionality—Keep everyone in your home healthy by checking the indoor air quality and ensuring the food you have is good to eat. Vent your bathroom to prevent mold by installing an exhaust fan or cracking a window during cleaning and after showers. Always check the dates on cans and bottles and dispose of expired foods. Preserve perishables such as produce by inserting packets into your crisper drawer that absorb gases emitted by fruits and vegetables. These can be purchased at a home improvement or grocery store. Keep your air free of dirt and allergens by changing your furnace filter monthly or as needed. If you can’t see clearly through the filter, it’s time for a new one. Inspect your foundation for any cracks that could cause water to seep in and pests to have access. You can caulk small cracks, but a professional should address larger ones to avoid structural problems.

Test safety devices and fire hazards

Test safety devices and fire hazards—Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for functionality and add new batteries. Follow all safety instructions and practice precautions when using a stove, fireplace, electronics, or other electrical and gas appliances. Remove grease and lint to prevent fires. Check that cords are not frayed and repair or replace them as needed. Keep any flammable materials away from heat sources.

With these five considerations for change, you can organize the tasks by devising a maintenance schedule for cleaning, replacing, repairing, or discarding. Come up with a daily, weekly, or monthly plan of specific chores your whole family can accomplish. Once you have a system in place, you can ensure you are attending to all the needs of your home come another new year while saving you money.

 

Tips for Managing Rental Property

Owning real estate can provide much financial security, freedom, and a sense of pride. However, its multiple responsibilities, such as tenant issues, contracts, and maintenance, can be challenging and take significant time and effort. A landlord can suffer legal and financial ramifications without proper preparation and knowledge. Whether a newcomer to owning rental properties an experienced manager, the following tips will help you build and protect your financial investment.

State and Local Laws

Understand state and local laws—Be aware of your rights as a landlord, as well as the rights of your tenants. Protect yourself with liability insurance in case of lawsuits and insure your property in case of fire, storms, burglary, or vandalism. Be conscious of safety and security through regular inspections to ensure you are up-to-code with all utilities. Protect your tenants by making them aware of hazards and addressing defective conditions to avoid injury or health complications. Inspect the rental unit before the tenant moves in to avoid disputes over costly damages. This preventative measure will help assure that you are handling the security deposit fairly for both sides.

Record Keeping

Keep records of all transactions—Keep digital records, receipts, and an organized filing system for the tenant, payroll, contractor, property, and tax-related expenses. Collect rent online for the most efficiency. Consider using a rental property management portal to collect rent and manage the property.

Transparency

Transparency with Tenants—Keep the lines of communication open by encouraging questions and being accessible to solve problems. Work with your tenants to resolve disputes amicably before considering legal intervention. Have established contact hours for current tenants to report unit problems or for prospects to inquire about your property or use an online solution such as rentler.com

Practice a thorough screening process—Whether renting to a tenant or hiring someone to manage your property, carefully check their credit history, references, and background to ensure they are reliable and responsible. Use written rental and employee applications.

Set an Example

Be a good example to your tenants—Establish your own policy and put it in writing, including the consequences for violating any rules. More importantly, be consistent with enforcing your rules. Afford the same respect to your tenants by abiding by rental agreements, such as alerting the tenant at least 24 hours in advance before entering a unit. Tenants are more likely to respect you and follow the rules if they know you do.

As a property owner, you are expected to provide quality housing that is well-managed and conforms with your state’s laws for landlords and tenants. The work involved can become overwhelming, but you can do it with an arsenal of materials and tools to help you troubleshoot and organize. Uses these tips as a starting point or refresher to help you be compliant and more productive to enjoy the fruits of your labor while protecting your financial investment.

For more landlord resources, visit landlord.com.

 

Economical Upgrades to Increase Your Home’s Value

Whether you are looking to move now or may consider it in the future, there are many affordable options for making significant changes to your home without having to do a major renovation. With low-cost purchases of supplies, DIY instructions or professional guidance, and time set aside, you can make improvements that will increase your home’s resale value, save you money on energy costs, and improve your quality of living. When considering improvements, consider what needs attention first, such as protection from the elements, mold removal, mobility safety, and energy efficiency. Once those are addressed, you should pay attention to enhancing the appearance to attract future buyers. Such consideration should include space, lighting, curb appeal, and interior decorum. The following upgrades can transform your home into a more comfortable and stylish environment without stretching your wallet.

Start simple with cleaning, painting, and other resurfacing

Always begin with sparkling up the floors, walls, fixtures, and cabinetry which you can easily do with minimal expense. Sanding and repainting, wallpaper, and retiling can give a new look to what has grown old and drabby. Also, replace old appliances and countertops when you can find items on sale. Another way to eliminate eyesores is to hide them with a photo or painting. You can also cheaply replace old handles, knobs, locks, and outlet plates with a newer style to create a unique look. If preferred, you can paint over these fixtures and tile and tubs. It’s important, though, to match the colors and style of your room, furniture, and appliances. Consult a professional to recoat ceramic, porcelain, or fiberglass.

Give the illusion of space, and don’t waste what you have

Do you have an unused room? Why not turn it into a functioning space, such as a comfortable den or extra bedroom? You can add new furniture, rugs, pillows, a TV, or a free-standing wardrobe closet. Add mirrors to a small area to make it appear more spacious. Install visible storage, such as floating shelves, to allow others to see the capacity. Rid your home of bulky furnishings to free up space.

Refurbishment instead of replacement

Re-stain or refinish old wood on decks, doors, and furniture. Update your windows by adding molding or painting the frames inside to make them appear bigger and more modern. If you need to replace, buy energy-efficient windows; vinyl ones are recommended. You can also add interior shutters for style and privacy.

Upgrade the lighting

You can improve the ambiance of a room with a different light fixture, such as a new dining room chandelier or a vintage lantern, to give a rustic charm to your entryway. Consider investing between $1000-$3000 to install a sliding glass door to bring in more natural lighting. In addition, choose neutral paint colors for a softer environment pleasing to the average eye.

Improve curb appeal

Although they shouldn’t, people will judge a book by its cover. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, and that includes your home. You may only need to paint your front door and add a few plants or plant shrubs and perennials to populate a barren area. You’re not only beautifying your property but benefiting the environment. In addition, pay attention to the exterior material of your house. Worn siding and peeling shingles will immediately turn potential buyers off. You can remove dirt and stains by power washing, but if you need to replace siding, fiber-cement is recommended for its affordability and resistance to fire, rotting, and termites.

Compared to more extensive remodeling, these small home improvements are a more affordable and less laborious approach to giving your home the facelift it needs to be saleable. In addition, these upgrades allow you to enjoy the time you have in your home with the added comforts and conveniences they provide.

 

Choosing Better Paint Colors

Painting can be a great way to customize your house and make it into a home. Whether you’re just adding a splash of color or redoing entire rooms to match your favorites, a fresh coat of paint is a great way to take a home that you bought and really make it yours. Unfortunately, not everyone is great at picking the best colors for their home. After some unfortunate paint jobs, some homeowners may even wonder why they were allowed to go near a paint store at all. This doesn’t have to be the case, however.

There are a number of things that you can do to find paint colors that better match your home. You can pick up paint swatches, get some small cans to test in different colors, or even use software to see how different colors will look in your rooms. The big thing is making sure that you know how to take what you’ve learned and make your rooms look their best. Here are a few tips that may help with that.

Things to Consider

There are several things that you should think about before picking out a specific paint. One of the big considerations that many people overlook is stopping to look at the colors of your existing décor. Even if you don’t have a specific theme to your furniture and decorations, there may be predominant colors that you should keep in mind when choosing paint. Even thinking about whether most of the décor is on the darker side or the lighter side can affect your color decision.

You should also consider the type of finish you want on your walls. Depending on the paint options you’re considering, you might find colors in everything from flat and eggshell to the high-gloss paints that are typically used for trim and accents. The finish affects the shininess or flatness of the colors and can produce significantly different effects with similar colors. It can also affect how resistant the paint is to stains and dirt, with flatter colors being harder to clean while higher sheen paints are easier.

Finding the Right Color

There are a few considerations to be mindful of when it comes to actually choosing a color, too. Ideally, you should pick up swatches of multiple colors that you like and bring them home to see how each one looks with your lighting and home environment. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few, get a few samples of the colors you like the most and actually put some paint on the walls to see how each one looks once dried. Don’t put these sample bits too close together, though, as it might be harder to tell which you actually like when you’re distracted by a number of samples right next to each other. Larger areas are better than small spots, and if you’re doing the entire room, you should try different colors on different walls.

Bring Your Walls to Life

When it comes time to paint, it may be tempting to just grab a brush or roller and go for it. That may not be the best approach, however. First you should make sure that you have everything that you need, including enough paint to cover the entire area and tools of high enough quality that they aren’t going to leave streaks or fuzz in your paint as you go. You should also go over your plans one last time, especially if you’re doing one wall in a different color as an offset or otherwise trying to use accent colors. A bit of prep time before you actually start painting can make a huge difference in the end result.

Of course, if you’re concerned about the scope of the job, you can always hire professional painters to come in and get the job done. This can take a lot of the stress off you, and they can usually offer suggestions on colors, textures, and other elements that you might not have even considered. HomeKeepr can help you find the right painters for the job; simply sign up for a free account and connect with painters in your area through our app.

 

HVAC Troubleshooting for Homeowners

Climate control is one of the greatest inventions of humankind since leavened bread, but when it’s suddenly not working properly, or it stops working all together, your HVAC system can become a massive source of stress and worry. Before you decide to panic, though, consider doing a little troubleshooting of your system. There are several very easy things you can check before you even have to call a repairman.

Is Your HVAC Powered and Set Properly?

Often, when HVAC systems go awry, it’s because your system is simply not powered. That might seem like an obvious problem, but since your HVAC system likely has at least two different breakers in your breaker box, it can be easy to miss that a switch has been flipped. Reset both your air conditioner and your furnace or air handler’s breakers, then try to kick the system on again.

Another major source of headaches for homeowners is the thermostat itself. Not only do thermostats actually go bad from time to time (even smart thermostats), they can also throw curveballs. Check that your thermostat is set to a temperature that will turn your system on, and that the right mode is enabled, if your system doesn’t automatically change between heat and air. Learning thermostats can sometimes randomly change your programmed settings, if they think you’re regularly making a specific adjustment, and may have simply changed the program in an attempt to help.

Are Your Filters Clean?

It might sound like a small thing, but your filters determine how much air makes it from the interior of your home into your air handler and back out the vents at some temperature that is meant to help you achieve your desired comfort level. If your filters are dirty, they can drastically cut down on how much air is moving through your home.

Change your filters monthly, even if they only look slightly dirty, since today’s high filtration filters can get clogged quickly. You can also swap those paper filters for custom built electrostatic filters, so you only need to vacuum and hose your filters down once a month, rather than go to the additional expense of buying new ones constantly.

Are Your Ducts Leaky?

If your HVAC is blowing air, hot or cold, but it just doesn’t seem like it’s as hot or as cold as it normally is, your problem might be in your ducts. Ductwork can work loose over time, or be pulled down by animals who might have snuck into your crawlspace or attic. When there’s an opening in that ductwork, you can lose both air pressure and some of the temperature treated air that you’re trying to keep inside your house.

To check your ductwork, you’ll just need to go to where it’s hanging, and start at one end. Make sure the HVAC system is blowing so you can feel for leaks with your bare hands. When you find one, reconnect the ductwork. Some systems fit together with screws, while others use clamps. Once reconnected, you can double-secure your handiwork by winding aluminum tape around the seam where you made the repair. You may also need to add additional support to help hold the ductwork in place if there isn’t adequate strapping.

If your ductwork is in good shape, but it still feels like you’re not getting enough treated air, check your windows and doors for leaks and seal them tight. You can do this by feeling around them for drafts, or waiting until after dark and going outside to look for light peeking through cracks in doors and around trim. Doing both will catch more leaks than either one alone.

Do You Need an Expert?

If you’ve done all you can on your own to figure out what’s keeping your heating or air conditioning from being its best, it might be time to call in an HVAC expert. Not only will they have all the right tools to properly diagnose your problem, their experience can also help them find the issue right away. Not sure where to find them? Just ask for a recommendation from your HomeKeepr community!