Category Archives: Yard & Outdoors

How to Protect Yourself When Purchasing a Home

November 29, 2023   Matt

How to Protect Yourself When Purchasing a Home

When you are purchasing a home, whether it is your first or not, it is important that you protect yourself and your investment. Many people will make sure their appliances have warranties, as well as their vehicles. Most people will not make a big purchase like those without a warranty, so why is it that so many people make the biggest purchase of their lives (a home) and do not get a warranty?

There are many things you can do to protect yourself when you buy a home but probably foremost is ensuring that you have a warranty on that home. A home warranty is not a new product – in fact, home warranties have been around for quite some time. In the past, however, most people thought that home warranties were only offered by builders on new homes, but that is not the case. In fact, you can purchase a home warranty on any home, new or used.

Usually, either the buyer or the seller will purchase a home warranty. A buyer purchases a home warranty on an older home to safeguard themselves from any major repairs that need to be done that can’t be seen on inspection, or foreseen. It’s hard to tell that the water heater or furnace is about ready to kick the bucket and need replacing from looking at it. A home warranty protects from those repairs and replacements for the term of the policy. A seller will purchase a home warranty for the home they are selling as a selling feature. A home warranty helps secure their pricing near where it’s listed at. Also, many homes that come with a home warranty will sell much quicker than one without.

With this, it is important then that when you are purchasing a home that you ensure you have a home warranty. A home warranty will save you a lot of time, money and trouble if something major should go wrong. In most cases, a home warranty will cover:

  • Air conditioning system
  • Built in dishwasher
  • Built in microwave
  • Built in trash compactor
  • Ceiling fans
  • Central heating unit
  • Duct work
  • Electrical systems
  • Garbage disposal unit
  • Plumbing systems
  • Refrigerator
  • The oven or range
  • Washer and dryer
  • Water heater

Here is a list of things that are generally not covered with a home warranty:

  • Outdoor sprinkler systems
  • Outdoor water systems
  • Faucet repairs (unless otherwise stated in the policy)
  • Spas (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)
  • Pools (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)
  • Hot tubs (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)
  • Permit fees
  • Hauling away debris
  • Hauling away old appliances

There are items that are often not covered by some plans, which are covered by others, including:

  • Washers (because they are not built in to the home and are not always included with a home.)
  • Dryers (because they are not built in to the home and are not always included with a home.)
  • Garbage disposals
  • Garage door openers
  • Refrigerators

The best thing to do is to talk to the agent you are dealing with and ask what is and isn’t covered in detail with your policy. Anything you talk about should be put in writing and signed by the agent. If he says the garbage disposal is covered, then ensure it is written in the policy.

It’s best to take some time and do your research if you are purchasing your own home warranty package for a home. The rates, coverage and deductibles vary from company to company, and from state to state. There are many options available to you, so talk to a qualified home warranty agent to discuss what type of home warranty program suits your needs the best.

If you are buying a home that comes with a home warranty, it’s important to remember that this type of warranty is non-renewable; whereas if you purchase your own, it is likely able to be renewed when the initial year-long period is up. Again, it’s important to ask of the seller what is included and not included in the warranty before purchasing the home. Read through the policy to be sure you are clear on what is and is not covered.

Buying a home is an exciting time, but it can also be quite daunting. You never know what you are getting when you purchase an older home, but a home warranty can help dispel any misgivings you have.

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5 Top Model Train Accessories

November 24, 2023   Matt

5 Top Model Train Accessories

Many people’s first introduction to model railroading is with a simple circle or oval on a sheet of plywood. No scenery, no landscaping and maybe not even any buildings or vehicles.

It doesn’t take long, however, to get the urge to start adding accessories to the railroad to make it more realistic. For many people, this become a lifelong endeavor, and can grow to very large proportions.

Every layout is different and everyone has their own favorite accessories, but the following 5 items are some of the most common accessories that add a level of realism and interest to your model railroad.

1. Train Station

This is one of the first buildings most people add to their layout. It gives the railroad a starting and ending point and often serves as the basis for an entire town or city to be built up around it.

2. Lighting

There are many forms of lighting for railroads. There can be background lighting to give a backdrop a degree of realism or street lights to add to the ambiance of a city. These may be strictly for decoration, or they may actually light up at night to give the streets a realistic glow.

3. Rail Cars

The locomotive usually gets the most attention when setting up a model railroad, but there are many choices for railcars as well.

4. People and Animals

A city or rail yard isn’t complete without people as part of the design. And if your layout travels through mountains or countryside, animals add a touch of realism to the design.

5. Landscaping

There are many options for landscaping a railroad. You can add things like grass, trees, lakes or rivers alongside the track. Or you can get a little more in depth and add hills and valleys for your train to travel through, and tunnels through the mountains.

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Small Leak? Tips On How To Know What You Can Do Or When You Need To Call A Plumber (3)

November 19, 2023   Matt

Small Leak? Tips On How To Know What You Can Do Or When You Need To Call A Plumber

Plumbing needs to be done right! It can create more trouble and expense if it is not done properly! Not everyone is a plumber. If you are not up to the job, hire it out! If you can do-it-yourself, that is great! You will need the right tools and know how. Read this article for some handy tips and tricks!

If your lawn has areas where the grass grows very quickly compared to the rest, seems constantly wet or has a noxious odor you may have a sewer line leak. A leak or crack in sewage pipes can be repaired if caught early and save thousands of dollars in failed septic inspection expenses.

To avoid hair from accumulating and clogging pipes. Use fine mesh strainers in every drain where hair is washed. Fine mesh strainers can catch the hair and still allow the shower, tub or sink to drain and are also useful in the kitchen to catch and stop small food debris from going down the drain.

Cover pipes that are outside or in cool areas. Use heat tape to make sure that the pipes are completely covered and insulated. This will prevent frozen pipes in the winter, which can be an expensive problem. Check outdoor pipes for other problems such as leaks and cracks which are better to catch early.

To prepare for the cold weather, properly drain all outside faucet bibs and turn off the water supply to those faucets. A piece of foam taped to the outside bib can provide excellent insulation to prevent any remaining water from freezing or splurge for a specialty cover that comes complete with velcro closures.

If your drain in any device is taking longer to drain water, then you may need to have your pipes professionally cleaned depending on the severity of the circumstances. Before you do this, there are several different products you can try. However, some of them are professional strength and all products should be used with caution.

Never pour grease down the kitchen-sink drain. This will help you avoid clogs in your kitchen sink. Place grease in a can or other receptacles and dispose of in the trash. Grease that has congealed on pots, and pans can be wiped off with paper towels that can be thrown in the trash.

Do not fall for the idea that liquid grease can be easily washed down the drain with hot water. While the grease may flow past the initial drain with the water, it does not take much of a temperature change as it moves through your pipes to alter from liquid to solid. The repeat habit of dumping grease in the sink is a sure-fire way to ensure a hard-to-reach clog forming in the future.

Hopefully, you have found the tips and tricks above to be quite handy! Whether you hire out the job or do-it-yourself, take the necessary time to do it right. It can create more trouble and expense in the future, if it is not done properly!

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How To Deal With Home Improvement Easily

November 14, 2023   Matt

How To Deal With Home Improvement Easily

We see the same scenery every single day in our houses, and that’s why so many homeowners decide that it’s time for a little remodeling. Painting the walls, rearranging the furniture, and going with new molding — these can seem like easy enough tasks from the start. However, many people find that they’re daunting. No matter what your goals are, check out these home- improvement tips.

A simple and effective tool for improving your use of energy and improving the nature of your home dynamic is to install and utilize automated thermostat systems. Although they can be expensive, they will cover their own cost over time in your overall lower energy bills while making your home more green.

Be prepared for the plumbing work to take longer than anticipated. Whether you are installing a shower, a sink or a toilet, have a backup plan in case you and your family have to go without for a while. Make sure everyone showers before beginning the work or arrange with a family member to let you spend the night if need be.

If you are buying tools and equipment for a home improvement project, don’t cheap out on the essentials. For example, a cheaply-built ladder will often fall apart while being used and low-quality paintbrushes may shed bristles into the paint, leaving ugly marks on the walls. Aim for middle-grade equipment if you are on a budget, otherwise, you may be in for some nasty accidents.

Open up the curtains and blinds during a showing to allow natural light into the home. If the outdoor scenery is not desirable, consider keeping the blinds somewhat closed to draw less attention to it. Turn on all of the lights in the home so the home looks bright and cheery instead of dark and dreary.

For the easiest modern touch to the home, consider using wallpaper. Wallpaper these days can offer quite modern and funky designs, which can generate a great update for your home. This can give you a great look for the home with less effort than painting.

Consider the value that you are adding to the home through home improvement projects. You want to make sure that what you add to the home or change in the home is going to present an investment that pays off if you sell the home. You want to add value to the home, not take it away.

Reuse as much as possible during your home improvement to save money and help the environment. If you can paint your cabinets to give them a new look, why not? Replace the knobs or handles on them as well to modernize their look. Consider painting tile instead of replacing it to freshen a room.

Something that seems on the surface to be so simple can end up being incredibly complicated if you’re not aware of how to handle a task. Painting can turn into a nightmare; adding more lights could leave you in the dark. The tips in this article will help you learn about home improvement, so put them to good use.

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Tips That You Can Use To Make Your Home A Better Place To Live

November 09, 2023   Matt

Tips That You Can Use To Make Your Home A Better Place To Live

It is hard to get home from your job and face another task–however home improvement are rewarding. These tips will help you decide when to hire a professional, and how to find a good one. They will also help you figure out how to do a great job on the remodeling or repair tasks you decide to do yourself.

If a contractor appears at your door and offers his services to you, be wary. Some companies like roofers or fence builders are known to use this tactic, but you should still do your research before you decide to hire them. Check the BBB, online reviews, and all supplied references.

If you are doing a home improvement project that involves demolition, slow down and take your time. It may be exciting to smash that wall open, but you could damage structural supports, plumbing, or electrical connections. The same is true of pulling down cabinets and other fixtures. Once you’ve demolished it, it can’t be put back, so pay attention to what you’re doing.

Landscaping is the largest component of curb appeal. Make sure that your lawn is green and mowed, that there are no weeds growing in your flower beds and that all bushes, trees and shrubbery are trimmed and shaped nicely. These things can make your home look well cared for and put together.

If a person has pet cats they should consider building a catarium or screened in play area for their pet cat. It will give the cat the stimulation of being outdoors with the safety and control of being screened in. Also it will provide the person a place to play with their cat or enjoy the outdoors.

When doing a home improvement project that involves sanding of joint compound or plaster, use a wet-sander. A drywall wet-sander features a sanding sponge with two sides, one for course work and the other for fine sand for finishing. This will help reduce the dust produced from the sanding and prevent other areas from getting dirty with the fine dust.

Put in an outdoor motion detector for your outside lighting. This way the lights will only be on when they are activated and not all day or all night unnecessarily. Most people don’t need their outside lights other than when they come home or leave after dark.

Locate the studs in the wall prior to beginning to hang your new cabinets in your kitchen. Using a finishing nail to mark each stud is going to save you the time of missing the stud and having to put multiple holes in the cabinets trying to find the stud to hang them on.

You now have some conceptual tools for your home improvement projects. They have also clued you in about the tools like wrenches and saws which you will need in order to do a professional job yourself and have addressed the question of when it makes sense to hire a professional. You may want to create a new “to do” list now!

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Foolproof Advice For Home Improvement Projects (2)

November 04, 2023   Matt

Foolproof Advice For Home Improvement Projects

Nearly everyone has at least one thing that they would like to see changed about their home. Fortunately, many home improvements are projects that even a novice homeowner can tackle. You can, with a little planning, easily accomplish projects like cabinet refacing, adding decorative molding to walls, windows, doors, or outdoor projects like improving your gutter system. Some things, however, are best left to the pros, especially if they involve electricity or plumbing. This article will help you decide if your home improvement project can be done by yourself, or if you need to call in expert help.

When caulking the area where your bathtub meets the wall, fill your bathtub with water before you begin. This applies plenty of weight to the tub and ensures that the gap is at its widest point. Without the added weight, your caulking job could crack and fail the first time someone stands in the tub.

Use carpet samples to carpet a whole room! Retail stores often throw away their samples. Cut each sample up into smaller pieces and tack or glue them into place for free floor covering. Cut them in identically sized pieces for a tile effect or cut them in irregular geometric shapes for an abstract look.

If one does not have any trees on their property they should strongly consider planting one for home improvement. Not only will it have many different uses for the house and it’s members but it will also look attractive for ones landscape. A tree can grow and outlast the house making it a worthy home improvement job.

One of the best home improvements for your house is a wood deck addition. Not only is it a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors, it also offer a great return on your investment when you re-sell your home. Most homeowners recoup 81 percent of the money that they spent on this home improvement. Just remember to do proper maintenance each year to the deck to optimize it’s return potential.

Clean kitchen counters can help to sell a house. Remove everything except your coffee pot, a nice set of knives, and perhaps a bowl of fruit. The cleaner your counter tops are, the more organized your kitchen will appear. Your kitchen will also feel larger and more user friendly.

Putting a hand grip or rail in ones shower may seem like is a simple home improvement job that could save you a trip to the hospital from falling in the shower. Having a rail to steady oneself while getting in and out can also make showering more comfortable.

As you have read in this article, with just a little planning and some investigation, you can take on basic home improvement projects and make your home a happy, healthy place for your family. By knowing what projects you can do and what projects you should leave to the experts, you can even save a significant amount of money. So pick up that hammer and those nails, and have fun with your next home improvement project!

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