Category Archives: House and Home

What You Should Know Before Installing a Pool

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A pool is a great way to add beauty and fun to your backyard. Swimming pools and water features are symbols of luxury and can make your home desirable, despite not offering the best return on investment. Whether you’re interested in hosting pool parties or getting some low-impact exercise, here are some things to know before you get started.

True Cost of Ownership

When budgeting for a pool, be sure to consider the true cost of ownership. In addition to installation, there are also costs associated with maintenance, including filtering, cleaning and heating. You should also budget for a pool cover, decking, ladders, lighting and other auxiliary items. Local regulations may require you to build fencing and other safety elements. Furthermore, there may be increases in the amount of homeowner insurance you’re required to have as well as increases in your property value and associated taxes.

Pool Type

Carefully consider the type of container your pool will sit in. Concrete, vinyl and fiberglass are popular options with various pros and cons. Concrete is usually the most expensive and requires considerable maintenance. Vinyl is less expensive, but a tear requires complete replacement. Fiberglass is relatively low-maintenance, but varies widely in quality. Consult a provider of one-piece fiberglass pools Missouri to discuss your options.

Details, Details, Details!

You’ll also need to pay special attention to the terms of your contract and warranty. You need to be clear on what the warranty covers when it comes to parts, materials and structural items. Some parts are covered by a manufacturer, while others are covered by the dealer. It is important to know who to call when something goes wrong. It is also recommended that you request a sample warranty from each bidder and go over the details.

Having a pool for a private workout or cooling off on a hot day is truly a pleasure. A swimming pool brings visual appeal to your backyard. Before you get carried away, consider all the upfront and long-term costs and make sure to understand the terms and conditions of any contracts or warranties.

Factors to Consider When Remodeling Your New Home

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If you just bought a new house, you might be thinking about making some renovations to make it more comfortable or suitable for you and your family. Improvements may seem like a straightforward process, but there are several details tied in with home remodeling and renovations. Many of the changes made during renovations are expensive and sometimes irreversible, so you should make some serious considerations before you start renovating. 

Who Will Be Living in the House?

Ask yourself who will be living in the house and for how long. If the house is for your family, evaluate their needs critically, and also think about their future living in the house. If you have toddlers, pets, and elderly family members, you should renovate the home to match their current and future needs. For instance, if you have kids, you might want to think about making the house safer for them. Click here to learn about renovating a home for the elderly. 

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Permit Renovations?

After deciding on what kind of renovations you want to do based on the house’s occupants, you then have to find out whether your home insurer allows the upgrades. Some homeowners insurance policies have stringent guidelines when it comes to home renovations. Once you get the go-ahead from your insurer, you may also have to seek legal permits depending on the renovations you want to make. From there, you can get your contractor to begin the work.

The Budget

How much money have you set aside for the renovations? You’ll get a work valuation from your contactor to determine how much the proposed remodeling should cost. Even if you have the money, you shouldn’t spend too much on renovations that the cost fails to justifies the initial value of the house. On the other hand, if you’re working on a strict budget, be prepared to make some compromises on some of the proposed changes.

Remodeling is a great way to convert a new house into a cozy home. Remember to prioritize some of the critical renovations, such as those involving the health and safety of your family.

That Extra Something Special to Make your House a Home

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There is a subtle difference between a house and a home. One is a place where you happen to live, and the other is your place. One of the things that sets homes apart from houses are the extra personal touches, the little details that give people a glimpse of who you are and what you love. Here are a few ideas of ways to add that personal touch.

Image by Laura Shaw from Pixabay

Paint

It may seem obvious, but perhaps the quickest way to make your house stand out is with a custom paint job. The color of your house can even affect your home’s value. Consider whether you want the same color on your siding and your trim, or whether a splash of color might bring pop and personality. Obviously this and all the other items on this list will have to be cleared with your HOA, but they’re well worth it. 

Architectural Details

Tiny touches in the detailing on your home can also add a personal touch. Corten steel gates, or antique hinges and knobs on the door, a specially detailed railing: these all may seem like small things but they can make a big impression. Pay attention to the architectural detailing on houses that you like, and take note of what style suits you. If the frills of Victoriana don’t appeal, the sleek touches on a Midcentury Modern home might. 

Unusual Plantings

Whether it’s an heirloom rose or a particularly spectacular blooming rhododendron, a special planting in your landscape design can really make your home stand out. It doesn’t have to be a particularly expensive or fancy plant. An explosion of sunflowers by your front porch is going to say something about you without breaking the bank. Whatever touch of personality you’re thinking of adding to your house, it should be one that speaks to you and makes you feel at home.