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Installing solar panels can save you money on your monthly bills. Not only that but opting for solar panels means you’re eligible for federal tax credits.

With big benefits and incentives, you may be feeling ready to go solar. But choosing the right solar panel company is key to making the switch.

Not all solar panel companies will give you the same level of quality, care, and customer service. Wondering what you need to know to choose the best solar company?

Read on to learn what you’ll want to keep an eye out for when you switch to solar energy.

Types of Companies in the Solar Panel Industry

When choosing a solar panel company, research the different aspects of the industry. There are manufacturers who will produce the panels. They make the photovoltaic energy system you’ll use in your home.

But usually, they are not also the company selling you the panels. You’ll want to look at who will install your panels for you. Some companies don’t do full service.

They may only install, help with financing or sell you the panels. Others companies will manage each step of the process with you. Aside from manufacturing, they’ll be part of sales, installation, and financing.

Warranties

Research what kinds of warranties and repairs different companies are offering. They may offer warranties on the solar panels from the manufacturer.

But you can also find out if they offer workmanship warranties. This means they will offer a guarantee of quality over the installation work.

Customer Service

Check reviews online to see how the company you’re considering is performing. You can also research how much they will help you in the process.

For example, over at blueravensolar.com/utah/orem/, they provide step-by-step guidance. They will send a team to create a custom solar panel plan for your needs.

This may mean you only need a certain amount of solar cells. Or perhaps you need a custom configuration. They also share information on local and federal tax credits on their site.

Subcontractors

When a team comes to install your solar panels, you’ll want to see who it is that’s working on your home. Using subcontractors is the norm in the industry.

But the company should be clear with you who is coming to work on the installation. Make sure they guarantee quality work, regardless of who installs the panels.

Experience Level

Look into certifications and experience when choosing the best solar company. Some states have databases where you can look up different companies’ certifications.

If not, be sure to ask the company about their experience. You can also research online by reading reviews and testimonials.

Choose the Best Solar Panel Company

Switching to solar energy will save you on your costly electricity bills. But you’ll want to work with a company that gives you the care and attention to make the switch.

Choosing a solar panel company doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you research how the industry works, you can find the company that best meets your needs.

Was this article helpful? Be sure to check out our other useful home and budget tips on the site!

Buying a hot tub is a great way to enjoy some rest and relaxation in your own backyard.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a hot tub, it’s important to understand the costs before you take the plunge.

So, how much does a hot tub cost, and what should you expect to shell out? Read on to learn more about hot tub prices so you can be prepared.

Types of Hot Tubs

Before you buy a home hot tub, it’s crucial to understand more about the various types available. A standard inflatable hot tub typically costs around $1,000 or less, while an entry-level hot tub made of plastic will run between $2,500 and $5,000, on average.

For a value-priced hot tub made of acrylic with more jets, you could pay anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000 or more. A premium hot tub is closer to between $8,000 and $11,000.

If you’re aiming for a high-end luxury hot tub, you’ll pay much more, ranging between $11,000 and $16,000. You may be able to customize your hot tub based on the size and features, like this product.

How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost? Don’t Forget the Extras

If you’re wondering, how much does a hot tub cost, the answer will vary depending on any additional features that you choose. LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and more jets will cause your hot tub price to increase.

In addition to the hot tub itself, you’ll also need to add more money to your budget for electricity. The lighting, jets, and heater require an exterior electrical outlet that must be up to current codes. Using your hot tub will also increase your energy bill by about $20 to $50 per month.

Other common costs include site prep, running a water line to the hot tub, and decking. If you’re having the hot tub professionally installed, prepare to pay another $150 to $500, on average.

Accessories and Maintenance

Just like swimming pools, hot tubs require chemicals to keep the water hygienic and clean. This should cost around $20 per month or so.

You will also want to factor in the cost to keep your hot tub clean. A pool vacuum is an easy way to remove leaves and debris, and it costs around $100 or so.

Annual cleanings are recommended, so prepare to pay about $300 for this, too. Finally, don’t forget to include some money in your budget for the cost of repairs. It’s a good idea to set about $1,000 aside just in case something goes wrong and you need to hire a professional.

Get Ready to Relax in Your New Hot Tub

How much does a hot tub cost? The answer really depends on the type of hot tub you choose, whether or not you have it professionally installed, and how much you use it. Extras like a deck and fancy lighting will also cost you more.

For more great articles about DIY, lifestyle, decor, design, and more, be sure to visit our website today!

When you’ve never attempted to design a backyard landscape before, the number of options available to you may be daunting.

Which plants should you add, and where should you place them? Should pathways and bed lines follow a straight or curved path? What about finishing touches like planters, seats, and birdbaths?

Many of the same concepts that govern your room arrangement inside may also influence your designs outdoors. So thinking of space in your yard as a room inside your house can be helpful.

Here are three pro tips for making a beautiful backyard landscape.

1. Take It One Step at a Time

Although Garden TV shows are experts at showing entire exterior makeovers in only three days, they do so with a considerable expert staff. This is not a situation most novice gardeners will have the advantage of.

Slowly establishing a strategy and enjoying the process is an integral part of building a landscape. Begin with a tiny flower bed from your overall plan, for example.

When you have the time, go out and work on your first step for an hour or two. Take your time, so you don’t get sloppy or cut corners with your DIY backyard landscape design. Also, don’t stress about filling everything in right away.

Once you’ve completed the first few steps from your plan, your confidence will grow. Everything will start taking shape, and you’ll gain more motivation and momentum as time goes on.

2. Open Yourself Up For Change

You might be committed to an idea in your landscaping plans, but be open and honest about what works and what doesn’t in your design. Ideas that you’ve had for a long time may no longer represent your style anymore. It’s OK to try new things and make changes as you go.

For novices, patience is essential when it comes to landscaping. If all of that empty space is too much to bear, and your dogs and kids are tracking in muck, use interim remedies like mulch or groundcovers to fill in the gaps until you figure out what you want.

Around bigger plants that require time to mature and fill in, maybe plant tiny perennials and annuals. Later on, if you find they’re in the incorrect place, you can always relocate them.

3. Work With Your Location

Examine the sun’s and wind’s movements. You may wish to build a patio around the west side of your home, but it will receive a lot of afternoon light, making supper time in August uncomfortable. As well, the wind could blow on a fire pit in this location.

Beginners should think a lot about how nature works within the space they are planning to work with. You should consider the effects of the wind and sun at various times of the day before landscaping your backyard.

Of course, many people are not sure where they need to position aspects of landscaping. Thus, it might be worth contacting professionals, such as the guys at www.imperiallm.com/, to help you out.

Enjoy Your Backyard Landscape

One of the most crucial things to remember is that you can either make landscaping a pleasurable or miserable experience. Don’t worry if it takes you time to figure things out. Plus, you can always reconfigure your backyard landscape if things aren’t working out as you envisioned.

So good luck with your landscaping adventure, and thanks for reading. Please check out our other blog posts for more helpful tips.

1. Save money on your electricity bill with new windows

When you’re looking to cut costs in the summer or winter, it’s tempting to think that all your energy savings are going to have to come from other areas of your life. New windows might seem like a luxury expense that will take time and money away from more pressing projects around the house.

New double-pane windows can help you save energy bills by keeping out the elements (such as heat in the summer and cold in the winter), reducing outside noise, and giving you a nice, comfortable place to live. They also add value when you sell your home down the line.

2. Enhance the look of your home by installing new windows

It is a practical investment that can give you more comfort when choosing the type of windows and the materials. You need to hire licensed professionals for the window replacement project. There are numerous benefits from installing new windows in your home, as it can improve your lifestyle significantly if you choose the right.

Many people look forward to buying high-quality replacement windows with good features because they know that such products will have low energy costs and a much longer lifespan. Nowadays, all homeowners do not consider these factors during their window shopping experience, but they buy any old product without looking at important issues like quality or price.

3. Stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter with window replacements

An all-weather window is the best choice if you want to save money on your heating and cooling costs, stay comfortable throughout the year, and never have to worry about dirty windows or leaky frames. When it’s time for window replacements, your family will feel the benefits in more ways than one.

Not only will you be able to enjoy a better living experience in a home that is well-protected and comfortable all year long, but you’ll have an added layer of security when many types of storms threaten your area. They’re also built to protect your home against hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, and other natural disasters, helping you rest easy knowing that every window on your property is made for protection.

4. Get rid of drafts that are coming into your home through old or broken windows

When you replace your windows, you can stop these drafts and help reduce heating bills in the process. Window replacements may be something that you’ve been putting off for years. The thought of spending much money on new windows may be keeping you from getting them.

This costs savings item could benefit you greatly. Window replacements can make your home much more energy-efficient. This is a big deal, given how many people are concerned about the environment. It’s also important to consider how drafts that come into your house through old windows can affect your health.

5. Install awnings to keep out rain, snow, and sun when you’re not at home

Not only will your house seem more attractive, but it will also remain cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Professionals can install retractable awnings that let you open them when you’re at home and close. They may be costly, but the best ones will pay for themselves within a few years just by saving on air conditioning and heating costs. Your home is more comfortable when you save money.

If you have drafty windows in your house, you should consider replacing them. Doing so improves the comfort levels of homes significantly during both summer and winter months, and it decreases heating and cooling costs substantially over time. For more information, ask our experts on window replacements.

 

Did you know that 25% of US households have so much clutter in their home, they can’t park a car in their garage? It is one thing putting all your trash in a hidden room, but totally different when you need to use a room every day. So how cluttered is your bedroom?

Once clothing, shoes, and books begin to amass the bedroom can begin to look very small. Read on as we discuss how to get more space from your bedroom.

Get a Multipurpose Headboard

When you think of bedroom space, a headboard is not always the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, it can often be hard to know what this purely decorative piece is actually for. By making it functional, you can have a room that looks great as well as tidy.

One idea is to incorporate small shelving systems into the headboard. It does require a board with some height, and you must make sure the items are sturdy and won’t fall off.

Use a Corner Bed

In a master bedroom, the bed itself has to be center stage and take pride of place in the middle of the room. But that does not have to be the case for every room. Guest bedrooms and children’s rooms can benefit from using a snug, corner bed.

This is particularly good if you have narrow rooms. By adding a headboard that wraps around the corner the bed is in, you get a stylish look and retain your maximum floor space.

Go Under

Experts on design and decluttering would be enraged at the thought of putting items under the bed. The truth is that a lot of space can exist under there, and it is easy to keep the items out of sight. So why wouldn’t you use it?

There are a number of beds that provide storage underneath. Some may have pull-out drawers, while others may be raised.

The trick is to put the items away neatly. Don’t just kick them under so they are messy and spilling out. Instead, find storage containers and boxes to place them in.

Consider a Murphy Bed

Most people imagine a Murphy bed to be confined to dingy, small studio apartments. That may once have been the case, but no longer. Murphy beds are making a comeback due to stylish loft living.

Available in a range of material finishes and colors, they can actually add to the appearance of a room. A closed-up bed makes a great feature and maximizes space on the floor. In fact, with the bed concealed away, most people may not even realize it is a bedroom!

Maximize Closet Space

Have you used every inch of the closet space available? Most people assume that when they pack their closet, the space is fully used. However, you can often get even more out of it.

Make sure you organize the closet extremely well, storing items in boxes and putting clothing on hangers. When complete, look to see where the available space is. Do you have room at the top where you can put less used items, or gaps at the bottom you could fill?

Buy a Storage Bench

We don’t advocate picking things up and hurriedly stashing them away. However, we also know that everyone does it once in a while. If you are a regular offender, then a storage bench is what you need.

A storage bench is a great place to sit, either situating it at the end of the bed or near a window. The top lifts off, allowing you to store items underneath. They are often spacious, and the variety means you will find one to enhance the decor of the room.

Declutter

It’s a simple one that many people forget or deliberately avoid. However, if you want bedroom space, you should try taking things out instead of putting them in.

Start by deciding what needs to be in the room. You may have gym equipment or furniture that could be moved out or repurposed elsewhere. If it is not in regular use, it needs to go.

After this begins the process of getting rid of junk. Be ruthless in your clean-out, getting rid of old clothes and personal items. You can send them to a thrift store or sell them on a local marketplace.

Create Illusions With Mirrors

If these tips freed up some space, now is the time to give the illusion of more. Buy a large mirror and some smaller ones, and position them strategically in the room. The aim is to refract the natural light into darker corners and give the appearance of more space.

Don’t use this tip until you have done a thorough declutter and maximized storage. All it will do is double the messy appearance.

Install a Mezzanine

Mezzanine levels only work on apartments or homes with high ceilings. However, if you are lucky enough, they can be a great way to add more vertical space to the property.

Decide what you want to do up there. Will it be for storage or will it be used for sleeping? Once you have worked this out you can begin to decide on the layout and consult a professional to install it.

How to Get More Space

Now you know how to get more space, don’t just stop at the bedroom. Many of these tips can be used throughout the home. Start here then work down, to thoroughly spring clean your home.

From DIY tips to decluttering, we can help you get the perfect home! Check out our blog regularly for all your expert property hacks and fixes.

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that over 14 million Americans had a pest problem in the past 12 months. These pests included rodents, roaches, and termites. As you can imagine, having a pest problem in your home can cause many health problems for you and your family.

Plenty of articles cover rodent and roach infestation signs, but only a few mention termite infestation. That’s why today, we’ve gathered up a comprehensive guide about the signs of termite infestation.

1. Signs of Termite Infested Wood

One of the most obvious signs of termite infestation is noticing tiny holes throughout a wooden structure. Experts call these holes “mud tubes,” and they serve as bridges between the termite’s nest and the wood they are consuming. Subterranean termites usually create these mud tubes, but other types of termites are also known to use them.

You can tell if you have a severe termite infestation if the wood is cracking or crumbling. As soon as you notice this, begin a termite infestation treatment since they will begin to spread all over your home. If you live in Modena, California, be sure to contact Reliable Termite Solutions for a quick and efficient solution to a termite infestation.

2. Signs of a Termite Infested House

Noticing a termite infestation in your home can be tricky since termites are tiny, and their nests are usually well-hidden. However, one way you can recognize a termite infestation is by finding its droppings. Termite droppings are round and minuscule, often being the color brown.

Another way you can recognize a termite infestation in your home is when your wooden doors begin to hear a cracking noise when you close them. That happens because the door structure is starting to weaken since the termites are eating away the wood. Left unchecked, the termites will spread to other areas of your home, which will cause more structural damage.

3. Signs of a Termite Infested Tree

If you live in an area with lots of trees, then the odds are that termites will make their way to them. The way to see if a tree has a termite infestation is by looking at discarded wings on the floor. Swarmer termites (termites that can fly) usually lose their wings once they establish a colony, and their numbers are generally in the hundreds.

Because of that, you’ll be able to spot a huge pile of wings near a tree. If you notice an excessive amount of wings, then you may have a serious termite infestation. If that’s the case, it’d be best to contact a local pest control company.

Act Quickly at the First Sign of a Termite Infestation

A termite infestation can cause serious problems to your surroundings. So, as soon as you notice any of the signs previously mentioned, be sure to act quickly. And, if you find yourself having trouble getting rid of them, be sure to contact a professional pest remover.

Have you had termite problems? Let us know in the comment section below! And, be sure to check out our other articles! Without a doubt, you’ll find another one that’ll pique your interest!

Having a swimming pool in your backyard is somewhat of a luxury. Unfortunately, like all good things in the world, it comes at a price; you’ll need to worry about pool maintenance.

For this reason, before you think about installing a pool of your own, you need to consider how you will take care of it.

But what do you need to think of when caring for residential pools?

In this guide, we’ll share seven swimming pool maintenance tips for homeowners.

1. Skim and Scrub Regularly

Leaves and other debris can find a home on the surface of your pool. This needs to be skimmed and cleared. You should aim to do this on a daily basis if at all possible.

Using a net, simply scoop up any leaves and discard them. It’s possible to get a robot that can do this job for you.

Not only will you need to skim your pool, but you’ll also need to scrub it. This stops the build-up of algae in your pool.

2. Check the Water PH Levels

Your swimming pool needs to have the right level of chlorine in it to keep the water clean. Use a water testing kit to ensure your pH levels are at their ideal. Your pH levels should always be between 7.4 and 7.6.

If the pH of home pools is off, it could cause calcium build-up or turn your water cloudy. You should check the pH level every week.

3. Clear Out Your Filters

One of the benefits of a pool is that you can enjoy a dip whenever you like. But if your pool isn’t maintained, the last thing you’d want to do is step foot in the water.

If your filters are blocked with leaves or other debris, it won’t take long for the pool to become an unhealthy place. This task can be carried out every few months.

4. Clean Out Collection Baskets

Your pool is designed to collect up debris and leaves, but you’ll need to make sure you clear these out routinely. Check and empty these every two weeks to keep your pool in good health.

5. Check the Water Level

Your pool needs to have enough water in it or the pump can dry out. Conversely, if you have too much water in your pool, it can cause issues with your skimmer.

Check that the level of your water is optimal, particularly after a storm.

6. Soak Up Oil With a Tennis Ball

Over time, your pool will gather oils from suntan lotion as well as from people’s bodies. You can clean this from your water by dropping a tennis ball in the water and letting it float for a while.

7. Prepare for Winter

There are a lot of things to consider when you’re a pool owner, such as what size pool heater you need and where to source your chlorine. But one of the most important things to do is to prepare for winter.

Covering up your pool will be essential as it will save you from needing costly repairs in the spring.

Pool Maintenance Tips

Pool maintenance is essential is an unavoidable factor in owning a swimming pool. But as long as you keep up with regular pH checks and keep your pool clean at all times, you can enjoy your pool whenever you want.

For more great articles, check out the rest of the site.