Tips

Are you one of the 47% of people who’ve chosen to orchestrate a DIY move for their household relocation.

Moving needn’t be a stressful event when you plan carefully and pack well in advance.

Get started with this step by step guide on how to pack plates for moving to ensure everything gets there in one piece.

Assemble Everything You Need for Packing Dishes

Running out of packing supplies when packing plates is a recipe for disaster. It’s a bad idea to skimp on padding and wrapping when you’re moving with plates.

Make sure you’ve got ample supplies of all the following before you start:

• Packing paper
• Dish boxes
• Medium-sized boxes
• Packing tape
• Padding or bubble wrap
• Labels
• Marker pens

Dish boxes are specially-designed for plates and dishes with cardboard partitions built into reinforced boxes.

They’re not essential when packing plates for moving but it’s a good idea to invest in a few for those extra special pieces. You can usually buy them from a moving & storage company.

You can, of course, use a newspaper for wrapping your dishes. Be advised that newsprint will rub off on your dishes and plates in transit and can cause permanent stains.

If you decide to use a newspaper, you’ll have to wash all your dishes before you pack them away in your new home too.

Avoid using large boxes for packing dishes. It’s easy to get carried away and overload a box, which means it could break while your movers are transferring it in a or out of the moving van.

How to Pack Plates for Moving As The Pros Do It

Once you’ve assembled everything you need, you can get packing. It’s best to take all your plates out of your cupboards and arrange them by size before you start.

Here’s how to pack plates properly, step-by-step:

1. Assemble Your Boxes

Be sure to tape each box very well both top and bottom. They’ll be heavy when you’re done. Unless they’re taped very firmly, they could break or cave in.

Line the boxes with a thick layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap.

2. Wrap Your Plates

Lay a sheet of packing paper out on a flat surface.

Place a dish in the center of the paper and fold the corners into the middle. Secure the paper with tape and then continue wrapping the plate until it’s completely covered. Tape again.

Repeat the process for each plate.

3. Pack Your Plates

Place your first plate on its side in the box. Then, slot the rest of the dishes alongside it.

When you pack plates on their side, they can absorb more shock. Avoid packing plates flat.

4. Fill in the Gaps

Once you’ve filled the box with plates, fill in the gaps with crumpled up pieces of paper. To finish, pile in balled up pieces of paper to the top of the box.

Ideally, the box shouldn’t weigh more than about 45 pounds when it’s filled and padded.

5. Seal the Boxes

Close the box flaps and secure them with tape. As a final safety measure label the box as fragile.

It’s a good idea to ensure this label’s visible from every angle. Placing a sticker on each side of the box is a good idea.

Get More Helpful Lifestyle Tips

We bet you only thought you knew how to pack plates for moving, right?

Are you ready to discover more about how to do things the correct way? Often a little research can reveal tips and tricks to make things a lot easier.

For more good advice on how to conquer life’s little obstacles keep browsing our blog.

 

Your door isn’t what it used to be. It still opens and closes but has lost something in terms of both looks and functionality. As such, you’re looking to make a change.

The question you have, however, is: how much does door installation cost? In truth, costs can vary. We’ll get into the specifics below.

Average Door Installation Cost

The cost of a door is dependent on a variety of factors. These factors run the gamut from material to the company hired to install the door to the area in which you live and more.

Note, though, that on average, it costs around $975 to install a door. Most homeowners spend somewhere between $475 and $1,500.

To give you a better idea as to what you’ll pay, we’re going to discuss specific costs for each material.

Wood

Wood doors are some of the most popular in existence. Their costs run the gamut from cheap to expensive. As such, they’re a viable option for just about everyone.

Interior wood doors cost between $50 and $500. Whereas the lower-end models are typically hollow in the middle, the higher-end models are solid.

Exterior wood doors can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000. The cheaper models are generally just solid wood without accessories. The more expensive models almost always contain accessories of some kind, whether they be panes of glass or blinds or some other entity.

Budget buyers can buy engineered wood doors. These are made out of a combination of wood and synthetic materials and, generally, only cost between $200 and $500.

Note, wood doors often require intensive maintenance. So, in addition to the cost needed to install them, they often require substantial upkeep costs as well. Be cognizant of this when making your purchase.

Fiberglass

Next, we’re going to discuss the cost of fiberglass, an energy-efficient, durable, and low-maintenance material that’s growing in popularity by the year. The cost of these doors ranges from $100 to $4,500 and sometimes even more. Note, however, that you can find a reliable one for between $300 and $1,000.

As was noted, fiberglass doors require almost nothing in the way of maintenance. In most cases, they need only cleaning from time to time. As such, they incur very minimal maintenance costs over the years.

If you don’t have a lot to spend, fiberglass might just be the best option for you. Attractive, durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient, it will save you money in every respect.

Steel

Another material you might consider is steel. Though steel is more expensive than low-end wood and fiberglass, it’s less expensive than high-end wood and fiberglass. It possesses an average range of $450 to $1,200.

Note, though, that you can install a standard steel door for as little as $150. Adding accessories like windows and sidelights will increase this price, and are capable of knocking it up into the $4,000 to $5,000 range.

Steel doesn’t require a great deal of maintenance but can incur scratches and dents from time to time. These scratches and dents can be expensive to eradicate and generally require the help of a professional.

Wrought Iron

An upgrade from steel is wrought iron. Often in possession of steel foundations and glass inlays, wrought iron doors combine an attractive aesthetic with loads of functionality.

The average cost of wrought iron door installation? It can be as low as $1,500 or as high as $6,500. Again, it depends on the style of the door as well as any special features it might possess.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around $2,500. Note, though, that wrought iron is prone to rust. As such, you’re probably going to have to pay some maintenance costs over the years.

Aluminum

A cheap alternative to steel is aluminum. Though not as durable, aluminum doors can still provide decades of use.

The cost of aluminum doors? It generally ranges from $200 to $2,500, with the average sitting around $650.

Aluminum doors can come with all kinds of aesthetic accessories, from window panes to sidelights and much, much more. The more accessories your door has, the more expensive it will be to install.

Breaking Down the Components of Door Installation Cost

To give you a better idea as to what door installation cost entails, we’re going to break it down to its sub-components. Let’s go!

Frame

The door frame is responsible for encapsulating the door. It is the door’s foundation if you will. It costs between $200 and $700 and is generally the most expensive part of the door’s construction.

The Door Itself

The door itself can cost anywhere from $50 to $400. As was highlighted above, this cost is highly dependent on the door’s material. Note, hollow doors are always less expensive than solid doors.

Stops and Jambs

To prevent the door from opening improperly, doorways are equipped with a number of stops and jambs. These jambs are vital to the functionality of the door and will generally cost somewhere between $100 and $350.

Supplies

If you’re hiring someone else to install your door, you won’t have to pay the costs of supplies, at least not directly. Note, though, that if you’re installing your door yourself, you’ll have to buy several pieces of equipment, from a drill to a circular saw to a router and more.

Buying these supplies can cost you thousands of dollars. Of course, you’ll also get to use them for other projects. If you intend to do so, they might be worth the purchase; if not, you’re advised to utilize the services of a professional.

Labor Costs

Labor costs can vary based on the company doing the work and the geographical area in which you exist. Generally speaking, labor costs run between $150 and $350, though they can sometimes be more for more intensive projects.

Searching for Similar Info?

Now that you know a thing or two about door installation cost, you might be searching for similar info. If so, our website is the place to be.

We cover all manner of home improvement related topics. Browse some of our home improvement-related articles now!

 

Did you know that all 50 states have experienced at least two major floods within the last decade? Floods forecasted to occur once every 500 years are also occurring at a more frequent pace. Moreover, flooding caused damages worth at least $268 billion in 2017 alone.

With that said, inclement weather is often the culprit behind water damage. If you’ve had a recent massive storm, water may have entered and damaged your property. The signs of water damage may be most evident in your attic, basement, or both.

Aside from severe weather, plumbing disasters can also result in water damage. In many cases, these arise from burst pipes, leaking pipes, and plumbing backups.

Regardless of the cause of the water damage, it’s essential to start the cleanup as soon as possible. This way, you can prevent your home from becoming ultimately uninhabitable.

To that end, we’ve come up with this guide on what you should in the event of indoor flooding and water damage. Read on to learn the most vital steps that you need to take.

Signs of Water Damage You Should Be on the Lookout For

Indoor water damage from bad weather and plumbing disasters can lead to mold growth. They can also cause similar signs of water damage in walls, such as “sweating” or condensation. Worse, they may cause your entire home to become unstable and dangerous.

So, regardless of the cause, be on the lookout for the following signs of water damage.

Stains in the Ceiling

In the attic, look for signs of water damage on the ceiling, especially dark patches. Most of the time, water intrusion from the roof causes circular stains on ceilings. They’re like blotches that are darker in color than the rest of the ceiling.

Plumbing pipes that run across your ceilings may also cause such stains. Regardless of the cause, the patches may still be damp, which means they’re recent.

As for long-term water damage, the stains may be more prominent and have multiple circles. The outer rings are often lighter in color or look faded.

Standing Water

If you have a basement, standing water is a sure sign you’ve got water damage. Avoid “entering,” stepping, or wading in the water, no matter how clear or “clean” it may look. It may contain raw sewage, a milliliter of which can already house 1,000 to 10 million particles of viruses!

Moldy Smells

This applies to any part of your home; if there’s a strong, musty smell, it’s possible you have water damage. It may be due to weather-related water intrusion, but it may also occur if you have leaky pipes. Plumbing leaks are prevalent, with the average US home wasting 10,000 gallons of water each year.

Visible Mold Growths

Aside from their musty smells, molds also grow in patches of white, green, purple, brown, orange, or black. Note that molds only need as little as 24 to 48 hours to grow and proliferate. They may also spread faster if your home has an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 70% or higher.

Moisture or Condensation on Walls

Walls that seem to “sweat” are solid signs of water damage in basements, attics, and anywhere else. They are, however, especially evident when you turn your home’s HVAC system on. The excess moisture in the air turns into water droplets and can form a sheen-like layer on your walls.

The First Thing to Do If You See These Signs of Water Damage

Did you know that at least 30,000 shock incidents that occur in the US each year? Many of these result in injuries, with the most common being burns.

As such, the first thing you should do if you see signs of water damage is to turn off your main electrical power supply. This will help ensure that there’s no more live current flowing through your home. This is even more crucial if there’s standing floodwater in any part of your home.

Wear rubber boots and gloves before heading to your main electrical panel, though. This is especially vital if the floor is still wet or damp from the flooding incident.

What if you have to wade through the water? In this case, you should call water damage restoration professionals right away. They’re emergency services, so they could get to your home ASAP and shut off the electricity for you.

In case the flooding is due to a burst pipe or leaking water supply pipes, you should close your main water valve. Only do so if it’s safe, such as if you can get to the valve without treading water. Many homes have this in the basement, though, but sometimes, they can also be on an exterior wall.

What’s Next?

Contact your homeowners’ insurance company to let them know about your dilemma. If it’s safe to do so, take as many photos of the water damaged area and send these to your insurer. These pictures may help you later on if you do have to file an insurance claim.

Immediate Cleanup Is Necessary to Prevent Further Damage

Right after calling your insurer, schedule your home for water damage cleanup. As much as possible, this should occur within 24 hours from the time that the damage occurred. Remember: molds can start growing and multiplying in your home within just a day or two.

That’s why it’s best to get in touch with emergency water damage professionals as soon as you can. In many cases, they can provide immediate (as in same-day) cleanup services.

Water damage restoration pros use highly-specialized pumping, drying, and air moving equipment. If there’s any “leftover” water in your home, they will pump this out first. From there, they will dry out your home with the use of air movers, scrubbers, and dehumidifiers.

Keep in mind that excess moisture can seep into your home’s structural components. From there, it can weaken the materials, especially wood, and cause further damage. It can also cause rotting, which can compromise the structural stability of your home.

That’s why it’s essential to dry your home as quickly as possible. In doing so, you can mitigate the potential damage that indoor flooding can cause.

Steps That You Can Take to Reduce Water Damage

If it’s clear to re-enter your home, open all the windows to allow air to circulate. Make sure that you wear proper protective gear, such as rubber boots, gloves, and masks. Conduct a careful inspection of your house, starting with the most damaged areas.

Determine What You Can Save

Next, determine if there’s anything that you can salvage, such as furniture and rugs. You may be able to have rugs, floor mats, and even carpeting cleaned by a professional. As for furniture, a specialized cleaning service may also be able to salvage them for you.

Remove Any Wet Materials Sitting on Top of Wooden Floors

If you have wooden floors, remove everything that’s covering them, such as carpets, rugs, or mats. You may have to relocate furniture too, as their legs can cause permanent damage to damp wood or fabrics. What’s vital is to keep the wood away from prolonged exposure to excess moisture.

Inspect Walls

You should inspect your walls too, especially if you have wallpaper or carpeting on them. You may have to remove portions of these, depending on the extent of the water intrusion and damage. If there’s considerable damage, it’s best to get rid of them as they will also develop mold and mildew.

Mop and Wipe Away

Remove as much moisture as you can from your flooded or water damaged home. You can do this as you wait for the arrival of the water damage restoration experts. The less damp your home is, the lower the odds of more severe issues occurring (such as mold growth).

You should also use environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions and disinfectants. Use these on your floors, walls, and any other surface that the floodwater may have affected. These products can further help mitigate the risks and odds of microbial growth.

Run Fans and Dehumidifiers

Have these devices running as you wait for the water damage cleanup team. These will help facilitate the removal of the excess moisture inside your home.

Be sure to dispose of the water collected by dehumidifier every few hours. It’s also best to clean the device’s filter every time you throw the water it absorbed from the air.

Address Early Signs of Water Damage to Keep It From Worsening

There you have it, your ultimate guide on what to do as soon as you notice the signs of water damage at home. Your safety is your priority, so you may have to evacuate your home. If you can, though, turn off the power first (and the main water valve, if needed).

Then, get in touch with your insurer and a water damage restoration expert. The sooner you do, the sooner they can help you avert further damage.

Ready for more helpful guides like this? Be sure to follow our site then, and feel free to read our many other blog posts!

 

 

Most people find chores to be a necessary evil in their lives. But what if you could make chores like laundry a pleasant (or even fun) endeavor?

Chores are always going to feel like work, but there are definitely some things you can do to make your chores more tolerable while also sprucing up your living environment.

One of the biggest sources of stress in the American household is laundry. We do so much laundry that we created a room just to hold all of the equipment that we need to deal with our dirty clothes!

So how can you make laundry more tolerable? Read on to find out how to make your laundry room a space of joy, rather than one of dread, with our favorite laundry room tips.

1. Aesthetics

The laundry room is one of the most underappreciated rooms in the house. Since we usually only spend time there while we’re doing chores, it’s easy to forget to take the time to decorate and create a space that we like spending time in.

Believe it or not, the aesthetics of the room you’re in have a huge impact on the work that you do, and how you feel while you do that work. To make laundry more tolerable, create a space that’s pleasant to spend time in.

How can you do this? Well, there’s no accounting for personal taste, but there’s a tendency to only focus on form and function in the laundry room.

Try adding some personal touches such as modern lighting or new cabinets to match the space to the rest of your home. There’s no reason for your laundry room to only be a clinical, white, sterile space.

2. Upgrade Your Equipment

Another source of frustration with chores is not having the right equipment for the job. To make sure that your laundry room meets your needs, consider Replacing your older equipment.

This may seem like an investment, but sometimes that new equipment can save you money in the long run. For example, a high-efficiency washer and dryer Can lower your monthly utility bills and even help you save money on laundry detergent.

3. Make a Place for Everything

Laundry rooms are super vulnerable to excess clutter. We use so many different pieces of equipment and products to process our laundry that the laundry room can quickly become cluttered with empty bottles, sewing kits, and other odds and ends.

The easiest way to prevent this clutter is to make sure that each item in your laundry room has its own place. For example, instead of just leaving your detergent on top of the washer, consider installing a shelf to house your detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and any other things you might use to do your laundry.

4. The Laundry Room is Not a Dumping Ground!

In many households, laundry rooms act as “throwaway rooms” that can host messes for months at a time. As odds and ends are left on top of the washer, in laundry baskets, or on shelves, the room can quickly become cluttered.

To keep your laundry room spic and span, make a commitment with your household not to let things build up in the laundry room. You could even implement a fine system so that each time someone leaves an item in the laundry room, they have to put a nickel in a jar!

5. Storage Solutions

Even if you have a place for every single item in your laundry room, you will still have to deal with the inevitable piles of clothing coming in and out of the room throughout the week.

In order to keep your laundry room from looking like a tornado ran through it, make sure you have plenty of storage space for your actual clothing and linens. For some people, This looks like a few laundry hampers placed under a counter so that you can separate your clothes by color.

6. Add Some Color

Laundry rooms often end up having a sterile, white look to them. To avoid the “hospital linoleum” aesthetic, Try adding some color to your laundry room.

You can do this in a variety of ways. One way is to add some wall art. Other people choose to paint the walls altogether.

No matter how you do it, adding some color to your laundry room can make the space more vibrant and make the laundry process just a little bit more fun.

7. Combine with Another Room

Running out of space in your current place? There’s no rule that states that your laundry room has to stay a laundry room forever.

If you’re looking to reevaluate how you use the space in your home, consider making the switch to a laundry closet and stacking your washer and dryer to save space.

8. Labels, Labels, Labels

Laundry rooms often contain lots of odds and ends, whether they are laundry related or general cleaning supplies. It’s easy for things to get lost in the shuffle, But with the right planning and organizational system, you can keep everything within arms reach.

For example, consider filling your cabinets with smaller containers so you can sort out small items like threads, needles, stain remover pens, and replacement equipment (like a whirlpool door latch.) Then, label those containers so that you always know where your supplies are (and where to put them when you’re done using them!)

Laundry Room Tips for Every Busy Family

Keeping your laundry room space clean, organized, and pleasant is a challenge that every busy family faces. But with the right laundry room tips, you can create a chore space that fits your lifestyle.

For more tips about how to create a house your love, check out our other blog posts!

 

Do you have to hire movers or is self-moving a legitimate option? Actually, a lot of people have success moving on their own, without professional help. But a lot more self-movers start packing too late, rent a truck that’s too small, and totally run out of time on moving day.

So, if you insist on moving without help, you need, well, help. That is, you need this guide on how to avoid the most common DIY moving mistakes.

If you’re moving on your own, you need to get started now. Start here, with this guide.

1. Believing the Myths About Hiring Movers

The biggest mistake self-movers make is buying into the many myths about hiring professional movers. Many people choose not to hire movers because they think it will cost too much, take too long, break a lot of their stuff, etc. But, most of the time, these fears are more likely to come true when you don’t hire a moving company.

The truth is, pro movers are faster, more efficient, and less likely to break things than you are because they have far more experience. That’s how they stay in business.

This saves you loads of time (and gas), and reduces what you spend on repairing/replacing broken items. Because of this, it’s usually cheaper to hire a Moving & Storage Company

. So, if you do choose to self-move, just make sure it’s for the right reasons.

2. Underestimating the Gargantuan Task of Self-Moving

If you’ve never moved before, assume it’s at least 3 times more difficult and time-consuming than it seems. Even if you have moved before, it’s still probably harder than you remember.

Imagine doing heavy lifting for 6 hours straight, then seeing how much work you still have left, then realizing you’re not even halfway done. Soon, you won’t have to imagine because it will be happening. And by that time, you’ll be slowing down with fatigue.

When estimating how much time your DIY move will take, be certain that you have more than enough time. Renting the moving van for more days than you need is better than running out of time.

3. Not Packing Soon Enough

Waiting too long to pack is far too common in DIY moves. But there’s no such thing as packing too early. If you’re certain you’re moving, pack now.

No matter when you start, you’ll still be packing on moving day. Hopefully, it will just be every day items you wanted to keep available until the last day. But you could end up packing things that should have been boxed months ago.

And if you don’t start now, you could run out of time on moving day. Then, you either miss your deadline for moving out or you rush your packing last minute. The latter means you’re more likely to break items or lose them in a sea of unmarked boxes.

4. Improper Packing/Lifting

Seriously, moving is tedious and hard and dangerous. If you’re going to try and handle it yourself, you’d better do it right.

Research proper lifting/team-lifting techniques. Practice these and do them right. Invest in back braces.

Also, research efficient packing methods. Get proper packing materials. Package your breakables and heavy items correctly.

Finally, label your boxes. Deliver them to the correct rooms in your new home.

5. Renting a Truck That’s Too Small

Always get a very big truck, bigger than you think you’ll need. Remember, unless you use two moving vehicles, no one can load while you’re unloading and vice versa.

Every time the truck is full, the work halts. It can’t begin again until the truck arrives at its destination and is completely unloaded.

If you have to take a ridiculous number of trips back and forth, you’re going to run out of time. It’s better to get a very large truck and take only a few trips.

Of course, this also requires knowing how to drive a large truck full of (unprofessionally-packed) items. If you drive it like a car, you’ll knock over all your items and get in an accident.

Be Careful While Self-Moving

If you choose the DIY route, be careful. Follow the tips above to avoid these horrible self-moving mistakes.

DIY is your world. It’s our world too. Get all the tips you need for your independent undertakings on our DIY blog.

It’s hard to find a storage unit because the storage industry has experienced 90% occupancy rates since 2015. The rates may be even higher in your area.

You may have to find other solutions for your storage needs. One of those solutions may lie in mobile storage containers. You’ll be surprised to learn that they can do so much more than store your stuff. They have a wide variety of uses.

Are you ready to learn how to make the most out of mobile storage containers?

Let’s get to it!

1. Moving Made Easier

The most common use of a mobile storage unit is to make moving easier. You can have two mobile storage containers, one for the things that go into storage and the other for your move.

You load each container and then the moving company will pick up the containers. They’ll be taken to their proper locations.

2. Restaurant and Bar

A creative way to use a mobile storage container is to turn it into a bar or restaurant. The restaurant industry is competitive, and if you need to get a bit of buzz, this will do it.

People would be curious to visit a restaurant or bar made out of stackable containers. The containers will give your restaurant an industrial look.

3. On-Site Business Storage

When you run a business, you don’t have time to run to an off-site storage unit to retrieve old documents. You can make it much easier on yourself by having your storage unit on-site.

You can use mobile storage units on the property to store your important items. They’re also secure since they’re on-site and you can organize the units to fit your needs, making everything easy to find.

4. Home Renovation Project Storage

A home renovation project will turn your home upside down. You’ll have less space to work within your home. You may need to move the contents of one room into another, making several rooms off-limits for relaxing.

Mobile storage pods can easily solve that problem. All you have to do is have the pod dropped off at your house, and fill it with things that need to be moved during the course of the renovation. It frees up space in your home during the renovation.

5. Vehicle and Equipment Protection

If you have business equipment or even luxury cars, you need to be able to store them safely and securely. Mobile storage containers come in many sizes. You’ll be able to store your most important vehicles in the unit.

6. Prop Mobility and Storage

One of the benefits of mobile storage is that it gives you flexibility. You wouldn’t think that the film or theatre industries would benefit from mobile storage units.

Think again. There are hundreds of costumes and props that need to be managed during a production. Plus, they need to be moved from one location to the next.

A mobile storage unit will give filmmakers an easy way to manage props and costumes and move them as needed.

The Many Uses of Mobile Storage Containers

If you’re looking for an easy way to move or store your belongings, don’t overlook mobile storage containers. They are versatile and can be used in almost any situation.

Did you find this article helpful? Head over to the Lifestyle section of this site for more home insights.

Searching for a new home is an exciting time! It’s the start of a new adventure, and why not get a fresh start? Avoid the compromises and someone’s leftovers with a custom-built home!

If you’re still on the fence whether to buy used or go with something custom, keep reading for four undeniable benefits of a custom home.

1. Complete Personalization

The first and most obvious benefit of a custom-built home is that you get complete control of your new home. Tailored to your tastes and requirements, there will be significantly fewer compromises than purchasing someone else’s home.

The floor plan will be exactly what you envisioned. That means that any specific needs you have can be met. Prefer an open concept? You got it!

Beyond the floor plan, you can consider style as well. “Cookie-cutter” homes in tightly spaced developments might not be your thing. Custom home plans take those options out of the equation.

2. Cost-Efficient

Older homes that have been well lived in can require a lot of repairs. With a new custom home, you can be sure that the home is taken care of and avoid those costly repairs. Plus, you have the opportunity to make smart choices to add materials and equipment that you’ll get the longer lifespan and most quality out of.

Also, you’ll have warranties on all these new appliances. If something were to go wrong, you would have the peace of mind that comes with protection.

You’ll take renovations out of the process. It will save you multiple projects that can add up. Even interior painting can cost quite a bit.

3. Energy Efficient

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported that houses built after 2000 are more energy efficient. Advancements in energy-saving technologies allow new custom homes to be more energy-efficient.

Choosing to go greener helps the Earth by operating with more sustainable initiatives. It helps you too! You’ll find added cost-savings from these options.

4. Lack of Competition

Depending on the real estate market, finding a used home may be quite the task. At times, competition can be fierce. That means you get less for your money. Houses can go on and off the market in a matter of hours.

Competition drives up costs in negotiations. Plus, the disappointment of finding a house you love and then losing it is never fun.

This process adds additional time to finding a home and getting into it. When you are building a custom home, you’ll go into the process with expectations and schedules.

Your custom home builder can work with you on timelines. Read more here to learn about how long it takes to build a custom home.

Get the Most Out of a Custom Home

With these benefits, it’s undeniable that you can avoid many of the issues that arise with buying a used home and opting for a custom home! Maximize your purchase with complete personalization, cost-efficiency, energy-saving options, and a lack of competition.

If you enjoyed this article, check out our other great content!

Whether you seek a better home, plan to buy your own, take on a new job, or save money, moving shouldn’t add additional stress. Here are five tips that will make your move easier.

1. Early Preparations

As soon as you confirm moving plans, make sure to call and arrange your utility contracts. New contracts usually have to be planned for your new home, and old utilities need to be canceled on time.

If you’re a residential mover, to make your move easy, start your search early so that you can get at least three different quotations. Using a mover, make your move easy if you have to take many possessions a long distance. Searching for a mover last minute can make it very stressful and may result in you having to pick one out of desperation, rather than intention.

2. Planning and Drop-Offs

Arrange drop-offs or pick-ups for donations or sales. Getting rid of old items and furniture you can’t take with you is best done in advance. If not, you may end up throwing away perfectly useable items or selling for a lower price than you wanted.
Remember to plan meals in your last weeks at home!

Moving food can be a hassle, and throwing out food is just wasteful. Planning your meals in the last weeks at home can help you finish everything at the right time, and maybe even make a new recipe.

3. Packing Together

Packing smaller items inside larger items can save you time, space, and money. Keeping clothing inside drawers, putting smaller things in containers or pots, and packing suitcases are great ways to save space. Packing smaller items this way can be an easy way to move heavy objects.

4. Labeling

Labeling or color-coding boxes can help you while moving so you don’t break fragile items. Labeling can also make unpacking more efficient so that you can carry boxes directly to the correct rooms.

You can even take pictures of the boxes’ inside, so you know the contents later on.

5. Remember Essentials

Pack a bag of essentials for the moving day. Make sure you have documents, medications, chargers, toiletries, and some clothes so you won’t have to search for them. To make moving easier, remember to leave these items out before packing.

Move Easier Using These Tips

We hope you found these easy moving tips useful. Moving can be stressful and demanding on top of other life responsibilities. Good planning and preparation can help you move easier and save money and time.

If you found this article useful, be sure to check out the rest of our blog, which details other important information about moving. We also have a convenient guide on moving during the pandemic.

Maybe your existing garage door is on its last leg? Perhaps you’re looking to add a garage door for the first time? Whatever the case may be, you’re hoping to learn a little something about new garage door costs.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’re going to teach you everything there is to know about new garage door prices, ensuring that you make a wise and cost-effective purchase. Let’s go!

How Much is the Average Garage Door Installation?

Garage door installation usually runs between $700 and $1,500. Note, though, that the average garage door installation costs around $1,100.

There are a variety of factors that can affect this price, including but not limited to the garage door material, your geographical location, and the rates that the installation company charges. Regardless, you’re advised to obtain an estimate before receiving any services. That’s the only way to know the true cost.

What are Typical New Garage Door Costs?

Though garage door installation is generally priced as a single value, it consists of a number of sub-values. We’ll discuss these sub-values below.

Labor

If you hire someone to install your garage door for you, you’re going to have to pay somewhere between $200 and $500 for labor. The exact figure is dependent on a variety of factors, including the type of garage door that is installed and your geographical location. Higher-cost-of-living areas will generally have more expensive labor than will lower-cost-of-living areas.

The Door

Garage doors themselves (along with their corresponding tracks) generally cost between $350 and $1,500. Again, the exact figure is highly dependent on various factors, but primarily the style and material of the garage door. We’ll cover more about the different materials below.

Door Lock

An unlockable garage door isn’t much of a garage door at all. As such, you’ll need to install a lock. This will likely cost you between $50 and $300.

Opening Device

Though they’re not required, opening devices can make garage doors much more functional. If you’re going to be parking your vehicle in your garage, you’re advised to install one.

This will set you back between $200 and $500, depending on the quality of the device. Note, though, that it will last you between 15 and 20 years.

Installation Supplies

Let’s say you’re going to install your garage door on your own. If so, you’re going to need a number of supplies, including but not limited to a level, a drill, pliers, and wrenches.

If you don’t already have these tools in your possession, you could end up having to pay several hundreds of dollars for them. Of course, because these tools can benefit you in other situations, paying for them now might not be a bad idea.

Cost of Garage Door By Material

Garage doors are available in a number of different materials, each of which has its own unique set of upsides and downsides. We’ll discuss the cost of each material below.

Steel

The most commonly used garage door material is steel. Why? It’s inexpensive, costing only $600 to $2,000 per door.

Considering its durability and low-maintenance condition, it’s the best budget buy you can find.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a step up from steel, possessing the same low-maintenance condition but offering more in the way of durability and aesthetic. Fiberglass garage doors can typically be purchased for between $1,000 and $2,200.

Wood

If the aesthetic of your garage door is important to you, you might consider going with wood. Available in a number of styles, it can transform the look of a home.

The cost of wood garage doors? It runs between $750 and $2,000. Note, though, that maintenance costs can add up.

Wood Composite

If you’re interested in buying a garage door that looks like wood but which performs like fiberglass, you’ll be interested in wood composite. Made out of a combination of wood and synthetic materials, it’s wood composite is aesthetically pleasing, durable, and low-maintenance.

The cost of wood composite? It typically falls between $1,000 and $3,500. Note, though, that its maintenance costs are essentially negligible.

Vinyl

Another material to consider is vinyl. Vinyl is similar to fiberglass but typically lasts longer. Like fiberglass, it’s available in a number of styles.

The problem with vinyl is that it’s expensive. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000 and $2,500. Note, though, that it requires almost nothing in the way of maintenance.

Signs You Need a New Garage Door

Wondering if it’s time for a new garage door? There are a few different signs to look out for. They include the following.

Excessive Noise

The first sign to look out for is excessive noise. If your garage door is much creakier than it used to be, or if it’s taken to grinding when being opened, it is likely in need of attention.

It might just require a repair. But if you’ve had it for over a decade, a full replacement is probably the better option.

Deterioration

You’re also going to want to keep an eye out for excessive deterioration. Broken locks, warped tracks, cracks, dents, dings, and the like can all be an indication that it’s time for a new garage door.

In some cases, repairs will suffice. But in many situations, a full replacement is the more cost-effective choice.

Aesthetic Antiquation

Your garage door is a seismic part of your home’s aesthetic. As such, if it’s antiquated, your home will appear antiquated as well.

This is reason enough to opt for a replacement. You don’t want your garage door dragging down the overall aesthetic of your residence.

Seeking Out Other Such Information?

Now that you know a thing or two about new garage door costs, you might be seeking out similar info. If so, you’re in the right place. We’ve got articles on all types of subjects.

Browse our selection of articles now!

When it comes time to move, there are so many questions on our minds. It seems like a task that is insurmountable, with people, places, and belongings caught in a loophole that hopefully winds up in a new home.