Tips

The average homeowner spends nearly $104 per month on electricity alone. That number can go up when you’re relying on your home’s HVAC system to keep your space comfortable all day long.

If you could find a way to lower your utility costs each month, why wouldn’t you?

Installing solar panels on your home is the easiest way to keep your electric bills as low as possible year-round. However, finding a solar installation pro to handle the job can be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start.

Here’s what you need to do to make sure you choose the best installation expert possible.

Keep It Local

When it comes to finding solar system installation companies, you should always keep your search local. Look for companies that specialize in solar installations in your area. This way, you’ll know that their team understands the best way to set up the panels to maximize sun exposure in your area.

Start by searching the internet for “solar companies near me” and prioritize those local companies.

When you choose a local solar installation professional, you won’t have to worry about issues with ongoing maintenance and repairs. Remember, they’re a part of the same community you’re in. They pride themselves on helping homeowners keep their systems in great shape.

After all, they know that their reputation is only as good as the service they provide.

Research the Company’s Reputation

Before you start scheduling consultations, take the time to research the reputation of each company you’re considering working with. Read up on reviews from their previous clients and don’t hesitate to ask the providers you’re interested in for references.

Reputable solar panel installation professionals have a long list of customers who are willing to discuss their experiences with you.

Once you receive those references, follow up with at least several of them. Ask about their experience with the company and find out if they’re still happy with the solar system they received.

Pay attention to any complaints each reference has. If more than one customer experienced the same issues, you’ll likely have the same problems with the installation team. However, if most of the reviews are positive, it’s worth considering working with the company.

Get Quotes From Several Providers

Once you find a company that has a great reputation, it’s tempting to hire them on the reputation alone. However, doing so isn’t always in your best interest. Instead, you’ll want to get quotes from several local providers before you make your decision.

If possible, try to get the company to send someone to your property to provide you with an estimate. While they’re there, the technician will be able to assess your home’s electricity needs, identify the ideal installation site, and help you figure out the best setup for your home.

After they determine those things, they’ll be able to give you an estimate on the cost of installation. When possible, get that estimate in writing so you can compare the quotes you get from different companies in detail.

Discuss the Warranty and Guarantee Options

Different companies work with different equipment providers and offer different guarantees for their labor. Before you sign a contract, make sure to get the details on their equipment warranties and workmanship guarantees.

Solar panels are constantly exposed to the elements. This means they’re particularly vulnerable to storm damage and the slightest manufacturer defect can lead to catastrophic failure of the panel.

Make sure you’re comfortable with the warranty for each component of your system. If they seem too short or are too difficult to utilize, you may be better off working with a different provider.

You’ll also want to find out what the installation team will do to guarantee their work. Reputable companies always stand behind their installation and repair work. If a company doesn’t offer a guarantee, keep looking.

The last thing you want to do is end up paying for the same repair twice.

Figure Out How You’ll Pay for the Solar Installation

Your budget is a key factor to keep in mind when setting up your solar power system. The best companies in your area will be willing to work with your budget. Some might even offer in-house financing to help you pay for your installation.

While you’re meeting with each contractor, don’t hesitate to discuss finances. They need to understand your budget clearly so they can help you figure out what’s possible for your home.

If you plan to pay for the installation in cash, let them know. If you need financing, tell them so they can make the best recommendations for your needs. Even if they don’t have in-house financing, they may know of a local bank or lender that will help you cover the installation cost with a personal loan.

Don’t Base Your Decision on Price Alone

When you’re trying to make the most of your budget, it’s easy to think that choosing a solar energy installation pro that offers you the lowest price is the best option. This is rarely the case.

You need to take a balanced approach when reviewing the quotes you receive. Remember to think about the quality of their workmanship, their reputation, and the customer service you experienced during the estimate.

It may be in your best interest to pay a little more upfront for a higher quality installation than it is to cut corners with a company you’re not completely comfortable with.

Finding a Great Solar Installation Pro Can Be Simple

Installing solar panels on your home can help you keep your utility costs low for years to come. However, you need to make sure you hire an experienced solar installation team to make sure your system gets installed correctly.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to choose a professional you can trust with ease.

Looking for more tips and tricks to help you make simple improvements around your house without breaking the bank? Check out our latest posts.

Redesigning and renovating a property in the city is always going to be vastly different from renovating one in the quiet countryside or the suburbs. Here are some of the things you need to think about before taking on a project such as this.

Access

What is the access to the property like and how will the renovations affect this? For example, many people need to hire a skip as part of their renovations. If you have no off-road parking, this skip will have to go in the street and there is a risk that your neighbours might also try to grab a little room in it.

If you have a flat, what is the access to it like for workmen? Having to carry heavy equipment up several flights of stairs with no lift is never a pleasant idea. However, these are all considerations that have to be made. Planning the renovation overall might become more complicated if the access to the property is not ideal.

Work Hours

Neighbours are much closer to you in a city than they would be in the country. You need to make sure that you find out when the local noise restrictions kick in, and ensure that you are not working into them. Try to disrupt the lives of your neighbours as possible.

This can be difficult when trying to handle renovations yourself, as you might not have a good window to work in except after work. Unfortunately, this is prime time when you could be disturbing those around you. Instead, it might be worth looking into some of the decorators Edinburgh, Manchester, and other cities could offer. They will help to fully co-ordinate the renovation and could take care of the renovations while you and your neighbours are all out at work.

Choice

At least one of the major advantages of renovation in a city is the sheer amount of choice you have when it comes to picking fixtures and fittings. There are furniture shops everywhere that could have perfect gems for you to grab. You also have a fantastic range of things like flooring and wallpaper to choose.

This is often the most fun part of a renovation so make sure you give yourself enough time to fully enjoy it. Try to keep the end goal of the project in mind. You should have a vibe and a rough look of the final room in your head, whether you are transforming a small café or your own bedroom. Just keep your budget in mind when choosing pieces!

Managing renovations in a city is always going to be a very different experience from managing ones in the country. You need to make sure that you pull together all the resources that you can to make this a seamless experience. With some careful planning, you should be able to pull off these city renovations without a hitch – no matter what form they might take. Think about how you can make a start planning today!

In 2019, 5.34 million existing homes were sold.

Are you thinking of building or buying a home but are not sure what the style options are? Do you know which home styles you like? Where will your home be located?

Style is important for your preference and the home’s overall curb appeal. Learning more about what each style brings will help you narrow down what type of home you are looking for.

Keep reading to learn more about architectural styles for your home:

1. Ranch

Ranch homes are one of the most cost-effective architectural styles and place a focus on a layout that is efficient. These homes are one floor (may include basement too) and maximize the space. This home can fit a family of four or be a perfect size for two people without feeling like too much space is being unused.

2. Modern

The modern style of home is perfect for warmer climates but can fit in anywhere and will complement the surrounding homes. This style is characterized by its open floor plans and large windows.

This style is one that often gets confused with the contemporary style of the home but defines itself with a function-over-form layout that looks clean, both in exterior and interior design.

3. Farmhouse

The name describes this style of home. These homes don’t hide the beams and purposely leave a rustic look when finished. The rooms are often quite large and open, making it a spacious area to raise a family and host gatherings.

4. Craftsman

The benefits of a craftsman home are that they are small and relatively easy to maintain. This is attractive to hardworking homeowners that may not have the time or need for a large, expansive home.

When weighing your options for home architecture styles, it is important to consider the maintenance of the home and if the style will require frequent maintenance to keep up its curb appeal or if it is self-sustaining.

5. Spanish

The red roofs give way to the Spanish architectural style of home. The exterior is often stucco and includes small windows to prevent too much heat from entering the home.

These homes often have wooden doors that are older and heavy to complement the exterior finish.

6. Log Home

There are several types of log homes but the concept is the same. These homes are built with a wooden exterior and rely on that structure to define the home.

They are often found in more rural areas and can range in size from small to multi-level, depending on the desired floorplan.

7. Mediterranean: A Blend of Architectural Styles

This style of home has been popular in the past and continues to be a popular choice today. It pulls from the Spanish style of architecture as well as including some Italian influence.

These homes are popular in areas like California and Florida, where the year-round warmer weather complements the style of home well.

Get Started Today

Now that you are familiar with the architectural styles for your home, you can pick the one that is right for you! Weighing the location, floor plan options, and aesthetics will help in the decision.

Check out our blog for more informational articles like this.

Are you looking to get into the wonderful world of DIY home improvement? Are you worried about starting off on the right foot?

Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few projects you should be able to handle when you’re just starting out.

1. Add Crown Molding

Crown molding may look fancy and complicated, but it’s actually much simple than you think to install. Just make sure that you have your measurements correct — as the saying goes, measure twice and cut once!

Now, crown molding can be an expensive project, so you may want to start out with a smaller room in your house if you’re just starting out or looking to experiment.

2. Use a Stencil

Do you enjoy intricate patterns in your designs? Stencils are an easy way to add a ton more interesting patterns to your home without having to worry about messing up and making a mess. You can even find patterns for stencils online, or make your own, so it’s a simple and cheap way to redecorate!

3. Carpeting

Changing up your flooring isn’t as difficult as you think! You’ll just need to be sure to do your research so that you’re prepared for what you’re getting yourself into when you start your new diy home improvement project.

Check out some of the floor trends that are popular this year to get the best ideas on how to redecorate your flooring.

4. Change Out The Hardware

Switching out the hardware in your door or in furniture in your house is a great way to change up the look of your home with very little labor.  For example, you can change out the knobs in your cabinetry to give your kitchen or bathroom an entirely new look.

You’ll have to figure out what types of hardware will work for the hardware you’re replacing, so that you can make sure that the screws and other fasteners will work. Otherwise, it may escalate into a much bigger project than you were looking to start off with!

5. Paint It Up

Painting is a relatively simple DIY project that you can execute with little equipment. If you don’t want to all in and paint an entire room, you can paint a border or even a piece of furniture to experiment with the process.

You should also make sure that you get all the supplies you need for your home improvement project, and figure out how much paint you will need to successfully complete your project. Plus, you can get your family members involved so it can be a group bonding project!

The Best DIY Home Improvements You Need to Know About

These are just some of the amazing DIY projects you may want to try out. Do your research and find the projects what work best for your home!

Are you interested in more information about DIY home improvement projects and other, related topics you need to know about? Check out some of our other blogs today.

More than 90 percent of homeowners plan to renovate their homes at some point. However, figuring out which projects to tackle first can be tough.

You want to choose a home improvement project that adds value to your property while also making the property more usable for your family. Though there are many options to choose from, some projects add more value than others.

Believe it or not, installing privacy fences is a simple yet effective way to boost your property value. Here’s what you need to do to get the most out of your project.

Choose the Right Materials

The materials you choose for your privacy fence can make all the difference in the amount of value your new fence adds to your property. You’ll want to take the time to choose materials that will last for years, but also enhance the look of your home’s exterior.

Look for materials that truly block your yard from view. Solid wood planks or vinyl fences from Butte Fence are great options.

They keep your yard secure, require minimal maintenance, and blend in with your home’s existing exterior décor. Just make sure the type of fence you’re installing is acceptable for your homeowners’ association.

If it’s not, you’ll need to choose from the types of materials they deem appropriate.

Get It Installed by a Pro

Installing a fence the right way takes a lot of training and time. If you try to do the job on your own, you may end up saving money on the installation costs, but you’ll end up spending more on future repairs.

The longer your fence lasts, the more it will increase your home resale value.

Instead of installing your privacy fence on your own, hire an experienced professional. They’ll make sure all the necessary permits are in place and can guarantee that your fence will stand up to the elements.

Implement a Maintenance Plan

A privacy fence will only increase your home value if you keep it in good condition once it’s installed. This means you’ll want to implement a maintenance plan as soon as the fence goes up.

Work with your installation expert to figure out the types of care and maintenance that your fence will need. They’ll be able to recommend a maintenance schedule based on the types of materials used.

Stick to that schedule as closely as possible. When you do, you’ll keep your fence in good shape for years to come. The better maintained your fence is, the more it will help increase your home’s resale value.

Installing Privacy Fences Is a Great Choice

Privacy fences are a wonderful way to make your home more usable while also boosting your resale value. Just remember to get the fence installed by a professional so you won’t have to worry about losing money on your investment.

Looking for more tips and tricks to help you boost your home’s resale value without breaking the bank? Check out our latest posts for more inspiration.

But before you decide to hire house painting services, take some time to get all the information needed for your interior or exterior painting job. This means knowing the right questions to ask a prospective company and comparing options.

Use these six questions as a guide for hiring home painting services.

1. Does Your Company Have the Right Credentials?

When considering a house painting company, make sure they have both the expertise and legal ability to safely work for you.

This means asking whether the company insures its contractors and does background checks on their skills and experience. It also involves checking if the company has a valid license and permit.

2. Do You Have References?

You shouldn’t just trust a house painter based on their word or pictures of their work.

Ask to speak to satisfied customers and learn about their experiences. Also, check reviews online to learn about the good and bad aspects of the house painting services provider.

3. What Will the Painting Process Look Like?

Before moving forward, learn what you can expect from your interior or exterior painting services.

This includes everything from learning about the appointments needed and time to finish the project to the specific steps the company will take. You can also ask how they prepare your property for the job and clean up afterward.

4. What Kind of Paint Do You Use?

You may have a specific brand of paint you like or a type such as low-odor that you need for your family’s health.

Find out which products the company uses for home painting services. Make sure they can accommodate any preferences you have.

5. How Much Will Painting Services Cost?

While you want high-quality work, you also probably prefer to hire affordable painting services.

Ask for an estimate of the job and inquire about any hidden charges that may apply. For example, you may find the company charges extra for wall preparation, so prepare accordingly.

6. Do You Include a Warranty?

Since house painting services can come with a big price tag, you want that work guaranteed for a long time.

So, ask the company if they guarantee the painting work performed and how long they do so. Also, find out exactly what that warranty would cover so you don’t end up still needing to put out money for labor or materials costs again.

Start Researching House Painting Services Today

Although doing the painting job yourself might seem appealing financially, hiring professional house painting services saves a lot of time and hassle. Asking these questions will help you understand each company and choose the best for your painting job.

Whether you’re seeking exterior or interior painting services, try to ask the prospective company for a consultation. That provides a great chance to ask these questions and get opinions.

Be sure to check out our other posts for more home design and improvement information.

Did you know that there were over 375,000 house painters in the USA in 2018?

Wherever you live, hiring a house painter can bring vibrancy and new life to your house. It can also be a wise investment as quality painting can increase the value of your house.

If you are considering having your house painted, what do you need to know? How much does a painter cost?

Why not check out our in-depth article to find out.

House Painters Hourly Fee

When deciding whether to hire a painter, it is often good to learn whether they charge by project or by the hour.

Often house painters can command up to $50 per hour. However, depending on the time of the year and the location and condition of the house, this may be open to negotiation.

If you are interested in something a little more adventurous, such as a wall mural, you may need to add 50% on top of the hourly fee for this specialist skill.

What Factors Affect the Cost?

There are generally 3 factors that affect the cost of the painting work.

The Size of the Project

Of course the larger the surface, the more paint that will be required. However, this is not the end of the story. If you have multiple types of surfaces, such as woodwork, more paint and paint types will be needed. This will affect the price.

The Texture and Conditions of Your Walls

If the wall needs extensive repair work before the paint can be applied, this will add to the cost. Even walls that are in good condition, but have a coarse texture, will require more paint than smooth walls.

Drying Time

Multiple coats will be needed in most cases. If there is not good ventilation in the painted area, it can take some time for the paint to dry. If this delays the project it could add to the overall cost. Factor in the time taken for the paint to dry when budgeting for this project.

What Can You do to Lower Costs?

If you would like to reduce the cost of the painting project overall, there are some small steps that you can take.

You could repair any damage to the wall yourself before the painters arrive. This would involve using acrylic caulking to fill in holes and cracks.

Before the painters start, you should move all furniture out of the way. This will means that the painter can start work sooner and you will reduce his overall charge.

How Much Does a Painter Cost? and Much More

Painting your house is much more than simply changing its color. It can add sparkle and vibrance to your home and potentially add to its value. Of course, you will need to plan this investment carefully and factor in paint and painter cost.

If you want to learn more about house and real estate developments, then we are here to help. We gather the latest information on these subjects and bring them to you in our feed. Why not take a minute to check out our other blog articles?

After you have a family, it’s only natural to start considering buying a home. However, a house is no small purchase. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments that you’ll make in your lifetime, so it’s important that you know what you’re doing.

Knowing what to look for is critical when on your home search. Fortunately, you’ve come across a useful list of some of the most important things to look for in your first family home.

Location

You’ve probably heard the saying before, “location location location,” and the truth is it couldn’t be more correct. One of the most important things that you should consider is where the property is that you’re considering purchasing. If you hope to sell your home again one day for a handsome price, your best chance of doing so will be if you purchase in an ideal location.

The truth is that most of the time, you can fix imperfections in a home that you buy. However, you can’t fix the location that you buy in. It’s important that you consider the neighborhood, the proximity to where you work, and of course, how close it is to things like school and friends. A house can be perfect on the inside, but if it’s in the middle of nowhere far from everything that you need access to, it won’t be long before you want to move.

Bedrooms

It’s easy to look at a home that you’re considering and consider the number of rooms for the number of people that are in your family currently. However, it’s important to look into the future when considering the number of bedrooms for your home.

Consider whether your family might want to expand one day and whether you might need more rooms. By looking into the future, you’ll determine the best amount of bedrooms that you’ll need realistically.

Backyard

It’s no secret that children have a lot of energy. Make sure that you choose a home that has a large backyard or plenty of room to run around in. You may want to consider adding things like play equipment or even a pool. So take the size of the yard into consideration when looking at properties.

The Neighborhood

It’s important that you live in a safe place when you live with children. Take a look at what the crime rate is in the neighborhood you’re considering, and whether it’s known for being family-friendly.

Do the neighbors seem friendly, and do they have children of their own? Looking into things like this will ensure that you are happy in the neighborhood where you’ll be living. Not all neighborhoods are ideal for family homes.