4 Small Home Fixes That Become Big Expenses If Left Untreated

Are you taking proper care of your home to avoid needing expensive repairs? Owning a home is a big financial responsibility, but you must also make sure that the materials and equipment of the building are in the best condition.

Small Holes in the Siding or Roof

If your home’s roof or siding has tiny holes, then mice, wasps or other pests can squeeze through the openings to infest the building. 

After vermin enters the roof or the siding of a building, the pests can cause damage from body waste, consuming drywall or building nests for young. 

Filling the small holes is simple with liquid caulking, and you can do this on your own or you can hire a handyman to perform the chore. Make sure to inspect your home’s exterior at least twice a year to find the holes that you can cover or fill.

Replacing a Home’s Air Conditioner

It is essential to have an air conditioner in your home, but if you forget to care for this equipment, then you could have a big expense later. Changing the filter in air conditioners is an easy process, but it is amazing how many homeowners fail to complete this chore each month. 

This leads to an air conditioner that is covered with household dust, causing the equipment to overheat. Make sure to buy a filter that is the proper size, and you can use a high-efficiency particulate air filter to remove the tiniest particles of dust and pollen.

Are the Windows of Your Home in Perfect Condition?

If you are ignoring the tiny chips or cracks that can occur to a home’s windows, then you can require an expensive repair later. Cracks and chips occur on windowpanes for a variety of reasons, including having birds fly into the windows or when your children throw a ball against the window. 



When you delay making a repair to the window, the glass can break at an inopportune time from the strong winds that can occur during a rainstorm. This will lead to an additional expensive repair to your home from the damaging rainwater.

Ignoring Plumbing Leaks in Kitchens or Bathrooms

Make sure to inspect the plumbing fixtures in your home, including the toilets, sinks or bathtubs. You should also check the pipes that are near a laundry room or in other areas such as the basement. 

Don’t forget to check your home’s water heater for leaks that can occur from this appliance’s tank or intake pipes. If you find any moisture from the pipes or connectors, then fix the item on your own or contact a professional plumber right away.

Have a Home Maintenance Schedule

One of the best ways to make sure that you home is in perfect condition is to have a maintenance schedule so that you won’t forget to perform inspections of the various things that can degrade.

Home Upgrades That Actually Increase Value

When you purchase a home, it’s important to remember that your home is an investment, as much as it is your living space. Even if you plan to stay in your current residence for years and years, you should still be thinking of what you can do to improve the value that you will eventually cash out on, way down the road. As you fix things and improve your home, do some research on what types of things are going to really boost that value.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do upgrades that will make you enjoy living there more, it just means that you should be aware of the potential benefits of each project. Here are some of the home upgrades that will go a long way towards increasing your home’s value...

Never Underestimate Curb Appeal

First of all, never, ever underestimate the power of curb appeal. Anything that makes your home more appealing on the exterior is going to have a two-phase impact when you sell it. First, curb appeal increases the overall value of the home. Second, it makes it more desirable and increases the number of people who take an interest in the home, making it quicker to sell.



You can increase your home’s curb appeal in a number of ways. One of these is to focus on landscaping. Putting in more bushes, trees, and flowers are a great way to improve curb appeal, but you need to make sure that you are doing it in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and guides the eye throughout your property.

Some other great ways to improve curb appeal are to update the siding on your home, make it a color that is currently in style, or add exterior shudders to your windows.

The Kitchen is Your Best Investment (Usually)

One general rule of thumb for home upgrades is that your kitchen is always going to give you the most bang for your buck. On a dollar-to-dollar ratio of what you spend on a kitchen vs. its impact on home value, the kitchen can’t be beat. Kitchen upgrades can be thought of in different ways, too.

You can do a complete kitchen remodel for tens of thousands of dollars, which can be worth it in terms of value and your own quality of life within your home. However, you can also spend as little as $5,000-$8,000 and update the appliances in your home, put in new countertops, and give it a fresh coat of paint. 

Just doing those things will make you feel like you have a brand new kitchen! The cheaper option will still have a significant impact on the home’s value, too.

Your Bathroom Always Matters

Second to the kitchen, in terms of dollar value, is the bathrooms in the home. The quality of a bathroom can positively or negatively impact on your house’s value in a big way. For example, a bathroom that hasn’t been updated in years will look dated and is liable to have water damage in certain areas. 

That can greatly hurt your home’s value when it’s time to get appraised. Likewise, doing some simple updates or additions to your bathroom can make the whole home feel more desirable. Here are some simple bathroom updates that will help transform your bathroom.

Energy Improvements Save Money in More Ways than One

“Green” is a pretty big buzzword in any market, today. However, it’s a lot more than a fad. People are genuinely very interested in lowering the amount of energy consumption and waste in their lives. 

Because of this, upgrades that lower your home’s energy consumption is going to make your home a lot more attractive to potential buyers, who will be willing to spend a premium on “green” upgrades you have already put into the house.

Paint Packs a Punch

One of the simplest ways that you can make a room provide more value to your home is to give it a fresh coat of paint in whatever color is most popular. You don’t have to do this if you planning to live there for many years, still. 

At that point, by all means, paint it the color you want it to be! However, if you are getting your home ready to sell, painting to more neutral or “cooler” colors will help increase the overall value and attractiveness.

How Much Does it Cost to Upgrade Your Patio Doors?

Patio doors can open up your home to an entirely new space during good weather. Your patio, deck or backyard can be used as a comfortable and airy room during parties, for relaxation and by your energetic children. 

Your patio doors should protect you from the elements and from possible prowlers. They should also help to insulate your home and should be easy to use for whatever size space you have. 

Here are five ways that you can determine how much it will cost to upgrade your doors to a new style.

What Type of Frame Have You Chosen?

Wood is by far the most expensive material used for a patio door frame, but it can be truly beautiful, especially in traditional homes. Fiberglass is a bit cheaper but is incredibly durable. Budget-friendly frame options include aluminum and vinyl. However, keep in mind that these materials may not last for many years.

What Style of Doors Do You Want?

One of the largest costs comes from the style of door that you have chosen. The two-panel gliding door is the most frequent choice and is by far the cheapest, costing $1,000 to $2,600. Sliding doors with more than two panels will cost far more. French doors keep the traditional look and open on hinges. 



They typically come at similar prices. Bi-fold doors for a kitchen are particularly popular because they save space while also allowing you to open your home to the outdoors. Telescoping doors may cost up to $5,000 but are the best options in extremely limited spaces.

Are You Using Specialty Glass?

Obviously, custom designs cost the most. Consider whether you want or need special thermal glass, impact-resistant glass or decorative glass. You may also want to consider adding built-in blinds to your doors.

How Much Does Installation Cost?

Installation can cost from a few hundred dollars to $1,400 depending on where you live, how large the patio doors are and how much work will have to be done to prepare the area. Very large or custom-built doors generally require more labor.

Are You Just Ordering a Replacement?

If you are just ordering a simple replacement part, you will see the lowest costs. Glass replacement may cost only $1,000 or less while new rollers for sliding doors will only cost $40 or so. Knobs and screens can also be added for a fraction of the cost of installing an entirely new door.

The cost of the materials and the installation will vary dramatically based on the variables that you choose. 

Of course, it is always wisest to choose the higher quality door over the lower-quality one, which could let in cold air during the winter and hot air during the summer and that may not offer you the level of protection you want. Additionally, keep in mind that where you live in the country may also affect your final cost.

7 Home Improvement Projects to Leave to the Pros

When we’re trying to live on a fixed income, and cut back on expenses, most of us opt to handle things around the house ourselves. After all, what’s so hard about fixing a cupboard door? However, some of the time it really doesn’t pay to do it yourself. 

If we’re out of our depth, it could create more damage that will be more expensive to fix down the road. In fact, sometimes it can be downright dangerous. Here are a few projects that are usually best when left to the pros!

Electrical problems

Unless you’re an electrician, electrical problems are something that should be left to a licensed electrician! This is because of a few different reasons. Not only is messing with electricity dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, but it also means that all of your electrical work won’t be covered by insurance if something goes wrong. 

If you accidentally burn your entire house down because of an electrical project you did yourself, insurance won’t cover any of it.

Some more major plumbing

Can you unclog a toilet by yourself? Yeah, probably. But what if you need to replace a bunch of complicated piping or your toddler flushed a bath toy down the toilet drain and it’s far enough back that you’ll need a snake or other plumbing tool to get it out? 

In these situations, and similar situations, you may want to call a plumber! Your consequences if something goes wrong isn’t quite as dire as an electrical situation, so it really depends on how confident you feel about the situation. 

If you feel out of your depth and hopeless, then a professional may be valuable to you, even if just for the relief and sense of peace of mind.

Asbestos

Didn’t know that asbestos still existed? It does, and it can be horrific. If there is asbestos in your ceiling, call a professional to clean it up. When it becomes airborne, it can get stuck in your lungs, and lead to both lung cancer and major scarring in your lungs. Not worth the risk, honestly.

Waterproofing the foundation of your home

If you’re hoping to waterproof the foundation of your house, it’s going to be a much more difficult job than just digging around your house and installing a membrane. It’s a relatively big undertaking. 

There will need to be weeping tile at the bottom, and a sump pump is usually necessary for proper drainage. This project won’t be cheap, but it should come with at least a 15 year warranty. 

Often, this is a project that you should try to get accomplished before you move in, and you can coordinate it simultaneously while coordinating the move with your movers, since you won’t want to have to deal with it once you’ve already moved in.

Roofing

Way too many people fall from their roof while trying to make repairs up there. It’s easy to lose your balance, or make a simple misstep, and then cause such serious injuries that it can result in death. And that’s just not worth the risk. Call a professional, who will not only be experienced and get the job done quickly, but will be insured. 

Digging out a basement

If you think digging yourself a basement will be an easy job done over the course of a few days with a few handy friends and some shovels, you are sorely mistaken. Digging a basement requires a lot of foundational work, to make sure that your existing home stays safe and structurally sound, as well as taking a lot longer than a few days. 

Calling a professional to dig out your basement will cost you over $30,000 probably, but it’s worth it to not do yourself and risk the foundational integrity of your home.

Installing a skylight

Maybe you’re confident with installing windows or doors. But that doesn’t mean that you’re qualified to install a skylight. In fact, skylights are the most common cause of leaks in homes. This is because of poor installation and improper sealing. Hiring a professional will eliminate the risk for these issues, as well as often come with some sort of warranty.

How To Save Money Decorating This Year

Regardless of whether you are a professional interior designer working on a large project or just want to redesign your kitchen, it always pays to know the best ways to save as much money as possible. 

Decorating your home is rarely a cheap thing to do and usually comes with stress, hassle and a lot of mess. Even the smaller tasks are never as easy or as quick as you think. 

Keeping that in mind, we‘ve made sure that the tips chosen in this guide will save you time, hassle and of course, money.

Saving money when decorating is always important as the budget of decorating can often determine the style we decide to go for. For example, you may wish to turn your room from modern and minimal to retro chic and to do this you will need wooden type furniture, bespoke features and vintage lighting. 

All of these things are usually every expensive, but with these tips you can achieve this look and have money to spare. In this guide we are going to show you the top 20 tips on how to save the most money when decorating this year.

Tip 1 – Find free materials around you

By this we don’t mean rummaging through bins of course. You will be surprised to find out how many things you can actually get for free! Many people will want to just get rid of items they don’t want anymore because they are moving and can’t be bothered to try and sell them. 

This is where you can get some amazing bargains. From small table lamps to large tables and chairs, people will often happily give you these things for free if you are able to pick them up.

Tip 2 – Improve your existing furniture

Before you start throwing out all of the furniture in the room it might be worth considering if it can be updated or improved. One of the biggest trends right now in interior design is repurposed and reupholstered furniture, especially with wooden furniture. 

As the vintage look has never been more popular, we are seeing a huge rise in people repurposing old tables and chairs, bringing new life to something that was once nearly thrown away.

Tip 3 – Feature Wall

One of the simplest ways of adding a fresh and new feel to a room is through painting or wallpapering the walls. Paint and wallpaper vary in price, but one thing that is consistent with this is the amount of time it takes. 

Updating the walls in your home is a long process and one that needs care and attention if it is to look right. However, to save money and time you can simply just update one wall; the feature wall. 

You might be surprised at how much a feature wall can change a room’s dynamic. It draws the eye as soon as you enter and instantly sets the tone for the rest of the space.

Tip 4 – Update the plumbing fixtures

Your bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures are often untapped resources when it comes to adding a new design feature to the room. By simply changing the usual metal finish to copper, brushed chrome or brushed bronze you can quickly update the style without having to purchase a new sink or bathtub.

Tip 5 – Laminate Worktops

Replacing your kitchen or bathroom worktop is usually a very expensive thing to do, but also one of the best ways to redecorate a room. It instantly breathes new life into the space whilst setting the tone and creating a brand new feature that is guaranteed to impress. 

This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pounds. This is because people will usually prefer the feel and style of natural wood or stone for their worktop. Well, the good news is that you can now have this natural style without having to pay out big thanks to modern laminate worktops. 

Recent technological advancements has meant that laminate sheets now look identical to the real thing and even have the same texture. They come in a vast selection of styles/colours and if you wanted to know more about this then please find here an ultimate laminate sheet guide.

Tip 6 – Door handles

Changing your door handles is a very quick, easy and cheap way of creating a new design style. Although small, the right colour door handle can have a surprising effect on a rooms look. Research what material and colour goes with what colour and type of home to ensure it doesn’t look out of place.

Tip 7 – Never underestimate the power of a mirror

Mirrors do so much more than you might think. They can add light to a room, increase the size and add seamless flow. However, many of us are guilty of not making the most out of the mirrors we already have. 

Before you go out and invest in new ones, look at the ones you have already and see how they can be improved. Maybe it would look better in a different room or nearer natural light.

Tip 8 – Bring the outdoors inside

The past few years has seen a surge in popularity with indoor plants being used to create a new type of bohemian style. Often in vintage looking pots and hanging from the ceiling, these indoor plants are relatively cheap and a great way of updating your interior design.

Tip 9 – Shop Second hand

This may seem like a more obvious one, but shopping through second-hand stores, thrift stores, markets and car boot sales can result in finding fantastic furniture for incredible prices. Some designers make a great living this way so it’s definitely worth checking out your local area for bargains.

Tip 10 – Use lighting

Lighting has the power to create a mood and even add size to a room. If used right, lighting can completely change how a room feels and looks. Whether you make use of the natural light more or invest in some new lamps or lampshades, lighting is an interior designers best friend. 

To save money, look at simply changing the lampshades, bulbs or position of where these are and see how different your room can look.

Tip 11 – Rearrange the Furniture

Sometimes the best way to change the dynamic of a room is to simply rearrange the furniture. For a calm and serene environment try looking into how to implement Hygge and Feng Shui into your home.

Tip 12 – Utilise Paint

If you feel like your home needs redecorating but would like to keep it as cheap as possible then sometimes all you need is paint. A new lick of paint on the walls can totally revamp your room without having to change anything else. 

If your home has a shed or garage where you keep old tins of paint then check these first before buying new ones. If there isn’t much in some of them then you could mix these to make a bespoke colour and add a touch of your own personality to your home.

Tip 13 – Use Fabric

Whether it’s sheets draped over lights or a throw on your sofa, fabric has the potential to turn your room into something completely different. By using them over lamps you can create a soft and subtle ambience that’s much cheaper than purchasing a brand new light.

Tip 14 – Don’t forget about the details

Sometimes the smaller things have the larger impact, so if you’re looking to spruce up your home but don’t want to pay big prices for big pieces of furniture then have a look at tweaking the smaller things. 

This could be anything from new cushions on the sofa to new towels in the bathroom, anything that can inject colour into a room can change the interior style.

Tip 15 – Declutter

Decluttering your home is sometimes all you need to do to revamp a room. If you think you need to redecorate then always declutter first as you may be surprised to find that this is actually all it needed!

Tip 16 – Layer rugs

Carpet or hardwood flooring can be pricey, but a fantastic way of updating your floor without having to break the bank is to simply layer rugs together. 

You haven’t got to use expensive rugs for this because you are layering them together. Get creative with it and enjoy making your own bespoke design feature.

Tip 17 – Group similar items together

If your home has large walls then this can sometimes cause a problem when decorating within a smaller budget. Trying to fill a large space can get expensive if you are looking at buying large items, such as a full length mirror. 

However, if you group smaller, cheaper items together then you can fill this gap, save money and add a whole new dynamic design feature to the room.

Tip 18 – Wallpaper Offcuts

Do you have any wallpaper offcuts at home? If you do then you can still put these to good use by adding them to staircases or wall borders. They can add a boost of colour to any room whilst also creating a beautifully bespoke design feature. You can find some great examples on Pinterest here.

Tip 19 – Mix and Match

It’s almost too easy to go over budget when decorating your home as there is just so much to choose from. Sometimes it really pays to compromise, only on the items themselves, not the style. Mixing different types of furniture is a great way of adding a modern style to any room. 

For example, a dining room chair isn’t too expensive for one, but if you need 6 then this really adds up. So, instead of this you can simply get two for the ends of the table and then cheaper chairs for the middle. It can still look fantastic and save you money.

Tip 20 – Swap Party

Swap parties have become much more popular recently thanks to the fantastic bargains you can get! We all have different tastes so these parties are a wonderfully collective mix of furniture and furnishings. Get swapping with friends and family and have a great time whilst doing it. 

Bounteous Blooms: 3 Tips For The Perfect Backyard Garden

Backyard gardens don't have to be a lot of work. Planting native species that naturally thrive in your climate is a great way to minimize garden maintenance. Perennials, too, are an excellent choice as they come back on their own every year. 

Of course, you'll also want to limit the size of your garden to an area you know you'll have time for. One season of growing experience will teach you these basic tips, but here are a few lesser known tips you probably won't see in any gardening book.

Free Plant Food

The nutrients in vegetables that help keep your body strong and healthy are also good for your plants. When you steam and boil vegetables, some of these nutrients find their way into the water in your pot. 

Don't just dump this valuable asset down the drain. Instead, save this nutrient-rich water and use it to water your garden. Your plants will love it.

Lighten Your Load

Potted plants make great accent pieces on patios, porches and throughout the garden. Unfortunately, they quickly get heavy and difficult to move, especially if you place rocks in the bottom of them to promote drainage. 

Instead of rocks or gravel, place lightweight packing peanuts in the bottom of your pots. 

Lay a piece of landscaping fabric over them to keep them in place and then add your potting soil and plants. The peanuts will aid drainage without adding unnecessary weight to your planters.

Consider New Windows

For maximum enjoyment of your backyard garden, make sure you can see your beautiful blossoms from inside your home. The right windows will serve as pretty frames for the picture that is your garden and let you enjoy your handiwork more often. 

You may even wish to consider garden windows, which provide large panes for undisturbed garden viewing as well as wide sills and ventilation for starting seedlings indoors. The right windows, like those from Four Seasons Home Products, let you enjoy your garden from both inside and outside your home.

There is no question that gardening is a labor of love, but there are ways to lessen the amount of work involved. These tips and tricks are a bit unusual, but all are effective and will help you spend less time working in the garden and more time enjoying it. 

It's up to you whether you pass these tips on to others or simply smile when people compliment your backyard's beauty.

5 Home Add-Ons That Can Add Value and Save You Money

Saving money is more important than ever in this uncertain economy. So you want to make sure your home is not unnecessarily draining money that you could be putting aside in case of emergency later. 

It is also a good idea to do things that will add value to your home in case you sell it later.

Investing in your home can actually be a very smart move because not only can you enjoy it while you live in it, but you will get a better price when you sell it. 

However, you need to know the best places in your home to invest in for the most effect. So here are five smart home add-ons that can add value and save you money. 

Open Floor Plan

Small, cramped common living areas with a lot of walls are bad for several reasons. They make the house look much less appealing to prospective buyers and they also do not let the light into the house. 

Instead, knock down the floors and combine the common areas as one open space. It will make your house look much larger and create a lot more space. You can also save money because the light will travel more efficiently through the place so you do not have to turn on as many lights to be comfortable which will shrink your electric bill. 

Add a Carport

Not only do carports add value to the home, but they will also protect your car from the elements, which will let you save on sun and snow damage to your car. 

Companies like Coast to Coast Carports Inc. will give you a quality carport that will protect your car and add value to your home. 

Remodel Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms have gotten a lot bigger over the years and often have amenities like whirlpool tubs and heated towel rack. 

Just remodeling the bathroom will make your whole house look more luxurious and definitely increase the value. It will also give you an opportunity to make the room more sustainable with things like a low-flow toilet and a skylight, which saves water and electricity. 

Home Office

With more employees telecommuting than ever, a home office is starting to become a desired feature in a lot of homes and having one will automatically add the value of your home. 

If you telecommute already, your home office will be tax-deductible which will save you money and if you do not, then having one readily available can make it more likely that you will start working for home instead of at the office which will save you time and money in commuting. Convert a spare bedroom or den into a home office with relatively little cost. 

Natural Gardens

Landscaping is often overlooked when it comes to saving money and adding value, but it can make an enormous impact when done right. In your back or front yard, add natural gardens with native plants, pathways, and benches and tables for relaxing. 

When the gardens are made to look and be as natural as possible, they take a lot less maintenance costs than a plain lawn and they look fantastic as well. Consider doing drought-resistant landscaping to save money on water and keep the gardens looking intentionally informal.

There are a lot of other things you can do as well when it comes to adding value to your home while saving yourself some money at the same time. It may not see like you are saving money at first, but remember to think long-term.