Category Archives for "Home Improvements"
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How to Find the Right Handyman for Your Home Repairs

How to Find the Right Handyman for Your Home Repairs

How to Find the Right Handyman for Your Home Repairs

Image via Pexels

This post provides some practical information to help you find just the right handyman for your home repairs.

Home repairs can be a hassle, and finding the right handyman to do the job can seem like an impossible task. However, with some research and preparation, you can find the perfect person for your project. So to learn how to find the right handyman for your home repairs, check out our tips and tricks from Top Outdoor Lawn Tools below to make the process easier.

Ask for Referrals

Word-of-mouth referrals are always helpful when trying to find someone reliable who does good work. Ask friends, family members, or neighbors who have recently hired a handyman if they could recommend someone for your project. Getting referrals from people you trust will help ensure you get quality work done at an affordable price.

Use Your Personal Network

 Networking is a great way to find a potential handyman. Did you know someone who was a whiz in shop class back in school? Do a little digging by using a high school search tool online. Even if that old chum isn’t a Mr. Fixit these days, they might know someone who is.

Ask for a Written Estimate

When getting estimates from potential handymen, make sure that quotes are provided in writing so there is no confusion about what’s included in the job and how much it will cost upfront. This will also help protect you from any hidden fees down the line once the project has been completed, as everything was agreed upon ahead of time in writing.

Decide on a Payment Type

Before your project begins, discuss payment options, so everyone is on the same page. Some contractors prefer cash payments, while others accept credit cards or checks. Freshbooks suggests making sure to ask which method of payment works best for them before signing any contracts or agreements, so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay.

Keep in mind that whoever you hire may be working as an independent contractor. In that case, they’ll be responsible for any withholding tax obligations owed.

Confirm the Scope of Service

It’s important to know exactly what services are included in each estimate before signing any contracts. This way, there won’t be any surprises once a project has been completed (e.g., additional charges due to unforeseen circumstances). Be sure to ask questions about anything that isn’t clear or if something isn’t included in their initial quote to avoid any misunderstandings.

Get Multiple Quotes

Don’t settle on just one estimate — Speed River Contracting recommends shopping around for several quotes. Get quotes from different sources so you can compare prices and services offered by each potential contractor before making your final decision on who should do your home repair projects. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you got the best deal possible without sacrificing quality service. Just remember that the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the best; the key is to find a handyman or company you can trust that also fits within your budget.

Confirm Insurance Coverage

Make sure that all potential contractors have adequate insurance coverage before you hire them. This will protect both parties involved if something goes wrong during the completion of a project. It’s also important to keep copies of insurance certificates on file just in case something does happen during the completion of said projects. This way, both parties involved are protected financially should something go awry.

Budgeting For Home Improvement

It’s important to consider the value of your home and the potential return on investment before undertaking any home improvement projects. Handyman services can range widely in cost depending on the complexity and scale of the project. Therefore, it’s essential to do a cost-benefit analysis.

Consider the current market value of homes in your area and how much value your planned project could potentially add. If the cost of the project exceeds the potential value-added, it might not be a wise investment. Keep in mind that while some upgrades can significantly increase home value, others are more about maintaining the property and ensuring its functionality and appeal to potential buyers or tenants.

Knowing How to Find the Right Handyman for Your Home Repairs Will Save You Time and Money, and Give You Peace of Mind.

Hiring the right handyman is an important decision. Taking time to do your research, asking the right questions, and considering cost and availability will help you make sure you get quality work done in a timely manner. Don’t forget to read reviews, ask your friends for referrals, and budget appropriately for local home values as well. With these tips in mind, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve found the perfect handyman for your job.

  • a few months ago

5 Easy DIY Ways to Revive and Refresh Your Home

5 Easy DIY Ways to Revive and Refresh Your Home

5 Easy DIY Ways to Revive and Refresh Your Home

Image via Unsplash

In this post, you will find some simple and convenient ways that will let you see your home in a whole new light.

As time goes by, houses lose their polish and start to show their age. This isn’t a desirable state of affairs – the way your home looks and feels has a big impact on your mood and overall well-being, notes the University of Minnesota. Having a vibrant, joyful home automatically leads to a happier, healthier you. If your house isn’t what it used to be, you could give it a makeover and make it as good as new again. Below, Top Outdoor Lawn Tools offers 5 Easy DIY Ways to Revive and Refresh Your Home

  1. Plant some trees and flowers

Having beautiful exteriors can up your property’s curb appeal, not to mention make you happy whenever your house comes into view. Adding some trees and flowers is an easy, natural way to revitalize your yard. Nature looks good, doesn’t require a ton of maintenance, and has several health benefits (it breaks stress). Planting trees and flowers isn’t very hard. If you’d like to go the extra mile, you could have an outdoor meditation garden with a seating area.

You’ll need to have the right tools when sprucing up your lawn, whether that’s a lawn mower, string trimmer, or leaf blower. For in-depth information about outdoor power tools, reach out to Top Outdoor Lawn Tools!

  1. Declutter

Clutter looks bad and takes up precious space. Also, as the American Psychological Association can confirm, it adds to your stress levels. Decluttering your home can make it feel more open and give you more room for essentials (or yourself). Consider throwing away things you don’t need. If you can’t part with things, you could put them away (somewhere at home or in temporary storage).

A highly effective way to declutter is to digitize your paper records and other documents. Digital records take up no space and can be stored practically forever. They are also easy to organize.

  1. Keep it clean

Cleaning your house is just as important as decluttering. A clean space feels good and smells good. For added effect, you could go all out and deep clean your home – steam your carpet, power wash the floors, wipe your walls down, degrease your cooktops, and rub down your windows. It’s always a good idea to use natural cleaning products that aren’t harmful to you. Before starting your cleaning project, you can consult online resources for expert cleaning advice and in-depth reviews on cleaning products.

  1. Organize your home office to be stress-free

Having an organized home office can make you much more productive – you can find your things when you need them, without wasting time. Also, good organizing can drastically reduce stress. Two simple ways to organize your home office are having a storage system for your files and using the latest technology. With a storage system – digital, paper, or hybrid – you can quickly locate and retrieve records as necessary. If you use new technology – like new computers, fast internet, or a visitor management system – you can get more work done.

  1. Make your home healthier

Looks are but one part of the equation – your home also needs to be conducive to your health. Here are three quick ways to make your home a healthier space: 

  • Light: Natural light kills bacteria and germs, and it’s also good for your mental state. As such, let in more natural light – have the curtains open more often, add a skylight, or install new windows if you need to.
  • Air: Your home may trap air and not have good ventilation. Breathing in “old” air all the time isn’t good for you. Some ways to freshen it up are airing your rooms out (by leaving the windows open), changing the ventilation, and getting an air purifier.
  • Plants: Indoor plants aren’t just good decoration – they’re good for your health too. Some concrete health benefits they offer include lowered stress levels, purer air, better humidity, and improved sleep.

DIY work vs hiring professionals

You can DIY most of the work we’ve mentioned here. You don’t need to hire professionals if you’re going to decorate, clean, and reorganize. Of course, hiring professionals can make things easier. For example, you can have professional cleaning or reorganizing crews do everything for you. It’s always a good idea to hire professionals if the work involved needs serious skills – like landscaping or construction work. It’s a bit of an investment, but you get better results.

Using a home maintenance app will help you organize these 5 easy DIY ways to revive and refresh your home

If you’re in need of home repairs or maintenance requiring a pro, a reliable home maintenance and repair app can streamline the process. This app enables homeowners to swiftly book service appointments, monitor the progress of their repairs, and gain easy access to crucial details about their home’s systems and appliances. Furthermore, it helps you when you’re looking for a handyman, connecting you with skilled service experts through the app, and obtaining quotes for both repairs and maintenance tasks.

Conclusion

You don’t need to blow a ton of money on redoing your home – you could do it on a shoestring budget if you plan things out and DIY some projects like cleaning your house. It’s a good idea to go room by room, whenever you have the time, to avoid getting overwhelmed. You can always hire professionals if you get stuck or need a helping hand. 

Top Outdoor Lawn Tools gives you some reviews of some of the popular tools and other information as far as taking care of your yard, trees, bushes, and other landscaping. Contact us today to learn more!

  • a few months ago

Simple Budget-Friendly Tips to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Boost your homes curb appeal

Boost your homes curb appeal

First impressions are critical so here are some great tips to boost your home’s  curb appeal.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. For better or worse, the first thing guests (or potential buyers) notice about your home will be imprinted in their memory forever. So why not make it count? A beautiful exterior can increase your property value by thousands of dollars. And curb appeal doesn’t need to come at a steep price point either. Below, we walk you through budget-friendly improvements that will make sure your curb appeal packs a punch.

Paint the Front Door

 

According to Hotty Toddy, your front door is the focus of your home’s exterior, that one point everyone’s eyes naturally gravitate to. Thus, giving your door a fresh coat of paint can be just the ticket you need to freshen up an old look. Colorful front doors are all the rage, as the contrast against the traditional siding will make your porch pop. Be sure to prep your surfaces with primer so that your paint lasts for years to come, and get painting!

Add (Lots Of) Plants and Flowers

 

Green is the way to go if you’re looking to improve your home’s exterior. One of the best ways to boost your home’s curb appeal is by doing some simple landscaping. Installing flower boxes under windows or on porch railings adds a pop of color that is eye-catching and pleasant. Adding shrubs around your porch stairs and along your driveway is another easy way to add beauty to your property. If you’re looking for the most sturdy and ideal landscaping plants, check out Bob Vila’s handy guide here.

Clean the Siding

 

Dirty siding is one of the easiest ways to give off an unclean, unkempt vibe. As the most prominent external feature of your house, try to ensure that your siding remains clean at all times. However, this can be challenging, especially if you live in an area with a lot of snow or rainfall. One solution is to get your siding painted, but this can be costly and needs to be kept up with regularly. We suggest going in with your power washer every couple of weeks to keep that paint looking fresh and the siding neat.

Window Seals

 

Windows are another significant feature on your property that can seriously impact your curb appeal. If your window seals are broken, give them a fix for an instant solution to draft, condensation, and moisture issues. Not only will fixing your window seals significantly up the quality of your life, but it will also reduce your monthly energy bill. That’s a win-win in our books! If you don’t feel comfortable handing any window-related repairs yourself, search online for home window repair companies near you and start reading reviews — the way, you can get someone you know you can trust with the task.

Don’t Forget the Small Fixes

 

It’s the attention to detail to the smallest of elements that will help your property stand out. For example, installing a chic door knob or handle can level up the overall aesthetic of your home. Replace your older knob with one that has a visually appealing look, texture, and color. Also, pay attention to your fence and go in and repair any broken fence links. Adding creeper or runner plants can give your old fence a touch of whimsy, and painting the wood can go a long way too. The ultimate takeaway here is to consider the smallest of elements and see how you can transform them into objects that bring you joy.

 

Enhancing your front yard doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Nor does it have to be a time-consuming, challenging affair. Use these tricks to up your curb appeal instantly and make a good impression on guests and passersby. We promise people will stop and stare at your beautiful new exterior!

As you can see, you don’t need a large budget or a big crew to boost your home’s curb appeal.

Looking to purchase the right power tool for your home’s curb appeal project? Visit Top Outdoor Lawn Tools for unbiased reviews on power tools that take care of your landscaping needs and much more!

  • last year

How To Turn a Rental Into Your Ultimate Dream Home

turn a rental into you ultimate dream home

Photo by paulbr75 via Pixabay

Even if you’re not ready to buy a home, you don’t have to settle for living in a place you don’t love. You can still turn a rental into your ultimate dream home. Although you may not be able to remodel a house or apartment you’re renting, you can redecorate to meet almost any goal you have for your home. Check your lease for rules about what you can and can’t do, and then start planning your project. to turn a rental into your ultimate dream home.

 

Design a Space Where You Can Relax and Feel at Home

 

If feeling comfortable and relaxed at home is one of your top priorities, decorate with your favorite colors, patterns, and fabrics. You may not be allowed to paint your walls, but fabric panels, curtains, and removable wallpaper can go a long way toward making a room feel more like your own. Decorating with plants is a fantastic way to bring nature in, purify the air, and make your place feel more open and airy.

 

Create a Haven for Guests

 

The tiny home movement has proven that people can entertain even in the smallest spaces. Even if you have a small apartment, you can prepare for entertaining by focusing on an indoor/outdoor layout, if possible. Also, consider serving food throughout the house instead of all in one crowded area, and arrange multiple seating areas so guests have room to spread out.

 

For your outside spaces, if your lease allows and the landlord doesn’t handle the yard work, be sure to stay on top of upkeep. This is more than just mowing—you want to make sure that your yard and landscape receive enough water, are free of weeds, and get seasonal fertilizer for health. These practices will keep your outdoor space looking beautiful.

 

Develop a Live/Work Space That Works for You

 

Studies have shown that working from home can be very productive, especially when you stay organized and avoid distractions. A dedicated home office can be a great place to work, especially since it means that you don’t have to set up and take down your workspace every day, as you might at the kitchen table. If you don’t have a spare room to dedicate to work, carve out a workspace in a corner or unused closet. If your office has to be in your kitchen, living room, or bedroom, put up a simple room divider to create a visual separation between work and home.

 

Give Your Kids an Oasis in Your Rented Home

 

As you select kids’ furnishings, think durable, colorful, and functional. Incorporate plenty of open floor space in younger kids’ rooms and anchor furniture to prevent tip-over accidents. Involve the kids in design decisions so they can have a space they love, and create organization systems they’ll actually use to keep the room clutter-free and relaxing. Include multi-functional kids’ furniture to save space without sacrificing utility.

 

Turn a Rental Into Your Ultimate Dream Home

 

With the right tweaks, you can make almost any house or apartment fit your needs. However, if your current space is just not working for you, it may be time for a new place. To save time, start by looking at online rental listings and filter by numbers of rooms, amenities, and other key points. Listings with 3D tours can give you a better sense of each home before you spend all day driving around the city for in-person tours. Before renting or buying in a neighborhood, be sure to look into the local housing market.

 

Now that you have some ideas about how to make a rented house or apartment into a dream home, plan to make it a reality for yourself. Start with just one goal or room in mind. Think about what would make the most difference in your life right now. If it’s creating the perfect home office, start there. If it’s streamlining your kitchen and dining room to make entertaining easier, go for it. As you optimize each part of your home, you’ll build momentum for tackling the next room.

 

This article is brought to you by Top Outdoor Tools, where our intention is to give you some reviews of some of the popular tools and other information as far as taking care of your yard, trees, bushes, and other landscaping. For more information, please visit us today!

  • a couple of years ago

Add to the Value of Your House with These Home Improvements

home improvements

Whether you are just thinking about remodeling your house or you are thinking about selling your property, you can add to the value of your house with these home improvements.

If you are remodeling your home, or you are planning on selling your property in the near future, then you have several options for increasing the value of your home. There are some home improvements that look good at first glance, but that are expensive and that are not particularly desirable to prospective buyers. The following home improvements are practical, useful, and good for adding value to your home.

Remodel the Kitchen But Pay Attention to the Design

The kitchen is the busiest room in the house, which makes it a great candidate for remodeling. One of the reasons that this home improvement is so valuable is that you can get back between 60 and 80 percent of the investment. You will also save a lot of money on your energy bills, so if you plan on staying in the property for a while after the remodeling is done you should make your money back quickly.

Try to make sure that the design you opt for matches the rest of your home. If your kitchen design clashes with the rest of the house this could drive away prospective buyers. Built-in appliances are a good choice if you are not sure what to invest in. In addition, it is a good idea to talk to an interior designer for ideas.

home improvements

Find Some Unused Space in Your Home and Think About Adding a Bathroom

Installing a second bathroom is another good investment, one that could increase the value of your home by 80 percent of the investment, or alternatively if you are able to do some of the work yourself even as much as 100 percent of the investment.

If you plan on doing this, then you will need to look for a space that you can turn into the second bathroom. An unused bedroom is a good option, or possibly even the space under your stairs. You need 18 square feet for a bathtub, as a minimum, but the more space you have the better.

add second bathroom for added home value

Reinventing an Existing Room Can Be a Great Idea if Done Right

Taking an existing room and re-inventing this is an affordable way to add value to your property. It can also be much more practical than expanding your home if you don’t have a lot of money. However, if you plan on doing this you should think carefully about current fashions and the kinds of things that people want to use a room for. Adding space could price your home out of the market, making an open plan room or repurposing a spare room is far less likely to do this.

Consider turning a garage into a habitable room, or converting the attic or the basement into a bedroom or a small guest area. Even if you are not planning on moving out of your house at the moment this is a good option because it will give you the option to rent out that room, allowing you to recoup the investment relatively quickly.

If you are not sure whether you are making a good investment, talk to an estate agent before you start tearing down walls or making massive changes to the layout of your home. They will be able to offer some insight into the sorts of things that most buyers are interested in.

  • a couple of years ago

A Resource Guide to Home Improvements for Older Houses

home improvements

home improvements

Image via Pexels

An old house has a certain charm to it, thanks to its traditional architecture and lengthy history.                           However, if you own an older property, you also have to put extra effort and money into maintaining it.                 The right home improvements will help ensure your place remains comfortable and functional and can help   protect the property value.

This resource guide provides tips and tools regarding worthwhile home improvements.

 Tackle Issues Impeding Functionality First

 Start with the basics.

●     Plumbing problems are common in older properties. Hire a pro to tackle common issues like corroded           pipes and outdated fixtures to improve efficiency.

●     Older homes often lack insulation. Make fresh insulation installation a priority for your old home                     renovations, as it can enhance comfort and cut HVAC costs.

●     Family Handyman notes you can also decrease expenses by adding a new HVAC system to your to-do             list of home renovations. This is a job best left to an expert, not a DIY task.

 Boost Property Value with Modern Upgrades Next

 With the essentials taken care of, you can tackle the “nice to have” points on your remodeling checklist.

●     Consider giving your house a more modern look by embracing open concept floor plans

        that remain popular among buyers.

●     Invest in appliances that enhance resale value, like stoves, refrigerators, and low-energy washing                     machines.

●     Give the interior rooms a fresh coat of paint, focusing on hues that sell well, like neutral white and off-           whites.

●     As you make improvements, keep receipts. Redfin explains that if you sell your home,

       you can use these to show the investment you’ve made and boost value.

 Finish Off with Necessary Exterior Upgrades

 Your home’s exterior plays a big part in its curb appeal.

●     Clean up your house’s siding and get it sparkling using a hose and power washer.

●     Prioritize perennials in your garden, so you’ll have flowers blooming all year round.

●     Establish a thriving lawn with a regular routine of mowing, watering, and fertilizing.

●     Invest in your landscaping by getting the right outdoor power tools to maintain a well-manicured lawn.

       Top Outdoor Tools has tips on what you need.

 An old house can be a beautiful asset—if it’s well maintained. Giving your property some tender loving care will ensure it’s looking its best. The above guide provides some resources to help guide the way.

  • a couple of years ago
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