May 2020
Tips For Managing Your Home’s Storage Area
In this post we will look at a great way to increase the storage area in your home. Many people have accumulated lots of “stuff” and it can clutter your house which is annoying. With this scenario, we want to be sure that those items are not damaged as it wouldn’t be very nice to find out later that the contents have been damaged by water or moisture.
One place that many people overlook for storage is their garage. Usually the garage is more vulnerable to water damage so if you are concerned about that then you can put down some pallets on the ground or get some garage flooring mats.
If you have an attic that isn’t currently functional, why not made some small changes so that it can handle some storage needs? Often times it can be as simple as just putting some plastic down.
Be careful putting your storage in confined areas like the shed in your backyard. If there isn’t enough airflow and there is more exposure to dampness in the air then you will likely be a victim of mildew. It’s amazing how quickly clothing can rot, even tough materials like boots.
Unfinished basements are similar to garage floors, you may want to put down some pallets or you can also use the garage flooring mats if your floor is concrete. Basements don’t get as hot during the summer so you’re not as likely to find mold.
In any case one of the most important things you should do is make sure a couple times a year you visit your storage and open up the bags and boxes for a day to air out. This will make a big difference towards keeping them from rotting with mold or mildew.
Of course, the other option is downsizing via throwing things out or donating items to thrift stores. Many people throw out too much though and end up needing things later. It’s tricky to know sometimes what you will actually use later and what will just sit around collecting dust.…
Alternative Living
Urban living has many modern conveniences we often take for granted. Utilities for water, electricity and other services are examples of readily available resources for city dwellers. Some people choose to abandon this lifestyle, however, and pursue a more self-reliant way of living. These pioneering spirits begin with a few essential tools and skills and accomplish remarkable feats of independence. However, embarking upon an off-grid lifestyle requires preparation, such as providing for electricity and water supplies.
Electricity
While it may be possible to live without electrical energy, the cost-benefit of solar or wind technologies make them a worthwhile option to consider. Generating electricity with a solar or wind system makes remote living feasible. For example, enough solar panels North Dakota to operate a typical home would likely cost about $15,000 to $20,000 or less. There are also highly efficient models of common household appliances that reduce the solar energy system size and cost.
Water
Clean drinking water is an absolute necessity. Potable water options exist and often the best solution is some combination of resources. When locating a remote off-grid homestead, water resources should be a top priority. Naturally occurring sources like creeks, rivers and ponds are ways of meeting this need.
Rainwater is another resource but depends upon climate and weather patterns in the area. Storage and filtration systems for rainfall are other considerations. Another potential resource is well-water. Drilling a well is an expensive and sometimes risky undertaking, but ultimately, the need may outweigh any risk aversion.
If those options are inadequate, there are systems that collect drinkable water right out of the air. Commonly referred to as atmospheric water generators, these use a combination of cooling condensation or wet desiccation. Cooling ambient air to the dew point temperature causes humidity to condense into liquid form. It can then be collected, filtered and purified for consumption.
A self-reliant lifestyle is attractive for many adventurous people. Becoming familiar with the potential pitfalls is a necessary step to ensure adequate resources are available. Once these are handled, the off-grid life can be a very satisfying experience.…
Bamboo Flooring Prices – A Guide On How To Determine The Prices For Solid Bamboo Flooring
Solid bamboo flooring is one of the most environmental choices that is becoming popular these days. Before you decide to make an investment on this new flooring, consider what may affect their prices.
Finished or Unfinished Wood?
When choosing the material for your bamboo floors, you may find the unfinished type of wood cheaper at first glance, because they normally run for only about $1.50 per sq. ft. However, check how much extra labor would you have to hire in order to improve the floor finish. This may cause the price to skyrocket, making unfinished wood not an economical choice. If you do decide to do the finishing and installation yourself, there will still be some additional costs that you have to consider, such as the tools you may need to smoothen the wood, stain and coat it.
You can instead consider buying standard finished bamboo flooring which may range between $1.99 to $4.99 per sq. ft. Prices vary on the length of the warranty, the quality of the finish and whether the boards are snap types or simple plank boards.
Coating
Another thing that can make bamboo flooring prices go higher is the coating. For instance, if the boards use Klumpp coating, the price will be higher, because it has lower formaldehyde, which is considered a toxic substance. This type of coating, however is more expensive to manufacture, thus the price is higher.
Installation Type
If you choose the floorings with snap lock joints, they will for sure cost more than ordinary boards planks. The easier it is to install the floorings, the higher the price will be. You will, however, save some money from labor cost, because snap on floors take a shorter time to install.
Warranties
Warranties differ, ranging from none to lifetime guarantees. You may choose to buy boards with extended guarantees, in order to protect your investment. When making your choice, check if you are still saving money even after paying lifetime guarantees.
Luxury Flooring
If you choose to buy high end designer’s bamboo floors, they will for sure be more expensive. There are boards that are hand finished and demand higher bamboo flooring prices than the mass produced ones. Such specially designed planks may cost more than $12 per sq. ft.
Prices for solid bamboo flooring will vary, but it still boils down to durability, which can only be achieved with proper care and maintenance.…
Why Home Buyers Should Insist on a Home Warranty
If you’re buying a home, you’re taking on a big investment and a big expense. Most of us try to buy as much home as we can afford, possibly leaving us with little leftover cash for a while. If an appliance or major system in the home has a problem that we didn’t foresee, it can get very expensive. For this reason, many homebuyers look to new construction so that all the appliances and systems are new and under warranty.
However, it’s not necessary to avoid buying older homes. And, in today’s market, it’s easy to get a great deal on an older home. And, if you get a home warranty that covers the home’s major systems and appliances, you don’t have to worry that you’ll have to pay for a major repair in your new home.
Home warranties can be written to cover plumbing, heating and cooling systems, some structural systems like roofs and your major appliances, like the range. Home warranties can be constructed in many different ways to fit your specific needs. You can get the home warranty for the first year, and then renew at the end of the first year if you choose.
Home warranties are not expensive, but as a home buyer, you shouldn’t worry about paying for it at all. Rather, you should request it from your seller when you are negotiating the contract. In today’s market, sellers expect such a request, and are usually more than happy to provide a home warranty as an incentive to get buyers to consider their home for purchase. And, since they are not expensive, sellers are usually willing to allow you to choose the warranty, up to a certain dollar amount, and have them pay for it at closing.
You may even find that some home sellers are offering a home warranty as part of the sale of their home. However, if they are not, you should ask for it when you make an offer.
A home warranty can provide you peace of mind about the major systems you’re purchasing in your new home. With most home warranties, you call one number for any problem that you have and they find the right professional to complete the repair. Some even offer a toll free number that is open seven days a week. So, don’t forget older homes when you’re house hunting, and when you find the right home, don’t forget the home warranty.…
What Size Septic Tank Do You Need?
The septic system is an astounding and innovative piece of technology. The device is natural and energy efficient. If you are planning on installing a septic tank, you will need septic lines, a septic tank, permit from your local government, and choose the appropriate location for installing the tank.
A septic tank operates by sewage being carried from the house to the tank using gravity instead of using motors and fossil fuel energy. The sewage moves by means of gravity from the tank to the drain field. Microbes in the ground digest and sanitize the bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. When the soil is healthy, clean water returns to the water table. The location of the tank and lines will depend on the percolation test. Another important feature is the size of the septic tank.
There are a few ways you can determine the size of the septic tank for your home. The size of the septic tank can be determined by basing it on the water usage or home size. The most productive and efficient way to calculate the size of the tank is through water usage. The size of the septic tank that will be required is based on the amount of water it will conduct through the field lines.
Calculations by Water Tank
Based on the total water usage of a home, the following is the expert and local government recommended tank size:
Up to 500 gallons per day: 900 gallon tank
Up to 700 gallons per day: 1,200 gallon tank
Up to 900 gallons per day: 1,500 gallon tank
Up to 1,240 gallons per day: 1,900 gallon tank
It is important to be aware that the minimum size tank normally permitted for use in a residential home is 1,000 gallons. Make sure you check with your local governmental official to obtain their regulations of size.
Calculations by House Size
This type of calculation assumes that all rooms in the home will be used. The following is the expert and local government recommended tank size based on calculating the house size:
One or two bedrooms: 750 gallon tank
Three bedrooms: 1,000 gallon tank
Four bedrooms: 1,200 gallon tank
Five or six bedrooms: 1,500 gallon tank
Make sure you check with your local governmental official to obtain their regulations of size.
For single-family homes, tanks normally vary in size from 500 to 1500 gallons of sewer storage capability. For a one or two bedroom house, a 1000 or 1200 gallon tank is used most often.
The costs of septic tanks will vary. The average 1,000 gallon septic tank will cost between $500 and $700. If you want to install a 1,250 gallon tank, the price can range from $600 – $800. One can install a tank in either the front yard or the backyard. The area must be able to hold the tank and drain field. The cost of installing a standard septic tank can be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500
Septic tanks are a necessity and …
Guide to Buying Exotic Hardwood Flooring
Buying hardwood flooring is very easy to do. All you need is someone to tell you how. There are many methods in researching for guides such as in books or online. For one thing, in this era today everything is easy as a clip and a flip.
Choose the Location First
Before considering buying any hardwood flooring, decide which floor of your house you are going to make into hardwood flooring. Every level of your house has different ways and methods of building the floors when the actual construction starts. It will be easy when you talk to the workers once you know where you will have installed or what you want installed.
Choose the Subfloor and Type of Hardwood Flooring Construction
The subfloor can either be plywood or concrete depending upon what type of hardwood flooring construction you want. The first type is the A� inch thick solid wood flooring, it is very strong which means it would take centuries to wear if properly maintained and choosing good quality wood. Solid wood floor can be removed and be refinished again to make it look new. The problem only with solid wood is you cannot install it over concrete and cannot be used below ground level which means the basement of your house. There are also other sizes such as 5/16, 3/8 or 1/2 inch thick which are almost the same with the A� only thinner, still cannot be installed below ground level and of course bathrooms where there is water. The second type is engineered woods, which do not need to be sanded since they are already ready to be installed. This are like instant noodles or instant coffee, just pour hot water and they’re ready. The engineered woods are the opposite of the solid wood since they don’t have a problem with moisture, so it can be installed below ground levels. It doesn’t last as long as solid wood but fifty to sixty years is enough. You can also make it look exotic by printing or staining it, it’ll then look expensive.
Hire a Professional
Many people choose DIY (Do-It-Yourself) when doing their hardwood flooring since if you are to choose some engineered flooring styles their very easy to do even for first timers because of the locking system. But, it is still preferable to choose someone with real knowledge in installing hardwood flooring. If you want it to be really beautiful then this is the best choice for it. And professionals will help you to choose the best exotic wood to use.
How to Choose the Best Exotic Wood to Use
Today, exotic woods are the most preferable choice in hardwood flooring. They are generally thicker and have a longer life span. In choosing the exotic wood, carefully ask people around what is usually bought currently in the market. Ask also about how thick the wood should be do some research online as well since there are tons of facts about wood types, buying and reading books …
A Guide to Fencing Around a Pool
Pools are wonderful to have and use, but they are dangerous when they are left without safeguards. Out of the many safeguards a pool can have, fencing is the most vital, so it is imperative to take care of the essentials that make fencing possible.
Choosing The Right Type
Choosing the right fence will pay off in ways that matter most, from giving the garden a little flare to making the pool area safe to be around.
Wood Fence: For one, this is an option that demands attention, and for two, this is an option that is multifunctional. It is easy to apply things to a wood fence, so when it comes to adding security features, such as a latch, and beauty marks, such as a paint job, little effort is needed.
Iron Fence: This option is sturdy and durable, and it is one of the greatest ways to keep everyone, especially children, safe and prevent unwanted guests from entering the pool area.
Mesh Fence: If interested in building a fence that is hard for outsiders to see through, this is an excellent option, considering that it is durable and bound to be tightly knitted.
PVC Vinyl Fence: Simply put, this option is cheap and easy to customise.
Before building a fence, it is imperative to have a good idea of what is allowed and what is not. The most sensible way to go about finding out is to check online. This is the most convenient way to find the codes for building a fence. The codes should be used as a guide, for they are the requirements that must be followed.
Building a Fence
When it comes to building a fence, there are two options: The first option is carrying out a do-it-yourself job, and the second option is to step aside and allow a professional to step in and build it. If the first option is chosen, it is best to gather a small team to help out. This way the building process will not become too overwhelming, and it will not take too long to complete. Now, if the second option is chosen, take more than enough time to find the right professional fence builder to reduce the chances of hiring someone who is not so great for this job.
Fence Maintenance
The easiest way to keep a fence in tip-top condition is to care for it regularly and properly. In order to do that, it takes understanding that every fence type has a unique cleaning procedure, for the most part. What works for a wood fence will not work for an iron fence, and so on. For this reason, it is imperative to use the cleaning method that is best for the fence being built.…
How Do I Know When I Need a New Septic Tank?
Determining when you need a new septic tank can often feel like you’re playing psychic. Oftentimes, a damaged system can keep working until one day, it suddenly fails – and you’re stuck with tons of repairs, a yard full of septic tank cleaners and a massive invoice.
Septic tanks are generally quite hardy, and can last up to three years before they need to be pumped. However, a damaged tank can be quite difficult to fix; add years of wear and tear on top of that, and it often makes more sense just to buy a new one altogether.
If you’re not sure of when you need a new septic tank, then this list of damaged septic tank symptoms should help you determine when it’s time to call in the professionals:
• As previously mentioned, septic systems will only need to be pumped every three years, or even longer. However, if you think you’ve needed to pump a lot more than usual, then it might be time to replace it with a totally new system, as it may be a symptom that you and your family have outgrown your old tank.
• Go out to the landscape surrounding your septic system and examine the water. Are there any puddles that have collected on the ground? Does the ground seem constantly moist, even when it hasn’t rained for some time? That’s a big indicator that your septic system is leaking out water. If the leak is along the ports, a septic tank professional can easily fix it; however, if the damage has occurred on the tank itself, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a new tank, as these repairs are costly and time-consuming.
• While you’re checking the ground, see if any trees surrounding your septic tank system have grown larger over the years. Many professionals report seeing tanks that have been damaged by growing tree roots. If there’s been a change in your landscape, forget calling a tree removal service – contact a septic professional to see if they can install a smaller tank or a new one elsewhere on your property.
• If you’ve had your septic system for a couple of decades, you might want to contact a professional to give your tank a check-up. Older tanks may properly function now, but like with anything, it can quickly break down and result in an expensive clean-up job. Spare yourself the hassle – and the cost – by replacing an old system with a new one.
Self-diagnosing a damaged septic tank can be difficult; that’s why it’s often better to leave the process up to the professionals. If you suspect that you need a new tank, don’t wait for it to completely break down before contacting your local professional.
You’ll be sparing yourself from plenty of hassle, expense and frustration!…
What Warranty and Insurance Do New-Build Homes Require?
When you first plan to purchase a new home, having a good warranty with beneficial insurance is key to the future of your living space. No one ever knows when a problem will come about, so taking the necessary precautions will be vital. After all, you don’t want to get hit with an expensive repair when it could have been avoided by having the right warranty and insurance.
However, you will have to have the right type of warranty for your new build home. This means the Solo for Self Build option. Yes, there are residential, rentals and mixed warranties available, but they won’t fit your needs if you’re trying to purchase a new home. The Solo warranty is a 10-year plan that is geared to offer various options in a two phase system.
During the first phase you will be able to get quality cover and during the building process. If you are using a reputable company, they will continually keep you in the loop to the progress that is being made. If by chance something is out of order you will be the first one to know about it. During each stage there will be a completion process that must be approved. It will then receive a certificate of accomplishment.
Obviously the safety issues are the main goal, but there are also many other benefits that come along with a Solo for Self Build warranty. The most important to some families will be the financing department. Without the proper warranty in place it can be more difficult to receive a proper loan without hassles along the way. Since the mortgage lender will have cover as well, it will make the paperwork trail work faster.
Plus, there is a chance that something could happen during the construction. If by chance the sub-structure is defective while it’s being built, you will not have to pay for any of the costs to restructure it. The most common problem usually revolves around drainage issues in case of a storm. If you don’t have the proper cover, this could end up halting the building until you come up with the money.
When you’re looking over the second phase of the warranty, it will explain in detail all the parts of the home that are covered if a problem occurs. This can range from staircases and ceilings to wall plaster and foundations. In all there are over 12 different areas that are covered, which basically takes up the entire home. When you see it for yourself you’ll have a better understanding of it all.
Then again, there are a few things that Solo warranty doesn’t cover. In this case you may look for additional options to have everything covered. Just keep in mind that this will cost you extra money, so if it’s not necessary, you may not want to get it.
If there comes a time when you decide to move, the Solo warranty can be transferred over to the new home owners. …
Purchase a Home Warranty – Things To Watch Out For Before You Buy
A home warranty service contract will allow you to have peace of mind and save you tons of money. It will basically cover the replacement and repair of your homes “moving parts” or home systems and major appliances. There are some things you should do prior to buying a warranty.
Before purchasing, you should estimate the level of coverage your home will need. You don’t want to dish out too much money on coverage if your house is brand new because it’s highly unlikely certain things will break during that time period. However, if your home is more than 10 years old you should spend extra money to get additional coverage.
Research the Home Warranty Company
One of the biggest nuances with some companies is that they are really slow about replying to your claims and they take ages to come by to your home and conduct repairs. Some companies may even deny your claims and not come over to your house at all. If you are dealing with a bad company, it won’t be uncommon at all to have to convince their representative that your replacements and repairs are listed on your contract. This is why it’s so crucial to do some research and find a trusted company that is straightforward and fair. It’s important to find one with good customer service.
Make Sure Your House Needs a Home Warranty
One of the disadvantages to purchasing any type of insurance is that you may not end up using it. You may end up wasting hundreds of dollars every year on a home warranty that is never utilized to repair your home. In the end when you do use it, it may be for a small appliance that doesn’t cover all the costs in premiums you have paid. It’s important to take a look at your home and judge whether you need a warranty plan; if your home is in great shape then you might just be throwing away your money. Remember most homes that are 5 years or younger don’t usually have any major problems; however if your home is older than 10 years old you should probably look into buying a plan.
Compare Prices
Before you invest any of your money, you should compare the prices of the best companies. Find a reputable company that covers all your needs and falls into your price range.…