Category: Homeowner Tips

(BPT) – If you’re building a new home, you want it to be stylish, functional, and of course, state of the art with the latest technology advancements. Smart home features are on top of the wish list for homeowners, with 81 percent of homebuyers stating they would favor purchasing a home with smart accessories already installed, according to Digitized House. By building your own home, you get the advantage of these features being integrated seamlessly into the design.

Every year, smart home technology gets better and better, with new trends emerging that make homeowners’ lives easier and more convenient than ever before. Here are some of the top smart home trends of 2019 that you may want to integrate into your building plans:

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(BPT) – Whether it’s a cabin up north, a villa down south or a quaint cottage near family, many people in the United States own second homes. There are seasons you may spend more time at these vacation properties, but for many people, much of the year they remain empty. That’s why it’s important to take precautions to ensure your property and belongings stay safe even when you’re not there.

Not only are vacation homes a target for thieves, but empty homes are often vulnerable to the elements and the unexpected. For example, can you imagine the damage that a water leak would cause a home if it remained undiscovered for weeks … or months? With a proactive approach you can keep your investment safe and give yourself important peace of mind.

To keep your second home secure, consider these smart steps:

Continue reading “3 Smart Steps To Protect Your Vacation Home When You’re Away”

(BPT) – Whether you want to make the most of your home now, or you’re thinking of selling soon, smart upgrades can boost your enjoyment of your home and increase its resale value. Some upgrades improve the aesthetics of your house, while others help save on energy costs or improve the functionality of the home. Still others can add a touch of luxury.

Why not consider smart upgrades for right now, instead of waiting until you’re ready to sell? You can certainly appreciate the upgrades now, while confident that they will pay off later. Here are some ideas:

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(BPT) – According to AAA Travel, nearly 100 million Americans – four in 10 U.S. adults – are planning to take a family vacation in 2019, with two-thirds of all families embarking on a summer getaway. As families across the country take time off to travel and spend quality time together, the last thing they want to worry about is if their homes and belongings will be the victim of theft or break-ins. Luckily, there are several ways that can help summer travelers keep their homes safe – even from miles away.

From alternative delivery options to light timers, here are five tips that will keep you stress-free and your home safe during upcoming summer vacations:

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(BPT) – When it comes to your home, you want updates that make your property more comfortable, beautiful and of course, valuable. Whether you have a big budget or more elbow grease than cash to invest, there are numerous things you can do to improve your home’s worth immediately.

Here are three small things you can do to boost your home’s value, plus one big one that will really make an impact.

Small change #1 – Fresh paint

Paint is one of the most affordable ways to bring dramatic change to a room. Adding a fresh hue will instantly update the entire feeling of a space while also making it look more stylish and clean. Neutrals – like tan, gray or greige (gray and beige) – are always a good choice, but don’t fear a bolder color. Not sure? Consider painting neutrals on three walls and using the fourth as a focal wall that features a bolder color choice.

For walls, start by patching and sanding any holes so you get a smooth finish. Use painter’s tape to protect molding and ceilings and help you get a clean line when finished. Drop cloths will protect flooring and furniture. Taking time to properly prep helps ensure you get professional-level results that look great and last a long time.

Continue reading “4 Ways To Add Value To Your Home”

(BPT) – With a bustling household and busy family schedules, updates to the home are often a low priority compared to time spent with loved ones. Consider four home improvement ideas fit for the entire family, which require little time commitment and deliver long-lasting benefits.

Pick paint colors that age well.

Paint can dramatically transform a space, so when you choose a color, pay attention to tones that age well. While kids are drawn to bright hues, reach for colors that are soft on the eyes. Choose colors that work in harmony, like whites and blushes; charcoals and blues; and sages and taupes. To maximize wall space, consider chalkboard paint for calendars, to-do lists and a creative outlet for kids to draw. With the proper equipment – plenty of painters’ tape, goggles and mask filters – painting can involve the whole family.

Continue reading “4 Home Upgrades, Suitable For the Whole Family”

(BPT) – If you prefer to take on your own home improvement projects instead of hiring professional craftsmen, you’re part of a growing trend.

Americans are increasingly aware of the money they can save by completing their own renovations rather than paying premium prices for the work of others. And that’s reflected in sales figures; not surprisingly, the value of the DIY market rose a full 45 percent between 2012 and 2018, from $30.2 billion to $43.7 billion.

With careful planning and budgeting, DIY projects can be fun, efficient and creatively satisfying while allowing you to customize your finished product to your own tastes.

Is there a new DIY project in your future? If so, consider these tips for forming a workable strategy that ensures you’re prepared for every step of the process.

Continue reading “DIY Nation: Jump-Start Your Next Project With These 5 Tips”

(BPT) – If you’re considering a home warranty plan, you are probably doing your due diligence – as you should – on how they work, who the different providers are and what to expect from the experience. This article is meant to help you understand home warranty plans, as well as separate fact from fiction.

Go the extra mile to protect your home

Myth: “I don’t need a home warranty plan because I have home insurance.”

Investing money, time and love into a place to call home can be scary, especially knowing that things don’t always go as planned. You may have homeowners insurance to protect your home against unexpected disasters, but these plans typically don’t cover the issues that come with the everyday wear-and-tear your home systems and appliances go through. The reality is that unexpected breakdowns will happen, and they can be costly.

Continue reading “Dispelling Myths About Home Warranty Plans”

(BPT) – Segmental retaining wall units are one of the most versatile landscaping tools in the homeowner’s and professional landscaper’s toolbox. Retaining wall units have evolved from just retaining soil, transitioning slopes and preventing erosion. Today’s SRWs can do all that plus serve as multipurpose building blocks for outdoor-living features, including stairs, columns, freestanding walls, tiered walls, curved walls, seating and more.

Continue reading “The Building Blocks To a More Beautiful Outdoor-Living Space”

(BPT) – Modern trends in luxury homes are not just about location, size or specific decor, but reflecting the sophistication of their buyers. Buyers in today’s luxury home market desire innovative features that enhance their quality of life, provide extra touches of relaxation and use smart technology to increase safety and security.

Junaid Siddiqi, CFO for the developer of the exclusive Four Seasons Private Residences in Baltimore, offers some of the latest trends seen in today’s luxury home designs.

Continue reading “6 Features Luxury Home Buyers Desire”