Given how tough last year was and the extra amount of time that we’re all spending at home now, it’s a perfect time to spruce it up. Not only will it make the home feel more like a new place, but it will become one that you’ll feel happier to relax in too.

Here are 4 ways to spruce up your home. 

Put in a Deck

A wooden deck at the back of the property is a lovely addition. Being able to step outside and relax on a deck is ideal in the warmer months, but it also gives us something to look forward to as spring comes into view too. 

Firms like Home Pro America can install a deck with the appropriate size and shape that will fit into your backyard. It can then be used to relax, cook a BBQ, or sit out and read during the warmer parts of the day. Getting more sunlight will surely help with any potential Vitamin D3 deficiency from being indoors a lot.

Add a Throw to the Sofa

When a sofa or armchair has become a little stale and boring, then adding a throw rug to them does the trick. It’s an inexpensive update (rather than changing the sofa itself) to bring fresh vibrant color, cozy warmth, and a different texture to the lounging experience. Watching Netflix or Amazon Prime Video and relaxing never felt so good now.

Also, add some table lamps so you can turn off the main lights and rest your eyes. A standing lamp is also good when you love to sit in an armchair and read a book. Make the lounge as comfortable as possible rather than remaining as an afterthought. 

Create a Zoom Room

Just like a reading nook was a popular thing in some homes, now the Zoom Room is what it’s all about. Anyone who’s finding they’re increasingly connecting to multiple friends, family, or even business associates using the Zoom app needs a quiet place to do so.

Creating a room specifically to have private conversations is the best way unless you can guarantee that your office won’t be invaded by the kids or your partner. Preferably it should be in a quieter part of the home too. And rules should be established that when someone is on a Zoom call, they’re only to be disturbed in an emergency. Use an OPEN/CLOSED store sign to clarify when the room is in use. 

Update Your Entrance Way

Clean up the area to make it more inviting. Remove any clutter that’s built up like shoes or boots that rarely get used and can be stored elsewhere. Avoid the tendency to create a bottleneck when people first enter the home. 

For homes with a porch out front, then don’t forget this area too. It could likely do with a little TLC to bring it back up to a good standard. Consider adding standing or hanging plants to introduce extra color into space. 

If you have a bigger budget, consider upgrading your entrance door to a smart new one. As well as looking more attractive, it will also be more secure. 

Add a Garden Office

Homeworking is all the rage right now. Millions of people have started working from home since the pandemic began, but it can cause problems when you are forced to share your workspace with kids and partners. After all, trying to participate in a teleconference while the kids are asking you questions about their schoolwork is not desirable; nor is working at the kitchen table with people in and out in search of food. 

One solution is to build a new garden office. Timber buildings make ideal home offices. If you plan on using your office all year round, look for an insulated building with double-glazed windows. To save money, you can buy timber garden offices as self-build kits, but you will need to hire an electrician to add lights and power outlets.

One great reason to add a garden office is that it will pay for itself by increasing the value of your property. Since so many people are working from home these days, home offices are a highly desirable feature, and homes that have them tend to sell faster. 

Conclusion

Sprucing up your home doesn’t always require major changes to get a satisfactory result. Leave the bigger ones to the professionals to ensure everything goes as expected. 

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One of the worst nightmares of homeowners is a broken or damaged sewer pipe. It’s because dealing with sewer line problems can be messy and troubling. From minor sewer issues like a clogged drain to major problems such as burst pipes, there are different ways sewer line problems can be repaired. 

In this article, get to learn the signs of major sewer pipe problems and the best way to repair a damaged sewer line. 

Signs Of A Broken Sewer Line

Professional plumbers always advise homeowners to invest in proactive maintenance than waiting for major plumbing issues to occur. However, many homeowners fail to do this and end up needing emergency repairs. 

When you observe the warning signs below, it means you need to contact a professional plumber to perform emergency sewer repairs in Lorton.

• Strong Sewer Odor: One of the first signs of a damaged sewer line is a strong, unusual smell that must be seriously taken care of. A crack in the sewer line may cause this problem.
• Gurgling Toilet: A toilet that makes unusual noise after flushing could be an indication of a damaged sewer line. The gurgling sound happens because the trapped air is released abruptly. A leakage allows air to go into the sewer line. 
• Slow And Clogged Drain: An isolated drain involves one drain that takes a long to clear, which is a minor plumbing problem. However, if all drains are affected, and you’re having a hard time clearing them, it indicates a major sewer line problem.
• Mold And Mildew Formation: Mold growth means high moisture content is present. High humidity levels can aggravate the problem, causing the spread of mold and mildew on ceilings and walls. If this growth is accompanied by sewer odor, then it’s likely a damaged sewer line that’s causing the problem.

• Regular Sewage Backup: If you notice regular sewage backup in the tub or toilet, then something is wrong. A tree root intrusion, crack, channeling, and a misaligned pipe connection are just some of the possible causes of this plumbing problem.
• Other Signs: Also, walls that start cracking, pest invasion, greener lawn patches than usual, indentions on pavers or the lawn, and sewage pooling on the lawn are also possible signs of sewage line damage.

Different Ways To Repair And Replace Sewer Lines

Sewer lines suffer inevitable damage over time, such as corrosion of pipe materials, underground pipe disturbance due to trees and other vegetation, and physical damage. For this reason, prioritizing your plumbing during renovation is an important step whether you’re dealing with an existing plumbing problem or not.

Take a look at the different ways of repairing and replacing damaged sewer lines:

Spot Sewer Repair 

This method is a cost-effective way to repair damaged sewer lines, requiring less digging. It’s less invasive and it’s the appropriate solution for common minor sewage line issues. It involves repairing just the damaged part without having to replace the entire sewer line.

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Trenchless sewer repair or traditional trenching includes directional drilling and bursting. This repair method doesn’t require excavation to reach the pipes. Hence, trenchless sewer repairs leave the yard intact. The common sewer problems corrected with the trenchless method include the following:

• Cracked pipes
• Sewage backups
• Broken pipes
• Minor pipe misalignment
• Corrosion due to rust
• Tree roots

Pipe Bursting

This trenchless pipe repair technique allows sewer line replacement without causing damage to the landscaping. It’s a trenchless method that can replace existing pipes without wreaking havoc on the ground.

Here’s how pipe bursting is done:

• A hole is created in the yard to reach the sewer pipes. 
• The old pipe is broken down into pieces.  
• A new pipe replaces the old pipe on the same exact space once.

Directional Drilling

Directional drilling or boring involves using a high-powered drill to create a path for a sewer pipe. Unlike bursting, this method has a low ground impact which reduces the need for steep restoration.

Best Way to Repair A Damaged Sewer Line

New plumbing technology techniques can fix or replace sewer lines faster than ever, and one of the most recommended methods is CIPP lining which is a form of trenchless sewer repair. A cured-in-place pipe or CIPP seamlessly repairs older pipes through a fiberglass or polyester liner inserted into a damaged pipe, creating or reinforcing a new piping system. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to repair a damaged sewer line. When it comes to choosing the method to repair or replace your damaged sewer line, the answer depends on different factors. While CIPP pipe trenchless lining is a great solution, there are times when a complete pipe replacement method is the best solution. For an extensive sewer line problem, it’s best to talk to a professional plumber with experience in performing all the above methods.

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Various recurring costs are involved in homeownership—before and after buying your dream home. These costs could make your purchase expensive and might keep you from buying a property. Luckily, you can reduce some of the expenses. Here is how:

Cut Home Maintenance Expenses

It is advisable to set 1% of your home’s value for maintenance. These expenses vary, depending on your house’s condition. If your house is old and has several improvements, try easy DIY projects instead of hiring a professional. Activities that require limited knowledge include landscaping, basic floor installation, cabinet installation, painting, drywall repair, and drain cleaning. Additionally, get a house inspection to establish costly repairs. Use the inspection report to renegotiate with your seller and address substantial improvements.

For new houses, there might be few maintenance costs during the first years. Make sure your constructor guarantees a warranty for structural defects. You can also do simple fixes without hiring a contractor.

Deal With Your Credit Score on Time

You need to address your credit score if you intend to buy your home on loan. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, reducing your mortgage interest rate by even a small percentage could save you thousands of dollars.

Having a credit score of 740 or higher lets you enjoy the best interest rates. Thus, it’s advisable to check your credit reports at least months or even years before buying a home. This approach saves you the hassle of addressing credit reports while you’re actively seeking a home to buy or mortgage approval. So, think and act ahead to get the best deal on your house purchase.

Check Out if Uncle Sam Could Help

Don’t forget that Uncle Sam could help you scale down the cost of owning a house. The US Department of Housing (HUD) offers several homeownership programs for buyers meeting specific income or location requirements. The Department may assist you in settling your down payment and closing costs.

HUD also gives some professionals special discounts. For instance, you qualify for these discounts if you are a law enforcer or firefighter buying in a “revitalization area.”

Do Thorough Home Inspection

You can save yourself ownership costs by thoroughly inspecting the home before buying it. It opens your eyes to bigger hidden problems in the home that could cost you more money. For instance, some hidden problems require costly structural overhauls to fix. Therefore, inspect the home before paying for it.

Moreover, use refinancing to swap an existing loan for a new one. For instance, you can do an Mt. Pleasant refinance plan for a $200,000 loan at a 5% interest rate with a 4% interest rate to save $120 monthly.

Manage Mortgage Payments

A significant amount of homeownership is mortgage payments. Your monthly expenses depend on the sale price, amount of down payment, and mortgage interest rate. You can reduce this recurring expense by negotiating for a low-interest rate and making a higher upfront payment.

Moreover, use refinancing to swap an existing loan for a new one. For instance, you can refinance a $200,000 loan at a 5% interest rate with a 4% interest rate to save $120 monthly.

Remember Unexpected Costs and Repairs

Emergency expenses are almost unavoidable. A storm might blow up your roof, appliances might reach the end of a product life cycle, or fire might damage your structure. Your mortgage company should have insurance cover for your house. However, you might need a supplemental policy for damages caused by natural disasters.

You can also handle easy DIY projects to reduce contractor expenses. Utilize internet resources for tutorials.

Reduce Utility Costs

The American Housing Survey estimates average utility costs at $202 per month. Reduce these costs by cutting down on electricity, water, and gas. Turning off the tap, switching off unnecessary lights, and reducing fuel can save you money.

Consider investing in smart lighting and LED bulbs to minimize electricity bills. Additionally, replace old air filters with high energy requirements.

Invest in the modern kitchen and bath fixtures that reduce water usage. For instance, new water faucets and showerheads save nearly half the water old ones use. 

Smart thermostats are better than manual or programmable ones. They heat individual rooms rather than the whole house. You can also program them to go on and off whenever necessary.

Secure Your Home

Vandalism and fires are a threat to any home. So, install smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to alert you of fire accidents. Also, consider smart locks and a video door opener. These devices help you monitor your house from anywhere and help to keep off intruders.

Home buying costs do not stop when you make upfront payments. The recurring fees can drain your savings or thwart your homeownership dreams. Cut the expenses with these smart tips.

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From gathering packing supplies to loading up your belongings, there is never a dull moment when it comes to moving—especially if you’re planning on doing it without professional movers. However, while it is true that a DIY move requires more planning and elbow grease, that doesn’t mean it has to be filled with unexpected mishaps and stress.

If you want the perfect DIY move, don’t skip these 7 tips. 

Get the Right Boxes

While all cardboard boxes may look the same, the truth is they differ and it is essential to know which moving boxes you need for your move. A book box can hold up to 50 pounds and is suitable for the majority of items. Though, for dishes, you are better off going with a double corrugated china box. There are also boxes for wardrobes, televisions, mirrors, art, and linens. What about used boxes? While used boxes are fine for lighter items, skip them for anything heavy and fragile—even after one use, they lose some of their strength. 

Alternatively, if you don’t want to deal with a sea of cardboard, you can always rent environmentally-friendly, reusable totes. Unlike their cardboard counterparts, they won’t get soggy in the rain or snow and can be used hundreds of times before needing to be recycled. Better yet, many companies manufacture these boxes from recycled plastic in the first place. These sustainable and durable totes are available from Frogbox, U-Haul, and other moving companies. 

Declutter Your Old Home

From junk drawers packed with odds and ends to kitchen accessories that never get used, every home can benefit from a decluttering session before a move. Not only will this cut down on the amount of stuff you have to transport, but it can help your new home look cleaner and more organized from the get-go. 

If you don’t know where to start, look at tossing old and expired items from the pantry, medicine cabinet, and bathroom. From there, go through the rest of your home room by room and take stock of everything. If you don’t need it and haven’t used it in the past 2 years, you are probably safe to donate, toss, or sell.  

Make a Packing Plan

You’ve got your boxes and you’ve pared down your possessions, but don’t start packing just yet! First plan which orders you are going to box up your home. An ideal system to follow is FILO (First In, Last Out). Therefore, start packing areas in your home rarely used and finish with rooms used daily. For example, you may want to start packing the storage room with all your holiday decorations first and pack the kitchen last. Then, once you are in your new home, start unpacking in reverse order. 

The priority of rooms will change from home to home, but generally, the top 3 places to unpack first are kitchen, bathroom, and nursery. It is also highly recommended to pack an essentials box. This box has everything you need for the first few days in the new home, such as changes of clothes, medications, chargers, snacks, toiletries, etc. By bundling these items together, you can avoid the stress of digging in multiple boxes to find what you need. 

Label Boxes Diligently

Speaking of searching in boxes, you can avoid a lot of frustration when it comes to locating items in your new home with detailed labels. Most people label boxes with the name of a room but try going one step further by taking inventory. There are two easy ways to do this.

Use a Number System: Assign each box a number and scrawl it directly on the box. Then on a master inventory list write down what each numbered box contains. Just be sure to make multiple copies of the list.

Write Key Items on Boxes: Write key items the box contains directly on the cardboard or a piece of paper taped to the box. Even if you don’t write down everything, adding at least 5 items should jog your memory as to what the rest of the contents are. 

Rent a Moving Container

Most people consider moving trucks for DIY moves, but they often skip over moving containers. Moving containers an especially suitable method for those wanting a DIY move but who don’t want to drive a moving truck. Here’s how it works: The container gets dropped off by a company such as U-Haul, U-Pack, or PODS, and you load it with your belongings. Once you’re done, it is picked back up and towed to your new location. From there, you empty it and it gets hauled off once again. 

Thinking of making multiple car trips instead? You may want to reconsider if the reason is to save money. Multiple car trips will not only take more time, but they will also consume much more gas. Often renting a moving container or truck is more economical and easier on the environment. 

Involve Your Kids

Trying to wrangle up childcare for a move can be stressful, so instead, why not involve the kids? By giving them tasks to do on moving day, you can help ease their stress and create a fun and memorable day for the whole family. 

If you want the kids out of the house, consider having them deliver cookies or handmade goodbye cards to well-known neighbors while the truck gets loaded. Alternatively, you can also make them an “official moving day photographer”. Just hand them an old phone or disposable camera and let them capture the experience. You may also want them to take photos of cables behind the TV if you think you’ll forget where everything gets plugged in.

Call in Reinforcements

You may be forgoing professional movers, but that doesn’t mean you have to power through the entire move yourself. Ask friends and family if they are willing to lend a hand for either packing or unpacking. A few helpers will go a long way in making your move faster and less taxing. 

Have large items like a grand piano or hot tub? You may want to hire movers just for those items. Professionals have the equipment and experience to lug heavy and bulky items to their destination safely and efficiently. 

Conclusion

With a little bit of planning, some know-how, and patience, your DIY move can be a huge success. But if you hit a few bumps along the way, don’t fret. Remember, moving is temporary and it will be over before you know it. Plus, moving mishaps make for some pretty funny stories down the road. Happy trails!

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