Posts with tag 'owning a home'

#1 Using Bleach as a Cure-All

If bleach is your chicken soup for whatever ails your home, proceed with caution.

Bleach can:

• Eat through the sealant on stone surfaces like granite
• Discolor laminate and colored grout
• Fade enamel and acrylic tubs
• Dissolve vinyl and linseed-based flooring like linoleum
• Corrode seals within the disposal

In addition, bleach kills mold on non-porous surfaces but can feed future mold growth on absorbent and porous materials, like grout. Yep, whitening grout with bleach creates a mold feeding ground. Whoops.

Better options? Water and vinegar are all you need for most cleaning jobs. If you've got a heftier mold or mildew issue, apply a commercial anti-fungal product.

And to clean your disposal, just dump cold w...

Click Here to Read More...

As a homeowner, you've probably wondered what you can do to create a safer, more secure environment for your family. An easy, low budget do-it-yourself (DIY) project may be the answer.

DIY safety and security projects not only help you save money, they also foster a sense of control over your household's well-being and give every family member the chance to get involved. If you're ready to improve your home's safety and security, use these 10 simple DIY projects to get started.

1. Install a wide-angle peephole.
A peephole lets you see who's on the other side of the door before you open it, helping provide extra protection to your family. Available at your local hardware store, peepholes are affordable and can be installed 

Click Here to Read More...

Home values are important regardless of when you plan to sell your home. When you make changes to the home, you need to be aware of what will get you the most "bang for your buck" so to speak. With that in mind, here are ten tips to help increase your home's value.

1. The first being landscape. Landscaping is extremely important to present it to other people. It doesn't have to be extravagant, but maintaining is crucial. Look at some of our other videos for tips there.
2. Fix minor repairs; don't give the next owner a laundry list to do.
3. For a refresh and updated look, paint the walls. Simply and easy!
4. If you plan on making major enhancements to the home, consider updating kitchen
5. Or consider updating a bathroom as those usually have the most bang for your money.

Click Here to Read More...

Many homeowners struggle with the decision of purchasing a  home warranty plan. You're probably already paying a mortgage, and likely utilities too. So it's understandable if adding another monthly payment is unappealing. But investing in the safety of your home with a home warranty could make a huge difference in your family's financial security and peace of mind.

Consider your appliances

Click Here to Read More...