Finances can make or break a family; thus, parents need to budget and regulate home spending for their sake and their children. Spending responsibly is a home management tip that allows parents to live comfortably within their means and provide comfortably for their children. Below are three tips that parents should follow to reduce home spending costs.

Home Security

Regarding home safety and security, there’s no such thing as being too cautious! Invest in a quality home security system to have your back at all times and protect your home and children against robbers. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program statistics show that breaking-in cases make up 95% of all burglaries. Besides resulting in physical deterioration to your property that will require repairs, burglars may also do away with valuable items whose replacement is costly. Home invasions put you and your children in the way of harm, such as injuries that will require hospital visits that will cost you not only time but also money.

Make a habit of setting offsetting the security alarm every time you leave the house and before you go to bed each night. If you have a terrible memory, leave a note by the door or set up a reminder on your phone. Another often overlooked way of keeping your home safe is updating your locks, especially once you move, as the previous owners may still gain access to the home using the old keyset.

Routine HVAC Maintenance

Heating ventilation and air conditioning systems maintain high indoor air quality at home. Yet, like any other systems, they require regular maintenance to operate correctly. According to Data Scope, routine HVAC maintenance reduces expensive repair costs by up to 95%. When HVAC systems fail due to neglect, any warranty on them becomes void as regular maintenance is often a condition under these agreements. Thus, you’ll have to cover the cost of new equipment out of pocket. Additionally, routine maintenance promotes efficient energy use in home heating and air conditioning equipment, keeping your monthly energy bill on the lower side.

Parents can perform simple HVAC maintenance, such as replacing the air conditioning unit’s air filter. A dirty filter can worsen respiratory conditions in children, such as asthma, warranting regular hospital visits. Maintenance plans are also often available with your HVAC repair company. It means a professional will come out according to an agreed-upon schedule and check the HVAC system for damage or gas leaks in the furnace. The contractor will also repair any issues that may crop up while performing routine maintenance designed to increase the overall life span of the system.

Get A Roof Replacement

Most people see few benefits to roof replacement. A roof replacement is costly whether you hire professionals or do the job yourself. Regardless, there are many benefits to replacing a roof once it hits a state of decline that is well worth considering. Conceivably, a roof replacement will yield an 85% return on investment (ROI) on resale. It’s true, according to research conducted by Home 365. The efficiency is because modern roofing systems have improved features such as higher energy efficiency and a higher fire rating. New roofs are hardier for mildew and termite attacks, reducing the need for maintenance and subsequent costs.

Another significant benefit of roof replacement is that when you hire licensed and bonded professional contracts to replace the roof of your home, the new roof will have a warranty cover. The agreement gives you a safety net and peace of mind should problems arise within the contract’s life cycle. While this expense will need monthly payments, it will save you a lot of money in the long run.

A home security system prevents unauthorized access, keeping valuables and family members safe. Air conditioning systems require regular maintenance to keep energy bills down and reduce the need for buying new ones. A roof replacement will save you repair costs as it comes with improved features such as energy efficiency.

Are you looking for ways to save energy and money in 2022? If so, you’re not alone. With the rising cost of living, more people are looking for ways to cut costs and reduce their energy consumption. Luckily, there are several simple tactics you can try to make a real difference in your energy bills. From installing energy-efficient lighting to making your home more airtight, there are several ways to save both energy and money. So if you’re interested in learning more about how to slash your energy bills, read on for some great tips.

1. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting

One of the easiest ways to save energy and money is to install energy-efficient lighting throughout your home. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, so making the switch can help you slash your energy bills. Not only that, but LED bulbs also last much longer than traditional bulbs, so you’ll also save money in the long run.

If you’re not ready to switch to LED bulbs just yet, there are several other energy-efficient lighting options available, such as compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. CFL bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to ten times longer. So, if you’re looking for a more energy-efficient lighting option, CFL bulbs are a great choice.

Another option is to install solar-powered lights around your home. Solar lights are powered by the sun, so they’re completely free to run. They’re also very easy to install and require no wiring, making them a great option for do-it-yourselfers.

Finally, you can also try using timers or motion sensors to control your lights. Timers allow you to set your lights to turn off automatically after a certain period, while motion sensors will only turn on your lights when someone is in the room. This can help you save energy.

2. Make Your Home More Airtight

Another great way to save energy and money is to make your home more airtight. By sealing up cracks and gaps around doors and windows, you can prevent heat from escaping, which will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In fact, professional sealing can save you up to 20% on your energy bills.

There are several ways to seal your home, but one of the easiest is to use caulk. Caulk is a flexible, water-resistant sealant that can be used to fill in cracks and gaps around doors and windows. You can also use weatherstripping to seal up larger gaps. Weatherstripping is a strip of material that you attach to the inside or outside of your doors and windows to prevent air from escaping.

3. Install a Smart Thermostat

One of the best ways to save energy and money is to install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats are programmable thermostats that can be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone or tablet. This means that you can set your thermostat to turn off when you’re not home, which can help you save a significant amount of energy.

In addition to being able to control your thermostat remotely, smart thermostats also have several other features that can help you save energy. For example, some smart thermostats come with sensors that can detect when someone is in the room and will only turn on the heat or air conditioning when someone is present. Other smart thermostats come with features that allow you to schedule your heating and cooling so that it’s only on when you need it. Remember to also lower your thermostat whenever possible. According to the Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% on heating and cooling expenses yearly.

4. Educate Your Family About Energy Saving

One of the best ways to save energy and money is to educate your family about energy saving. Teaching your children about energy conservation can help them develop good habits that will last a lifetime. There are several ways to teach your children about energy conservation, but one of the best is to lead by example.

The next one is looking for online resources to help your children learn about energy conservation. Given that about 900,000 domain names are registered every week, chances are there’s a website, blog, or even app that can help your kids learn about saving energy.

These are just a few of the many ways you can save energy and money in 2022. By making a few simple changes, you can have a big impact on your energy bill. So, don’t wait. Start saving today.

Anyone trying to sell their home wants the process to be fast and effective, giving them a good return for their investment. You can get this by upgrading your home before you sell, and here are some upgrading tips to help you with that.

Add a Deck

With a deck having an average ROI of 70%, it’s clear that this is one upgrade you won’t regret making. Work with a good contractor to ensure that you get a good deck that looks amazing and is durable so that potential home buyers won’t have a hard time seeing the value of your home. You could get one built-in composite material that will be a bit pricey up front but save money on upkeep over time, or get one made out of natural wood that will look and feel amazing but will need upkeep to stay that way for a long time.

Work With a Good Real Estate Agent

Another important thing to do when selling your home is to work with an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent. Doing this will allow you to enjoy a fast and easy process that won’t leave you drained in the end. Before settling on a real estate agent, first, find out if they have experience selling homes in your area so that you can be sure they will be a good fit. Ask friends and family who have put their homes up for sale of late and successfully sold them to link you up with any good real estate agents that they worked with. This will save you a lot of time and you will get someone reasonable to work within no time at all.

Settle on a Good Sale Price

Finding the right sale price for your home can make a big difference in how fast you sell it. Involve your real estate agent in this step so they can help you come up with a figure that will get you your money back and have your home on the market for as short a period as is possible. This is a real concern, with 50% of homes that were listed in the DC Metro market failing to sell the first time they were put up for sale. With this in mind, it’s important for you to come up with the right price. Walkthrough your home with your agent so they can help you quote an accurate price and you will have a higher chance of making a successful sale.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Good windows have proved to be a major part of helping homeowners save on their energy use. With this in mind, you can help the buyers of your home go down the right path by installing windows that will be energy-efficient, such as double-pane windows. While they may be a bit costly to install upfront, they can get you good returns if you market them right. If you still have the budget to spare after this, you may also change the doors to be more insulating so that the treated air in the home won’t find its way out through either the doors or windows.

Upgrade the Electronics in Your Home

Finally, people looking for a home to buy will be impressed by a home that has modern and energy-efficient appliances in it. Get the most out of this fact by upgrading any of the old appliances to new and modern ones that look good and work efficiently. You can work with a reputable electronics manufacturing service or EMS provider to significantly reduce your risk of buying components and parts that are counterfeit.

These home-selling and money-saving tips should make it possible for you to sell your home successfully. Give them a try and you will enjoy the results when you find a willing buyer for your home that offers you a great price!

Moving can be a fun and exhilarating experience. That is until you realize how much money you’ve spent along the way. From the costs of packing supplies to the expense of paying for a moving service, you could end up paying hundreds, even thousands of dollars for getting your belongings from one place to the next. If you need money saving tips for moving, keep reading, as these five tips will prepare you once you reach your new home.

Find Discounts On Moving Supplies

You’ll need packing tape and paper in abundance, as well as both plastic and bubble wrap for cushioning. Labels and colored stickers will help you organize your items in boxes, and a thick black marker and utility knife or box cutter will all come in handy as well. Keep in mind also that discounts at Groupon, Uboxes.com, and Upack.com can help you avoid increasing costs of supplies in the short term.

Rent A Moving Truck

While a moving service will add hundreds of dollars to your moving expenses, a moving truck puts you in the driver’s seat to get the job done. You’ll have the luxury of choosing how your possessions are stored while driving, and even get the chance to enjoy the awesome view. Remember to pick a larger-sized truck for oddly shaped and substantially sized packages. For example, heat exchangers, now available from Standard Xchange (formerly known as ITT Standard and American Standard) would take a bit more room than your vacuum cleaner, so think carefully. As long as you drive safely, you’ll be satisfied with a moving truck, and glad you saved the extra cash.

Move Between October And April

One of the big reasons is the weather and temperature. Try gathering all of your boxes and shuffling around in the winter and you’ll know how uncomfortable it is. Not to mention the dangers of driving on icy roads, or getting all of the physical work done amid an excruciating heatwave. Not only that, costs of moving skyrocket during peak times as services are in high demand. Think of who moves each year. Individual or family moves make up 44% of all moves, while corporate and military moves make up 38% and 16% of all moves: Agencies move 2% of the time, but more often than not, it’s just you and your family. Enjoy your moving date and cut costs at once. Move between October and April.

Gather As Many Free Boxes As Possible

Boxes may seem like they’re everywhere. But if you don’t get them for free, you’ll be increasing the financial burdens on your family. Try Craigslist, FreeCycle, U-Haul, your best friend’s house, a church, post office, library, or friendly warehouse. The idea is to explore a wide variety of places, gather as many sizes as you need, and keep them in one place until you’re ready to move. Boxes are often a better choice than bags, and besides that, should you have too many by the time you’re finished packing, you’ll have no problem getting rid of them. Make sure you break down the boxes carefully so you won’t have a disaster while moving. It happens, but still, moving doesn’t mean you have to bring everything you’ve ever owned.

Recycle, Trash, or Donate Unwanted Possessions

That’s right. If you don’t need it, you don’t want to move it. And if you don’t want it, well, someone else probably will. Schedule a garage sale up to a month before your actual move date. The lead time will help you get everything, and you check some other tasks off your list while you’re taking it easy selling and giving your items away. Resist the urge to simply trash everything, as you could get hit with fines if you dispose of waste improperly. Besides, if homeowners pay for their roofing materials, they’ll buy your junk. After all, the global TPO roofing membrane market should reach $2.2 billion by 2024. So, market your unwanted possessions to people who can afford the extra stuff. And watch your moving expenses get cut down in the process.

Getting rid of your junk is a starting point. Renting a moving truck is what you do by the time you’re ready to live in your new home. Be sure to move at the right time of year to save money on both moving services and supplies. And while boxes are plentiful everywhere, you still have to take time to find them. As long as you follow these money saving tips, you’re good. Now you’re ready to get moving on your future.

Improving home energy efficiency is every homeowner’s dream, but sometimes it may be a bit unclear as to what exactly you need to do to achieve this. Take a look at some of the ways you can manage energy costs in your life below.

Upgrade and Seal Your Windows

The very first thing you need to do is to upgrade your windows to an energy-efficient option. Doing this will help you keep the home better insulated and you won’t lose heat through them when it gets cold. While it will cost a considerable amount upfront, this is an amount you will save over time in terms of the heating you need to use. The expenditure on heating keeps fluctuating, and you want to do your best to lower that cost. For instance, households using heating oil will spend $1,734 which is 43% more than last winter. In cases like these, it’s best to make sure you’re cushioned from the higher extremes.

Keep Sunlight Out

Another way in which you can keep your energy consumption low is by keeping the sunlight out during hotter months. You can do this by installing blinds specially crafted to keep the sunlight out of your home. When less heat gets in, you’ll use your air conditioning less. This will save you from having to crank your system up and use energy.

Maintain Your HVAC

To make sure you’re saving energy with the appliances in your house, it’s important to make sure they’re working correctly. The best way to do it is to keep your unit well maintained at all times and have it serviced as recommended by manufacturers. It’s easy to see how beneficial this is when you think about the fact that air conditioning accounts for up to 27% of the energy used in a home in climates as hot and humid as Alabama’s. 

Insulate Your Home

To ensure that you’re not losing treated indoor air to the outdoors through your attic and walls, you need to make sure they’re properly insulated. Make it a point to check your walls and attic often for any signs of leakage, and if you find any, have them fixed fast. Inspect the windows and doors and apply caulk to any gaps you find. This way, more treated air will remain indoors. This will save you money and keep your family healthy, as they will be safe from issues they may develop due to sleeping in a drafty house.

Switch to Modern Appliances

Finally, you should change all the old appliances in your house for newer models. Make sure that those you get have a good energy star rating, so you can get the best efficiency out of them. Appliances that are at the end of their lifespan will also be less efficient than new ones, so this is something you need to put into consideration. It’s a fact that when you switch to high-efficiency air conditioners and make some other changes to keep your home cool, you can reduce the energy used by your air conditioner by between 20% and 50%. This makes it a worthwhile step to take and one that will help you make savings in the long run.

With these tips, you can manage your home’s energy costs and spend a minimal amount of money on it. You will also have taught your family how to keep their energy consumption low both now and in the future, something they will thank you for.

Did you know that 14,000 people in the United States experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day, and one of the most affected rooms by these damages is the bathroom? Since the bathroom is one of the essential rooms in a home, it has to be repaired as soon as possible. The repair allows you to customize your bathroom the way you want based on your needs and preferences. Here are tips for revamping your bathroom following water damage.

1. Add More Storage Space

Your bathroom should have enough storage space for items like towels and braces. More than four million people in the United States wear braces, and 25% of them are adults. Install a wall cabinet on your bathroom wall for organizing toiletries, skin oils, towels, and other things. Hang a court rack for hanging wet towels and robes. A rack will provide additional storage space and make your bathroom look organized. Add storage to the medicine cabinet by making it bigger or add storage bins to store the medicines by category. A bathroom with enough storage space will give your family good accessibility and improved comfort.

2. Install Bright Lights

Since your family needs to visually inspect themselves while taking a bath or brushing their teeth, installing bright lights in your bathroom would be a good idea. As a general rule of thumb, use bulbs that emit light as close to white as possible. The bulb should also have a high CRI, ranging from 90-100. You can add a dimmer switch to your lights to reduce brightness when you want relaxing baths. You can use fluorescent vertical walls scones on your mirrors to provide good mirror lighting and facial illumination.

3. Put More Mirrors in the Bathroom

Bathroom mirrors are must-have items in your bathroom. With 28% of young adults saying they feel the appearance of their mouth and teeth affected their ability to interview for a job, you can ensure your teeth and overall appearance are spot-on for whatever you need to do each day. Additionally, mirrors can make your bathroom look spacious, increase natural lighting, and act as décor on your bathroom walls. Depending on your bathroom design, you can install a folded corner mirror, a hanging mirror, or a full-length leaning mirror. Whatever mirror you go for, ensure it blends well with your bathroom’s background.

4. Use Moisture-Resistant Paint

Your bathroom walls get wet from time to time. Moisture can damage the appearance of your paint if it is not water-resistant. It can soak your walls and cause bubbles or peel your paint. Ensure you use moisture-resistant paint because, when cured, they form a hard, glossy coat that prevents water from seeping through the walls. Don’t use paints designed for exterior use only, as they may have hazardous elements that can cause respiratory issues. Consult your bathroom remodel expert about the right paint to use.

5. Use Energy Efficient Appliances

Revamping doesn’t have to be structural only. Replacing your old appliances with energy-efficient ones is a great way to revamp your bathroom following water damage. Install an energy-efficient showerhead and sink to use less energy and water. Invest in an efficient toilet and replace your windows with Energy Star windows to increase energy efficiency in your bathroom. Increasing efficiency in your bathroom will lower your water and energy bills, allowing you to save money.

Using these tips to revamp your bathroom following water damage will increase aesthetics and functionality. A newly upgraded bathroom will provide comfort and luxury to your family.

Once the winter holidays have passed, it is time for many homeowners to get serious about spring home renovation plans. About 55% of homeowners reported that they continue or begin their renovation projects during the winter while others get deep into the planning phase at this time of year. If you are in the latter group and are planning your renovation, the goal, of course, is to get the best ROI (return on investment) for your home renovation project. There are some renovation and remodel projects that are truly a solid investment that will last you a lifetime.

The Right Flooring Can Last a Lifetime

Flooring is an important part of any home, and if you choose the right flooring it can last the life of the home. Think about those beautiful and very popular wide plank wood floors that have been reclaimed from old barns that are so popular. Of course, you do not need to source 100-year-old barn wood to have floors that will last a lifetime (although that would look fabulous).

If your remodeling plans include flooring, there are certain flooring materials that have proven longevity. Stone flooring, real hardwood, and tile are all options that will last for decades, especially when well-maintained. These “tough as nails” flooring options can add style and charm to your home while standing up to the toughest traffic for years to come.

Metal Roofs

If you are in the market for a new roof for your home and you look forward to a one-and-done scenario, choose a metal roof. A metal roof can come with a 50-year warranty, while 50 years is not forever, it is a really long time to not have to worry about roofing issues.

Metal roofs can be more expensive upfront but they pay you back with years of reliability. If you need to invest in a new roof, consider metal roofing for a lifetime of worry-free protection for your home.

Any Concrete Structure

Concrete can last for over 100 years. Outdoor renovations are a popular option for homeowners to extend their living space and create a great gathering space for friends and family. Consider a new concrete patio. It will last forever and it will level up your backyard living space.

Concrete is relatively easy to work with. You can DIY your concrete patio. You can rent most of the equipment that you need to install the concrete patio. There are plenty of tutorials online that will help you learn all the things that you need to do to install your patio.

Other things that you can create with concrete and concrete blocks include fire pits and seating areas, small shed structures, sidewalks and pathways, decorative walls, and more. It is hard to beat concrete for longevity.

Now, before you plan an inground pool using concrete, understand that OSHA has some strict definitions of what excavation is and if you plan on this type of work, you will likely need to call in the professionals. According to OSHA, excavation is any trench, depression, or man-made cavity that is formed by removing the earth. Just a little tidbit of information for those that like to take on those big DIY jobs.

The Best Way To Ensure a Reno Lasts

There is a litany of home projects that will last a long time; in some cases, they will last a lifetime. For example, a new kitchen sink, a new tub, and shower, or new countertops can all last for generations. There is a key element that will determine if your renovation is made to last a lifetime.

The materials that you use in your renovation or remodeling are a huge determinant of how long that renovation will last. Some materials are meant to serve your family for generations. For example, a granite countertop will be around long after you are gone. However, do not make the mistake of thinking if you pay more for the material will last longer. Marble countertops are a good example of paying more but not guaranteeing a longer life. Marble is more expensive than granite, but it is a softer stone that can become etched.

The bottom line is this: do your research to ensure you get the best value. Renovating and remodeling can be an exciting process, but keep longevity in mind when selecting your materials. If you choose the right products, you can create a beautiful new space that your family can enjoy for more than a lifetime.