Knowing where to begin shopping for the ideal pair of blinds is difficult because so many alternatives are available. When thinking about how to choose blinds for your home, there are a few essential considerations you should bear in mind, and this post will show you what they are.
To help you know which blinds to choose, here are some questions to guide you:
Smaller windows are ideal for blinds due to their functionality and aesthetic appeal. Blinds suit smaller windows proportionally, making light and privacy adjustments easier. Larger windows can make installing and operating blinds difficult due to their size and weight.
Blinds on smaller windows look clean and classy due to their precision. Fitted shades give the window a modern look that matches its small size. This adds a touch of refinement and optimizes the possibilities for a well-balanced and visually acceptable window treatment option in places where more enormous alternatives may be overwhelming or impossible.
Selecting curtains or blinds is essential for maximizing the space's aesthetic appeal and practicality when designing a small living area. Curtains can provide the impression of grandeur because of their flowing design and voluminous fabric, but they can also make a small window feel claustrophobic.
On the other hand, blinds are a valuable and compact substitute that fits nicely with the limitations of smaller apartments. Their inconspicuous look is enhanced by their streamlined form and flexibility to stack or roll up neatly, which lets natural light flood the space without being overpowering.
Because of their versatility, blinds are an excellent option for small living areas since they can be used as a practical instrument for light control and an attractive window treatment that blends in with the cramped layout of small flats.
Double blinds are the most effective, as they minimize the day's glare and preserve privacy during the night hour. When the light is allowed to pass through certain types of materials, they bring forth a great deal of texture.
The presence of these elements enhances the atmosphere in the room. We provide a variety of materials that can be used to achieve the desired level of seclusion, whether with a great deal of light coming in or with no light at all. Blinds are challenging to clean, which is a disadvantage of using them.
Blinds that operate by hand and motorized are both offered by the market. Usually, the motorized ones are designed for windows that are out of reach. If you choose a manual one, test it in the store to ensure the mechanism works smoothly. When blinds are built to be no wider than four feet, they are usually easier to operate.
You can choose colors, patterns, and materials once you know exactly where, how many, and which blinds to choose will work best for you. Blinds are now available in innovative natural materials, like those made of hibiscus or banana fibers, for people who prefer earthy tones. The traditional chatthai remains a highly favored option and a valuable addition to outdoor areas.
Bottom Line
Another method for identifying colors is a "mood color board." This season's delicate colors give way to colorful ones, and floral designs are also quite fashionable. While changing your window displays' look might be costly, having blinds with a simple design, such as neutral shades, lets you easily switch up your bed linens and pillows.
In Part 1, we've given you 12 eco-friendly tips on how to make your home eco-friendly. Let's dive deeper into the helpful eco-friendly tips you may consider.
Just because the water is warm doesn't mean you can waste time in the shower. Yes, it feels good for you, but not for the environment.
Simple lifestyle modifications can reduce this vital resource's waste. A typical shower uses 5 gallons per minute. Here are ways on how to save water:
Recent eco-conscious households have switched to artificial grass to save water, air pollution, and carbon. Despite popular belief, artificial grass is environmentally friendly.
An artificial lawn can look like a lush, well-maintained lawn without the labor and cost. Water savings are one of fake grass' main environmental benefits. Watering lawns and gardens use over half of outdoor water.
Choose energy-efficient appliances when replacing them for sustainable living.
Water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and the general reliance on fossil fuels and oils may all be decreased with energy-efficient appliances like washing machines and refrigerators. The fight against climate change will benefit from all of these initiatives.
Have a garage sale or donate unused stuff and clothes instead of throwing them away.
Tip: Always use caution before discarding. Consider giving it a new home, donating it to a charity, or selling it at a yard sale, online ad, or consignment store.
It might not look like a big deal, but leaky toilets and faucets waste a lot of water. Repairing leaks promotes sustainable living.
Also, as plumbing is part of every home inspection, selling your property requires extra caution. Leaks may indicate to purchasers that you rarely maintain the home.
Paperless billing reduces the risk of losing bills and power before your movie marathon. It saves money on postage and printing and reduces paper consumption, which kills forests; thus, many billers give a discount for going paperless.
Recycling paper is essential as paper products make up over 40% of municipal solid garbage. Recycling paper uses less energy than making 'virgin' paper.
In winter, holes around doors and windows let outside air or heat escape in older homes. HVAC air escape openings in your home. This raises energy costs and carbon emissions.
Weather stripping around doors and windows reduces heating and cooling costs and improves energy efficiency. Hardware stores sell weatherstripping, which you can install in hours.
Buying a low-flow showerhead will pay off when your next water bill is much cheaper. Older shower heads produce five gallons of water per minute, which adds up quickly if numerous people shower. Water savings lessen water heater needs, saving energy.
Purchasing pre-owned items not only saves money but also helps reduce landfill waste. You may also rent instead of buying equipment, such as a leaf blower, ladder, or wheelbarrow.
So before making a big purchase, ask yourself: How often will I use this?
If you know that it's not going to be a lot of times, it makes sense to just borrow instead of buying them.
Here's the thing: living green doesn't mean settling for less; it's about choosing options that will save you and the environment you live in. After all, many used-good items are just as good as new ones.
Growing your food in your backyard can enhance your eco-friendly eating habits. Cultivating your food can reduce the fossil fuels needed to import food from commercial farms and reduce food packaging waste from man-made plastics and cardboard, which travel hundreds and thousands of miles.
Graywater comes from showers, baths, sinks, and washing machines, whereas blackwater is flushed down the toilet. Greywater can be used for landscaping, watering houseplants, and flushing toilets.
Unfortunately, modern plumbing combines the two as sewage. Unless manually diverted or captured, greywater becomes black water and is unusable until municipal water treatment.
If you don't use chlorine or bleach, a greywater system can reuse washed laundry and lavatory water to water trees and other plants.
After one night of rain, 300 gallons of water can fall on your roof and pour into the street, accumulating oil, fertilizer, cigarette butts, and animal feces.
Rainwater collects in gutters, which flow into downspouts and the storage vessel. Rainwater collection can range from a rain bucket to massive cisterns that provide your residence with rainwater.
An expert can clip your gutters and direct rainfall into the barrel to create a rainwater collection system. The barrel can be connected to a hose or watering can to irrigate your plants or garden. This can help conserve water and live sustainably.
According to the EPA, the average family uses 30% of its indoor water for toilets. Ecology models can save 13,000 gallons of water annually and $90 on water costs nationwide. Bathrooms utilize roughly 30% of a typical home's indoor water.
Modern toilets use one gallon per flush, whereas older ones use six. To save money on your water bill, replace old toilets with water-efficient ones.
Do you have more tips to make a home eco-friendly? If yes, we'd love to hear them in the comments!
In the previous part, we shared some tips about home security on preparing your home for the holidays and some additional things you need to do about preparing your home for vacation.
P.S. Click this link if you want a free downloadable checklist.
Here are more tips to get your home ready for your next holiday.
Whether it's keeping your home tidy or taking care of your appliances, here are some tips you can consider before going on a holiday vacation.
Keep your home clean and well-organized by following these tips:
Clear your fridge of expired food before your vacation to avoid a rotting smell. Give your neighbor food to avoid wasting it. Limit yourself to home-cooked meals the week before your vacation to use up all your groceries.
Clearing the garbage disposal before vacation will prevent odors. While running the disposal, add citrus peels for aroma.
Leaving your trash and recyclables in your home while on vacation can attract pests and rats. Toss and recycle in bathroom, kitchen, and garage containers. Request a neighbor to bring your empty receptacles to the curb and inside if you travel before pick-up day.
While on vacation, unclean dishes or silverware in the dishwasher may attract bugs or rodents. To arrive home to clean dishes, run and unload the dishwasher.
Do not leave wet clothes in your washing machine when traveling; otherwise, they will deteriorate. After washing it, you don't want to mildew your ugly holiday sweater.
Check the garage for pests and tiny rodents. If you detect any, over-the-counter medicines and insecticides may help. A pest control firm may help keep unwelcome "guests" out while you're on vacation.
Spend time washing and drying used bedding. After a long day of travel, you'll appreciate a clean bed and new sheets. This will also prevent bacteria growth.
Wet bath towels can cause mold and mildew in your bathroom: machine-wash and dry old towels.
Washing and drying dirty garments will reduce your chores after vacation. Also, this will keep bacteria from forming on sweaty clothes and let you come home to a complete wardrobe.
You want to avoid untidy floors and carpets when you return from vacation. Vacuuming carpets and sweeping floors before the holiday will keep your home clean and look fantastic when you return.
Remove food crumbs and clutter from countertops to deter insects. For a fresh scent and welcome kitchen when you get home.
These wet locations might grow mildew. Clean these places thoroughly before your winter holiday to return to a clean and welcoming bathroom.
Reduce the risk of damaging your appliances and energy use while you're away.
Unplugging electronics saves money and protects your home from power surges and fires.
To avoid wasted energy and power surge damage, unplug your toaster, coffee maker, blender, etc.
Adjust your thermostat to 55–60 degrees Fahrenheit in cooler months to rest your heating system instead of turning it off and freezing your pipes. You can check your home's temperature while abroad with a smart thermostat. You can adjust the thermostat remotely using a smartphone app in extreme cold.
Check each area and ensure all faucet handles are closed before leaving so water doesn't drip for days or weeks.
Your water heater can rest while you prepare for winter vacation. Reduce the unit's temperature to minimize utility expenditures. Gas heaters can be manually lowered. Try checking your electric water heater for vacation settings that lower water temperature.
Before going for a long winter vacation or a holiday visit to family, turn off your main water supply line. While you're away, the water stays at full pressure in pipes, so if one bursts, water will flow until it's turned off. That said, shut down the water supply pipe to avoid a flooded basement or pool in the living room.
Smart smoke detectors are useful in sending notifications while you're away. Make sure that they are working well by testing your smoke alarm batteries and system.
When is your next holiday vacation? How do you make sure that your home's safe when you get away? Feel free to share your tips in the comment section.
Winter holidays are the most popular period of the year to travel mainly because of its perks, such as lower prices, fewer crowds, and authentic experiences. However, an exciting trip might get ruined once you realize you forgot to lock a door or turn on the faucet in your rush to catch a flight.
Therefore, before you plan your next trip, learning tips on how to get your home ready for the holiday can help you enjoy a well-deserved break.
P.S. Click this link if you want a free downloadable checklist.
Below are easy yet helpful tips on how to prepare your home security, appliances, and housekeeping before a holiday vacation.
Before a weeklong vacation, prune your yard and shrubbery. Hiring a local lawn care provider regularly or bi-weekly may be ideal for long holidays.
Before vacationing in snowy places, clear or shovel your driveway. A snowy driveway without footsteps or tire marks may suggest no one is home. Expecting snow? A snow removal service may visit your property while on vacation to make sure that your driveway is clear.
Make a trip around your house to close and lock all windows and side and back entrances. Check pet doors for coverage and locking. As you leave, lock the front door.
Inform any neighbors remaining home for the holidays of your intentions and guests. They can phone authorities or warn you in an emergency or suspicious situation. They may also help with house-sitting chores like watering plants, collecting mail, and emptying garbage.
Close your blinds to make it hard for an unwanted guest to tell if your home is occupied. When planning a winter vacation, this can insulate your windows from the cold, reducing your heater’s workload.
Schedule outside lighting to highlight doorways and gloomy places around your property. This makes your house appear occupied and helps neighbors identify strange behavior outside. Motion-activated lighting lets you utilize it when needed instead of running the lights.
Leave a few modest lights on during your vacation to provide the impression of being home. Want to reduce electric consumption? Automation with digital timers would be more efficient and effective.
Arm your alarm before vacationing. Tell your provider about your travel plans and whether someone will be at your residence while you're away.
Ensure your doorbell camera works and shows anyone at your front entrance clearly. When you're away, a doorbell camera can protect your packages.
The welcome mat, door frame, potted plant, and other frequent areas to seek for spare keys are known by most individuals. Please offer your extra key to a house sitter, friend, or neighbor in case of need.
Junk mail and newspapers might accumulate while you're away, indicating an unattended home. Putting your mail and newspaper on hold is simple.
Automating your home takes two to three weeks, so prepare beforehand. Hiring a local home automation business may be worth it if you take an extended vacation or travel often. Smart home technology lets you control and monitor home security and appliance usage from your smart device.
Along with your primary home security, here are a few additional things you can do to make your home vacation-ready:
Before leaving, water indoor house plants, depending on the type and length of your trip. Have a friend, neighbor, or home sitter care for sensitive plants or longer getaways as needed.
We recommend leaving your pet with a friend or neighbor while on vacation if it needs daily food, walks, or medicine. You might also board them at a veterinary or pet-sitting service.
If you've taken all the required steps, hide your possessions upon departing. Keep valuables in a safe while on vacation. A well-decorated basement may need relocating valuables upstairs to prevent floods.
You won't have much hearty food left after wasting perishable stuff. If grocery stores and restaurants are closed, you'll be pleased to defrost a tasty lunch after your travels.
These are just some tips to help prepare your home for the holidays. Watch out for Tips For Getting Your Home Ready For The Holidays [Part 2] to learn more.
Living an environmentally-friendly lifestyle is sometimes misunderstood, mainly because it's costly, inconvenient, and demanding.
But in reality, choosing to live in a sustainable way is relatively simple; all it takes is one slight adjustment at a time to make a big difference. In this post, we’ll share some eco-friendly tips to help you get started.
The average home uses 9% of its energy on lighting.
Now, if you want to lower your energy bill and environmental impact from all your light bulbs, using LED bulbs is a cheap and easy alternative. It also provides high-quality light output and emits less heat, unlike standard bulbs, which might make your air conditioner work harder.
LED bulbs have also evolved to fit recessed lighting and dimming controls.
Not only are plastic water bottles uneconomical, but it's also harmful to the environment. Plastic production requires three times the water in a water bottle to make one, yet 80 percent aren't recycled.
So instead of constantly buying a plastic bottle, get a reusable, portable water bottle.
Not only will you save money by reusing a water bottle, but there will also be fewer plastic bottles needed.
The good thing about having recycle bins is that it makes you more aware of recycling glass bottles, jars, paper, and other objects. To simplify recycling and composting, have trash and recycling bins in more than just the kitchen.
Meanwhile, a compost bin will let you eliminate leftovers and give your plants free fertilizer.
Tip: Make sure that the compost bin has a tight cover and a secure hatch at the bottom for extracting fertilizer when ready to use to avoid pests.
Reducing meat consumption can create a significant impact on the environment as it helps reduce GWP emissions.
In case you didn't know, more than 30 percent of the Earth’s surface is being used to raise and support livestock.
“The livestock sector accounts for 9 percent of CO2 deriving from human-related activities but produces a much larger share of even more harmful greenhouse gasses. It generates 65 percent of human-related nitrous oxide, which has 296 times the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of CO2," according to research by the United Nations.
Other than the GWP gas emission, consuming fewer farm animals means having more land to use for recreation.
So instead of having meat-only meals, consider consuming more vegetables and seafood.
Choosing to live in an eco-friendly home setup doesn't mean leaving paper towels for good. It's about using old shirts or fabric for cleaning or drying instead of buying a dozen paper towels.
Regular toilet paper is not eco-friendly because everyone uses 100 rolls yearly.
If you want to switch to an eco-living lifestyle, you should use bamboo toilet paper for the sake of environmental sustainability since there are bamboo species that grow 36 inches in 24 hours.
Monitor and control your HVAC systems with a programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats lower utility bills and make homes greener. It also saves energy, which, for some, is the main reason to upgrade.
A smart thermostat lets you arrange your HVAC to operate less while you're away, saving you energy by cooling your home just when you're home.
You can set your digital thermostat to turn on right before family members arrive to cool your home to 72 degrees from the minute you enter. Nest claims 15 percent cooling savings and 10–12 percent heating savings.
Turning them off while leaving a room, especially when leaving the house, saves energy and money. However, the electricity saved by turning the electric lights off depends on the bulbs used.
For instance, incandescent bulbs are energy-inefficient. Before producing light, these lights convert electricity into heat. It provides 90% heat and 10% light. Thus, turning off incandescent light bulbs saves energy at home.
So if you leave your house for over 15 minutes, be sure to switch them off to save electricity. The method also extends CFL bulb life.
Meanwhile, LED bulbs won't be affected by turning them on or off.
One of LED lamps' key features makes them perfect for residential energy conservation. They can also be turned on and off automatically and brightened instantaneously with sensors.
Energy Star estimates that washing machines consume 90% of their energy to heat water. Washing with cold water can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,600 pounds annually.
Instead of heating, run your washing machine on cold. Not only does this cut carbon dioxide emissions, but it also preserves your garments, as hot water can fade colored clothes.
Unless you have oil stains, there's no use in washing on hot. You can try warm water if cold doesn't work. Still better than hot water; it cleans better than cold water.
The EPA found that dryers use more energy than refrigerators, washers, and dishwashers, and line drying can cut primary appliance energy use by one-third.
Fresh-air line-drying is remarkable. Also, drying clothes and bedding on a rack outside instead of in the dryer will prolong their life. Establishing a drying rack on your balcony and opening the windows will let the sun dry your clothing faster if you don't have a garden or backyard.
Home cleaning supplies contain the most potent bacteria-killers. These products are designed to kill almost all organisms. Man-made poisons harm the ecosystem and kill animals and plants once they enter our waterways via sewers, and these are just some of the reasons why opting for natural cleaning ingredients is a must.
Using organic cleaning products might be a better option but it can be costly. What you can do instead is to use DIY cleaning products made with vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Not only is this eco-friendly, but it also helps reduce packaging waste and household chemical pollution.
Canvas bags replace inefficient plastic and paper bags at most stores. Although canvas bags are inexpensive, they are convenient. Canvas bags are more robust, hold more than plastic or paper bags, and help store and transfer objects.
Even if you don't use canvas bags, reusing plastic bags benefits the environment. Put plastic bags in tiny trash cans around the house or recycle them. Every little bit helps.
These are just some ways to make your home eco-friendly. Watch out for Part 2 to learn more tips.
In today's world, energy efficiency is not just a buzzword; it's a smart way to save money, reduce your environmental impact, and make your home more comfortable. Whether you're looking to lower your utility bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or enhance your home's value, creating an energy-efficient home is the way to go. Today, let’s explore a range of tips and strategies to help you achieve an energy-efficient home.
Before delving into practical tips, let's take a moment to understand why energy efficiency is crucial:
Lower Utility Bills: An energy-efficient home consumes less energy for heating, cooling, and electricity, resulting in substantial cost savings.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption translates to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, helping combat climate change and protect the environment.
Enhanced Comfort: An energy-efficient home is a more comfortable home. Proper insulation, sealed gaps, and efficient heating and cooling systems provide consistent indoor temperatures.
Extended Equipment Lifespan: Energy-efficient appliances and systems experience less wear and tear, leading to longer lifespans and fewer replacements.
Increased Home Value: Energy-efficient features can make your home more appealing to potential buyers, potentially increasing its resale value.
Now, let's dive into the practical steps to make your home more energy-efficient.
Start by identifying areas of improvement. Hire a professional or conduct a DIY energy audit to pinpoint where your home is losing energy. Common culprits include inadequate insulation, drafty doors and windows, and outdated appliances.
Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors. Consider adding or upgrading insulation in your walls, attic, and floors. It's a one-time investment that yields long-term savings.
Gaps and cracks in doors, windows, and walls can lead to energy waste. Seal these areas with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent heat loss and drafts.
When it's time to replace appliances, choose ENERGY STAR-rated models. These appliances are designed to use less energy while providing the same level of performance.
Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. They last longer and use significantly less energy, reducing your lighting costs.
A smart thermostat allows you to control your home's temperature remotely and program it to reduce heating or cooling when you're not at home, further reducing energy consumption.
Consider installing solar panels on your roof. They can significantly reduce your reliance on grid electricity, leading to substantial savings over time.
Double-paned or triple-paned windows offer better insulation, preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
Install low-flow faucets and showerheads and consider a tankless water heater to reduce your hot water consumption.
Simple changes like turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, and maintaining your HVAC system can also contribute to energy efficiency.
Creating an energy-efficient home is a wise investment that pays off in numerous ways. Lower utility bills, a reduced environmental footprint, improved comfort, and increased home value are just a few of the benefits. By implementing these practical tips and strategies, you can transform your home into an energy-efficient oasis, all while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
A home is more than just a place to live; it's your personal sanctuary. It's where you seek comfort, relaxation, and refuge from the outside world. While the concept of coziness is subjective, there are certain built-in features that can universally contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. In this post, we'll explore some key elements that can transform your space into the ultimate haven.
Fireplace
Few features can match the charm and warmth of a built-in fireplace. Whether you opt for a traditional wood-burning hearth or a modern gas variant, a fireplace can be the centerpiece of your cozy living space. Its crackling flames and radiant heat make it a focal point for gatherings and a source of comfort on chilly nights.
Exposed Wooden Beams
Exposed wooden beams on ceilings or walls can infuse your home with a rustic and inviting ambiance. These architectural elements add character, making your space feel more grounded and cozy.
Built-In Shelving
Custom-built shelves or bookcases are not only practical but also contribute to the overall coziness of your home. Display your cherished books, collectibles, or family photos, turning these built-in shelves into a reflection of your personality.
Tranquil Window Seat
Imagine having a peaceful corner with a view and natural light where you can curl up with a good book. A built-in window seat offers just that. It's a tranquil nook that allows you to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home.
Bay Windows
Bay windows provide a perfect spot for a cozy seating area or a charming dining nook. The additional space and the natural light they bring can make any room feel warmer and more inviting.
Crown Molding
Elegant crown molding adds a touch of timeless beauty to your home. It creates a sense of refinement and coziness that can transform any room.
Wainscoting
Wainscoting on your walls can introduce a sense of traditional warmth and style. It adds texture and character to your living spaces, making them feel more inviting.
Built-In Blinds
Built-in blinds or window treatments offer not only privacy and light control but also a polished and cozy look. They seamlessly blend with the architecture of your home.
Hidden Storage Solutions
Built-in storage solutions are more than just practical; they keep your space clutter-free and organized. Whether it's under-stair storage, hidden closets, or built-in cabinets, these features add convenience and a tidy, inviting environment.
Custom-Built Kitchen Island
A custom-built kitchen island can be the heart of your home, providing a central gathering place, additional counter space, and storage. It adds functionality and style to your kitchen, making it a cozy hub for cooking and socializing.
Incorporating these built-in features into your home can have a transformative effect, creating an environment that is both stylish and welcoming. Your living space will become more than just a house; it will be a true sanctuary of comfort and coziness.
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As climate change worsens, more people want to live sustainably. This has increased demand for eco-friendly homes. According to Redrow, 82% of purchasers would pay more for eco-friendly homes than a typical one.
The greener home buyers could be a millennial looking to move out and start a family or a retiree looking for a simple one-floor home suitable for their needs. Eco-friendly homes are prevalent across all ages.
This post might answer one of the most frequently asked questions: "Why are eco-friendly homes important to the enormous and expanding population of environmentally aware prospective home buyers?"
Better insulation, upgraded HVAC systems, smart thermostats, and renewable energy generation make eco-friendly homes more energy efficient. Besides energy efficiency, they have other environmental benefits.
Sustainable building materials make eco-friendly homes environmentally friendly. These homes reduce carbon emissions and pollution using wood frames, low-emissions concrete, and recycled materials. Green homes use sustainable resources and generate fewer waste products through efficient design and construction.
Eco-friendly homes utilize less water than standard homes through rainwater capture, greywater reuse for irrigation and landscaping, low-flow faucets, and other water-saving appliances.
Promoting eco-friendly homes with all these benefits will help buyers see that they can save money on bills while preserving the environment.
Buying an eco-friendly home has many financial advantages:
You should 'cast the net wide' when selling eco-friendly homes because many demographics want them. These marketing strategies target homebuyers of all ages.
Older homebuyers, people may see less TV, social media, email, or radio advertising than younger generations. Traditional advertising, like newspapers, magazines, and billboards, could get to this audience better. Use recycled paper and inks for mail-out flyers or other resource-intensive advertising to reach your target demographic.
Digital marketing targeting youth has infinite potential. Remember to target adverts to reach all internet users. Google Ads lets you choose which pages your ads display on, making prospecting easy.
Social media marketing also works well for younger audiences. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook all offer ad services and are popular with "just-moving-out" to "middle-aged buyers." Use many channels to reach a wide range of green homebuyers.
Trust and authenticity are key to sales. Thus, targeting the environmentally-friendly housing market will demonstrate to eco-conscious buyers that you are a sustainable real estate business. Today's market offers several sustainable home layouts and aspects to specialize in.
Prefabricated modular homes are increasing in popularity in green housing. These properties are 'prefab,' indicating factory-built and brought to the site. Modules can be assembled like LEGO blocks; thus, adding rooms doesn't require a costly rebuild. Due to their cost-effectiveness and adaptable design, modular prefab buildings are considered the future of eco-friendly homes.
Retrofitted homes are another green housing niche. Traditional homes are retrofitted with sustainable materials and energy- and water-saving features. Eco-friendly retrofits offer financial savings and health benefits without the high expense of new green homes.
These new green homes exemplify how the real estate business is becoming more sustainable and supporting green housing. You can lead real estate trends and stand out by specializing in sustainable housing or energy efficiency.
The saying "health is wealth" applies to most people prioritizing their health. Buyers will be pleased to learn that eco-friendly homes provide several advantages for both mental and physical health.
Eco-friendly homes utilize low- or no-VOC paints. Many paints and interior furnishings contain VOCs, which evaporate or "off gas" into the air. Buy a sustainable home from a reputable agency to avoid VOC-related health issues and live better. Smog Armor's no-VOC paints are ideal for exterior and interior painting.
Sustainable homes employ natural sunlight for passive heating and lighting energy reduction. Natural light boosts mood and promotes sleep.
What are the other reasons why you think eco-friendly homes are a must? Feel free to share them in the comment section!
In the first part, we've listed 7 home prepping activities you can do this fall. This includes cleaning your gutters, repairing air leaks, checking your roof for potential issues, and preventing freezing temperatures from damaging faucets.
We also talked about the proper cleaning of the furnace filters, getting the furnace checked by a professional, and examining the fireplace for damages. Now, we've added more home-prepping repairs and maintenance that are doable by the typical homeowner prep.
However, keep in mind that hiring a professional may be worth it, especially when the homeowner issues are severe. At the end of the day, preventing home damages does not only save time but also money in the long run.
Dry winter air can be hard on your skin and airways and may also break your beautiful wood. Maintaining your central humidifier will make your home more comfortable. Check the plates or pads and clean them with a strong washing detergent to start. Meanwhile, you can remove mineral deposits using a wire brush or steel wool.
Keep a gas heater maintained in good condition for safety and cost. An unmaintained heater can release harmful gasses into your home or cost extra. Have a pro inspect these devices annually. Also, perform some maintenance. First, turn off the heater. Check the air shutter and exhaust vents for dust. If they're unclean, vacuum the burner's air tubes and clean the burner. Follow manufacturer instructions for other maintenance.
Your home will feel cozier and warmer with a wood-burning stove, but regular maintenance is required to prevent safety hazards.
When checking the wood-burning stove, follow these steps:
Improper walkways, roads, and steps are dangerous year-round, but cold weather worsens them. Fall repairs are also essential to avoid costly cracks. Look for uneven parts, loose step rails, and over 1/8-inch broad cracks. Check loose-fill routes for asphalt disintegration or washouts. A DIYer can do most of the little work, but major repairs require expertise.
Check your home's safety features from top to bottom at least once yearly. This would also be an excellent opportunity to review your family's fire evacuation plan.
To perform a safety check on your house, follow these steps:
Many fall lawn care tasks are necessary to maintain your lawn's condition and attractiveness in spring. Rake leaves and aerate to avoid choking your lawn and flower beds. They'll sleep well if you fertilize and winterize your grass, trees, and shrubs. Professional lawn care services can complete these tasks quickly, allowing up time for family, friends, and others.
Fall is an excellent time to touch up exterior paint and prolong siding and trim life. Porch stairs and wood floors should also be painted or sealed before snowfall. Since many paint jobs aren't recommended on days below 45° to 50°F, finding a local painter or doing the process yourself sooner is best.
Fall in Indiana is a good carpet cleaning season. Winter is yet to arrive, but summer is over. Window ventilation is best at this time to hasten drying. Let a pro handle a carpet cleaner if you're uncomfortable using it. A home full of damp carpet will make you want to enjoy the warm days outside.
We hope that these tips can help you prepare for this wonderful season. For more home maintenance tips, you may visit our website today!
Pumpkin carving and relaxing by the campfire are just two fun things you can do during the fall. In addition, the fall season is frequently a good time to enter the housing market.
There may not be as many people interested in purchasing a home during the fall as there are during the spring and summer; nevertheless, you may have less competition if you choose to sell your home during this time, and motivated purchasers may want to move into a new property before the holidays.
However, before prospective buyers visit your property, it may be good to know our best way to stage your home for sale with our valuable ways inspired by autumn to help it stand out.
Here are the five best ways on how to stage your home:
As autumn continues and the days get shorter, the amount of natural light that enters your home may decrease. You may ask, "How to stage your home using those lights?"
Well, one trick is to use more light around your home since well-lit rooms will make the space look larger and more inviting.
As you move from room to room, you should investigate to see if you can improve any dark with additional illumination. You can keep the lights in your home on timers so that they turn out after the showing, but you should inspect your lamps and light fixtures regularly and replace any bulbs that have gone out.
Painting the walls is another option to consider if you want to increase the amount of light that enters a particular room. Go for neutral colors, such as white and gray to make the living area more relaxing.
If your guests will be there after dark, you should remember to leave the outside lights on so that they can have a better look at your house and yard. This will also make warm and friendly lighting possible to greet guests, increasing your home's curb appeal.
During a showing of your house, it is essential to maintain the highest level of comfort possible, particularly in regions that see chilly fall days. If you have scheduled an open house, the ideal temperature should be between 70 and 73 degrees throughout preparation.
If it's too hot, the prospective customers can start to perspire and become distracted. People may become concerned that the heating system is malfunctioning when it gets too cold.
The fall season is when coziness and convenience are of the utmost importance. Utilize this to work to your advantage and spruce up your sofa or armchairs by adding throw pillows and accent pillows in a color scheme inspired by fall. If the floors in your home are hard surfaces like tile or wood, you can also put plush rugs all about the house.
If your home has a fireplace, you should store some wood beside it so prospective buyers might picture themselves snuggling up in front of it on a chilly autumn day. You can suggest to your real estate agent that they light a fire in a gas or electric fireplace during the showing so that the space feels more at home.
Even though summer is gone by, help your outdoor area look more inviting to your buyer. Here are some tips that can help you improve the look on how to stage your home:
Putting one or two fresh pumpkins on your front porch can create the feeling of being at home while adding a splash of color if you wish to decorate the front of your house for fall. However, you need to keep a close eye on the gourd to ensure it doesn't start showing any signs of rotting, as this is a huge red flag for prospective purchasers of homes.
Finally, this is the least valuable way to stage your home. Even though you might enjoy decorating for holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving, storing your decorations while trying to sell your house is best. Seasonal decorations should not be overdone; some can even turn off prospective homebuyers. Instead, limit your decor to a classic fall motif, such as a wreath or color scheme.
Looking for more fall staging tips? Check these blogs for inspiration:
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dennis@indyhomepros.com
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