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Generally, the patients who are good candidates for this surgery are between the ages of 18 and 60. Any patient over the age of 50 is going to need cardiac clearance in order to get bariatric surgery. In order to qualify for weight loss surgery, generally, a person is going to need to have a BMI of greater than 40 who have not been able to lose weight on their own or a BMI that is greater than 35 who has another comorbid condition that is approved. Generally, the person needs to be assessed to be able to safely go through anesthesia when they are doing the procedure.

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No matter what the reason, when the time comes to sell the family home it involves lots of work. The toughest decision you will ever make is whether to sell or not. Your home is the biggest financial investment of your life. Making a decision to sell requires lots of thought and preparation. The average homeowner spends at least six months mulling this over before making a final decision.

Once you have decided that selling your home is the best option, there’s lots of work to do. You need to ensure all electrical systems are in top-notch condition. If there are any repairs, such as painting you will need to get this done before putting the home on the market. You want your home to be in top-notch condition in order to get the highest market price possible.

Getting Your House Ready

The first two weeks in May is the best time to list your home for sale. This is according to sales data in 2019, this time of the year is an ideal time to expect the biggest profit. In addition, Saturday is the most popular day of the week for listing your home for sale. However, there are a few things that can change this theory. Some of these are the current housing market trend, job market, location, and individual circumstances.

Let’s say the housing market is trending well, your home is in a desirable location with lots of job availability. You plan on listing your home for sale next May 15th. Six months prior to this date you need to start preparing your home.

Inspecting Your Property

Doing a complete inspection of your property helps you know what type of repairs need doing. It also gives you an idea of where your home places as far as a value among similar homes on the market.

The state you live in might have laws regarding disclosure of damages. If your basement flooded, it would be wise to fix it now so you don’t have to disclose the damage later. You can ask for a pre-listing inspection if you are not sure what needs repairing. Therefore, you can get it fixed prior to the buyer calling off the sale when they discover the damage.

Getting the House Ready to Sell

The two months prior to placing your home on the market should be spent doing repairs and tidying up. You don’t want to spend so much money doing repairs that you lose a lot of the profit from the sale. You just want to make it look worth the price you are asking. Here are some important repairs that need to be made to get your family home ready for the market.

Start With Repairing the Old

Is the flooring in your home old and tired-looking? Years of little feet running in and out of rooms can really do a number to the carpet and linoleum. One good way to give your flooring a facelift is to replace it with hardwood flooring. It not only gives the inside of a home a new look, it increases the value of your home.

Add New Life to a Tired Kitchen

The years have most likely done a number on the number one place in a home a family uses. Hinges on cabinet doors might be loose from opening and closing frequently. Countertops scratched from cutting sandwiches and the like on them.

You don’t have to do an expensive kitchen renovation just to give your old kitchen a new life. Paint the cabinet doors, replace countertops, and put new hinges on the doors. These are all fairly inexpensive tasks that will do wonders for the aesthetics.

Reviving the Bathroom(s)

The bathroom is another room in a home that takes a lot of abuse throughout the years. The grout might need replacing, and the bathroom cabinets might be worn-looking. Same as in the kitchen, these repairs don’t have to be expensive.

When replacing the tile and grout in your bathroom you will spend little money making your home worth more. Also, fresh paint on the bathroom cabinets, new linoleum on the floor, gives you a showroom quality bathroom.

Repair Water Stains

Water stains are not only unsightly, they are a red-flag warning to a future buyer. Water stains indicate one of two things–a leaking roof or faulty plumbing.

The first thing to do is fix the problem. Hire a plumber to repair any leaks in the pipes. Put some drain cleaner down the drains to ensure there are no clogs in the drains.

This might also involve getting on the roof and inspecting it (or hire a roofing professional) for leaks.

Once the repairs to the roof and plumbing are done, you need to get rid of the water stains. It doesn’t cost too much to replace a water-stained ceiling and drywall. Yet, it will be worth it. It means the difference between a potential buyer losing interest and selling your home.

Fixing Windows and Screens

Nothing can make a home look more old and ragged than screens that are torn and out of shape. The years may have done a number to the screens in your home. This is a cheap fix. You can go to the hardware store and buy a window screen repair kit for less than $20.

You can either do it yourself or hire a handyman to do it. However, you repair the screens, ensure you do. Even the smallest detail can make a potential homebuyer turn up their nose and scratch your home off their list.

Repair Damage done by the Furry Kids

Make sure to fix any damage the fur kids might have done around the house. Little scratches on the woodwork that the kitten did can draw a homebuyer’s attention to other damage. It doesn’t cost a lot of money to replace a door or sand out the scratches and paint over it.

Inspecting the Heating and Air System

The heating and cooling service in a home is important to a new homebuyer. Therefore, you will want to have a professional heating and air conditioning service inspect these systema for any needed ac repair. You can purchase a warranty that the buyer can utilize for up to a year following the sale. This way it guarantees if they need air conditioning repairs they will get covered under the warranty.

Check the Circuit Breakers and Electrical Panel

Most likely this will require enlisting a professional for electrician services. An electrician will ensure your electrical panel and the circuit breaker is up to code. An older home that uses a fuse box might need it to be repaired or replaced. It can be difficult for the new owner to find new parts for an older unit. Therefore, having an electrician update it would be a smart investment.

When it comes to the electrical of a home you have two options–upgrading or repairing it. We have listed here some critical differences between an electrical repair or upgrade.

The primary difference between the two is this–an upgrade can significantly increase a home’s value. While simply doing a repair will avert the value from decreasing.

Applying a Fresh Coat of Paint

Nothing can erase the signs of aging and time than a fresh coat of paint. About a month prior to listing your home, paint the interior. To prevent damaging freshly painted walls, remove large pieces of furniture first. An important note when painting the interior is to choose colors that are neutral. You don’t want to use bold colors that might be offensive to a potential homebuyer. When using light, neutral colors the new homeowner can easily cover it with their preferred paint if they so desire.

Get Rid of Clutter

This will prevent you from the scramble of cleaning up and preparing to move after the house sells. You might want to rent a storage space to store stuff inside temporarily until you move to your new home. Donate stuff to the local charities in town. Now is the time to prioritize what you want to keep, give away, or toss in the trash.

This is also an excellent way to get a lot of packing done prior to the home selling. Depending on the escrow period, you might not have very long to vacate the premises.

You will also want to go through each room and get rid of excess furniture that is taking up to many areas. A future homebuyer is going to want a home with plenty of room for storage. This means going through closets and removing stuff to show off how roomy they are.

Give your Home Good Curb Appeal

The final two weeks before your home goes on the market you want to ensure it has good curb appeal. You can do this by hiring professional natural lawn care services. In addition, hire some tree trimmers to get to work on the trees and other shrubs.

Oftentimes if the home doesn’t look appealing from the street or curb, the homebuyer won’t bother inquiring inside.

Some little things you can do to make the exterior look more appealing is edge the lawn and plant some flowers. You might also think about change or modernizing the outdoor lighting fixtures. Painting the front door or purchasing a new one is also a good idea.

Deep Clean the Entire House

The entire time your home is on the market you need to keep it extra clean. Make sure you have the carpets professionally steam-cleaned and polish all appliances in the kitchen. Also, disinfect bathrooms, wash all the windows and screens throughout your home. These little extra cleaning steps will make all the difference to a potential home buyer.

Repair the Exterior of the Home

Thus far we have been working on making the interior of the home look showcase ready. When trying to sell the family home, do not neglect the exterior. It is, after all, the first thing a potential homebuyer will see.

Two important areas of the exterior are the garage door and other exterior doors. Ensure the garage door is working in optimum capacity. It must meet all the specific codes for operation and safety. If any springs are broken or loose, you will have to have them repaired. Additionally, make sure the remotes for the garage door opener are working well.

Inspect the exterior doors around your home. Any dings or scratches are eyesores to a potential buyer. Verify the doorknobs are in working order and not worn out. You can visit your local hardware store and purchase new doorknobs at little cost. Although weatherstripping is an easy fix for a new homeowner, you should ensure it is all intact. If you have any sliding doors, make sure the tracks are aligned and the doors open and close smoothly. If you have a door going from the house to the garage it should be compliant with building fire codes.

Final Touches

You will need to have the roof and eaves inspected and repaired if needed. Ensure the gutters are in good condition. Any water rot or damage to the roof, eaves, or fascia will need a professional to repair or replace it.

Ensure drainage in the yard deters away from the home’s foundation. If it does not, you will need to hire someone to grade the yard professionally.

Any retaining or stem walls need to be sound structurally. A professional contractor can inspect the foundation. Instability in the foundation is indicated by floors that are sagging and horizontal cracks in the floors. Also, cracks along the interior or exterior walls that are vertical or horizontal can indicate an unstable foundation.

Final Thoughts

When it is time to sell the family home, it can be difficult. It is always sad to say goodbye to one chapter of life and begin a new one. Yet, if all repairs and maintenance are done, you can be certain your old family home will make a profit. Allowing you to move on to the next chapter of life a bit more financially stable.

We all depend heavily on our vehicles. They carry us to work, to manage family obligations, sometimes they take us on vacation, our cars are very important parts of our lives. Giving your car the attention it deserves will ensure that when you are ready to go, so is your car.

Keeping your car in tip-top shape must be a priority. A well-maintained car is a reliable car. A proper car maintenance checklist can help to provide the guidelines you need to ensure that you are doing all that you can to keep your car on the road where it belongs.

What is Proper Maintenance?

A proper car maintenance checklist does not look the same for every type of car. Some cars, trucks, or vans require a little more maintenance than others. Additionally, the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

In other words, a proper car maintenance checklist that your BMW repair shop recommends may look a little different than what the Chevy repair shop recommends. Of course, there are some basic maintenance tasks that every car needs, but you should still become familiar with what your specific car manufacturer recommends.

A proper car maintenance checklist is a general guide; you can tweak the list to fit your specific needs. For example, every car, truck, and van should have oil changes at regular intervals. Most manufacturers will recommend oil changes at either 3000 or 5000-mile intervals. Get familiar with which is the best practice for your vehicle according to the manufacturer.

Following a proper car maintenance checklist will require that you do your part and have professionals that can manage the parts of the list that you cannot.

Breaking the Maintenance Checklist in A Few Sections

To keep things simple, this checklist will be broken down into easy to manage parts. For example, there will be an exterior maintenance checklist, an interior maintenance checklist, and a mechanical checklist. A lot of people select a specific date to get it all done. They visit the auto parts store, get the materials that they need, and have them on hand. Each month they do their maintenance on the same dates. The 1^st and the 15^th are good dates to choose from. They are easy to remember.

Proper Car Maintenance Checklist for the Exterior

Working from the outside in is a great place to start. Maintaining the exterior of your car is important. Taking care of the exterior of your car is not just about the appearance. Many components on the exterior of your car are safety features. For example, windshield wipers need to be changed out as they begin to wear. You can purchase a windshield wiper kit to do the replacement yourself.

Tires are also an important safety factor. Make it a habit every time you wash your vehicle to check the treads on your tires and check your tire pressure. Tire pressure can affect your gas mileage. Changes in the weather (going from cold to hot) can cause your tires to lose air pressure. Underinflated tires can wear faster. It is a simple step to check your tires while you are performing exterior maintenance activities like washing your vehicle.

Speaking of washing your vehicle, washing your car is an important exterior maintenance step. It helps to protect the paint on your car and get rid of corrosives. Make it a habit to wash your car at least every two weeks, more if you live in an area where your car is exposed to road salts.

If you are ever in an accident, do not wait to get your vehicle to the auto body collision repair shop to fix the damage. Corrosion is your car’s body’s number one enemy, and it can spread quickly when there is damage left unrepaired.

Better yet, just let the local towing service take the vehicle from the scene of the accident to the nearest body shop. In most cases, the cost will be covered by your insurance.

If the accident was not your fault, the other person’s auto insurance will pick up the tab. Waiting to get the repairs done will put your vehicle at risk of more damage. A very important part of the proper car maintenance checklist is to address repairs as soon as they are necessary.

Back to the maintenance checklist. Here are some things you may need to occasionally replace on the exterior of your car:

• Headlight lamps and lenses. Headlight lamps can burn out. You can find replacement bulbs in any auto parts store. The lens over your headlight can get cloudy, which can reduce visibility at night. A body shop can change these out for you, or if you have some experience, you can DIY it.
• Side view mirrors. Typically, these never have to be replaced, except if maybe an accident or you clip something. Check them periodically for cracks and chips. Your auto insurance policy make includes windshield coverage that makes repairs free to you.
• Windshields. Windshields often get hit with road debris and small rocks, which can leave chips behind. Monitor your windshield for any small chips. Get repairs done as soon as possible.

Most of the time, cleaning the exterior of your car and doing a maintenance check is uneventful, but sometimes, it can give you insight into a problem or a potential problem that you would not have recognized otherwise.

Proper Car Maintenance Checklist For the Interior of Your Car

You did all the exterior checking and cleaning and made a note of any repairs you need to make. Now, let’s look around inside your vehicle. Cleaning the interior of your vehicle is critical to the safety and health of your vehicle.

“Distracted driving” is not only in reference to driving while texting. A lot of people treat the interior of their cars like a diner, bedroom, bathroom, and conference center. Of course, some people treat it like a bar and wind up having to hire a crack DWI lawyer to get them out of trouble.

In all seriousness, your car is meant for one thing, and one thing only, to get you where you are going. Having tons of clutter in your car in and of itself is a tremendous distraction. Before you have to call a car accident law firm to plead your case, get rid of the junk.

Follow the proper car maintenance checklist for the interior of your car, and you can make your car a safe haven for transportation. Decluttering the mess is your first step. Grab a trash bag and throw out any loose trash. Make a mental note to keep a small plastic shopping bag in the car for future refuse.

Once you have all the trash cleared out, use cleaning solutions that are specifically made for car interior cleaning. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives on the interior of your car. Do not use household cleaners. Use formulas that are specifically made to clean the interior of cars.

Here are some things that you will need to clean on the interior to keep your vehicle well maintained:

• Start with the windows and mirrors. Start at the top and work your way down. Clean all the interior glass surfaces in the car. Be sure to clean the review mirror.
• Dashboard, steering wheel, and other hard surfaces. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces using an appropriate cleaning solution. Be careful hard plastics can stain easily. Follow the product manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the cleaning solution.
• Vacuum the seats and floors. If you have cloth seats, use a vacuum to clean away loose debris than a damp rag to lift any dirt. If you have leather seats, vacuum away loose dirt, then use a leather conditioner to clean the seats. Finally, vacuum the floors, don’t forget about the cargo area or the trunk.

If you do all of the above twice a month, your car will stay fresh, clean, and safe. Of course, there may be times when you have to take things up a step further and shampoo the seats or the carpets, but that is typically an annual or semi-annual thing.

Proper Car Maintenance Checklist for Mechanics

We touched on this briefly, but here it is again. Every car, truck, and van needs regular oil changes. However, it can be different for your vehicle. Regular oil changes are one of the easiest and maintenance activities and also one of the best ways to protect your engine.

There are many things that can affect the frequency of your oil changes. First, of course, is what your manufacturer has to say about it. If your manufacturer says every 3000 miles, follow that guideline. If you do not follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance, you should know that you are at risk of voiding your warranty.

Of course, the manufacturer is only making recommendations. Let’s say that you do some really heavy driving in sandy conditions up and down hills in the heat. Your manufacturer may recommend every 5000 miles, but you probably should go with the 3000-mile rule.

Oil changes are not the only part of the proper car maintenance checklist for the mechanical health of your vehicle. You will need to get brake pads replaced at regular intervals. Have a radiator tune-up done annually, have a transmission tune-up after a certain number of miles (according to your manufacture), and have other maintenance done.

You should think of maintenance as a way to avoid unexpected breakdowns, save money, and stay safe. Maintenance puts you ahead of the game by allowing you to make repairs when you can schedule them instead of being stuck on the side of the road.

A good example of the power of maintenance is replacing brake pads before they fail. Making sure that your mechanic checks your brakes every time you get an oil change will help you to know when they need to be changed. It is easier to budget for repairs this way and is a much safer option. Ultimately, it can also save you money. It is a lot cheaper to replace brake pads than it is to replace all the brake parts. If you address the small issue, it keeps it from turning into larger and more expensive issues.

Here are some other maintenance activities you need to do to keep your car in tip-top condition:

• Rotate your tires at every oil change. Rotating tires ensures that they wear evenly.
• Replace plugs and wires. You should have a tune-up according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Getting a coolant check. Have your coolant system checked annually, typically when moving from the winter to the summer.

It may seem like there are a lot of things on the proper car maintenance checklist, and there are, but each one of them is equally important. Taking proper care of your car can be a tremendous stress reducer. When you know that you have done everything in your power to keep your car in tip-top condition you can rest easy knowing it will not fail you.

In between professional oil changes and maintenance, get in the habit of checking fluid levels. Most of the time, you will find that they are fine, but sometimes, for no other reason than the weather, you may have to top them off. Learn where your oil dipstick is, your brake cylinder, and how to check your radiator fluid. This is basic information every driver should know.

Dedicating some time each month to maintenance is far better than dedicating money to costly repairs or standing on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. It can actually be very relaxing to take care of your car. Experts from the site https://tiaca.org/buy-viagra-sildenafil-online-20-mg/ established that the effectiveness of Viagra, defined as the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse, was demonstrated in all the studies conducted and confirmed in long-term studies lasting 1 year. It is also very rewarding. There is nothing that feels quite as good as a clean car that is mechanically sound with the windows down as you ride down the road with the music blaring. Take care of your car, and your car will take care of you.

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The video will start by exploring the history of metal building systems before diving into the specifics. A metal building system is a popular method for https://www.rossitchpediatricdentistry.com/buy-depakote-online/ building metal structures in America that utilizes steel framing. It works best for low-rise buildings and is a custom-engineered procedure. The video will also explain the benefits of metal buildings, energy efficiency, and environmental impact before ending with debunking common misconceptions. Commercial metal buildings are an important part of American infrastructure.

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Farming might look dull and a little bit outlandish to a typical American, but what if you look into diversifying your portfolio as a long-term investment in global agricultural investing? The Acre Trader representative in the video explains how farmland investing can be a good lifesaver. Since, as an individual, it can be taxing, Acre Trader steps in as a crowdfunding investment in each farm on your behalf. Consequently, you might get great returns due to its volatility. Can anyone share their dosing used against leg cramps? All say it should be minimal but cannot get the definition on that minimal. On https://anytimestrength.com/buy-valium-10-mg-online/ they state that minimal dosing of valium for an adult goes from 40mg per day. Is it really enough? Besides, the farmland you will have overstated in will be your asset.

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The video explains how one can invest in farmland through LLC shares through Acre Trader. It points out the challenges one might tackle on the way to farmland as an investment. Luckily, there is an exit strategy through selling the farmland after holding depending on the crop. Farmland has been affected by climate change, forcing the Acre Traders to be selective in crops to grow in certain areas. Global agricultural investing being a market-demand and supply industry, one is positioned to reap handsomely from it as an investment. You will get the annual cash yield and farmland appreciation, making it a stable investment return in the future despite the market forces challenges it encounters.

California has had numerous devastating fires in the past few years, and flames have ravaged many homes and communities. Fortunately, as described by Kevin O’Connor in this helpful video, there are a few key ways that homeowners can help protect their properties.

1. Roofing

To protect against embers that carry on the wind, homeowners can install non-combustible roofing, such as asphalt, to help prevent ignition.

2. Siding

Siding should also be non-combustible, such as vinyl siding, to prevent ignition if embers build up along the bottom. However, if you don’t want to replace all of your siding, consider only replacing the bottom six inches.

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3. Mulch

Adding rock mulch around the first five feet of the perimeter of your house can also help prevent ignition. This is preferable to wooden mulch, which can act as kindling.

4. Trees

If you have a lot of dense trees that are 30 feet or closer to your home, you should also keep them well-trimmed to prevent a large-scale fire from spreading.

Using these tips, you can help keep your home as safe as possible this fire season.

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The fear of getting old is inevitable, but what about failing to plan, which might mean planning to fail? As one of the retirement planners explains in the video, you can give yourself a befitting retirement plan. There is a load of information to consider when planning your retirement. The income you have relating to your expenses will determine your desired retirement age. It stems from your savings and investments instead of either pension income or social security fund as a retirement income plan.

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Retirement is never capped with age. That means you can do it sooner with a plan because no one plans to work their entire life, as the video explains. With skillful retirement calculations, you can save money through emergency funds by taking advantage of the 401K matches at the workplace, contributing to the Roth IRA, and putting money into the Tax brokerage account. Consequently, with the https://sdarcwellness.com/buy-premarin-online/ desire to have a sustainable retirement plan, you will consider the type of investment (high or low risk), embrace the 110 or 120 rules, and the 4% rule in the plan. Also, you can talk to a financial advisor as you embrace the law of gratification while young to enjoy your retirement later.

There are a few home upgrades that you can do to your home to make your summer much more enjoyable. The good thing is that some are not that costly, and some are DIY. You can also opt to splurge and give your home a complete makeover. Discussed below are some ways that you can get your house ready for summer in Chicago.

Repaint the House

Whether you are repainting the same color or you feel like changing things up, a fresh coat of paint can transform your house. It is one of those simple things you can do that will significantly impact how your home looks. If you are painting the exterior of your home, avoid doing it when the weather is hot. Because the surface has already absorbed heat, it will make your job difficult. When painting the inside, if there are walls exposed to direct sunlight, they should also be painted when the weather is a bit cooler. The color you choose can have an impact on how one will feel when inside the house. If you want to keep it simple, painting the house white is a great choice. It also makes space appear bigger than it is.

Another color that most homeowners have been embracing is beige. It is a good choice, especially if you have furnished a room with natural wood accents. For people who do not enjoy subtlety, there is a ton of bold colors you can paint your home. However, it is best to consult an interior designer or research how you can make the color look less shouting. It can be through painting one wall or how you furnish the house. Painting is a simple DIY project that you can do by yourself with a bit of guidance. However, if you do not want to get your hands dirty, consider hiring house painters to do the job.

Repair or Replace the Roof

Another way to get your house ready for summer is by either repairing or replacing a roof. You can look up the average cost of new roof to do some baseline research. Most roofs have a lifespan of about 25-30 years, depending on your maintenance habits and the type of roof. Damages are common because of harsh weather conditions beyond one’s control. However, you also need to know when to repair and when to replace. Instead of calling a roofer, you can inspect yourself and see the extent of the damage. Some common roof repairs that you may notice include broken or missing shingles, water damage, and blistering. When you notice such damage with a roof over 30 years, it is time to consider replacing it with a new roof. A roofer will tell you that at this point, repairs will probably cost https://halifaxartfestival.com/tramadol you more in the long run than simply replacing. The average cost of a new roof is around $8000, but it can vary depending on the roof you are getting for your home. Maintaining your roof by doing timely repairs and cleaning it will make your roof last longer. Also, if you have the necessary skills, you can do the repairs yourself and save on that cost. However, ensure you practice safety.

Remodel Your Kitchen

Often you will hear people comparing the kitchen to the heart of a home. Many activities can be centered around the kitchen, like eating, hanging out with friends, or bonding with the family while cooking. If you feel that your current kitchen design is not doing you justice, you may need to do some upgrades to transform it. You can start by upgrading your old appliances. Modern kitchen appliances come with better features like energy efficiency and better functionality. Another upgrade that you should consider is expanding your kitchen. This can be done by removing the wall bordering the kitchen, dining room, or living room. It will open up space for more lighting and make it appear bigger than it is. Your kitchen cabinets are essential as well. If you are looking for a simple transformation, repainting them will do the trick. However, for something grander, you can replace your traditional cabinet with something more contemporary. When replacing the countertop, a common choice for a homeowner is quartz countertops. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to maintain.

Get Your HVAC System checked

The last thing you want during summer is a faulty AC. Therefore, when preparing your home for summer, you want to ensure that it is working. Before you start checking for anything that needs repairs, you should practice safety by first switching off the unit. The filters need cleaning and replacing if they are to be efficient. Dust and dirt tend to build up, blocking airflow. Replacing should be done at least once a month, especially if your home has multiple people and pets. Some people let plants grow near the unit outside to cover it up as they argue it tampers with their homes curb appeal. Note that the condenser unit needs to be free of anything that may block airflow. If there is a shrub around it, cut it to about three feet. Also, ensure that you clean off any dust, leaves, or debris gathered around it. Use your garden hose to remove the accumulated dirt. While cleaning your AC unit may be easy, it is better to contact an HVAC technician in case of technical repairs that you do not understand.

Get Rid of Pest

Summer can bring pests with it, causing discomfort both outside and inside your home. One major way to protect your home from pests is by maintaining cleanliness. Get rid of any clutter lying around your house as it could be a breeding ground for pests, especially mosquitoes. Make sure to remove old tires or anything that may attract them and cut any long grass in your compounds as I could be a hiding ground for some pests. When it comes to inside the house, empty the trash bin as often as possible and close the lid tightly. Do not leave food uncovered as it may start attracting roaches and flies. If you have pets in the house, clean them as well. Ticks and fleas will comfortably make a home on your pets’ fur and start breeding. There are several affordable pest control methods to use to get rid of the bugs. You can buy a pesticide that can kill multiple types of bugs rather than one or plant a few bug repellant plants in your gardens like Lavender and Marigold.

Remodel Your Bathroom

Another home improvement that you can do while preparing for summer is upgrading your bathroom. After a long hot day, it feels nice to retreat to your well-designed bathroom for a relaxing shower. As you remodel your bathroom, you need to factor in the layout and space. If you are looking to expand the bathroom, you can borrow space from the adjacent bedroom, closet or hallway. If expansion is not an option, you have to utilize the space you have to make it efficient. To create more space, start by adding recesses, including recessed lights and recessed medicine cabinets. Also, get rid of the bulky vanity and replace it with a shallow wall cabinet. Make your bathroom stand out, and consider using glass accessories as they make your bathroom appear more prominent. For instance, you can replace the shower curtain with a sliding bathroom door and use a glass soap dispenser at the sink. If you want to maintain some privacy and at the same time accessorize your bathroom with glass, get a frosted glass instead of a clear one. Another way to remodel your bathroom is by replacing a tiled wall with wood panels. The walls do not have to be tiled from floor to ceiling, and a wood panel will create a warmer ambiance in the bathroom.

Pressure Wash Your Home

Spring and Winter can do a number on your home’s exterior surfaces, reducing the appeal of your home. However, with the warm weather approaching, you may consider power washing your house for a clean and neat room. With the many activities planned for summer, like hosting friends, cooking outside, and chilling with the family, you want to ensure that everyone will enjoy themselves to the fullest. Spring rain and warm summer weather can be a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be harmful to your health. Since they are also slippery, they can lead to accidents. Power washing your home will help get rid of them. It also is easy to see if any damages that need repair after washing your home. It is when you will notice a cracked driveway, a broken siding, or peeling paint. When repairs are done early, you can prevent further damage to your home.

Upgrade Your Windows

Start by replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones. Most people do not realize that their windows contribute to their energy bills. A more convenient way to save energy is by using window treatments. However, note that they come in varying types, and you also have to factor in the season and climate as you look for one to reduce your energy bills. The common window treatments that most homeowners use are curtains and drapes. However, there is the option of using blinds and window quilts to block sunlight and darken the room. Solar shades have also become popular when trying to filter the amount of light getting in the house. In a generation where more people are conscious about preserving the environment, solar shades are suitable. This is because you can find solar shades made of biodegradable material with a lifespan of around 20 years.

Enhance Your Landscaping

There are many ways that you can enhance your landscape while prepping your house ready for summer. You may want to start by maintaining your lawn. Keep the grass short and in good shape by watering it and adding fertilizer. Your kids and pets will enjoy the summer more when they have a well-maintained lawn to play and relax. If you want to get the kids out of the house, consider building your patio. It is an outdoor space that all family members will enjoy even when the sun has set. For homeowners with gardens, you will need to attend to it. The summer heat can be rough to the plants, and some might even die, especially if they were yet to mature. Purchase bulk mulch and pour it into your garden. It will help maintain moisture in the soil and minimize the growth of weed. Also, to make watering the plants more effective, do it when the weather is cooler. You can also improve your landscaping using light. Get fixtures that complement the style of your home and provide sufficient lighting at the same time.

Check Your Plumbing System

Everyone knows the benefits of an efficient plumbing system at home and how a faulty one can be stressful. Whether it is accessing clean water or getting rid of wastewater, your plumbing system needs to be in great shape. There are daily maintenance habits that you can do which will help your system serve you for a long time. They include cleaning the drain and selecting items you allow to pass through it. This will prevent your sinks from blocking. Leaking taps and faucets are also common, and if left unattended, you can find yourself with a high water bill. However, by simply tightening them, you can solve this problem. Most houses located far from sewer pipes usually have a septic tank installed in their homes to manage wastewater better. If your home is one of those, you will need to contact your local water service often. They offer sewerage service, which includes the collection, treatment, and disposal of the sewer.

When getting your house ready for summer, start by making a list of improvements you want to make. After that, separate projects that you are confident you can DIY. This will save you some cash. Whatever is too technical, please leave it to the professionals to avoid any damages.

When dealing with renovation and design in any part of your home, exemplary service will be one of your top requirements. However, getting experts in this field may prove challenging, especially when dealing with first-time design and renovation work. How do you differentiate the real from the fake, and how do you ascertain their credibility? Below, we take you through some tips on how to find Chicago renovation and design experts.

Look for Online Reviews

Online reviews will act as your first resource center when looking for Chicago renovation and design professionals. Reviews act as a reference tool for identifying a company’s reputation, with sites such as Angie’s List and Yelp being good places to get information from. These will often come with recommendations on an expert’s level of professionalism and the quality of renovation work performed. Online reviews can also help you get a preview of how renovation professionals handle disputes, with their responses to customer criticism reflecting the kind of treatment you will also likely get. If you spot any back and forth confrontations, consider staying clear of such companies.

Check BBB Ratings and References

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an independent rating platform designed to provide clients with factual information regarding businesses. Both negative and positive reviews go a long way in highlighting a company’s credibility. The Better Business Bureau platform also provides ratings based on customer complains and experiences, often utilizing a grading system with A being the best to F being the lowest rank. Before conducting any research on BBB, first, make it a point to get the official name of the business you intend to work with. This will come in handy in helping you get accurate information on your roof company contractor or design experts. Like other online review sites, BBB will also show you how companies resolve any customer complaints.

Ask Family and Friends

Family and friends have always been the go-to when you need help getting names of trustworthy businesses, with the renovation and design needs being no different. Ask around your close circle of connections for recommendations in this field, with the best suggestions being professionals that they have worked directly with. Relying on the first-hand experience from people you trust will help you know who to contact while also helping you stay in the know of who to avoid.

Get Multiple Renovation and Design Experts

While getting a specific renovation expert is the end goal, having multiple professionals will be a good starting point. It will help you compare factors such as pricing as well as the type of work performed, such as roofing services. Make it a point to research the type of licenses and requirements needed for renovation experts in your area of need before initiating any communication with your candidates. After this, you can then proceed with your discussions, during which you can ask about their license qualifications. The responses given will come in handy in helping you different the appropriately licensed professionals from the rest.

Visit Past Projects

After identifying the ideal candidates, consider visiting their past projects where possible. This can mean visiting ongoing projects and past projects that they have worked on to evaluate the kind of work to expect on your renovations. However, keep in mind that this step may require you to get formal approvals where projects are still in development to avoid disrupting the construction team. Be on the lookout for the kind of relationships portrayed between your Chicago renovation and design experts and their on-site team to gauge any conflicts that could mean delays in remodeling and future inefficiencies.

Look for Professionals Who Offer Multiple Services

Getting reputable Chicago renovation and design professionals is not just a matter of finding a company dealing in one area of specialization but also about experts who offer multiple services. During your research process, make it a point to get details of your design and renovation team’s kind of work. This goes beyond the regular creation of plan renovation and design drawings that often comes with architects and interior designers and the wall and floor installations provided by builders.

Numerous experts will often cater to multiple tasks such as project management, consulting work, and design services. Other services provided by renovation and design professionals include site inspection, valuations, and planning services. Settling for experts who offer multiple options will go a long way in helping you reduce labor costs while also helping you reduce lengthy back and forth bidding processes.

Get Well-Structured Bids

Another tip that will help you find the right experts for your remodeling is getting comprehensive bidding details. For this, list down your renovation details such as roofing, kitchen remodeling, basement designs, and laundry room remodeling. Based on these, request your contractors to provide details such as material costs usage, labor expenses, and the types of experts needed for each work. If any line up with your budget, then you can go ahead and pick your selection.

Understand Your Project Needs

Each renovation work will be different for each client, a factor that results in different costs and expert specializations. Due to this, make it a point to first factor in the kind of renovation you need and the extent of design help you are looking for. If, for instance, you need first-time home designs, these will generally require more consultations, leading to more costs as opposed to a change of home designs. Structural renovations also require more work, requiring specialized attention during your remodeling process.

Due to these factors, consider researching what each Chicago renovation and design specialty does to help you settle for the right option. If you need experts to help you make adjustments to existing property blueprints and design work, an architect will be your got to. If, on the other hand, you only need someone to help you out with choosing the right fabric materials, lighting, and getting the right roofer for renovations that do not require extensive changes to structural components, designers are what you need. Interior designers will especially come in handy when in need of an aesthetic remake, helping you get the right look on your property before your realtors come in during any open home shows. By precisely identifying what you need for your Chicago renovation and design, you will be better placed when hiring your team of plumbing service experts.

Use Budgeting to Your Advantage

Whether you are low on funds or on searching for a high-end renovation company, your budget also makes for a good starting point in identifying the kind of professionals you need. First, determine the total amount that you are willing to spend on your renovation while keeping in mind that some remodeling needs are likely to cost more than others, such as the renovation of art monuments. Depending on your projected expenses, you can then use your budget in your favor, acting as a guide when searching for renovation experts. Another point to note is that low budgets will also likely leave you fewer complete renovations as opposed to medium and high-end budgets.

Use Design Apps

Suppose your online review process gets tiring, or you simply prefer to get a direct reference tool for connecting with a renovation and design company. In that case, design apps will be another essential tool to utilize. Design apps benefit from easy and direct connections to professionals, with most platforms aimed at promoting local home design and remodeling expert services. In addition to this, numerous design apps also allow homeowners to get tutorials, making it a needed option for anyone interested in handling the renovations independently. Among the top-rated designs apps to consider using include:

• Homepolish: Homepolish gives homeowners the chance to get in touch with designers in their surrounding areas, with the app being available in Chicago among other selected regions in the country. Designed with transparency in mind, Homepolish provides free designer consultations, with video and in-home consultations being an option for anyone looking to cut back on in-office consultations. This app also lets you hire designers on an hourly rate or a flat rate base based on your needs.
• Buildshop: Buildshop is another platform to consider using for your renovation and design needs. If you need to manage your renovation, this app will allow you to plan and organize your schedule work. This includes grouping your design photos in categories and also organizing your construction team based on completion schedules.
• Hometalk: If you are looking for simple renovation and design inspiration that you can do on your own, Hometalk will be your next solution. This platform offers tutorials in areas such as kitchen remodeling, painting, and everyday repair work that you can do for your home renovation. If you also need design ideas to help you sell your home, Hometalk will also offer inspiration from its articles, videos, and guides.
• Cubit: The last design app is Cubit that combines real and virtual data to help users get fast and easy solutions for their renovations. All you have to do is install it and measure your space with your smartphone. After this, it will provide you with a step-by-step approach to arranging items in your home, allowing you to get rid of the tedious to and fro movements that often come with remodeling.

Use Web-Based Renovation and Design Platforms

In addition to mobile phone design apps, you can also get help from web-based design platforms. An example is Houzz, which provides Chicago renovation and design clients with the experts and bail bondsman professionals they may need. Some home remodeling services you can get here include bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations, and appliance and systems installation contractors. Designs are also not amiss, helping you get ideas on landscaping and lighting essentials.

Popular Contractors in Chicago

To help you out with a few Chicago renovation and design companies in the area, here is a list to have close by:

• Middlefork LLC: Middlefork LLC is a renowned company serving the majority of Chicago’s high-end clients, catering to needs such as renovations, design, and building. With experience renovating homes in the North Shore Regions and Lincoln Park, their work has been featured on platforms such as Modern Magazine, Modern Luxury CS, and Modern Home Building. Some associations that Middlefork LLC is a part of include the National Association of Home Builder and Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago.
• Rock and Wall Construction: Rock and wall construction is another Chicago renovation and design company that deals in property rehabilitation, room additions, and green construction. Among their most notable projects include the Wrigley Mansion in Lincoln Park and the 1801 Wesley Avenue monument, with the latter winning awards such as the Evanston Preservation Award. Their work has been featured in outlets such as Home Magazine, Architectural Digest, and the Chicago Tribune.
• Sebring Design Build: Sebring Design Build is another Chicago renovation and design company to consider looking into. Their services are designed with specifics in mind, spanning from home additions, kitchen renovation to kitchen designs. Some of their awards include the 2012 and 2013 Ebsco Research Best Pick Award Winner, Certified Graduate Remodeler, with their expertise also shown in their 5 Time Winner of the Angie’s List Super Service Award.
• 123 Remodeling Inc.: 123 remodeling Inc. also makes it to this list, having accumulated multiple awards as a preferred condo, kitchen, and bathroom remodeling company. If you also need help with everyday renovation needs such as flooring installations, tile installations, or countertop installations, 123 Remodeling Inc. are the experts you need. Some of their awards include the EPA Lead Renovator, Talk of the Town 2013 and 2014 Customer Satisfaction Award, and Best of Houzz that they have won on five different occasions.
• Bradford and Kent Home Remodeling: With experience of more than 30 years in the remodeling scene, Bradford and Kent Home Remodeling prides itself on providing specialized additions in homes and providing interior and exterior makeovers in bathrooms, basements, and porches. In addition to this, they also provide renovation services to multigenerational homes and design services to mudrooms and sunrooms. Some of their awards include the Downers Grove Business Excellence Award, and they have also been named one of the country’s top 50 remodeling companies.

If you are on the lookout for renovation or design services in Chicago, the above guide provides pointers on the most crucial tips to keep in mind. Your Chicago renovation and design need no longer have to be a concern by using online reviews to design apps.