Renovating your home can be a complicated process. Fortunately, there are a number of different resources available for you. Follow some of these renovation tips when taking on this endeavor. The first step in this process should be research. When conducting your research nothing seems to beat good old-fashioned books. Whether you take a trip to the library, bookstore, or use the download option, you can find some great remodeling books. It also helps to solicit advice from friends and family. Take all the information you can gather and proceed forward.
Depending on the type of renovation that you are taking on, there are a number of differing factors to consider. Painting, for example, requires a lot of preparation. You will need to invest in some window coverings for protection. Creating a supply list beforehand will help you stay organized.
The renovation and design process of your home is vital to comfortable living. Perhaps you could use the services of a professional. Search online for renovation designers near me. Check out some online reviews for further evaluation. This will help you make an informed decision.

UPDATED 1/11/21

Home renovation and design can be complex. Even ‘home renovation where to start’ searches can be more complicated than they initially seem since residential restoration and house remodeling are technically both different. Renovating a home is also different from restoring or remodeling it.

When people remodel buildings, they alter the structure of those buildings. A remodeled building has been fundamentally changed. People may remodel buildings that don’t actually need to be repaired. They’re just interested in changing those buildings.

If the building does need repairs, people will have to get it renovated. They may decide to make the building look like it did when it was first constructed. If that’s the case, then they’re getting the building restored. People will both renovate and restore buildings.

House makeover companies may have experience with all three of these different processes. These professionals may focus on home remodeling. However, home restoration is certainly popular as well. Some people want to make an older house modern.

Of course, a house that’s being restored might not be especially old. Individuals who purchase older houses are sometimes specifically interested in homes from earlier eras. Companies should be able to help their clients effectively set home remodeling or home restoration goals.

The individuals who are interested in all new home improvement will often choose to work with building renovation companies. Getting full home renovation work can be time-consuming. People may need to contact electrical contractors at some point, since the house’s wiring might need to be changed. When homes are remodeled this extensively, many of the fundamental structural details will also become relevant.

There are many ways of financing house renovations. Some people specifically save a lot of money before they get their homes remodeled. People may have to save money for years to finance some home renovations, especially if they’re renovating the whole house. Individuals who decide to finance this sort of work themselves may also need to set aside some money for hotel rooms, since they may not be able to stay at the remodeled house the entire time.

Some people may need to spend quite a lot of time away from the house, especially if it is being remodeled very extensively. There are different options available for people in that situation. Some people will temporarily stay with their family members or friends. Even a temporary move can cost money, and people will have to move many of their possessions out of a remodeled house.

Some of the best home contractors can help people with several different household remodeling projects. There are also flooring contractors that can install new floorboards or change the existing flooring in a room. Many of the best local contractors are at least somewhat specialized.

When people read about contractor professionals, they’ll see that contractors may have more than one specialty. However, they’ll still often focus on a particular type of home repair and renovation work.

There are professionals in construction andamp; contractors who have remodeled entire houses. Others may specifically work on floor sanding projects. People who need very specific types of household repairs should consider working with the professionals who primarily have experience on similar repair types.

However, there are household renovation projects that are relatively complicated themselves. Other people are trying to make several changes to their homes all at once. There are contractors who have numerous specialties, and who have the unique sets of skills that will be required here.

Anyone who is setting out to find contractors in this field may need to spend a lot of time researching related local businesses. However, as long as they’re able to communicate with professionals effectively, they’ll be more likely to plan successfully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e5bFfrScbk

Spending on home renovations took off in 2019, with 51% homeowners tackling at least one home improvement project in 2019. Thanks to quarantine and people across the U.S. spending more time at home than ever before, the sheer number of home renovations is only likely to increase. What’s more, spending on remodeling spiked in Chicago and other large cities in particular. “Remodeling activity increased in May in five of the top 10 metropolitan statistical areas — Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C,” Housing Wire writes.

If you live in Chicago and plan to take part in this home renovation boom, do it wisely. Follow this comprehensive home renovation help guide to select a home remodeling contractor that best suits your needs.

Ask Around

First, narrow down what projects are a priority to you. Roof maintenance and roof replacement, for example, are among the top projects. Repairs can significantly improve the life and integrity of your roof and — at times — roof replacement can be a wise financial move. For example, replacing traditional shingles with metal roofing is a popular choice as metal roofs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and can be made partially or entirely from recycled materials. Whether you undertake major roof repairs or install a new roof altogether, the question remains: Who will do it for you?

When hiring a contractor, one of the first steps to take is to get recommendations from trusted family and friends. “Ask your homeowner friends for recommendations, especially those who have recently had renovations,” Consumer Affairs suggests.

Read The Reviews And Research Credentials

Another way to pick out the best possible roof repair service is to read customer reviews. Many companies today have a strong online presence. In fact, marketers invest as much as 51% of their budget into online advertising strategies, such as mobile advertisements. That means the most reputable companies will not only have a website, but also reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and other social media.

As long as roofing contractors have a fair number of reviews, chances are you can trust them. According to Inc.com, 91% of consumers read reviews, and 84% of people trust online reviews as much as friends. Do your due diligence. Read through reviews carefully. Look for a consensus and look out for reviews that use details to back up what they’re saying.

Substantiate reviews or initial customer impressions using credentials. If you are able to narrow down your search to a few highly-rated contractors, narrow it down even further by looking into those contractors’ credentials. Companies offering quality home renovation help will likely have the right credentials. What are some credentials to keep an eye out for? Search for “designations from any professional associations such as the National Kitchen andamp; Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Homebuilders,” HGTV recommends. Ensure contractors have all required licenses, and keep an eye out for professionals who underwent training and testing to earn certifications.

Look At Contractors’ Portfolios

Home renovation help is not the same across the board. For example, roof repairs are straightforward. As previously mentioned, look for a top-rated company with certifications and the appropriate licenses. When it comes to hiring a residential or commercial roofing company to install a new roof or replace an old one, on the other hand, it is wise to peruse the contractor’s portfolio before hiring them.

A contractor’s portfolio is indicative of their abilities and ought to display the best of the best when it comes to their past work. If possible, search for photographs of roofs before and after replacing them. Some contractors may include sketches, initial designs, and/or the blueprints they used to help guide them through projects. If so, this can give you an inside look at their process and whether that process seems productive to you. It is also possible to use portfolios as a starting point. If you are particularly fond of a particular roof, project, or renovation, ask if you may contact the customer and use them as a reference. If all goes well, you can talk to the customer directly and get a firm grasp of what it was like to execute the renovation or remodel that you like so much. Some questions you may want to ask references are, did the contractor stay true to the proposed schedule? and how is the renovation or project holding up?

Vet Communications

When it comes to home renovation help, one of the biggest takeaways is that contractors — whether residential roofers or kitchen remodeling contractors — should prioritize open communication with their customers.

First and foremost, it should not be a challenge to get in touch with local contractors. Their company name, phone number, email, and any other contact information should be prominently displayed on their website. If you call or email them, they should get back to you relatively quickly — within a few business days at most.

If you get them on the phone, consider asking them few initial questions to get a better idea if they are the right fit for you. This Old House recommends asking how many projects they tackle at once, if they work with subcontractors (and, if so, who), and whether they are willing to disclose some of their past clients and/or provide examples of their prior work.

Many companies will offer estimates or quotations for remodeling projects or repairs, such as flat roof repairs. Favor companies that are open to providing estimates and being as transparent as possible about pricing. Remember, home renovation help should not be a nebulous or particularly confusing undertaking. Show preference for companies that prioritize fast and effective communication.

View Promising Prospects Through A Critical Business Lens

If you are planning to seek out home renovation help, remember to treat contractors the same as you would treat any other business or company. For example, not only should you look for a strong online presence and prominently displayed contact information, you should expect it.

Assess contractors like you would any other business. Ask yourself: Do they have a permanent address? How many years have they been in business? Does the remodeler maintain a solid relationship with experienced contractors such as plumbers and electricians and work with them as a team?

Another thing to look for is adequate insurance. Contractors, such as roofing services, should have insurance to protect themselves and you should accidents happen. With liability insurance, they will have recourse if they fall off your roof, for example, and you will not be stuck paying for exorbitant medical bills. A reputable company will have this coverage and be open about it with you.

Consider how much demonstrable experience they have. Ideally, portfolios should display up to 10 major repairs or remodeling projects. If a contractor’s portfolio shows just one or two, it is more than reasonable to ask for an explanation and/or more examples of their work.

Finally, it’s not required that contractors are a member of any trade organizations, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Contractors that can proudly advertise these memberships often have to complete work of a certain caliber to earn and maintain them.

Compare Prices

There is a consensus when seeking home renovation help: nearly all professional contractors will offer a free estimate, quotation, or consultation. Take advantage of them!

Let’s start with estimates and quotations. In many cases, these are entirely free. For the most accurate idea of what you’re in for, be prepared before getting on the phone or emailing a contractor for an estimate. For example, break a kitchen remodel down into its parts. Get an estimate for appliances, lighting, and flooring. From there, ask the price of materials and labor. Itemizing estimates will help you compare prices more accurately rather than relying on a single, broad estimate that may or may not include costs like installation and manual labor.

An important lesson to learn from home renovation help is that an estimate and a consultation are not the same things. To start, a consultation may or may not be free. Often, it depends on how involved the consultation will be. For instance, a consultation over-the-phone or a quick tour of your home with some cursory suggestions typically will be free of charge.

If you opt for a design agreement, remember that this does not guarantee or lock in your renovations. It will include detailed designs and plans for execution. The contract for renovations and repairs will come after, and you will not be reimbursed for the work the contractor put into the design phase for you.

During a thorough walkthrough consultation — which may or may not come at a price — expect contractors to begin taking measurements and assessing the structure and foundation of your home. Lastly, during the final stages of consultation, the contractor may send over product samples to give you a more concrete idea of what to expect and to get the ball rolling.

Avoid Scams

Of course, one of the most important things when it comes to home repair and home renovation help is to work out how to avoid scams. With regular maintenance and asphalt roof repair, the average asphalt roof will last at least 20 years. Without proper maintenance or with incomplete or shoddy repairs, you risk the water damage, leaks inside your home, and structural damage. Avoid scams for repairs and remodeling by looking out for the following red flags:

• A contractor without a website. A contractor wants to be visible to potential customers and wants to make a good first impression. These days, professionals will not rely on word of mouth alone. If they are lacking some of the most basic information, like a website or social media presence, there may be unfavorable reasons behind it.
• A portfolio with one or two pictures only, or with poor photo quality. Unless the company is very new, they should be eager to show off their projects — not go out of their way to hide them. If a contractor is new but you are inclined to go with them, ask if they have any unofficial work samples to show you. It is very possible they completed projects on the side or in their own home before starting their own company. Further, a contractor’s portfolio is a reflection of their professionalism and abilities. If they choose photos with poor image quality or grainy photos, that says something about their company. If they do not pay attention to these details, they may overlook details during repairs or renovations as well.
• An unwillingness to put things in writing. It is very standard for big projects to be sealed in writing. Do not proceed without a contract. According to HGTV, this contract should clearly lay out your estimate and payment plan, a schedule, a change-order clause, the specifications of the project, and a dispute resolution clause. If any of these elements are missing, get answers. Also review the contract for any signs of lacking professionalism (i.e., typos, spelling errors, missing words, etc.) or unbalanced or unfair language.
• Significant time gaps between projects or references. Again, a contractor is running a business. Like any other professional, expect them to keep up a reliable and consistent employment history. If there are any glaring gaps between projects, inquire as to why.
• A quiet or hesitant reference. A reference can be a great home renovation help, but keep in mind that they’re only human. Most people will politely and enthusiastically talk about the positives and may overlook small things. That said, if references are awkwardly quiet or hesitant to answer your questions, they may be trying to be polite or trying to carefully word things so as to be as kind as possible while avoiding lying to you. If they have an ordinarily sunny disposition, look out for any sudden changes.
• Overly strong or overwhelming sales tactics. Contractors want you to choose them and their bid. However, saying the bid is only available for a few hours or a day at a time crosses a line. A competitive bid is a good thing. Overwhelming pressure is not.

In recent years, homeowners averaged $383.3 billion on home improvement projects and major repairs. When it comes to home renovation help and tips, remember that these renovations are an investment — one that will pay off as you continue to enjoy your home and eventually when it comes time to sell. Put the appropriate amount of time and dedication into protecting that investment. Go the extra mile to choose the contractor that is right for you.

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Maintaining a home may be a lot of work, but it is worth it. Each year, homeowners need to do some regular maintenance to keep their property in pristine condition. Before the warm summer months, it’s a good idea to have your air conditioning inspected and serviced. The last thing you want is for it to stop functioning in the middle of the summer. HVAC installation can be also be done before the summer months.

To find the best residential HVAC company near you, do a quick Internet search and click on some reviews to read. If you have a central AC unit for house, be sure to get that serviced before the summer kicks off. If it needs to be fixed or replaced, you’ll have plenty of time to get this done. Another component of your comfort that needs to be serviced is your furnace. Have this inspected at the end of the summer to prepare for winter. If anything needs to be replaced, you can buy furnace and air conditioner online options, as well as buy home air conditioning unit options online.

It doesn’t matter if you have a small, two-bedroom rancher in a more rural enclave of Chicago or a big, stunning single-family gem in a more suburban development. You’re going to need to put a little time aside this year to work on some important summer home maintenance projects.

Not sure which summer home maintenance projects to do? Or how much to expect to spend on your upcoming summer home maintenance projects? Let the following guidelines help you determine which items you should concentrate on from Memorial Day until the end of September. Oh, and expect to spend up to four percent of how much your property is worth. For instance, if you own a Cape Cod valued at $400,000, you may end up putting up to $16,000 into repairs and improvements over the course of the year. For a home in the style of a Cape Cod central heating and cooling repairs, roof maintenance, and other pricy upgrades might be par for the course.

Now, let’s dive into the top summer home maintenance projects no one living in the Chicagoland area can afford to ignore.

Give Pests an Eviction Notice

The word “cockroach” is a common name for household insect pest. Millions of homes are faced with a cockroach infestation.

So, if you have cockroaches in your house that make you feel embarrassed about bringing guests over. Fear not, all you need is the services of a professional exterminator to manage and remove these pests from your home or business so that you can go back to inviting guests without any fear of a cockroach whooshing about across the lounge. Cockroach control is tedious because it has to be maintained after a while, these buggers never go away completely and as the adage goes “cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast”, so you are not the problem, they are.

Cockroaches are known to be major common house pests in Texas so much that locals have resorted to scouring the internet and asking the search engine to buy pest control online. If you are someone who rummages through information sites trying to figure out how to do my own pest control or you would like to find out how to exterminate your home yourself just know that there are professionals with years of experience to make your pest problem go away.

Every homeowner deals with the occasional spider, mouse, or bat. But if your home is overrun with critters and insects, you need to take charge of the situation.

Some of the most popular pest problems faced by Chicago families include cockroaches, bed bugs, ants, wasps, yellow jackets, mosquitoes, and rodents. These pests won’t go away on their own, so you’ll need to take action.

You have two choices at this point: Go the DIY route or call a pest control elimination service. If you’re more of a hands-on person, you’ll need to investigate and evaluate what works to rid your home of everything that flies, crawls, and stings. Some home remedies work better than others. Additionally, some take quite a bit of time, especially natural or organic pest control.

If you’d rather just take care of the pests at once, call a pest control service. Professional technicians can help with everything from completely removing an ant infestation to applying mosquito control solutions so you can enjoy your patio again.

Though this isn’t one of the most exciting summer home maintenance projects, it’s definitely an important one. After all, you shouldn’t have to worry that you’re sharing your house with unwanted guests.

Take Care of Nagging Roof Repairs

The average home’s roof lasts around 30 years, as long as it’s been well-installed and properly maintained. Nevertheless, some roofs in Illinois last a shorter period of time or incur damage due to lake effect wind, rain, sleet, and snow.

In thinking about summer home maintenance projects, consider the state of your roof. Is it relatively recent, as in less than 10 years old? Or has it aged considerably? Are parts of the shingles breaking off or warping? Do you suspect leaks that are getting into your walls, attic, or living spaces? These are all signs that this is one of those summer home maintenance projects you need to tackle soon.

Before you assume that you’ll end up spending a fortune to completely remove your current roof and reinstall a replacement, remember that you might be able to fix something like a leaking roof with simple roof repair. Expert roofers aren’t necessarily going to try to sell you a brand new roof. A roofer may recommend replacing a section of shingles with lookalikes, for instance.

After fixing any roof concerns as part of your summer home maintenance projects, write yourself a note on the calendar to put roof maintenance a priority next summer, too. The more you keep up with your roof, the less a major repair is likely to surprise you.

Keep in mind that making roofing repairs can also make your central cooling system work more efficiently. If there are leaks in the roof, this will allow air to escape — which means your central heat and air system will have to work overtime to compensate. Guess what happens when a central cooling and heating system has to work hard? You’ll end up paying a lot more for your monthly usage. Not only that, but your whole house heater and air conditioner might not last as long as it should if it has to work harder than necessary. If you don’t want to pay a premium to frequently replace home central heating and cooling systems, you might actually start by fixing your roof!

Contact a Provider for HVAC Tune-Ups

While we’re on the subject of homes in the style of Cape cod central heating and cooling needs, let’s discuss the necessity of maintenance checks and regular repairs for these systems. Your home’s HVAC system plays a critical part in both the comfort of you and your family, as well as your overall indoor air quality. The beginning of summer is a terrific opportunity for you to take advantage of air conditioning maintenance offers from local providers. It’s also a good chance for you to change the filter in your whole house air conditioner or fan.

Have you wondered, “what is central cooling and is it better than what I have now?” Central cooling refers to air conditioning that operates from a specific location — meaning that the air is brought into that location to be cooled and then distributed throughout the home or building via fans or ducts. With central ar, are split systems and packaged units — each of which operate a little differently and have different benefits. Central air isn’t the same as forced air, which is the type of system your home furnace uses. Instead, central air uses a closed loop of cycled and refrigerated air that’s sent throughout your home using that aforementioned forced air system. Essentially, this means that a central air system isn’t actually connected to your furnace.

But the terminology here doesn’t matter nearly as much as the impact. If you’ve been living without an air conditioner or just using window units, you may want to consider making this the year you finally get air conditioning installed. Many places can install an air conditioner within a day or two. And you don’t necessarily need ductwork to get the benefit that comes with an energy-efficient air conditioner. Many systems for central air in Cape Cod homes will end up saving you money in the long run compared to window units — and you’ll certainly be more comfortable with air conditioning on those hot summer days.

Although HVAC Cape Cod home installation can be a bit of an undertaking, some air conditioning companies offer sales and installation of ductless air conditioners. They perform just as reliably as other models, but they don’t require that you retrofit your house with a system of ducts. Many homebuyers in Chicago like to look at houses with some kind of air conditioning. If you’re thinking of selling your house in a few years, adding some type of central air might be a wise addition to your ever-growing summer home maintenance projects checklist. Even if you plan on escaping to the beach this summer, air conditioning contractors Cape Cod seasonal residents rely on can make your vacation house a lot more bearable.

As a final note, consider asking your HVAC service dealer about the possibility of zoning your home. Zoning allows you to focus your heating or cooling where it’s most needed at the time. For example, you may not want to cool off your upstairs areas during the day if everyone in your family tends to hang out downstairs or outside. Similarly, when the weather starts to get chilly, you might not want to heat up your den and living room while everyone’s asleep at night. This will allow you to get the most out of your Cape Cod central heating and cooling style unit without paying a premium. Keep in mind that no matter what kind of system you invest in, you’ll still want to schedule HVAC maintenance on a yearly basis to ensure everything’s working as it should.

Update Your Home’s Electrical System

Electrical problems aren’t just a nuisance. They can also be deadly because they can lead to fires. Therefore, make checking and updating your home’s electrical system a summer home maintenance projects no-brainer.

How do you know if something’s amiss with your electrical system? Some surefire signs that you should at least get it checked out include smelling something funny when you turn lights or the oven on, experiencing flickering lights, constantly having to reset the fuse box, hot to the touch outlets, and dangling wires. Obviously, if you see sparks when you turn on a light or plug in an appliance, that’s another reason to take action immediately.

Even if you like to do everything on your own when it comes to updating your home, leave electrical work to the pros. Ask someone to come into your home and give it a once-over inspection. See if there are any electrical upgrades you should make while you’re engaging in summer home maintenance projects, especially if your home was built or refurbished more than 20 years ago.

Like all home systems, electric systems have improved over the past few decades. By investing in a different type of electric box or rewiring parts of your property, you could end up saving tons of energy. You’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’ve handled all those electrical issues.

Give Your Lawn a Haircut–And Other TLC

Two words: Curb appeal. Houses that lack it tend to fade into the background or become neighborhood eyesores. On the other hand, houses with tons of it generate lots of “Ooohs” and “Ahhhs” from passersby.

Lawn maintenance happens to be one of the most instantly rewarding of all summer home maintenance projects because it’s effects are so instantly noticeable! It’s tough not to spot the pergola someone adds to a side yard or a brilliantly flowered walkway made of stone. No, you don’t want to spend your whole budget set aside for summer home maintenance projects, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your property an eye-catching facelift.

Start by making sure that your lawnmower is properly serviced and ready to do all the trimming throughout the summer months. You can service it yourself or, if needed, take it somewhere to get a tune-up or blade sharpening. Check all your other lawn tools to be certain they’ll be ready to perform for the season.

Next, check out any trees around your house. Could they use a little tree pruning? Giving your trees and bushes a haircut probably sounds like a simple process. However, it’s more of an art form. Plus, pruning a tall tree can be dangerous if you don’t have proper equipment or training. Call on an expert with know-how and referrals to make your flora look amazing.

Finally, insist on adding “weeding” as one of those summer home maintenance projects that needs to happen on a weekly basis. You can’t just weed your garden once and be done with the experience. That’s not the way weeds work. Even if you use some type of non-toxic weed killer, you’ll still have to get on the ground and pull every now and then. Consistent weeding helps keep your lawn healthy and gorgeous.

Put Money Into Siding Repair or Washing

Like roofs, siding will eventually wear out. Sure, some siding can last up to 60 years. But that doesn’t mean you should let it get discolored year after year.

As the seasons change, your siding becomes exposed to everything from airborne debris to insect webs to intense sunlight. This leaves the siding looking less than attractive. Some siding may even take on a greenish hue due to a build-up of algae and moss.

Take heart, though: Even ugly siding may come back to life with some pro power washing and attention. Call up a company that specializes in working with houses with your type of siding. Talk to them about your choices, such as cleaning versus repairing versus reinstalling.

Upgrade Your Fencing or Add a Fence

Are you interested in cherry-picking your list of summer home maintenance projects to figure out which ones will give you the most aesthetic impact for the money? Install a fence or fix the one you have. Fences can turn any home into a location that just looks like a million bucks, even if it’s valued at well below that figure.

First, if you have a fence already, make fence repair a priority. Wooden fencing often rots away in spots or needs to be re-nailed in place. Wire fencing can come loose thanks to critters bending it away at the bottom. And fences made from composite materials may eventually warp or discolor.

Go around your fence and examine it from both sides, making notes of problem spots. Then, set out a plan to fix everything, one project at a time. You don’t have to redo your fence in one day. Be reasonable and piecemeal it out so it’s done by summertime’s end.

Thinking of putting a fence in? Make sure you are aware of your property boundaries before digging posts. Also, think about renting equipment to make installation a breeze and not a chore. You’ll appreciate increasing the privacy around your home and may even improve your property value by including a fence onto your grounds.

Swap Your Doors

Is it time for unattractive, broken, or dated doors to go? Unless you’re locked into keeping your doors for some reason, explore potentially swapping interior or exterior doors. Newer doors will more easily latch and lock, making them more secure.

While you’re at it, weigh the benefits of adding screen doors if you don’t have them currently. Screen doors can be fantastic, especially in the spring and fall months when the weather’s not too warm for you to open the windows and doors to let in the breeze–but not the bugs.

Upgrade Your Garage

As a conclusion to our suggestions of summer home maintenance projects, pay attention to your garage and its garage door. If you don’t have a working electric garage door, explore garage door installation services in Chicago. Nothing feels more relaxing than being able to push a button and gain access to your garage, not to mention your home, in the case of a garage that is attached.

Oh, be sure to clean your garage from top to bottom. Garages become cluttered and dirty quickly. Summer presents a wonderful time to finally get rid of all the junk you no longer need and start to love your garage again.

What summer home maintenance projects are on your calendar for the next three months? No matter your response, you’re sure to start autumn with a more appealing, safer, and valuable property after engaging in a few house upgrades and repairs.

When you aren’t happy with your home, you can remodel any portion of it so that it is more in tune with what you want. You may have seen a home remodel inspiration that made you make up your mind about changing your home. However, you will need a lot of home remodel design ideas before you start the work. Look through some home renovation and design magazines and websites that will show you many pictures of great features you could use in your own home.

Once you have your ideas together, you can hire a contractor to handle the home remodeling and renovation. They will do the hiring so that you have teams doing each of your major projects. They might contract with local flooring companies to get your flooring done or a closet company to handle your closet built-ins. No matter what you want done to your home, it’s important to be patient with the progress. It often takes longer to get a project completed than the estimate says it will. If your job is a complex one, there is a lot of room for things to go wrong. Just stay on course and keep making the decisions that the contractor requires of you.

It is known that in a home, people spend so much time in the kitchen. Therefore, it is essential that you make it look neat and lovely. Here are a few tips you can use to complete kitchen renovation to rejuvenate it.

Use of colours
The best way to remodel kitchen is to play with the colour palette in the room. You can add vibrant colours to make your kitchen looks stylish and beautiful.

Try and maximize the space.
You can change the 1950s kitchen renovation ideas on your floor to create more space for cooking area and entertainment purposes. You can create more space by relocating the current position of your cabinets and refrigerator.

Add natural touch into the room.
You can use kitchen remodeling services provider to bring natural elements if you love the natural setting. This will add some eco-friendly accent to it, which will be relaxing.

Open shelves
Build open shelves to complete kitchen renovation and then decorate the shelves with beautiful baskets or any other kitchen accessory. You can then display your lovely dinnerware openly.

Shapes
You don’t have to stick to the rectangular shape of building a kitchen. Customize it to any shape that you feel like depending on the available space, and ensure it doesn’t cause traffic around the kitchen area.

 

Updated 11/25/20

A lot of people tend to get bored with their home’s style. This, however, does not necessarily mean that they should move to a new home. Thanks to homestyle renovation loans, a person can change the entire décor of a home to create a new look. One of the key areas that determine the style of a house is the windows. If you change the color of your curtains, the house will have a new look, too. Modern homes have large windows which play a substantial role in determining the overall look of the house. One of the easiest ways to renovate your window is by searching for the best inexpensive window treatments.

You will get plenty of options that can help you to create the new look you’re looking for. If you are renovating your house, you do not have to spend a lot of money buying new curtains. The average price of curtains is enough to determine whether you would buy new ones or not. For instance, if your windows are large, you might need new window blinds to create a new look. All blinds and curtains are made to complement one another, and it would not be difficult to buy the right pair. All you have to do is search for the best kind of blinds, and you will get something to give your house a new look.

Across Chicago and the U.S., the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting everyone. Every business is in jeopardy of shutting its doors for goods. Every employee is in danger of losing their job. Every family is concerned about their health and wellbeing. And every single person in America is hoping to stop the spread of this deadly virus.

One thing that isn’t stopping, however, is home renovation projects. Since everyone aside from essential workers are remaining in their homes almost 100% of the time, now is the perfect time for homeowners to improve their properties and begin (and hopefully finish) some important projects.

There is some concern over whether it’s even advisable to work on your home during this pandemic or not. Though there are some cons to beginning home remodeling projects due to the shortage of supply, potentially higher costs, and general feelings of being overwhelmed; there are plenty of advantages, too. For the most part, the costs are actually much lower right now. Several remodeling companies have come up with great deals and substantial discounts. Plus, if you’re hoping to sell your home in the next few years, taking advantage of all this downtime and upgrading your home is a great option!

Here are some important things to consider whenever starting, or even thinking about starting, home remodeling projects:

Planning

There isn’t a project on earth that wouldn’t benefit from some diligent planning beforehand. Still, so many homeowners jump right into specific projects without an actual plan in mind, which can subsequently lead to a messy home, costly remodeling expenses, and high stress levels. Even skillful do-it-yourselfers need to plan out every step of their remodeling project. Without planning, chaos will certainly be the end result.

“If you have a four-to-five-month timeline, you can talk to friends on who they used and look at Angie’s List reviews on their performance,” said Kermit Baker, project director at the Harvard remodeling program. “You can do your due diligence as you prepare to get the project ready.”

It’s important to have plenty of tools around the house, as well. If you just need a few things for a couple of quick projects, you can take advantage of tool rental programs. However, it’s best to own a legitimate set of tools so you can be fully prepared to take on any kind of home remodeling project. Here is a list of tools that every homeowner should have:

• Screwdriver set
• Hammer
• Measuring tape
• Duct tape
• Flashlight
• Utility knife
• Saw
• Set of pliers
• Wrench set
• Adjustable wrenches
• Toolbag
• Toolbelt
• Strap wrench
• Drill bits
• Multi-bit screwdriver
• Power drill
• Allen wrench
• 4-foot level
• Wire stripper
• Electrical extension cord
• C-clamp
• Electrical tape
• Zip ties
• Outlet tester
• Stud finder
• Plumber tape
• Wood screws of varying sizes
• Bow rake
• Leaf rake
• Snow shovel
• Round nose shovel
• Pick
• Outdoor broom
• Hose end sprayer and hose sprayer
• Caulking gun
• Respirator, safety mask, dust mask
• Safety glasses and goggles
• Plunger
• Putty knife
• Garden pruner
• Fish tape
• Paintbrush
• Wire caps
• Socket set
• Ladder
• Tool chest
• Watering hose
• Wheelbarrow
• Wet/dry vacuum

“Every home improvement project will cost more than you think it will and will take more time than you planned,” added Bob Harkson, a chief financial planner at Phase2 Wealth Advisors.

Remodeling contractors everywhere advise the same thing: the more thorough you are during these crucial planning stages, the more likely you are to stay under budget for each project.

Another great idea is to keep a detailed journal documenting every aspect of your home remodeling project. This can be helpful for all sorts of reasons! For instance, if you’re working with home builders or a team of professional contractors and something goes wrong, you can use your journal in court or arbitration. Write down things exactly as they happen so you aren’t being charged for unnecessary costs down the line. It’s best if your remodeling journal includes — at the very least — the following: project start date, major milestones, inspection dates, contractor work schedules, change orders, and all financial information.

Budgeting

Planning is one thing but budgeting can make or break not only your remodeling project ideas but your financial stability, as well. If you aren’t properly budgeting — especially during these wild COVID-19 times, you are putting your entire future at risk. You need to carefully determine exactly how much you can afford to spend on every facet of your remodeling projects. Take, for example, home flooring projects. Your budget needs to account for everything, not just the final tiles. If you know what you’re doing, you should still keep a strict budget and plan for spending on tools, materials, and everything else. If you are completely lost when it comes to flooring jobs or other potentially complicated projects like residential siding or plumbing repairs, consider hiring a team of professional contractors. But be aware, doing this will likely significantly increase the amount you spend on each project, which should be reflected in your budget.

“Be realistic as you tour your home’s interior and look at it as a buyer would — with a very critical eye,” said Gina Wolter, Broker/Realtor with The Real Estate Group. “Determine projects that need the most attention. Some things on your list may require just a little elbow grease, while others may require assistance from a professional. Whichever the case, set your budget and work from there.”

Ask questions

If you’re working with a contractor, it’s important to ask as many questions as possible. This way, you’ll actually learn what’s being accomplished. You won’t have to hire a contractor for that specific project next time. Instead, you’ll be able to handle it all on your own! There is no better feeling than that. But don’t be afraid of asking questions to the professionals. Even ones that might seem like are obvious — it’s best to get the right answer than wing it on your own down the line. Plus, it’s your money that you’re spending on these projects. You should know why you’re spending that much and what’s exactly taking place!

Consider taking out a loan

It might seem like a scary thing to do during these uncertain times, but there are loans out there available that are designed to help you and your family upgrade your home in a financially responsible way. A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 203(k) loan or a Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation loan, for example, are great options.

“An FHA 203(k) loan offers flexibility because you can finance up to 97.75% of the improved home value,” said Catherine Holtman, operations support manager for Embrace Home Loans. “There’s a streamlined version for improvements up to $35,000 that are nonstructural and a standard version for major renovations including structural changes.”

Additionally, taking out a home equity line of credit will provide you with the necessary flexibility to take advantage of remodeling projects. You’ll only have to pay interest on the actual line of credit being used and not on everything else. Plus, closing costs are using pretty affordable! Cash-out refinancing, personal loans, credit cards, and 401(k) loans are all great options, as well — just beware of high interest rates.

Home remodeling mistakes

Upgrading your home is exciting but it can also be quite stressful if you don’t know what you’re doing, aren’t properly budgeting and planning, or you make mistakes. Some mistakes are minor and are just a little annoying. However, some mistakes — even the minor ones — can lead to catastrophic issues and ruin your home and your bank account.

Here are some of the most common home remodeling mistakes that homeowners across the country make:

• Neglecting the basics — You might have all these grand ideas about what you want to do to your home or how you want your property to look. And that’s totally fine. But you need to make sure your home’s basic needs are being met first. You should never begin constructing a beautiful garden outside if your toilets aren’t working. Similarly, make sure you’re making sure you’re on top of your HVAC maintenance (especially AC repairs as it gets warmer out), your plumbing and electrical are all set, and your smoke detection system is functioning properly.
• Starting too many projects at once — Imagine starting a roofing repair project and then before you even reach the halfway point, you decide “You know what, I think now is a perfect time to start a bathroom remodeling project!” Not the best idea. Doing that will cause so much stress and result in your home looking horrible for weeks, possibly even months. Instead, make sure you’re finishing a project in its entirety before you begin another project. Only starting (and working on) one project at a time will help you and your family stay sane during these uncertain times.
• Thinking everything will go perfectly — This just isn’t the case for anything in life. It’s wise to have a backup plan (or two or three) whenever starting a home remodeling project. You never know what’s behind a wall that you’re tearing down or opening up. You need to be prepared for the unexpected because sooner or later, something will not go according to plan.
• Not asking for references — There is no shame in working with remodeling contractors. These are some of the most skilled professionals in the country and they can transform your property into your dream home. However, you need to make sure you’re hiring a team of competent and skilled professionals. The best way to do that is to reach out to general contractors and ask for their references. If they gladly provide you with their references and there are no issues — great! If they are skittish about providing that information to you… you might want to look elsewhere. Conversely, make sure you’re not waiting too long to consult a general contractor. It’s not giving up — it’s getting it done.
• Making too many changes during the project — Some changes are necessary, sure, and it’s a good idea to be flexible. But making too many changes can lead to all sorts of serious problems. Adderall is one of the most popular drugs in the http://hesca.net/adderall/ treatment of ADHD on the world market. For example, some of the side effects of the central nervous system include increased arousal, anorexia, hyperactivity, constant uncontrolled movements, loss of appetite, and others. Also, these side effects are seen in many studies on animals that the authors provide. Even moving a light switch just a few feet can end up costing you over $1,000. So make sure you’re careful about every remodeling decision you’re making every step of the way.

So, in short, the best way to prepare for these kinds of home renovation projects is to save as much as possible, do plenty of research beforehand, make sure you’re acquiring all the necessary tools, think about taking out a renovation loan,

 

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It is critical for businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition to upgrade their goods and services continuously. Understanding trends and patterns that could steer your marketing decisions is essential. It would be best to consult experienced digital marketing advertising companies since they offer plenty of marketing solutions.
A certified digital marketing specialist can analyze and recommend the most effective digital marketing campaigns to reach your target market and maximize your investment. However, if you possess marketing skills, you can adopt common strategies that successful digital marketing agencies employ to achieve the same results.
Fortunately, those not skilled in marketing can also enroll in a digital marketing course to gain the skills needed to promote their business website effectively. Make sure you complete the entire course to be able to perform digital marketing tactics for your own business professionally.
Whether you consult a digital marketing specialist or do it yourself, investing in an effective marketing strategy is essential. It will help you reach and interact with your clients, build your business brand, and gain a strong competitive advantage.

Updated 07/01/2022

As a business that wants to stay on top of the competition, it is important to continuously innovate and improve your products and services. One way to do this is by identifying patterns or trends that may help you make smarter business decisions. Digital marketing advertising companies have experience with various platforms and can offer insights into which ones may be the best fit for your needs.

Certified digital marketing specialists can also help you implement these tools and interpret the data to make the most of your investment. For instance, PPC management services are among the most popular data analysis tools. With the help of a skilled digital marketing agency, you can use this data to optimize and improve your campaigns over time, resulting in more conversions and a better return on investment.

Digital marketing functions in a way that you can use data analysis tools to help you optimize and improve your products and services. Digital marketing your own business from home will interpret the data and help you find ways to improve your offerings. This, in turn, can help you to attract more customers and stay ahead of the competition. A certified digital marketing specialist is a valuable resource for any business that wants to use data analytics to improve its operations.

If you own a business, you need to have an online presence. Digital marketing is an important part of advertising your business. There are a few ways to do so. If you are familiar with working online, you might do your digital marketing own business. In this case, you’ll take on the responsibility of advertising, social media, and SEO practices. This can get good digital marketing results for less money, especially if you’re doing it all yourself. You can also hire someone to work directly for your company and do digital marketing and social media marketing. While it is more expensive, it gives you personalized methods and frees you up to focus on other parts of your business.

If you’re not familiar with digital marketing, you can hire someone to do it for you. Many places specialize in specific industries, such as a dental SEO agency. Their employees have digital marketing qualification that allows them to get good results for their clients. So if you’re just starting out in digital marketing, working with an agency can be a good place to begin.

Digital marketing is one of the most important forms of marketing today. That’s especially true when you are trying to drive traffic to a website. Content marketing is often used to drive that traffic. The content that is used on web pages is optimized for search engines so that people can find it more easily when they conduct searches. This helps your digital marketing audience to find your site more easily.

For many people, it’s a smart choice to take a course on digital marketing. The digital marketing course content will cover a lot of topics, including search engine optimization and using ads in your marketing. The digital marketing course cost will depend on the type of course you take and the scope of the course.

Most digital marketing course requirements don’t require you to have any background in computer science or marketing. The course teaches what you need to know to market your site effectively with little previous marketing knowledge on your part. It’s helpful to go over the course material multiple times to make sure that you absorb all of it. Make sure that you finish the whole course so that you get the full benefit of taking the course.

In some ways, digital ad planning has become more complicated today. The ‘digital advertising definition’ hasn’t really changed, but the associated processes and strategies have. Internet ads of all kinds are very common now. People will only pay attention to some of these advertisements. However, every digital marketing agency has spent lots of time conducting research and trying to understand how to reach today’s challenging audience.
Market research has always been important, but this is certainly true for any digital advertising business today. Without firm evidence, marketers will be taking even more risks today. However, a digital marketing agency nearby will be able to access a comparatively large amount of data now. Some marketers in the past had to rely completely on surveys that had small samples. They sometimes got different results every time they performed a new survey, which can make every survey seem less reliable.
Marketers today can look at user data and other statistics that may be easier to analyze. They can also find new patterns and associations that would never have been obvious if they were using some older forms of market research. The challenges have gotten worse for today’s marketers, but they also have more resources.

If you have a website that needs a higher number of visitors, you likely need to talk with a marketing consultant. There are a lot of digital marketing strategies out there, and a consultant will be able to tell you which of these are the best digital marketing tactics for your site. They can also tell you about the best digital marketing software that can help to automate some of your marketing methods. Using the best digital platforms can give your site an edge on the competition when used correctly.

Many marketing strategies use internet ads as a part of their method. The best internet ads for your specific site won’t be the same as everyone else. Marketing with internet ads requires a lot of strategy in how to find the best audience for what you do. For some industries, there are certain types of ads that work better than others. It also depends on the keywords that you are using to attract your clientele. The marketing consultant will be able to tell you how to get started in digital marketing and what kind of ads you need to use. They can also tell you how to test those ads.

When you have a website or specific web pages that you want to draw attention to, you can use a number of digital marketing techniques to drive traffic to it. There are some techniques that you can use on your own to market your pages, and there are other strategies that are best left to a digital communication agency to handle. When you need to look at various digital marketing agencies, it’s helpful to ask them about their past customers. This can show you what they have experience doing and what the end result is like.

The digital consulting definition is learning from others about this type of marketing and learning how to implement it. The digital marketing audience is one that is usually well-versed in different methods of digital marketing; they may simply not have time to implement it themselves or they aren’t sure about the specifics. Among the many companies that need digital marketing will be fast-paced businesses that know exactly what they want to be done and just need someone to do it. While it can take some time to show its effect, digital marketing is still the best way to get your website or other pages seen by more people.

Outsourcing services from a local SEO company is a viable solution in helping you prevent the risk of website penalties. From research and digital marketing details, reports have shown that having the best marketing guide services boosts your business significantly.

Understand the digital marketing fundamentals Google offers before choosing a digital marketing guide that narrows down to the needs of your business. Not every SEO company is made equal; some meet different requirements that help with useful advice.

An ideal SEO company has experience in search engine optimization. Such a company provides information about your company through various marketing strategies used to run campaigns for your company.

Work with an SEO company that uses the best methods to succeed in a functional and user-friendly website. Look out for suitable packages customized to suit the specific needs of your company. The SEO firm of your choice should have an understanding of the provided Google SEO guidelines.

It is essential to adopt digital marketing services. With increasing smartphone use in the modern world, there is an increasing need to have a website and presence in the digital networks with high traffic to bring more leads and improve interaction with your clients. Get appropriate digital marketing help to promote your business today.

Digital marketing is an industry that is in constant flux. Anyone in the industry knows that Google Algorithms dictate strategies on a year-to-year basis. This can be a bear to keep up with and then implement the next best strategy. Some companies decide they want to do it themselves or they reached out to third party teams to manage it. It can be easier to have a reseller guest post compared to finding a place to add a link yourself. We reached out to the top industry leaders to get their opinion moving into 2020.

“We are a home renovation blog and what brought us organic traffic is using popular brand names!. Big brands already rank in the top results and we can’t use their names as our own. so instead, we review their products and give our personal touch of content surrounding their items that we already tried. Not only this can bring organic traffic, but it also can establish your blog’s authority for users who will now read your content to find out which is good and which is not,” says Karim Saad of Modest Home.

“Good content marketing will continue to drive search,” echoes Tim Smith of New Paradigm Marketing. “It typically outperforms paid search, with organic search earning higher audience credibility and ROI up to 3X greater than PPC marketing.”

“As we transition into 2020, I believe businesses will begin to integrate new technologies to improve their marketing efforts and enhance their customer experience,” says Jody Resnick of Trighton Interactive. “Artificial intelligence and augmented reality are two technologies expected to improve a business’s customer service and marketing strategies as a whole. In order to stay on top of the technology game, be sure to dedicate a certain amount of time each week to become familiar with and understand what’s happening in the digital landscape. When new opportunities like ad platforms or social listening tools arise, it’s important that you are aware of their abilities.”

“What we noticed in 2019 was that new is always better. And by new, we mean things that are happening on the same day. We publish video games news and in that field being late a few hours means that other websites have already beaten you and already published what you didn’t even write yet. To stay in that top spot in SERPs you have to provide the latest in everything,” states Marwan Mahdy of The Toxic Gamer.

“As more brands understand the upside of investing in SEO, they seek out agencies and consultants to help them realize the potential business gains.

“But there is more to the story: search engines like Google are using increasingly sophisticated algorithms to serve results. Competition for organic search clicks is more rigorous than it was just a few years ago and now resembles an arms race. And at the center of it all, searchers are growing savvy and have become more conservative with their clicks and time. The result of this is causing each click on Google search engine result set to be highly contentious.

This combination of factors fuels an observed trend in which digital marketing agencies are increasingly partnering behind the scenes with SEO-specialized firms to secure additional bandwidth or to augment their in-house expertise to service the rising demands of brand managers.

“In summary, the market for digital services is expanding, and as the industry matures, brands are becoming more participatory by directly overseeing their SEO investments. Meanwhile, agencies are collaborating in the background to provide a higher grade of SEO service that a more informed client requires. The interplay of which promises to push the SEO industry forward in unprecedented ways” says Everett Whitehead of Digital Sapien Interactive.

“Artificial intelligence (AI) will rule the world or gain a competitive advantage to at least the world’s simpler jobs. For instance, Microsoft and Uber are two companies using Knightscope K5 robots that utilize AI, and already, you know about the success and prominence of these industries,” says Alex Johnson of Find Success Blogging.

“Step 1 is to have a website that is beautiful, user friendly, fast, and has all the right keywords (based on competitor research) in all the right places,” says Robert Shurtleff of Bob the Website Builder.

“Step 2 is to simply tell your inner circle of influence and get them to tell their circles of influence.

Step 3 is to add additional links on the internet (local and industry specific directories) where your target market might be looking for you. Review sites also don’t hurt. Do this as time allows if the budget is tight or get someone like me to help. “

While SEO work is incredibly beneficial and important to furthering your company or business, without a digital marketing strategy that includes your own website and brand recognition, your SEO work will only get you so far. The best digital marketing campaigns focus on their own website and brand. Digital marketing and websites go hand in hand. When creating a digital marketing campaign, be sure to include information about building and refining your brand and your website.

Your website sets the stage for your company. If potential clients are trying to find your service online and they can’t find a website or the one they find looks outdated or is confusing, you’re not going to gain that client. I used both Cialis and http://hesca.net/levitra/ Levitra, both of which work very well for me. I get a little rush and upset stomach from Levitra, and less from Cialis. What I love about Levitra is the quick start of the action, probably within 30 minutes. This is why your website it so important. It has to be easy to find, easy to maneuver, and easy on the eye.

Your branding will play a big role in how you design your website. Brand awareness through digital marketing is crucial because without your brand, what are you even marketing, to begin with? Your brand tells the client who you are, what you provide, and what you stand for. While you may think the only thing that matters to the customer is the service provided, the customer wants a more organic feel for the company, and that’s where your brand strategy comes in. For these reasons, it’s crucial to have a coherent brand and website before you begin doing your SEO work.

Content is an great way to attract potential customers and entice them to make purchase. Consider the 5 C’s of content marketing copy to create persuasive content. https://t.co/KR5FCA5LyV #content #seo #digitalmarketing pic.twitter.com/pZJstknL8Z

— Business Builder Group (@BusinessBuildGp) September 25, 2020

Content building is still one of the most important areas of SEO. One thing that will always be true is “Content is King.” The search engine algorithms that the digital marketing industry is always trying to crack were created to bring users to the best possible content. Although there will also be an SEO outlaw who can briefly manipulate the system in order to stack the search engine results with junk, Google depends on users finding quality content with their searches, so they will crack down on those techniques. We have seen massive changes to how content gets organized through the Penguin and Panda updates, updates that bankrupted those digital marketing agencies who were not putting quality content in front of users.

When it comes down to it, the digital marketing strategy that will always work best is to create high value content that users want to spend time reading and sharing. Those true user signals on your page will boost your rankings more than any shortcut ever could. 

If you’ve seen any amount of romantic comedies over the years, you’ve seen some pretty tacky proposals. This isn’t to make light of the beginning of marital bliss, but you have to admit you’ve seen some proposals that cause an involuntary eye-roll and has you thinking “I could’ve done better than that.”

You can put those thoughts to bed because a firefighter from California upped the ante exponentially.

Firefighter Zach Steele has an incendiary sense of humor and didn’t want to have a cliche proposal, so he got to scheming. He and his then-girlfriend Maddison Ridgik live in a house together and his plan was to fake a fire. The trouble with faking a fire is that they’re difficult to successfully fake. There isn’t much grey area here. Fire is fire, no fire is no fire.

Naturally, he stealthily purchased six remote-controlled smoke machines and set them up in their attic. An asphalt shingle roof will last 20 to 50 years, but if your attic is on fire (especially in California), that window sharply closes. Steele supposed that if you’ve got enough smoke pouring out of the attic to look like your roof is going to light up, that seems a reasonable cause for concern.

“Originally I got one smoke machine. I went to test it and there was barely any smoke. One was not going to work, so I had to get more smoke machines,” Steele said.

Kudos for preparedness. Still, Steele got even more into plotting and got his girlfriend’s mother involved. As it turns out, six may have been overkill because he pulled this off while they had guests over and the smoke billowing from the attic definitely caused a fright. His girlfriend’s mother was the one who ended up making the 911 call to report the fire. Once that call came in, Steele and some firefighters — with keen senses of videography — jumped into action.

At the scene, Steele’s girlfriend is freaking out, then quickly realizes he had planned the whole thing. Then, all captured on his body camera, he drops to his knee and asks her to marry him. To which she answers yes, followed by asking if their house is okay — which it was.

 

The holiday season is here, and with it the chilly winter months. As everyone heads inside to celebrate the holidays and keep warm, the chances of a home fire start to increase. House fires are more common in the winter than in any other season because of the increased amount of indoor activities, electricity and heating usage, and cooking. Keep your family safe this winter with these important fire safety tips.

1. Thoroughly Check Your Fireplace
   When the temperatures drop you’ll want to light up your dormant fireplace immediately, but its best to take some precautions first. Fireplaces create creosote, which can easily ignite. Have a professional chimney sweep service your fireplace before you light it for the first time.
2. Watch Out For Extension Cords
   Hanging Christmas decorations and lights can be a fun family activity, but the extension cords you need for all of the various plugs can pose a serious danger. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires across the country during an average year. Read the label on your extension cord to ensure that it is set up safely and that you are not overusing it this holiday season.
3. Practice Your Fire Escape Plan
   Even if you’ve taken every safety precaution possible, a fire could happen in your home unexpectedly. Make sure you’ve gone over a fire escape plan with your family and that you have practiced it. With your children, identify at least two ways of exiting every room in the house and check for stuck windows regularly. Teach your children to never hide during a fire and call out to firefighters if they need help.
4. Make Sure All Fire Protection Equipment Is Working
   Every home should have working fire detectors and alarms on every level, but your household could also benefit from a home sprinkler system. The combination of a sprinkler system and a warning system can reduce injuries, loss of life, and property damage by at least 50%. If your home is equipped with these systems, have them tested regularly to ensure your safety.
5. Beware Of Space Heaters
   While these portable heating units can make a room more comfortable and block out the cold, they also make for a serious fire hazard. If you use one, make sure that people and pets sit at least three feet away and don’t place them near curtains or tablecloths.

Being prepared for a fire and taking preventative steps are the most important things you can do in terms of fire safety. When you take these steps, you’ll be guaranteeing your family’s safety and a happy holiday season.