by Sophie Kaemmerle | Jan 30, 2019 | Home Improvement, So I Own A Home
Disclaimer: The below is solely intended for informational purposes and in no way constitutes legal advice or specific recommendations.
Home improvement scams happen with enough regularity that it pays to be wary. Think about the sad irony of it all: you’re just trying to make life a little better for you and your family, but what happens instead is you lose a lot of money. Home improvement scams can really be heartbreaking and create significant financial burdens.
The good news is that, with a little planning, you can hopefully make your home improvement plans relatively scam-proof. Here are the top eight scams to avoid.
Your Home Improvement Business has Contract Phobia Issues
One rule of thumb is to never do business with a contractor without a paper trail. If your potential contractor balks on this, you may want to consider no longer proceeding.
By and large, real professionals in the construction field understand that contracts are essential for good business practices. Contracts protect both the customer and business alike. They’re also important documents that spell out what work the customer can expect and for what price.
You’re Asked to Pay in Cash
Generally, homeowners are advised to never make large payments in cash. If something would go wrong such as shoddy work or no work at all, you want proof that you made a payment.
Thankfully, most construction companies are trustworthy. It’s the few others you have to watch out for: some scammers will simply take your money and run. They’ll quickly spend your hard-earned cash and you’ll never hear from them again.
Avoid Making Natural Disasters Even More Disastrous
In the event of a natural disaster, it may be prudent to be extra careful when considering which construction companies you use to help you rebuild. This is when some scammers swoop in, posing as well-meaning contractors. However, because of the scarcity of sufficient skilled labor available to match the overabundance of workers suddenly needed to service disaster areas, it’s easier than ever for scammers to blend in unnoticed.
Typically, the best contractors will be fully booked for a long time. Scammers, on the other hand, will offer you quick work for quick pay. The problem is, you’ll likely pay for it when you receive substandard work, if you get any work at all.
You may want to be especially careful about signing over your insurance check until you know exactly who you’re dealing with and their reputation.
They Request an Excessive Down Payment
Making a down payment before work begins is common practice. However, if the down payment amount exceeds 1/3 of the total project cost, this could be a major red flag.
If you feel the upfront fee is too steep, try negotiating with your contractor. The majority of businesses are willing to negotiate the down payment with you.
Unwilling to Operate with Permits
It’s essential that your contractor has the appropriate permits to do the job. You’ll rest easy knowing that your contractor is properly insured and follows local building laws.
If the business you go with is unwilling to be transparent when it comes to permits, you may want to look elsewhere. It could be that your contractor is unlicensed. If that’s the case, you’ll likely risk paying a heavy price later on even if you save a few dollars in the short term.
Unwilling to Provide References
Quality companies are more than happy to provide references to prospective customers who ask for them. They have nothing to hide and stand behind the quality of the work they provide.
However, if you ask a contractor for references and they’re unwilling to provide them, proceed with extreme caution.
High-Pressure Contractors
The best contractors almost always have plenty of work to do. They’ll never use high-pressure sales tactics. They’re confident in their abilities. For that reason, they want you to be sure of what you’re signing up for.
If a contractor ever pressures you into a quick sale, this may be a major warning sign. Many feel that only scammers and companies with questionable work practices would do this.
The Project Price Keeps Increasing
There are times for legitimate project prices increases. A good contract will make allowances for this, where warranted, so long as both parties agree to the extra work and payment with a new signature.
That said, price increases are sometimes a scam tactic. If you feel that price increases for your project are unwarranted, consider getting the opinion of a building inspector or established contractor in your area.
Additional Ways to Avoid Being a Victim of Fraud and Scams
Now that we’ve discussed specific ways that you could be scammed, here are a few additional practices that may help you avoid home improvement fraud.
Know your local laws: In some regions, contractors are only legally able to take a certain dollar percentage upfront before starting a project. Check your local and state laws to inform yourself on these laws.
Also, building codes vary by region. Although you should be able to rely solely on your contractor for this, it never hurts to do your own homework. A homeowner’s nightmare is paying full price for completed work that isn’t up to code. This could lead to potentially unsafe living conditions and make your house difficult to sell without potentially costly alterations.
By thoroughly knowing your local laws, you’ll likely be better able to spot a good contractor and, more importantly, a bad one!
Never make a deal with a contractor offering “leftover” or discounted building materials: Good contractors never do this. If you proceed, you could wind up getting ripped off.
Check out contractors through the BBB: The Better Business Bureau may have high praises for your contractor or quite the opposite. Checking into this is always time well spent. You can do your research at bbb.org.
There’s a lot you can do to try and protect yourself from home improvement scams. If you take a little time to prepare now, you may be happy you did later on.
Want to know more about your neighborhood? Plug an address into NeighborWho’s property finder and see what you can find!
by Sophie Kaemmerle | Jan 23, 2019 | Flipping, Home Improvement
Disclaimer: The below is solely intended for informational purposes and in no way constitutes legal advice or specific recommendations.
It’s a new year and time to give your home a fresh new look. Over the last few years, we’ve seen trends explode onto the scene. These have included floral patterns, ultraviolet shades, and unicorn-inspired holographic accents. With so many competing ideas, it can be hard to know where to start creating a clean and thought-out design or layout. The good news is that 2019’s up-and-coming trends are a little more understated. Here are six that you can mix and match to create a timeless, yet modern look that may still be in style in the years to come.
Color Play
One shade that is increasing in popularity this year is a deep, forested green hue. This shade works very well for accent pieces in home decor like table runners, throw pillows, and drapes. You can play around with contrast by pairing a warmer toned dark green with a cooler, brighter color.
What about for your walls? One key to remember here is balance. Using too much of a dark shade can make a room look dim or smaller, but this dark green color lends itself well to stripes or as an accent pattern in wallpaper.
Statement Making Ceilings
Colorful patterned walls may get all the hype, but designers are exploring new frontiers by looking up — literally! Chances are, your rooms’ ceilings are blank canvases ready to be turned into stylish statements. Contrasting shades, bold stripes, and intricate patterns all work to draw the eye upward. This can create visual interest, an opulent feel, and make the room seem both brighter and larger. Remember to keep the walls a little simpler if you have a highly detailed ceiling.
Brass and Tin
For years, stainless steel has been the go-to metal for trendy accents. Change is coming in 2019. Two metals that are gaining in popularity are tin and brass. They both bring a different look to the room. Tin is similar to steel, giving rooms a cool shine without too much intensity. It also works well for stamped panels on the roof or backsplashes. Meanwhile, brass has a vintage gaslight-inspired vibe. This warmer toned metal is fantastic for rustic or cozy spaces. However, be aware that it’s softer. Brass may not hold up to constant use for fixtures like doorknobs.
Pattern Revolutions
Are you looking to update your rug, furniture, or drapes? Patterns are going to be big this year! The newest trend is to mix contrasting shapes and colors. This creates a fresh and interesting look.
A few ideas include rarely paired colors like pink and brown or mixing bold stripes with leopard print. The key here is balance. Try a bright color with a neutral one or an edgy pattern mixed with something more demure, like stripes.
Concrete
Here’s a twist no one saw coming: concrete inside the house?! It’s true! Designers are embracing this material and updating it for the home. You’ll see it being used for tiles, countertops, and even tables. The best part of concrete is that it’s an inexpensive and durable material that can offer a wide variety of looks. With the right application, your house will look clean and modern without a trace of a cold industrial feel.
Vintage Light Fixtures
If brass and tin weren’t enough, designers are also looking to the past for lighting solutions. Everything from 70s style recessed lighting to Titanic-era chandeliers are making a comeback. You can find modern versions of these in hardware stores or hit the antique store circuit for the real deal.
This is one of the most accessible trends. If you don’t want to change the entire lamp, just update the shade to give the space some vintage magic. When paired with modern bulbs, these let you enjoy dimmers, tinted lighting, or natural spectrum illumination.
This coming year in home decorating is going to be a great one for people who like to experiment with colors and patterns without going overboard. Many of the upcoming design trends are actually a nod to bygone eras, but updated for modern sensibilities. With an eye toward balance and proportion, you can experiment with a number of these trends. This will help you give your home a look that’s both comfortably grounded and still creative!
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by Sophie Kaemmerle | Jan 16, 2019 | Family Home, Home Improvement
The winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a very common medical condition that is easily self-diagnosed. In fact, millions may be affected and not know that their negative feelings can be diagnosed. The winter blues may present as feelings of hopelessness, depression, and fatigue, causing one to withdraw from social activities or family contact.
‘Hygge’ may be part of the answer to combating SAD. You may have been hearing more and more about it, but you may not quite understand what it is yet. ‘Hygge’ is actually a Danish lifestyle concept that encourages adopting habits that foster a sense of well-being, with an emphasis on coziness and comfort – which is what we need during the cold days of winter. There is also an emphasis on familiarity: in the hygge sense, this means valuing and taking pleasure in experiences that may be considered to be ‘ordinary’.
Understanding the Winter Blues
The winter blues affect millions of people in the U.S. every year, and is generally attributed to the lack of sunlight during darker and colder winter months. The shift in seasons is known to affect the body’s internal clock and cause a drop in certain brain chemicals. One may be affected physically and emotionally due to the following:
- Lower melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep and mood.
- Decreased serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.
- Disruption in the circadian rhythm controlling sleep and wake cycles.
Traditionally, the medical community has responded with different types of treatments, including light therapy, psych drugs or sleep medications, cognitive behavior therapy, along with regular exercise and outdoor activity. Yet, many people still dread the coming winter months and find it extremely difficult to ‘carry on’ as usual after the summer and fall seasons pass.
What is Hygge?
Hygge has been practiced in Danish culture since the 1800s. The word is derived from the Norwegian word that means well-being. The idea behind hygge is the promotion of a lifestyle that is “cozy and comfortable”. For many Danes, hygge is a way of life – one that embraces cozy comfort in clothing, foods furnishing, and in your daily activities.
Bringing Hygge Into Your Life
There are many simple ways to bring Hygge into your life. Here are a few to consider:
- Drinking warm beverages and eating hot foods. This includes teas, warm milk, and comfort food like casseroles and soups.
- Creating a cozy, comfortable, and familiar environment by adding pillows and throws to a room, wearing knitted sweaters, and sitting by a fireplace.
- Curling up with a good book or relaxing to soft music.
- Bonding and snuggling with family.
- Venturing outdoors to enjoy green spaces and nature when possible.
What Hygge is Not
When you consider what hygge is not, picture the average employee who puts in long hours on the job, with little time left for family, friends, and his or herself. The few hours spent at home are consumed by scratching the next item off the “to-do list” or by shuffling between electronic devices. What a person living a non-hygge lifestyle considers relaxation or recreation is really just another list of activities to fill empty hours – and without the benefit of close personal interactions. Here are other ways you may not be living a the ‘hygge’ lifestyle:
- Only consuming cold foods and beverages.
- Staying isolated or avoiding family and friends.
- Allowing your body or environment to become physically cold.
- Spending an excessive amount of time on cell phones, tablets or other electronics.
- Making constant purchases just to stay on top of trends in fashion and technology.
- Setting too many strict rules for yourself and not living in the moment.
If you want to practice hygge, then live ‘a simple life’: this means enjoying the things you already have with the people who are closest to you. Taking pleasure in the little things in life can not only increase your happiness, it can also put off the winter blues.
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by Sophie Kaemmerle | Dec 5, 2018 | Family Home, Home Improvement
Has your home been looking a little smaller lately? If so, it may mean that it’s time to purge your place of all the belongings you don’t need. Getting rid of items is the easiest way to open up your space, whether you own a home or rent an apartment, but it can also be the hardest thing to do. After all, where do you start? How do you determine whether or not you should throw a belonging away, give it away, or sell it? Unfortunately, this may mean being honest with yourself and taking a long, hard look at your habits before parting ways with a trinket. To make the decision a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of 15 things you can get rid of today to declutter your home and reclaim some space.
1- That chair or stool you don’t really use. You know the one we’re talking about! Over time, it’s become a storage space or a dumping ground for laundry. It’s taking up valuable real estate in your home, and if it’s not being used the way it was meant to, it’s probably best to get rid of it. By doing this, you may kill two birds with one stone: you’re both freeing up space and learning to put those wayward items where they belong!
2- Books, DVDs, CDs, and other media. If you own movies, music, books, and other media that is just sitting around, ask yourself when you last touched any of those items. Surely, in your vast collections, there are some you’ve never opened, and some you don’t even like. Save yourself some space and donate to those items to charity or give them to a friend. They may get a second life, and you’ll get back some shelf space for other things.
3- Clothes, accessories, and shoes. This category can cover a lot of ground. If you pile up all the worn-down shoes, ill-fitting clothes, formal wear you’ve only worn once, and never-used accessories, how much space do you gain? It may be a good idea to give these belongings away to create more space for clothes you’ll actually wear, and they can make the life of someone in need so much brighter.
4- Kitchen utensils and appliances, and electronics you never use. Old cell phones, still-packaged appliances, and never-used utensils can collectively take up a lot of space in your cabinets and drawers. Ask yourself how essential having these things around is, and you may find yourself getting back more space than you anticipated. Just remember to dispose of these items correctly!
5- Instruction manuals, old receipts, expired coupons, and old magazines. They may not look like much sitting on the table or hiding in a drawer, but all together, they may be taking up more space than you think. Some, like the expired coupons, have no value to you or anyone else. So just throw them away!
6- Expired food and spices. You may be able to easily tell what food in your fridge has gone bad, but it can be a little harder to tell in your pantry. Check out the expiration dates of all the boxed and jarred food at home, and your spices too: you may be surprised by what you can — and probably should — throw away.
7- Meaningless knick-knacks, souvenirs, and memorabilia. These items may be the hardest to get rid of, as you may be reluctant to throw away anything with a good memory attached to it. But you may find that, in some cases, you can’t even remember where they came from! Display the ones you want to keep, but put the others in a box in storage: you may not be able to part ways with them just yet, but you don’t want them taking up too much valuable space in your house.
8- The excess of arts and crafts items. This means items like that fifth pair of scissors, a nearly-finished roll of wrapping paper, and worn down colored pencils. Even if you have kids, evaluate how often your family uses these items and throw them away if they have fulfilled their purpose. These items are generally replaceable, and you can always buy new ones!
9- Broken things you’ve been meaning to repair. Unless the item is priceless and invaluable to you, if you haven’t fixed a broken item by now, it probably means that you are going to. Remove it from your home to create more space if you feel that you’re never going to use it again.
10- Take out menus. This is a big one! Millions of people have accumulated take-out menus in various drawers in their homes. Some may be from restaurants that they don’t like, and others may be from restaurants that may even be closed! Most menus can be viewed online anyway, nowadays, so do yourself a favor and chuck the paper ones in the trash.
11- Empty storage containers and boxes. Unless you move frequently, you may want to get rid of empty plastic storage containers and cardboard boxes that are taking up space in your home, and even in your garage. If you haven’t found a way to put them to good use recently, it may be time to think about throwing out the boxes and giving away the plastic containers. Know a student going away to college? They may need these items and would appreciate the donation!
12- Expired medications, makeup, and other products. You may be surprised by the short shelf life of some of the items you have in your bathroom cabinets. Expired items used on or in your body can be harmful to your health, so you may want to make it a habit to check the dates of those products every now and then and replace them as you see fit.
13- Wire hangers. For some unknown reason, millions of people keep wire hangers they get from the dry cleaner’s, but don’t actually like the way they look. They accumulate and can start taking over your closet — and you may not even have that many clothes to hang (especially after you’ve purged your wardrobe). Throw away those unsightly wire hangers if they have no purpose, and you may fit so much more in your closet, regardless of its size.
14- Old toys, kids’ clothes, and Halloween costumes. If you’re a parent, you may be reluctant to give away your now-grown kids’ belongings. After all, they can be college-aged and you’ll likely still want to hang onto them, thinking that maybe they’ll be useful in a few years, when your children start having children of their own. But right now, they’re just taking up space. The same goes for kids’ clothes: it’s more likely that they’ll be moth-eaten before they can be used again. As for Halloween costumes, if they haven’t been worn in years, it may be a safe bet that no one will be mad if you throw them away.
15- Last year’s holiday cards. Unless there was a special message included in them, you may feel like it’s safe to throw away holiday cards from previous years. Though holidays only occur a few times a year, they may be taking up space in drawers throughout your home. Go ahead and throw them away, if you’re comfortable with that — it’s unlikely anyone will find out!
These are just a few ways you can easily open up the space in your home without committing to major changes to the structure of your house. Still need some tricks? Check out some of the ways you can make a small room look so much bigger!
Want to know more about your neighborhood? Plug an address into NeighborWho’s property finder and see what you can find!
by Sophie Kaemmerle | Aug 21, 2018 | Home Improvement, So I Own A Home
Natural light can do wonders for the body: sunshine can help boost your mood, trigger your body’s production of vitamin D, and can even lower blood pressure and improve brain function. But did you know that natural light can also benefit your home? Not only may you be able to save on electricity bills, but it can make you more productive, happier, and calmer, even when you’re spending time inside, away from the heat.
But what can you do if your house’s rooms are always dark or shaded? Here are 9 changes you can make to your home to help allow more natural light in.
1- Make the best use out of reflective surfaces.
A mirror or two can add tons of light to your house, as long as you place them strategically. For the best effect, prop or hang them opposite windows so that they disperse sunshine throughout the room.
2- Paint the walls a light color.
If your walls are painted a dark color, you may want to consider switching things up. Dark hues can make a room look darker, whereas an off-white wall will reflect sunlight better.
3- Rethink your door.
This tip may not be the first one you think of when trying to bring more light into your home, but a door with a glass pane can allow more of it inside. If you’re concerned with safety, consider high-security glass.
4- Move furniture around.
If you have room to do it, move furniture around, a few feet away from windows. This can go a long way, especially if you have a piece of furniture blocking the sunlight!
5- Consider other flooring options.
Dark floors can absorb natural light, which may make your room look darker. Carpets may have a similar effect. Wooden, ceramic or stone floors with a polished finish are the best options to help disperse light better throughout your rooms.
6- Clean windows, replace them if you can, and change up the curtains.
This is perhaps one of the most important tips on this list. A first step is making sure that your windows are clean so that they can let the light in: grime and soot accumulate over time, decreasing the amount of light they’re letting in. If your windows are frosted or have parts that block out the light, consider changing the style of your windows. Similar to flooring and carpeting, dark curtains can absorb light more than you think, so invest in some light-colored curtains, too!
7- Add a skylight.
If you’re planning to make renovations on your home, you may want to think about adding a skylight. Not only will it let more light in, but it can add more character to a room!
8- Trim trees and shrubs.
Sure, shade may be a great thing in the summertime, but overgrown shrubs and trees in your yard may be casting a much bigger shadow than you think, preventing any sunlight from streaming into your home. A little trimming can go a long way!
9- Knock down a wall.
If you have the time, resources, and energy to make major renovations to your house, consider knocking down a wall. This is a huge step, and there are many considerations before making such a huge decision. But if the circumstances are right, knocking down a wall can do more than just let in a little more light: it can open up a room, create a communal space, and be the first step to creating your dream home! Check out NeighborWho’s guide on when, how, and why to knock down the wall if you’re seriously thinking about doing so.
Letting more light into your home can be an easy, budget-friendly way to revamp its look and style. It may take a few tries, but you may be thrilled with the results!
Want to know more about your neighborhood? Plug an address into NeighborWho’s property finder and see what you can find!
by Sophie Kaemmerle | Aug 16, 2018 | Home Improvement, So I Own A Home
If you own a house, you’re likely familiar with the effort it takes to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Many homeowners often complain that the upkeep is constant: once one problem is fixed, something else breaks. Anything can go wrong in a minute, from a burst water pipe to broken tiles. And not to mention the countless hours maintaining your garden. But while they may lament the work behind keeping their houses beautiful, many homeowners actually enjoy the process. If you’re on a budget, you may be putting off the bigger projects meant to ramp up your curb appeal, but there are a few neat tricks that can make a huge difference almost instantly.
1- Paint your front door.
Don’t underestimate the power of repainting your front door. A fresh coat of paint can make your home stand out, especially if it’s a bright and inviting color. The more polished look may come at around just $30 — the cost of a gallon of paint.
2- Upgrade your mailbox.
If your mailbox is looking a little rusty and if you want your home to look a little more glamorous, it may be the perfect opportunity to replace it with a newer, more stylish option. Whether it’s
located close to the sidewalk or by your front door, you can find the perfect mailbox to fit the look you want for your home.
3- Revamp your house’s number.
Sure, you may not be able to change your house’s actual number, but you can definitely change its font and size to better suit your style. This can easily add some extra curb appeal to your home and, by extension, your neighborhood.
4- Plant a tree strategically.
Plants can spruce up an outdoor space, but if you place them strategically, they can do even more for your front yard. A tree may provide some shade, add color to your garden, and even frame your property.
5- Try out different lighting at night.
Your house may look its best during the day, but what about at night? The right lighting can set the ambiance you want and even show off all of its best features.
6- Cut the grass — but not too short.
Some homeowners underestimate the power of a well-manicured lawn: not only can it say that you care about your house and its appearance, but it may also keep your grass green and healthy. However, experts advise that it’s best to keep the blades between 2 to 4 inches in height, depending on the species of grass you have.
7- Install window boxes or planters.
Adding flowers below your windows can drastically change the look of your home, thanks to a the pop of color they can provide. You don’t have to have them at every window — even just one or two may be sufficient to drastically ramp up your curb appeal.
8- Add a stylish door knocker.
Once you’ve painted your door, you may want to invest in a new door knocker that fits your house’s style better. Check out more interesting shapes like lion’s heads or a different material or color.
9- Power wash everything.
From the siding to the pavement to your pathway, you may want to use a power wash to deep clean outdoor surfaces. Over time, many homeowners don’t realize how much grime and dirt accumulate in those areas, and you may be surprised just how new your house looks after a good wash.
10- Get rid of weeds.
This may be a no-brainer for most homeowners, but there’s more than one reason to get rid of weeds. Not only can they be unsightly, but because they are greedy for water, they may easily take over your lawn. Take great care to eradicate them, and your may be increasing your curb appeal tenfold!
11- Rethink your garage door.
It may be a daunting prospect to totally replace your garage door, but just like your front door, all it may need is a fresh coat of paint and a few accents to make it look like like new. Go the extra mile and get some vines and a trellis and place it over the door for a romantic touch.
12- Get a new doormat.
Although people walking down the street or driving by won’t see the details of your doormat, this minor replacement can do wonders for both the look and feel of your house as you know them. Even on the most basic level, a clean doormat can make your home look tidy — remember, the outdoor appearance of your house may be considered to be a reflection of what it’s like inside!
13- Replace old mulch.
Replacing old mulch doesn’t necessarily improve the health of your lawn and flower beds, but it can make your property look fresh and well-maintained.
All these tips are just a few ways you can up your curb appeal, but your home is what you make it: any changes you make should make your house feel like a home!
Want to know more about your neighborhood? Plug an address into NeighborWho’s property finder and see what you can find!
