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Eric McDaniel

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When it comes time to sell your home, you have to get everyone in the house on board with showing your home in the best light. Real estate agents talk about home staging, which means decluttering, and giving your home decor an overhaul so that it can appeal to a wide range of buyers. Part of giving your home that clean look is the task of removing personal items like framed family photos, and souvenirs.  Something that might be more complicated than putting personal items in storage, such as finding a safe place for your pets and their necessities.

Yes, that’s right, while you love your pets, potential buyers might not be on the same wavelength, even if they have pets of their own. Just because someone is a dog or cat person, doesn’t mean they want to be tripping over your dog’s chew toy or cat’s litter box during an open house. And let’s not mention pet smells. During showings, you’ll need to take your pets to a pet hotel, maybe to a neighbor’s house, or with you somewhere out of the house. Before the showings begin, there are some necessary steps to take to get your home clean and ready to welcome those strangers who might become the new owners of your home.

There are professionals out there who specialize in staging who can help you get the job done, but before you hire a stager, you can consider adding these products to your arsenal to keep your home clean. These extra cleaning tools can be especially helpful in between showings when you want to give your home a refresh after you and your pet (or pets) have spent time at home.

HEPA Air purifier

Potential buyers want to walk into a clean crisp home. Beyond decluttering and going for a deep clean, checking your air quality is a must. You can start by cleaning your HVAC filters to be sure that your heating and cooling systems are working with fresh air. To take it up another level, you can add a HEPA air purifier. When you bring an air purifier into your home, it removes harmful substances like dander that might trigger allergic reactions in some people. This factor is especially important during an open house because you never know if your perfect buyer will be allergic to pets or not, and the last thing you want is to scare them away because your home triggers their allergies. An air purifier also helps to remove unpleasant odors that may be trapped in walls, floors, or furniture. Having an air purifier installed can be a selling point for your real estate agent to share during an open house.

High-quality vacuum

If you have pets that shed hair, a high-quality vacuum is a must. While the best of the best could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, you could recoup that money when you sell your pet hair-free house to the highest bidder. You want to look for a vacuum that is designed to work in several key areas of your home including floors, carpets, and upholstery. Pet hair clings especially well to couch cushions and furniture with a velvet finish, and you may want to consider switching to leather furniture if pet hair is a major issue. Depending on the size of your home and how much pet hair you are dealing with you may want to consider a heavy-duty model to really get the job done before the most important showings.

Lint brush

If your pets don’t shed much, or you don’t have a lot of upholstered furniture, a lint brush is a useful tool to have on hand. When you don’t want to pull out the vacuum, you can grab the lint brush for a quick touch-up. A lint brush can also help in hard-to-handle places like curtains or for dark clothing where pet hair can really show. Your lint brush can also do wonders for lamp shades, which can be an issue especially if you have cats.

Stain remover

Light-colored carpets and couches are a natural target for pet stains and you never know when you might need to quickly clean up a stain before a showing. The best bet is to get a stain remover designed specifically for pet accidents and odors. These cleaners often contain enzymes that contain bacteria that break down the molecules from food, urine, and feces. The enzyme breaks the molecules down, and bacteria get rid of them — a process that works well on carpets and furniture (but be sure to do a spot test first).

Floor polisher and restorer

For homes with hardwood or laminate floors, getting them refinished might be a necessary part of the home staging process. Pets can leave your floors scratched and scuffed, instead of shiny and new, and refinishing can take care of that problem. Before you start refinishing your floors, you can first try a floor polish and restorer for areas that are in need of some TLC. If after a thorough job of cleaning and polishing you still see a lot of stains and imperfections, it’s time to bring in the professionals.

Scooper set

When you are getting your home ready to sell, don’t overlook the yard. Dog owners might need to take special care to clear away any traces that a dog has done its business in the yard. If you are more in the habit of walking your dog, then this might not be an issue, but if you do need to clean your yard, you can opt for a scooper set which can be easier to handle than simply using a plastic bag. For dog owners, checking that your yard is free and clean can be on your checklist of must-do tasks to make sure your house is ready for a showing.

While there are extra considerations when you are selling a house with pets, getting prepared with the right tools is the best strategy to get your home clean, and looking and smelling its best.

The professional inspection of a home is crucial for different reasons. The house inspection identifies the potential repairs and maintenance work that is needed. This is important for long term well being of the house to keep it in the optimum condition. Besides that it also helps in establishing the status of the house thereby which is crucial for the accurate evaluation of the house in case of a sale. The exact condition of the house has an impact on the overall value of the house and thus it is hugely significant to have a professional agency do the inspection for you. 

There are various home inspectors in Kankakee county that offer highly professional and reliable inspection services to the customers. These inspectors are usually a part of inspection companies who provide all the logistic details related to the inspection process. If you are looking for a well-known and reliable house inspection company then here are some of the factors that you must consider before making your decision. 

Different factors to analyze when hiring a home inspection company

One of the things that you must look in a house inspections agency is the high quality referrals from previous clients and customer reviews. This will help you establish whether a specific inspection company is reliable or not. Besides that you must also ask a lot of questions regarding the process and ask them if you can accompany them during the inspection period. A reliable and transparent operator will ask you to accompany for ensuring fairness and thorough process. 

Another crucial factor to consider is the different items that will be covered under the home inspection service and what are the items that won’t be covered under the inspection services. This will help establish clarity and transparency before hiring the services. You can read the company terms and conditions for getting a better idea of what to expect from any specific company.

Last but not the least pricing is one of the important factors that should definitely be considered before you hire the services of a professional home inspection agency. You can compare the price structure of the different home inspection companies and then eventually select a company that best suits your requirements as well as budget.

Gasaway home inspections is a prominent name in the market. The company has been providing the home inspection services for several years and it understands the market well. The areas covered by company’s services for home inspection includes Cook county, Kankakee county, Will county, and Chicagoland area. The company provides flexible appointment times based on customer’s convenience. The Gasaway home inspections also prepares on-site reports and is committed to providing complete transparency in the entire inspection process.

If you need more information on the different services provided the  company,, the costs, and other logistical details then you can easily contact customer care representative through numerous channels provided on the website. You must also read terms and conditions before hiring the services of the company. 

 

Headboards are often overlooked as a crucial piece of furniture in a bedroom. They are also incredibly important to a bedroom’s aesthetic and function. A headboard defines the room and sets the tone for your bedroom. Headboards come in all shapes, dimensions, and styles, so it is important to find the perfect one for your bedroom. Whether you are looking for a simple headboard or one with intricate designs, there is a headboard for you.

Wooden Headboards

Wooden headboards have been around for years, and they’re still as popular as ever. They are known for their durability and ability to add a rustic touch to any bedroom. Wooden headboards for sale come in many diverse colours and styles, and the prices vary depending on the size and style you choose. If you are shopping for a headboard but don’t want to spend a lot of money, wooden headboards are the perfect option.

Metal Headboards

Metal headboards are a popular choice for many people because they have a bold, modern look. They are also sturdy and can be painted to match the interior design of your bedroom. Metal headboards are a good option if you want to go with a sleek and modern look in your bedroom.

Bamboo Headboards

Bamboo headboards are a great way to add a natural and organic style to your bedroom. Bamboo is a sustainable resource that grows fast and can be harvested quickly. Bamboo is one of the most naturally beautiful materials you can use in your home. They are resistant to mould, bugs, and rot, which means they will last for years to come.

Upholstered Fabric Headboards

The upholstered fabric headboard is a great alternative to a traditional headboard. They come in varied colours and designs and can fit into any bedroom. The fabric is soft and comfy, and the look is modern and sleek. They are also very affordable and can be found at most furniture stores. You can easily clean the fabric with a damp cloth, and it will not wrinkle if you need to store it away for a short period.

Leather Headboards

Leather headboards are a great way to add a little elegance to your bedroom. They are an excellent way to update your bedroom, also providing warmth and comfort. There are many different types of leather headboards, from distressed to unfinished, that you can choose from. They come in all UK bed sizes, so it is easy to find one to suit your bedroom.

Cardboard Headboards

The idea of a cardboard headboard is not new, but it’s still a fresh idea. Some people may be reluctant to try this idea because they are unsure how the end result will turn out.

If you’re looking for a fun, creative way to decorate your bedroom or just looking for a cool way to start your day, then a cardboard headboard is the perfect solution. All you need is a large headboard size section of cardboard, some paint, and some decorative items to make it look like a headboard. If you don’t have any decorative items, you can always draw pictures on the cardboard headboard with a marker and then paint over them.

 

An extended appliance warranty is financial protection that covers individual home appliances after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. A home warranty is a separate plan that offers bundled coverage for major home systems and appliances. An extended appliance warranty provides coverage for expensive repair and replacement costs of the individual covered item.This type of warranty has become a popular choice for homeowners who want continued coverage of an appliance after a manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Homeowners can buy quality extended warranties from home warranty providers.

Extended Appliance Warranty

An extended appliance warranty provides protection for a specific appliance such as a refrigerator, stove, freezer, etc. They are purchased prior to the expiry of the original manufacturer’s warranty. If a covered appliance breaks down unexpectedly due to normal wear and tear, or age of the unit, the policy enables homeowners to have financial coverage for repair costs at a much lower price per issue, than if they had to fully pay for a repair or replacement. The terms and conditions are similar to those in the original manufacturer’s warranty.

Extended Appliance Warranty Advantages

Most manufacturers offer warranties between one to three years after the purchase date. However, appliances can break down after that period which can be very expensive  to repair or replace. Extended warranties are ideal for appliances that are no longer covered by manufacturer’s warranty. Here are some estimates of common household repair and replacement costs without the advantage of home warranty coverage:

Oven/Range/ Cooktop – Up to $1000

Clothes Washer -Up to $675

Dishwasher – Up to $650

Clothes Dryer – Up to $675

To name just a few….

Trusted home warranty providers can offer affordable extended appliance warranties to their customers. Reputable providers will not lock them into a contract so they can keep the policy for as long as they like, as long as they keep paying the monthly premiums. This means homeowners can continue to financially protect their appliance. 

Extended appliance warranties are cheaper because the appliance warranty only applies to one specific appliance in the home. This means a separate policy is purchased for a specific appliance. Because these warranties apply to individual appliances, homeowners pay for exactly the coverage they want on the appliance they want covered. 

There are home warranty companies that enable customers to ensure their coverage never runs out as long as they remain enrolled in the plan. When buying an extended appliance warranty, you should read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you understand the coverage provided. Prices will vary depending on the type of appliance being covered and the warranty provider’s options and terms and conditions. Repair and replacement expenses can be hundreds and even thousands, far surpassing the extended warranty cost.  It just makes sense to buy an extended appliance warranty.

Planning to make changes in the office space can be an ideal step towards increasing productivity, bringing an aesthetic environment, and keeping everyone connected. You can easily avail plenty of benefits by moving towards interior design. However, this can be expensive as compared to any other element. Interior designers can charge thousands of dollars to create an effective office space. So what to do? In order to create an effective environment, you need to plan before you start moving towards interior design ideas. 

From installing the led drop ceiling lights to the wall arts, you need to pay attention to the details and limit yourself to your budget. This will help you to know your needs and wants and plan accordingly. But unfortunately, when searching for interior design ideas for open-plan office space, many people get stuck with limited, expensive ideas. So what to do? 

Today’s blog post shares with you the cost-effective interior design ideas that can assist you in designing the office space successfully. So let’s explore. 

Cost-Effective Interior Design Ideas for Open Plan Office 

Open plan office often creates a messy environment with too much noise and footfalls. Although it benefits you to keep everyone connected, privacy is still compromised. Thus, at first, you need to think about dividing each work table in a way that your employees can easily feel the privacy. This is one of the most important elements that you need to know before you opt for interior designs. 

Once you are done with making small changes in open-plan office space, the next part is to know the cost-effective interior design ideas. So what are they? Let’s know below. 

  • Starts with Walls 

Walls hold a vital value in any interior design. You need to first start with creating wall arts that are not only attractive but also bring an aesthetically pleasing environment. There are plenty of ways to bring creativity to your walls. For instance, you can showcase the digital 3D name of your company or write values on the entrance in a creative way. This is one of the best methods for your open-plan office space. 

  • Lighting 

Bringing lighting in the office is one of the most major interior designs that you need to pay attention to improve productivity. There are plenty of lighting tactics that you can use to gain massive brightness. One of the smart yet cost-effective interior design ideas is to utilize LED ceiling bulbs and wall lamps. This enables you to bring beauty with brightness throughout the office space within a reasonable budget. 

  • Set Dark & Light Theme 

There should be the theme and connectivity of your office space that can help you to make your entire office space more effective. Depending on the type of work your office employees do, you can set dark or light themes easily. This is one of the cost-effective interior designing ideas that you can implement by matching the colors and making it connected with everything. You can also prefer both light and dark themes by dividing them. For instance, the office tables and chairs can be in a dark color, while the ceilings and flooring can give a lighter image. This is one of the most effective ways to get interior design. 

  • Establish your thermostat at one temperature. Constant adjusting can cause greater utility expenses, specifically in the winter months.
  • If using your thermostat as a trouble type, restrict the troubles to twice a day such as when you are at your job and when you are resting.
  • The only obstacle is the thermostat 6% of desired temperature level, approximately 5 degrees.
  • Throughout the heating period, try not to establish the thermostat listed below 65 degrees.
  • In the air conditioning mode, try not to establish the thermostat below 70 degrees. Besides higher energy costs, this can cause the indoor coil to freeze and trigger condensation in the house.
  • Make it a routine to consider the outdoor heat pump during the winter months for signs of extreme ice or snow build-up on or around the heat pump. Specifically, after bad climate.
  • If the system is covered in snow or ice, it has to be eliminated in order to function properly. Turn the thermostat to Emergency heat or the off position as well as remove the ice and snow. You can pour cozy water over the system to melt the snow as well as ice. Also, cold water from a hosepipe will assist, but do not utilize warm water.
  • Do not make use of any type of sharp challenge pick or knock the ice off the coils of the heat pump. This can create serious damage as well as accident.
  • Once the device is clear of ice and snow, transform the thermostat back to regular heating. If the unit ices up again, ask for a reputed solution, such as Wolfers Portland Heating.
  • Do not let the outdoor device rest beneath a leaking rain gutter. In the winter months, water will drip on the top of the unit as well as freeze strong. This will limit the air circulation as well as cause the entire unit to freeze up.
  • Heat Pumps should rise 4-8 inches above ground level to maintain coils free from ice and snow as well as to allow for appropriate water drainage. Call Wolfers Heating services if you would like your unit elevated.

The basement is the most underrated and ignored part of the house. Anyone barely goes there, and all the horror movies seem to keep their ghosts in the basements. Only a few people realize that having a basement can be a great way to have fun if it is used correctly. 

Renovco home renovations can turn your basement into an adventure land or your place to relax, anything you want. You can do many cool things in your basement. 

  • Play area for your kids. 

Do your kids ask you to take a vacation, but you cannot go because of your busy schedule? A play area in the basement can be a great way to have fun with your kids and spend quality time with them in exchange for not being able to go on vacation. 

Your kids will love the play area. You can customize it as your kids prefer and add items like a slide, a see-saw, and other things. You can childproof the place to create a safe and clean environment for your kids. 

  • Art workshop.

If you are a painter or love to paint, the basement can be a great place to focus on your art. Usually, artists prefer to work in a quiet environment which is not always possible due to the loud noises of the city. When you transform your basement into an art workshop, you can soundproof the walls so that you can work uninterrupted. Moreover, it can be a great place to keep your art supplies, such as brushes, paint tubes, canvases, etc., organized. 

  • Gym.

If you work out every day, you can create your gym at home. You can add only the types of equipment that you use and other sports accessories in the basement. When you have a home gym, you will no longer have to travel to the gym every day and pay their subscription prices. In your gym, you can blast your music and keep a fridge where you can store refreshments of your choice. 

  • Home theatre. 

Do you love to go to the movies but hate standing in line or getting bad seats? Well, you won’t have to worry about any of that when you install a mini movie theatre in your basement. You can set up a good quality projector and other equipment, comfortable sofas, and a small fridge and voila! You have got yourself your theatre. You can have family movie nights, or you can bring your friends here. 

These are only four of the million other ways you can modify your basement to transform it into fun or a productive place. To transform your basement, contact Renovco services.