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5 Signs of a Home Improvement Scam

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A new study shows that one in ten owners have been scammed by contractors. Here are some reasons why you should use your list of reputable contractors to help your clients.

As home improvement demand remains strong for kitchen and bath remodels, as well as for outdoor renovations, reports of contractor scams are rising. These schemes could cost homeowners thousands of dollars.

About one in 10 Americans have been a victim of a contractor scam, losing an average of $2,426, according to a new study of about 1,000 Americans from JW Surety Bonds. The study revealed the following contractor scams as being the most common:

The survey found that baby boomers were the most likely to be scammed by contractors (15%). This is followed by millennials (13%)

Red Flags to Watch

The study identified five indicators that could alert consumers to a scam:

  1. The contractor did not complete the work or did a poor quality job and did not meet agreed standards (63%).
  2. The contractor often arrived late or missed an appointment without a valid excuse (40%).
  3. They added additional charges or fees which were not discussed in advance (26%).
  4. They refused to respond to questions or were evasive when asked about progress updates (25%).
  5. They did not provide a written contract or provided a vague contract that was lacking in specifics about the job or cost (13%).

Maddie Weirman, a spokesperson for JW Surety Bonds, a nationwide provider, offers some of the following tips to avoid contractor scams:

  • Make sure the contractor has insurance and is licensed. Hiring contractors who are licensed, bonded and insured can provide homeowners with extra security. Surety bonds protect them against contractor scams.
  • Get everything in writing, and review the contract carefully. “Make sure that this contract includes the contractor’s name and information and when the project is projected to start and end,” Weirman says.
  • Never pay for the entire amount upfront. A deposit is common but Weirman advises homeowners to wait until the project has been completed to their satisfaction before paying the full agreed-upon amount.

Original Blog: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/sales-marketing/5-signs-of-a-home-improvement-scam?utm_term=23EF8E9A-359A-444F-9FB8-E57C0EFE2ABA&utm_campaign=3BFA9068-DFBC-477B-BC94-C168B9A999F1&nwsltr=navnar&utm_content=E07DCD88-9487-4560-A98C-D61CA4615020

4 Tips to Give Your Home a Fresh, Exciting Feel

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Do you still feel the same excitement about your home as you did when you first bought it? Do you feel excited and refreshed when you spend time in your house, or bored?

After a few years, it may be time to give your home a facelift. We’re talking about a simple makeover, not a complete renovation that will cost you thousands of dollars. These tips are simple but effective for reviving the space where you spend a lot of time.

Let’s dive in.

1. Brighten up Your Wall Colors

If you want to feel calm, refreshed and relaxed in your home, natural light is vital. If you notice that certain areas of your home are a bit dark, the paint on the walls may not be reflecting enough light.

Paint colors that are brighter and add some light to rooms with less windows will also be more effective. If you want your home to feel more alive, give it a fresh paint job in the hallways, bathrooms, and enclosed spaces.

Consider these colors if you want to brighten up your home:

* Yellow for bedrooms and bathrooms
* Light, soft grey for calm spaces
* Bright white for areas that you want to open.

2. Get Rid of the Clutter

Clutter doesn’t just make your home feel depressing and old – it affects your brain.

According to Sherri Bourg-Carter, psychologist at Psychology Today, clutter overwhelms your brain by exposing it to excessive stimuli. This overloads your brain, causing fatigue and stress.

You’ll have to get rid of some junk if you want your home to be a place you can relax and recharge. You can use Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” or another method, but you should eliminate the clutter.

Start clearing out these top areas today:

* Your messy entryway
* Kitchen counters
* Closets that are overflowing
* Your eyesore of a garage
* Disorganized desks and workspaces
* That one “junk drawer”

You don’t need to declutter all at once. You’ll find it’s not so overwhelming if you take the process step by step.

3. Enjoy More Fun and Hobbies at Home

Many of us create a home that is practical, but without fun. It’s difficult to be excited about a home that doesn’t welcome guests or aligned with hobbies you enjoy.

Consider turning a less-used space into a versatile recreational room. Look over a pool table buying guide to find just the right accent for the space or research foosball tables for when your friends come over. If you don’t like games, you might want to install a home theatre or something else to entertain you and your friends.

It’s important to welcome fun into your house with open arms. Your home is not just for cooking, sleeping, eating and general living. It can also be a place of fun.

4. Personalization is not a bad idea

Many homeowners are so focused on making their home “good-looking” that they neglect to consider what makes their home theirs.

What makes you feel excited and refreshed?

If you are an extrovert you may want a space that stimulates your senses. This could be done with pictures, patterns, and decorations. If you are more introverted, you may want something more muted and soothing.

Consider adding a little personality to your home. Choose accents with meaning, not just those that are aesthetically pleasing.

Here are some simple and easy ways to add a little personality to your home.

​* Display accomplishments that bring you pride
* Add artwork that’s special, not just generic
* Put up some memorabilia from past experiences

To Sum Up

Your home should be a place where you can recharge your batteries and enjoy spending time. If you are no longer excited about your home or worse, if you feel anxious in it, it’s time to make changes.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/1036452-4-tips-to-give-your-home-a-fresh-exciting-feel

Upsize or Downsize: Which is Your Best Move?

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It isn’t always easy to decide if you should move up or down in your home. You may be tempted to make the move or to stay put. Here are some questions you should ask yourself if you’re thinking of moving to a larger home so that your family can have more space or if you want to downsize.

1. What are your current plans for the space you have?

Are your family members feeling that they lack privacy and space to do what they want? You’re tired of working on the dining room table. Do you need a workspace or office? Does it not work to have the children share bedrooms? Perhaps an upgrade is in order. You may also want to consider downsizing if you don’t use your rooms or you are tired of paying taxes on a larger house than you require. Look for the downsize section!

2. Have you thought about the cost of maintenance?

Consider the additional costs of maintaining a bigger home or property. This can be in terms of money and time. Will you be able keep up with the cleaning, lawn maintenance, and other general maintenance that comes with owning a house? You may be ready to move to a smaller property where you can do less maintenance or to one that has an HOA to help with some of it.

3. What is your outdoor space need?

Are you willing to sacrifice your yard or garden in order to move to a space that requires no maintenance? Have you got pets who need space outside? You need more space to let your kids play outside or for your dog to run. It’s not just about the size of your house, but also the land you have.

4. Have you ever looked into the future?

What are your expectations for your needs in five, ten or twenty years’ time? Will you spend your holidays and vacations at the homes of your children or grandchildren, or do you prefer to have a larger home? Do you plan to host friends or will you go out? Will you stay at home alone if your spouse dies?

5. Are you able to make the most of your financial situation?

Are you prepared to reduce your costs by downsizing or can you afford the higher costs of a larger house? You should also consider your current mortgage. You may be able to buy a home in cash, or you might want to start a new mortgage. What are the implications of your move for tax?

6. What is the best market for upsizing or downsizing?

It’s a seller’s market for those who want to downsize and sell their larger homes. In a strong seller’s market it may be more risky to upsize, but if you think your family will be happier with a bigger home, then the move might be worth it.

It would be an honor to answer any questions you may have regarding the purchase of your next home. Let’s make your next step the right one.

Renovating Your Home? Check Out Our FAQ’s!

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How do I choose a contractor?

Ideally, you should build a relationship with your contractor that is similar to the one you have with your real estate agent. It should be based on trust and make you want to return to them for future needs. Your contractor should be very good at listening and communicating. You want your contractor to “get” what you want for your home and to keep in touch with you every step of the process. Do your research by checking out the reputation of contractors, speaking with other clients and looking at their previous work before making your choice.

How much will my project be?

The answer will depend on the scope of the project. However, to ensure that your contractor is able to provide you with the best estimate, it’s important to write down all the details of your plan. Renovations often take longer and cost more than expected. This is because homeowners make changes or additions along the way or don’t realize they may need to reroute outlets and electricity if they move a wall. You have to consider each item individually.

How long will it take to finish the renovations?

This depends on how much work is done and how many changes you make along the way. The more planning you do before you start, the better estimate you can get from your contractor.

How do I prioritize my projects?

You may want to plan your project in phases if you live in your home while renovations are taking place. This will allow you to live in some rooms and work in others. You may need to phase projects depending on the cost and available funds.

Where do I start?

Start by doing a lot of online research. Start a look book for your home. You can do this in a notebook, or online. Collect pictures of the finishes and looks you like. Visit kitchen, bathroom, flooring, appliance and flooring showrooms, and talk to different contractors to get ideas and pricing.

Do I need permits?

Your contractor will be able to tell you which projects require permits. Be sure to follow all permitting regulations. Failure to do so can lead to further work being required.

How much will renovating my home increase its value?

Homeowners often believe that improvements will increase the value of their home. However, sometimes, what they consider improvements can be liabilities for future buyers. Don’t spend so much on your house that it is more expensive than other houses in the neighborhood. Be careful not to add style preferences that are difficult to change, such as ornamental fixtures, radical architectural features, or unusual landscaping.

How do I pay for renovations

If you can afford to pay cash for your renovations then that is a great option. If you don’t have the cash, you could consider a home-equity loan with a manageable payment or a revolving credit line that you can use to pay for renovations and any emergencies that may come up later.

How to Make the Most of Your Natural Land Resources

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Landowners are more aware of the many income streams that can be generated from their land, in addition to making it financially viable. One such source is solar energy, which uses the sun’s rays in order to produce electricity. Wind energy harnesses the power of wind to generate electricity. You can also harvest water, gravel, and sand.

Carbon tax credits may not be as well-known to many. A carbon tax credit is basically a credit that is given to individuals who contribute to reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by funding or implementing emission reduction activities. This can be achieved using energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Property owners could be able to get reliable land income through carbon tax credits in the future. This will provide a financial incentive for more sustainable land management.

Landowners must be creative about the potential income sources from their land, with a particular focus on climate change. Landowners can create long-term sustainable income from their land by investing in renewable energy sources or implementing carbon tax credits. This will help to preserve the environment.

The auto industry has also been transformed by electric car batteries in ways that many people thought impossible. As demand for green transportation solutions grows, these companies are increasing their mining operations.

Companies that make electric vehicles are looking for the right balance of lithium and minerals to help them run, have been searching the globe. Mining teams around the globe are searching for these precious minerals in order to find them. These companies are determined to ensure that green energy continues to grow, from searching for lithium to finding other valuable minerals.

To capitalize on the growing demand for electric cars batteries, lithium and mineral mining companies are working harder to meet this demand. These companies are searching for minerals like lithium, nickel, or cobalt, which are key ingredients in the manufacture of electric car batteries. Miners are eager to reach remote areas in order to obtain these minerals, as the prices of these materials are rapidly rising.

Safety of workers is a top priority. Miners must adhere to strict safety protocols and environmental guidelines while accessing these minerals. It is expensive to extract lithium, so electric car battery manufacturers have been looking for cost-effective ways to get the material they need.

There are also new ways to access minerals and improve the mining process. Mining companies can now access the minerals they require with the aid of robotics and technology. This minimizes risk for workers and the environment.

Reliable access to lithium and other minerals is crucial for the future of electric car battery technology. Deep underground mining is the only way to find the lithium necessary for these companies’ success. This is not an easy task. This requires technical prowess and skill.

Exploration, drilling and extraction can be a lengthy and costly process that can take several months. More than 1,500 pounds must be moved for every ton lithium produced. The miners must also be aware of the other minerals found in the earth’s crust such as iron, copper, zinc and boron. These minerals must also be obtained. They play a crucial role in creating a brighter future by ensuring the ethical and sustainable production of these raw materials.

Mining companies can use innovative technologies like thermal and chemical leaching to extract minerals in a more sustainable way. They can reduce their environmental impact by using such technologies and ensure that electric cars have reliable access to the lithium they need.

Mining companies and landowners can become partners in providing lithium and other minerals access as electric cars and batteries become more common. They can ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the future auto industry. Electric car batteries can be made more efficient and environmentally friendly with the support of mining companies.

Original Blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/how-to-capitalize-off-your-natural-land-resources/?inf_contact_key=2fa1cc790a4bccd58e00b4cb0875b808680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1

Hot Outdoor Trends For Spring/Summer

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It is never too late to plan and shop for outdoor living spaces of your dreams.

These trends may be worth considering before they sell out.

Even before fall’s cooler nights, backyard fire pits had sold out by the end of last year. They were bought by people who wanted to extend their outdoor time. A fire pit can be purchased now to enjoy your backyard in the spring and into the autumn.

Outdoor kitchens will be very popular this year as people want to do all they can outside. A DIY kitchen is possible for as little as $2,000.

The outdoor kitchen can be outfitted with everything from barbecues to natural gas to charcoal, in addition to cabinets. You can choose from traditional black or vibrant colours, as well as stainless steel in various sizes and shapes that will suit your backyard. You might also consider the “connected barbecue”, which allows you to control the temperature directly from your smartphone.

Last summer, above-ground pools were sold out. Get one for your kids today. You can also find smaller inground pools that are a bit larger than a whirlpool bathtub for adults. These are great for cooling off and sitting down.

You will need a shed to store your pool-related items. Aluminum sheds are great for tools. But if you need a shed that can also double as an office or cabana in the summer, consider wood sheds that have double doors.

Be sure to consider the functionality of furniture as well as its design. Look for furniture with hidden storage or sectionals that incorporate tables into their designs for small spaces. Wide armrests make it easy to place a glass of wine, or an iPad on a comfortable seat. A coffee table can be raised to a comfortable height, so you don’t need additional chairs or a table.

Privacy screens and privacy kits make products that are both functional and beautiful. Privacy is also achieved by garden walls. This vertical trend includes trellises, metal grids and plants grown on them. Vertical garden walls are decorative and save space.

Decorative and edible plants were very popular during the pandemic. To meet the demand, many stores have ordered plenty of seed packets and plants.

There are many options for fountains and waterfalls. You can choose from large, standalone versions or smaller designs that fit on tabletops. The soothing sound of water can drown out any unwanted noises and create a Zen-like atmosphere in the room.

Outdoor lighting is available to help you stay outdoors after dark and create a mood. Outdoor lighting is now possible with the availability of LED lights in a variety of colours, which are popular among teenagers. You can also find adult-friendly versions, which can be used in planters or under the bar counter. You can also find lights on strings and garden lights that will laminate the edges of the path, as well as an umbrella with integrated lighting.

A front porch adds additional outdoor space. You can dress it up by adding curtains to the sides. This will allow you privacy, and also make it suitable for single seating or sectionals.

You can personalize your space by adding style, colour, and accessories. Enjoy it as you see fit.

 

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/1041454-hot-outdoor-living-products-for-this-spring

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