One of the best things about being a homeowner is the freedom to customize your space however you see fit. If you don’t like the outdated kitchen design, you can tear out the whole thing and modernize it. If you don’t like a wall, remove it to open up the floor.

The point is when you buy a house, you can do anything you want to make it match your style and meet your design standards. However, before you dive headfirst into your next home renovation project, there are a few things you need to consider, or put in place to make sure you’re doing things right.

A little prep work can save you time and money, as well as prevent injuries and other disasters. We want to help set you up for success. Keep reading for our pre-renovation to-do list.

1. Your Renovation Budget

Let’s start with your home renovation budget. How much money have you set aside for this project? Are you sure it’s enough?

When it comes to contracting or construction work, it’s always a good idea to have more in your budget than you think you’ll need. You never know when something unexpected is going to come up. Whether you’re taking out a loan or using money from savings, make sure you account for any snafus you might come across during your project.

2. DIY or Professional Hire?

A big part of planning a home renovation project (and budget) is determining whether or not you need to hire a professional contractor. There are several factors that can determine your need for a professional contractor, such as:

• Your skills and knowledge
• City coding laws
• Safety concerns
• Craftsmanship standards
• Tools and equipment
• And more

You can save a tremendous amount of money by doing as much of the work as you can on your own. However, if DIY work will result in poorly executed work, unsafe conditions, or re-dos, it may be worth it to pay for a professional right off the bat.

3. City Coding Knowlege

Before starting a home renovation project, you must familiarize yourself with the city coding laws. Some projects require permits. For example, if you were to renovate a room and do your own electrical work, it could result in fines or major issues if you ever attempt to sell the home.

There are also neighborhood restrictions to consider, which can inhibit:

• Buiding garages
• Putting up fences
• Installing swimming pools
• Etc.

Violating city coding laws can result in heavy fines and penalties. In some cases, you may be forced to undo the project. The city could make you tear down a shed, fence, shop, etc.

4. The Right Tools and Equipment for the Job

Doing renovation work and remodeling your own home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, if you don’t have the right tools for the job, the project can quickly become frustrating, if not altogether impossible.

Before jumping into a project, do some research to find out what tools are required. For expensive tools and equipment, consider renting them, rather than buying them. If the job calls for tools and equipment that you don’t know how to use, it may be best to hire a contractor, at least for that part of the project.

5. Safety Precautions

One of the biggest concerns with any construction or contracting project is safety. For this reason alone, many homeowners choose to hire professional contractors who have trained to complete certain jobs as safely as possible. This includes roofing work, electrical work, projects that require heavy lifting, projects that call for power tools or heavy equipment, and more.

While you absolutely should learn new skills and improve your maintenance and renovation knowledge, it may be best to observe a professional first. Picking up a new power tool for the first time without proper instruction can lead to poor craftsmanship, wasted materials, and potential injuries.

This may also mean investing in the appropriate personal protective equipment. For simple renovation projects, this typically means safety glasses, work gloves, and hearing protection (for loud power tools). However, it may also be beneficial to invest in a hard hat and knee pads.

6. Logistics

Setting yourself up for success is key to managing a smooth home renovation project. To do this, you need to think ahead and plan for all of the minor details and logistics. For example, if you or contractors are going to be coming in and out of the house, set down plastic sheeting to protect your floors from heavy workboots, mud, dirt, and other debris.

If you’re doing most of the work yourself, you need to think about how you’re going to buy and transport the materials you need. If you don’t have a truck, you may need to borrow one from a friend. Many home improvement stores also offer shipping options.

Additonally, you need to plan ahead for cleaning up after yourself. Big renovation projects that include tearing out old rooms or appliances create a lot of waste. It’s a good idea to look into different dumpster rental options.

7. A Detailed Plan

Finally, make sure you have a detailed blueprint or plan for your home renovation project. This needs to be complete with drawings, measurements, and the supplies needed.

Your design plan will help you compile a list of materials, supplies, and equipment you need to complete the project. Otherwise, you’ll end up making multiple trips to the home improvement store.

Finally, your plan should include a projected timeline or goal date in which to finish. Big projects can become tedious and some homeowners end up procrastinating.

A lot of people are guilty of finishing 90% of a project and then leaving it. For example, they’ll repaint an entire room but never get around to repainting the trim. To avoid this, give yourself a strict deadline and hold yourself accountable to it.

Are You Ready to Start Your Home Renovation Project?

If you’re itching to get started on your next home improvement project, don’t let us hold you back. However, we highly recommend taking the seven factors listed above into account before diving in. Otherwise, good luck with your project, we hope it turns out great.

And if you’re looking for more home improvement, budgeting, or DIY advice, be sure to take a look at come of our other articles before you go. We offer a wide selection of content with everything from homeownership to business marketing.

Just bought a new home? If so, one of the many questions that may be on your mind is how to display your flag.

Though hanging American flags is a show of patriotism, it can also be disrespectful. See, the U.S. flag code (established in 1942) has some strict rules on flag etiquette. For example, the most important date to let it fly is Independence Day.

Need a refresher on other flag-hanging guidelines? Here are four tips to help you ensure you’ll treat the national symbol with dignity.

1. Hang It Right

Don’t hang your flag upside down, backward, or in another unfit fashion. The only two proper ways to do it are horizontally and vertically. If you opt for the latter (such as hanging it against a wall), the stars should be on the left.

Regardless of how you hang your flag, don’t let it touch the ground. That said, you don’t have to dispose of the flag if it touches the pavement on accident. Still, make sure that it’s in good condition before you put it on display again.

2. Consider the Weather

If the forecast predicts rain, you’re not supposed to hang the flag. The only exception is if you have an all-weather flag made of nylon or other non-absorbent materials. According to the American Legion, most flags today are all-weather flags.

Another rule about hanging flags outside is to only do it from sunrise to sunset. Again, though, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. If your backyard is well-illuminated, feel free to let the flag hang the entire day.

3. Be Respectful

When it comes to where to hang flags, the American flag should always be above others. If your flags have to be at the same level, place the American flag on the far left. Don’t forget to hoist the Old Glory first and remove it last.

Before you hang your flag, make sure it’s in good condition. If you have a synthetic flag, you can machine wash it in cold water. For older or more fragile flags, use Woolite or similar products. Mending small tears is fine.

4. Know When to Go Half-Staff

The most common time to fly your flag at half-staff is from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day. You should also do it when the nation is in mourning. As the name implies, half-staff refers to the position halfway down the pole.

Before flying the flag at half-staff, hoist it to the peak for a few seconds. Do the same before lowering it for the day. If this often leads to your flag wrapping around the pole, consider getting a rotating flag pole.

More on Hanging American Flags

By following the above tips, you should have no issues with Flag Code violations. One final tip: dispose of your old flags in a respectful, ceremonial manner. Make sure to do it discreetly, as other people could misunderstand your intentions.

Want to more about hanging American flags? Interested in learning the etiquette about displaying flags inside your home? Keep reading our Home & Garden section!

If you are wondering how to make your home more accident proof, or you are someone who lives in a busy household with pets and children, then this article will give some helpful tips and tricks on how to ensure your furniture will not damage easily and how to eliminate potential hazards within your home.

Make sure your flooring is of high quality

It is important to make sure the flooring within your home is of a high quality, especially if your house hold is large and accident prone. Whilst there are many flooring options available, it is a good idea to rule out the rule of carpet, as carpet can tear, and it can be very difficult to remove stains from this material. If you have pets, carpet isn’t a good idea either, as cats in particular claw soft surfaces. Underfoot Flooring is a good place to start your search for new flooring, as they offer a variation of hard wearing floors with a decent warranty guarantee.

Leather sofas are the best idea

Leather is a very sturdy material, which isn’t prone to wear and tear. If you are looking to invest in a sofa that will last in your home for decades, then leather is the way to go. As explained previously, if you have pets, soft material furnishings are not a good idea and they will not last as long as leather. Children also like to climb and play on sofas, so if you are worried about the potential damage that could be caused, it will be of your benefit to consider using leather.

However, if you like many people are against using leather because it comes from an animal, faux leather works just as well as the real thing and many sofa companies offer their products in this material.

Avoid having glass objects in your home

Glass is a very fragile material and lots of at home disasters happen because of the fragility of glass. The best way to avoid potential mishaps and health hazards with glass is to avoid having glass in your house full stop. This of course doesn’t include glass windows or mirrors, but it isn’t necessary to have glass drinks glasses, vases and tables. Plastic and aluminium items are sturdier alternatives which are far more resistant than glass.

Avoid using a fire place

Fire is probably the worst hazard there is, although fire places served a great purpose in earlier years, there is no longer the need to heat your house by solely using a fire pit. If you don’t need to use fire to heat your home, then it is a good idea to stop lighting the fire as it is a big danger. If you really have to use a fire pit within your home, be sure to use a fire guard if you have pets and children to ensure no one is harmed by the flames.

Don’t wear outdoor shoes in the house

If you want to protect your flooring, the best way to prevent premature wear and tear is to not wear your outdoor shoes in the home. Not only does wearing outdoor shoes inside bring mud and dirt into the home, but shoes can scratch and damage the flooring, so if you want your floor to look great for as long as possible, avoid wearing shoes indoors. If people for instance, tradesman have to wear shoes inside your home, offer them shoe protectors to avoid any potential damages that their shoes may cause.

 

Everyone wants to live in a fully-furnished home, but how much does it cost to furnish a house? For a full answer to that question, keep reading.

How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a House

That’s the question on everyone’s mind these days, isn’t it? As more and more people move into new houses during this time of unprecedented transition, new homeowners want the most beautifully-furnished home for the lowest price.

Let’s start with the living room. Its big-ticket item, a sofa, will run you about $1,024. A TV stand, end tables, and a coffee table will cost you $760 total. Budget about $290 for an area rug.

Now, to the bedroom. A more affordable mattress and boxspring are $572. The average high-quality mattress will set you back $2,500.

Or you could get yourself a mid-range mattress for about $1,536. Your bedroom set of furniture – including a dresser, nightstands, and bed frame – can cost you anywhere from $1,620 to $5,500. The average price of the mid-range version of this furniture set is $2,050.

And we’re off to the aromatic kitchen and dining rooms. A dining table and set of chairs will only run you about $1,118. Choose from an incredible range of Saarinen Tulip Tables and Chairs.

You’ll get counter and storage space already outfitted in most kitchens, but you should still budget $135 for more kitchen storage and shelving.

More Fun With Furnishings

Taking things outside to your patio or balcony, weather-resistant furniture will set you back about $470. A grill will cost you around $300.

Let’s go back inside to focus on cheaper furnishings. Isn’t cheaper stuff a relief?

Put the finishing touches on your living room with a decorative curtain rod and drapes for only $90, depending on the style. You’ll need at least $10 for plants to add some life (literally) to your home.

In your home’s ever-important bathroom(s), buy some extra storage for your toiletries and towels for only about $90. A stylish shower curtain can be yours for about $32.

Back to the kitchen, where a starter set of pots and pans will run you about $180. A trash can costs about $20.

Returning outside to the balcony, strings of decorative outdoor lighting go for an average price of $30. A mini herb garden is about $35.

All told, your grand total for apartment furniture is $8,176.

You can reduce that number by reupholstering a sofa (instead of buying a new one), getting home decor on Etsy, and investing in your lighting.

Furnishing Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

How much does it cost to furnish a house? As you can see, furnishing isn’t exactly cheap, but it sure doesn’t have to be expensive.

Just follow the guide above and you’ll be well on your way to an affordably but lavishly-furnished home. Your house will feel like a cozy, inviting, home sweet home.

For more stellar advice for your home, visit our site’s Home & Garden section.

Well, if you’re looking for indications of a broken garage door, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to provide you with 5 garage door repair warning signs below.

1. Your Garage Door Feels Heavy

When in good condition, your garage door is supported by a spring. This spring allows the garage door to rise and fall easily, thus removing a great deal of its weight.

But, should this spring break, your garage door will lose its support and will come down with the full force of its weight. So, if your garage door feels a lot heavier than it once did, it’s in need of a repair. Call up an experienced repair company and get the problem fixed!

2. Your Garage Door is Making Banging Noises

Garage doors are always going to make some sort of noise. This is just the nature of their construction. However, if they’re making loud banging noises, they’re likely in need of repair.

This generally occurs when the garage door’s support spring breaks. Because the door can’t be lowered with ease, it causes great friction, resulting in loud, annoying, and jarring noises.

3. Your Garage Door is Bending in Some Areas

Another sign you’re going to want to look out for is bending. If your garage door is bending in some areas, it’s undoubtedly mechanically compromised.

Though it could be fixed with a simple repair, there’s a chance that a full replacement will be needed. In either case, you’re advised to bring in a professional garage door repair technician.

4. Your Garage Door is Taking a Long Time to Open

Maybe your garage door is moving at a snail’s pace despite the fact that it used to move like a cheetah? If so, it is undoubtedly in need of repair.

A slow garage door is generally caused by one of two factors: 1. a worn-down motor, and 2. a broken support spring. Regardless, call up a garage door repair company to fix the problem.

5. Your Garage Door Doesn’t Lock

The whole point of a garage door is to provide security for your garage. So, if your garage door isn’t locking, you undoubtedly need to have it repaired. Don’t wait until it’s too late; call a repair technician as soon as possible.

A Broken Garage Door Can Be Easily Fixed

The good thing about a broken garage door is that it can be easily fixed. So, if you’re noticing any of the signs discussed above, you needn’t worry much. Call up your local garage door repair services and your door will be back to normal again in no time.

If you’re looking for further information on garage doors and broken garage door repair, you might consider taking a closer look at our website. It contains a bevy of garage door-related articles.

Check out our selection of articles now!

Since we spend about 90% of our time indoors, this is a reason for concern. The simple solution: invest in an air purifier. This isn’t a panacea for improving air quality, but choosing the right purifier comes with many benefits.

Not sure which air purifier to choose? Here are the main factors to consider.

Room Size

How much space do you need your purifier to clean? Desktop devices don’t do well in large living spaces, and heavy-duty devices can be an overkill.

You can find the right fit by looking at air changes per hour (ACPH). A small air purifier may manage eight air changes per hour in a 350-square-foot room. In a 700-square-foot-room, that purifier will only turn over the air four times in an hour.

Not sure how much space you’ll need to clean? If so, consider getting a larger air purifier than what you expect you’ll need -as long as you stay within your budget, of course.

Types of Filters

Most air purifiers use mechanical filtration. They have a prefilter for nabbing large particles and the main filter for catching smaller pollutants.

When it comes to prefilters, there’s not much difference. The disposable ones cost a bit more than the washable ones, but that’s about it. The main filter is different. For starters, your purifier should have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

See, HEPA filters can trap 99.97% of particles smaller than 0.03 microns in size. For comparison’s sake, the human eye can’t see objects smaller than 70 microns. This is why HEPA filters are the standard recommended by the EPA.

Some purifiers come with other filter types, which are often made of charcoal or carbon. These are helpful if you need, say, an air purifier for pet dander. That said, you’ll likely need to change these filters more regularly.

CADR Rating

The CADR rating helps customers understand how effective an air purifier is at filtering various particles.

The higher this number, the more particles the device can remove. For instance, let’s say an air purifier has a CADR rating of 300 for pollen. If so, it reduces the pollen concentration by adding the equivalent of 300 cubic feet of air per minute.

Some purifiers have a single CADR number, whereas others have separate numbers. It’s possible to have a CADR rating for dust, smoke, pollen, and so on. This rating reflects the best-case scenario for each airborne pathogen.

Also, not all purifier manufacturers submit their devices for CADR testing. In these situations, it’s best to look at reviews to get a sense of how a device works.

Energy Efficiency

Air purifiers are most effective when they’re running non-stop. This is why electricity costs can be a key factor in your buying decision.

Small purifiers use less energy than large ones, but they clean less space. Purifiers rated for large rooms have higher fan speeds and draw more energy. Some devices have an “eco” mode which places them on standby if they’re not needed.

You also have purifiers that work alongside HVAC systems, spending less energy. For example, this air purifier functions as an add-on for your existing HVAC system.

Noise Levels

Most air purifiers come with built-in fans that pull air through their filters. It’s these fans that determine the volume of noise your air purifier will make.

As a general rule, fans don’t make much noise, especially on low settings. As you turn them up, you may hear a quiet humming sound. If you’re using your purifier in the nursery, it’s best to opt for a device that’s quiet even at higher speeds.

Check your purifier’s specifications to find its noise level range. Smaller purifiers can reach noise levels as low as 17 dB, which is similar to rustling leaves. That said, some larger devices can be as loud as 60 dB.

Portability

Are you planning on having a single air purifier covering your entire home? If so, you’ll want to find the right balance between portability and size.

Smaller purifiers can sit on a shelf or desk and can be easily moved between rooms. Do you plan on using your purifier in your home office during the day and moving it to your bedroom for the night? If so, a small device is likely to suit your needs.

As mentioned, the size of a purifier tends to correlate to the size of the room it can clean. If you’re looking to use a purifier in a large room, it’s better to go with a heavier device. Some of those come with casters for portability as well.

Maintenance

If you’re on a budget, look beyond the up-front cost of your purifier. Once you set it up, you’ll need to replace its filters regularly.

Filter replacement costs can vary wildly. Some purifiers have expensive filters that can last for years. Others use cheap filters that you’ll need to change often. Prefilters may be washable, but HEPA filters will always need replacing.

Before getting a purifier, include all these costs in your calculations. This can be a difference-maker between air purifiers that otherwise look similar.

Bonus Features

Many air purifiers come with extra features. These include a remote control unit, programmable timer, smart functions, and so on.

Though these extras add value, they’re often not worth a significant uptick in price. For instance, do you need a filter replacement indicator light? If you’re on a budget, get a cheaper model and set a calendar reminder instead.

More on Cleaning Indoor Air

As you can see, choosing an indoor air purifier isn’t an easy task. With no one option that’s right for everyone, it’s best to look at your specific needs.

Again, this mostly depends on the type of pollutants you have in your home. Once you find a purifier with the best filtration, look at secondary features such as noise levels. Also, make sure that you can afford the energy and maintenance costs.

Want to know more about how to deal with dust particles in the air? Looking for other tips on improving your home life? Check out our Home & Garden section!

Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of breathing fresh air. People are often exposed to poor air quality, which has given rise to respiratory illnesses, asthma, and allergies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 93% of children under the age of 18 are exposed to environmental pollutants.

But there are several ways on how to test air quality in your home and ensure your family lives in healthy environments. You cannot control the pollutants outside your home, but you can definitely improve your indoor air quality. If you’re wondering how that is possible, then here are five ways to test the quality of the air you breathe.

1. Be Alert on Signs of Poor Quality Air Around Your Home

There are times when your body can tell you if the air quality around you is not healthy. Irritants in the air are common allergy culprits you should always stay alert on. Watch out for symptoms like sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, headaches, etc.

Contaminants such as toxic mold, different types of chemicals, and asbestos can affect your health. If you often suffer illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis, watch the quality of the air you breathe. Other health symptoms caused by these include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, etc.

If you notice any of these types of sicknesses affecting your family, you should act quickly to purify the air in your home. For an effective purification, you can use a whole home air purifier, which does the work well. Also, consider getting the services of a professional to help you out.

2. Learn How to Test Air Quality in Your Home With Air Quality Monitors

So you’ve heard that there are air quality monitors that you can use for your home. But do you know how they work to measure indoor air quality? Or you fall in the majority who don’t even know that such a device even exists?

Well, there are different kinds of air quality monitors that can detect your home’s air quality. The devices are made in a way that they can detect dust particles and all types of allergens within your home. They’re also capable of detecting Volatile Organic Compounds, humidity, and temperature.

The device can detect all these in your home’s air and report the data to you. Some models of air quality monitors come with a display panel that shows the reported values and readings in real-time. Other models show you the overall indoor air quality test results in its indicator light.

Thanks to technology, some indoor air monitors are connected to your smartphone and can share the readings through your phone’s app. Some come smart home enabled and can pair with thermostats; hence you can manage energy usage as you also control your indoor air quality.

3. Test for Mold Presence

One of the things that corrupt the quality of air within your home is mold. Mold is a well-known household pollutant which is quite dangerous.

Mold can occur from moisture, rotten leftovers, and high humidity in your home. The good news is that they’re also easy to deal with. You have to improve the humidity levels, dry off the moisture, and throw away that rotten bread.

But is that all? Absolutely not! You cannot see airborne mold, and they’re no doubt the most dangerous when it comes to polluting the air quality in your home.

Testing your home for mold is very easy and cheap. But you can also use your sense of smell, and sight to test for mold. You can also consider hiring professionals to check for mold in your home and take necessary action.

4. Monitor Carbon Monoxide in Your Home

Carbon monoxide is a hazardous substance you can have in your home. There is a reason why the substance is called a silent killer. This is because you can’t see or smell the substance hence can grow in poorly ventilated areas without getting noticed.

If you have some form of fuel combustion in your home either from gas burning stoves, furnaces, or dryers, you’ll be definitely exposed to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous to children, adults, and pets.

Before it gets to this point, you need to test and monitor its presence in your home. There are various carbon monoxide detectors you can use for this purpose.

One of the detectors is carbon alarms for the stove. You can also use other types of indoor air quality testing monitors that can detect the presence of carbon monoxide. Pay for either an alarm or a monitor and get an effective device for the safety of your family.

5. Test for Radon Presence in Your Home

You should also test for radon presence in your home and keep away from this dangerous substance. Radon is also an odorless, tasteless, and colorless substance that you cannot detect without the use of a special device.

It can find a way into your home through cracks on walls or floors and pipes. Radon occurs from the breakdown of uranium deposits in the soil. It enters your home at the lowest levels concentration there for a long time.

The environmental Protection Agency (EPA) puts radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It doesn’t act quickly like carbon monoxide but can pose a danger in the long term. Seek professional help to test radon presence in your home and take action immediately.

Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Learn how to test air quality in your home is vital to your health. After testing and learning that your home is not the best place to be in terms of air quality, you must work on making things better. Find out different ways and devices that can help improve your indoor air quality.

Remember to check out other articles on this site for more informative content for your health and general wellbeing.

If you cannot find housing in California, consider ADU housing.

What does ADU mean in real estate?

ADU stands for accessory dwelling units. They’re small housing units for residents looking for affordable housing.

You can find these houses in small and large cities alike. ADUs can fulfill California’s increasing demand for housing.

You can also use the units as a home for extended family members. Think of them as a guest house or an in-law suite. You’ll also know them as granny-flats or backyard cottages. You can also add these structures to your yard separately.

This article will examine the benefits of ADU units in California. Let’s explore.

How Do ADU Units Work?

These units become less popular during the middle of the 20th century but have seen a resurgence in recent years. Further, they are great options for the following types of people:

• Couples
• College students
• Young families
• Seniors
• Friends
• Relatives

An ADU home is usually connected to a primary house. This connection allows occupants to use electricity and water of the primary residence.

In other cases, it can have independent electricity and water sources. Separate utilities will give occupants independence.  Many ADU units are also elaborate and have plenty of space.

California leaders permit ADUs in many cities throughout the state. If you’re considering an ADU unit in San Jose, for example, visit Actonadu.com for more information.

Legally, the occupant cannot sell an ADU because it’s still part of the main residence. Therefore, only the primary owner can sell the unit.

What are JADUs?

In California, you’re also allowed to create a secondary residence within the home. This space is a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU).

You can create JADUs within the walls of the home.

• Example: The state allows homeowners to convert garages or basements into JADUs.

However, JADUs cannot be more than 500 square feet. Overall, homeowners can add ADUs and JADUs on a single property.

When it comes to JADUs, many California homeowners add the following to a JADU unit:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Electrical outlets

Moreover, JADUs don’t place additional stress on home utilities because homeowners are simply using space that already exists.

Helping Renters

ADUs and JADUs can help renters find affordable housing. California allows homeowners to rent out ADU units to tenants.

California’s national rental average is around $1,420 a month and has gone up over the years. If you want to rent in big cities like San Francisco, rent is around $3,000 a month.

As a result, more people are being priced out of the state. Unaffordable housing isn’t good for California’s economy as more people leave the state. Additionally, many people who move to California end up being homeless.

However, homeowners can include ADU units to renters who need them. Plus, homeowners who want to downsize can live in an ADU and rent their primary residence.

The Covid Housing Crisis

Renters can also help homeowners stay in their homes. Due to the pandemic, many California homeowners cannot pay their mortgages.

Further, many renters have trouble making rent due to shutdown orders and/or layoffs. The government has implemented relief for homeowners and renters, but the relief is a band-aid solution.

Renters and homeowners can help one another using ADU units. Renters can stay in the units long-term and pay rent to the homeowner.

Also, renting from an ADU unit is usually cheaper than an apartment or condominium rental. In turn, homeowners stand a better paying their mortgage each month.

Supply and Demand

Before the pandemic, California has struggled to keep up with housing demands. The lacking supply and high demand have increased housing prices exponentially.

The median home price in California is around $600,000. This median price is over twice the national average. Moreover, stagnant wages and income have priced many Californians out of the housing market.

The housing dilemma has also bred a burgeoning homeless population, and California officials have failed to address the homeless issue.

There are many reasons behind California’s housing crisis, some of which include:

• Tax policies favoring established homeowners instead of new homeowners
• Outdated zoning ordinances that failed to accommodate a growing population
• Inefficient governance failing to foster the building of new homes.

The main problem is that builders haven’t constructed enough houses to meet rising demand. However, ADU units are a cost-effective solution that leads to long-term gains.

ADU units are long-term structures, and builders can make them in three months. The cost of an ADU unit is around $50,000 in large cities such as San Diego and Los Angeles.

Despite California’s defunct zoning practices, the state is updating the laws to permit more ADUs throughout the state.

Homeowners only need to apply for a permit to add an ADU to their property. Overall, California could house two million people if just 30% of California homeowners include an ADU unit on their property.

The Benefits of ADU Housing

ADU housing offers affordable living and increased housing. ADU units can provide shelter to more people in California. It will also mitigate the state’s public health crisis as more people have access to housing.

ADU units are connected to the main residence, or it may function as a separate structure. You can also attract renters by adding amenities and utilities to the structure.

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One in 10 American homes experience plumbing leakage. This wastes about 90 gallons of water every day.

What are common plumbing problems people deal with? And how are they resolved?

Continue reading to learn 5 common plumbing issues and how to fix them.

1. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is one of the most common plumbing problems American homeowners face. If you’re experiencing low water pressure within your home, check the faucet.

You should check if the low pressure is affecting both the cold and hot water settings on the faucet. If both of those settings are affected, the problem is likely the aerator. This is usually because of calcium build-up within the faucet.

The aerator will have to remove the aerator and clean it out.

2. Pipes Leaking

Another common problem you may notice about your plumbing is leaky pipes. Pipes leaking don’t happen only in the winter, they are a year-round plumbing issue.

Pipes can leak from any system in your home, like the bathroom or kitchen sink. The most common places plumbers find leaks are around the base of the toilet and underneath the sink.

Leaking pipes are usually caused by corrosion of your pipes or faucet and loose water connectors.

If your pipes are leaking, you will notice blotches of water on the ground. If you notice leaking, you should call a plumber right away because it could cause major damage to your home.

3. Clogged Drains

Many homeowners will take on a clogged drain themselves, but that may not help the situation. It could make the problem worse. If using the toilet plunger or snaking the drain doesn’t work, it’s best to call a professional.

A plumber will use professional methods to unclog your blocked drain. Two methods they may use are a drain snake or hydro jetting. Hydro jetting sprays high-pressure water straight down your clogged drain, clearing the blockage.

4. Septic Tank Leaks

A leak in your septic tank is one plumbing issue homeowners don’t want to mess with. Septic tank leaks will always need professional help. Examples of septic tank problems are sewage backing up into your house and slow draining.

5. Running Toilet

A toilet that won’t stop running can cost you a lot of money. You can use gallons of water if your toilet’s left running, each day.

The most common problem is a faulty flapper valve. A flapper valve controls the amount of water that passes from your toilet tank to the base.

Your toilet may be running because of sediment affecting the flushing of the toilet. To check for silent leaks, squeeze a few drops of food coloring into your toilet’s upper tank. Watch to see if the food dye goes to the bowl without having to flush.

Common Plumbing Problems

Five common plumbing issues American homeowners may be as simple as low water pressure, or as complicated as a leak in your septic tank.

Many homeowners can fix simple plumbing problems themselves. But they shouldn’t risk messing up their plumbing. For any plumbing issues you don’t know how to fix, call a plumber for help.

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Stop!

While buying a home that already has a pool installed can save you almost $100,000 in installation costs, a pool comes with a considerable monthly maintenance bill. It’ll cost you even more if it’s old and in a state of disrepair.

You should never buy a home with a pool unless you’ve arranged a pool inspection beforehand. It’s also unwise to include the pool as part of your home inspection, and here’s why.

1. You Need an Expert Opinion

It’s important to arrange for a specialist pool inspector to examine the pool. Most home inspectors aren’t well versed in the specifics concerning swimming pools. They usually have a basic checklist that they work from.

Specialist pool inspectors have years of experience checking pools and can spot common pool problems right at the outset.

Swimming pools have a lot of complicated parts that involved detailed inspection. These include filters, pumps, and heaters.

Other aspects of your pool that can cause maintenance issues down the line include the tile, coping, and salt damage in saltwater pools.

They can also provide you with an itemized report with pages of in-depth information highlighting any defect. You could use this in your favor when negotiating a price with the owner.

Most insurance providers don’t cover aspects like cracks in the swimming pool shell, loose coping stones, or hollow tile that’s about to fall off the wall. So, it’s important to know about these things from the outset.

2. Determining Legalities and Safety Features

An inspection will also reveal if the pool meets local safety regulations. These vary from municipality to municipality and state to state.

Your pool inspector will know what’s required in your area let you know if the pool is up to standard.

If it isn’t you’ll need to make some adjustments before you buy the house.

For example, in most areas, you need to have a permanent fence of at least 5 feet high surrounding your pool. If your new house doesn’t have this important safety feature, it can cost a few thousand dollars to get one erected.

Other important safety features include alarms on doors and windows leading to the pool, safety glass on windows near the water’s edge, and a pool cover that can bear the weight of a child.

The pool should also have federally-approved anti-entrapment covers on all the suction outlets in the pool.

You can use information like this in your negotiations with the homeowner too since you’ll need to implement these features yourself. Especially if you have small children.

You can also earn a fine from your local municipality if your pool’s not up to code.

3. A Pool Inspection Saves You Money

If you’re nervous about all the responsibilities and maintenance that go hand in hand with a pool, a pool inspector can fill you in on what to expect with the particular pool going forward.

They’ll also be able to warn you about any once-off as well as ongoing expenses to expect from the pool.

Outdoor pools spend their entire existence exposed to the elements. They’re exposed to blazing heat and freezing cold conditions, normal wear and tear, and chemical onslaught.

These factors quickly turn a sparkling new pool into a cracked, leaking money pit.

Your pool inspector can advise you whether the pool is beyond repair or whether it’s worth fixing. At the very least they can provide you with an estimate for a total resurfacing, or a written recommendation to fill the pool in.

Either way, you’ll have the bargaining tools you need when negotiating a price with the home seller.

With the advice and guidance of an experienced pool inspector, you won’t encounter any costly and unpleasant surprises after you’ve bought the house.

So, if you’re in two minds about the extra pool inspection cost, consider how much you’ll save later on.

4. The Pool May Have Unseen Problems

Pool equipment’s a lot more complex than it seems, with many moving parts. A pool inspector can make sure these are operating at an optimum before you buy the pool.

The best way to test the pool is by running the equipment to evaluate its performance. A pressure test for leaks can reveal any expensive repairs that may be lurking in the near future.

They will also check the electrical components involved in the pool’s operation.

5. Pools Can Have Extra Issues

Apart from the inner workings of the pool, they also have several other features that a home inspector won’t check.

These could include a wooden deck, hot tub, lighting, water features, or an infinity edge with a catch basin. All these things are a wonderful addition to your backyard but they can cost a lot of money to repair and maintain.

A pool inspector will also consider your backyard’s layout when advising you. They’ll be able to tell if the prevailing wind’s going to blow dust into your pool constantly, or whether falling leaves from nearby trees could cause problems with cleaning.

Thanks to a pool inspector’s years of experience, you won’t have to learn the hard way about the prospective pitfalls of owning the pool in question.

Defining Your Ideal Home

For many families, the benefits of owning a pool far outweigh the expense and occasional hassle.

You can enjoy hours of family fun and outdoor entertaining with neighbors, keep fit, and stay cool in the hot summer months.

A swimming pool adds a resort feel to any backyard and is a wonderful place for relaxing, reading, or sunbathing, even when you’re not swimming.

If you think you can master all the pool owner tips you need to keep a swimming pool, spic, span, and safe all year round go ahead and get the house with the pool.

Whatever you do, don’t neglect to get a pool inspection before you do.

If you’re looking for more advice on how to make the most of your home and garden, keep reading our blog.