House Design News |
Stop Your Home From Falling Into Decay With These 4 Tips Posted: 16 Jan 2014 11:34 AM PST If you ever want to sell your home you’ll want to make sure people get a great first impression as they walk up from the curb. The problem with that is that it normally costs a pretty penny to get your house a new face lift. A few simple maintenance routines will greatly improve your house’s looks and you’ll feel proud every time you come home. Lets take a look at four tips to stop your home from falling into decay… Painting the exterior makes the house look cheerier, cleaner, and newer. It protects the house from wind, sun and rain and preserves the surface. A good paint job should last fifteen years. Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to keep your house from looking rundown. In addition, you can check on the condition of the windowsills and trim at the same time and should consider replacing those as well. Roof Cleaning and Repair The roof is one of the most visible parts of the house. Keeping it clean and in good repair is vital to the health and safety of your home as well as to its good looks. Don’t put off repairs. If the repair is a matter of a few shingles, you may do it yourself or, if there seems to be a bit more damage, call on roof repair in Houston for estimates. While you’re at it, clean the gutters, and replace broken lengths of gutters and downspouts. You don’t want water damage to the rest of the house as that is the precursor to mold and decay. Front Entrance If fixing the roof is the most vital repair then sprucing up the entry is the one that adds the most charm. A coat of paint in a new color gives the front door added appeal. Check to see if the steps or walkway have cracks or crumbling surfaces. Do spot repairs, then give the surface an overall protective coat. You can also replace worn out hardware. Improved details will update the whole look. Make sure the porch lights work and all the glass is clean and intact. Lawn and Boarders Lawn upkeep is important to the status of the house. Clutter, whether it’s toys, unfinished projects or leftover building materials, makes the house look like it’s falling into decay. Make a point of gathering up the extra equipment in your yard regularly. Keep the lawn mowed and watered. Trim the hedges. If your property has a perimeter fence, keep it in good condition. Replace missing pieces promptly, and maintain the upkeep of the surface. Keeping the house in good condition goes a long way and pays off in the end, no matter what you decide to do for the future. You’ll have a beautiful home to keep and to show. |
Is it Time for a New Water Heater (and Other Concerns)? Posted: 15 Jan 2014 11:34 PM PST Plumbing concerns are one of the major issues homeowners inevitably face. If you do not have much plumbing experience, things like a leaking water heater can become a major concern.
No Hot Water If you aren’t getting any hot water, it could be due to a serious problem with the water heater. The light on the gas water heater may not be lit, causing the water to cool. Call a professional to fix this and test your system, as it can be dangerous to work with the gas yourself. If the water heater seems to run out of how water quickly, it may be time to replace it. Older water heaters are often filled with sediment, which can make it challenging to warm up the water inside. Talk to a professional about the replacement costs, and discuss the option of transitioning to a tankless water heater as it will save you a lot of money, and provide continuous hot water. The other way to know that your water heater is in need of replacement is to examine the bottom and check if there are any leaks. A leak from a hot water heater is a serious problem and it may indicate the bottom is rusting, which will soon lead to a burst. Poor Drainage Drainage problems are common for homeowners. If you take a shower and find that the water isn’t draining properly, clogged drains are likely to blame. You can avoid this by using a drain catcher to prevent hair from spiraling down the drain. You should also limit the amount of food and other things that go down the drain. Professionals can perform drain-cleaning services to keep the drains from blocking. If you have drains that clog often, call a plumber to inspect your pipes. Older homes often have problems with clogging drains if there are tree roots growing inside of them. Leaky Faucet When a faucet starts to drip, it can waste several gallons of water each day, which can be a serious problem. Call a professional to inspect your faucet and find out if you need a replacement. Some people can get by with minimal repair work, like changing the washers in the faucet, but some faucets are not designed to last more than five years.
Leaking Pipes A drip coming from a pipe is a major concern. You need to call a professional right away because a leaky pipe will end up causing damage to other areas of the home. A slight drip can run down the pipe, causing water damage within the floors, walls, and other areas of the home. If you have an older home, have your pipes periodically tested for rust and other issues. White lime deposits on the side of a pipe will indicate that they are aging, and are due to be replaced soon. In short, if something goes wrong, call a professional plumber. Jared Miret, father and home handyman loves sharing his knowledge of home improvement though blogging. If your water heater is on the brink, Jared recommends a new water heater from Houston’s Southern Plumbing. |
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