Things to Avoid Around Your House Foundation

HOME FOUNDATION

The foundation of your home is the cornerstone of its structural integrity; it’s so important to make sure your foundation is properly maintained. Unfortunately, there are some common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to their home foundations that can lead to major problems down the road. Here, we talk about what not to do around your house foundation in order to ensure its longevity and protect your biggest investment from costly damage.   Don’t plant trees, bushes, and shrubs too close to the foundation  When it comes to landscaping, it’s important to think beyond just the aesthetic appeal of your plants. While trees, bushes, and shrubs can certainly add charm to your home’s exterior, it’s crucial to consider their proximity to your foundation. Planting too close to your home can lead to damage to plumbing and walls over time. As roots grow, they can wrap around and infiltrate pipes, causing costly repairs. Additionally, close planting can lead to excess moisture, which can seep into your foundation and cause mold and mildew problems. So, when selecting your landscaping, be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your home – a little distance can go a long way.   Avoid storing heavy items (such as mowers or furniture) near the foundation Your home is one of your biggest investments, so it’s important to take care of it. One thing you may not realize is that storing heavy items near the foundation can actually cause damage to your walls and floors. Mowers, furniture, and other heavy objects can put undue pressure on the foundation and cause it to crack over time. These cracks can then extend to the walls and floors, potentially causing serious structural damage. To avoid costly repairs down the road, be sure to store heavy items away from the foundation, and if you notice any cracks or other signs of damage, be sure to have them repaired as soon as possible. By taking these steps, you can help protect your home and keep it looking its best for years to come.   Don’t pile up mulch or dirt next to the house’s foundation Your home is meant to be a sanctuary, a place where you can enjoy comfort and safety. Unfortunately, pests like termites can quickly ruin your cozy haven. These tiny invaders are drawn to moisture and darkness, making your home’s foundation the perfect location for them to set up shop. That’s why you should avoid piling up dirt or mulch next to your home. When you create a damp environment near your foundation, you’re essentially rolling out the welcome mat for termites and other insects. Instead, make sure your home’s perimeter is clear of debris and conducive to proper drainage. With these preventive measures in place, you’ll have a better chance of keeping your home pest-free and truly comfortable.   Don’t use excessively high water pressure around your house foundation Your home’s foundation provides the necessary support to keep your house standing strong and stable. But

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The Benefits of Adding Deck to Your House

HOME DECK

Adding a deck to your home can offer numerous benefits. From increasing the value of your house to providing an outdoor area where you and your family can be together, building a deck is almost certainly an upgrade worth making. Whether you choose to construct it yourself or hire professionals, read on for our top five reasons why adding a deck could be one of the best decisions you make for your home this year! Increase your property value and create an outdoor living space As a homeowner, investing in your property is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. A great way to increase your property value and create a true oasis is by constructing an outdoor living space. Imagine enjoying your morning coffee on a cozy patio or hosting a barbecue in a stunning backyard that is both functional and beautiful. With the right design and features, outdoor living space can become an extension of your home, creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living. Not only will you and your loved ones benefit from this added space, but it will also attract potential buyers if you ever decide to sell your property. It’s time to unlock your property’s full potential and create an unforgettable outdoor experience. Design the perfect deck with materials that best suit your home’s style and climate Designing the perfect deck is crucial in achieving that ideal backyard oasis. But what makes a deck perfect? It’s one that blends seamlessly with the home’s style and can withstand the climate it’s in. Choosing the right materials is essential in achieving this. For example, if your home is more traditional or has a classic design, natural wood such as cedar or redwood can be a great choice. For homes with a contemporary feel, composite materials are an excellent option. Taking into account the climate is also important – if you reside in an area with harsh climates, pressure-treated wood may be the way to go. The possibilities are endless, and with careful consideration to style and climate, your deck can be the perfect addition to your beautiful home. Enjoy more quality time with family and friends outside In today’s fast-paced world, spending quality time with loved ones can be a challenge. But what better way to connect with family and friends than in the great outdoors? Whether it’s camping, hiking, biking, or simply having a picnic in the park, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities that everyone can enjoy. Not only does it allow you to disconnect from technology and distractions, but it also promotes physical activity and well-being. So next time you’re thinking of ways to bond with your loved ones, step outside and experience the beauty of nature together. You may be surprised at how much closer you become. Enhance your curb appeal and neighborhood atmosphere In today’s modern world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Yet, there’s something special about

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What Happens When Air Duct Cleaning Is Done Properly?

In Houston, a number of commercial services also provide a service that is often overlooked by homeowners. This service provides a way to clean the ducts that will not only save energy but increase the lifespan of the ducts. It also allows the homeowner to maintain the convenience of their air conditioning system. A lot of people who use air conditioning as part of their home cooling system do not know that air ducts can collect dust and debris. One of the biggest problems with air ducts is that they tend to accumulate small dirt particles, dirt, food particles, and other contaminants. Over time, these particles will wear away at the walls of the ducts, which will cause damage to the system. The best way to avoid this problem is to clean the ducts from time to time. Houston duct cleaning service professionals like Air Cleaning USA do just that. By giving your ducts a good cleaning, you can extend the life of your system and help it last longer. When you go for a cleaning, your company should come to your house to do the cleaning. They will need to remove any insulation, cracks, holes, and any other obstructions. Once the ducts are removed, the air cleaning company will clean them thoroughly. They will use cleaning agents to remove dirt and debris. During the cleaning process, the cleaning agent is sprayed around the ducts and on the air filter. The whole process of cleaning and conditioning will usually take about one hour. After the cleaning process, the ducts are cleaned again. The chemicals used in this process are highly effective and will not harm your air conditioner units or other equipment. The cleaning process does not affect your heating or cooling costs. Many businesses use Houston duct cleaning service providers to clean ducts for them, and then the companies send a technician to do the same thing at the homes of their customers. Air duct cleaning can be done in different ways. It may be done by a professional company that has all the tools necessary for the cleaning process, or it may be done by a homeowner. If you have the ducts cleaned professionally, you can expect to pay more than a homeowner, but the quality of the work will be better. If you decide to clean your own air ducts, there are a few things you should consider. First, make sure you have a manual for the process. Having a manual can make the cleaning process much easier and allow you to get the job done properly. Second, make sure you measure the size of the ducts you plan to clean. You do not want to mess up by not measuring properly. The job may also be easier if you use a piece of duct tape to measure the air ducts. This will help you see what you are working with. If you live in a humid climate, you should not use too much cleaning solution. This

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Kitchen and Bath Remodeling: How Best to Go About Your Project and Avoid Costly Mistakes

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling can be overwhelming, but the job can be simplified if you know some basic rules to follow and if you choose the right contractor. For a good start, consider the points below. The Budget: How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Bathroom or Kitchen? Because renovation projects tend to be pricey, plan your budget well. The advice is if you can do it, then do it. If it is beyond your financial capacity, then wait. Never buy cheap materials or get the cheapest deal, because if you do, you might receive mediocre service or end up with lots of complaints about the final result. Remember that you must also look into a possibility of selling your home in the future. For bathroom remodeling: It’s best to set aside about $10,000, which is the national average. A new bathtub installation will cost about $6,000 to $8,000, while new cabinets will cost around $8,000 to $13,000. Note that these are high-range estimates. For low-range bathtub installation, prices start at $400. With low-range cabinet installation, consider allocating at least $1,200. For kitchen remodeling: According to home, bath, and kitchen contractors, homeowners pay significantly higher for kitchen remodel projects. The average cost is placed at $21,751 with $12,594 as the lowest amount. Lavish projects have been recorded to reach up to more than $50,000. So take a look at your budget and be realistic about how much leverage it can give you before going on “kitchen and bath showrooms near me” searches. If you plan your budget well, there’s no need to break the bank. Renovation Mistakes To Avoid Apart from the advice to never buy low-cost materials, you’d best steer clear of these common errors: Inaccurate measurements – If you’re off half an inch or one whole inch, you will not get the full impact that you desire with your renovation. Get an expert to do the measurements instead of you. Building a small kitchen or bathroom – When you do your bath and kitchen showrooms near me research, take note of the sizes of the models that you see. One thing you will notice is the appropriateness of the sizes of fixtures. Big bathrooms get big fixtures while small ones get small-sized fixtures. You don’t want your setup to be crowded or be forced to buy costly large-sized fixtures to cover a big space. Ignoring lighting – Lighting fixtures deserve your full attention. The lighting in your home can affect the mood and vibe in a great way. Try to check kitchen remodel before and after images online and check how lights are used. There are three ways: Lamps are either used for general lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting. Those images can very well help you get a better idea about how you want your lighting done. The best advice for your kitchen and bath remodeling is to choose a licensed contractor. One good place to jumpstart the search is Level Pro Home Service. This Texas

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Paralympian Marine vet is gifted a custom home

Veterans are special people.  They protect our home land, they fight for our country and they are the real super heros that provide us a home to live in on our countries’ soil.  But that’s not enough for Retired Marine Cpl, Like McDermott as noted in the following Fox News article: Ret. Marine Cpl. Luke McDermott is currently in Pyeongchang, South Korea, at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. But when he comes home to the U.S. — with a gold medal in hand — he’ll return to land that will one day be his home. Ret. Marine Cpl. Luke McDermott is currently competing in Pyeongchang, South Korea, at the 2013 Paralympic Winter Games.  (Team USA) That home, to be based in his home state of New York, is courtesy of Homes For Our Troops — a nonprofit charity organization based in Massachusetts. The group, which “builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide” for veterans who were “severely injured” in Iraq or Afghanistan after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, is actually the key to “rebuilding their lives.” “[Military veterans] are able to do so much more after receiving the home,” Teresa Verity, of Homes For Our Troops, told Fox News. She explained that with these custom-made homes, they no longer have “to deal with day-to-day stress.” Rated “four stars” by Charity Navigator, Verity said the organization was created in 2004 with the mission to help rebuild the lives of veterans whose worlds have been turned upside down from injuries sustained while serving in combat. Keep Reading

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