December 11, 2019 / Best Property

Making Good Land Choices: 3 Benefits of a Land Surveyor in Hernando County FL

Did you recently purchase land? If so, you need to get a better idea about what you’re dealing with. This is where land surveying comes into play.

A lot of people think that surveying land is a waste of both time and money. The problem is, you never know what difficulties a lack of knowledge brings. Below are three benefits you will see when you hire a land surveyor.

1. Mark Your Property Lines

You have good neighbors most of the time. You can’t guarantee this will happen everywhere you live, though.

A land surveyor Hernando County FL will help you determine where your property lines really are. If a dispute does happen, all you need to do is show the results of your survey.

2. Make Smart Construction Choices

It’s hard to do construction on your property if you don’t know what you’re building on. You never know when you’ll dig into something you shouldn’t.

A property survey will inform you of everything in your yard. You’ll know the areas to avoid and the best areas to place your new construction. You won’t need to worry about problems because of poor placement down the road.

3. Get an Accurate Property Valuation

Are you not happy about your latest property value? You may want to hire a land surveyor to evaluate the value of your land.

Hiring a surveyor can help you lower or raise your valuation. They can examine your landscape and location to determine your home’s real value.

Don’t Ignore the Importance of a Land Survey

You can’t make smart decisions if you don’t have all the information. A land survey will help you get all the data you need. Make sure to reach out to a survey company to fill you in on the details you may … Read More...

November 28, 2019 / Best Property

Do New Windows Boost Your Home Value

Windows aren’t as flashy as a sparkling new front door or as noticeable as new siding or a new roof. However, new windows can add significant value to your home. And windows also add to your real estate curb appeal. When choosing exterior home improvements, windows should be up on your list for the many different ways they can increase the comfort of living in your home and also increase the resale price when selling.

Learn more about how new windows can boost your home’s value.

Return on Investment

An important factor for any homeowner is understanding the cost of investment compared to the cost that will be returned, or recouped upon sale price. According to Remodeling Online, window replacements will recoup around 70% of your investment. To break these numbers down to the following:

Whole house vinyl window replacements average about $16,802 and will recoup about $12,302, gaining back about 73.4%.
Whole house wooden window replacements average about $20,526 and will recoup about $14,530, gaining back about 70.8%.

But your return on investment doesn’t stop at direct reimbursement.

Energy Savings

Energy-saving windows can put money back in the bank whether you choose to stay in your home or sell. In addition, you’ll be making an environmentally supportive choice to reduce your heating and cooling bills. Modern windows come with many different features that may support strong energy savings including:

High-quality frames
Multi-paned glass often referred to as double-paned or triple-paned windows
Gas infused panes, usually filled with argon, an inert, odorless, and colorless gas
Low-e glass (a type of glass with a special coating to reflect infrared lights) and help keep out damaging solar radiation
Warm edge spacers which help keep panes in the right spot and eliminate warm air loss

Look for the ENERGY STAR and NFRC … Read More...

November 27, 2019 / Best Property

Hassle-free Holiday Hosting

This is your year to host family and friends for the upcoming holiday feasts. It’s an honor and a responsibility. Don’t worry, just follow these simple steps and you can easily create a fine celebration without breaking a sweat or the bank.

Set the Table

The look of the tables will lay the foundation for the rest of the décor. For a formal tone, layer table overlays, runners, placemats and napkins in shades of white and ivory; achieve a more casual feel by mixing bright colors. Save on expenses by using linen rentals oahu rather than buying what you need. Top linens with appropriate table settings: fine china looks elegant and traditional, heavier stoneware and chip-resistant resin dishes are better for larger crowds and children. Sturdy stemware goblets can be used for water, wine and beer.

Set the Scene

Don’t stop once the tables are set. If the party is outdoors and inclement weather is predicted, erect a tent or cabana with fabric walls that will protect partiers from the elements. Provide seating areas in addition to the dining tables and add pillows that coordinate with the linens for a cohesive look. Round out the décor with lighting, props, planters and furniture. If children will be attending, designate a game station with ping pong table (post a quick rules guide to avoid arguments) and an oversize block stacking game.

Set the Tenor

Now that your home or yard looks great, make sure it sounds, smells and tastes great too. During the arrival phase of the event, play upbeat music at moderate levels while you serve soft drinks and light appetizers. Dinner music should be instrumental selections played softly to encourage dinner conversation. Regarding the meal, don’t make an entire feast from scratch—prepare two family recipes yourself and purchase other parts … Read More...

November 27, 2019 / Best Property

Tips For Creating the Perfect Home Office

Whether you work from home, need a quiet place to study for exams, or want a creative space of your own, a home office should allow for maximum productivity and comfort. Having a set room or area where you can focus will help you get more done than simply clearing off a space at the cluttered dining room table. Here are a few things to consider when setting up your work space.

Lighting

Taking care of your eyes is especially important if you spend a lot of time looking at computer screens. Choose lamps or Tampa lighting that illuminate your work area and are easily adjustable. Think about whether you like warm or cold lighting, or if you prefer something artsy or inconspicuous.

Furniture

If you’re leaving your study at the end of the day with aches and pains, you probably need to invest in new furniture. Splurge on a cozy, ergonomic desk chair and a desk that will best suit your needs. Consider things like the monitor height and pay attention to if you’re shrugging your shoulders. Little details like a wrist pad for your keyboard can also increase your comfort.

Decorations

Perhaps you’re the creative type who is inspired by art, or perhaps you need blank, calming walls with no distractions. Decorate with the room’s intended use in mind. Spend a few extra minutes framing and planning where to hang your beloved art pieces. If your office is a little dingy or you hate the color, don’t underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. Colors have long been thought to influence mood, but don’t think too hard on this. Go with yellow if it helps you to feel energized, or blue if it calms you down.

Considering these details when setting up your office can … Read More...

November 27, 2019 / Best Property

Outdoor Party Ideas

Whether it’s a birthday party or a barbecue for the neighbors or your Fourth of July celebrations, there’s nothing quite like an outdoor party. Fresh air, outdoor games, outdoor cooking and sunshine: these benefits simply can’t be recreated inside. Here are a few ideas for ways to make your outdoor party the best it can be.

Drinks and Food

Cooking outside is a time honored American tradition, and a fun activity in and of itself. Barbecue and grilling are both delicious and a great way to keep the guys entertained. Put together a cooler full of ice with beer and sodas so people can help themselves. If you’re a true outdoor cooking enthusiast, you can even install a full outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Fire

Fire is a great reason to have a party. Maybe you’re having a bonfire and want to invite some friends over to help out. Maybe the weather is starting to turn and you want to add a little warmth to your outdoor gathering. There’s nothing like the smell of a fire on a crisp evening. Build a campfire on the ground or in a steel sphere fire pit, and toast marshmallows for s’mores.

Games

There are many games that are best played outdoors, and can turn a simple gathering into a real extravaganza. Healthy competition between friends should be balanced with fun and exercise. Croquet or badminton are classics that the whole family can enjoy, or you can always put together an impromptu football or baseball game.

The great outdoors are only great for you if you’re spending time in them. You’ve got a great yard, you should share it with your friends. Come up with party ideas that get your group out in the sunshine and fresh air. You won’t regret making a … Read More...

November 27, 2019 / Best Property

Crucial Maintenance Services for Lakes

Too much weed can render most lakes inaccessible and generally affect the intended use of the lake. Though plants are not entirely dismissible, your water body needs relief from the growth. If you need a flawless lake bottom, quality lake services can help you deal with the weeds. Here is a look at the range of weed control for lakes practices that help keeps lakes clear of pesky weeds.

Algae Control

Waterways and lakes need management throughout the year to ensure that they are safe and appealing. Algae is a common problem that affects water bodies, including lakes ponds, streams, and rivers. Controlling algae ensures that the water retains that shinny grimmer, making the lake look clean and healthy.

Weed Control

Plants at the bottom and surface of the lake can grow out of control sometimes. Overgrown weeds can harbor dangerous animals and diseases in a lake. The lake floor of a recreational lake should be clear and also appealing to allow for fishing and swimming. Experts use safe methods to clear the weed on lake floors and surfaces. The methods used for weed control depend on the desired effects.

Clearing weed is not the only outstanding maintenance service for a lake. You can have fish stoking on a lake as well. A community-owned lake is likely to need fish re-stocking to replace and replenish the fish population, especially after a natural disaster or a case of overfishing.

Regular Inspection

Monthly treatments and inspections ease the burden of controlling the growth of weed which can take time to clear if left to overgrow. Water sports depend on a pleasant lake bottom without weed and algae. The treatment is safe for preferred weed species and wildlife. That means that you do not have to worry about the safety of the lake’s … Read More...

October 21, 2019 / Best Property

Make These 3 Safety Inspections to Your Rental Unit

Property managers and owners such as yourself are expected to prioritize the tenants’ safety. The most effective way you can accomplish this is through the inspection and maintenance of the systems within the rental units. Whether you rent out houses or multi-unit complexes, you need to ensure every feature is safe. Learn more about some of the most important safety inspections you will need to keep your tenants and your property safe.

Fire System

Fires are unfortunately common disasters, and they can be especially devastating if they spread through larger buildings with multiple units. As a property operator, you have the responsibility to equip the building with measures that extinguish or slow down fires. Ensure your building has working equipment, such as alarms, fire extinguishers and more. Run 5 year fire sprinkler testing california and extinguisher inspections often. Your fire systems must not fail when disaster strikes.

HVAC System

A building’s HVAC system provides welcome heat or cool air, depending on the season, to the tenants. However, these systems can also lead to electrical and fire hazards when they lack proper maintenance. Schedule an experienced contractor to conduct inspections, repairs and cleanings at least once a year. Additionally, encourage the tenants to clean the vents, replace air filters and contact you if they smell something burning or see smoke coming out.

Exterior Features

It is not only important to enhance safety inside of a rental unit or a complex, but the exterior should as well. Emphasize on windows and doors that can shut reliably, as burglaries occur every 22.6 seconds, according to 2017 FBI statistics. Additionally, ensure that there is plenty of lighting to reduce break-ins and accidents, and that stairs have safety features to prevent slips and falls.

The wellbeing of the tenants is always your responsibility. Run … Read More...

November 9, 2019 / Best Property

5 Tips To Maintain a Wooden Deck

Whether your deck is entirely made of wood or also includes aluminum balusters for decks, it needs periodic upkeep to help it resist the elements to remain beautiful and in good repair. Even pressure-treated wood is potentially vulnerable to damage from the sun and the rain. What follows are some important tips to help you protect and preserve your deck for many years of outdoor enjoyment.

1. Perform Light Cleaning Regularly

Remove debris like branches and leaves. Clear away snow and standing puddles of water. Perform these light cleaning tasks as the need arises.

2. Clean Deeply on an Annual Basis

Once a year, when the weather is moderately warm and dry, use a sprayer or roller to apply an appropriate deck-cleaning solution to kill bacteria and mold. Avoid a pressure washer or a power washer and use a garden hose with a hard-stream nozzle to clear the residue. Be prepared to scrub problem areas with a utility brush.

3. Inspect for Damage

As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to repair any issues that could pose a health hazard. Before your annual deep clean, inspect your deck for any signs of serious damage and make the repairs before cleaning.

4. Be Mindful of the Cleaning Agents You Use

You should only use a cleaning solution on your deck that is intended for that purpose. Avoid using chlorine bleach as it damages the structure of the wood in addition to stripping it of its color. Also be mindful of the effect that cleaning agents and sealants can have on surrounding vegetation. Loosely cover plants near your deck with a tarp before cleaning.

5. Avoid Paint

If you want to add color to your deck, there are solid-colored and semi-transparent stains that can produce the effect you want. You can … Read More...

October 21, 2019 / Best Property

The Importance of Sewer Maintenance

One of the benefits of being hooked into a sewer line is that you may have fewer worries about maintenance. This doesn’t mean that you have no worries, however. Regular maintenance is important for the sewers and here are the reasons why.

Early Diagnosis of Problems

If you have regular maintenance, you are bound to find problems before they become worse. For instance, if you are having issues with your pipes or with the drainage system, then having a maintenance person look at your sewer lines could properly diagnose your problem. By no means do you want to try to diagnose a problem on your own.

Reduces Chances of Blockage

Whether you’re interested in trenchless sewer repair or other maintenance and repair forms, if you take care of your sewer, you are less likely to have a blockage. A sewer blockage can lead to the sewer backing up. When this happens, it can severely damage your property and can lead to outstanding repair costs, not to mention repairs of your home. The more you care for your sewer line and invest in maintenance, the more likely you are to have clear sewer lines.

Reduces Expenses From Repairs

To repair a sewer line can cost upwards of $3,818. Most homeowners do not want to have to deal with the cost of a sewer replacement or a repair. When you keep up with your maintenance, you are less likely to have to deal with a major repair down the line. Maintenance is about prevention. When you prevent problems from becoming worse, you run the risk of problems growing in the future. These repairs can cost you more money than you want to pay.

Sewer maintenance can prevent problems from growing. If you’re interested in less expense, reduced problems and a solid diagnosis … Read More...

October 21, 2019 / Best Property

3 Ways to Know Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

When you’re at work, while you may not notice if your HVAC is working efficiently, you certainly will when it stops. Whether the temperatures plummet and you’re all shivering in your coats, or they shoot up and everyone is vying for the only available fan, there will have been several signs that your HVAC unit was about to give up long before you had to call out commercial HVAC contractors Minneapolis MN. Here are three ways you can tell that it’s time to call in the professionals before it’s too late.

Inconsistent Airflow

Are parts of your office freezing cold while others are the perfect temperature? HVAC units are designed to distribute air equally around a room. If air is unevenly dispersed, there’s a chance you have a blockage in your unit, and it needs cleaning.

Mold

Air conditioning units are damp places, which makes them a hotbed for mold to grow and spread. Mold is a dangerous thing to allow to develop in an office space; mold spores can be toxic and can make your employees very sick. If you start to smell a musty, old scent that lingers, you could have a mildew problem on your hands. Mold growth can often require cleaning care by a specialist, so be sure to call out an expert right away.

Dust

Is your office dusty even after the cleaning teams have come around? If there is more dust gathered around your air vent, it’s a reliable indicator that your vent is blocked. The more blocked your vent becomes, the less efficient it will be, and it will have to work harder to get the job done. The more power it uses, the more your energy bills will be.

If your HVAC vents are blocked and need a good clean, … Read More...