Home Real Estate | Melissascottages

October 16, 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...

October 15, 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 15, 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 14, 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...

October 10, 2019 / Best Property

Give Your Kitchen a Lift

Do you love your neighborhood and your lifestyle but just really don’t like your kitchen? There is no need to Google homes for sale or assign a realtor the task of finding you a new home when giving your kitchen a new life can be so easy and rewarding.

Reconfigure and Remodel

As you go through out your daily tasks in the kitchen from running laundry to peeling potatoes, maybe you’re noticing that things aren’t arranged in a very efficient or user-friendly manner. The good news is that your kitchen is really just a big box and you can arrange all of the elements within that box in any way that is helpful to you. Walls can be removed, cabinets can be rearranged and an island or some storage can be added. Look into the custom kitchen cabinets Sarasota residents are installing in their homes for ideas.

Chin Up

Get rid of hour odor absorbing popcorn ceiling and opt for a Santa Fe texture. Add a skylight to let more natural light in through the ceiling. If your kitchen is large or has a vaulted ceiling you may want to consider adding some stained or painted wooden beams for a more rustic feel.

Get in on the Ground Floor

Your flooring can make a big difference in the look of your kitchen. Ceramic tiles floor may cause more foot and leg fatigue in those who spend much time in the kitchen. You may get a bit more resiliency and definitely a quieter room with a hardwood or luxury vinyl plank floors. Whichever you choose, make sure it is waterproof or water resistant.

If you love the rest of your home, there’s no reason to let a scary kitchen drive you away. Put the heartbeat back in your home by redoing … Read More...

October 9, 2019 / Best Property

The House of Your Dreams

You’ve scrimped and saved. You’ve dreamed and hoped and planned. It’s finally time to get yourself the home you’ve always wanted. There’s a lot to consider, particularly if you’re planning to get a new built home. You want everything to be perfect, after all.

Location

Location really is everything. Where is the nearest grocery store? What are the neighbors like — and how close are they? What school district will your children be in? What will your commute be like? All these things will be affected by location, and they all deserve as much consideration and careful thought as the way the lot is laid out and the views you get from it.

Design

Once you’ve found exactly the right location, you’ve got to put exactly the right house on it. With custom architectural design, you have all kinds of choices. Are you looking for a traditional colonial style look, or a rambler? What are the restrictions in your area? What’s the HOA like? All of these are questions worth considering but don’t forget that your own requirements are just as important. How many people do you need room for? Can they get to the second floor? Home design should suit your needs first and foremost.

Decorate

Now comes the fun part. This is where your house truly becomes your home. Paint colors, curtain patterns, upholstery and furnishings, carpets and art are just the beginning of how you make your mark on this house. You don’t just want the decoration to be harmonious with the design, you want it to be something that makes you feel happy and at home every time you open the door and look at your walls. Remember that you want things to be just right — not by the nebulous standard of some … Read More...

October 8, 2019 / Best Property

Three Home Improvement Projects Many Homeowners Will Face

Buying a home is both an expensive and satisfying purchase. As a homeowner, there are several practically inevitable projects you will have to do, especially if you are planning to be in your home for many years. Planning and saving accordingly can help make these upgrades less stressful when the time comes.

Keep a Sturdy Roof Overhead

One thing many homeowners may not think about often is the roof. Since it’s not something you see every day, it may be easy to forget about. Depending on the material, roofs need to be replaced every 20 years or so. Professional roofing Roxborough CO companies can come to your home and go over the options with you, as well as give you an estimate on the costs.

Don’t Take the Electricity or Pipes for Granted

Because it’s so easy to flip on a light switch or take a hot shower, the plumbing and electrical in your home may also be easy to overlook. When something goes wrong, however, you may experience a rude interruption in your daily routine. Updates, upgrades and repairs to the electric and plumbing in your home can be done by reputable and licensed professionals.

Make Your Home Homey

As the years come and go, you may grow tired of that plain bathroom vanity or those dingy countertops. You may even wish to take out walls or build an addition to better meet the needs of your family as it grows. These types of cosmetic upgrades go right along with owning a home, so planning and saving for them can be wise.

If you own your own home, you probably take a lot of pride in maintaining it and keeping things running smoothly. Planning and saving for expenses such as roofing, cosmetic fixes and plumbing and electrical can help … Read More...

October 5, 2019 / Best Property

Tips for Remodeling a Bathroom

Over time, bathrooms begin to show their age. Lighting can become stale, water damage appears on walls or flooring and vanities tend to break down with use. With a little DIY knowledge and a couple of free weekends, you can restore this room to full functionality and add a modern look as well.

Brighten Things Up

Illuminating the area with bulbs in custom light fixtures can produce the feeling of a larger space. Say goodbye to dark, dingy corners! Visibility will be improved, which is beneficial when cleaning. You can also install an overhead heat lamp for extra comfort after bathing. Take it a step farther and utilize a light and fan combination to keep moisture at bay. Add-ons such as motion-sensing switches can be convenient if you have your hands full or make frequent trips in the middle of the night.

Resurface the Floor

Tearing up existing floor coverings and replacing them with ceramic tile may be just the thing to add extra shine. Tiles are durable and will stand the test of time and moisture. A crucial tip to remember when disposing of old materials is to wear a respirator when the demolition begins. The majority of work done prior to the mid-80s involved the use of asbestos in vinyl sheeting. Be smart when dealing with old components and protect your lungs. As long as you are investing time in total base replacement, consider adding radiant heating elements for a toasty feeling on cold winter mornings.

Upgrade the Sink and Faucet

A lavatory overhaul would not be complete without a new vanity and accessories. Choose a lasting countertop like granite or marble to go with a base made of solid wood. Stay away from any manufactured particleboard. This type of wood will not last and can end … Read More...

October 4, 2019 / Best Property

Prepare Your Pool for Winter Weather

When the leaves begin to turn, you know that fall has arrived and the swimming season is rapidly reaching its end. Hopefully you were able to make the most of your pool over the summer, but now it’s time to work on putting it away for the winter.

Shock Therapy

While it may seem counterintuitive, you should start winterizing your pool by repeating the routine maintenance tasks of the summer season. Use your chemicals to bring the pH balance to the standard 7.8 or thereabouts, and “shock” the pool with a super-high dose of chlorine. Once your chlorine level has fallen back to normal, you can add your algaecides and other winter chemicals.

Final Cleanup

Before you consign your pool brushes and vacuum to storage for another season, give your pool one last thorough cleaning. You should also backwash your pool filter with compressed air, as well as remove and manually clean its inner grids or cartridges where such exist.

Drain Your Pool

People who have never drained swimming pools pittsburgh pa before may naturally imagine removing all the water. In fact, the best method is not to drain the pool completely, but only a bit below the lowest plumbing line. Leaving some water in the pool protects the foundation from dryness-induced cracking and the lining from tears caused by any debris which makes it into the pool over the winter. However much water you decide to drain, be sure it’s below the skimmer.

Additionally, it would be smart to blow out all plumbing lines with your pool vacuum to ensure they’re free of water. If the lines freeze, you’ll regret you didn’t. You’ll also need to drain the water out of individual pool components such as pumps, filters, and anything else with a drain plug.

Cover It Up

Finally, … Read More...

October 3, 2019 / Best Property

The Right Way To Handle a Bed Bug Infestation

If you have a suspicion that your home is infested by bed bugs, you aren’t alone. The National Pest Management Association says that they are found in all fifty states and can survive in almost any climate. This makes them prolific and difficult to eliminate. But don’t despair – you can get rid of them and feel comfortable in your house again.

Do You Have Bed Bugs?

Although it seems obvious, the first place to inspect is your bed. Bed bugs often leave small, dark spots on bedding. The sheets will have an unpleasant smell, usually described as musty or moldy. Most people first notice itchy, unpleasant bites on their bodies, sometimes in a patterned line or zigzag. Keep in mind that bed bugs don’t necessarily have to live in a bed, so be sure to check clothing, upholstery, and curtains.

How Do You Eliminate Them?

If you suspect you have a bed bug problem, don’t try to fix it on your own. The peace of mind alone is worth any cost, but professionals will thoroughly inspect each room to determine the problem. They will make sure the critters are fully removed and not able to start a new infestation.

What Should You Look For in a Company?

It can be tempting to simply do an internet search for bed bugs Fort Myers, for example, but you should do some research before calling in the professionals. Look for a business that has experience in your local area, as they will be able to better diagnose the specific type of bug involved. Make sure to inquire about the short and long-term elimination strategies, as well as future prevention methods.

Bed bugs are a pest that no one wants to find, but don’t let the process overwhelm you. If there are … Read More...