Home Real Estate | Melissascottages

How To Redecorate on a Budget

When you have lived in your home for many years, you may be ready for a change but not want to spend a ton of money on a complete remodel. There are several cost-efficient ways you can refresh your space and create a home that looks and feels new after living in it for a long time. Try these three tips to refresh your home on a budget.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting your house is a great way to get the most for your money. You may have to hire someone who does fine residential painting Boston MA, but changing the color of your walls has a drastic impact on how your home looks. If you currently have a shade of navy blue on your walls, try going to a light grey or vice-versa. Such a drastic color change will make your home feel brand new.

Rearrange Furniture

Instead of buying new furniture, trying rearranging pieces you already have. You may also want to paint and repurpose pieces you own to make them look entirely different. You may find that a different furniture setup makes your living room appear more open and inviting or you can choose a cozier layout.

Pull Decorations From Other Rooms

Buying new decorations can get expensive. You can cut costs by selling your current décor pieces or shopping at thrift stores and yard sales, but if you want to redecorate without spending any money, consider pulling décor from other rooms to use it in different ways. You may find that the plant in the bedroom, the mirror from the hallway and the knickknack from the kitchen all look great in the living room.

Redecorating your home doesn’t have to be expensive. By using these three tips, you can create the … Read More...

Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just an Inside Chore: Remember to Tackle These 3 Things Outside

When the plants begin to bloom, it’s a welcome sign that winter is ready to say farewell and allow spring to awaken. Flowers start to bloom, and people emerge from their homes, ready to enjoy some warm and delightful weather. This season, fraught with pleasantness, is also a heavy rain period for some areas, feeding the thirsty plants. Both of these factors, excess moisture and more time outdoors, means homeowners need to tackle a few outdoor projects, ensuring that the place is safeguarded from trouble and pleasing to the eye. Here are three exterior chores that should be checked off the spring cleaning list.

1. Assess the Home’s Drainage System

Water must go somewhere, and it’s best if it flows easily into the street sewage system. That sometimes is prevented when the land or home’s structure has issues. Pay attention to where the fluid drains. Puddles could cause soil and foundation erosion, leading to expensive home repairs. If accumulation becomes a problem, install gutters to guide the liquid from the home to an appropriate location. Clean them regularly. Fall and winter leaves may clog them up.

Keep an eye on the sprinklers as well. Run them at the start of the season, watching each cycle. Replace any broken head

2. Pressure Wash The Exterior

Pollen, dirt and mildew accumulate on the home, fence and driveway, diminishing the home’s paint. Pressure washing removes the grime and restores the look without damaging the structures.

3. Have the Roof Checked

Rain can wear down the shingles and flash on the roofing. Have specialists in roof inspection in Daytona Beach examine the surface annually to ensure that holes are patched. If hail storms or hurricane winds have come through, it may require a replacement in areas. The experts can provide photographic evidence and … Read More...

3 Tips for Opening a Fitness Center

Many people dream of combining their love for fitness with their desire to start a company. Opening a fitness center can be a great choice for aspiring entrepreneurs who are dedicated to helping people get fit and do not mind managing a team and handling paperwork. To be successful, the owner should define the target market, select an appealing location and strive to meet customer expectations.

1. Define the Target Market

While it may seem like a fitness center would appeal to anyone who wants to get into shape, that is not always the case. Different demographics have unique needs and desires when it comes to fitness. A fitness center that focuses on sports will attract different clients than one that embraces strength training. Narrow down the age and salary ranges of the target audience to determine how to cater to them.

2. Select the Right Location

Clients should not have to travel long distances to go exercise. If the target audience is composed of wealthy customers, then the facility should be placed in a prominent location near an affluent neighborhood. Keep an open mind when scouting locations, as outdoor activities can be accomplished in the heart of a city thanks to synthetic grass installation Thousand Oaks, while a wooded lot can be cleared away for a tennis court. Placing the fitness center in a central area as opposed to next to an industrial zone is a good way to attract large numbers of customers.

3. Meet Customer Expectations

Suit the music, color scheme and general ambiance to the type of client that will be using the facility. For example, if catering to a nearby retirement community, then play music they enjoy and provide equipment and activities that cater to older adults.

Owning a fitness center can be … Read More...

A Guide to First Time Home Buyers

Buying a home successfully depends on getting the specifics of the process right. First-timers can specifically have a hard time knowing which process to follow and how to go about it. However, this article seeks to simplify the buying process for first-timers by offering tips to help them through the entire process. Below are the tips.

1. Start saving early

When saving for a home the key costs to put into consideration include;

Closing costs: When completing your mortgage, the expenses and fees you pay are referred to as closing fees. Typically closing fees vary between 2% and 5% of the amount of the loan. Here you can negotiate with the seller to pay part of the closing costs.

Down payment: The lender and type of mortgage you select will determine the amount of down payment you’ll pay. Some loans target first time home buyers, and with such you get to enjoy relatively low down payments. Going for such will save you from paying hefty down payments.

Move-in expenses: After purchasing your home, you will need some cash for upgrades, including home repairs and furnishing. Ensure you set some money aside for these expenses. For the repair of appliances in your new home, you can use 247 home rescue contact.

2. Tips for selecting a mortgage Explore the available mortgage options

There exist several mortgages that you can choose all with different eligibility and down payment requirements. The major differences between mortgages are their term. Most homebuyers go for a fixed-rate 30-year mortgage, which has a constant interest rate and is paid off within 30 years. There’s also a 15-year variant which has lower rates of interests but with greater monthly payments. Assess your financial situation and determine which mortgage to go for.

3. Tips when choosing a home

How to Find the Top-Rated BBB Painting Contractors in Your Area

How do people know who are reputable panting firms and who is not? How do they find an excellent professional, and not just someone who hired an excellent marketing firm to make them look good? After all, it is pretty easy to make just about any company or business look good on the Internet. What should people look for in a professional painter? What questions do they need to ask? Here are some tips for finding an excellent and reputable painting firm anywhere in the country

Evaluate the website

Almost every reputable professional painting firm today has an online presence, whether it is their website or social media accounts like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube. An Internet search is an equivalent of the old White and Yellow Pages. But an impressive and slick website that looks very good at first glance (or full of keywords and key phrases to get more online traffic) may not tell people much about the company itself. A good website should have:

Real face – Possible clients should be able to see the company’s local owners, even if they are a national franchise. It would be an added bonus if they also see images of the firm’s employees and their actual painters. It is a big deal, and a dead giveaway to see if contractors have just hired an outstanding web developer to come up with a generic keyword to help them rank well on search engines like Google, Yahoo, or Bing.

Check out this site to find out more about how to advertise businesses on the Internet.

Reputable painting contractors need to have a lot of pictures of the actual painting projects to show the type and quality of work they do. How can people tell if a site uses stock images? Stock images … Read More...

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Homes consume over 44% of the electricity produced in the United States annually. Paying outrageously-priced monthly electricity bills is something most homeowners try to avoid. However, if you fail to focus on making your home energy-efficient, it is only a matter of time before you are confronted with these large bills.

Luckily, there are tons of things you can do to keep your home efficient. Finding the right ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency rate is no easy task. Here are some things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient in 2021.

Replace Old Doors and Windows

If you are looking for ways to make your home more energy-efficient, taking the time to inspect it is important. During this inspection, you need to pay close attention to the condition of your doors and windows. Over time, the windows in your home will start to allow air to escape. Not only can window drafts make the inside of your home uncomfortable, they can also cause your unit to get overworked on a daily basis.

Avoiding these problems is easy if you invest in new energy-efficient windows. Investing in a high quality hung window Stafford TX is crucial when trying to keep monthly energy costs low. Hiring professionals to install your new windows is a great way to avoid mistakes. These professionals can get your new windows in place in no time.

Consider Installing a Programmable Thermostat

Using the power of technology is also important when trying to make a home energy efficient. Installing a programmable thermostat can help you keep your HVAC unit from getting overworked during the day. With these thermostats, you can change the temperature in your home with the push of a button from your smartphone. These thermostats are well worth the money considering the … Read More...

3 Affordable Bathroom Updates That Look Luxurious

Your bathroom should be a place of peace and relaxation. Usually, creating this atmosphere seems like an expensive challenge. However, by taking advantage of some easy tricks, you can affordably build your at-home oasis.

The Colors and Lines

One of the easiest tricks to giving the bathroom an extravagant atmosphere is applying a new coat of color and utilizing lines. Whether you are looking to use deep hues to bring a regal feel or light, bright tones to open up the room, fresh paint helps transform and elevate the room. If you want to add an extra level of dimension, incorporate in lines and patterns to really kick up the design to something you’d see in a magazine.

The Fixtures

Speaking of colors, by updating the bathroom fixtures Apopka to include a touch of color or texture, you can create an air of luxury. These details include the handles, faucets and lighting. The handles and faucets throughout your bathroom may seem like smaller details but are a great way to bring a sense of opulence to the bathroom. Before you finish these updates, put in extra lighting to help ensure everything is visible and bright.

The Storage

Finally, give yourself the gift of new storage. From open shelving to vertical cabinets, there are plenty of exciting designs to try. When you incorporate these new storage options; you create a space that melds style with convenience. As you are deciding, think about incorporating rich colors and textures to elevate the room design to the next level. Additionally, don’t forget to consider the functionality, as you want to ensure all your bathroom necessities have a spot.

By taking advantage of these simple tricks, you can give your bathroom some easy updates to transform the room. With your new luxurious space, you … Read More...

Interior Design Style Options

It is challenging to nail your interior design ideas without getting off track. If you are trying to create a cohesive look throughout your home, but aren’t sure what style you prefer, keep reading. Here are the most popular style options that can help you narrow down your preferences.

Modern

A modern interior design Arlington VA is an increasingly popular way to decorate your home. This avenue calls for a minimalist, sleek mood board with a less-is-more approach. You can expect to see different shades of blacks, whites and grays in a modern color scheme. Although, many interior designers like to add a pop of color to bring a room together.

Rustic

A rustic design plan is on the other end of the spectrum compared to its modern counterpart. These homes are usually full of decor, and you can expect more naturally found elements, like rattan and stems. A rustic home dips into a wooden take on texture, as well as soft linens and leather.

Traditional

While a traditional design has taken the back burner to a modernized flare, it is still preferred by many. A traditional home is full of grand furniture and oriental rugs. Columns, as part of the interior and exterior design, are tell-tale signs of this type of home. Long drapery and wall art are also key components of a traditional design plan.

One of the great things about styling your home is the flexibility to invoke your taste. Even if you want to tie in multiple style options, you can name yourself an eclectic connoisseur. While it may be difficult to decide which design elements you love, try to make the best out of the experience. With new online shopping technology, you can see potential purchases in your space, making the process much easier for … Read More...

3 Benefits of Living in Virginia

The state of Virginia has a lot to offer its residents. This small state is close to Washington D.C., and the people who work there often choose to live nearby in Virginia for a variety of reasons. There are plenty of good schools, retirement communities and activities that people of all ages can enjoy.

1. Education Opportunities

Virginia is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the United States. Residents enjoy discounted rates and can receive excellent educations without having to travel across the country. Many areas have wonderful public and private schools for students completing their primary and secondary education.

2. Historical Sites

Whether new residents decide on Smithfield VA real estate or Richmond apartments, they will be living near amazing historical sites. Virginia was established as a colony in 1607 and was one of the original 13 states. It boasts many famous battle sites, monuments and museums. The homes of founding fathers such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson are open for tours, with guides providing many interesting tidbits of information. Anyone who wants to see what an 18^th century city looked like can head to Williamsburg. The city still stands with many of its historical buildings intact or wonderfully reproduced.

3. Natural Beauty

The state of Virginia experiences all four seasons and is known for having beautiful autumns and hot summers. Anyone who loves and appreciates nature will be drawn to the beautiful mountains, beaches and forests. Most of the beaches are within a half day’s drive from anywhere in the state, allowing residents to enjoy a relaxing trip without much hassle. There are many parks filled with hiking and biking trails, and acre upon acre of countryside to be enjoyed.

Anyone who is thinking about moving to Virginia should carefully research the … Read More...

3 Tips to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Water damage can happen with a sudden deluge or a slow leak. The effects can be costly and inconvenient. These three tips can help you safeguard your home.

1. Prevent Gutter Clogs

Gutters are intended to collect and drain water from your roof. When they become too clogged for water to pass through, it can create water damage in many different areas of your home. Your roof, siding, and foundation are all susceptible to water intrusion that originates from your gutters. Periodic cleaning to remove leaves and other debris will help to assure that gutters continue functioning properly. For professional assistance with gutter cleaning Fairfax Station VA, reach out to a company that is experienced in serving residential customers in your area.

2. Correct Slopes That Are Angled Towards Your Home

Heavy rainfalls could result in serious damage to your home if it is situated at the bottom of a slope. Even a small incline in your yard, drive, or walkways could send inches of water pouring against your home’s foundation. If you’ve noticed that you get large puddles around the side of your home after heavy rain or you can observe a steep incline, you probably need to get some help correcting a slope to divert water. This can be accomplished by adding or removing earth in the area or repaving near the from or side of your home.

3. Fix a Leaky Shower

If your shower continually leaks water, the problem probably isn’t your shower head. The valve that controls the water flow and temperature of your shower is usually located behind the faucet handle. The first sign that a valve is coming loose or starting to fail is usually difficulty turning the shower off all the way or a slow but steady drip. Replacing the … Read More...