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Home-Improvement

10 Essential Tips for Protecting Your Home and Family From Severe Winter Cold Weather

by Floyd Brooks Last Modified: December 20, 2022

Even though Atlanta is popular for its blistering summers, winter in Atlanta can bring cold temperatures, ice, and snow, which can be dangerous for both your home and your family. Here are some things you can do to prepare your home for severe winter weather in Atlanta:

1. Properly Insulate Your Home 

Proper insulation can help keep your home warm and reduce energy costs by keeping the cold air out and trapping the treasured heat inside where it is needed. Make sure to insulate your attic, walls, and crawl spaces to keep the cold out (Energy.gov, 2021). Properly insulating your attic, walls, and crawl spaces can help to keep your home warm in the winter by reducing heat loss and increasing the efficiency of your heating system. This can save you money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable during the colder months.

2. Seal any Drafts

Weatherstripping and caulking are two methods that can be used to seal drafts and prevent cold air from entering a building through gaps or openings around doors, windows, and other openings. Weatherstripping involves the use of materials such as foam tape or rubber strips that can be applied to the edges of doors and windows to create a seal and prevent air from entering or escaping. Caulking involves the use of a sealant, such as silicone or polyurethane, that is applied to gaps or cracks to fill them and create a seal. Both weatherstripping and caulking can be effective at reducing energy loss and improving the overall energy efficiency of a building. It is important to regularly check for drafts and seal them as needed to maintain the energy efficiency of a home or building. (Energy.gov, 2021).

3. Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes can be a serious problem, as the water inside the pipes can expand as it freezes, causing the pipes to burst. This can lead to significant water damage in a home or building. To prevent pipes from freezing, it is important to properly insulate them. This can be done by wrapping the pipes with insulation material or using heat tape or heating pads to keep the pipes warm. It is also a good idea to leave the faucets dripping slightly, as the movement of the water can help prevent the pipes from freezing. If you are concerned about the possibility of your pipes freezing, you can also take additional precautions, such as leaving the cabinets under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, or keeping the thermostat set to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 degrees Celsius) when you are away from home. (Ready.gov, 2021).

4. Stock up on Supplies

It’s always a good idea to have emergency supplies on hand in case of a winter storm. Make sure you have plenty of non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets, and other essentials (Ready.gov, 2021).

5. Keep Your Heating System in Good Working Order

Have your furnace or heating system inspected and serviced by a professional before winter. This will help ensure that it is working properly and efficiently (Energy.gov, 2021).

6. Clear Your Gutters

Falling snow and ice can weigh down your gutters and cause them to collapse. Be sure to clear your gutters of leaves, twigs, and other debris before winter to prevent this from happening (Energy.gov, 2021).

7. Protect Your Plants

Cold temperatures and ice can be harmful to your plants. Consider covering your plants with blankets or moving them indoors if possible (Energy.gov, 2021).

8. Cover Outdoor Spigots

Spigots, or outdoor faucets, are often exposed to freezing temperatures and can be vulnerable to icing up, which can lead to burst pipes and water damage. To protect spigots from icing up, it is a good idea to use insulated covers, which can be purchased at hardware stores for a relatively low cost. 

9.  Easily Access the Water Shutoff

The location of the water shutoff false is an important part of living in a home. If a water pipe in the home bursts, it is important to shut off the water supply as quickly as possible to minimize damage. To ensure that you can easily access the water shut-off valve in the event of a burst pipe, it is a good idea to make sure that there are no obstacles in the way. This may involve clearing clutter or other objects that could block access to the valve. It is also a good idea to locate the valve in advance so that you know where it is and how to operate it in an emergency. 

10. Keeping the Garage Door Closed or Sealed

Keeping the garage door closed or sealed during cold weather can help to prevent cold air from entering the home through the garage and can help to protect vehicles and other items stored in the garage from the cold. It is also important to ensure that the garage door is properly sealed and insulated to further reduce the flow of cold air into the garage and home.

In addition to these precautions, it’s also important to be prepared in case the power goes out during a winter storm. Here are some items homeowners should consider having on hand:

1. Flashlights and Extra Batteries

Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries in an easy-to-reach place, in case the power goes out (Ready.gov, 2021).

Get Flashlights

2. A Portable Phone Charger

Make sure you have a portable phone charger or backup battery pack in case you need to charge your phone during a power outage (Ready.gov, 2021).

Get Portable Chargers

3. A Backup Heating Source

If the power goes out, you’ll need an alternate way to stay warm. Consider investing in a portable heater or fireplace, or having a supply of blankets and warm clothing (Ready.gov, 2021).

Get Backup Heat

4. Candles and Matches

In case of a power outage, candles can provide some light and warmth. Just be sure to use them safely and never leave them unattended (Ready.gov, 2021).

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5. A Generator

If you live in an area prone to power outages, it may be worth investing in a generator. This can provide power to essential items like your fridge, lights, and heating system during a power outage (Ready.gov, 2021).

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6. A First aid Kit

It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand, in case of any accidents or injuries (Ready.gov, 2021).

Get First Aid

7. Non-Perishable Food and Water

Keep a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water in case you’re unable to go to the store during a power outage (Ready.gov, 2021).

By taking these precautions, you can help protect your home and family from the harsh winter weather that Atlanta can experience.

Get Non-Perishable Food

References

Energy.gov. (2021). Winterization Tips for Your Home. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/articles/winterization-tips-your-home

Ready.gov. (2021). Winter Storms. Retrieved from https://www.ready.gov/winter-storms

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Tagged With: Emergency Preparedness, First-Time-Home-buyer

Kitchen Remodel Return on Investment in Atlanta

by Floyd Brooks Last Modified: February 4, 2022

When a potential home buyer walks into a house they are thinking about buying, the very first place that they want to see is typically the kitchen. The story is not much different when people view images of homes online. An improved kitchen can make or break a deal. The master suite is not far behind in the emotional pull it has on buyers.

In modern homes and the prevalence of open floor plans that buyers love, the kitchen is a central aspect of the home. Plus, everyone in the home will enjoy the kitchen. 

However, spending thousands of dollars on a full kitchen remodel before listing your home for sale may not provide the return on investment that you may expect. It is very unlikely that you will see a 100% or greater return on your investment if you foot the bill for a full kitchen remodel, unless your home is highly antiquated, malfunctioning, or damaged. On the other hand, giving your kitchen a minor facelift may provide a sufficient return on investment for a kitchen remodel and at the same time may provide you the sweetener you need to stand toe to toe with competing properties when you decide to sell.

Minor Kitchen Remodel vs Major Kitchen Remodel in Atlanta

Remodeling Magazine has grouped kitchen remodels into two major categories: major kitchen remodels and minor kitchen remodels. 

In a minor kitchen remodel, the kitchen is functional but outdated. In a remodel of his nature, the appliances may be replaced with updated energy-efficient models, cabinets resurfaced, or replaced with modern favorites such as shaker cabinet styles. In the addition, the counter and floors may get updated as well.

On the other hand, a major kitchen remodel may involve a full overall of the kitchen. This may include removing walls, moving the kitchen around entirely, installing custom appliances, top-tier sinks, faucets, pot fillers, a showpiece island with a waterfall edge countertop, and so forth.   A major kitchen overall can get very expensive.

Minor Kitchen Remodel Return on Investment in Atlanta

kitchen-remodel-roi-minor-repairs
  • ROI: 72%
  • Average cost: $26,055
  • Return: $18,752

Major Kitchen Remodel Return on Investment in Atlanta

Kitchen-remodel-major-kitchen-remodel-roi
  • ROI: 55.8%
  • Average cost: $147,439 
  • Return: $82,342

A full renovation may not be feasible for every homeowner or seller. What is more important is that your update meets your needs. In addition, if you are planning on selling your home in the near future, you want to make sure that your updates meet the needs of the market when you decide to list-future proofing your home.  

Related

  • Homes for sale in Atlanta
  • New Construction homes for sale in Gwinnett County
  • New Construction homes for sale in Alpharetta

Does painting kitchen cabinets increase home value?

Definitely. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to add value to your home. Kitchen cabinets tend to get used a lot and a fresh coat of paint will spruce them without breaking the bank. YOu could simply resurface the cabinets and apply a nice coat of paint

Do high-end appliances increase home value?

High-end appliances will add value to the right home. If the home is an entry-level home, adding top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances or designer appliances may not add much in terms of value to your home. Instead, check out the housing market in your area and look at the types of kitchens that buyers are loving.

How much should you spend on a kitchen remodel?

You should spend money on your kitchen that you are comfortable spending. To determine how much to spend on a kitchen remodel, look at the current value of your home and your equity situation in the home. In addition, think about how long you may keep your home before selling it and what will make you happy. At the end of the day, you do not want to spend more on your home than what it is worth unless that is not a concern to you.

Is remodeling a kitchen worth it?

Remodeling a  kitchen is definitely worth it and will help to make the home more of a destination for the entire family. A Remodeled kitchen is among the top ten renovations that can be done on a home and provide a good return on investment for sellers. 

What are the best kitchen updates for resale?

Among the best updates that add value to a kitchen are a freshly painted kitchen, updated appliances, updated countertops, cabinets (and pulls), and excellent lighting. These updates can be had without breaking the bank, especially if you add some elbow grease.

Credit

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2021/south-atlantic/atlanta-ga/

Tagged With: Investment, ROI

7 Reasons to Upgrade Your Garage Door

by Floyd Brooks Last Modified: April 28, 2022

7-reasons-to-upgrade-your-garage

A garage door is commonly the largest door on a house. They can be opened manually or with electronics. For most homes, the garage door is a prominent aspect of the home. On average, a garage door takes up 20% of a home’s facade. In simple terms, a garage door can significantly affect a home’s curb appeal. A newly improved garage door may contribute as much as 4% to a home’s perceived value. 

Here is a list of 7 reasons to upgrade your garage door. Upgrading your garage door may include adding decals to your current garage door, painting it, improving the springs, or changing the panels. For some homeowners, an upgrade may mean replacing the garage and operating mechanism.

7 Reasons to Upgrade Your Garage Door

  1. Improved curb appeal
  2. Great return on investment (ROI)
  3. Increase a home’s resale value
  4. Reduce noise
  5. Improved Energy Efficiency
  6. Lower maintenance costs
  7. Improved safety and security

Improved Curb Appeal

As stated above, as much as 20% of a home’s facade may be taken up by the garage door. That means, upgrading your garage door can significantly improve the way your home is showcased from the street. You do not need to even replace the entire garage door to improve the appearance of the doors. You could simply splash on a new coat of paint or add decals to the garage door to spruce it up to make a banging impact.

Great Return on Investment

According to the analysis by Remodeling Magazine, investing $3,611 to replace a premium garage door might net you $3,520 when you sell it. That is a whopping 97.5 percent return on investment.

Increase a Home’s Resale Value

Garage doors are among the most used doors on a typical home. Some people may go months without opening their front doors, but they may use their garage doors on a daily basis. That means that a defective garage door, or one that is unappealing, may diminish the value of a home in the minds of some buyers. Therefore, a great garage door may be a compelling selling feature and a great selling point to highlight to potential buyers.

Reduce Noise

Since garage doors occupy so much of a home’s surface area, if your garage door faces a busy street or the neighborhood is prone to noise, a properly insulated garage door may buffer noise entering the home and make the occupants more comfortable.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Older garage doors are notoriously energy inefficient. This is particularly important if you have conditioned space above the garage. Most rooms above garages tend to be affected by the temperature of the garage. That means that those rooms may be warmer than other parts of the home during the summer months and cooler in the winter months. Therefore, if you do not use your garage to store chemicals and your garage door is south facing, it may be a good idea to have a garage door that is insulated to help mitigate the impact of the climate on your home. It will keep the home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year and save you money when it comes to heating and cooling.

Lower Maintenance Cost

If you have an older garage door, you may notice that it requires more maintenance and repairs. In one of my previous homes, I heard a huge commotion in the garage. When I went to investigate, the garage door had fallen. Upon closer examination, I discovered that the garage door had a failed spring. That was a huge expense. More on that another time.

Whatever your circumstance is, installing a new garage door might be the solution to lower your maintenance cost and potential safety issues. A newer garage door will save you money in the long run when it comes to maintenance.

Improved Security and Safety

A garage is an excellent security blanket for your home. It is an additional door that has to be opened before someone can get into your home. That means that the garage door will help to shield your home from burglars.  

Modern garage doors come with a slue of security features and enhancements that are great selling features to modern homebuyers. Some garage doors have enhanced security features such as WIFI, cameras, motion sensors, etc. Some garage doors come with internet connectivity that allows them to be controlled remotely over the internet. That means that you could be halfway around the world and open and close your garage doors and even set schedules for your door. 

A great safety feature is a safety sensor. The safety sensor on a grade door stops the garage door from closing if motion is detected under the door when the door is closing. This is is a great feature if you have pets or small children.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that a new, or renewed, garage door significantly improves a home’s curb appeal among many other benefits. A new garage door is estimated to provide the highest return on investment when compared to other noteworthy home improvements. A newer garage door has technological improvements that may be of interest to many buyers. 

Tagged With: Investment, ROI

5 Colorful Bedroom Ideas

by Floyd Brooks Last Modified: December 8, 2021

Transform your bedroom into an oasis with these bedroom design ideas. All the stresses of this world will disappear the moment you enter into this space. Regardless of whether you’re working with a small room or a master bedroom suite, these makeovers and tips will motivate you to make the room you had always wanted.

Lavender:

Lavender could be the perfect bedroom color for you. It offers a majestic vibe without feeling overwhelming. Therefore, it is also the perfect shade to add serenity to your space. You can drift off to sleep with visions of a field of lavender swaying in the gentle breeze. 

lavender trends | Apartments i Like blog

Soft Green:

Soft-green-bedroom-ideas

Soft Green is a great color for a bedroom. You can dress it up to make it warm and cozy or cool and calm. Let your unique shades of green whisk you off to sleep like the whisper of the wind in the grass, and hold on to your positive vibes. 

designkastle.com

Soft Silver:

Silver is the new gray. This is a color that goes with literally every other color of decor you may choose. It is soft, yet it can make a bold statement. Silver is more interesting than white and can add warmth and comfort to your space.

Pink gold and silver bedroom large lampshade Chesterfield ...

Faint Blue:

Blue is always considered a tranquil, sleep-inducing color. Keeping the shade of blue light and faint can add to your serene bedroom environment. Add a crystal chandelier above your bed and you might just feel like your falling asleep under the stars. 

Sunshine Yellow:

Maybe you’re not looking for a tranquil bedroom environment, and you prefer to wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. This sunshine yellow color is sure to please! I don’t think anyone could wake up on the wrong side of the bed with this cheery color filling the room!

Cute girl's bedroom with yellow & gray color scheme.

Tagged With: design, ideas

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