A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

Ben Soreff 4/30/21 Ben Soreff 4/30/21

What You Need to Know Before Replacing Your Home's Foundation

Should you begin to notice visible cracks in your home's foundation, windows or doors that start to stick, or floors that appear to be uneven, chances are it will be time to replace your home's foundation. While still a large job, it is one that has gotten much easier and convenient for homeowners over the years, thanks to advanced engineering technology. But before committing to this task, here is what you should always know prior to replacing your home's foundation.

Hire Experienced Professionals

First of all, always hire professionals who are experienced in repairing foundations. Since the foundation is such an important part of your home's structure, not having experienced pros on the job could mean you wind up with an even worse problem than you had before the work crew arrived at your home.

Don't Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom

If you have plans to remodel your home's kitchen or bathroom in the near future, don't have these remodeling jobs done prior to your foundation repair. If you do, the plumbing renovations that were done during the remodeling will likely need to be done a second time, since plumbing damage can sometimes take place during the course of repairing a foundation.

Put off Roof Repairs

Just as you should delay remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you should also put off any roof repairs you are planning until your foundation is fixed. As for why, it is because once your home's foundation is lifted, it is possible your roof could find itself with various wrinkles or waves while the job is being completed. Also, if you have roof tiles as your primary roofing materials, these are prone to cracking during foundation repairs, so keep this in mind as well.

Look for Signs of Past Repairs

If you are in the process of purchasing a new home, make sure you try to look for signs of past repairs that could indicate the property has a current foundation issue or had problems in the past. For example, if you notice cracks on the home's inside walls or see areas where it appears cracks have been patched, you may want to pump the brakes on your purchase until you have a home inspection completed.

Though a big job, having your home's foundation repaired is vital to ensuring its structural integrity. Rather than face larger problems in the years ahead, getting your foundation repaired now will keep your home in great shape and give you peace of mind.

Ben Soreff 4/29/21 Ben Soreff 4/29/21

How to Create a Lung-Safe Cleaning Environment

For those with lung or respiratory conditions like asthma, cleaning can be even more of a chore than it usually is. Harsh chemicals included in many household cleaners can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of asthma or COPD, which can make cleaning harmful or potentially even dangerous, especially if you live in an older home without great ventilation.

Read on for five safety tips for making sure your cleaning process is safe for you and any lung conditions you may have.

1. Wear a face mask if you clean with chemicals

Chemicals like bleach are found in many household cleaners, especially for the bathroom. While these do a great job of getting rid of germs on high-contact and dirty surfaces liken toilets and sinks, they can also be dangerous to breathe in, especially if you're cleaning an area without a window or proper ventilation. To ensure you aren't breathing in potentially toxic fumes, grab a face mask (or bandana) before you start cleaning, and use an air purifier when needed.

2. De-clutter and dust frequently

Don't save spring cleaning for once a year — make it a habit to clear out any knick-knacks or items gathering dust on your shelves once a month, especially if you're highly sensitive to dust mites. Small items on bookcases or shelves can gather dust frequently, so ensure you're regularly cleaning and dusting these areas to keep dust from triggering any lung conditions.

3. Opt for scent-free cleaning products

Clean linen, forest breeze, and tropical escape-scented products may provide a quick solution for a bedroom with dirty laundry or a kitchen laden with cooking smells, but scented products can also cause headaches or exacerbate symptoms of asthma and COPD. These scents can cause shortness of breath, worsened asthma, or dizziness, so it's best to steer clear of scented cleaning products and use unscented ones, or make your own to ensure you aren't worsening any of your lung conditions.

4. Clean in well-ventilated areas

When possible, it's important to clean in well-ventilated areas with decent airflow — especially if you're cleaning with chemicals. If available, open doors and windows to ensure ventilation and control airflow out of the room you're cleaning. If windows or doors aren't an option, turn on or bring in a fan.

5. Prevent mold growth

Especially for those with moderate to severe asthma, mold can make breathing much harder. To control mold and moisture levels in your home, spritz straight vinegar onto your walls and let air dry, as vinegar helps to control the growth and spread of mold spores. To keep mold from getting bad in the first place, it's advised to invest in a dehumidifier and keep fans on when cooking or showering.

For more deep cleaning tips and ways to create your own lung-safe cleaning products, check out the below visual from Absestos.com.

Guide to Lung-Safe Household Products Infographic

Source: The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com

Ben Soreff 4/29/21 Ben Soreff 4/29/21

Interested in a Brand New Home? Here's How to Get Started

Buying a newly-built home is exciting. You don't have to worry about damage from previous tenants or wear and tear that has accumulated over several years. If you plan to have it built, you will have total control over the design and structure. If you are thinking about building a home, here are the steps you will likely need to take.

Pick a Location

Choose a lot in the area where you want to live. Look for a good location, since you will be living there for possibly years to come. If you decide to sell it later, you can attract more buyers in a property that is situated in a nice neighborhood with good schools and local amenities. Don't settle for a cheaper lot or one that is smaller than you want just to save money. The lost is as important as the house, so choose one carefully.

Design a Blueprint

Draw a rough sketch of the home you would like to have if you are planning a custom design. You can also use a computer app to design your new home by working with various elements, features, and colors. Coordinate your plans with a building budget that includes all the actual costs as well as possible overruns or extra unplanned expenses. Remember to include any landscaping or yard design that you would like to have. You might have to make tough choices if the budget gets tight, such as giving up one of the three bathrooms to get extra storage.

Interview Building Contractors

Research the best builders for your home design in the area you have selected. Meet with one or more contractors to discuss your plan or blueprints to confirm the home's layout and size. You might also want to look at their existing designs and tour new construction homes for an idea of the quality and style of the finished houses. When you're ready to sign a contract, read the fine print, and consider having a real estate attorney review it first.

Talk to a Lender

Contact your bank, credit union, or another financial institution to discuss financing your new home. Ask about interest rates, mortgage terms, and special conditions that might apply a penalty, such as paying off the mortgage early or making a late payment. You may want to talk with a couple of lenders to get the best loan for your new house.

Building a new home requires thoughtful, detailed planning. Don't skimp on steps like these to make your dream home a reality.

Ben Soreff 4/29/21 Ben Soreff 4/29/21

Tips for Moving to a Smaller House

Are you planning to move to a home much smaller than your current one? Check out these tips for a smooth and successful moving process to your new place.

There comes a time in many people’s lives when they realize that they don’t need tons of space to live happily anymore. Downsizing is a very common process that many people go through to save money and purge their homes of unnecessary junk. If you plan on moving to a smaller home than your current one, you should keep a few things in mind. We’ll give you some tips for moving to a smaller house so that you can make the transition smoothly.

Declutter Every Room

Almost everyone has at least one room that they need to take down a notch—the place where knickknacks go to spend the rest of their days. Resist the urge to add more stuff when you move out. You’ll be in a smaller space, so you’ll need to pare down if you want to fit in your new home. Be firm with yourself as you do this. Don’t hang onto things you don’t need just because you don’t like the idea of throwing them away.

Map Out Your New Storage Areas

One of the best tips for moving to a smaller house is to look for and measure all your new home’s storage areas. These measurements will help you figure out how much space you’ll have to work with when you move in. Failing to do this beforehand could result in a very cluttered and messy home since you won’t know where to put everything. Knowledge of your space is the key to avoiding any mistakes in packing.

Measure Doorways and Furniture

Furniture is one of the worst parts about moving into a smaller home. Fitting your precious furniture into a small space may be an exercise in futility, but the important thing is to know that before you begin. Measuring doorways, stairways, and entryways will allow you to know how much room you have to work with when bringing in the furniture.

Choose Larger Items Early

Make sure you know what larger items you’ll be moving into or buying for your new home. If you can pick these items out as early as possible, you’ll have a better idea of how much room you have left for everything else. This list includes appliances such as: