How To Prevent Flooding on Your Rental Property

Flooding can be one of the most destructive forces that your rental property can be subjected to. In most cases, if the property manager is not prepared on what to do in the case of flooding, there can be significant damages to your property. To help you prevent this in the future, here are some of the best ways to prevent flooding on your rental property.

Exterior Drain Maintenance

Keeping your exterior drain systems in good working order will help you prevent flooding to a high degree. In most cases, there are a few things that you can do daily and yearly to keep your drains in excellent working order.

Some actions you should consider taking weekly to prevent flooding include regular gutter cleanings and regular checkups of the downspouts and their support. On the other hand, other actions you should consider taking yearly to prevent flooding could include snaking drainage pipes, replacing drain covers, and trimming brush away from exterior drains.

House Maintenance

When flooding occurs, your second line of defense is your property itself. There are many things that one can do to waterproof their house ahead of a flood. While these methods are not the most effective ways to prevent flooding on your rental property, they will still contribute to your success by a large margin. Some things that you could do include:

• Piling sandbags against all entryways

• Lining sandbags on the perimeter of the property

• Exterior waterproofing

Get Flood Insurance

While flood insurance may not prevent flooding on your rental property, it is still worthwhile to mention how useful it can be for any rental property owner. The fact of the matter is that there will be flooding damage in some cases, no matter how much action you will take. In these situations, the small fees for flood insurance can often prove handy in fixing up the water damage caused by flooding. For those managing out-of-state rental properties, flood insurance may be a must depending on where you are renting. Look around and talk to other property managers to find out if flood insurance is necessary.

Hopefully, we have provided you with some useful knowledge on how to prevent flooding on your rental property. Remember that protecting your property is one of the most important things that you can do during a flood situation. Not only are you protecting your investment, but you are also protecting the homes and possessions of those who rent from you.

Upgrading the Comforts of Your Home

Your home is the place where you spend most of your time. That is why you should do everything that you can to make it the place you want to be. You can do things like the following to upgrade your home.

Replace the Windows And Doors

If your doors and windows are not in good shape or getting very old, then it’s probably a good time for you to replace them. Ill-fitting doors and windows can be drafty, falling apart, or have problems you can’t even see. Not only will replacing the doors and windows make your home look better, but they will also make things comfortable. New doors and windows will reduce any drafts in your house, meaning you’re able to save on energy when trying to keep your home warm. They’ll also provide better security since they’ll fit better and you can be assured they’ll stay locked up tight.

Also, if nothing else, updating your doors and windows will add to the property value.

Security System

A security system may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about comfort. However, a security system will make you feel more comfortable because you will be safer. A good security system can serve as a deterrent for potential thieves. If someone attempts to break in or cause damage to the house itself anyway, then the authorities will immediately be notified.

Unlimited Internet

It is a good idea for you to upgrade your internet. You may even want to get unlimited internet if it’s something you can afford. Unlimited internet can be especially beneficial if you work from home because it will be easier for you to get your work done.

Refrigerator

There are several reasons that you should upgrade your refrigerator. For example, if you upgrade your refrigerator to a bigger one, then you can store more food. You can also enjoy fresh water and ice. Upgrading your refrigerator also has the chance to save you money on energy used since it’ll be new and ready to work.

Fireplace

If you do not have a fireplace, then you could consider installing one, especially if you’re thinking about remodeling your living room or den. A fireplace can keep your home warm and cozy during the winter, which means you may be able to save money on your electric bill because you won't have to use your HVAC system as much.

Furthermore, a fireplace is an eco-friendly choice. Not only is wood an environmentally friendly choice, but the fireplace itself will provide you with a natural source of lighting. It doesn't take a lot for you to maintain a fireplace. The only thing that you will have to do is make sure that your fireplace stays clean and that you open the flue whenever you decide to use it.

You can take many steps to make your home a more comfortable place to be. You can replace the doors and windows if they’re old or out of style. You can also upgrade to unlimited internet and install a security system. Replacing your refrigerator is something else that you can do in order to make your home more comfortable. Furthermore, it is a good idea for you to replace your fireplace.

Design Tips That Can Instantly Make Any Room in Your House Look More Elegant

Your home is the one place that you know you can always go to relax at the end of each day. Your home should be an oasis, but you should also feel comfortable enough to entertain your family and friends without worrying about whether a room is outdated. When your home needs an update, consider these design tips that will give any room an air of elegance that people notice.

Paint an Accent Wall a Darker Color

Dark paint colors add an air of sophistication that makes any room more interesting. Currently, royal blue, slate gray, and charcoal are trending colors that you can use to update living rooms, kitchen and bathrooms. While an accent wall is the easiest way to try out a darker shade, you can also paint the whole room to make it even more glamorous.

Install Hardwood Floors

Outdated carpet makes your house look shabby, and people’s eyes tend to go straight to the floor since it is one of the largest surfaces in a room. If your house has old linoleum, tile, or carpet, then consider upgrading to a hardwood floor. Wood floors are classic, and they come in a variety of shades that you can choose from to create the look you want.

Add New Light Fixtures

Pendant lighting gives an instant sense of glamor since it directs the light right where you want it to go, such as on top of a granite countertop. However, you’ll also want to explore how other types of light fixtures can increase the elegance of a room. Consider placing a floor lamp near a chair to create a reading area in your bedroom. You can also place two matching lamps on end tables by the couch to make the decorating scheme more cohesive.

Place Decorative Pieces Strategically

A few conversation pieces that reflect your style round out any room. In the living room, consider placing an interesting vase on the mantle or side table. You’ll also want to choose wall art carefully in rooms where others will visit. You can often find quality art at local markets that is affordable and gives you a story to share with visitors.

When you’re updating a room, make sure to start from the ground up. Once you’ve got beautiful floors, you can then move on to painting and adding the light fixtures. By the time that you are through, you’ll notice a dramatic difference in the general ambiance of the room.

Ways To Dress Up Your Fireplace Surround

If you have a fireplace in your home, it can make or break the design of a room. A fireplace can often cause your room to feel dated, and it can be hard to style around. But when you do it correctly, a fireplace can be a great accent and attention-grabber. Keep reading to learn the best ways to dress up your fireplace surround in any room of the house.

Style Your Mantel

If you don’t currently feature any mantel decor, or if it’s been some time since you swapped it out, try investing in some new decorations. You can display anything from photo frames to mirrors to potted plants on your fireplace mantel. Anything you include can help give your fireplace more character and tie the overall style of your room together. If your mantel is large enough, you could even mount your TV above your fireplace to draw attention to the entire surround.

Add Accent Details

If the decorations themselves aren’t enough to provide the fireplace makeover you’re looking for, try adding a few accents to the surrounding wall. You can achieve this by adding some molding along your mantel and surround. Molding is a great choice for guiding the eye vertically or horizontally along your fireplace wall. You could also turn the surrounding wall into an accent wall by painting it a fresh, new color.

Try a New Background

If you’ve tried redecorating and adding accents, and nothing seems to achieve your style goals, it might be time for a renovation. Sometimes, one of the best ways to dress up your fireplace surround is with a redesign. You could completely replace your fireplace surround material for an entirely new look. For example, if your surround currently features wood paneling, swap it out for a more modern steel frame to give it a more industrial look. There are many different material options for your fireplace surround, including tile, stone, brick, and more.