4 Hardware Solutions For Reducing Labor During Renovations

Renovating your home while juggling work and family can be overwhelming. You want to create a beautiful, organized space without spending every weekend covered in dust and debris.

The good news? You can easily reduce labor during home renovations by trying out these four hardware solutions. Keep reading to learn how to tackle projects faster and create more effective organizational systems for your busy household.

Pre-Hung Door Systems

Skip the tedious process of hanging individual doors. Pre-hung door systems come with the door already mounted in the frame, complete with hinges and hardware. You simply position the entire unit and secure it in place.

Compared to traditional door hanging, this approach cuts installation time. By using these systems, you’ll spend less time measuring, drilling, and adjusting, leaving more time for family activities.

Soft-Close Drawer Slides

Standard drawer slides often require regular adjustments to prevent slamming and ensure smooth operation. Soft-close drawer slides solve this problem while adding a touch of luxury to your kitchen or bathroom renovation.

Without requiring additional maintenance, these slides automatically adjust and provide consistent performance. Install them once, and you no longer have to deal with noisy drawers that wake sleeping children.

Stair Railing Hardware

Traditionally, installing a stair railing requires precise measurement and custom cutting. Thankfully, you can use stair railing hardware to minimize installation labor. Modern stair railing hardware features adjustable brackets and connectors that accommodate a range of angles and configurations.

These systems work with standard lumber sizes, eliminating the need for specialized tools or expert carpentry skills. Instead of hiring contractors or spending weeks on the project, you can complete a professional-looking railing installation in a weekend.

Also, the adjustable components can help you create attractive storage solutions under staircases. They’re perfect for organizing sports equipment, seasonal decorations, or cleaning supplies!

Modular Shelving Systems

Fixed shelving requires precise measurements and permanent installation. On the other hand, modular shelving systems utilize standardized brackets and supports that you can reconfigure as your needs change.

Install the wall-mounted tracks once, then adjust shelf heights as your children grow or your storage needs evolve. These systems work perfectly in closets, pantries, and garage spaces where organizational requirements shift over time.

Even better, taking a modular approach means you can expand your storage capacity by adding components rather than starting over with new installations.

Transform Your Space Without Stress

By adopting these four hardware solutions, you can reduce labor during renovations while creating organized and functional spaces that your family will love. Trust us, you’ll spend less time on installation and more time enjoying your improved home.

How to Prevent Mice in Storage Areas Like Basements and Attics

Mice: they’re like those roommates who eat your leftovers, sleep in your bed, and never pay rent. 

And unfortunately, basements, attics, and garages are their favorite crash pads. 

Why? These spaces offer everything a mouse could want: cozy shelter, warmth when the weather outside turns frightful, food scraps or forgotten crumbs, and clutter galore that makes perfect nesting material. 

If you’re not proactively protecting these zones, you’re running the risk of giving mice exactly what they’re searching for.

And let’s be real. When mice sneak indoors, they can bring a lot more than just tiny footprints. Their presence can mean chewed-up electrical wires, shredded insulation, and mysterious holes in stored boxes. 

On the health front, they can carry diseases like hantavirus and salmonella, leave droppings that contribute to respiratory issues, and generally reduce your home’s “cleanliness factor”. 

The best mouse control strategy? Prevention. Tackling a full-blown infestation is way more stressful, complicated, and costly than making your storage space uninviting to mice in the first place. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how you can mouse-proof your basement, attic, and garage, starting today.

Understand What Attracts Mice

First things first: if you want to keep mice out, you have to know why they want in. Mice are the original opportunists. 

Any small crack, loose piece of weather-stripping, or slightly ajar vent might just look like a golden ticket. They need shelter from harsh weather, especially as fall gives way to winter, and human homes provide a toasty oasis. Clutter (think piles of old clothes, cardboard boxes, unused decorations, and stacks of papers) creates the ideal maze for exploring and bedding down.

And let’s not forget food. Even a single forgotten crumb, a bag of pet food, or bags of bird seed can be a mouse magnet. Nesting material is another bonus. Cardboard boxes, fabric, and newspapers provide perfect construction supplies for ambitious rodents interested in building a cozy fortress. While mice are more common indoors as temperatures drop, don’t let your guard down during the warmer months. An accessible home is tempting all year long.

Seal Entry Points

Mice only need a hole the size of a dime to squeeze in. That means you need to go on a serious gap-hunting mission. 

Start outside: walk the perimeter of your basement, garage, and foundation. Check for cracks in brick or concrete, gaps around windows and doors, vents, and the forgotten spots where pipes and utility lines snake into your house.

Use steel wool and caulk to fill in small cracks and holes. Why steel wool? Mice hate chewing 

through it, and it’s tough for them to move or destroy. For slightly larger gaps, expanding foam works wonders. 

Make sure windows, doors, and garage doors have snug weather stripping and replace it if you spot wear, warping, or daylight. 

Any vent or utility opening? Cover with sturdy metal mesh. Don’t overlook the less obvious spots: basement window wells, crawl space covers, and even gaps under siding.

Declutter and Organize Storage Areas

It’s time for a little spring cleaning, no matter what the calendar says. Mice love clutter because it gives them ample cover to run, hide, and nest without disturbance. The more you store, the more inviting your space becomes. Cardboard boxes, in particular, do double-duty as chew toys and building blocks for nests.

Instead, swap those cardboard boxes for plastic storage bins with locking lids. Store everything off the ground on sturdy shelving units if possible—mice are less likely to climb for a snack than scurry along the floor. Only keep what you truly need. 

This is a great time to channel your inner organizer. Take a tip from the pros and sort everything into “keep,” “donate,” and “ditch” piles. You’ll reclaim space and send a clear “no vacancy” message to rodents. Another great tip is to utilize the 5-box method, which involves boxes for keeping, donating, recycling, trashing, and relocating items. 

Try to rotate what you store, especially seasonal décor, clothing, and rarely used items. The less time something sits untouched, the fewer opportunities mice have to settle in. Labeling storage bins and creating an accessible layout not only makes life easier for you, but also makes your basement or attic far less attractive as a permanent rodent residence.

Eliminate Food Sources

Mouse fine dining happens wherever food is within reach. That means any pet food, spilled snacks, pantry overflow, or bird seed stashed in your storage areas needs to be tightly sealed. Avoid paper bags and cardboard altogether for anything edible. Opt for airtight, thick plastic or metal containers.

Make a habit out of cleaning these spaces regularly. Crumbs, spills, and even dust can be a draw for mice. Sweep or vacuum floors, dust shelves, and pay close attention to corners or areas under shelving where stray food tends to land and vanish. If you store trash or recycling in these areas, be sure bins have snug-fitting lids and empty them out frequently.

Use Repellents and Deterrents

Natural options, such as peppermint oil, bay leaves, or cloves, can provide a temporary nose-burning barrier for mice. Place soaked cotton balls or sachets in the corners of storage rooms, along walls, or near known entry points. Just remember: you’ll need to refresh these deterrents often for continued effect.

Ultrasonic pest repellents are another option. These little plug-in gadgets emit a frequency that’s supposed to irritate rodents, though the science is still a bit mixed. Consider them a backup singer to your main act: sealing, organizing, and cleaning. Used together, they can tip the odds a little more in your favor.

Monitor for Early Signs of Activity

The earlier you spot the signs, the faster you can act.

Be on the lookout for little black droppings, especially along walls or behind objects. Fresh gnaw marks on boxes, bags, wood, or wires should set off alarm bells. Listen at night for scratching or skittering (the mouse nightlife is busiest when the house is quiet). If you spot shredded paper or fabric, you may have stumbled across nesting material.

Set traps proactively in out-of-the-way spots, like behind storage bins, along foundation walls, or in attic corners. These can help confirm suspicions or catch early arrivals before things escalate.

Call a Professional When Needed

Sometimes, even a well-defended home needs reinforcements. If you spot ongoing mouse activity despite your best efforts (or simply want some peace of mind) a professional pest control service is your best friend. 

The pros can identify hidden entry points, develop a long-term prevention plan, and handle infestations with safe, effective methods. In short, you gain expertise, reassurance, and results that are hard to replicate alone

Remember, your basement, attic, or garage doesn’t need to become a free-for-all mouse motel. With a little vigilance, some easy upgrades, and a willingness to get organized, you can keep rodents out and peace of mind firmly in. 

Every step you take today is one less worry for tomorrow—and one step closer to a comfortable, healthy, and mouse-free home.

How To Prepare Your Home — Inside And Out — For A Roof Replacement

Getting a new roof can be an exciting project. You get a fresh look for your home exterior, and it can help your energy efficiency. But if you want to have a seamless roof installation experience, you’ll need to make some preparations. With these tips, you’ll know what you need to do to ensure that your home is ready for your new roof.  

Communicate About Expectations 

Before you make any assumptions about what you should do in preparation for your roof replacement, start by talking to the contractor directly. Ideally, your contractor has already visited your home and performed a basic inspection of your roof. Ask your contractor what you should expect from the process and about any tips they can provide in the days before the installation. They may have suggestions or requirements that aren’t on this list, so be sure to take notes and ask for clarification if there’s anything you don’t understand. 

Ensure Access 

Your roofing team will need to get access to your home exterior frequently throughout the day, so you should confirm that they have easy entry. Identify the location of all entry points to the property and relay that information to your contractor. Unlock the gates and make sure that they open and close easily. If the roofing team needs access to power during the installation, test the exterior outlets and verify that they work. If your air conditioning unit sits close to your home, consider turning it off and covering it to protect it from falling debris, as you would during roof maintenance services. 

Prepare Home Exterior and Landscaping 

Getting a new roof can be somewhat messy, with debris piling up outside during the removal of the old material. To minimize problems and damage to your landscaping, you should take some time to prepare your exterior property in advance: 

• Relocate patio furniture away from the home. 

• Put children’s toys in the garage or shed. 

• Move planters to another spot in the yard. 

• Cover plants and shrubs near the home. 

• Mow the lawn to make cleanup easier. 

• Move vehicles to the street. 

For larger or seasonal items that you want to keep safely out of the way during the installation, renting a temporary self-storage unit can offer added peace of mind. The tidier your yard is before the start of the project, the easier it will be to reset it. 

Secure Attic Belongings 

If you keep some of your belongings in the attic, take a moment to secure them. If you cannot easily remove them and put them in a room in your home during the project, consider covering them with a tarp. Avoid leaving precious, irreplaceable, or high-value items in the attic.  

Protect Fragile Items 

During installation, you may notice hammering or other activities that cause the walls to vibrate. In order to protect your fragile or delicate items in the home, you should remove them from the walls. Take porcelain figurines and other collectibles off shelves, wrap them, and put them into a box for temporary storage. Remove framed photos and other wall hangings.  

Prepare Your Neighbors, Pets, and Children 

Replacing your roof can create some disruption to your routine and to the routines of those who live with you or nearby. Before installation day, talk to your neighbors and let them know what to expect. If you need them to trim trees or other landscaping before installation, give them plenty of time to do so. If you have pets or young children, consider asking a friend or family member to take them out for the day. Otherwise, create barriers to keep them from getting into spaces that are unsafe while the roofing team is working. 

Having a contractor replace your roof can be easier than you think. If you follow these tasks and coordinate with your contractor, you’ll have everything you need to make installation as simple as possible.  

Author bio: Jack B Gray is President of Ariat Roofing, Inc., a trusted, family-owned roofing contractor that has been serving residential and commercial clients in the Las Vegas Valley since 2009. Gray and his team have many years of experience in the roofing industry and understand the importance of a solid and secure roofing system when it comes to providing protection for and adding value to your home. 

SOURCES 

https://www.kmroofpros.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-roof-replacement-a-homeowners-step-by-step-guide 

https://www.ontopsroofing.com/blog/protect-home-during-roof-replacement 

Why Moving to Rapid City Could Be the Best Decision for Your Family (And How to Make It Seamless)

We partnered with a real estate company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

If you’re still clinging to the idea that “bigger city = better life for families,” you might be sabotaging your own quality of life. Rapid City, South Dakota, is the kind of place people dismiss without a second thought until they realize they’re paying too much, commuting too long, and getting too little back from their relentless, exhausting metro lifestyle. If you’re even a little curious, start your Rapid City home search here. Because for many families, this mid-sized, under-the-radar city quietly checks more boxes than the usual big-name coastal cities—and it’s not hard to see why.

But like any big life move, relocating doesn’t come without its challenges. From prepping your current home to choosing the right neighborhood and working with a real estate agent who gets your needs, there are several moving parts to make your transition smooth.

Here’s your go-to guide on why Rapid City is such a gem—and how to make the move feel seamless.

Why Rapid City Is a Smart Move for Families, Nature-Lovers & Faith-Based Households

Family-Centered Living Without Big-City Chaos

One of the biggest reasons families are relocating to Rapid City is the balance it provides. It offers affordable housing, low or even zero crime rates, good schools, and a slower pace of life. You don’t have to deal with the traffic and urban sprawl of a major metro every day, but you’ll still have access to quality healthcare, excellent public schools, and extracurricular options for kids. 

Neighborhoods like Chapel Valley, South Canyon, and Red Rock Meadows are known for being safe, clean, and family-oriented. And with many homes offering large yards and proximity to parks, it's easy to see why more and more parents are choosing this part of the Black Hills.

Outdoor Living, Every Day of the Year

If you’re someone who thrives outdoors or wants your children to grow up with a connection to nature, Rapid City is practically built for you. This city gives you direct access to hiking trails, lakes, campgrounds, and scenic drives.

From visiting Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park to weekend hikes at M Hill or Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, the opportunity to unplug and explore is always right there when you pass through the door. Outdoor lovers can enjoy all four seasons, and even winter brings adventure with snowshoeing, skiing, and ice fishing options nearby.

A Place Where Faith and Family Values Are Respected

For those seeking a lifestyle rooted in values and community, Rapid City offers a welcoming culture for faith-based families. Here, people find more than churches—they find places to grow in faith, serve others, and nurture a personal relationship with God. 

Faith-based schools and homeschool co-ops are also readily available, giving parents the freedom to nurture both knowledge and spiritual growth. It’s not just about religion. It’s a lifestyle centered on what matters most, which are faith, family, and meaningful connection.

How to Prepare Your Home Before the Move

When you’ve already decided to relocate, it can be tempting to jump straight into house hunting—because you are leaving anyway. But preparing your current home—especially if you’re selling—can make or break your moving experience. Here’s some advice:

Declutter with Purpose

The fewer items you move, the easier (and cheaper) the process. Room by room, you’ll surely find things that you can "keep," "donate," and "sell". Sort these items. Not only does this make packing simpler, but it also helps your current home show better to buyers.

Deep Clean and Fix What’s Broken

A spotless home makes a strong first impression. You can hire a professional cleaning service or block off time to scrub every corner. While you’re at it, it is best to fix minor issues like squeaky doors, chipped paint, or cracked tiles. These small efforts can lead to better offers later on.

Stage for Success

Even if you're not hiring a professional stager, remove overly personal decor and make rooms feel open and inviting. Let natural light in, rearrange furniture to show space, and use neutral tones where possible.

Don’t Forget Exterior Appeal

The outside of your home sets the tone as it’s the first thing that buyers see. Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, paint the front door, add a welcome mat, and trust me; your house will look even more welcoming. 

Why Working With the Right Real Estate Agent Changes Everything

Not all real estate agents are the same—especially when it comes to relocation. That’s why you shouldn’t hire an agent just because your friends said they’re good and recommended them. You should assess them yourself carefully. If you're moving from out of state or across South Dakota, hiring a real estate agent who understands both your current needs and your future neighborhood is essential.

Local Knowledge Is Gold

A great agent knows which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle. If you’re looking for top-rated schools, easy commutes, or nearby hiking trails, a local pro can help you avoid regrets and find a property that fits from day one.

Smart Pricing and Offers

The Rapid City housing market remains competitive, yet accessible. If you have a seasoned agent with you, they can help you price your current home correctly and negotiate strong offers on your new home—especially important if you’re buying and selling at the same time.

Seamless Coordination

Many top-tier agents also offer relocation support, such as referrals to moving companies, contractors, inspectors, and even school enrollment contacts. That kind of support is priceless during a hectic transition.

Final Thoughts: A Move That’s Worth It

There’s something special about Rapid City that everyone needs to see. It’s not just about the natural beauty or the slower pace. It’s the invisible thread that binds hands, hearts, and hopes. It’s how neighbors wave to each other, how kids still play outside until the streetlights come on, and how local businesses greet you by name.

If you’re drawn to a lifestyle that prioritizes quality time, outdoor living, and shared values, Rapid City might be where the next beautiful chapter of your life begins.

Of course, getting there takes planning. Start by preparing your current home the right way. Then, partner with a real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of relocation. And when you’re ready to explore your options, don’t forget—you can start your Rapid City home search here.

The move might take effort, but the payoff? It’s a lifetime of better living. Sometimes, the best move isn’t just about where you go—but who you become when you get there.