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How to Install Solar Panel on Roof

Jess
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How to Install Solar Panel on Roof

Solar power as a sustainable source of energy is an easily available and frugal alternative to other energy sources. It has certainly become the latest trend in renewable energy. A clean, green source of energy, solar power is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. It is a safe, environment-friendly, and free source of energy. Having a solar power system in your home gives you domestic freedom and financial help. Prolonged use of solar power can also reduce your electricity costs considerably. Some governments also provide a reduction in tax for solar power users! It is no wonder that more and more people are switching to this safe and reliable source of energy for their daily needs. And the feeling of doing something good for the environment is an added plus! Some governments also provide a reduction in tax for solar power users! It is no wonder that more and more people are switching to this safe and reliable source of energy for their daily needs. And the feeling of doing something good for the environment is an added plus!

Installing a solar system in your home is the first step to a cleaner and greener living. However, solar system installation is not as easy as it probably sounds! Firstly, you need to find out if your house is suitable for a solar panel. Before any real installation begins, you need to decide what type and where you want your solar panel installed. And even though it is possible to install a solar panel yourself, it is still better to contact an experienced and trustworthy solar system installer. Installing a solar panel is a big and expensive commitment. Do not take it lightly. Do your research before taking up a solar panel installation project by yourself or hiring a solar system contractor. The following steps can guide you through the process of solar panel installation on your roof.

Cost of Installing Solar Panel

Solar panel installation is neither easy nor inexpensive. In fact, it can be pretty costly. To calculate the installation cost, take the total cost of installation including the parts and labor, and divide it with the electrical power it produces. However, there are many factors that affect the cost of installation. The time, as well as the amount of sunlight that each location gets, varies considerably. This affects the number of solar modules you need and the type of system you can set up. Due to this, the average cost per watt of solar panel installation also varies from place to place. Other factors include the amount of electricity you use, the type of panels and inverter you install. However, once you have a running system, it does start paying for itself in some time. Once the cost of installation breaks even, you can save a lot of money too.

Ensure Your Roof is Suitable

We cannot overstate the importance of this! Before you go ahead and incur the vast expenses of a solar panel installation, do make sure that your roof is suitable for a solar panel system. If your roof is covered in shadows for most of the day, it won’t get enough sunlight to justify installing solar panels. On the other hand, the structural shape of your roof is also an equally important factor. Despite getting ample sunlight, if your roof structure is not good enough to hold a solar panel, then no use wasting money over it. Hence, it is very important to know it is suitably sunlit for most of the day and is also structurall sound. It is also advisable to do any reparation or changes to your roof before you install the solar panels.

Getting Permissions and Certifications

After the first inspection of your roof, the next step is getting the permissions and certifications for a solar system in your house. If you have an installation company working for you, they should handle getting you any permits or paperwork needed to install the system in your house. There are also certain certificates you need to get from the government for the same. Several governments also offer Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) or federal Investment Tax Credits (ITC) to anyone installing a solar system. If you’re not working with any solar contractor, this can be a little difficult for you. Make sure you register for any tax credit or similar certification as needed. Also, ensure you have all the necessary permissions and certificates before you start any installation process.

Measure Your Roof and Fix Panel Location

The next step is to inspect your roof or get it inspected with the installation company personnel. A thorough inspection of the roof and your electric panel will help determine if your roof is sound enough to hold the solar panel system. Once the inspection is done, you will need to find the ideal location on your roof that gets direct sunlight throughout the day. Also consider the possibility of adding more panels in the future when selecting an area. Now, measure the dimensions of your roof to ensure that the solar panel can fit in the available space. Ideally the solar panels should go on a place that faces the sunrise. So, a location in the east is ideal. Also make sure that your selected area is not under any shade (in any season) as it can stop the solar array from working.

Install the Mounts/Brackets

The next step is to install the brackets or mounts for the solar panels. The solar panel mounts or brackets are the frames of support on which the panels are fixed. These mounts effectively raise the panels from the roof surface. However, the type of mounts you install depends on the type of roof you have. Brackets are generally used on sloped roofs and provide a fixed positioning of the panels. A mount rail or bracket system allows you to position the panels in any angle you want. However, keep all the solar panels at the exact same angle and height in order to maintain the same voltage production. Mounting these brackets is not very difficult. However, if you are installing it on your own, follow the instructions that come with the system carefully. Do ensure that your solar panel installation is done according to the manufacturer’s instructions!

Attach the Panels to Mount Rails

Once your mount rails are installed, you need to attach the panels to them. This is a tricky process and you should do it with proper preparation and according to the instructions. Also be very cautious while installing them on your own. To attach your solar panels to the brackets or rails, place them onto the frames or rails properly. Now, fasten them onto the rail system with nails or bolts. Also, double check that everything is properly fitted. Even if you have a solar system installation company doing the work for you, check that they have aligned and angled all the solar panels properly to catch maximum light.

Connect the Panels to Each Other

When your panels are securely installed, connect them to each other based on how you want to produce power. It is advisable to connect a ground wire from all your hardware to the earth when installing solar panels. You should make sure that all the wiring is connected to a conduit or is shockproof. Also, check all the wires are insulated and wrapped in electrical tape to make it waterproof. If possible, install a conduit over all wires you use for paneling to protect them from rain and sunlight.

Connect the Panels to Batteries and Controllers

Next step is to connect the solar panels to the controller. The controller is in turn connected to the battery. A battery is a device that stores the energy generated by the solar panels. And the controller protects the battery by regulating the flow of electricity it receives from the solar panels. Hence, it is essential to install a controller for more effective and productive systems. It is better to let a certified solar installer or an electrician handle this step. An electrician can do all the wiring and connections necessary to get your system running.

Get the Inverter Installed

The next step is to install the inverter. Again, this is a very crucial step as inverters are essential to get usable energy. Your solar panels generate electrical energy in the form of direct current (DC) while all the major appliances in your house operate on electricity in the form of alternating current (AC). An inverter is a device that converts the generated direct current (DC) into usable alternative current (AC). Ideally, you should install the inverter in the loft, the garage or an outbuilding. The main criterion is to select a dry, clean and properly ventilated space. Solar systems generally come pre-wired from the manufacturer and only need to be connected to the inverter. But, it is advisable for you to let a professional electrician handle this step. Finally, get an electrician or your contractor to do a final check of your systems to make sure everything is in order.

Solar panel installations have become pretty easy over the years. And considering the current pace of technological advancements, this process is bound to become even simpler in the near future!

How to Renovate a House: 8 Home Renovation Tips

Jess
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How to Renovate a House: 8 Home Renovation Tips

A house is a great heritage that requires investment of time and money to stay in good condition for many years. But watch out! You don’t pay expensive arrangements if you do not know exactly where the expense will be worth.

While some renovations can add value to your home, you cannot expect to recover every dollar invested. That’s why you must approach how to renovate a house carefully and prioritize your projects according to your needs and the condition of your home.

Whether your home is too small for your family, upgrades need to be made or your appearance needs to be refreshed, you may be thinking about renovations.

Before starting any arrangement in your house, check how much money you have and exactly what you want to do. The lack of clarity on these two aspects is the main reason for leaving unfinished or never start a remodel.

Repairing a property can be as accessible or expensive as we propose; if in advance you know that your budget is limited, it is best to prioritize before launching into the adventure.

Remember that in a remodeling we can include the maintenance, the aesthetics, the conditioning of particular spaces (for example, for the arrival of a baby), or even increase the square meters of your property. Keep in mind that there are two major types of repairs:

  • The minors: they have to do with changing furniture or gardening, and in which it is advisable to spend a maximum of 10% of the value of the house.
  • The structural ones: they involve building, expanding, finishing.

Analyze and prioritize the most important

If you are the owner of the house for several years, surely you know the strengths and weaknesses of your home; from the living room that you love, to the pipes that only bring problems.

So, if you are going to do a remodeling, start in the urgent corners, those that require special attention and that will take away headaches.

Although there are many spaces that you can fix yourself, consider whether you will need special labor for those arrangements that exceed your capabilities; it is advisable to hire professional services to avoid more expenses for having to do things two or three times.

More>> Remodeling Contractor

Before hiring any person, compare several budgets. Remember that paying for good quality services may seem like a high expense at that time, but it can save you a lot of money in the future.

Invest in Efficiency

Make improvements to the longevity, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of the home. This type of renovation may not be very fun, but replacing the roof, insulation or heating system can improve the energy efficiency of your home. In general, work of this type is only required every 10 to 15 years.

Improve the functionality of your Home

In which room do you spend the most time? The kitchen? The family rooms? The TV rooms? If its size or layout does not suit your needs, renovations will make it more comfortable and functional. Such renovations are especially important if you plan to keep your home for many more years, as the daily enjoyment of your property depends on it.

Kitchen improvements

Together with the bathroom, they are the two spaces with the greatest wear in a house. Any investment in these spaces will be a good way to add value to your assets. In the kitchen, consider revising vinyl coatings, PVC materials, anti-humidity paints.

The painting for a house is another of the ideal renovations to give a new air, it improves any, stay and makes it more pleasant. If the budget to paint the kitchen (or any other space in the house) is very high, you can agree with other neighbors who want to paint their spaces as well and get a better wholesale price.

Make inexpensive aesthetic touch ups

Refurbishing the cabinets or replacing the countertop may give the impression that the entire kitchen has been renovated. Even a single coat of paint can give an amazing result. Replacing lighting fixtures and door handles can also add a touch of modernity and improve the look of your home at a low cost. In the end, if some alterations can increase your enjoyment of your home, the expense is justified.

Simple changes for the bathroom

If the toilets do not need to be changed in their entirety, a good idea may be to renew details such as the faucets in the sink and shower. The small changes help to give a much more modern look.

Renovation of windows

The windows can look like new, simply by sanding and painting the frames. Curtains that give new lighting also make a big difference.

More>> How to Clean Windows

New distribution on How to Renovate a House

A prompt reform, free and requires only a little physical effort is to change, from time to time, the arrangement of the furniture. Not only in the living room or the hall, but in the bedrooms and all the spaces of the house where it is possible to try a different arrangement of the furniture.

Transform your home and add surplus value to your property without spending big money. If you will opt for the help of a professional for some repairs, be clear about your budget before paying for the “less urgent” arrangements of the house.

It makes sense to invest in renovations that will make your home safer and more efficient so that it continues to grow. Your house is probably your biggest investment. It is therefore wise to take care of it. Spend the least amount of money on cosmetic retouching and save the bulk of your renovation budget on structural improvements that will add real value to the property.

51 DIY Gift Ideas for Dad

Jess
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0
51 DIY Gift Ideas for Dad

Fathers are an important figure in our lives and we should certainly show them more appreciation. A cute and meaningful gift always works wonders when you want to appreciate or please someone. And especially if that gift is a handmade present in which you put some work. But it’s never easy to think of gifts for someone who generally has almost everything! However, it only takes some keen observation to know if they really need or want something. Getting your dad something he will love or appreciate is a good step. However, if you truly want to make the gift special, try some do-it-yourself (DIY) gift. Your dad will surely appreciate the effort and love you put into it! If you’re not sure what to make or what your dad will like, don’t worry! There’s no shortage of creative DIY gift ideas for dad to suit his taste and your budget. Here’s a list of some truly creative DIY gift ideas for dad that will certainly help you prepare the best gift for your dad!

DIY Lap Desks

Instead of wondering what your dad would want, why not gift something he will need? You can diy this amazing lap desk for him to work on in bed! It’s easy to make and also pretty comfortable. It is surely something all fathers will appreciate!

Hand Stamped Key Rings

You dad might have a lot of key chains already, but does he have the ones you hand stamped for him? No? Well time to get him one! These hand stamped washer key chains look great and are also an easy diy project.

Hand Print Father’s Day Shirt

One of the easiest yet cutest diy gifts ever, these hand print t-shirts can make anyone feel special! Get your little ones to stamp their hand prints on a plain t-shirt and voila! You gift’s ready! Make one of these and see their fathers’ face glow!

DIY Firewood Tote

If your dad loves to sit by the fireplace and chill, he is most likely making frequent trips to bring in firewood. Why not gift him a hand-made DIY firewood tote to carry the logs in? You can easily make one with some good quality canvas cloth!

Comic Book Coasters

For those dads who love comics, this is the perfect DIY gift! DIY coasters with their favorite comic book pictures on top will surely make them geek out whenever they see it. It’s easy to make and the kind of gift they will love!

DIY Laptop Riser

Another great gift idea is a DIY laptop riser! There are many different materials you can use for this project. However, wood and copper are popular. Your dad can use it at home as well as at work and he’s sure to love it!

PVC Notebook Holder

Is your dad among those who take their notebooks everywhere they go? Then this is probably the best DIY gift you can give him! He will surely love this inexpensive and durable DIY PVC pipes holder!

DIY Picture Frame

You might say this is the most common and easy DIY gift. So how about you make it a little uncommon? Why not try to make a unique frame yourself? You have many options like wood, marble, paper, cloth, thread, glitter, etc. to choose from!

Faux Copper Book Ends

Get a wood block and a toy eagle or any other topper you like from your local craft store. Spray the eagle with metallic copper paint and when dry glue it on top of the wood block with all purpose glue. Isn’t it the perfect gift for your dad’s bookshelf?

Creative Handmade Bookmarks

If your dad is avid (or not so avid!) book reader, this is a good gift you can make for him. However, instead of going for the same old quotes, you can do something creative. Try some origami or use crochet or cloth paint for a dramatic effect!

Dad’s Stache Jar

Are your kids very excited to gift their dad something diy? Make them fill up a mason jar with his favorite sweets like candies, chocolates or anything else he likes. A good phrase like ‘Dad’s Stache’ printed on the jar would make it even more interesting.

Wood Grain Steel Flask

This DIY wood grain flask is perfect for your dad. You need a steel flask, contact paper, and paint marker. First write your dad’s name on the paper. Now peel of the backside and wrap the paper around the flask. Your DIY flask is ready!

Dual Sided Etched Glass

Etching a glass (or anything else) yourself is not as difficult as it seems! The supplies are readily available and cheap too! So go ahead and etch something fun or sweet on your dad’s drink glass.

Bottle Cap Fishing Lures

This is a lovely gift for all those dads who just love fishing. You can DIY these cute lure from the beer or soda bottle caps you normally throw away. There are a lot of tutorials easily available on the internet to make these lures.

DIY Leather Keychain

Leather key chains look very pretty and elegant. They are a great gift for men as well as women. And making one yourself is pretty easy too! Plus, there are plenty of tutorials available online. So go ahead and make one already!

Travel Dop Kit

If your dad has a travelling job or is fond of travelling for fun, he will really appreciate this gift. With a little sewing and some readily available materials you can DIY a simple travel kit for him to store his toiletries or essentials!

Wooden Grill Scraper

Does your dad man the grill every time you barbeque? Give him a gift that will reduce his time wasted in cleaning the grill afterwards. A DIY grill scraper will show him you care and be a useful gift too.

DIY Apron

A dad who loves to grill or cook will surely appreciate this DIY gift and the effort you put in it. Show off your sewing skills and make him a handy apron. Add in a few extra pockets and make it adjustable. He’ll surely be grateful!

Activities Jar/Jar of Time

Can’t think of anything creative to give to your dad? How about some of your time? Fill up a mason jar with notes of activities you want to do with your dad and as a family. Then gift it to him as a jar of your time. He will surely cherish it!

Mason Jar Lid Coasters

Make coasters out of mason jars. This is an easy and inexpensive gift that all dads would appreciate. They look good as coasters and you can customize them according to his likes! A great DIY project and a lovely gift for dad too!

Wool iPad Case

Show some love to your dad with this DIY wool iPad case. These iPad covers are very easy to make and require a little sewing work. However, the end result is a sleek, cheap and elegant iPad cover that he will love to show off!

DIY Business Card Holder

No more business cards lying around the table! Make a business card holder for your dad to store them in. This DIY gift with all your love and efforts is sure to make him feel special. Plus it’s also something everyone can use.

DIY Citronella Paint Can Candles

If you live in a mosquito-populated area, this is a good gift for your dad. Citronella oil candle is an effective mosquito repellent. It is pretty easy to DIY and perfect for those who love camping. Just put it in something manly like paint cans!

Homemade Shaving Cream

Now this is a DIY gift that your dad is sure to appreciate! A homemade shaving cream means less expense and good quality shave. Plus the absence of harmful chemicals will ensure healthy skin afterwards!

DIY Fringed Flannel Throw

This super easy and very cool DIY fringed flannel throw is definitely a creative gift! All you need is thick flannel, matching thread, sewing machine, and fabric scissors. Although, it’s better to take some manly design like buffalo plaid if you want him to use it.

Shirt and Tie Paper Gift Boxes

These shirt and tie paper gift boxes are a great DIY gift project! They look cute and masculine at the same time. Put your gift inside them or fill them up with his favorite goodies! Either way they are sure to make your papa smile!

DIY Wooden Tie Rack

If you are good with woodwork, a DIY tie rack is a good gift to make for your father. It is a long-lasting gift and a fun project to take on. Plus, it’s something that your father can use and appreciate every day!

Lego Pen Holder

This cute little gift will not only make your kids feel happy and proud, but also be a useful addition to your husband’s study table. It is pretty easy to make and can become a fun project to do with your kids!

DIY Sock Bouquet

So, you’re at a loss what to give your father and bought socks for him? No worries. This sock bouquet is a great way of gifting it to him. It is creative, fun, and makes your simple and common gift much more interesting and unique!

DIY Photo Book

As they say, a photo is a memory relived! Gift your father a collection of all your good and fun times in this DIY photo book.This book is similar to a scrap book but full of photos that your dad will cherish always!

DIY Insulated Beverage Holders

These insulated beverage holders will surely light up your dad’s mood. And he will think of you whenever he drinks. Plus it’s great for enjoying a cooled drink for a longer time! Trust me, he’ll surely love this!

Necktie Eyeglass Case

Use your papa’s old necktie to make an interesting and creative eyeglass case for him. With some creative thinking and sewing skills, you can gift him some pretty cool eyeglass covers to use regularly!

Memory Box

Gift your father a box full of all your cherished memories to show him how important he is to you! Just gather stuff that reminds you of a good memory or some fun times you two had together or as family and fill it up in a box. Easy!

Homemade Fishing Pole

Does your dad love to fish regularly? Then make him this DIY fishing pole and see his face light up! He will surely enjoy this gift better than any other and appreciate your efforts too.

Family Photo Coasters

Coasters are a pretty common gift these days. But you can always personalize and make it unique! Just stick your family photos on existing coasters or customize and buy some pre-printed with the photos you selected.

Homemade Beer Soap

These simple and easy DIY gift ideas for dad involve just a few materials and steps. And you get a great handmade soap to use too! Since soap is a pretty girly gift, make it beer soap so that your father can actually use it!

Embroidered Linen Tie

If you have to give the same old gift of a tie to your dad, don’t be disheartened. Personalize it with his monogram in simple embroidery. This embroidered tie with his initials or monogram will look suave, sleek and very elegant.

DIY Gift Coupons

Gift coupons are always a great idea for gifting anyone. But more often than not, we cannot afford them. But you can always make them yourself! Just make interesting coupons with fun things like a homemade dinner or a head massage from you.

World’s Greatest Dad Wooden Medal

What better way to show your love than a ‘World’s Greatest Dad’ medal? Make your own wooden medal from wood discs and attach them to ribbons. You can even hold a mock function or event to award it to him!

DIY Hand Warmers

These hand warmers will not just warm his hands in the cold winter they will also warm his heart! They are easy to make with readily available materials and don’t take much time. However, it is wise to use dark and masculine colors and fabrics.

Roll-up Tool Organizer

All dads love a good tool organizer! Your dad might have one too. Although he will surely not have a DIY organizer made by you! Give him a nice and easy way to organize his tool and minimize the mess in the work room!

DIY Pre-Shaving Oil

A great way to show your love for your dad! You can make your own shaving oil or shaving cream with a few simple ingredients and little effort. The result is a handmade oil/cream that is much more effective than chemical products.

DIY Fire Starter Kit

Whether your dad goes camping or not, whether he may need it or not, this is a gift all dads would love to receive! A kit which helps him start a fire anywhere is certainly the most appreciated and cool gift you can give him!

Beer Bouquet

So your dad loves beer more than he loves flowers? No problem! Give him a bouquet of beers instead! He will surely find it a much more cool and useful gift anyway. You can even pack it prettily like a bouquet for effect!

Jars of Infused Liquor

Since we are on the topic of liquor, this is another great idea that your father will love. Infuse his favorite liquors with some nice complementary flavors like fruits and herbs, etc. Experiment your infusions first and then gift him the best ones in airtight jars.

Hand Painted Pots

For those fathers who love gardening, pots and plants are great gifts. It’s a gift he will truly enjoy ad appreciate! You can also personalize the gift by hand-painting the pots in various colors to give them some charm and character.

DIY Mouse Pad

Gift him a mouse pad made entirely by you! You can use any material you want. However, wood is the commonly preferred choice for such DIYs. You can even personalize these mouse pads with his favorite cartoon character or movie!

Shrink Paper Keepsake Key Chains

They are not as difficult as they sound, I swear! There are a lot of tutorials available online to make these amazing keepsakes. It is cheap and easy project which gives pretty amazing results.

Customized Wine Stoppers

Customized wine stoppers can be tricky to make. However, they do make for amazing DIY presents. Your dad will just love to use them whenever he drinks!

DIY Coffee Mugs

These are pretty common DIY gifts to give your dad. However, a sturdy coffee mug with your family photo on it is always a special gift to give to him. Trust me, he’ll love it!

DIY Mini Pool Table

An amazing and cool gift to your golf-loving dad! What, a portable mini pool table within an aluminum box? Yeah, definitely a cool gift that he’ll love!

15 Tips for Selling a House with Kids

Jess
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0
15 Tips for Selling a House with Kids

Selling a home is always a challenging and time-consuming process. And if you are selling a home with kids living in it, the process becomes even more daunting. Selling a home with kids presents a whole new set of challenges for you to overcome to have a successful home sale. The most challenging thing about selling a home with kids is the constant battle to maintain cleanliness to entice potential buyers. Most kids have the habit of reversing any efforts you put into cleaning a room. You clean one place and move on to the next, and they will mess up all your work with effortless ease! However, a bit of planning and organizing can make the process a lot easier. Here are a few tips to make the home selling process much less stressful for you and your kids.

Talk to Kids about Selling

Moving and selling a home is a major transition for kids. You should talk to your kids regarding selling the house as well as moving to a new one. Explain your reasons for moving and also share some positive features of your new home. Explaining things help prepare them for the move and might even get them on board for the selling.

Decide if You Want to Involve Kids in the Process

You need to decide early on if you want your kids involved in the selling process or not. However, this decision depends on the age of your kids and their temperaments. You can let your kids clean the windows or wipe the countertops along with their other chores. Otherwise, let them clean up their toys and tidy up their bedrooms.

Declutter and Organize Early on

It is better to start the cleaning and to declutter early on. Clutter can instantly overshadow the true appeal of your home. So, give yourself enough time to clear the confusion from every room. Gather all the extra items and store or donate them to Goodwill. Keep baskets and bins handy to store toys and other small things instantly.

Choose an Agent with Experience in Selling a Home with Kids

Having an agent with experience in selling homes with kids can make a huge difference to your chances of selling. It also helps in keeping your sanity throughout the selling process. Working out a timeframe is a great start to a healthy agent relationship. It can help you work around personal and family commitments or avoid showings during kids’ bedtime.

Require Two to Three Hours Notice for Showings

If you get to specify the notice time, take full advantage of this. Make sure you have enough time to declutter the house, move around furniture if you have to, and prepare the kids. This should take at least a couple of hours. Thoroughly utilize your notice time to make your home as presentable as possible.

Dedicate a Room for The Kids

Sometimes it’s better to dedicate a room to the kids and keep the rest of the house clutter-free. If your children are in the habit of freely roaming in the house, you may want to change this while trying to sell the house. This will make it easier to clean things up as all the kids’ stuff is in one room.

Staging Your Home

When selling a home with kids it’s important that the home is staged to appeal to the masses. Staging involves clearly defining the use of each room and ensuring that the home looks appealing to buyers. If you are using a bedroom as a playroom, you need to convert it back to a bedroom or home office. Your home should look cozy, comfortable and inviting.

Explore the Option of Storage Units

A great option to tackle the problem of storage is to secure a storage facility or designate a less used space to storage. Homeowners with kids know how quickly things can pile up. Having a separate space for storage keeps the rest of the home free of extra items. You can use the garage, attic or basement for storage.

Prepare Go-To Bags For Kids

Keep emergency go-to bag with snacks, toys, diapers or anything else your kids need always ready. These emergency go-to bags can reduce the pressure on you while prepare your house for the showing. Keep an emergency bag for you too with all your essentials. Store them in the car or your garage for easy access.

Videos and Virtual Tours of The Home

The buying process starts online with potential buyers looking at photos of listed houses. But sometimes pictures fail to give a good idea of the layout or details about a home. With a video or virtual tour, buyers can experience what it would be like to visit the home. They can easily see the overall layout of the home.

Keep a Checklist for Showings

Prepare a checklist of all the things you need to do before a showing and refer it when needed. The process of preparing for a showing becomes much easier when you know what needs to be done. Do a final check of the entire house when you are ready to leave.

Try to Group your Showings

If possible, try to schedule all potential showings at one time or a day. If you have enough inquiries on your house in a good timeframe, try to schedule one showing for multiple buyers. This will help you limit the showings while increasing the perceived demand on your home.

Leave Your Home during Showings

Visiting a home when the sellers are still present becomes really awkward for all parties involved. So hit the road as soon as you are done preparing your home for the showing. This is a great opportunity to go to the park or a café and relax. You can also do some fun activities with your kids to pass the time.

Pre-plan Your Activities during Showings

Pre-plan your activities during showings to avoid last-minute planning or getting the kids annoyed. The less planning you have to do at the moment, the easier the process becomes. Gather some ideas for easy trips or fun activities you can do to utilize this time. You can go to parks, or malls, go on a hike or visit a relative.

Listen to Feedbacks with an Open Mind

Not everyone who visits your house is going to like it! Just remember, every buyer is looking for a perfect home and will be picky. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Listen to every feedback with an open mind and take note of things that were disliked. This will help you improve your staging and do better in the next showing.   Selling a home with kids is tough. You should accept the fact that you might not have a perfect home for every showing; especially if you have unexpected showings within mere minutes.  Just try to find a balance between trying to sell the house and keeping your life in order. Following the above tips for selling a home with kids can increase the chances of your home selling quickly and satisfactorily. Just do your best and stop worrying about the rest!

15 Potential Ideas on How to Get Real Estate Clients

Jess
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0
15 Potential Ideas on How to Get Real Estate Clients

Clients are the life force of a real estate market. If you are a real estate investor and tired of running to chase leads, why not getting more clients in real estate instead of running on the rat race? Check out to know the best potential ideas on how to get real estate clients in the real estate market.

Set Realistic Goals

For beginners, it is advisable to start small and give yourself a warm-up period to gain some confidence and perspective. Talk to your broker about the firm’s average or the market standards. As a new real estate agent, getting new clients is hard work. So it is better to be realistic and set goals you can manage.

More: How to Become a Real Estate Agent.

Make Networking And Socializing A Priority

Home buyers tend to find their agents through friends or family members. So, getting yourself out there as an agent is very important in real estate prospecting. Socializing and networking is a great way to get good leads and generate business. Set aside time in your schedule to attend social or community events, professional networking events, or family gatherings.

Set Up A Strict Prospecting Schedule

Home buyers tend to find their agents through friends or family members. So, getting yourself out there as an agent is very important in real estate prospecting. Socializing and networking is a great way to get good leads and generate business. Set aside time in your schedule to attend social or community events, professional networking events, or family gatherings.

Prospecting is contacting people verbally or in-person solely to get their business. However, you need to set up a strict schedule every day for prospecting. You can call people you know, canvass neighborhoods, and ask old clients for referrals, check expired and FSBO listings, etc. Try various ideas and put in all your hard work regularly if you want to see results.

Ask For Referrals From Past Clients

All estate agents want to set up a referral business. There’s nothing better than getting clients who come to you recommended by previously satisfied clients. Don’t be shy in calling up your previous clients to ask for referrals. Give them your number and keep in touch with them regularly. This will make them feel special and more amenable to referring you to others.

Set Up Personal Meetings

Most people like to work with agents they know and like. Schedule some time to meet with people in person. Part of any successful prospecting plan is scheduling the time to meet people in your leads personally and being flexible about time. This practice generates trust and interest on part of the buyer and helps you grow as a realtor too.

Follow Up On Your Leads

Lead generation is not the only important part of prospecting. Successful prospecting requires you to follow up on your leads quickly and efficiently. Store contact information and keep a record of anything you learn about a prospect. Research details about neighborhood and community before calling them up. Prepare well for the conversation; it will surely impress the owner.

Go For Content Marketing

Content marketing can be a very useful prospecting method for new as well as established agents. Try to produce useful and valuable content for prospecting. Use web analytics to track what kind of content is getting most views. You can make some clever how-to videos or put some regular blog posts to share your knowledge and build your brand.

Meet Divorce Lawyers

People who are truly motivated to sell their homes can make for great leads. People going through a divorce often need to sell their homes quickly. You can work with divorce attorneys to get promising leads. You can also develop a mutually beneficial relationship with divorce lawyers by referring them to your clients who are planning to get a divorce.

Get Involved In Your Community

Getting actively involved in your community is another great way to get new clients and leads.  You can go to community events and socialize to get quality leads. Or you can simply help solve some problems related to real estate and others. Connecting with your community in a meaningful way can naturally grow your network of contacts and referrals.

Focus On Getting First Appointments

The activity that will most likely lead you to close is the first appointment. Agents generally win many of their clients in the first meeting itself. You should focus all your energy and hard work on securing as many first appointments as you can. You can try door-knocking, emails, open houses, networking, socializing, etc. to get first meetings.

Use Multiple Methods Of Prospecting(Like Door knocking, calling, and emails)

There is no rule that says you can use only one or two methods of prospecting. You can and should use multiple methods of prospecting. The tried and tested methods include door-knocking, emails, referral, listings, cold calling, etc. But why stop there? You can try automated messages, content marketing, Facebook and Instagram lead generation, networking, etc to get quality leads.

Use Real Estate Scripts

Using tried and tested real estate scripts is another great way of prospecting. Whether you use your own scripts or someone else’s, you’ll eventually start saying the things that you know will work. However, when you use other agents’ scripts, it eliminates the trial and error process. This enables you to see the desired results more quickly. So don’t discount it before you try.

Check The FSBO Listings

For-Sale-By-Owners or FSBO Listings indicate which houses are listed for sale and where. This list can easily become your main source for leads as the owners here are clearly ready to sell or people whose listing has been sitting for a while. You can call these listings and convert them into leads with some effort and dedication. Despite what many believe, FSBO listings can make great prospecting opportunities.

Check Expired Listings Too

Real estate agents should focus their lead generation activities on the listing side. Just like FSBO listings, expired listings can also become great lead generation sources. Some of the owners of these listings may still want to sell their house or want to look for a better agent. You can call these listings and see if any of them would like to work with you. There’s a good chance of you getting more listings than you thought you would.

Reach Out To Your Network Regularly

A good place to start building a network is letting your friends and family know you are a real estate agent. However, this is not enough. You should reach out to your sphere of influence regularly for them to remember you. Reach out to your past clients regularly and show them your appreciation. Also, try to meet or call people in your network as often as possible.

While prospecting it is inevitable that you will face rejection more often than not. However, don’t take it personally. This is part and parcel of real estate prospecting. Take feedback from as many people as possible and try to learn where you went wrong. Some hard work, diligence, and good humor along with the above tips for prospecting can help you more and more real estate clients.

20 Helpful Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Jess
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0
20 Helpful Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Looking to buy a home for the first time? You are probably very excited as well as anxious about this big leap! Buying a home for the first time often seems like a daunting and time-consuming experience. A home is probably the biggest investment you’ll make. Hence you might feel the pressure to get it right. Buying a home for the first time requires patience, flexibility, and thorough research. And with all the different factors and details to consider, you can quickly feel overwhelmed. A bit of preparation can make the buying process seem much less scary. It’s time to figure out where to start the search and what to expect from the buying process itself. Here’s a handy list
of tips to help you get through the buying process smoothly so that you get the home of your dreams.

Know What You Can Afford

 

When buying a new home it is most important to know your limits. Find out what amount you can afford to pay for your home. Calculate the overall monthly payments including taxes, interests, insurance, association dues, etc. Look at the monthly payment as well as other expenses like repair, maintenance, etc. and then make an informed decision on “how much house can I afford with my income“.  Before you get emotionally attached to a beautiful house, please check your budget and study the factors in your monthly mortgage payment,” said Troy Trombetta, Branch Manager at a leading mortgage company in rapid city. 

Save Before You Buy

The standard industry norm is to have at least 20% of your target purchase price available for down payment. However, there are other options available in many loan programs that offer less down payment and additional premiums in monthly payment. It is still advisable to have some amount saved for the down payment to ease the process and reduce your future expenses.

Consider All Factors While Setting
a Budget

It does you no good to fall in love with a home that’s out of your price range. Before you start hunting homes, you need to set a budget and discuss it with your lender. Remember to factor in principal, interest, property taxes, and home owners insurance while calculating the budget. Be sure to budget for moving expenses, utility bills, miscellaneous expenses, and additional maintenance costs.

Make a Wish List

A great way of organizing your search is to make a list of what you like and don’t like. Your list should include all your must-have features and deal-breakers. It should also have things that you want to have but are not a deal-breaker. It is a starting point which narrows your search. However, it is not definitive and can change during your search.

 Keep an Open Mind

Despite the wish list, you should keep an open mind while looking at homes. Even if you like a home, consider all the factors before deciding on it. The First thing you must have in mind is how to choose the right neighborhood. Also be open to repairs and maintenance costs, etc. Bounce ideas off your realtor or agent. Keeping an open mind about the possibilities in a home will help you see it in a different light.

Improve Your Credit Score

A good credit score improves your chances
of approval on a mortgage. It can also help you secure a lower interest rate. Keep
your credit utilization below 30 percent and don’t open any new credit accounts
when planning to apply for a mortgage. Be sure to
check your credit score before you start speaking with lenders. Remember, when
it comes to your credit score, higher is always better!

Hire an Experienced Realtor

When you’re meeting with realtors and agents, it’s important to find someone with the expertise and experience to guide you through the buying process. Meet with at least three realtors before signing one on. Choose a realtor you trust and get along with. Your real estate agent should truly care about you and your needs and help you every step of the way.

Get Pre-approval Letter

Before you start any serious house hunting, you need to get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This letter confirms the amount you can borrow from them. It proves to the seller that you have the necessary liquidity for the payment of the closing cost. It also determines the maximum price you can afford which helps in focusing your search accordingly.

Find a Lender You Can Trust

Find a
trustworthy and responsive lender. Consult with a variety of lenders like
mortgage brokers, credit unions, and banks before committing with one. Make
sure you’re comparing all aspects of the offer, including interest rates and
any extra fees involved.  Lower fees and lower rates should not be the
only factor when considering a lender.

Do Your Research

Although your realtor guides you through the buying process, it never hurts to do a little research on your own. Learn the differences between various types of mortgages; research your preferred neighborhoods, home inspectors, etc. Don’t be shy to ask any questions about the property. Be proactive and solve all your queries before signing on the dotted line.

Evaluate Your Neighbourhood

When you have a potential home in mind, do your research on the neighborhood. Talk to the neighbors and visit the community during the day as well as night. Check the cost of living, safety and security, and car and home insurance rates in the area. Understanding these costs ahead of time, helps you stick to your budget when you’re making an offer.

Get a Second Opinion

If you find a suitable home that you like, don’t rush into buying it. Check the place thoroughly yourself and consider all factors before finalizing on a property. Better yet, get someone else’s opinion. Bring along a friend or family member you trust for a second inspection of the home. They may notice something that you previously missed.

Find Out Seller’s Price
Flexibility

Checking
the flexibility of the seller before you make an offer often helps a lot. Ask
the seller how flexible they are regarding the price and what they expect in an
offer. This way you will know when there is room to negotiate. It also helps
you avoid offending the seller with a low-ball offer which is well under the
asking price.

Home Inspection and Repair
Credits Negotiation

Don’t ever forego an independent home inspection. An inspection clues you into potential problems with the home before you move in. Inspections can uncover any serious or significant problems. This way you can ask the seller to help with some of the repairs and you can prepare for others.

 Negotiate the Offer

Once you finalize a home, work with your realtor to come up with the right offer. Make sure you consider everything and your offer is not too low. Prepare to negotiate and discuss the credits to repair or replace any items found in the inspection. You can also negotiate with the seller on having them pay for the closing costs associated with the sale.

 Get a Home Owner Insurance

Your bank
or lender will need a homeowner’s insurance to process your loan. Call several
agents to get quotes and compare all the options to get your best deal. If it’s
your first time, sit down with your agent and discuss the policy thoroughly. Most
lenders create an escrow account for you, which will automatically pay your
insurance and property taxes each year. 

Get All the Paperwork from
Seller

It is a
good idea to get all the related paperwork from the seller for any mechanical
or other significant updates made to the house. This way you will know what all
is covered under warranty and what’s not. It also helps to know who to call
when something breaks or you need some repairs done.

Ask Realtor About Expected
Closing Costs

Closing
costs typically include the realtor’s fees, the cost of appraisal and title
search, and obtaining private mortgage insurance or loan if your down payment
is less than 20%. Ask your realtor what closing cost they expect and prepare
accordingly. Also, read the documents before you sign, so you understand what
you’re agreeing to.

 Have a Cash Reserve Ready

It’s also
important to save as much money as possible and have cash in reserves that
extend well past the closing costs. This way, your wallet isn’t stretched too
thin and you can feel financially comfortable even after the purchase. You
never know when you need to fund some repairs or other miscellaneous expenses.

 Get Moving Insurance

Once
you’re ready to move, talk with several movers, and get quotes from at least
three. For an accurate quote, have the moving company visit your current space
to look at the number of items they’re moving. However, damage happens during
moves, so you need to prepare for it. Consider getting moving insurance; it’s not
that expensive and it’s definitely worth the trouble.

Home
ownership is also considered a form of forced savings as it allows you to build
equity and net worth. And while there are no guarantees, it is still a better
option for investments. So before you buy your first home, make sure you’ve
done your homework and take the above tips into consideration.

How to Hire The Best Mosquito Control Services Near You

Jess
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0
How to Hire The Best Mosquito Control Services Near You

Mosquitoes, pesky pests everybody dreads; mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting life-threatening diseases and sometimes neurological diseases. Getting rid of mosquitoes is a battle that needs to be won; ignoring mosquito infestation in your home or environment is dangerous not only to you but your loved ones.

Your pets are also not free from these blood-sucking nuisance; mosquitoes also inflict dogs with heartworms and spread diseases to livestock. The faster you take actions, the safer your home, and everyone in it will be. Several DIYs out there that are effective although not 100% effective when compared to getting a professional pest exterminator.

However, not all pest control services can provide quality services; it is the reason you need to be careful when picking a mosquito control service.

Before you make that call, here are two questions you need to ask yourself, if you do not want to be hiring and firing at the same time, also spending unnecessarily.

If you hire a pest control operator, are you guaranteed a mosquito-free home or environment?

Secondly, what should you look for when choosing a pest control company?

How to hire the best mosquito control service

Genuine answers to the question above will help you pick out the best from the lots. Furthermore, it is advisable to hire a licensed and qualified pest control company that belongs to national, state or local pest management associations.

Referral

If you are not sure, who can deliver excellent services, seek the opinions of friends and neighbours; ask them to recommend pest control companies they have successfully used.

Price vs Value

Often, we equate value to price, which is usually not the case; the highest rate does not mean the best quality. Likewise, the lowest price does not equate substandard quality. Focus more on the value, make use of other people’s review about the company, and you will get the idea of what they can bring to the table.

Contract

Moreover, before signing a contract, make sure you understand the nature of the bugs, the extent of the pest infestation, and what they are going to do to solve the problem.

Insurance

Another important fact you need to know about your prospective pest control company is to find out if they have liability insurance to cover any damages to your property during treatment. In addition, if a guarantee is given, find out what it includes, the duration, what you must do to keep it active, also, what kind of management and prevention are necessary. It is essential to remain active participants before, during and after the treatments. It helps the pest control company to understand the homeowner’s expectations and enables the homeowners to understand what their contract guarantees.

What to do while you search for the best mosquito control service near you

There are things you can do to exterminate or prevent mosquitoes from taking over your home and environment while you search for the best pest control service.

Air fans serve as one of the temporary mosquito exterminators; mosquitoes do not thrive well in windy conditions, which fan’s nozzles generate. Use air fans to deter mosquitoes in case you want to have an outdoor summer party with friends and family, but worried that those bloodsucking pests ruin the fun.

Remove all stagnant water from the yard: mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and it takes 10-14 days to reproduce, grow from larvae to adult, and then continue the cycle again. You have successfully eliminated 50% of mosquitoes in your lawn and home if you clean up stagnant water. Also, mosquito dunks and bug zappers will put mosquito infestation under control while you call a professional pest exterminator.

A guide to styling and making Dispatch your own

Jess
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0
A guide to styling and making Dispatch your own

Dispatch is a Magazine style blog for your new website. Each of its features have been designed and built using GeneratePress and WP Show Posts. As expected of a Flint Skin Site it uses Custom CSS. At over 350 lines it is recommended, but not necessary, to move the Additional CSS to a Child Theme style sheet. So lets get onto making it your own.

WP Show Posts

Without WP Show Posts plugin, this Site wouldn’t exist. Another awesome product from Tom Usborne, WP Show Posts does exactly what the title says. Anywhere and everywhere in the case of Dispatch. So much so there is a dedicated page to explain its uses here.

Social Icons – Desktop

The Lightweight Social Icons widget has been added to the Header Widget. It only displays on Desktop as the Widget has the hide-on-mobile and hide-on-tablet-classes.

Social Icons – Tablet and Mobile

They are also displayed in the Slideout Navigation. Using the Slideout Widget.

Social Icon Colors

Colors are changed within the widget.

Pagebuilders

Can I use a page builder with Dispatch?

Yes, you can if you wish. The only rule is that you need to use the Default Template for your Pages and Posts. To create a full width blank canvas template then follow these steps:

  1. Appearance > Elements > New Layout
  2. Disable Content Title
  3. Set Page Builder Container to Contained or Full Width
  4. Set Display Rules to the Pages you need a Blank canvas on.

How do I change colors?

The majority of Volumes colors are controlled by the Customizer. There are some Elements that are part of Volumes features that require CSS. This article covers where to make those changes:

How to change the Custom Colors

Logo and Site Identity

Dispatch does not have a logo, just the Site Title.
You can change the Site Branding or add a logo via the Customizer > Site Identity

Page Layout – Container Margin

Dispatch uses the Customizer > Layout > Container > Separate Containers option.
To maintain horizontal alignment the left and right padding has been removed on the desktop.

The following CSS adds left and right margin to offset the padding.


@media (min-width: 769px) {
    body {
        margin: 0 30px;
    }
}

Navigation

Dispatch uses the Primary Navigation for the main menu and Secondary Navigation displays post categories.The majority of their layout and styling is controlled by the Customizer. With these exceptions:

Menu underline on hover

The animated underline is set using this CSS. Changing the color of the bar is covered here:

How to change the Custom Colors

Secondary Navigation Location

The Secondary Nav is placed using a Hook Element as opposed to the Customizer, which is set to No Navigation. This is so the secondary navigation is dynamically placed. You will notice it doesn’t appear on the posts. It also appears below the Header Element on the front page.

More information be found on that here:

Hooks – Custom Theme Elements

I want to use the Customizer to control the navigation

Simply delete ( or Quick Edit > Set to Draft and Save ) the Magazine Grid header element to revert to the normal customizer controls.

Blog

The majority of the Blog settings are controlled within the Customizer > Layout > Blog. Of course it wouldn’t be a Flint Skin site if some custom customization wasn’t done. These comprise of re-ordering the post meta layout and fixing the height of the featured image.

To maintain a consistent style the Blog posts have been styled to match the WP Show Posts Plugin. You can read more here:

https://gpsites.co/dispatch/wp-show-posts/

Single Post – Sidebar and No Sidebar

The default setting ( in the Customizer ) for the single post includes the right hand sidebar. If the sidebar is removed, like it is on this post, then the content container is narrowed for easier reading.

Single posts container without sidebar are resized by this CSS:


body.no-sidebar .site-content {
    max-width: 720px; /* Adjust the size to suit */
    margin-left: auto;
    margin-right: auto;
}

Options to remove the Sidebar on a post by post basis can be done using either the disable elements module or the layout module:

Layout Metabox Overview

Layout Element Overview

Page Heros – Header Elements

The Hero Headers are built using the Elements module. Volumes Hero Headers are covered here:

Page and Post Heroes

Magazine Grid – Front Page

A custom WP Show Posts Grid displaying 5 posts.
More details on creating your own list for this grid and the ones used in content are covered here …… WWWW ……

The Header Element contains just the WP Show Posts Shortcode. And requires these two Element Classes: wpsp-grid wpsp-card

Single Post

The single post uses template tags for dynamically displaying the Post Title, Category, Date and Author. The Post Title is set as the H1 and it uses the featured image for its background.

Background Image Inset Shadow

To improve readability an inset shadow is cast on to the background image. This uses the Element Classes field. To add the shadow to a new page header just add the overlay class in that field. Likewise you can remove it from this Header Element to disable the shadow.

Archives Header

This simple header places the archive title above the secondary navigation.

How to Clean Windows: 10 Ultimate Tips

Jess
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0
How to Clean Windows: 10 Ultimate Tips

In case you’ve ever methodically cleaned windows for your residence, top to bottom & left to right, you’ve surely encountered the immense pleasure when you’ve spotted so much more sunlight striking into your home. You will notice that your home is instantly transformed into a brighter and more positive space right away when you have super polished and clean windows.

But getting back to the reality states that no one really loves cleaning windows do they? Well, you don’t have to like it while doing it, but trust me on it that you’ll love the outcome of precisely clean windows. Take this job as many of your other weekend household tasks like doing laundry or DIY plumbing and you’ll feel the instant achievement when you’ll have your windows cleaned. By you.

Just a handy tip, Springtime would be the perfect season to get the job done if you haven’t get your hands dirty cleaning windows in a while. Before you clean windows, be practical here about which windows you can clean yourself. Remember, you don’t need to play a hero and end up your next 2 months in the bed having your bones fractured.

In this article, we’re going to draw your attention to a few simple but essential techniques to get smear free windows at home. Doesn’t matter if it’s a stubborn spot or a greasy stain, these techniques will solve your problem.

So, without further due, let’s get into it and get ready to be amazed while using it yourself.

It’s required to pay attention to these simple things before you start cleaning your windows and make it shine like the brightest day on earth.

1. Cleaning Stubborn Smear, Awkward Stains:

Outdoor windows are specifically vulnerable to stubborn stains as they are unprotected to heavy rain, hard waters,

Outside windows are especially liable to stubborn stains as they are uncovered to rainwater runoff, minerals, bird do-dos, and other stuff that can splatter on dirt and leave muddy spots. There are few tricks that can come handy while removing smear spots on inside-outside windows.

Get yourself a mineral deposit removing cleaner, Dip a sponge in it and rub at the stain spots gently on the windows. Splash the area using water first and go with the regular cleaning.

You can also use pure vinegar by spraying it on the affected portion and leave it to get soaked for least 8-10 minutes. A sponge or a soft cloth can be your real friend in this situation.

You can work with oxalic acid if you make a paste with water. Put some of it in your cleaner and the rest in your the affected portion and give a good rub. Splash away the paste when the stain gets thin and soft.

Got a grainy stain on your windows which you can’t wipe off rubbing? Have no fear. Use a razor to rake them off. Be careful though as you wouldn’t want any grumpy razor scratch on your window.

2. Remove Unnecessary Stickers:

remove stickerYou might have kids in your home who did fancy decorating your windows with cute stickers or bird repellant owl decals. You probably couldn’t figure back then how difficult would that be to remove the adhesive substances from the windows in future.

However, don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. Get yourself a plastic scrubber with the sharp edge, a spray bottle full of water and you are good to roll.

Let the stickers soak the water for a few moments.

Put firm pressure while holding the scrubber against the windows making a 60-degree angle. Go up and down from upside down of the sticker while scraping your way off directional.

Wipe off the excess water with a towel when you think you’re happy with the result.

3. Wash the Screen after Removing it

You’ll have to clean your windows screen everytime you clean your windows almost twice a year. It’s applicable for both inside and outside windows. Don’t forget to vacuum the unworthy dust and dirt after removing the screens.

You can use a water sprayer and gently spray the screen before and after you’re done wiping it.

Have yourself warm water and mix it with a splash of vinegar. Dish soap will work fine as well. Use a clean cloth or sponge dipping into that mixture and wipe the screen with it. Let the screens air dry before you replace them.

4. Mop off the Dirt and Mud from Outside Windows

garden hose

Outside windows are subjects to catch all sorts of smut, dirt, and other polluting materials. You’ll need to use a garden hose to cleanse off the smudges from the panes in case you have really dirty windows.

A lint-free cloth and water can really come in handy to rinse away the dirt if you don’t have the flexibility to use a hosepipe.

5. Did you Forget to Vacuum inside Windows?

Make sure you vacuum all parts of corner areas on the windows. start cleaning inside windows, Put a large towel in front of the window to catch spills to avoid unwanted hackle. You can’t just let the dirt spreading everywhere while cleaning. When you do it, you’ll have to make sure that you’re doing it right.

6. Choose your Supplies and Tool Smartly:

You must gather these few things if you want to perform a primary but effective job to clean windows:

Squeegee or scrubber or sponge

A bucket full of water or water sprayer bottle

Rubber wiper or towel for drying

Save inside floor using large carpets or towel

7. Make your Windows smile by Cleaning Solution

bucketAlthough there is a huge variety of cleaners available in the market to clean windows, while according to most experts, a primary water and dish soap mixed solution can do the job more than good. A paper towel or newspaper is good enough to just move mud. You make this mixture to make your windows look cleaner.

6 liters of water with one teaspoon of dishwashable liquid.

Equal parts water and white vinegar if you’re making the mixture in a bottle.

15 grams of cornstarch streaks prevention plus 70 ml of rubbing alcohol and vinegar and 500 ml of water.

8. Clean windows Smart & Quickly

tall windowsThe windows which have multiple panes are likely to be treated by a sponge where a scrubber can be useful for large picture windows. Soak your sponge into the bucket full of mixture. Twist off the excess water, rinse down the whole window and be sure to reach all the corners.

You’ll have to use an extension pole with scrubber attached on it to clean the high outside windows.

Do not move on to the next one before the previous window you cleaned is dry. If the scraper whimpers a lot while washing or drying the windows, use a little soap with the water.

9. Wipe off the Extra Water 

To prevent streaks on windows and get clean windows, look out for dripped or spilled water or water running down the windows wipe the area dry with a spongy cloth, lint-free fabric.

You can use a different piece of rag or fabric to wipe off the water from the window sill. This will prevent damage to the frame.

10. Make the Windows Dry to Add Extra Shine

dry clothMake your way from top to bottom through the windows with small panes by using a rubber blade on the scraper and rinse away the water vertically. Horizontal stroke is a smart choice for pictured windows. Cross over your previous stroke by a few inches every time you dry the blade with a lint-free piece of cloth for each stroke.

Prevent your windows from getting streaks by purchasing a good quality scraper with a sharp-edged rubber blade in it. Make yourself always ready with a streak-free window cleaning solution. Rubber blades are subject to replace as it gets blunt after using multiple times. Once it’s dull, it will start leaving streaks. While rubbing the window gently with a rubber blade make sure that it is always touching the window.

After you’re done washing the windows, you’ll be amazed by seeing how much extra sunlight is brightening your home interior. Think about the feel, just go for it thinking as it’s one of your weekend DIY projects. Mark my words. You will not regret it.

Happy cleaning!

Ultimate Property Investment Guide: Choose the Right Investment

Jess
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0
Ultimate Property Investment Guide: Choose the Right Investment

If you are looking for an extra income source and you are interested in property investing you will be interested in reading this Property Investment Guide. This Right investment guide will give you tips on how to be successful in property investing.   There are things to look for and be aware of. It is important to not jump into property investing without knowing what to expect and what not to do.

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