Today’s tile trends extend so far beyond their traditional use as a staple of bathroom design that you may not recognize them. While once the most attractive and innovative tiles had to be imported, contemporary handcrafted tile and stone products for home design are now being made right here in the United States.
Homeowners and interior designers alike are always seeking distinctive visual touches to make each home special. Here are five ways tile design can enhance a room.
Elevate small spaces.
Use tiles interchangeably to create a unique design. The Ann Sacks Radius Collection by designer Barbara Barry has five distinct modular designs that can be used independently or combined to create patterns to delight the eye. Creative use of a variety of tile shapes like these can easily elevate small spaces such as baseboards, fireplace surrounds or backsplash areas in a kitchen.
Make a color statement
Whether you choose a single color or mix colors to create a pattern, the choices can overwhelm. “I enjoy the soft juxtaposition of watery blue tones, soft green tones and the neutral colors of gravel,” explained Barry. While Barry is known for her love of soft colors, you may choose colors that best complement elements already in the room. If you’re not working with a designer, consider traditional complementary color pairs when making decor choices, such as red-green, blue-orange or yellow-purple.
Create a calm mood
The latest trends in interior design reflect the desire for homes to be sanctuaries. Inspired by the clean lines, appropriate scale and exacting proportion prevalent in Midcentury Modern architectural design, Barry describes her collection as “soft modern, defined by a curved edge for a sensual feel.” Barry adds, “In this busy world, I want to come home to calm rooms and quiet spaces.” Choosing colors, lines, shapes, and scale with simplicity in mind can help contribute to a feeling of calm.
Personalize your space
Find what appeals to you, and work with a designer or manufacturer who can meet your requests. In her collection, Barry provides tools for consumers or designers to customize patterns. Designed to spark the imagination, five distinct patterns in varying scales punctuate interiors with personality. Smaller manufacturers can personalize your project with their flexibility, customizing color choices and resurrecting a retired pattern or color, or even by recreating tiles present in a home refurbishing or renovating project. Make your space your own.
Create visual interest
Choose different textures through materials like wood, glass or tile to break up an otherwise ordinary surface in a room. Radius is available in all Made by Ann Sacks matte and gloss colorways, which can be installed as a singular color statement or mixed to evoke a unique, personalized design, whether to create a captivating statement-making wall or to cover an entire floor. The choice of tile adds a textural element to a room that can’t be duplicated by any other material.
Ann Sacks fell in love with tile while on a family vacation to Mexico when she was 13 and later used that passion to create a business inspired by those Mexican tiles. She hired gifted artisans to grow her business into a true American success story. Ann Sacks, founded in 1981 in Portland, Oregon, draws talented craftspeople to create inspiring designs in tile, stone, plumbing, lighting, and accessories. These creations are traditional in terms of craft but aligned with contemporary design trends. Today, the company includes the work of 15 designers.
Whether you choose to use tile in a more traditional way in your bath or kitchen, or to elevate another space inside a home with a more innovative style, use a customized design and select colors to create a unique environment anyone would want to call home. – (BPT)
On Target Home Inspection has been providing Full Residential Inspection, Certified Move In Ready, Annual Maintenace Inspection, Investor Inspection Program, 11 Month Warranty, Platinum Protection Package, Better Than Good Package,Healthy Home Package, Lite Commerical Inspection, Radon Testing, and Sewer Scope Inspection services in Chicago, Illinois and Surrounding Areas.
When you or someone you know needs the services of a quality home inspection company, we would truly appreciate you thinking of us. Call (708) 350-9449 Today or Click To Schedule Online 24/7 Right From Our Website
For many, the holiday season means travel! In fact, millions of U.S. residents travel more than 50 miles away from home during the holiday season. Unfortunately, burglars are also aware of these holiday season travel statistics. So, here are Orland Park Home Inspections Home Security Tips for the Holidays.
While many families look forward to the holidays, it is easy to get carried away with excitement and forget to prepare your home for your time away.
There’s nothing worse than coming back from a relaxing vacation to a stressful situation at home. So it is best to be prepared and protect your home before you travel.
Home security matters
It may sound simple, but it is important for people to remember to set their home security systems to the appropriate settings before leaving for travel. Investing in a high-quality, easy-to-use security system grants the ultimate peace of mind for travelers. If you forget to arm your system before you leave, don’t panic! Some home security systems let you arm, or disarm, your system by remotely accessing it via any smartphone, tablet or computer. You can also set up alerts to remind you if your system hasn’t been armed.
You could also invest in a smart doorbell that automatically sends a text or email to you each time the bell is triggered. Take a look at your security cameras to make sure everything is OK, or have a trusted neighbor stop by. Smart doorbells can also trigger entryway lighting to give the illusion that someone is home.
Remote locks are also useful if you are planning on going away for the holidays. But still, need to allow certain visitors into your home while you’re gone. You’ll be able to lock and unlock your doors remotely and be alerted every time the door is unlocked. This means if you happen to forget your house keys you’ll be able to let yourself in when you return from vacation. If you’re leaving your teens or young adult children behind this holiday season, you can get alerts for when they leave or come home. You can even set up emergency automation that unlocks your doors if a fire is detected.
If you’re still likely to worry with a home security system, smart doorbell, and remote lock, then consider video surveillance. You’ll be able to see live video of your home from your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can sync your cameras to motion detectors so you can receive video clips of movement as soon as the sensors are triggered.
Don’t let your home look abandoned
If your home looks like it has been abandoned, that is often a green light for a passing burglar.
It’s one thing to arm your home security systems before you leave. But it’s another step entirely to make sure your home looks lived in when you’re gone. However, there are a few ways you can create this illusion:
* Ask a neighbor, friend or family member to help collect mail and packages, shovel snow and move cars. Trick burglars into thinking you are there.
* Use a smart lighting system that lets you program lights to come on at specific times each day. This is an easy way to make it look like you’re home.
For more information and tips, visit USAA.com/ADT.
Nationwide, temperatures have begun to dip as we prepare for winter storms. Whether your town is prone to nor’easters or milder winter temperatures, Orland Park Home Inspection knows it is important to be prepared for what winter brings.
This year’s colder weather has already brought an increase in the number of carbon monoxide (CO) incidents across the country. While this poisonous gas can impact individuals at any time of the year, 50 percent of CO poisonings occur between November and February, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The Silent Killer
A colorless and odorless gas, carbon monoxide is known as “the silent killer,” and impossible to detect without a CO alarm. Estimates from the NFPA suggest that there are more than 80,000 CO incidents per year. What’s more, CO poisoning is the number one cause of accidental poisoning in the United States according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.
CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose – often until it’s too late. Symptoms mimic those of many other illnesses, including nausea, headaches, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and vomiting. In more severe poisoning cases, people may experience disorientation or unconsciousness, or suffer long-term neurological disabilities, cardiorespiratory failure or death.
Carbon monoxide comes from any fuel-burning device, such as a furnace, boiler, stove, car, generator, fireplace, or cooking sources using coal, wood, petroleum products or other fuels emitting CO as a byproduct of combustion. If attached garages with doors, ductwork or ventilation shafts are connected to a living space, they can also be potential sources for CO.
Your Plan of Action
Home maintenance is also important to help keep your loved ones safe. This includes scheduling annual professional inspections for any fuel-burning appliances, such as the furnace, oven, fireplace, and dryer.
The most critical step to ensure your home is protected is to have a CO alarm. By providing protection against the deadly gas, CO alarms can make the difference between life and death. A survey from First Alert found that 40 percent of Americans do not own a single working CO alarm.
“Carbon monoxide alarms belong in every household,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. “If your home does not have an alarm, purchasing at least one today is the best step you can take toward keeping loved ones safe from the deadly gas.”
The NFPA recommends installing CO alarms on every level of the home, including the basement, and within 15 feet of all sleeping areas. They can be placed high or low in the room as the deadly gas is dispersed evenly within the air. Checking alarms regularly and following manufacturer instructions for alarms and all home equipment play an equally vital role.
Alarms
All CO alarms in your home should be battery-powered or hardwired with battery backup. To help ensure your family is protected, First Alert offers a variety of alarms. Families can choose an alarm that best suits their needs. From a tabletop alarm with a 10-year sealed battery and digital display to see detected CO levels in parts per million to a combination smoke and CO alarm for 2-in-1 protection.
Most states have laws requiring CO alarms in the home. To learn more about your local requirements, visit https://www.firstalert.com/community/legislation/.
If your CO alarm sounds, immediately go outside for fresh air and call 911. To learn more about CO safety or other home safety tips, visit https://www.firstalert.com/carbonmonoxide/. (BPT)
Thinking of adding a deck? How about replacing the tired, worn siding on your house? Now that the weather is colder, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a hot beverage and start planning. Orland Park Home Inspections’ 2019 home projects can nail the budget and settle on the look you’re after.
“Updating your home’s exterior can make an older home look more modern, but it can also make a new build feel warmer and more established,” says Kristine Swint, an in-house design expert at Royal Building Products. “Whether you plan to sell, or stay and enjoy your new features, anything you do to update the exterior can maximize the value of your home.”
Swint shares these insights and tips that will help you get inspired and plan your exterior home projects in 2019.
Think “cool neutrals” for the color story
When someone suggests a neutral tone for your exterior, do you think boring beige and tepid taupe? When it comes to vinyl siding, you may be pleasantly surprised. Discovering there’s a broad range of color and style choices to meet your taste and design preferences. Including soft grays, bolder mid-tone blues, and warm earth-toned terracottas.
“Going neutral no longer means sacrificing style, or having your house look like all the others on the block,” Swint says. “Today’s neutrals convey warmth, comfort, and closeness to nature – all traits we desire in a home.”
If you need help planning your home’s new look, the HomePlay design tool from Royal Building Products lets you experiment with different colors and siding profiles. To get started, visit HomePlaybyRoyal.com.
Bring the inside out
If you’ve decided this year is the year to add a deck or a patio, don’t settle for an uninspired open-air platform. Today’s designers are remaking the deck concept altogether by bringing traditionally “indoor” amenities outside. Rugs, arbors, and high-design furniture will turn your deck into an outdoor living room. By adding a fire pit, portable furnace or heater, you and your family can spend time on the deck year-round. For a finishing touch, a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door not only brings in more sunlight and natural views, but it also creates a seamless transition between inside and outside.
But a great deck starts with high-quality materials. The last thing you want is to spend excessive time and money on routine maintenance. Instead of using natural wood, opt for a premium composite decking. Such as Zuri Premium Decking, that combines the natural beauty of exotic hardwood with the unsurpassed and exceptionally low-maintenance requirements of composite materials. If you’re interested in learning more, visit zuri.royalbuildingproducts.com.
Make relaxation a top priority
Home is where the heart is, right? So it makes perfect sense to make it into space where self-care is a priority. That’s why wellness and mindfulness have become huge influences in interior and exterior spaces, Swint says. To turn your backyard into a retreat space. Consider amenities like water features, zen gardens or even a shaded reading nook.
Reframe the possibilities of your shed
Garages and sheds can be more than a storage space for your lawnmower and tools. These four walls hold many other possibilities. Homeowners have come up with creative, free-time-oriented uses for these simple backyard structures. The options are only limited by your imagination: backyard bar, outdoor shower, or the classic she-shed or man cave. You can even make it into a home office for those telecommuting days. To dress up a plain shed, Swint says, add siding with complementary trim, windows (and flower boxes), finished with a sleek glass door.
Now that you have plenty of inspiration to transform your home’s exterior into a more inviting space, explore your options and visit royalbuildingproducts.com. (BPT)
Orland Park Home Inspector Identifies several myths and misconceptions that exist when it comes to insurance. For example, true or false? It costs more to insure red cars.
The answer is false. Car color has no impact on insurance premiums; however, factors like your driving history, annual mileage driven, the cost of your vehicle and other things will affect how much you’ll pay for insurance.
Insurance is one of the most useful investments. You can make to help safeguard your belongings and financial assets, but it’s important to know what you’re purchasing. Here are four things you should know about auto, homeowners or renters insurance policies. Insurance ensures adequate protection in the event of an unforeseen or unexpected loss.
1. Myth: Auto insurance covers all vehicle-related issues
Most states require drivers to carry auto liability insurance. This coverage provides financial protection. If you’re found to be legally responsible for causing injury to another person or their property. It doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle. However, or items were stolen from your vehicle or damage from a storm or vandalism.
Collision insurance covers you while your vehicle is in motion and you crash into another vehicle or with a fixed object, like a pothole, guardrail or light post. This coverage is typically required by a lender when you finance a vehicle.
Comprehensive insurance is coverage that protects your vehicle when it is damaged while not in motion. Examples of this could include vandalism, theft or an act of Mother Nature like a hailstorm or fire.
“When financing a vehicle, the lender may require you to carry this coverage until it is paid off. If your vehicle is older, however, and it has been completely paid off then comprehensive insurance may not be the right coverage because a vehicle’s value decreases with age. Consider whether the savings of not having comprehensive insurance are enough to offset the risk of potentially having a large repair or replacement bill,” says Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance.
2. Misconception: Homeowners insurance protects against damage from all natural disasters
Homeowners insurance covers losses or damages to your house and personal belongings. In the event of a fire, sudden flooding caused by a broken pipe, theft and even objects falling from the sky like airplane debris. It also provides liability coverage if visitors suffer injuries on your property. It can extend to events off the premises as well like if personal property is stolen from your vehicle.
“Generally speaking, homeowners insurance is designed to help you rebuild your home and replace the personal property if it is damaged or stolen,” says Christopher O’Rourke, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “However, you may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to protect your home from floods, because these events are usually not covered by a homeowners policy.”
Homeowners should contact the National Flood Insurance Program to inquire about coverage for floods, rising tides or storm surges.
3. Myth: Renters insurance is unnecessary
Renters insurance is very affordable; however, only 41 percent of renters purchase it. And without renters insurance, you’ll have to pay out of pocket. If your personal belongings are damaged in a fire or are stolen.
“Unfortunately, your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover any of your personal belongings and it won’t provide liability protection if a lawsuit is brought against you because of a visitor slips, falls and injures themselves inside your rental unit,” says O’Rourke. “Renters may not be responsible for repairing the home they live in, but there’s always a chance their possessions and valuables will need to be replaced if they are damaged or stolen, so purchasing a renters insurance policy is a smart way to provide financial security.”
4. Misconception: Your auto insurance policy provides coverage whenever you are driving your vehicle
A personal auto insurance policy protects drivers in case they’re involved in a collision. However, there are certain situations where more coverage is needed.
“With the advent of the gig-economy, many people are turning to ride-hailing jobs, where they can be their own boss and set their own hours,” says Quinn. “Without the proper insurance, however, they’re putting themselves and others at risk if they get into a collision because your personal auto policy doesn’t cover you when you use your vehicle for commercial purposes. This includes driving for Uber or Lyft, or even pizza delivery.
“Mercury provides ride-hailing insurance, but if it isn’t currently available in your area or you’re using your vehicle to make money in another capacity like delivering pizzas, you’ll want to purchase a commercial auto policy.”
Insurance is a sound investment but can be complicated. It’s always a good idea to speak to an insurance agent. These highly trained professionals can provide expert advice and guidance to help ensure you are adequately protected. (BPT)
Short, chilly days mean more time spent indoors with family and friends. This is the perfect time to focus on home improvement, starting with finding the right door hardware. Orland Park Home Inspection tells us on how to make sure your door hardware makes the grade.
Home security is typically top-of-mind. Door hardware such as locksets and deadbolts are generally overlooked and purchasing new locks is not a simple decision. Does it need to withstand repeated, long-term use? Or heavy impact, in the case of an intruder? Does it need to be capable of withstanding certain weather conditions?
Developed by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, the BHMA Certified Secure Home label makes it easier for homeowners to find the right lock for their specific needs. Only products with this label have been rigorously certified to the highest performance standards when it comes to security, durability and finish.
BHMA is the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain these standards. Products without the Secure Home label are not assured to have been tested and certified by a third-party laboratory.
Before shopping, know what type of lock you need. Consider the following:
* How much security do you need?
* Will the door be used frequently?
* Will the protective aesthetic finish be exposed to the elements?
When you are ready to make your selection, it is important to check the ratings. Once a lock or deadbolt is tested to ANSI/BHMA standards for security, durability and finish, it is given a rating of Good (C), Better (B) or Best (A) in each area based on its performance during testing.
The rating system is defined by progressive levels of performance requirements. Be sure to select the lock or deadbolt that is rated highly in the area(s) most important to you. For example, when looking for a new interior lock, you may not require the same rating for security or finish as you would for a lock being installed on your front door.
“As the experts in the industry, we recognize that it isn’t ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to hardware for the home,” said Ralph Vasami, the executive director of BHMA. “Every household has a different need. The Certified Secure Home label not only makes it easy for homeowners. Also, they determine which locks or deadbolts have been certified. It also helps them assess which products are the best fit for their specific needs.”
To learn more about BHMA Certified locksets and deadbolts, or the BHMA Certified Secure Home label, watch the short video at http://securehome.org/learning-the-label/ or visit www.securehome.org. (BPT)
Orland Park Home Inspection tells how to prevent these 4 winter home problems.
When you start feeling those first hints of winter, the instinct to get ready kicks in. You may dig out your car’s snow brush, blanket, shovel, and winter survival kit and place them in the trunk of your car. The winter coats and boots come out of storage, and you may pick up some extra mittens.
But what do you do to protect your house against the hazards of winter? If you don’t take time for maintenance and winterization now, you can end up paying for it later, in the form of higher energy bills, frozen pipes or fixing a broken furnace.
Here are four common problems that can hit home during the winter and how you can ward them off.
Sky-high energy bills:
Do your electric bills rise during the wintertime? Heating your home accounts for about half of your home’s energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Combat the cold by sealing off any cracks or gaps with caulk and inspect entrances for worn or broken weatherstripping. Schedule a furnace inspection with an HVAC contractor and consider installing a smarter thermostat. Learning thermostats can remember your favorite temperatures, turning down when you leave for work, and returning to your favorite temp at the end of the day.
Water leaks:
According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage accounts for half of all property damage claims. Add winter’s freezing temperatures to the mix, and you can end up with a big problem if your home has a power outage or your furnace malfunctions.
For extra peace of mind, there’s now a leak and flood protection system you can purchase that shuts off your water main’s supply when it detects leaks – and sends an alert to your smart device. LeakSmart Snap installs in seconds without any tools or the need to cut into the main water supply line. Wireless sensors placed around the house can detect a leak or temperature changes and shut down the whole house water supply in seconds. It is compatible with LeakSmart Hub 3.0, which offers battery back-up and built-in Wi-Fi for 24/7 whole home protection.
Power outages:
When a winter storm hits, the ice and wind can break power lines and interrupt the supply of electricity to our homes. It’s not uncommon for some outages to last for days, which is why it’s always smart to be prepared.
Before winter hits, make certain your generator or other backup power source has ample fuel and is in good working order. Keep basic supplies at the ready so you can keep your family comfortable. Make sure you have extra blankets, stocking caps, batteries and fully charged power banks for your mobile phones. It’s also good to have a few gallons of fresh water and some cans of ready-to-eat chili and stew. If you have a camp stove, keep it in an easy-to-reach place, along with a fuel supply.
Ice dams:
Another thing to watch for in the winter are pools of water forming on your roof. These can be caused by ridges of snow and ice, and eventually, cause leaks to the interior of your home. Ice dams can also lead to the formation of large, pointy icicles that hang from the gutters, which can fall and injure people.
A little work upfront can go a long way toward preventing ice dams and the damage they can cause. First, make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and other yard debris, so the snowmelt has a place to go. Next, poke your head into the crawlspace of your attic and see if the insulation layer is still thick enough to keep the heat from escaping through the roof. While you’re up there, look for gaps and leaks. Finally, this is an appropriate time to invest in a simple snow rake, so you can easily remove wet, heavy snow from your roof before the dams can start forming.
Now that you know the most common winter hazards that can hit home, you can take the steps to protect your investment and keep your family comfortable and safe.
To learn more about protecting your home, visit LeakSmart.com.
The experts at Orland Park Home Inspection have some great advice for orchestrating a move that won’t waste your time or money. Consider the following 13 Moving hacks that could save time, money and sustainability.
Changing households can be a time for new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and boundless opportunities.
But those good things tend to come after the moving process itself, which can take a lot of planning, organizing, and old-fashioned elbow grease. And many people start the process unprepared.
1. Plan
When possible, create a timeline for your move weeks or months ahead, detailing the resources, time and labor you’ll need. Establishing a written plan will save you from hurry and indecision and help ensure you’ve thought through every stage.
2. Reserve
Reserve your rental truck at least two weeks ahead, choosing the size that corresponds to the number of rooms in your home. For the greenest choice, pick an environmentally conscious company like Penske that ensures up-to-date emission-control technologies, optimal tire inflation, recycled packing materials, and fuel-efficient diesel engines.
3. Tools and Equipment
Think about renting or borrowing helpful moving equipment such as dollies or furniture sliders. Such tools can reduce your risk of injury as you load and unload your bulkiest belongings.
4. Recycle
Recycle (and save on transport costs) by minimizing your unwanted belongings through garage sales, online sales, donations or giveaways to friends. These days, many services come directly to your house to whisk away your unwanted items. Find approved electronics recycling centers through the EPA.
5. Packing
Start packing as soon as you can, beginning with infrequently used items – perhaps those stored in your garage, basement or attic. Spending an hour or two a day can make the overall job seem less grueling.
6. Label
Prepare for the eventual unpacking process by pre-labeling boxes by their contents and intended room. You’ll thank yourself later.
7. Organize
In addition to using cardboard boxes, utilize packing space inside your own dressers, chests, baskets, wastebaskets, suitcases, duffel bags and other household containers.
8. Protect
To cushion breakable belongings, optimize your own blankets, pillows, linens, clothing, and tarps in addition to bubble wrap and packing blankets.
9. Repurpose
Non-breakable items such as clothing can be packed in large garbage bags that can fill odd spaces in your moving vehicle then be repurposed after your move.
10. Strategy
Map out a strategy for packing and loading your large and/or unwieldy possessions to optimize space. For example, your heaviest items should go in the back of your truck, and you might wish to strap in vertical “walls” of boxes and upend your couches vertically. Remember to load your most frequently needed items last and keep crucial items such as financial documents in your front seat.
11. Safety
To safely and efficiently move appliances, carefully read your owners manuals and do prep work (such as defrosting refrigerators or disconnecting gas for stoves) well ahead of time.
12. Food
Pack food for your journey to your new home to avoid unnecessary breaks in unfamiliar areas.
13. Recycle
After unpacking at your new home, recycle, sell or repurpose any packing materials you’ll no longer need.
As long as you plan ahead, your moving process need not be a huge waste of time, money and resources. For more tips on conducting an efficient and cost-effective transition to your new home, contact Penske Truck Rental. (BPT)
Did you know that many police departments have a community affairs officer whose primary goal is to build a strong working relationship with the community? That means you have access to a trained safety expert who wants to give you ideas to keep your home and neighborhood safe.
Read on Orland Park Home Inspection’s eight simple home security hacks from a recent home safety evaluation conducted by a police officer.
1. Change the locks
When was the last time you changed the locks? How many previous owners have there been and how many keys have been given out to neighbors, friends, family or delivery people? You never know who has a second copy, and for less than $100 at Home Depot, you can change your locks immediately.
2. Replace outdoor light bulbs
If you don’t have outdoor flood lights, get them. If you have them, make sure the bulbs are in working order.
3. Place an alarm sign in your yard
Many would-be thieves won’t approach a house if they think it has an alarm. You can get an alarm sign online.
4. Buy an indoor camera
Cameras can capture a suspect in the act and let homeowners check the footage from anywhere. FunLux indoor cameras offer high-quality images and night vision, and they’re motion activated and affordable. You can get them on Amazon for about $25 each.
5. Get out the garden shears
Every bush outside of your windows should be below the window line, usually 2-3 feet in height, to maximize your visibility from the inside of your house to the outside, so that means you must trim your bushes. You can get garden shears at your local hardware store for $15.
6. Bake some cookies
One of the best ways to stay safe is to work together as a neighborhood. We all need to keep an eye on each other and what better way to start that relationship than with a plate of cookies?
7. Protect your neighborhood
There are many measures you can take to improve your community safety, with varying levels of affordability. Some cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and some, like Flock Safety, you can buy for less than $3 per month, per home. Outdoor security cameras, like Flock Safety, can reduce crime and prevent would-be criminals from entering the neighborhood.
8. Ask for a security survey
Officers will walk around your house, inside and out, to assess its safety and could reveal some surprising tips. They want to help, and they are motivated to solve and prevent crime.
For more information on keeping your home and neighborhood secure, as well as a free cost estimate for outdoor security cameras, visit www.flocksafety.com/securityhacks. (BPT)
New home? Home Inspection Orland Park 6 steps for preventing pests from moving in
Moving into a new home is chaotic. You’ve got decorating to do, a neighborhood to explore, and a house to keep in tiptop shape. The last thing you need in the midst of all that commotion is the added headache of household pests like ants, cockroaches or rodents. With a few tips from Terminix, you can keep your move running smoothly and ensure no unexpected pests move in with you.
Look for collecting water
Stagnant or standing water attracts a variety of pests, from nuisance wildlife to mosquitoes. It doesn’t take a lot of water, either – mosquitoes can lay as many as 100 eggs in the cap of a bottle of water. Try to reduce standing water in sources such as pots and tires, and be sure to change out your birdbath at least once a week.
Inspect for openings
Check the exterior of your new house for structural openings under doors, near windows and around utility penetrations. Any openings you find are essentially an open door to rodents and arthropods, such as spiders and millipedes. Reduce the number of pests entering your home by sealing any improper openings.
Be wary of trees and shrubbery
That flowering bush might look beautiful beside your home, but it could harbor countless pests. Note any tree limbs overhanging your roofline and any shrubbery or mulch close to the foundation of your home. These features play host to many different types of pests and having them touch your house only makes it easier for pests to enter.
Check for moisture issues
Some pests, like termites, cockroaches and carpenter ants, love moisture and are more likely to be found in damp areas of your house. Check your new home for any moisture issues. This could mean anything from a leaky roof to plumbing and seals that should be fixed.
Look for insufficient screening in key areas
While you’re checking for moisture issues, you can also look for insufficient screening around plumbing or drains. Inspect the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room to ensure all openings are properly covered. Otherwise, you could find your kitchen playing host to pests like silverfish, spiders, ants or cockroaches.
Call in the professionals
Even the most diligent homeowners may still find themselves with a pest problem too big to tackle alone. Pest control professionals trained technicians can protect you and your new home from any unwelcome guests. (BPT)
Home Inspection Orland Park: 3 Reasons Fall Is A Great Time For Roofing
Cool breezes and falling leaves are around the corner and for many parts of the country those telltale signs of fall signal the best possible season for roofing.
So what makes fall a great time for roof repairs or a full replacement?
1. Perfect weather
The same perfectly cool weather that makes fall a favorite time of year for camping and outdoor activities also makes it a great time for roofing – and not just because it’s more comfortable for the roofer. Asphalt shingles, the most popular form of roofing in the U.S., have an optimum temperature for installation. Keep in mind, the perfect roofing weather of fall can mean busy contractors.
2. Spring and summer storms
The warmth and humidity of the spring and summer months are notorious for spawning severe thunderstorms. Hail can fall any time of the year, but is most common in the spring and summer months, reaching a peak in June in several regions. High winds from spring storms can also uproot trees and snap limbs, both of which can fall on the roof.
“We always recommend homeowners hire a professional to examine their roofs, both for their safety, and to protect their roof,” said Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products, a major manufacturer of asphalt shingles.
3. Winter is coming
Depending on the area of the country, winter can bring subzero temperatures and up to 10 feet of snow. Freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, and damp weather require the roof to be in top shape to defend against these threats during the winter months. Winter can be a difficult time to roof, so leaks that show up during the winter months can take longer to fix.
“Weather is always a concern – as a contractor, I would never tear more off a roof than what could be re-shingled in one day,” said Rick Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor, now working as an industry sales trainer known as Rick the Roofer. “And if there was more than a 50 percent chance of rain that day, I waited to start the project.”
With the optimal temperatures and weather – and the need to prepare for winter – homeowners will find fall to be a great time for roofing. With a skilled labor shortage already pushing project start dates out weeks or months, homeowners should act quickly to schedule their roof project if they want it completed before winter. (BPT)