Protect Your Home from These Common Weather Issues
If you’re a homeowner, your home is most likely your biggest investment—maybe even the biggest of your life. It goes without saying that protecting that investment is a priority. And when inclement weather comes your way—particularly weather like cold temperatures, rain and high winds—it can do a number on both your home’s exterior and interior. In order to make sure your home is protected from harsh weather, Team Stiles brings you a list of common issues to be aware of, as well as tips on how to maintain your home’s condition. Roof Roofs often take the brunt of inclement weather. During winter storms, for example, winds and ice have a way of working into a roof, filling the gaps between the shingles with water. During an ice dam—which is when melted snow slides down the roof and freezes on the roof’s edge—water is driven under the roof. This not only harms the shingles, but it can also cause major leaks and water damage. Thunderstorms during the spring bring heavy rain and wind, which can also do a number on your roof. If you experience problems with your roof after harsh weather conditions, it’s essential to bring out a professional to inspect it, especially if you ever plan to sell the home. And if you live in a highly competitive market, maintaining your home and making any necessary repairs is even more important. A roof in disrepair is a bargaining chip for buyers, so unless you’re prepared for a price drop, you’ll want to address problems before listing your home. Siding Like the roof, a home’s siding is its first line of defense against the elements. During harsh weather, siding can be damaged in several different ways. For example, wood, vinyl and aluminum siding can all be dented or cracked by falling tree limbs or large hail. Also, any places on wooden siding where paint has peeled are subject to rot during times of heavy rain. This is because moisture can quickly set in and spread in those places. The cost for siding repairs varies greatly, depending on the extent of damage and type of siding, but it’s important to get it repaired promptly or else it can compromise the condition of your home. Foundation A home’s foundation develops hairline cracks over time as the home settles. The tiny cracks can fill with water when it rains during the spring and summer. During the winter, however, water freezes and expands, causing the cracks to widen. Since the foundation is a critical structural element of any home, damage to the foundation should be addressed as soon as possible to help prevent severe structural problems. Pipes Coming into some colder weather, frozen pipes could be another serious matter. When a pipe freezes, it’s typically not as simple as calling a plumber out for a quick fix. Even the smallest of cracks in your water pipes can result in flooding, structural damage and mold. Here are a few ways to protect your pipes during winter:● Learn about local plumbing companies on a site like Angi so that you can have a reputable plumber on speed dial should a disaster strike.● Disconnect all your garden hoses from outdoor faucets before.● Make sure all pipes in the crawl spaces and attic are heavily insulated.● Consider using heat tape or heat cables to wrap pipes.● Set outdoor faucets to drip warm water overnight.● For any pipes near exterior walls (e.g., under sinks or appliances), open the cabinet doors periodically to let in warm air.It’s a simple truth: Weather can wreak havoc on your home. Be sure to keep an eye on your home during times of harsh weather—particularly the roof, foundation, pipes and siding. If you run into any problems, call a professional as soon as you can to remedy the situation and preserve your biggest investment. Taking care to protect your home will help you to save money in the long run and allow you to sleep soundly at night. Photo Credit: Pixabay
Understanding When Your Parent Needs Help
Raising a family and building a career can relocate you to various parts of the country. Your parents may have done the same thing in their younger years, but now they are at retirement age, slowing down, and may even be alone. Taking care of a big home and property is more difficult, and you may be noticing more weeds, taller grass, and a dustier house when you visit. If alarms start going off, take time to understand the signs that one of both of your loved ones needs assistance. Signs Mom or Dad Needs SupportAdditional signs that indicate your parent or other special senior isn’t able to keep up include a decline in usually meticulous grooming and hygiene status. You may also notice weight loss, change of eating habits, clumsiness, missed doctors’ appointments, or confusion with medications. Since some medications can hinder concentration, cause blurred vision, or slow response time, driving may become unsafe and stressful. This can cause your loved one to skip appointments and delay shopping for necessities. Ways to Provide AssistanceSitting down with Mom or Dad and respectfully talking about these concerns is the first step. Ask questions and offer your guidance in how to get assistance as aging progresses. Discuss options of downsizing, assisted living, or your moving to live nearby locally. Simplification of Living ArrangementsOne study shows that by the year 2030, baby boomers will cause 26 million homes to go on the market. Downsizing or moving into assisted living can help simplify life for seniors. To prepare, donate and sell furniture and collectibles that won’t make the move. Pack and label boxes with an itemized list for easy unpacking. If you cannot be around to do this packing and unpacking for your parent, look into hiring a moving company that offers senior services. Senior movers specialize in these tasks as well as the transfer of utilities, internet, and mail. Relocation to Provide AssistanceIf moving to be near your loved one locally is the better option, begin your search to purchase a new home. Talk to a lender located in Greenwood, Indiana, to get pre-approved. Lenders take a close look at borrowers’ debt-to-income ratios. You can compute this by adding up monthly debt payments you make and dividing the sum by the gross income received each month. This helps determine your maximum monthly mortgage payment. The pre-approval amount gives you a realistic approach in searching for homes and an advantage when putting in an offer to purchase. Once that is established, contact a reputable local real estate agent to begin looking for a house that meets your specific needs within your target price range. Team Stiles can relieve you of the time needed to search and enable you to relocate quickly. Benefits of Living Within ReachLiving local gives you more insight into your parent’s daily necessities and provides social interaction for you both. Research shows that loneliness and isolation are linked to various mental and physical conditions. Being a caretaker to one or both parents ensures they are getting to doctor appointments, and you can keep the family home maintained, pick up groceries and run errands if needed. Securing the safety and health requirements of your parents as they age is the best way to give back for the years they gave to you. Being respectful of Mom’s or Dad’s needs and working together to maintain an independent and safe environment can be rewarding for you and those you love. Written by Claire Wentz Image via Pexels
Operating a Business While on the Move
According to statistics, more than half of U.S. businesses have a base in the owner’s home.Many popular companies started as home-based businesses, like Apple, for instance. If youare considering starting a home business, this should be inspirational. However, it’s not always an easy task to undertake, and it does help to be fully prepared forit in terms of knowledge and expertise. For many, continuing education may just be theticket to success. This is especially true if you’re offering a specialized service like an ITconsultancy or want your business to truly thrive. There are, of course, other factors to consider when choosing a home to incorporate intoyour business. Here, Team Stiles shares a few. LocationThink of how the location links to other institutions and resources such as banks and shops.It’s important to consider how often your customers visit these institutions. The locationyou select should be easily accessible to your clients. Another aspect to look into is how busy the area is during peak and off-peak hours.Depending on your line of business, a busy location can be beneficial or detrimental to yourbusiness. For instance, heavy traffic outside your business can discourage potential clients.On the other hand, a lot of foot traffic brings more people closer to you, increasing yourchances of getting discovered. Find out the peak hours and establish how it relates to yourbusiness. Team Stiles is the expert in Greenwood and its surrounding areas, so make sure to makethem a part of your home search. FinancesRegardless of the amount of money at hand, you need to develop a budget plan for yourhome to avoid unforeseen challenges. Decide the best method of payment for the newhouse, depending on the amount you have. You can make a one-off payment to avoidinterests that come with loans or use installments to save some money to channel into yourbusiness. If you’re using installments, examine your income statements. This will let youknow whether you can afford to cover living expenses after moving to the new place. You can seek help from financial advisors or credit consultants to help you make thedecision. If you need financial help, determine the type of financial institution you’ll use.Some institutions specialize in housing loans and, therefore, offer flexible paymentinstallments and considerate interest rates. Check Your Credit ScoreChecking your credit score helps you know the financing options you have. Lenders use it toestimate the loan pricing and your ability to pay back the mortgage or loan. A good credit history increases your chances of getting the financing you need. You’re able to get betterterms, flexible monthly payments, lower interest rates, and lower total interest. Create a Housing BudgetHaving an achievable budget for your new home gives you an idea of what you can affordand how much your total costs will be. Besides the purchase price, you should factor inadditional long-term expenses to see what’s within your reach. Some of the expenses notcovered by the purchase price include licenses and permits, homeowners’ association fees,and maintenance costs. Establish the maximum amount you qualify for, and figure out how much to set aside for thedown payment and maintenance procedures. You should include closing costs andemergency maintenance costs as well. Shop for a MortgageHaving a preapproval for a mortgage is essential when making an offer on the house. Selecta minimum of three lenders or mortgage brokers to raise your chances of getting lowerinterest rates. Consult experienced mortgage personnel to help you understand the options you have andthe total costs you’ll incur. Team Stiles can also point you in the right direction, from start tofinish. Get in touch today. 317-883-9461 Written by Suzie Wilson http://happierhome.net/ image via https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-flat-screen-computer-monitor-on-white-desk-4258192/
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