by mwonfor | Apr 29, 2022 | Community, Homeowners, Safe and Healthy Home
Homeowners are surprised to learn that intruders often enter through the front door. Protecting a home is just as important as maintaining it. With better security options, you can protect your home from break-ins. Here are a few tips to improve front door security.
Improve Front Door Security
One of the most effective ways to strengthen an entry against break-ins is to reinforce the door frame and install a deadbolt that reaches further into the frame than a standard lock. To further boost security, install a smart lock that sends alerts when the door opens and lets you lock your door remotely.
Security hinges are a simple and efficient upgrade to your front door security for those with outswing doors. An intruder cannot open the hinges from outside without proper tools.
Renovate your entrance by replacing the door with an enhanced solid core version. A solid core door adds weight and extra strength. A stable door prevents intrusion and is excellent for safeguarding against the elements.
Non-Invasive Security Options
If you’re looking for a less permanent solution, defend your home with a horizontal security bar. Unlike a traditional barricade, drilling holes into the wall is unnecessary. A security bar fits any standard door opening and is not complicated to install. These blockades are handy for rental homes and apartments where modifications might cost you your security deposit.
A video doorbell is a fantastic way to monitor your front door. They are easy to install and use. Video doorbells are available as a single unit or a system that allows you to monitor multiple locations. This smart technology will enable you to monitor your home’s entrances from anywhere you have access to a smartphone.
Motion-sensing lights detect movement at the front door. These lights automatically turn on and can deter would-be burglars. Because many break-ins occur after dark, motion-sensing lights provide peace of mind while you’re asleep or away.
Regardless of what components you use to secure your home, options exist for your specific needs. There are many possibilities to protect your home, from deadbolts and motion lights to new hinges and smart security.
American Home Inspection Services provides inspections to customers in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to schedule our services.
by mwonfor | Mar 31, 2022 | Community, Homeowners
Selling a home involves a lot of planning and decision-making, which can sometimes make it hard to know where to start. Here are five tips to sell your house quickly and at an excellent price.
Order a Pre-Listing Inspection
Before putting your home on the market, order a pre-listing inspection. This type of inspection typically costs a few hundred dollars, but it is a wise investment. A professional home inspection reveals underlying issues that may affect your chances of selling the house. If you are not aware of these issues, you cannot make repairs or price the home accordingly. Major problems with a property may deter buyers after they tour the house and order an inspection.
Hire a Professional Realtor to Sell Your House
Selling a house can be complicated, especially if you haven’t done it before. This is why it is helpful to hire a real estate agent whose track record of sales demonstrates they have the knowledge and training to market a property while representing the seller’s best interests. Make sure your agent is familiar with your neighborhood and understands the local housing market.
The real estate agent lists the home, does most of the paperwork, reviews the buyer’s offers, communicates with the buyer’s agent, and handles the negotiations and closing details.
Choose the Best Time
The best times to sell your house are summer and spring since families want to move before the school year begins, and the nice weather makes home inspections and viewings easier. However, buyers can be more selective during these seasons due to increased inventory. Research how to sell your house during different seasons, and you’ll be prepared for all weather conditions.
Talk with your agent about when you prefer to sell and determine the best time to list the property.
How to Sell Your House: Price the Property
Pricing your home is a critical step that requires research of current real estate trends. Gain insight into what your home is worth by comparing the prices of other similar houses in your neighborhood. Taking into account the results of the pre-listing inspection, work with your agent to price the home. The better condition your home is in, the more offers you will get, and the easier it is to negotiate the price. However, the asking price must be fair and accurate.
The Drawbacks of Selling Your House on Your Own
In a “For Sale by Owner”(FSBO) listing, the owner supervises and manages all parts of the transaction. You will not have to pay a listing agent’s commission since you are doing the work yourself. As the seller, you determine the asking price, handle the marketing, negotiate with buyers, and navigate the contracts and paperwork on your own. Without professional representation, you risk your home sitting on the market and getting less favorable offers.
American Home Inspection Services provides inspections to customers in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to schedule our services.
by mwonfor | Mar 4, 2022 | Community, Home Maintenance
Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality. If you’re unsure how to make the most of your tiny kitchen, here are some suggestions. There are many clever ways to manage your compact food preparation area, with space-saving techniques and innovative design ideas for small kitchens.
5 Space-Saving Ideas for Small Kitchens
These five space-saving hacks will get you started creating a more functional kitchen that looks trendy and is an enjoyable space to prepare your meals.
Use More Wall Space
While you may be limited to the number of cabinets and drawers you can have, you most likely have lots of empty wall space where you can store your utensils. One of the most accessible ideas for small kitchens is to mount hooks on the wall where you can hang your bulky pots and pans. This hack could save you a whole cabinet’s worth of space and make your cooking tools much easier to access, too.
Install an Island
You may assume a stylish kitchen island is not an option when you have a tiny kitchen, but this is not necessarily the case. Kitchen islands are a very efficient space storage system and double up as a breakfast bar. If you have no space for a dishwasher along the walls, run power and plumbing to your kitchen island and install one there.
Remove the Kitchen’s Door
If your kitchen is a separate room, it may feel claustrophobic being a space so small. However, you don’t have to knock down the walls to solve this problem. Instead, you might find that simply removing the door is enough to open the room up and give it a more spacious feel.
Use Larger Floor Tiles
Many people assume that small tiles work better in compact rooms, but this is not the case. Instead, larger tiles give an illusion of a bigger space, plus there are fewer grout joints to clean. Therefore, we suggest choosing large tile size for smaller kitchens.
Use Collapsible Furniture in Small Kitchens
One of the most efficient ideas for small kitchens is to use collapsible furniture. While this might not sound like the most stylish idea, nowadays, there are tons of trendy collapsible tables that can help you maximize the use of your space.
This type of furniture is super beneficial for small kitchens that double up as dining rooms. If you don’t have the space to have a dining table out at all times, an extendable one will allow you to fold it down when it’s not needed.
American Home Inspection Services provides inspections to customers in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to schedule our services.
by mwonfor | Feb 7, 2022 | Community, Home Maintenance, Homeowners
If you enjoy updating your living spaces, here are a few ideas for DIY home improvement. Customize your home and boost its functionality inside and out with these projects.
Add Color with Paint
Whether you choose to paint the trim, doors, or the entire room, painting is a DIY home improvement that can completely change your environment. If you want to add color to complement the furniture or the walls, paint the trim or crown molding in the room. To make your home stand out in your neighborhood, paint the front door a bold new color.
You’ll find sample cards at your local home improvement store so you can compare colors with the furniture and décor of your home. To make a room seem larger, use lighter colors such as a cool grey, taupe, or white. Lighter colors also make a room feel brighter, enhancing natural light from the windows.
DIY Home Improvement: Storage
It can feel like there is never enough storage space in most homes. Install floating shelves, build an entryway bench, and use furniture that has cabinets and drawers built-in.
You can customize shelving to fit the nooks and crannies around your home. Organize the mudroom with a bench, cubbies, and hooks to store umbrellas, jackets, hats, and car keys. Purchase or construct furniture that can be used as additional storage. You can find plans for ottomans, benches, and window seats that open so blankets, magazines, and children’s toys can be stashed inside.
Personalize Outdoor Spaces as Part of Your DIY Home Improvement
If you have a patio or a deck, this is a great space to test your DIY skills. Sand the wooden decking boards and apply a fresh coat of paint or stain. If you notice boards that are warped or rotting, replace them.
Another idea to improve your outdoor space is to build a pergola. This is a simple structure that adds shade over a deck or patio. It provides a place to relax on warm, sunny days. Pergola kits are available online or at your local home improvement store. These structures are easy to build, and the kits include thorough instructions.
Water Filters
Installing a water filter is an easy project to promote wellness at home. A filter provides clean, refreshing water and reduces plastic bottle waste. You can install water-filtration systems under the sink or directly onto the faucet. The most accessible style of filter is a simple pitcher that removes contaminants and can be stored in the refrigerator. These are inexpensive and effective and don’t require installation.
American Home Inspection Services provides inspections to customers in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to schedule our services.
by mwonfor | Jan 7, 2022 | Community, Home Buyer
Use the Internet to Find the Perfect Home
Finding the perfect home is easier now than ever before. The internet gives house hunters access to countless number homes with the click of a button. While this means that you will have plenty of results for your online home search, it can also be overwhelming. Here’s how you can find the right house without scrolling endlessly.
Choose the Right Website
When you are starting your online home search, make sure that you are using a reputable site. Ask your real estate agent for recommendations or make sure the site you’re using has up-to-date listings. It is disappointing to find a house you are interested in only to find that it has been sold and is no longer available.
Think About Your Top Priorities When Conducting an Online Home Search
Keep in mind that your new house won’t have every feature you are looking for. Start your online home search by thinking critically about what your top priorities are to avoid wasting your time.
Priorities include the need to be close to work, a large landscape for gardening, or a home with lots of amenities. Define these needs ahead of time and you will be able to better identify homes that meet your criteria.
Do Research on the School System
If you have children, researching schools will be a key part of your online home search. Some websites display school ratings on the search pages, but you might want to read reviews and check out the school system website. Even if you do not have children, school quality often affects home values and the neighborhood.
Consider What Type of Home You Want During Your Online Home Search
Some families have a strong preference for a new construction home, while others are interested in skipping realtor fees and searching for homes that are for sale by the owner.
Consider the pros and cons of each type of home and whether or not you have a preference about what you’re looking for. Remember that even if you buy a new construction house, you should still work with a home inspector before your final walk-through to ensure that it is free from defects.
Be Honest About Your Price Range
Buying a new home is expensive, and the price might end up much higher than the listing if several buyers have bid on it. Be realistic about your preferred price range and the maximum amount that you’re willing to spend.
Just because you get pre-approved for a certain amount of money doesn’t mean you should take out the full amount. Sit down and work through your budget with your family as you prepare to start your online home search. This way you won’t waste time on houses outside of your budget.
American Home Inspection Services offers home inspections and other services to Southeast Michigan. If you’re buying a home, contact us to request an appointment.
