Getting into apartment flipping can be lucrative and personally rewarding. It can also be a big hassle with many complications. Being able to visualize the completed project is a must. Start with a big picture in mind and then focus in on the details that will make the property an amazing place to live.

Location is Key

Experienced apartment building investors like Steven Taylor Los Angeles know that the biggest consideration for flipping is location. A property that needs almost no refurbishment isn’t going to make you enough money if it’s in a part of town where no one wants to live. On the other hand, a junky apartment complex in a sought-after neighborhood is almost always worth the money you put into making it habitable.

Reimagine the Space

Unless you demolish the building, there is little you can do about its orientation on the piece of land. However, you can reimagine the land the building sits on. Consider moving the entrance to a less busy side street. Determine whether the upkeep and liability of a pool is worth the money or if it could be filled in and landscaped, creating a beautiful greenspace for residents. If there are several courtyards, perhaps one could be fenced and turned into a doggie play area. Hedges can be added for privacy or and overgrown areas trimmed for security. In other words, although the building stays put, the atmosphere around it can change completely.

Modernize the Property

Landlords like Steven Taylor LA know the importance of modernizing the entire property from the inside out. Often this might include updating units to be on a more efficient HVAC system. Sometimes it means replumbing. If you want to be able to ask for rent that is in line with other newer properties, you have to offer a compatible living space. If the newer units across the street advertise stainless steel appliances and covered parking, you need to up your game. Added security features like solid wood doors, deadbolt locks, peepholes and code-access gates could make your property stand out. In addition, installing engineered hardwood floors, recessed lighting and shutters (rather than plastic mini blinds) could ultimately make your renters feel like they are getting more for their money.

Becoming a landlord is ultimately about whether you can make money; however, because you’re dealing with real people and not just facts and figures, it’s also about creating a great place to live for your tenants. Finding the right balance between the two is the road to success.

The coronavirus pandemic has shown us all how important it is to be comfortable in your own home because you never know how long you’re going to be stuck there. An online remodeling platform called Houzz saw a 58% increase in home remodeling projects in June of 2020, in response to the pandemic. Here are a few reasons why now the perfect time is to do a remodel if you’ve been considering it.

Lifestyle Changes

The pandemic has an impact on so many aspects of our daily lives and the home has become more crucial than ever. It’s no longer just a place to relax and spend time with your family it’s an office, school, social club, or vacation spot and if your home is not designed to accommodate these activities it can be hard to adjust. If you’ve been forced to make a sudden lifestyle change, it may be wise to update your home accordingly, so you can feel comfortable until things begin to return to normal.

Low-Interest Rates

The federal reserve has slashed interest rates to zero, which means that most lenders will be willing to give you a cheap loan if you qualify for it. That means that now is a great time to refinance your mortgage or borrow against the equity of your home because it’s never been more affordable to do so. If you’ve thought about remodeling, you can possibly save money by refinancing your mortgage and putting that toward home improvement. As long as you make improvements that are tasteful and functional, it will increase the resale value of your home, so you will get that money back when you decide to sell.

You’re Home Anyway

If you’re going to be stuck at home anyway, you may as well use the time productively. Remodeling can be difficult if you’re busy with normal daily activities like work and watching your children. But if you’re working from home and your kids are doing virtually schooling, you have all the time in the world to supervise a home remodeling project. It doesn’t take much effort to keep an eye on the process – you simply need someone nearby to open the door for workers and contractors and be available if there are any issues or delays. Under normal circumstances, this can be tricky if you have a busy schedule. But if you’re already going to be sticking close to home, it won’t be as much of a hassle.

If you are considering a home or room remodel, visit Kitchen & Bath By Design. Renovations are major projects so be sure to select a trusted home renovation company that can get the job done right.

Waterproofing your basement is one of the best things that you can do to make your property safer. Water damage can lead to thousands in repair costs, and it’s important for you to make sure that you take preventive action to avoid excessive damage.

One of the best things that you can do is hire a local company for complete basement waterproofing in Bath. There are various companies that offer waterproofing services, so it’s best to do a bit of research before you hire one. Many of these companies also offer other services such as:

• Cellar conversions
• Bespoke carpentry
• Refurbishments

Many people dismiss basement waterproofing as an unnecessary expense. But here are some of the major benefits that you get for the outlay.

Peace of Mind

One of the major reasons why you should get waterproofing done around your house is because it will give you the peace of mind that your property won’t sustain damage quickly. Instead of having to check the basement again and again, waterproofing will ensure that you sleep easy without having to worry about excessive damage.

It’s Not That Expensive

Another one of the major reasons why you should get waterproofing done is because the cost is considerably less when compared with the amount you will have to pay for damages in case of water damage. It’s a wise idea for people who are interested in keeping their house safe from moisture damage in the long run without having to worry about urgent repairs.

If you are interested in making some fundamental changes to the interior design of your house, there are a number of things that you need to know. But, you should know that the first step is to hire a professional company for the renovation process. There are a number of different steps that you need to take if you want to renovate your house properly.

First of all, you need to make a decision about the extent of changes that you want to make. Common steps that you can take to renovate your house include:

• Repainting the walls
• Replacing the furniture
• Changing the layout of different rooms

If you want proper home renovation in Harrogate, it’s important that you hire the right people for the job. Here are a few tips to help you renovate your house in the best possible way.

Decide on a Budget

The first step that you need to take is to decide on a budget. You have to know the maximum amount that you can afford to spend on the renovation. Make sure you set a budget before you go ahead and hire a company for the job.

Get in Touch with a Local Company

Once you have a budget in mind, you can then get in touch with a local company and discuss the extent of renovation work that you can get done. If you are making structural changes to the property, it might be a wise idea to get building permissions first.

When the season for decorations come, you want to do the best you can to make your home look amazing again. Before you start doing anything, you need to find the local contractors who will do the job. You’re not skilled to build, paint, and everything else that comes with it. Click here to learn more about decorating ideas.

That’s why smart people look for contractors before anything goes into action. You should do the same if you’re planning to start your refurbishing, tearing down walls, building a new deck, or painting the outside of your house.

If you’re about to paint, you need to know that there are two different distinctions. There are exterior and interior painters. The first ones take care of the outside façade of the house, while the second ones are handling the inside walls of the rooms.

In this article, we’re talking more about how to find the right person for the job. What is it that makes them great, where to look for, and what are the issues you need to mind when searching? Follow up and learn more!

Why Yahoo

We choose yahoo for finding painters because it provides a much better view when searching. If you want to find local Yahoo painting businesses, you should type your address in the search bar and the type of painter you are looking for.

You can also go with the zip code, or area you live in. The system will display a number of options. More importantly, it will show you images and locations of the places. Something that other search engines are not going to do for you. For example, Google will only display the one they think it’s best for you. Don’t obey their wishes, and find the one you think is best.

How to find the right painter

The first thing you need to decide is what you want to be done. There are not too many painters that will do interior and exterior at the same time. You will need a team of people if you want something like this handled.

If you want both, you’re going to need to find a company that is dealing with these things. So, you need to search for companies instead of individuals. Or, you can get two different contractors.

This is going to cost you more, however. Hiring two different people for the same job is going to come with a price. They both need to travel to your place, get their own equipment, and all this costs money.

When we mentioned the travelling, it’s crucial to know that the further contractors live and work, the more money they are going to ask for. Additionally, their schedule might not be in accordance with yours, so you might need to wait for them a lot of time.

To avoid something like this, you should look for a local person or company, just the way we mentioned above. Type in your address or zip code, and see who’s working in the area. It’s always better to find someone from the neighbourhood, then from another city.

What is a good painter?

To know which one is good, you should ask their previous clients. How to find these people, you might ask? It’s easy, on the internet, of course.

There are tons of pages that provide this kind of information. The most popular one, which you surely heard of is called Yelp. It provides help with these kinds of things. Another which is more specialized in things around the home is Angie’s List.

People go there and leave their reviews. They rank companies and individuals based on their experience with them. Those working perfectly will have a higher score, which means they are a good hire. If they have a lower ranking, you should avoid them, because they won’t do a good job for you either. Click here for more: https://www.thespruce.com/hiring-a-painting-contractor-1822843.

Conclusion

It’s not hard finding the right painter for your needs. You just need to know where to look, and what to look for. If you follow the instructions here, you’ll easily find what you need. Make up your mind about what exactly is that you need, spend some time researching, and you’ll find excellent ideas.

What causes 37,000 E.R. trips a year?

Nail guns.

While nail guns are wonderful tools for quickly completing home renovations, they also pose serious risks. Used improperly, they can cause painful puncture wounds and even death. Luckily, by training yourself on proper nail gun operating procedures, you can prevent any injuries from happening in the first place!

Are you about to complete a DIY project at your house, and you want to make sure you do things as safely as possible? Then you’re in the right place! In this short guide, we’ll show you all of the top safety tips and tricks, so you can successfully complete both large and small projects in your home.

Read on to learn how to be safety conscious during home projects.

Use Personal Protective Equipment

Sometimes home renovation shows make large projects seem easier than they are. However, oftentimes, even simple projects can be dangerous if you’re not wearing the right type of safety gear. To stay safe while completing your project, you’ll need to wear a quality pair of safety goggles, along with a sturdy set of gloves.

Next, consider wearing a hard hat, even if you’re not doing a major project. Something as simple as a tool falling off a high shelf can cause major head injuries if you’re not wearing protection.

Moving on, make sure you’re wearing the right type of clothes and footwear. Shorts, or flip flops, don’t have any place in a renovation setting. Instead, you should wear long thick pants and a pair of quality work boots.

Protective Equipment for Loft Renovations

Loft renovations are a great example of a project that requires a lot of protective equipment. On top of wearing items to protect your eyes and skin, you should also wear a dust mask.

Ideally, you’ll want to look for an FFP-3 rated dust mask, to give you the best protection. You’ll also need to invest in a pair of knee pads. Last on our list of loft safety tips, you’ll also want to learn how to use crawl boards to move from one spot to the next.

Inspect Your Tools

After you have all of your safety gear in place, the next step is to inspect all of your tools. When you’re checking your powered hand tools, pay close attention to the body casing and handle. If you see cracks, or wear and tear, in the handle or casing, you’ll need to repair it before using that tool.

Trying to use a faulty power tool can cause all sorts of injuries from such as puncture wounds, and electrocutions. After you’ve inspected all of your tools, the next step is to double-check your skillset.

Are you sure you fully understand how to use each tool safely? If it’s a new power tool, read the operator’s manual thoroughly before you attempt to put your new knowledge to use.

Next, it’s always a good idea to ground your tools by using a 3 prong plug to avoid electrical shocks. YOu can even replace open front plugs with dead front plugs for added safety.

If you’re going to be performing outside work, only use extension cords that are specifically made to be outdoors. Lastly, when you’re done using your tools, keep them in a dry, safe location.

Do Your Research

Once you have all of your tools ready, you can begin researching your project. Double-check that the renovation you’re planning adheres with your city’s, and HOA’s, codes, and guidelines.

Next, find out what the weather will be like on the day you’re doing the renovation. Avoid working in rainy conditions, or on days where temperatures are so high, you could get heatstroke.

Know When to Call the Pros

Are you working on a project that requires a lot of electrical or plumbing knowledge? Whenever you feel like you’re in over your head, it’s a good idea to call in a professional company. Trying to complete a project that’s above your skillset will wind up wasting your time, while also jeopardizing your well being and safety.

However, before you hire just anyone to do the job, call around to a few places first to get comparison quotes. Finally, only work with reputable companies that have liability insurance and use home renovation contracts.

Ladder Safety Tips

Do you have a few home renovations to complete the require the use of ladders? Before you use the ladder, inspect it for any signs of damage. Pay close attention to the quality of the ladder’s feet. If the rubber on the feet is falling off, you’ll need to replace the foot before using the ladder.

Next, remember that slow and steady wins the race when it comes to using ladders. Be keenly aware of where your feet are at all times and don’t rush things, no matter how badly you may want to.

Be Alert and Hydrated

Moving on, you’ll also need to pay attention to your state of mind when you’re completing home projects. If you’ve been working on the project for a while, and you’re starting to get tired, it’s more likely you’ll make a mistake.

Instead of risking an injury, take a break and return to the project when you’re fully recharged. The same line of thinking holds if you’re tired because you had a rough night. Go take a nap and then come back to the project with a fresh set of eyes.

Lastly, remember that DIY projects are tough to work on, and you have to give your body the hydration and fuel it needs. Take frequent water breaks, and don’t skip any meals. The better you care for body and mind, the easier it’ll be for you to stay alert and focused

Keep Your Home Renovations Safe

Now you know some of the best safety tips when it comes to completing home renovations. Since using faulty tools is never a good idea, make checking all of your tools a priority this week.

Thoroughly inspect your powered hand tools, ladders, and any other items you’ll be working with. Set aside any tools that you notice need repairs, and resist using them until they’re fully fixed! For more helpful homeowner tips, explore the rest of this site.

Termites are one of the worst fears of a homeowner. Found throughout all of the United States, they can cause thousands of dollars in property damage.

You’ve probably wondered how to know if you have termites in the first place, though. After all, they get into your home through your foundation and dig deep into the wood foundation of your home.

A termite infestation can mean over 10,000 bugs crawling through your home, eating away at it.

Here are 8 signs that you might have termite problems and should call pest control as soon as possible.

1. Blisters in Wood Flooring

Blisters refer to any part of your wood flooring that has bubbled up or peeled away. Usually, this is due to moisture problems, but it’s also a sign that termites have been feeding within or underneath the floor.

You can also see a similar bubbling underneath paint for the same reasons.

Removing the wood flooring to check for water damage may surprise you by revealing a host of termites eating away at your subfloor.

2. Visible Wood Damage

One of the more obvious signs of a termite infestation is visible wood damage in your home. Wood damage can be found below or behind surfaces, such as in your walls, and you might also see it in your attic space.

The damage is caused by termites chewing through in search of cellulose, and it takes the form of long grooves. Left unchecked, these grooves can cause severe structural damage.

Termite treatment alone can cost anywhere from $220 to $911, but damages to your home could cost thousands on top of that.

On average, the repairs could end up being $500 to repair drywall, $1,050 to repair carpentry framing, and around $6,000 to clean and fix a crawl space. The sooner the infestation is dealt with, the less you’ll have to pay for repairs.

3. Termite Swarms

A good clue that you have termite problems is if you see them with your own eyes.

Termite nests can be built both inside and outside of your home, and as it turns out, termites fly. You could very well see them buzzing around.

Since termites can invade your home through your foundation, you could see flying termites leave through those same cracks or from exposed structural wood.

4. Scattered Wings

Even when you don’t see the termites with your own eyes, you can often find discarded wings. They’re usually found near closed windows, doors, and other areas where they can get in.

When termites land in your home, they intentionally twist their wings off because they’ve fulfilled their purpose. They can be differentiated from ant wings because termite wings are all the same size, while ants have larger front wings.

The location of their wings can also help you find out what direction the termites are coming from as well as help you prevent future infestations.

5. Termite Droppings

Termite droppings, otherwise known as frass, can also be found during a termite infestation. Drywood termites live inside the wood, and the excrement they make is pushed out of small holes close to the nest.

The frass tends to look like either black marks or a dark powder and resemble sawdust or wood shavings. However, if they’re spotted near small holes in your wood, then it’s a clear indicator of termites.

Take note of where you spotted frass, as termite control can use that to pin down where the main nest is.

6. Mud Tunnels

Mud tunnels, or tubes, refer to the structure created by termites to access your wooden structure.

Subterranean termites nest underground and travel to their food source. Mud tubes can be found wherever the ground meets your house, often leading to cracks in your foundation or walls.

These tunnels help provide the right temperature and humidity levels for termites to survive.

If there’s an active infestation, breaking a small part of a tunnel will reveal termites within. You can also come back a day later and see if the tunnel has been repaired.

7. Outdoor Damage

There are ways to spot a termite infestation before they get into your home. Trees are made of wood, and as such are a possible target.

Signs of termite damage in trees include small holes and wood shavings. You can use a small shovel to poke around the roots to look for discarded wings or dead termites.

One risk of an outdoor infestation is that they may eventually work their way into your home. Even if that doesn’t happen, a rotting or dead tree could collapse onto your house or cause other property damage.

8. You Can Hear Them in the Walls

As terrifying as this sounds, you can actually hear termites eating away behind your walls.

If you listen closely, it sounds like a quiet clicking noise that’s caused by them banging their heads against the wood. Termite soldiers make this noise as an alarm to warn other termites.

Worker termites also make a lot of noise when they’re feeding, and you can hear them if you press your ear against infested wood.

That’s not to say you should start putting your head against every wall in your home to figure out if you have termites, but you may notice it when you’re in bed or doing work on your home.

Getting Rid of Your Termite Infestation

Wondering how to get rid of termites? You can use some DIY techniques before reaching out to an exterminator.

Termite-killing products can be applied to the exterior of your home to kill them at the source. Boric acid on your floors and walls and termite baits can be used inside of your home.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to experts before the damage gets too severe.

Take Care of Your Home

Termites are a bigger deal than their size implies. However, as long as you keep an eye out for some of these signs, you should be able to stop their intrusion before it overwhelms you.

After the termite infestation has been dealt with, you’re gonna face the hefty task of home repair. You might as well use that opportunity to do something new to your home.

For tips and fun ideas, check out our other articles!