Bringing you tips, deals, coupons, reviews, tutorials, and DIY's to save you money! Deals so Krazy they'll put you in a Daze

Most Recent Post

Showing posts with label home improvement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home improvement. Show all posts

Thursday, January 13, 2022

What You Can Do to Reduce the Energy Use of Your Home

What You Can Do to Reduce the Energy Use of Your Home

This post contains paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising Disclosure Statement.




Let’s be honest here, we’re all struggling a little when it comes to household finances these days. The pandemic has taken a huge toll, and the impact it’s had on the job market doesn’t look like it’s going to go away anytime soon. In the meantime, it’s up to us to find ways to make our expenses fit our income. Reducing your energy bill can help, but only if you can find some ways to reduce the amount of energy you use. So what can you do?

Use Energy Efficient Appliances

So this one requires an upfront cost, but it’s one that can pay off if you’re able to swing it. Old kitchen and laundry appliances tend to be less energy efficient than the models of today. Part of this is due to increased inefficiencies that happen over time, while the other part of it is that newer appliances have been built with greater efficiency in mind. If your appliances are reaching the end of their lifespan, it’s time to start looking for newer, more efficient options. Once you have them, you can sit back and enjoy the extra savings you get just because the new appliances are using less power than the old ones.

Don’t Leave Things Plugged In

Ever heard of energy vampires? It’s the term that is used to describe things that get left plugged in and still pull electricity even if they aren’t actually being used. Phone chargers are a classic example of this. We tend to leave them plugged in all the time, regardless of whether or not we’re charging a phone. The problem is that the charger is still pulling electricity as long as it’s plugged in, regardless of whether or not a phone is charging. Unplugging appliances and electronics may not net you a ton of savings, but sometimes even a little savings here and there can help.

Add More Insulation

Your HVAC system probably has the greatest impact on how much energy you use in your home. The harder it has to work to heat or cool your home, the more energy it has to use to get the job done. There are plenty of things you can do to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. One of them is to add more insulation to your home if you don’t have adequate insulation in places like your attic, walls, ceilings, floors, and more. Insulation allows you to maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home, preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain during the summer. This means your system won’t have to work as hard, reducing the amount of energy it uses.

Use Efficient Windows and Doors

Adding insulation isn’t the only way to maintain your home’s internal climate. Windows and doors can be major culprits when it comes to the loss of heat and cool air, especially if they aren’t energy efficient. That could cost you, literally. Energy efficient entry doors save money by reducing the need for heating and cooling. Energy efficient windows can do the same. If you aren’t sure if your windows and doors are a problem, you can always have a home inspection done. Some companies use infrared thermal scanning that can identify whether or not you have a problem in these areas.

Leverage Natural Light

Do you find yourself turning the lights on during the day? If so, you could be using energy unnecessarily. Natural light can go a long way towards lighting up your home. It’s free too, which means you’re saving money on the energy you aren’t using to light your home. Feel free to open up the curtains and blinds. Because natural light has mental health benefits, you may even find that your personal energy levels improve along with your energy savings in this area.

Get Smart

Have you hopped on the smart home bandwagon yet? If not, you could be missing out on some opportunities to reduce your energy use. Smart home technology allows you to control things like your home’s heating, electronic devices, and lights remotely, enabling you to maximize your savings opportunities. Remember how we said earlier that your HVAC system has a huge impact on the amount of energy you use? With a smart thermostat you can control the settings remotely, allowing you to adjust to more energy efficient settings while you’re away and then back to your comfort level when you’re getting close to home. Smart lights mean that you won’t have to worry about leaving the lights on again either. Reducing your energy use has never been easier.

Trimming a little here and a little there off of your expenses can make a difference when it comes to trying to stretch the income you have a little further. Finding ways to reduce the energy you use around your home is just one thing you can do to help cut costs. What are some of the money-saving strategies you’ve used in your household?

Read this next: How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity


Thank you for stopping by and checking out What You Can Do to Reduce the Energy Use of Your Home. Which suggestion was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!
 
Have a great day!
No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Monday, January 10, 2022

Important Steps on the Way to Building a Custom Home

Important Steps on the Way to Building a Custom Home

This post contains paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising Disclosure Statement.



If you’ve been getting ready to start building a custom home, you’ve come to the right place. There are a lot of different steps to take and things to decide when it comes to building a custom home, and it can feel pretty overwhelming at times. However, there are some very important steps that will provide the bones and structure for your home build journey. Here are the most important steps to consider as you’re getting ready to build your custom home.

Create Your Vision

First off, you need to create a vision for the type of home that you want to build. This could include anything from the exterior structure to the interior decorations to the land that the home will be built on. Make sure that you are collecting ideas from magazines, social media, and websites to give you inspiration for your vision. Bookmark ideas that you love and create a specific folder, physical or digital, full of elements that you want to include in your home. This will help you to know how to navigate the next steps of your home build journey, and it will guarantee that you end up with the dream home you’ve always wanted.

Find Builders

Next up, you need to find builders to work on your home build. If you are building your home in a development neighborhood, chances are that the business running the development already has a team of workers that will build your home. However, if you aren’t building your home in a development neighborhood, you’ll need to find those builders yourself. It can be helpful to hire an experienced contractor since oftentimes they have building teams that will work with them on their projects. Try to find a contractor that is experienced in the specific style and type of home that you are wanting to build. This will help you to work better on achieving the vision for your home.

Look into Financing

Once you’ve found builders, it is important to look into financing. Buying a property and constructing a home can be quite expensive, and most people need a mortgage or loan to get started. Make sure that you look into the different mortgages and loans available for people building homes so that you find a plan that will be affordable and convenient for you. Your home build will be so important to you and your family, so you want to make sure that you can keep up with your mortgage and/or loan payments as time goes by.

Buy a Vacant Lot

Now that you’ve figured out your financing and have a plan for paying for your home, it is time to find the perfect spot for your home build. You need to have land or a contract closing soon to start building your home. So, it is important to search for a vacant lot that fits within your budget and that is also in the ideal setting for your home vision. The price for lots can vary based on the surrounding area and the size of the lot. However, you need to prioritize what is most important to you. A half-acre lot that is near lots of convenient stores, restaurants, and schools, will probably be more expensive than a full-acre lot that is on the outskirts of town. So, take these elements into account as you’re looking at lots and determining how much you’d like to spend on your land.

Choose Your Layout

Once you have your lot, your contractor and builders will want to get working, so it is important to determine what you’d like the layout of your house to be. If you’re building in a development neighborhood, the owners will likely have a number of layouts that you can choose from to create your ideal house. However, if you’re wanting something a lot more customizable and personal, this can also be achieved outside of a development neighborhood. As you’re planning your layout, make sure that you take into account how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need as well as hosting and entertainment space. For example, if you have a large family and want to have them over often, you might want to choose an open floor plan for your kitchen and dining area. Your layout will determine the functionality of your home.

Choose Your Materials

After you’ve determined your layout and the builders have started working, it will be time for you to start choosing the materials that you want to use in your home. This can include everything from countertops to carpets to flooring to lighting to your home’s exterior. The truth is, there are a lot of choices that you’re going to have to make when it comes to the materials of your home build, which is why it is so important to have a vision for your home beforehand. Make sure that you prioritize the materials that really matter to you, so you’re not going over budget on everything.

Add Finishing Touches

So, your home is finally finished, the builders have vacated the area, and now you are left with the empty canvas of your home to decorate. Hopefully, you’ve left enough money in your budget for furniture and finishing touches. Fill your home with furniture, decorations, and accessories that make you happy and that are personal to your family, lifestyle, and interests. This will make your empty house build into a personalized home.

Now that you’ve read this article, you know all of the most important steps that will help you to achieve your vision for your custom home. Remember, if you feel like you need additional help on any of these steps, take some time to research and find specialists that can help you to accomplish your goals. Soon, you’ll have the custom home build that you’ve always dreamed of and your family will be able to enjoy that special space together.

Read this next: How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity


Thank you for stopping by and checking out Important Steps on the Way to Building a Custom Home. Which step was your favorite? What other steps would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!
 
Have a great day!
No comments:
Labels: , ,

Monday, January 3, 2022

How to Make Your Simple Home Look Luxurious

How to Make Your Simple Home Look Luxurious
This post contains paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising Disclosure Statement.

Everybody wants their home to look lush and beautiful, but if you (like everyone not a billionaire) are on a budget, then you’re probably not planning on hiring a decorator to redo your design in the new year. But, a couple long years of a pandemic have worn upon America’s collective souls, and it’s time to update your decorations. You want something which gives the luxurious warmth your family and friends want to relax into, but also the simplistic modern design which is itself relaxing.  How can you make your simple home look luxurious?

Use Metal in Your Design

Metallics do not, of course, make luxury in and of themselves, but add an antique element to your spaces. Try metal tiles in your kitchen backsplash or add shine in bathroom hooks. Humans are genetically programmed to search for shiny things because water has that sheen, which leads to both the love of metals of all kinds and the love of other shiny items like gemstones and glass. Whether hammered bronze or copper, which are both on trend, or an aluminum industrial element, adding in metallics can create a luxury feel to your space.  

Paint With Neutral Colors

Neutrals are so much more than white and cream! Almost every color has a neutral-edged counterpart on the color wheel, which can help make any color you love into a neutral if you can figure out what to add to create the usable neutral you need. Reds, greens, and blues also have neutral variations. This gives you the chance to choose options which fit your own taste, but which are neutral in texture. Bold colors tend to visibly distract from your décor items in a room. But in contrast, neutrals give you the chance to have both rich wall color, and also the gentle colors which enhance and bring out every treasured item and picture.

Add a Pool

While you might not want an Olympic-sized pool in your yard, the addition of a pool can add a great deal of luxury to your property. If your lot is oddly shaped, or it’s difficult to access the backyard, don’t despair! Concrete pump trucks can easily reach over your fence and other obstacles on your property. This gives you the freedom of being able to add in both luxury and functionality to your yard. Make sure to budget in the safety aspects which will make sure that both children and others will be protected when not in use.

Use an Anchor Piece

When purchasing furniture, it can be tempting to go through a series of cheap pieces, all of which both feel cheap when using them, and also break down easily. The reason that vintage classics stay both classic and vintage is that they have withstood the test of time. Look for a piece which is both well made, heavy, and which can likewise become vintage. Design around such, and your home will have some pieces which can continue to add luxury over time.

Plants

What lends both luxury and oxygen to a space? Your plants need not be the more trendy, nor expensive in order to be useful to you in creating the luxurious look you crave. Try groupings of similar types of plants together in similarly styled pots, so as to have variance of texture but a rich, monochromatic look. Look for those plants which are easy to care for, in varying heights. The bonus of using plants is that you get an extra boost of oxygen and calm by using them in your spaces!

Lighting

While you’re adding metal into a space, one easy way to add both it and luxury is to change out your lighting! There are gorgeous options for adding a sculptural piece which can both make your space look luxurious without adding clutter, and also help lower the ceiling to only slightly above your viewpoint. Many modern homes have tall ceilings, particularly in living rooms and entryways, and the lighting left by contractors are generally not conducive to adding luxury! When you search for lighting, look for pieces which will add the modern feel while also offering classic design. You want something which your family can use for decades, and the next owners of the home will beg you to leave for their enjoyment.

Minimalize

Nothing says luxury like a lack of, well, mess. If your budget is strained and you want to make it possible to have a modern feel to your home, remember—less is more! Designers work hard to create a visual continuity in luxury homes by using neutral colors on walls and furnishings such as desks or bookcases, which then blend visually into the wall space. Items on shelving should be minimized, and collections placed together so that they can be more congruous. 

It can be complicated if you like to collect several types of items. Try grouping them together. As always, go through things like books, toys, blankets, knick knacks, and other items often. Collect things that you no longer use or love to give away and bless other families. By removing things that are no longer useful to you in your home, you give the option of bringing in décor items which you do indeed adore and will use happily. By removing those things which are extras- extra frames, extra books, extra furnishings—you can create a space which is peaceful to the eye, which automatically makes it more welcoming to guests.

Luxury can be less expensive than you think! By removing items which you no longer use, you are freeing up space where you can enjoy your design, and having more space is perhaps the most useful and luxurious hack of all! Make sure your lighting is both bright and beautiful. Add in your plants and an anchor piece, while considering how nice a pool would be next summer. Look for those subtle sheens, both in your metallics and the warm neutrals which can make your room glow!

Read this next: Top 10 Budgeting Strategies To Help You Curb Overspending 


Thank you for stopping by and checking out our tips on How to Make Your Simple Home Look Luxurious. Which tip was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!
 
Have a great day!
No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Thursday, December 23, 2021

How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity

How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity
This post contains paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising Disclosure Statement.



Your home is already a fantastic investment, but there are some things that you can do to increase the value of your home and boost your equity. Because remodels, upgrades, and additions cost money, it is important to focus on the areas that will bring the greatest return on the investment. Here are eight ways to increase the worth of your home.

Make a Simple Cosmetic Change

Sometimes, the simplest changes can make the biggest difference. One area where this is true is curb appeal. Improving your home’s curb appeal with a simple cosmetic change is one way to get a big return on a small investment. Ways to improve curb appeal include applying a fresh coat of paint or adding new siding. Neutral paint colors are generally better for appealing to a wide audience, and installing high-end siding can significantly increase the value of your home. Another good option for improving curb appeal is to update your landscape design. A beautifully designed front yard is a great attention grabber and huge selling point. At the very least, improve upon the landscaping you already have. Rake leaves, remove weeds, trim bushes, improve the quality of your grass, and plant eye-catching flowers.

Add a Room

One of the best ways to increase home value is to expand the number of rooms. This can be done in a number of ways. One way is to add new construction. This gives you the most flexibility for the type and size of room that can be added. Furthermore, this will increase the total square footage of your home, which provides an automatic raise in value. Another common way to increase room number and square footage is to finish an unfinished basement. The size and shape of your basement will be a determining factor, but generally, unfinished basements can be turned into several rooms, such as a game room or theater, bathroom, and bedroom. The least invasive way to add a new room to your home is to create two rooms out of one larger space. Just be careful that this isn’t done at the expense of other popular features, such as a vast family room or large master bedroom. Be cautious with garage conversions. If a garage conversion makes parking or storage a problem, it might not be a boon.

Install Hardwood Floors

The quality of flooring can make or break the general appeal of your home. A classic flooring that is always in high demand is hardwood. Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of sheens, colors, textures, and plank sizes, which makes it a versatile choice for any room. Hardwood flooring is also durable, especially if you choose distressed variations for high-traffic areas. Changing your flooring is a relatively inexpensive way to increase the value of your home and create a timeless and lovely aesthetic.

Add a Deck

Decks provide an extension of your home where you can entertain in style. Additionally, they create a usable outdoor space for relaxation. Decks provide room for hosting parties and other gatherings at your home. People love to gather outside, and hosting outdoors requires less cleaning up before and after. Spending time out of doors is a proven mood booster and it is known to foster better physical and emotional health. A deck or patio is a must-have for today’s homeowners. Adding one will increase the value of your home significantly.

Upgrade Your Kitchen

If your kitchen is dated, updating it is one of the best things you can do to increase your home equity. Modern kitchens are a requirement for contemporary home buyers. Most importantly, upgrade your cabinets, countertops, appliances, faucets, and light fixtures. Your cabinets should be spacious and user-friendly, as well as durable and trendy. Countertops should be composed of a sturdy and timeless material, such as quartz or granite. Eco-friendly and smart appliances are also top sellers. And replacing dated faucets and light fixtures is an easy and inexpensive way to create a coveted kitchen design and increase home value.

Remodel Your Bathrooms

Kitchens and Bathrooms are the most important rooms to update for increased appeal and equity. Install a chic new vanity and sink combo. Replace dated mirrors with modern versions. Substitute old linoleum or cracking tile with hardwood. Install a free-standing tub. Create a unique walk-in shower with an attractive backsplash and glass doors. Trade out old-fashioned light fixtures for new, fashionable ones. All these changes will make your home more appealing and increase its worth.

Install New Windows and Doors

If you have an older home, chances are your windows are beginning to decay. Also, today’s windows offer better efficiency and provide you with more attractive options. On that same note, older doors tend to be flimsy and made of basic builder-grade materials. New, attractive, eco-friendly windows and doors pour value into your home, provide greater weather protection, save you money on utility bills, and increase curb appeal. While you are at it, think about updating your window treatments. The old, bent aluminum blinds or dated curtains of yesteryears are eyesores that detract from your home’s worth. Trade them out for practical solar blinds, versatile Roman shades, trendy bamboo blinds, eco-friendly woven wood roller shades, or custom drapes.

Make Your Home a Smart Home

Smart home automation is becoming more and more popular for today’s buyers and will soon become a necessity. Automated features under high demand currently are lights, thermostats, doorbells, locks, home security, and major appliances. Making your home a smart home is a great way to get the most bang for your buck. Installations are relatively inexpensive, and the increase in value is substantial.

These are a few simple changes that you can make to increase the value of your home. Every dollar added to the value of your home equals that much in additional equity. Many of these upgrades will also provide a better lifestyle for you and your family, boost your entertaining power, and be more energy-efficient. Updating your home is always a win-win, for protecting your investment and providing your family with the best possible life.

Read this next: Top 10 Budgeting Strategies To Help You Curb Overspending


Thank you for stopping by and checking out our tips on How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity. Which tip was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!

 

Have a great day!


    




Other Krazy Deal Daze Post You May Be Interested In:
No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

How to Create a Classic Look for Your Home

How to Create a Classic Look for Your Home
This post contains paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising Disclosure Statement.


Home decorating trends come and go, but a classic look is always in style. Clean and timeless, a classic décor can be easily updated to change with the seasons or prevailing fashions. Whatever the size or architecture of your home, you can bring a touch of elegance and tradition by focusing on a few key features.

Use Lots of Wood

The warm tones of wood create an atmosphere of luxury and sustainability. Wood is sturdy, natural, versatile, and easy to care for. Hardwood floors are a great investment since they last for decades and require very little maintenance. Wood floors lay the foundation for a classic design.

Even if your rooms have carpet, tile, or other flooring, you can still use wood furniture as a visual centerpiece of your room. A wood table in the dining room or a bedroom set of wood will draw the eye to its natural beauty. Wood can also be used in accent pieces, such as sculptures, clocks, shelves, and wall hangings.

Use Natural Color Tones

Natural color tones provide a neutral palette for your classic look. These colors are those found in nature, such as greens, browns, golds, and creams. Whether they’re used in light tints or dark, saturated tones, they are the perfect backdrop for your furniture and decorative items.

Natural colors harmonize well with one another, so you can easily mix and match. This will allow you to emphasize one color in each room while also creating a visual flow from room to room. When your room needs a fresh look, you can easily add any color as an accent.

Lay Down an Area Rug

Area rugs can define space, especially in homes with an open concept floor plan. In a living room, an area rug can create an intimate area for conversation. Placed under a dining room table, a rug draws everyone together in a welcoming place. Rugs can add to the theme of the room with their design, color, and texture.

Using an area rug also has practical benefits, especially if your floors are wood or tile. A rug will help reduce noise and cut down on echoes in a room with a high ceiling. It will also protect your floor from stains or dents. Finally, a rug makes a soft place for kids and pets to play.

Add a Fireplace

Fireplaces are classic, whatever their design. The fire and warmth naturally draw people in and provide a relaxing ambiance. Most fireplaces are made of brick, stone, and wood—natural materials—that blend perfectly with a classic décor.

Installing a wood-burning fireplace can be a major project because it requires constructing a chimney and adding protecting walls and floors. It’s better to hire a professional contractor rather than trying to do it yourself. After installation, you’ll need to learn to care for it. A fireplace requires a lot of work to maintain and keep clean. Gas and electric fireplaces tend to be cleaner and often less expensive alternatives to the wood-burning types.

Hang Curtains

Shades and blinds are popular for a contemporary look, but curtains will contribute better to a traditional, classic design. The wide range of fabrics and styles available allows you to create either a casual or more formal look to suit the use of the room and your personal taste.

Curtains soften a room through the flow of the fabric and by blocking harsh sunlight. They also make the room quieter and warmer. Curtains provide insulation that keeps out the cold in the winter and heat in the summer, thus lowering your energy bills. When drawn tight, they can give you complete privacy.

Decorate with Plants

Indoor plants are enjoying a comeback in popularity, but the truth is, they have always been a part of a classic look. Plants bring a bit of nature inside, where they freshen the air and surround you with peace and life energy. The various types and sizes of plants give you many options on how to use them. You can fill a corner with a potted palm or place a small spider plant on a shelf.

In choosing the right plant for the right space, pay attention to the light and temperature in the room. Some plants will not do well in dark places or near a heating or cooling vent. If you choose artificial plants, make sure they are high quality. It might be an option to mix real plants and artificial plants for a full look.

Use Lamps

Overhead lighting is useful but it can be harsh. For a softer, more classic look, use floor lamps and table lamps. They can provide needed light in dark spaces while also adding to the design of the room. Lamp bases can be wood, metal, ceramic, stone, or other materials, and the shades come in a variety of shapes and textures.

In choosing a lamp, look at the color and design, but also pay attention to the height. A lamp that is too tall can make the room look unbalanced. A too-small lamp may be inadequate as a light source.

Hang Paintings

In decorating the walls, many people like to get creative and hang up unusual things such as baskets, hats, or three-dimensional metal sculptures. But a classic look deserves classic wall hangings—framed paintings. You can choose prints of landscapes, florals, portraits, or even reproductions of famous paintings.

Keep in mind that the frame will add to your room design as much as the painting will. Wood frames are the most traditional. Framed mirrors work well, also. You can cluster small pictures together or fill a space with a larger painting. Consider hanging a large picture or mirror over your fireplace.

The design of your home should reflect your personal style and meet the needs of your lifestyle. A classic look is elegant and timeless, but also comfortable and welcoming. It’s an easy style to achieve with a few simple additions or changes.  

Read this next: Top 10 Budgeting Strategies To Help You Curb Overspending


Thank you for stopping by and checking out our tips on How to Create a Classic Look for Your Home. Which tip was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!

 

Have a great day!
No comments:
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Popular Posts