(A big “thank you” to our friends at Pillar to Post for sponsoring this post!)

Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make. This means you need to take every precaution to ensure you’re making a wise investment. Unfortunately, some of the biggest issues that could pop up down the road aren’t apparent to an untrained eye. That’s why it’s important to invest in a home inspection before buying.

A certified professional home inspector will visually inspect the structure of your potential home. He or she will also check out major systems, such as plumbing and electrical components to find potential problems that may come up in the future. Then you and the home seller will receive a written report that contains a description of problems and recommendations for future evaluations. (If you’re planning to sell a home hiring a home inspector can also be a great idea. I did this with a home we sold last year and having already made all necessary repairs before putting the home on the market impressed buyers and helped the sale go through quickly.)

What Do Professional Insured Home Inspectors Check?

Requirements for home inspection differ by state. The organization American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has a page dedicated to standards of practice. The society outlines the minimum requirements, as well as the uniform standards that you can expect from a professional home inspection.

Professional insured home inspectors look at a few things like:

• Structure issues, like the foundation, noting any sagging or window misalignment. They will also look for sagging in the foundation.
• Safety concerns, such as fire and carbon monoxide alarms, operational sprinkler systems, the condition of stairways, garage doors, hand and guardrails, and other safety areas are checked.
• Problems on the property such as septic tank leaks, drainage issues, the overall condition of the house’s exterior, driveways, fences, and sidewalks.
• The condition of the roof including the integrity of shingles, any areas in need to repair, proper venting, possible chimney damage, and clear gutters.
• Plumbing is inspected for any damage, such as leaking pipes and there should be proper hot water temperature, water pressure, working toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and showers.
• Electrical components need to be up to code, wiring is checked for condition, as well as circuit breakers, light fixtures, outlets, and fans.

Ensure you hire a professional insured home inspector that is attentive to the above essential components. To help you move into your home without problems, here are a few important qualities to look for in a potential home inspector.

Licenses and Credentials

You should always ask if the home inspector is licensed in the state where your potential dream home is located. Also check if the inspector is a member of a national organization like the ASHI. The ASHI requires inspectors to have at least 250 inspections before they receive a certification. Experience alone may not guarantee a good quality inspection, but it could be a way to determine if the inspector does the work full-time.

Insured Home Inspectors

It’s also important to make sure the home inspector is insured. If he or she doesn’t have insurance and there’s an accident during the inspection that results in an injury, you could be held liable. The inspector should also have professional liability insurance that covers anything they miss during the inspection.

Exceptional Reviews

Doing your research is important. You can ask your realtor to suggest a home inspector, but don’t simply rely on word of mouth. The most reliable recommendations usually come from previous customers, friends, and/or family that have used the inspector in the past. But always check the home inspectors reviews, ratings, and BBB score to get the best inspector for your potential dream home.

Professional Reports

After the inspection, you’ll get a detailed report with any problems listed. Instead of basing your opinion on the length of the report, look at how well the report was written. Having a summary, some photos, and a format that’s easy to read would be much better. Ask a potential home inspector to show you a sample report prior to hiring him or her. It is vital you fully understand the report, so it needs to be easy to read and digest.

Join The Inspection

Find a home inspector that will let you be on hand when the inspection is conducted. This will give the inspector an opportunity to share with you as any problems are found.

Asking questions is the best way of finding out whether the home inspector has your  best interest in mind as well. You want a responsive home inspector that is open to questions explains issues in detail and breaks down everything in an easy to understand way.

Find Your Home Inspector Today

There is a lot that goes into buying a house. Not all of it is a hands-on endeavor, but when it comes to home inspections, you definitely need to be involved. Do your due diligence and hire a professional home inspector that you can work with. From structure to electrical, never close on a house contract until you’re convinced you have an accurate picture of any potential future problems.

Backyard Makeover Ideas for Spring

 

A Shed for All Equipment

If you have kids, expect your backyard to be a maze of clutter and clunky toys. So, making a storage space for these bikes, pool toys, and sports equipment should be one of your first priorities. If you have enough space, make a weather resistant shed. The outdoor toys will be newer for a longer time and you can also store the gardening and lawn equipment, pool cleaning equipment, and lounge chairs. Check out this amazing shed/greenhouse combo on one of our sister sites.

Beautify the Backyard

Make the backyard your own private, springtime wonderland by spending some money behind its beautification. Make a small garden there or clean up and maintain the lawn with fertilization, mowing, mulching, insect and weed control, and other general maintenance work.

Check out the rocks, boxes around planters, gazebos, arbors, fences, pavers, and anything else that needs repair. Hard-scape areas like paint and grout areas may well need a makeover. Do the necessary repair and renovation to make the place beautiful. Enjoy quality time there with your family.

DIY Tricks with Galvanized Bucket

Why don’t you resort to some DIY tricks to make the backyard more organized and functional? Think smart and you will find that even a trivial thing like a galvanized bucket can be super functional and up for various uses. If you have a big galvanized bucket, turn it into a beautiful outdoor coffee table. Place it in a suitable spot and place a wood, plastic, or glass tabletop on it. Your backyard coffee table is ready!

Don’t like your garden hose just lying out on the ground? Don’t worry! The ever-versatile galvanized bucket is here to help. Coil up the hose and place it into the bucket. A simple but perfect hose holder!

If the bucket is relatively small, you can still use it as both a hose and sprinkler holder. Turn the bucket on its side and attach to a wall. Now, keep the sprinkler inside while the hose can be coiled around it.

Hang Some Bird Feeders

Do you have trees in your backyard? If yes, invite the birds that are back with their beautiful trills after winter into your backyard. Hang some bird feeders in the trees and place some clay saucers filled with water on a low tree stump or on the ground.

These tips for springtime backyard makeover will help you cleaning the place, organizing it, beautifying it, and making it ready for both spring and summer. Your backyard will be ready for spending leisure time and for camping out to spend a night of stargazing and fun.

Do you think your backyard needs a makeover? What’s your plan?

Four Spring Cleaning Tips (Plus Bonus Cleaning Inspiration!)

House Cleaning Checklist

First, you need a plan. You can schedule chores for each day or, for bigger projects, each week. Also, consider whether you can divide up the necessary tasks among family members.

Figure out what rooms you want to tackle first, what needs to be packed away, or given away, and what to clean out and replace. A house cleaning checklist will help.

Ceiling Cleaning

Everyone from seasoned homemakers to cleaning professionals adhere to this simple rule: start from the top and work your way to the bottom as you clean. That means your first step is to look up for cobwebs and dust. You can use a duster with an extension rod to dust ceiling fans. This is also a good time to clean light fixtures and replace burned out bulbs.

Window Cleaning

Window cleaning is not usually on the top of anyone’s “want to do list,” but it can make a stunning difference. In addition to polishing the glass, dust the frames and blinds. Also, decide whether you need to wash, dry-clean, or vacuum the curtains.  Finally, check your windows to see if they need resealing anywhere. (Last year we had a mysterious recurring puddle in our laundry room. New sealant on the exterior of the window was a quick and easy fix.)

Surface Cleaning

Now, let’s talk about floor cleaning. This “most used” surface in your home needs some TLC. Spring clean provides an opportunity to assess whether your floors simply need a deep cleaning, special treatment to rejuvenate them, or even replaced.  For carpet, deep clean and vacuum.  Lift up any rugs and, if possible for that material type, wash them.  For hardwoods and stone tile give them a good sweeping, and mopping– paying extra attention to cleaning the edges where the wall meets the floor. Be sure to use safe cleaning materials that won’t damage your floors. (This is especially important if you have hardwood floors.)

This is also a good time to consider whether you have materials that need special care such as granite or travertine tile that should be resealed.

Inspiration to Clean Like a Pro

I recently found an online Maid Training Academy which claims graduates can clean a 3,500 square foot house in four hours. I’m impressed! You can check out their free cleaning videos with commentary.

Do you have spring cleaning tips to share?

How to Construct a Pallet Furniture Table

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Supplies:

Wood pallet (s)

Power Drill and bit

Screws

Fine Grit Sandpaper

Castors

Safety Glasses

Pallet Furniture Directions:

1. Before you begin constructing your pallet table it’s very important that you lightly sand it first. Carefully remove any splintered edges and sand it gently for a smooth finish.
2. Turn the pallet upside down so that you can mark the holes for the castor wheels. Consider using larger castors for a stronger, industrial look. Make small pilot holes and then drill the wheels into the place. Use smaller screws so as not to drill straight through the pallet.
3. If you want to lift your table a little higher off the ground, then you can add legs. Measure each side in the same way as the castors using table legs. Draw around each table leg and do not forget too include markings for the screws.
4. Although keeping your pallet furniture as rustic as possible is ideal, a light varnish or oil will help to seal it and highlight its natural look.

Alternate pallet ideas:

Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, you can create different effects. Vibrant tones will give your room a pop of color, or you can use a gloss paint to make it shine. Placing a glass top will lend it a modern, elegant finish.

Why not use pallet furniture pieces to make a complete dining room table set?

Additional wood pallet projects:

Pallets can be used to create all sorts of things. From outdoor furniture to interior decoration pieces, the options are endless. Here are some more DIY pallet ideas that will help enhance your interiors experience to the next level. Apart from being easy, the best about these projects is that they budget-friendly especially when you consider that the main component-the wooden pallet did not cost a thing.

Isn’t it something great about turning the would-be trash into pieces that are both beautiful and functional? The ideal way to add a bit of charm to your home; without breaking the bank. What do you think? Would you try this pallet furniture table?

For more creative DIY projects on Stagetecture, browse our DIY category!

You can maximize the space you have in your kitchen by converting uncanny areas into a functional storage. These are spaces you have that are often overlooked. You might be surprised to know how much added space you can acquire from these areas. Check these hidden storages around your kitchen and enjoy the extra space.

18 Hidden Kitchen Storage Ideas you Forgot About

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1. Maximize the base of your existing kitchen storage cabinets

The base of your furniture or cabinets is convertible storage. You just have to seek help with a skilled carpenter or a furniture expert to do this. Don’t worry about the stability; it won’t have any effects on its solidity. The skilled worker you hire knows what he is doing.

2. Kitchen Storage Pantry Ideas: Build vertical spice cabinets

If you look into your kitchen, there’s an empty space left in between cabinets. This space can be used for vertical drawer for your spices and condiments. The narrow space that you have can actually accommodate a lot of kitchen essentials. This idea provides utmost convenience in doing your chores. You may love this kitchen storage spice rack tutorial we featured on Stagetecture.

3. Explore under your kitchen sink storage areas

Don’t forget the space underneath your sink. Build some drawers for your dishwashing soaps, refills for liquid hand soap, toothpaste and other items. This will provide great comfort and convenience for you to work on your kitchen chores.

Make sure to hire only a skilled person to do these ideas. This will ensure safety and beauty of the hidden storage that you plan to have.

15 Kitchen Storage Ideas from our Blogger Friends

1. How to Organize a Pantry
2. Tips for Kitchens With No Storage
3. Pantry Organization Labels
4. DIY Dish Drawer Organizer
5. DIY Knife and Cutting Board Drawer
6. Quick Tips for Organizing Food Storage Areas in Your Kitchen
7. Wasted Spaces
8. Corralling the Clutter
9. Organizing Your Pots & Pans
10. DIY Rolling Jar Storage
11. Kitchen Spice-Up
12. Upcycled Old Rake to Rustic Utensil Holder
13. 5 Easy Steps to an Organized Pantry
14. 10 Minute Organization Ideas
15. DIY Spice Drawer Organizing Ideas

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

24 Of Our Best Party Food Ideas and Super Bowl Snacks

1. Game Day Favorite Philly Style Cheesesteak

Let’s start off with a sports favorite.  The classic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich.  This mouth watering tailgating/ sports party favorite has been on the menu for decades.  This sandwich carries all of the comforting deep sauteed flavors that will leave you and your guests very satisfied especially on Super bowl Sunday.

2. Super Bowl Snacks Football Sugar Cookies

Dessert snacks anyone?  The football sugar cookies are great grab-n-go snacks when cheering for your favorite team during the day.  A nice pop of sweet sugar cookie for anyone to enjoy from the adults to the kiddies.  Not only are they simple to make but even better to taste so give them a try on the party day.

3. Super Bowl Food Easy Chicken Parmesan Garlic Bread Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza?  The chicken Parmesan pizza with garlic bread is great if you have a multitude of guests or if you are just flying solo.  The recipe is simple with all of the traditional ingredients of herbs, crispy chicken, and chicken that will shoot your tastes buds through the roof.

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4. Super Bowl Appetizer Pulled Pork Sliders

Here is another recipe for your party food ideas that will become a super bowl favorite in your household.  The slow cooker pulled pork sliders are fill with the down-home barbecue that everyone will love to enjoy.  Pull pork bathed in sweet and spicy barbecue sauce and topped with creamy coleslaw.  Yum!

20 Super Bowl Appetizers Ideas from Blogger Friends

1. Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
2. Coconut Shrimp
3. Cole Slaw Chicken Sliders
4. Fajita Bowls
5. Hot Crab Dip
6. Spicy Thai Chicken Wings
7. Cowboy Caviar Recipe
8. The Best Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll Recipe
9. Twice Baked Potatoes
10. Blue Cheese & Balsamic Steak Sliders
11. Hot Swiss Cheese and Bacon Dip Recipe
12. Cheesy Crab Bite Appetizers
13. Cajun Glazed Bacon
14. Polenta Footballs
15. Taco Salad Mini Bites
16. Pizza Bites
17. Beer Cheese Dip
18. Spicy Buffalo Cheese Dip
19. Ultimate Easy Nachos
20. Chicken Sliders

Looking for more delicious recipes for your game day celebration?

Try these Empanadas and Pigs in a Blanket recipes.

Super bowl Sunday is on the way and you don’t have to be unprepared for it.  try out some of these party food ideas on the table and see what a difference it will make on game day.

Now that you have the snacks and appetizers, what about Football themed desserts?

See our 21 Favorite Football Themed Dessert recipes

For more great Super Bowl snack ideas visit our archives.

Paint bathroom vanity cabinets  

Are your bathroom cabinets looking tired from years and years of use? Consider giving them a fresh coat of paint in a quality semi or high gloss paint. It is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to instantly update the look. Make sure they are sanded free of old stain/finish. If unsure, consult a home improvement store for help.

Learn how to paint your bathroom vanity at Do It Yourself

Increase bathroom storage space

Boast the cabinet efficiency by adding pullouts to deep bathroom vanities. You can also include amenities like plate racks, display shelves, and wine storage. Not only will these help to update the current look but will also keep necessities in order and viewable. And of course, will help you avoid more of the things you already have on hand.

Here are some clever bathroom storage ideas from HGTV we love.

Remove cabinet doors

Who says bathroom cabinet need doors? For an easy and budget friendly way to give your bathroom an update, remove the doors on the cabinetry. Not only will give your space an instant face lift but also make the small space feel larger. Add a few perfectly placed and folded towels, and the look is complete.

Install mirror on bathroom wall cabinets

Another great way to instantly spruce up your bathroom is by adding mirror on the wall cabinet. It is a functional addition that will provide a stylish complement to your daily grooming needs and will make your space seem much larger. And you will be surprised how easy this project is.

Who says that bathroom cabinets need to be all work and no play? After all, it is an important element of your space. Use these easy ideas to inspire your next bathroom update and do let us know how it was?

19 Creative Christmas Decoration Ideas to Try this Season

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1. Green Christmas Decorating – Can you Reuse from Previous Years?

Take a look at the decorations you already have. Do you really need to shop for anything new? Maybe those stockings still look beautiful and those Christmas tree décor will do its job fine. And if at all you really need to buy some décor pieces, check out secondhand shops like Goodwill where you will find lots of vintage and gently used holiday décor. Also, don’t forget to donate items that you have become tired of someone will treasure them!

2. If you don’t want to shop how about natural Christmas ornaments? 

Want a creative Christmas decoration? Take a look at this DIY to make dried fruit ornaments.

3. Christmas Decoration Ideas: Use LED Candles

When it comes to warm winter ambiance, there is nothing like a flickering candle. But, for those who are eco-conscious, there is an alternative that is eco-friendly, safer, and looks similar-LED candles. They are lightweight, reusable, and made from real wax. In fact, they flicker in the same way like real candles-only without smoke, flame, and messy wax. The best thing about LED candles is that they are sustainable as they last much longer, unlike regular candles, which quickly burn down to an end.

4. Visit your Favorite Online Christmas Decoration Ideas Shops:

Check out local craft shops, holiday bazaars or online stores like Etsy and eBay to find something handmade that fits your purpose. We love these Etsy ideas for your Christmas party or just to give to guests.

15 Christmas Tree Decorations Ideas from our Favorite Blogger Friends

1. A Colorful Christmas Tree
2. No Sew Christmas Tree Skirt
3. Star Wars Droid Christmas Tree
4. Designer Dollar Store Christmas Tree
5. Book Page & Bakers Twine Garland
6. Migonis Christmas Home Tour
7. Christmas Tree Memories
8. Michaels Dream Tree Challenge
9. Scrap Ribbon Ornaments
10. Pinecone Owl Ornaments
11. Coastal Inspired Christmas Tree
12. How to Dry Orange Slices
13. DIY Ruffle Tree Skirt
14. Gone Camping Ornaments
15. Wine Cork Christmas Tree Ornaments

To go green this Christmas, you don’t have to compromise your Christmas décor, just be a little more careful about the items that you use to make your home sparkle.

For more Christmas decoration ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you love desserts, take a look at our desserts recipes on How To Make a Burlap Wreath website too!  The new redesigned site has more than just wreaths. Look to the new site for ways to celebrate, decorate and organize.

19 Of Our Best Holiday Cake Recipes

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1. Holiday Cake: Turtle Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Starting off this holiday cake recipes list with a sweet and succulent cake that will have you and your guest begging for more.Oh who doesn’t love rich goodness of cheesecake? And how many of us like cheesecake that carries extra goodies on top, bottom and inside? If that is you then this holiday cake recipe is made for you. Turtle Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe, has all of the usual ingredients but has a mixture of pumpkin spice as an additional flavor. Not to mention chocolate and caramel sauce drizzle on top along with toasted pecans. Make your tongue say “Mmm-hmm.” Go ahead and make this holiday cake recipe a family favorite this season. We also like this Brandy Cheesecake Recipe.

2. Sugar-Free Dessert: Applesauce Cake Recipe

Now not all cakes have to be sugar filled like this next recipe for example. Typically, being on a sugar-free diet is not a part of the holiday plan. However, just because something is sugar-free doesn’t mean that it can’t be just as flavorful as a sugary delight. Try this Sugar free dessert: Applesauce Cake Recipe. This cake is completely simple to make and there are only a few substitutions that will only add to the deliciousness. Plus, when eating this cake you can still appease those sweet tooth cravings without feeling any guilt or heaviness when you’re done. Go ahead try it out!

3. Brown-Sugar Bourbon  Bundt Cake

You can’t have a true holiday without a bundt. And here is one bundt cake recipe that you can’t miss out on. Ladies and gentlemen, now introducing the Brown-Sugar Bourbon Bundt Cake recipe. Who doesn’t remember when you were in the kitchen and your grandmother or mother was filling the bundt pan with batter right before sliding the mixture into the oven? From this recipe you get the wonderful goodness of the maple brown-sugar emersed with a little liquor to enhance the sweetness of the entire cake that the family will adore.

4. Holiday Cake Favorite: Ambrosia Coconut Cake Recipe

Thanks to Southern Living, the Ambrosia Coconut Cake recipe is at our fingertips. This exotic cake recipe not only gives the sweet and refreshing flavors that everyone will love but can also serve as wonderful décor. It only takes a few easy steps to make and even better to taste, it is sure to quickly become a holiday tradition.

The holidays are a great time of the year. And what better way to celebrate it than with a baking recipe that will help to bring the entire family together. And these holiday cake recipes are just a small few of what you and your family can create. Don’t be limited and see what you all can come up with. Also, Stagetecture readers, do you have any recipes that you would like to share for the holidays?

15 Blogger Friends Holiday Cake Recipes

1. Holiday Rum Cake
2. Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe
3. Eggnog Bundt Cake Recipe
4. Tropical Christmas Cake
5. Cinnamon Roll Layer Cake
6. Gingerbread Bundt Cake With Vanilla Glaze
7. Gingerbreak Cheesecake
8. Ferrero Rocher Cake
9. Old Fashioned Jam Cake
10. Cranberry Pumpkin Upside Down Cake
11. Butter Crunch Cake
12. Cranberry Upside Down Cake
13. Simple Chocolate Peppermint Cake
14. Spiced Chocolate Eggnog Cake
15. Fresh Cranberry Cake Recipe

Do you want a chocolate cake recipes for the holidays?

Try this Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe!

Looking for more yummy desserts? Take a look through our dessert recipes category.

15 Thanksgiving Hostess Gifts to Show your Gratitude

There’s nothing better than being with friends and family at the holidays. This holiday show your host how much you appreciate them by choosing a gift such as a breakfast basket, fresh herbs, kitchen items, or festive dinnerware.

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The best thing about going to another person’s home for Thanksgiving dinner is that you don’t have to cook, you simply rest and let another person do the work. Show your host how much you appreciate them by choosing a gift from this post: Thanksgiving Entertaining: Thoughtful Gifts for the Host. You can give them a breakfast basket, fresh herbs, kitchen items, or festive dinnerware.

Hostess Gifts Ideas: Bring gifts that help with the cooking

Finding the perfect Thanksgiving hostess gift for your host is no easy task. While you want to express your gratitude for being invited, you want to do it without interrupting the host’s tablescape or menu. Some of the gifts every host will appreciate include holiday aromas, specialty ingredients, and pastries.

We love these hostess gifts candles from Etsy shop: Dragonfly Candles Company

Pampering gifts are always loved as Hostess Gifts Ideas:

When people think of Thanksgiving gifts for the host, they think of wine bottles, flowers, or pastries. Chances are the other guests will bring one of these presents, and there’s nothing as boring as getting similar presents. Instead of buying what everyone else is buying, why not get a unique present like homemade soap, reusable bags, or eco toys for kids? Your host will know you had them in mind when choosing the gift.

15 Hostess Gifts Ideas from Blogger Friends

1. Chalkboard Beer Caddy
2. White Rose and Grapefruit Bath Soak
3. Stacked Snowman Hot Cocoa Mason Jar Gifts
4. Printable Wine Gift Tags
5. The Giving Plate
6. DIY Gold Wine Glasses
7. Stenciled Dish Towel
8. Mason Jar Peppermint Cocoa Gift
9. Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe
10. Wine Cork Napkin Rings
11. Mason Jar Luminarias
12. Homemade Apple Pie Year Round & Great Hostess Gifts
13. Mason Jar Gift Card
14. Kate Spade Inspired Coasters
15. Hostess Gift Chalkboard Paint Dipped Cutting Board and Spoons

Need More Thanksgiving Hostess Gifts? Our Burlap and Succulents Shop is perfect!

Looking for the perfect wine bottle carrier or what about an apron or set of beautiful autumn dinnerware? Burlap and Succulents has a wide array of holiday decor and gifts any holiday host or hostess will love!

Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner is not easy. One has to take into account what to prepare, set aside time to make meals, and also spend money. As a way of showing your gratitude, carry a gift for your host. It can be something that helps them with the dinner or something special for them. While wine and flowers are good options, you can also make something more creative.

Will you think of these Thanksgiving host gifts when picking a present?