The Best Solar Energy Uses for your Home this Season

If you’re like many other people who are interested in living a more eco-friendly life and lowering your energy bills at the same time, there are a lot of ways to use solar power. Here are a few interesting ways you can utilize it around the house, even if you’ve already made the investment in a solar panel system for your home.

Solar Energy is even in Solar Powered Tree Houses

More and more adults are beginning to rediscover the tree houses they enjoyed in their youth. But these tree houses are outdoor retreats that offer creature comforts. One of those creature comforts is electricity.

But using traditional electricity hook ups is just too expensive and impractical for most tree houses. The solution – solar power. We touched on the solar powered tree house trend a little while back, highlighting a stand out example called The Skysphere. Some solar powered tree houses double as an office and others can accommodate guests. Getting electricity through a solar system truly makes these additional outdoor abodes fully functional, smart spaces.

Keeping your Garden Green With Green Energy

First, there were solar powered garden lights. But gardeners tend to be among the most environmentally friendly people so it’s no surprise the solar powered options are expanding. People with a green thumb can now incorporate solar energy to power their irrigation system.

Solar powered irrigation systems are outfitted with a pump that has solar cells built into the electric motor. Many systems can also be automated for maximum efficiency and are carefully tuned to minimize water waste.

Want to add another unique solar element to your garden? Put a few plants in color changing solar powered pots.

Solar Powered Home Security for Home Safety

Security is important to many homeowners for good reason. But making your home safe doesn’t have to increase your eco-footprint. You can now buy solar powered, motion detector LED security lights that also have a video camera. The camera connects wirelessly to transmit video in real time. No hard-wiring is needed, which means you can install the system in a spot that gets adequate sunlight.

You can also find solar powered security cameras that are on their own. Geckoeye makes a camera that can be stuck to a window to provide surveillance inside your home.

Take a look at these solar power tips from Energy.gov.

Solar Powered House Numbers

Strategic lighting can make a home more aesthetically pleasing while serving a purpose. That’s certainly the case with solar powered house numbers. Throughout the day the solar cells build up a charge, and as soon as the sun goes down the numbers automatically light up for 8-10 hours. They make your home easier for guests to find without adding to your monthly electric bill.

For more green home energy tips on Stagetecture, visit our archives.

The following offers a range of tips to help make your home a bit more secure. You can implement them all or pick and choose what works best for your home and your family’s needs. However, before getting into the list of tips here is a look at security systems and why you should seriously think about installing one.

4 Home Security Tips to Keep your Family Home Safe

1.) Invest in Quality Security Systems

Many people are under the impression that a home security system has to be this complex and expensive thing, but that is not true. Today’s systems are quite customizable. You can pick and choose elements to meet your needs and budget. In addition, wireless options make it simple to install them yourself and get a security system that works for you. Try these Home Security Tips from DIY Network.

2.) Consider a Good Security Camera & Motion Detector

While you may not be able to afford a complete system, you should at least consider some elements. Most systems allow you to add on elements in the future, so start small. For example, get a security camera or a motion detector. Later, you can add window and door sensors, glass break sensors and more cameras and detectors.

Building your own security system keeps you in the driver’s seat. It allows you to have complete control over the security and the cost. So, it is highly recommended to at least consider a security system for your home.

3.) To Stay Safe – Change your Locks Periodically

If you have moved into a new home, change the locks. While you may have been giving the keys, you have no clue how many copies were made. The last thing you need is an old owner or someone associated with the former owner coming into your home unannounced. If you rent, just ask your landlord if it is okay. They are usually fine with it as long as you send them a copy of the keys.

Make sure you have adequate outdoor lighting. A well-lit area is not a welcome spot for a would-be criminal. They like to work under cover of darkness where nobody can see them. Ensuring you have security lights and other lighting outside your home can be a huge deterrent.

Hide any wiring outside your home. Criminals cut wires to disable phones, internet, and wired security systems. Keep this from happening by making sure all wires are hidden and secured where they cannot be easily accessed.

Don’t leave spare keys in typical spots for good home security. If you need to leave a key outside your home, make sure you do so in an unobvious way, or better yet, leave it with a trusted neighbor. Leaving a key under the mat, in the mailbox or on top of an outside light are all spots a thief will check. Don’t give them easy access to your home.

Install bars to stop sliding doors from being easily opened. Also, do this with windows. Bulk up your basic security with deadbolt locks, too. Doing these small things adds an extra layer of security that will stop a criminal.

4.) Consider Using Timers to Trick Intruders & to Keep Home Safety

Use timers on lights and other electronics. In general, most criminals are not interested in a confrontation. They want to enter a home when nobody is there. Through using timers, you can give the appearance someone is home. You can have lights turn on and off or even your television or radio. Hearing noise and seeing what is perceived to be movement can be a great deterrent.

It can be tough to keep your home safe, but you can do it. There are many things you can do, from installing a security system to putting up more outdoor lighting. You can take control and live in a safe home where you do not have to fear about someone breaking in. By taking these simple steps, you can make your home a burglar’s worst nightmare and give you and your family a wholesome peace of mind that you are safe with these home security tips.

For more home safety tips take a look at this post to change the locks on your home!

The Best Tips for Choosing the Right Home Security System

Options are a great thing, but it’s also making home security more convoluted. The solution – a home security package. Companies are offering packages that include equipment to cover the entire home in a single system. For many homeowners, these package deals offer upsides beyond improved security.

Ensure your Home Security System has Easy Setup

Home security packages are most appealing to people who are putting a system together from scratch. It’s essentially the one-and-done option. Instead of having to make a half a dozen or more decisions you only have to make one.

If you’re upgrading your home security a package deal could still make sense. For instance, homeowners that are making the switch from a wired wall alarm to a wireless Wi-Fi system could use a package. There are also specialized systems, such as packages of smart door locks. You can keep what you have in place while still using the smart home security package as another layer of protection.

Choose a Home Security Company that Features Local Support

Customer support is a critical component of a monitored home security system. A growing trend is double monitored equipment that alerts the homeowner and a local monitoring station if an alarm goes off. Property owners that are looking for home security in Phoenix, San Diego and other large metros don’t mind using regional companies over national brands if it means getting local service.

Research the Compatibility and Monitoring Options

Perhaps the most important benefit of a home security package is its compatibility. All it takes is one missing link or miscommunication for a home security system to be compromised. With a package that’s no longer a concern.

The equipment is designed to sync together and to respond when an action occurs. Everything works cohesively for seamless protection. For example, a Wi-Fi connected door lock can be programmed to open if an alarm goes off so it’s easier for people to get out. Data sharing is another big bonus. Today’s home security cameras and alarms are connected smart devices. The more information you can gather from your home security system the better you can protect your home. When all of the equipment is designed to work together gathering data is much easier. Angie’s List gives great tips for choosing the right security company for your home.

A home security system won’t do you much good if it isn’t monitored and managed. The batteries have to be checked, software has to be updated and data should be reviewed. If you have equipment from multiple brands with various processes management can become a headache.

Home security packages are designed around a hub system. That hub is usually your smart phone where everything can be managed via an app. Equipment will tell you if the power supply is low or repair is needed. You can also review surveillance footage, set up schedules and make adjustments with a few clicks.

The Better Business Bureau suggests contacting 3 security options when making your decision.

Your Home Security System Should Offer Invested Value

Buying a package deal is typically more cost effective in the long run. Usually, the cost savings is in the form of reduced equipment expenses or the inclusion of additional services. While most home security packages do offer some sort of perk or discount, make sure everything adds up before you make a selection.

Today’s buyers are looking for smart homes with comprehensive security systems. And safety is cited as one of the top reasons people invest in smart home devices. A home security package is a selling point that can make your home more desirable and add to its value.

The Best Locations to Live for a Successful Marriage

Therefore, if you want your love life and your investments to pay off, you should be choosy about where you settle down. Here are the top places with excellent property values and exceedingly low divorce rates.

A Successful Marriage can start in New Jersey

New Jersey might be well-known for big personalities, but those personalities seem to get along rather well. This state consistently scores among the lowest divorce rates in the country, with only around 8 percent of married couples ending their relationships. Experts believe New Jersey boast such low rates because its populations tend to marry at an older age and earn higher salaries – thanks to a culture that emphasizes career success. Plus, home equity loan rates in NJ are exceedingly favorable, so you can continue to leverage your real estate investment by moving your marriage to the Garden State.

New York has a Good Rate for Marriage Bliss

Likely for the same reasons as New Jerseyans, New Yorkers enjoy incredibly low divorce rates and have more successful marriages, also hovering around 8 percent. New York is a wonderful state for a young married couple, with unparalleled cultural events in the city to natural activities and splendor upstate. However, it is important to note that New York is often prohibitively expensive; in fact, you might be able to buy a real, historical castle for less than a NYC apartment.

Building a Successful Marriage in Washington, D.C., is an option

The nation’s capital is consistently ranked as one of the best places for young people to live – and if you’re already married, it’s all the better. The District of Columbia has a divorce rate of just over 9 percent; however, it’s important to note that Washington, D.C. also has the lowest marriage rate in the Union. Less than one-third of citizens in the capital have tied the knot, potentially skewing the divorce numbers. Still, being so close to divisive politics might just bring you and your spouse closer together.

Some of the Most Successful Marriages are in Hawaii

When you are surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and glittering turquoise water, it can be difficult to start an argument. Perhaps that’s why Hawaii’s divorce rate is among the lowest in the nation, around 9 percent.

In reality, it isn’t Hawaii’s gorgeous tropical scenery and climate that keep tempers low; rather, it is the same reason New Jersey, New York, and other entries on this list boast higher marital bliss. Most Hawaiian residents are upper middle class and boast moderate educations, which tend to keep marriages strong. Yet, spending ample quality time with your spouse on the beach can’t hurt. We love these 10 best places Elle Decor finds for the newlyweds and marriages.

Pennsylvania Boasts Many Succesful Marriages

Boasting the highest divorce rates in the tristate area, Pennsylvania matches Hawaii with a divorce rate just above 9 percent. However, while marriages in the Keystone State might be as rock-solid as the Constitution, young people seem to be abandoning Pennsylvania in droves. The reason, many experts believe, is the high rate of student debt in this state, causing many young people to relocate to their home states following college. Fortunately, mortgages aren’t nearly as substantial here as student debt, so you and your partner should be able to find stability and happiness.

Look to Utah for a Long Marriage Life

A state with a reputation for faith and fidelity, Utah not only has a remarkably low divorce rate, matching Hawaii and Pennsylvania at around 9 percent, but it also has the highest marriage rate in the country, with over 55 percent of residents with knots tied tight. It’s also worth noting that several studies have found the Beehive State to be the happiest in the country. Researchers believe Utah offers superior work environments – with fewer working hours and longer-term employment – as well as unmatched community and recreational activities, thanks undoubtedly to the LDS church and the magnificent national parks. When everyone around you is happy and in love, it’s hard not to follow suit.

For more wedding and marriage tips on Stagetecture, look through our wedding archives.

The Best Year-Around Pet Care Tips

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Personalizing Spaces

Pets enjoy a comfy home just like we do!  It’s a great idea to personalize your home space taking their interest in mind too so that they actually feel loved and at home. How to personalize your pets home might provide some interesting ideas.

Prepare Well For Travel

Traveling seems such a task during summers. I am sure when traveling with pets it becomes all the more bothersome for oneself and dear animals. How to Move with your Pet might provide some precious insights and give you some invaluable tips to follow during long trips and journeys.

Happy pets translate into happy us, for don’t they follow the same rule. There is nothing more satisfying than a happy and cheerful pet. Do share your thoughts on our Best Summer Pet Care Tips Roundup post.

Looking for more Pet Care Tips on Stagetecture? Take a look through our pet archives.

The Best Holiday Travel Tips to Keep you Sane

Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

Road Trip Tips for Holiday Travel:

If you plan on taking the family on a road trip this holiday don’t forget that the rest of the country maybe doing the same. Road trip tips such as leaving extra time for road closures, detours, and bad weather conditions could delay your trip. Map out your route on your smart phone or on the internet before leaving to gauge traffic patterns, and consider leaving in off-peak hours. If you have to travel through large metropolitan cities plan on rush hour in the morning and night to be the worst times.

Holiday Travel Tips: Don’t Leave Inadequate Time to Connect Flights

Connecting flights is not as easy as it may be made to sound by the travel agents. You may think you’ll disembark from one plane and stroll over to board the other. Far from it. Connecting flights involves security check-ups, documentation and often long delays; all the while taking care of your luggage. The gates could also be far apart, especially in large airports.

How much time is enough? Well, 1.5 hours is a fair bet. Even when the airlines promises to be punctual, allow enough time. You’d better spend some minutes in the café snacking, reading a book or just watching T.V than miss your flight. The New York Daily News gives 10 holiday travel tips to avoid.

Traveling Internationally? Make Sure you Aren’tApplying for Your Passport Late

If you’re not used to it, you may forget the basic essentials of international travel. Normal passport processing can take between four and six weeks. Apply for your passport at least 2 months before the vacation date. If you apply late, you may be required to pay an extra amount for quick processing.

If you already have one, ensure that it’s still valid. Remember some countries require that your passport has a certain period of validity, say 6 months, for you to enter. Apart from validity, ensure that the passport has enough pages depending on the number of countries that you intend to visit.

Holiday Travel Tips: Falling for Hotel Marketing Photos

Professional photography can make the most mundane of locations look like 5 star hotels. That’s what you encounter when you browse through hotels’ websites. Although this can give you an idea of what to expect, it should not fully inform your decision on the hotel to pick.

Sites like oyster.com will give you unbiased third-party images of the place, much to your surprise. You can then make a conscious decision on the hotel that gives you best value for money.

Holiday Travel Pitfalls – Know What You’re Paying For

The idea of a vacation is so exciting, it gets even others excited for you. You may have your family, friends and even community so elated of your travel that they can even come together and fund your travel on online fundraising sites such as Plumfund.com.

In addition, they will give you plenty of ideas about what you should do, see and even eat during your vacation.

Try to avoid these holiday vacation tips and plan in advance!

Although some of the to-dos are obvious, it’s very easy to forget when you’re gathering up all of the information. Unless you’ve taken memory improvement tips to heart, add all those ideas on your ‘to do’ list. Have you stopped to think what you really want to do? Are you really interested in that museum visit? Or the art gallery? Since when did you care about artifacts? If you fall into this category, do not feel guilty about laying on that hammock with your favorite book. 

This holiday uses these best travel tips to enjoy the season and your loved ones, and destination.

For more travel tips on Stagetecture,

5 Advantages of Renting A Home Rather than Buying

If you’re trying to decide what you should do, consider these benefits of renting:

1. Should you Buy or Rent? If you Rent – No High Upfront Costs

When you’re renting, the only upfront cash payment is your deposit, which is typically one to two month’s rent.

When you’re buying, it’s one thing to qualify for a mortgage. It’s another to come up with the cash you’ll need before you even make that first monthly payment.

• An advantage of renting is no down payment. This is the biggest chunk of cash you’re probably ever going to need in your life. Although you can get loans with lower down payments, the benchmark figure is 20 percent of the sale price of the house. Saving that amount can take a long time, and borrowing it from family or against a 401(k) retirement plan, for example, poses other issues. The one thing you don’t want to be is “house poor,” with all of your available resources tied up in your house and nothing available for emergencies like illness or loss of a job.
• Closing costs. You think you’re out of the woods and then you’re hit with sale closing costs that include realtor’s commissions, mortgage loan fees, escrow and title company fees, inspection fees, appraisal fees, and pro-rated property taxes. Closing costs average an additional 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price.

SF Gate gives some good tips and information about the advantages of renting vs. buying a home or apartment.

2. Apartment Advantages could mean Access to Lifestyle Amenities

When you buy a house, what you see is what you get. Maybe you’re in the enviable position of being able to buy a house with a pool, a tennis court, a fully-equipped gym, or whatever other amenities would make you happy. If that’s the case, go for it! Otherwise, you’ll have to search all that out elsewhere.

But, if you’re looking for apartments for rent in Ontario, CA, for example, you can move into a community with amenities that rival the best in resort living. And the best part may be that you never have to worry about taking care of them.

3. No Maintenance Worries or Costs

When you buy a house, you’re buying every problem that comes along with it. Appliances stop working, plumbing fails, roofs leak, windows break, trees need trimming, ants take up residence, air conditioners quit on the hottest day of the year, etc.

Every once in a while, the whole place needs to be painted, too, and so on and so on. It’s all inevitable and just part of living. The same things happen when you’re renting, of course, but you’re not the one on the line for fixing them.

Lifehacker gives tips whether you should buy or keep renting.

4. Renting Could Be Safer if you’re a Traveler

Renting is a particularly good choice if you travel for work or just like to take off for time away on the spur of the moment. All you’ve got to do is make sure you turned out the lights and didn’t leave the oven on, and you’re free to lock the door and go.

Someone else is responsible for watering the lawn and making sure the trash is collected. You’ve also got no worries about something happening to a house while you’re gone. And, with the security of most rentals, you don’t have to be concerned about break-ins, either. When you have a leasing company they also can give you tips on how to keep your rental secure, as well as the advantages of renting.

5. More advantages of renting: You Can Move When You Want To!

When you’re renting, with the help of companies for residential moves you can move when your lease is up to accommodate a change in jobs or other plans. If you own a house, you can be stuck where you are for a lot longer than you’d like to be if market conditions don’t favor a quick sale. And that’s another thing. The real estate market can be volatile and you might find yourself needing to sell when it would be more financially advantageous for you to hold on. For more advantages of renting and information on the financial aspects of renting versus buying, check out this article from affordanything.com.

For more home rental and moving tips on Stagetecture, look through our archives here.

How I Upgraded our Home Security with a Schlage® Lock

Home security in your family home has to be one of the most important elements of owning a home. Keeping your family safe from intruders is essential as well as not worrying about losing your keys. If you’ve been locked out of your home or have made duplicate keys for your teenage kids, etc… you know the frustration of accidently losing them! I’m excited to pair with Schlage® to highlight their Keyless Touchscreen Locks that can help keep your home safe while still looking beautiful with the architecture of your home. Take a look at how I replaced our old deadbolt lock on our exterior door with a Schlage® Touch Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt with Camelot trim.

Schlage® Locks are a great option for exterior front and patio doors:

At my 1987 home, it seemed that the previous owner had a different set of locks and keys for every exterior door. We considered replacing each lock individually but we didn’t want to have 3 sets of keys. Also, our teenage sons always seemed to lose the house keys! Our answer was to use a lock box (you know like the kind that Realtors use?) on the porch door and all they’d have to do is remember the combination to lock box. For years this worked until the deadbolt lock started not turning correctly and a locksmith took out the deadbolt and replaced it with just a plate – not very secure, right? It was time to get better home security! That’s why I was excited to pair with Schlage® and install their Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt lock.

The not-so-great solution before… lock box with key inside, and NO DEADBOLT (Thank goodness this is a back door!)

Schlage® has Quality Locks in over 40 million homes:

Schlage® offers hardware for your home that is durable, and has technologically advanced electronic locks that for your home’s style and architecture. What I really love is that the deadbolt lock comes with a 3 year Limited Electronics Warranty which is the best in the industry.

How I improved our home security with the Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock:

I thought to replace a door lock was going to be a lot harder than it was! The Schlage® lock instructions were great and they walked me step by step through the process. Since I already had both holes for the deadbolt lock and the doorknob, it was just a matter of changing out the old and installing the new.

My cat, Snow was wondering why I was on the “other side of the door”

Take a look at how I installed the lock and doorknob.

Take a look at the Schlage® Touch Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt installation video:

I feel a lot safer knowing that our back door is now secure with a deadbolt and not just a simple doorknob lock. I invite you to take a look at all of Schlage® lock hardware online at Amazon.com or Build.com. While I chose the doorknob for our porch door they have an extensive line of knobs, levers, and trim to fit the design of your home. Forget the keys and increase the safety of your home!

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Schlage®. All opinions are strictly my own.

For more home security ideas on Stagetecture, search our archives here.

If your home is like most homeowners you have window treatments and window blinds to add to the beauty of your interiors while also providing safety and lighting control. What most homeowners don’t realize is that their corded blinds can be a hazard to busy young children and pets. In my home my cat, Snow once got tangled in our circa 1987 window blind cord and we were terrified that she was going to strangle herself trying to get free. Luckily she was fine.

#GoCordless Movement: Essential Kids’ Window Blinds Safety

I’m happy to pair with SelectBlinds.com to help you understand why your home and your loved ones can benefit from cordless blinds.

Do you ever wonder how your toddler was able to get on top of the counter without you seeing them? Or has Fluffy jumped on top of a high cabinet near a window that you weren’t aware she could reach? Everyday babies, toddlers, and pets get entangled in blind cords without an adult realizing it, until it’s too late. This simple diagram below can help you understand the dangers and how cordless blinds can save lives.

The Go Cordless movement helps bring awareness about corded window blinds and treatments to urge consumers to install cordless blinds to keep homes safe.

The Go Cordless Movement brings light to cordless blinds

“Cordless window coverings are the safest for children and pets. On average, 20+ children per year are involved in a corded window covering accident. On March 31, 2016, SelectBlinds.com became the first custom window covering company to go 100% cordless. We are teaming up with Parents for Window Blind Safety to educate and empower. Lose the cord, spread the word, and help us change the industry, one window at a time!” … SelectBlinds.com

Do you know a real life hero? Enter them in the Project Cordless Giveaway:

Enter the giveaway to nominate someone who is a real life hero! Every month SelectBlinds.com is partnering with Parents for Window Blind Safety to upgrade an entire home, daycare facility, or military housing unit with cordless window coverings. In conjunction with the Project Cordless Giveaway your friend, neighbor or real life hero could win. Simply enter a 30-second video explaining your real life hero.

Enter the giveaway to nominate someone who is a real life hero! Every month SelectBlinds.com is partnering with Parents for Window Blind Safety to upgrade an entire home, daycare facility, or military housing unit with cordless window coverings. In conjunction with the Project Cordless Giveaway your friend, neighbor or real life hero could win. Simply enter a 30-second video explaining your real life hero. All the details for the Cordless Blinds giveaway are here.

After that frightening incident at my home with Snow me and my husband realized that safety above anything is essential in our home. I encourage to join the #GoCordless movement and take a look at the blinds online options that SelectBlinds.com offers. Cordless blinds can help you and your family safe while still bringing beauty, security and lighting controls to your family home.

This season ensure your family and pets are kept safe with cordless blinds and window treatments.

Home Remodeling: Should You Hire a Professional or DIY?

Safety 

Above everything else, safety has to rule in any renovation or repair project. If there is any chance that you could compromise your own or someone else’s physical well-being along the way, give the pros a call. Remember, even if you have the right skill set for the work, you might not have the tools or manpower necessary to approach a given task safely. Additionally, your region might require specific licenses or certifications for some types of home improvement projects based on safety considerations.

Image via: Home Bunch

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Are You Physically Able to DIY?

Related to the concept of staying safe during a renovation or repair project is your physical status. Even if you’ve written the book on electrical design or spent most of your life installing cabinets and tiles, your health might stop you from pursuing your project alone. For example, you might need to get help if you have a heart condition and know the project requires a lot of heavy lifting. In the same way, medications or other treatments might limit your alertness or strength to the point where you can’t guarantee your ability to complete required tasks. Think about the health of others in your home here, too. You might not be able to work if you are busy caring for someone else.

Expense and Time

When you hire a professional to renovate or repair your home, hours of manual construction can add up quickly, especially if your project requires working with a crew of experts instead of just one. Doing the work yourself cuts costs, leaving you responsible for only supplies. For some individuals, this fact is the difference between scraping the project and turning it into beautiful, physical reality. On the other hand, if your schedule is filled to the brim already, or if you have a reason to finish within an unusually short timeframe, then it can be worth it to wrap up quickly with hired pros, particularly when you’re working on rooms that get lots of use, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Some individuals also are willing to pay more to try the work. They know they’ll likely have to spend a little extra to fix some mistakes along the way, but they want to gain experience for future projects.

Do you Have the Right Equipment?

Some renovations and repairs require pretty basic equipment, such as hammers, sandpaper, buckets or various pre-manufactured hardware. Others, however, take tools most people don’t have sitting around in their shed, basement or garage. For example, if you’re working on the foundation of your house or putting in piping, you might need a backhoe. Depending on your needs, you might or might not be able to rent the equipment for your project.

Image via: DIY and Mag

Security

If you’re in a small neighborhood or happen to have some connections to the construction world, you might get lucky and find a team of professionals you know and trust both in and out of business. More likely, however, hiring people to do a repair or renovation project in your home means allowing strangers onto your property. If you don’t feel comfortable exposing yourself, your friends or your possessions to people you’re not familiar with, tackling the job on your own might make more sense. Consider, too, that elements within your home, such as your security system, might make the project more complicated, as you might have to be home to grant the workers access at the proper times. All good estate agents should be able to give some basic advice on how to maintain security during the job–navigate here for related information on proper insurance coverage.

Insight

Modern renovation and repair professionals sometimes can be the best bet not only because they have more experience, but because they also stay on top of innovations happening within the building industry. They are aware, for instance, of better materials or products just coming onto the market, and they stay on top of design and regulation changes. Their insights into these areas can save you money, keep you safer and ensure that the project fits both immediate and future needs/preferences.

You have really only two choices for renovation or repair of your home–do the work yourself or hire someone. Both options can work equally well, so make the decision that’s best given your unique circumstances and budget.

For more home remodeling tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Oliver Corrigan is one of those homeowners who seems to be able to turn his hand to most DIY tasks with ease, but he understands others need more help and support, which is why he shares his tips and suggestions with an online audience. He regularly writes for a number of DIY and property websites.