Leaky roofs, cracked foundations, faulty water pipes and plumbing fixtures, condensation, flooding, and poor drainage are all common causes of mold. When water seeps into drywall, it is quickly absorbed, making your ceiling or wall a haven for mold.

If you suspect you have mold in your home, but aren’t quite sure what it is, there is a simple test you can try, assuming you can reach the area: Carefully apply a drop or two of diluted bleach to the surface. If it’s mold, the color will lighten within a minute or so.

Health issues caused by mold

There are several different types of mold, all of which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues, including:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Irritation of mucous membranes in nose and throat
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes

Exposure to mold is especially hazardous to people with health conditions like asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, severe allergies, and compromised immune systems. Even pets can experience allergic reactions.

Black mold (stachybotryschartarum) is the most toxic type of mold, and it is especially fond of damp or water-damaged drywall and other cellulose-rich construction materials. Professional mold remediation is recommended for black mold.

Getting rid of mold

While black mold should be treated by professionals, homeowners can remove many types of surface moldwith commercial cleaning products that target mold, or with a homemade cleaning solution of one cup of bleach per gallon of water. Bleach is an irritant, so if you make your own cleaner, be sure to wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and have good ventilationbefore spraying or brushing the mixture onto the moldy surface and letting it dry.

Because mold is persistent, it can be especially difficult to eradicate in porous materials, including drywall. If you don’t kill it all the first time, mold can grow back. That’s why replacing mold-damaged materials may be the most effective long-term option.

If you hire a mold remediation or abatement company, remember their top priority is eliminating mold, and the fastest and most effective way to do that is often to remove the damaged materials along with the mold.

The mold is gone, what happens next?

Cleaning mold or even replacing the drywall won’t do much long if the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed—leaks, broken pipes, or other drainage issues must be repaired before the drywall is replaced, or the mold will return. If you’re unsure where the moisture is coming from, it’s a good idea to hire a construction professional who can make any necessary repairs so the new gypsum isn’t just covering up a bigger issue.

Hiring a professional to replace the damaged drywall makes sense for large jobs, but it’s also a good idea for smaller jobs in hard-to-reach areas.

Even better, experts in drywall installation are so skilled that when they’re done you won’t be able to see any tape lines or uneven joint compound, so you’ll never know where the old gypsum ends and the new drywall begins.

Preventing mold

Because mold thrives in damp, warm environments, there are several things you can do to prevent it from taking up residence at your home.

1. Inspect interior and exterior pipes and plumbing fixtures for leaks, and make any needed repairs
2. Clean gutters and downspouts so rainwater flows freely out and away from your home
3. Repair any cracks or holes in the foundation
4. Check the roof and flashing around skylights, windowsm, and chimneys for potential leaks, and repair as necessary
5. Provide proper ventilation, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and attics
6. Use air conditioners or dehumidifiers to control indoor humidity levels (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests indoor humidity levels be no more than 50%)
7. Consider using moisture-absorption products in closets, basements, or other damp spaces
8. Add mold-inhibitor to paint when painting areas that may be prone to mold, like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements

If your walls or ceilings have been damaged by mold and you want to start fresh, contact us. We’d be glad to discuss options for replacing some or all of the affected drywall.

Whether you’re a work-from-home veteran or just started, consider these basic home office remodeling tips to make the most out of your space.

Locating the Ideal Space for Your Home Office

The primary goal is to find a space that has few household distractions. Of course, a separate room is ideal for a home office. The ability to close a door at the end of the workday is best. It maximizes privacy and serenity, and lends the feeling of leaving work at the end of the day, which has positive psychological effects – it allows you to disconnect.

If your home and budget permit, you might consider adding a separate entrance to your home office from the outside to really capitalize on the feeling of going to and from the office. This is obviously a task that you probably wouldn’t want to undertake on your own and will most likely require you to hire a contractor to do the job.

Not everyone has the luxury of having a separate space, so some of you need to think more creatively if you’re short on space. There are many ways to distinguish and optimize your home office space even if you don’t have an extra room, a consultation with an interior designer will help you to get on the right track.

Boost Your Productivity with Color

Color can help you virtually separate your office space and has other benefits as well. Color and its brightness are a matter of personal preference. Now that this home office space is all yours, it’s time to personalize it to optimize performance. So, consider color carefully when you select paint and accents.

Interestingly, most experts agree that blue is the best color for productivity. It calms your mind, which helps you concentrate and stay focused.

 These colors can also help give you a boost.

• Yellow energizes, enhances creativity and mood.
• Green is balancing and creates calm.
• White is ideal for a smaller space as it makes it feel larger and brighter.

And you creative types may want to do something a little different with your walls. Perhaps a chalkboard wall or section will take that ingenious mind of yours to the next level.

The Proper Lighting Will Make You Shine

Lighting can improve productivity and make you feel better according to this WorkDesign Magazine article and other studies.

When it comes to lighting for your home office, you can’t beat mother nature – natural lighting is best. It increases alertness and helps optimize brain function. Who doesn’t want that when they’re working? It also improves physical and mental health.

Therefore, finding a space with windows, allowing natural lighting to come in, is optimal. Being close to a window that opens to the outdoors also allows you to get some fresh air throughout the day, which also enhances your wellbeing. Another benefit of a window in your home office space is that it offers a view, which can help you de-stress during the workday.

If you don’t have a space with natural lighting, you can add energy efficient lamps and directional lighting. Budget and structure permitting, you can add a window and/or a skylight.

Choose Your Desk, Chair and other furnishings for Comfort, Style and Functionality

Whether you choose modern, minimalist furniture or go the traditional route, make sure you fulfill storage needs. The goal is to have a clean, uncluttered work environment.

• Desk – Your desk should be large enough so that you can spread out when working on multiple projects simultaneously or as needed in the normal course of your workday. You don’t have to break the bank for a desk. There are many good, economical options available.
• Chair – Your office chair is an item on which you don’t want to penny pinch, but you can find some deals too. Consider how many hours you spend sitting at your desk during your workday. Healthy posture is critical to your comfort; an ergonomic chair promotes health and productivity. Your office chair should be sturdy; have good lumbar support;  a long back with a headrest and height adjustment. A mesh back will keep you cooler during those long days. You can find a good, economical one at ikea.
• Office desks and chairs have come a long way. Adjustable standing desks are a great option for those who prefer not to sit at their desk all day. Stability balls are another seating option that is becoming more prevalent. They enhance posture, balance and core strength and can be used periodically throughout the day to break the monotony of sitting in an office chair for extended periods of time.
• Storage – Choose a storage system for files, equipment and other items that flows with your home office decor and helps create a clutter-free work environment.

Get the Right Tools for Your Trade

Don’t overlook the basics when setting up your home office.

• You don’t want to wait forever to upload or download large files. Make sure that you have a fast, reliable internet connection.
• It’s critical to have backup for your power and your data. Get a backup power source and external hard drive so that your files are backed up periodically. If you don’t want to purchase a hard drive, you can also backup data in the cloud with services such as Google Drive and iCloud.
• An additional monitor is great for multitasking and allows you to see the full scope of projects you’re working on.
• A scanner and printer are a must. You can find all-in-one machines that include scanner, printer and fax; does anyone use a fax anymore? Some professionals still do and need them.
• Remember that not everything is electronic. You will always need tangible notes. Always include the basics like pen and paper. Physical office supplies make the space feel more like an office and less like a home.

Include Final Touches that Make it Your Own

Including some aspects of home design in your home office will help you think more creatively, make you more productive, reduce stress and reduce feelings of loneliness.

• Adding a sound system with music of your choice can make you more productive.
• House plants bring nature indoors and also help you think more creatively.
• Artwork and /or framed quotes should inspire you.
• Essential oil diffusers are being used more in offices to reduce stress.
• Lastly, add finishes that you like, for example, gold finishes in your chair and/or desk accessories for that glam touch – have fun with this and make it your own!

Now that you have these practical tips, go ahead and start making your home office space the ideal place for you to excel in your job. Besides, don’t you want a really cool space that impresses your coworkers during all those Zoom meetings?

Whether you own a fixer-upper you bought as a young couple, or the home where you raised your family, investing some time and energy into smart home projects can help you sell your home quickly without compromising on selling price.

Creating a Great First Impression

When selling a home, never underestimate the power of a first impression. From the moment potential buyers arrive at the house, you want them to have a positive feeling toward your home. Make sure your flower beds are weeded, and your trees and hedges don’t look overgrown or unruly. Replace your house numbers, selecting modern, easy-to-read numbers so potential buyers can immediately identify your home. Change the light bulb by the front door, and make sure it lights up the entire entryway.

Add a New Fence

Home buyers concerned about the safety of their family and pets, consider outdoor fencing a desirable property feature. When calculating the potential cost of installing a fence, you’ll need to take into account the size of your property, what kind of lumber you’re using (averages $7 to $15 per foot), and labor costs ($10 – $30 per foot). And if you want to add a gate to your fence, you should expect to pay an additional $200 – $600.

Don’t Forget the Door

Boost your curb appeal without spending a lot of time on painting, and focus on the front door. Painting the front door is an inexpensive project that can create a great first impression, and help you sell your home faster. When selecting the perfect color for the front door, carefully consider the style of your home, your home’s exterior color, and the style of the neighborhood. Make sure the color will make the front door pop without clashing with the exterior color or making it seem out of place in the neighborhood. Popular door colors you can select include white, blue, green, red, or brown.

Spruce Up the Kitchen

A home project involving the kitchen will likely be the most expensive project you’ll undertake, but modernizing your kitchen can increase the value of your home, and could make all the difference in securing a quick sale. Consider resurfacing the countertops, updating the sink and faucet (upscale faucets will cost you $200 – $600), or replacing the flooring to give the kitchen a whole new look.

Replace the Baseboards

Over the years, your baseboards have received a lot of wear and tear, and they may be scuffed and scraped in a few well-worn areas. Replacing the baseboards is a quick and cost-effective way to give your home an update. When the baseboards are removed, make sure you patch any hold or dents in the wall, then sand and repaint the baseboards, or replace the baseboards altogether to impress buyers with beautiful, clean lines between your wall and floor.

Fill Nail Holes in the Walls

If you’ve been in your current home for a while, you’ve probably rearranged the art and photos you have hanging on the walls, leaving behind a few nail holes here and there. You hardly notice these holes, but a potential buyer will be scrutinizing every wall. Filling the nail holes can make your home seem brand new, and this small home project will only take you one afternoon.

Organize the Garage

Is your garage full of boxes, Christmas decorations, and old sports equipment no one uses anymore? Consider that stuff a hindrance to a quick sale. You can sell your home faster by spending some time organizing the garage. Sell, donate, or toss anything you’re not planning to take with you when you move, and organize what’s left. Install some shelving, place a corkboard to hang tools, and add pegs or an overhead rack for any oversized storage. Buyers will be impressed by all the storage space, and you’ll have added an element that can expedite the sale.

Some homes can be on the market for months, but if you don’t want to wait that long, choose a few home projects to focus on, such as increasing curb appeal, sprucing up the kitchen, and organizing your garage and you’ll be able to sell your home quickly, helping you move on to your next adventure.

Most of these projects are quick and cost-effective fixes that will help you sell your house quickly, but if you’re looking for a bigger return on your investment, check out our list of Top 7 Home Renovations for the Money.

Are you looking to redo your bath on a budget? We know all the tricks to help you get the look you want for less, and we’re going to share them with you. We recently completed a budget-friendly design project for a client of ours, so we’ll walk you through the steps of how we achieved the look they wanted at a price they loved—and how you can do it too.

Decisions, decisions

It all starts with making strategic choices about what to keep vs. what to replace. If you’re working with a very lean budget – let’s say $500 to $1000 – stick to cosmetic changes only. A new coat of paint, a couple of accessories, a thrifted mirror, and a new plant can make a huge difference for little financial outlay. One of our favorite ways to give any space a new look for a few (or even zero) dollars? Clean or change your light bulbs! Wipe them off to remove any accumulated dust, or better yet, increase the wattage—once it’s safe, of course. Simply moving from 40W to 60W can give your space a super-easy facelift.

WHAT WE KEPT

Ok so let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Here’s a list of the items that we kept in order to make our budget stretch further.

Toilet

Let’s be honest: a WC is what it is. The only real requirements are that it be functional and leak-free—and that’s all. Anything beyond that is a nice-to-have. Our client’s toilet was in like-new condition, so we were able to save money by not switching it out.

Tub

Their tub is in great condition, and fit into the aesthetic of the new design, so we opted to keep it as well. Plain white standard tubs get a bad rap in today’s “overdesigned” culture, but we actually love them because of their versatility. Every item in a space can’t be a superstar, or it can quickly start to look chaotic. Considering that the average cost to install a tub is approximately $2,000 – which does not include the cost of the tub itself – this was a big win for cost savings.

Tiles

The tub surround was decorated with standard 6 inch tile in a subdued bisque tone, which means that it was neutral enough to blend easily with any design changes. Like the main fixtures in the space, the tile was in mint condition, and therefore provided another opportunity to save big.

WHAT WE CHANGED

Fixtures

Hands down, changing the hardware on your sink is the most cost-effective way to update your bathroom. Every room needs a touch of black, so we switched the faucets and shower-head from standard-issue chrome to elegant oil-rubbed bronze.

Paint

There’s nothing like a fresh paint job to update a space, and it’s also very cost-effective. You save even more if you put in the elbow grease and do the painting yourself. For our Farmhouse theme, we went with “Watery” by Behr.

Tip: When considering where to paint, look beyond the walls! You can drastically change the look of the room by painting the ceiling and/or floor.

Vanity & Sink

These can be pricey, but we were able to source a vanity/sink combo that was budget friendly as well as elegant. The sink is generously sized and has a cottage/farmhouse feel, plus there is ample storage in the vanity below.

Hardware

Amazon always comes through, especially if you’re on a budget. We updated the existing hardware with a 5-piece oil-rubbed bronze set that included a towel ring, toilet paper holder, 18-inch towel bar, 24-inch towel bar, and robe hook. Best of all, it was all under $40.

Mirror

If your bathroom is an outfit, the mirror is the statement accessory. We turned to Amazon again, and found the perfect one for under $100. The slightly distressed bronze finish coordinates with the hardware in the room without being too matchy-matchy.

Backsplash

Tile can be expensive, so limiting the amount that you use to a confined area is a smart way to refresh your space on a budget. We installed a new tile backsplash that includes the blues, browns, whites, and other tones found throughout the space.

Lighting

Completely replacing all the lighting would have been more than our client’s budget could handle, so we narrowed our focus. We installed a new ceiling light fixture (and yes, a brighter bulb) and left the task lighting as-is.

Shower Curtain

When in doubt, use fabric! It’s cheap (or it can be), showy, and voluminous. We got a new shower curtain in a plain white fabric, but its layers of tiers added interest and texture. Amazon to the rescue again, for under $20.

See? It can be done! We hope these tips help you to design the bath of your dreams—and keep costs under control. If you’d like some more pointers, or if you prefer to leave it to the pros, feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to discuss your vision for your space, and provide you with a free estimate.

1. Roof Upgrades

If you’re remodeling your roof, try installing a wraparound soffit and some polyiso insulation to cut energy bills, improve air quality, and ultimately, increase property value. Soffit is a ventilated cover that goes around the entire length of your home below the roof where it hangs over the edges of your walls. It keeps the inside of your roof from overheating, thus improving energy efficiency in the summer.

Polyiso insulation is installed beneath everything else on the exterior of your roof. It provides extra protection against air and moisture intrusion as well as helping prevent your home from losing heat through the top of your house in the winter.

2. Slash your HVAC Expenses

By fixing all the leaks in your HVAC system, you can use it less frequently and still achieve the same effect. Going through a company that can come in, identify and fix all the leaks in your ducts is the only way to make sure your HVAC system is completely airtight. Duct cleaning companies will normally use a computerized pressure system to achieve this, and can also typically provide you with a before and after of how much energy you were losing vs how much you’ll be saving once they’re done.

3. Concrete Wall Upgrades

Insulated concrete forms are the best energy-efficient option for new construction. If you’re adding an extension or building a pool or guesthouse in the backyard, ICFs are, hands down, best choice. ICFs are hollow concrete blocks that are linked together to form a comprehensive wall system that is airtight and much more energy-efficient than the average wooden wall framed home.

When builders want to build the most energy efficient buildings possible nowadays, they use ICFs to form the wall systems. ICFs are sound-resistant, fire-resistant, extremely durable, and safe in even the most extreme weather.

4. ENERGY STAR Rated Windows

Your windows can cost you quite a bit if they aren’t ENERGY STAR rated. A regular window which is poorly insulated will let warm air escape in the winter while letting cool air out during the summer. Such drafts will cost you because you’ll be forced to keep your heating and cooling system on more frequently, and for longer periods of time. Depending on your climate, an ENERGY STAR rated set of windows will help prevent this.

5. Energy-Efficient Lights

Switching out old bulbs for LED lights and adding dimmer switches to your home is a great, cheap way to cut energy costs. This is probably the first place you’ll want to start if you’re serious about cutting your energy costs. Dimmers allow you to adjust the lighting so that your bulbs aren’t burning as bright as possible whenever they’re on. Currently, the best LED bulbs cut electricity costs by 85% when compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

Cutting Energy Costs in a Modern Home Design is Simple

In today’s day and age, cutting energy costs through remodeling has never been easier. Whether you use energy-efficient lights, house wraps, polyiso insulation, ICFs, soffit, or HVAC repair, you’re sure to reap the benefits at the end of the month.

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

Half baths are one of our favorite rooms to design, since they provide the opportunity to go a little over the top. If you love flashy floors, saturated colors, conspicuous chandeliers, wild wallpaper, and animal print, and you want to put them all together, the powder room (or half bath as it is also called) is the place to do it. Not that we’re necessarily recommending that – minimal and monochrome are fine too – but you get the idea.

Since entertaining season is around the corner (the holidays will be here sooner than you think!), now is a good time to start planning your powder room refresh. So where do you start?

Start with a statement sink

A half bath consists of just two fixtures: the toilet and the sink, so the sink should be a focal point. Since the average powder room is just 20 square feet, most people opt to forego a vanity in favor of a pedestal, or a ledge topped by a vessel sink. A vanity is not out of the question, however. Just make sure that it’s a showstopper and does not overcrowd the space. Try a converted desk or chest of drawers into unique bathroom vanity.

Include touches of tile

And by touches, we mean tile everywhere. Floor to ceiling tile is a look we love. Not only is it visually stunning, it is also easy to clean. Since you’re dealing with such a tiny space you can be a bit more adventurous with your finishes, and a bit more free with your budget. Need some ideas? You can go for the ultimate luxe look and clad the walls and floor in marble, add some sparkle with iridescent glass tile, or make the space feel larger by laying the tile out in a chevron pattern.

Layer in lighting

Many half baths are carved out of found space in a floor plan – created out of a closet, for example, or hidden under the stairs. For this reason they tend to have little to no natural light. Wall sconces and a chandelier will brighten up the space, make it functional, and add another layer of drama. If you can’t handle a windowless room, and your layout allows, try installing a skylight. The room will be flooded with natural light for most of the day, which will make it feel larger and more comfortable.

Maximize with mirrors

Nothing makes a room feel larger – and more dramatic – like mirrors. You will need one for over the sink. We recommend straying away from the standard medicine cabinet, and instead sourcing one that has unique etching, an interesting shape, or a vintage frame. If possible, incorporate a full length mirror as well, since this is the room that you and your guests will use to help you make sure you’re presentable.

Add accents and accessories

Decorative accessories are the “extra” in the word extraordinary. Even if you “go basic” elsewhere in your home, the powder room is the place to kick everything up a notch. You’ll need:

• Luxurious linens – high-thread-count hand towels, monogrammed if possible.
• Fine-milled soaps – subtly scented and generously proportioned.
• Facial tissues – super-soft, and stored in a tissue holder.
• Candles and/or aroma diffusers – make being in the powder room a multi-sensory experience.
• Greenery – use faux florals if that is your preference, or try a few stalks of bamboo for a zen feel.
• Canisters – store cotton pads, Q-tips, etc. in elegant containers.
• Wastebasket – splurge on a beautiful one.
• Art – Since unlike a full bath the powder room is not a wet room, a single statement piece or a gallery wall of your faves will be practical as well as beautiful.
• Do it for the ‘gram

Optics are everything. Visualize your space as an “after” photo that could be featured on one of those popular interior design Instagram feeds. Commit to a color, a texture, a print, a design style, or a trend, and then weave it unapologetically throughout the room. If you’re someone whose home is always full of guests, then make it gram-worthy, and ready to be featured in lots of bathroom selfies. Not into Instagram? That’s ok. The key is to make the space beautiful and eye-catching for you.

One last thing: sight lines are important. If you’re one of those people who leaves the bathroom door open between uses, and the room is visible from the rest of the house, make sure that the decor is not too visually disruptive.

Need some additional tips or expert advice? That’s where we come in. We can help you design a new half bath from scratch, or remodel your existing one. Contact us today to get started.

So how do you get the new space of your dreams at a reasonable price? It comes down to two unglamorous but necessary words: planning and budgeting. For a detailed breakdown of individual costs by project and by room, HomeAdvisor.com is a great source, but here we provide you with our top high-level tips to think about when planning a remodel and need to hire a pro.

Define Your Needs: Build up, Build out, or Bump out

Of these three options, a bump out is generally the least costly, mainly because it does not involve changing the roof or foundation. A bump out typically extends a space to align it with an existing roof, adding square footage while avoiding major upheaval.

A build-out goes further than a bump-out, but often requires costly foundation and roofing extensions. Though it provides more interior square footage, the downside is that it also increases the exterior footprint of the home, which can drastically reduce outdoor/garden space.

Building up is a great way to retain the existing footprint of your home, but it can require significant roofing adjustments (some or all of your roof will have to be replaced), as well as bolstering of the foundation and weight-bearing beams.

Select Your Contractor

• First step: get recommendations. It’s always good to work with someone who has been vetted, and about whom you can get the inside scoop. Ask friends, colleagues, and neighbors for referrals.
• Next, examine their credentials and licenses. Make sure their paperwork is up to snuff. After that, narrow your potential hires down, and interview the ones who have made your shortlist.
• Finally: get bids. No matter how the initial interviews went, make sure you receive proposals from more than one contractor. Don’t base your selection on price alone. What appears to be the cheapest bid can sometimes end up costing you more in the long run.

Account for the Uncountable

Most remodeling projects go off the rails because of unforeseen expenses that are not captured in the budget. These are the top three:

1. Indecision: While a level of flexibility is necessary, too much flexibility – constantly changing your mind – can lead to budget overruns, as well as bad relationships with your architect, contractor, and vendors. Worse yet, it can result in an incomplete project.
2. When the Walls Finally Talk: It happens almost without fail: just as the project is starting to sail along, your contractor finds something unexpected, or even borderline disastrous. Issues like rotted wiring, termite-ridden studs, cracked foundations, moldy basements, faulty plumbing…the list goes on. Standard remodeling budgets include a 10% contingency allocation, which is meant to provide funding to address issues like these. Do not make the mistake of not including a contingency fund. Something always comes up, and it is best to be financially prepared.
3. The Cost of Comfort: Most homeowners remember to include all the construction-related costs in their budget, but they often forget to plan for how to keep themselves and their family comfortable during the remodel. Depending on the scale of the project, you need to set aside funds for storage, moving, alternative accommodation, eat-out/order-in dinners, child care, boarding pets, commuting costs, and income lost due to time off from work. Your contingency fund is typically earmarked for costs directly related to the rebuild. We suggest adding an extra 5% or more to your contingency fund to cover any additional unforeseen expenses.

If you love your home and neighborhood, but just want a bit of a change, remodeling can be a viable option vs. purchasing a new home. At 305 Florida Contractors, we can guide you through the process, and help you achieve the home of your dreams at a reasonable price. Just contact us to learn more.

Last-Minute Showings

One of the most stressful parts of selling a home is the last-minute showing. Someone calls, you have 10 minutes to an hour before a potential buyer is coming to the house, you are disheveled, the kids are playing and have toys everywhere, the sink is full of dishes, the washing machine is running, and you still need to clean. While this may seem like the worst-case scenario, you can do several things to make tidying up easy and ensure that you have the home ready to show off:

• Keep baskets handy to throw in laundry, paper, toys, and clothes.
• Make it a rule to make beds in the morning and fold all blankets after each use.
• Set up a designated space for all people who enter your home to place shoes and bags.
• Put the dishes in the dishwasher after each use.
• Create a checklist for small tasks.

Letting the Light Shine

The perfect lighting in a home achieves that warm and bright atmosphere buyers are looking for.  It’s important not to overlook the importance that natural and artificial lights bring to the space.  Open all blinds and curtains. Turn on all lights, including lamps and overhead lights. Add some mirrors, which will help give the illusion of open spaces. Make it a game for your kids to spot dark areas in your home and add lamps or wall sconces in those areas. To make sure the lights are on prior to a showing, assign everyone one room that they are responsible for.

Tidying Up

The most important thing you can do to help sell your home is to get rid of the clutter. Too much stuff will prevent potential buyers from being able to picture the house as their home. To prep your home for showings, have each family member sort their belongings into four piles:

1. What they need for the short term
2. What can be stored
3. What can be donated
4. What can be trashed

For the items you’ll be storing, try to find storage out of the house, such as at a friend’s or relative’s house or a storage unit. Get the whole family involved in this task, and in the end, reward the whole family with a fun dinner or family-fun activity like bowling or mini golf.

Appealing to the Senses

To sell your home, you must appeal to the senses of the buyer. You can help entice their visual senses by focusing on lighting, de-cluttering, and cleaning. While you may have adapted to noises in your home, potential buyers have not. So, it’s important to get rid of creaky floorboards, leaky faucets, or loud appliances.

Eliminate offensive odors caused by pets, plants, standing water, and musty basements, then add in pleasant smells, such as cinnamon, freshly baked cookies, lavender, pine, or fresh linen. Again, make this a time for your family to bond, and get everyone involved by seeing what everyone’s different senses picks up.

Being a busy parent is a job in and of itself, so the thought of selling your house may cause stress. You’re not alone, and many potential buyers will likely be in the same boat. Your home cannot always be picture perfect, but there are steps you can take to make it sale-ready. Involve your whole family every step of the way as you set a plan for last-minute showings, bring light into your home, tidy up every room, and make sure to appeal to all the potential buyer’s senses. In no time, this season of your life will have passed and you will be in a new home.

Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to figure out how to get started with your project. When it comes to plumbing, electrical work, or structural work, it’s best to call in a pro. Not only will this help keep you safe, but it will also ensure that your home doesn’t suffer any needless damage, which will save you money in the long run.

Keep reading for great tips on how to figure out the details of major or minor home repairs.

Figure Out What Type of Repair It Is

The first step is to figure out what kind of repair you have on your hands and what it will entail. Do some research online to find out more about the project you’re taking on. Repairs that involve plumbing, electrical work, or structural work always need a pro, which will drive up your costs but will be necessary in order for the job to be done safely and correctly. Common repairs that require a pro might include replacing a toilet, hot water heater, or electrical wiring.

Break Down the Cost

Breaking down the cost of your home repair project is imperative because it will allow you to create a budget from the beginning. Many minor home repairs can be done in a cost-effective way if you know how to get started; for instance, even if you call in a pro, you can buy the materials yourself, which will allow you to shop around for the best deals. Bigger repairs can get costly, however; the average national cost for a major home repair is around $10,429.

Establish a Timeline

Every home project requires a timeline from the jump. Not only will this help to save you money as you keep your contractor on task, but it will also keep your family comfortable because you won’t have to worry about having your home torn up for weeks or months. Without a set date for completion, you may face issues with the people you hire to get the job done. Keep in mind, however, that with major renovations often come setbacks. Get a written agreement from your contractor that includes the estimate they gave you for both the timeline and the cost.

Keep Permits in Mind

While many home repairs don’t require permission from the city, some do, and it’s important to educate yourself on how to go about getting cleared for your project. Any changes to the blueprint of your home — adding rooms, cutting holes for windows or skylights, or installing new plumbing or electrical work — will require a permit. Typically, these aren’t too expensive, but if you fail to get the right kind, you’ll be facing fines that could increase your budget.

Making changes to your home can be stressful and costly, so it’s imperative that you plan ahead before making any decisions. Do some research online and, if possible, talk to someone who has been through a similar project so you can get tips and advice.

At 305 Florida Contractors, travel is how we reconnect with our magic, and with each other. For our contracting business, traveling helps us refine our aesthetic, expand our mental boundaries, and stay innovative; so it will come as no surprise that to close out 2018, we took a trip. Our getaway city of choice? New Orleans.

N’awlins did not disappoint. (Sidenote: only tourists call it by that name. Not locals.) The city does not believe in doing things by halves. In fact I’m pretty sure that its mantra is “More is More.” From the food to the architecture to the music (and again: the food!!) we experienced sensory overload in the best possible way.

Taste

The Big Easy is famous for its cuisine – and rightfully so. From crawfish etouffée and jambalaya to po’ boys and pralines, there is a dish (actually, there are several dishes) to please every palate. Our personal favorite? The beignets from the iconic Café Du Monde. I’m not sure what alchemy makes these simple doughnuts so utterly irresistible, but irresistible they are. The super-fine powdered sugar that they’re covered in definitely helps. We enjoyed ours with a hot cup of the chicory-flavored coffee that the city is known for.

Sight

For architecture buffs (which, of course, we are), New Orleans offers a variety of styles on which to feast the eyes. Because it was owned by the  French and Spanish before being acquired by the U.S., structures in the city reflect that mixed heritage. Building styles range from creole cottages and simple shotgun homes to center-hall houses and grand antebellum-era plantations, and the colors, features, proportions, and decorative elements that typify each style provide a rich source of inspiration. With so many beautiful buildings to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but one that really spoke to us was the double-gallery townhouse (pictured below) located in the heart of the French Quarter.

Hearing

Something else that New Orleans has in abundance is nicknames, and “The Birthplace of Jazz” is one of the most famous –  and apt – ones. Music permeates the city. Wherever you go, the sounds of jazz float across the air, embodying the vibe of “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll). On Bourbon Street, we took in the sounds of the street performers, and we also slipped into a few of the lesser-known jazz clubs and piano bars to be entertained by supremely talented combos and vocalists.

Smell

Like any city whose cuisine is its calling card, New Orleans is full of mouthwatering scents emanating from restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Every few feet there’s another aroma to tempt you: cajun spices, fresh seafood, boiled crawfish, gumbo, jambalaya, French-style bread, fresh-roasted pralines, and just-brewed coffee. NOLA is also known for its flora — after all, there is an entire section called The Garden District. So the scents of magnolias, jasmine, Angel’s Trumpets, sweet olive, and fresh-mown grass abound as well.

Touch

So many textures, so little time. One of the places where it’s easiest to indulge your sense of touch is the French Market. There are rows upon rows of vendors selling trinkets and delicacies of all types, and from myriad cultures. There were also gator heads (Small ones. Not quite as scary as it sounds.) on display. Not something I would have ever thought that I would touch, but…when in New Orleans…However, I digress. In terms of architecture, we were in heaven. Ancient wrought iron, crumbling masonry, intricate tiling, plaster, red bricks… the list goes on.

It was great to be able to ring in the New Year in such an eclectic and energetic city. We’re looking forward to weaving some of our inspirations into our projects in 2019.