A broken furnace can be a pain in the side. But you can prevent an utter breakdown of your furnace by paying attention to its warning signs and undertake furnace repair. You must lookout for signs that you need furnace replacement despite spending on its maintenance and repairs.

You cannot continue to keep repairing your furnace every time. Some signs indicate that your house is due for furnace replacement. Then, why would you keep repairing a dying furnace? It is time for furnace replacement; look out for the signs below:

1. Steady Rise in Your Energy Bills and Repairs

The first and most significant sign that tells you that you need furnace replacement is a noticeable increase in the cost of your energy bills and equipment repairs. Old furnaces must work harder to produce the heat you need, and this causes them to binge on energy. Cost of regular maintenance and an increase in energy cost tell you to opt for furnace replacement. Buy a new and more efficient furnace.

How do You Know When Your Furnace Needs to be Replaced?2. Strange Noise

Regardless of the frequency of repairs, if your furnace gets noisier and louder than usual, you should consider a furnace replacement. When your furnace keeps making rattling, humming, squealing, and popping sound, it is probably due for a replacement. If after several attempts by the technician to fix its unusual noise level, your furnace still makes that screeching noise, furnace replacement is the next step to take.

3. Ageing

The average life expectancy of a furnace is from 15 to 20 years. Therefore, if your furnace is around this age or beyond, you should be getting ready for furnace replacement. Think about buying a more efficient and improved furnace.

4. Inconsistent or Different Temperatures throughout the Home

The older a furnace gets, the more inefficient it becomes. When notice varying temperature or inconsistencies in the warmth of each room in your home, it shows that your furnace can no longer distribute heat evenly throughout the house. This can cause some rooms to be colder than the rest. At this point, you undoubtedly need a furnace replacement.

You must lookout for signs that you need furnace replacement despite spending on its maintenance and repairs.

5. Yellow Flame

When your furnace starts burning and showing yellow or flickering flame instead of blue, the chances are that your furnace now creates poisonous carbon monoxide. Other signs to look out for to know that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide include the lack of upward draft in the chimney, excess moisture on windows, and water leakage from under the base of the chimney.
As soon as you notice some of the signs discussed above, be getting ready for furnace replacement.

Renovating the house for increasing resale value – what a fun way to make a profit! From marble countertops to skylight windows, there are tons of ways you can upgrade your home. However, some renovations work better than others.

To make the most profit out of your remodel, check out these trendy and profitable projects that can really boost up your home’s value:

Bathroom Remodels

Always a popular renovation, bathroom remodelling is a great way to amaze future buyers. Nobody wants to purchase a home with an outdated bathroom since to upgrade it is usually a time-consuming task.

The key to renovating is to choose projects which will be noticed by buyers and a luxurious bathroom will definitely leave an impression. Having an average ROI of 80%, this remodel really spices up things in the house. Getting ideas is a bit tricky, but here are some that can awaken your creative side:

• Walk-in showers
• Freestanding bathtubs
• Golden/Brass fixtures
• Skylight windows
• Concrete/Wood countertops

New Windows and Doors

When we already mentioned skylights, it’s time to start talking about how replacement windows add resale value. Changing your windows and doors throughout the entire house isn’t that expensive compared to other projects. Plus, buyers love them!

Energy-efficient framing, impact-resistant glass… you name it! The type of windows and doors you have determine two important things: energy efficiency and curb appeal! And modern buyers are looking for both. Currently, the most popular window types are:

• Skylights
• Bay and bow
• Double-hung
• Dormer
• Casement

Outdoor Living Areas

Having a house without a proper outdoor living area is almost pointless. Why would anybody want to buy a house without a deck, porch, and a rich garden. These are the elements that make it much more interesting than an apartment.

Using the backyard to increase appeal and value is one of the smartest ways you can go. If your budget allows it, do a couple of renovations. If not, choose one and make it look stunning. Besides decks, here are some other ideas:

• Fire-pits
• Pools
• Treehouses
• Outdoor kitchens

Kitchen Upgrade

The difference between a bathroom and a kitchen upgrade is that the latter is more expensive. But, in both cases, you will definitely increase your home’s value. Watch TV shows like House Hunters and notice what the buyers are usually asking.

On these shows, you will notice questions like: “Wow! Are these marble countertops?” “How old is the kitchen?” and they just state the obvious: Everybody wants a good-looking kitchen! There isn’t a better way to leave an impression and make some of your friends jealous:

• Hardwood flooring
• Open-shelving
• Natural stone countertops
• Wallpaper and reflective tiles
• Energy-efficient appliances

Decorate the Entire House!

Apart from investing in bigger projects, you must call an expert to redecorate the house. For a relatively cheap price, you will make your house look like a mansion. With simple stuff like repainting, adding wall art, and restaging the furniture you will boost appeal in no time.

But first, you must contact the right contractors. Projects like window replacement, hardwood installation, bathroom remodel, and front entrance upgrade is the key to maximizing resale value. No matter how pretty the house looks, nobody will buy it if it has loose windows and crooked doors.

Selling a house is an involving affair for both experienced sellers and newbies. The process should not be taken lightly, and the seller should be well prepared. Selling a house in most cases is accompanied by anxiety, stress, and a sense of uncertainty.

However, all this can be mitigated by making the right decision and also preparing well for the process. As such, before you decide to put your property up for sale, there are things you should consider.

Here are 5 things to consider before listing your house for sale:

Hiring a Realtor

When it comes to selling houses, most individuals tend to ignore the role of a realtor. This should not be the case, and every seller should consider using a real estate agent in the process. To hire the best agent, the seller should interview at least three agents. The interview will ensure that you differentiate talkers from top negotiators. A real estate agent can help you sell your house.

While interviewing the agent, one should strive to know their negotiating style as well as their opinion on the condition of your property. The answers gained should help you understand what to expect from the sale.

Things to Consider Before Selling Your Home

The Price

In most cases, the price at which you are willing to sell the house is dictated by property value and personal finances. As such, one should consider their financial situation before the listing is done. For instance, if one chooses to move to an apartment after selling, they should be prepared to pay both rent and mortgage at some point. This might prove to be too much if no proper planning is done.

Usually, sellers try to improve their financial situation by charging the property above the market rate. Such scenarios should be avoided if one wishes not to put off potential buyers.

Paperwork

The process of selling a house involves a lot of paperwork. Hence, if you are looking to sell it quickly, you should have its complete paperwork with you. As such, any issue that might delay the process should be streamlined beforehand. For instance, if the house value is less than what you owe, one should talk to the lender, and have them approve the price.

When to List the Property for Sale

Real estate markets differ from each other. Some periods within the year have proved to be best when selling a property and others not so much. For example, most sellers manage to receive higher prices for their houses between March and May (spring months). As a rule of thumb, one should list their property around the said time.

However, one should look to list their property for sale when it is most convenient for them. Before selling, one should consider both the positive and the negative sides of selling the house at a particular time frame.

Preparing the House for Listing

Unfortunately, for a person to sell a house, it will take more than just visiting your real estate agent. Several things should be in order before one considers kick-starting the process. One should seek their agent’s advice on what they need to do to have the house in top condition. Decluttering, painting, and all other low-cost preparations should be carried out before the process begins.

When it comes to selling a house, the first impression matters. Poor preparation should be avoided as it might put off buyers, or cost you a lot of money in the long-run.

It is paramount that every seller should learn the above tips before any listing is done. Learning these tips will help the seller to understand the ways through which they can manage to attract the right prices for their properties. Additionally, one should prepare adequately for the process to reduce any unwarranted feelings. The outcome of the process is determined by learning the tricks and knowing when to make the right decision.

Achieving a more energy-efficient home is a task that must be done to lower your energy bills, improve the level of comfort within the house, and help to reduce the level of fossil oil used to generate power on the global level. If you want to have a more energy-efficient home, read the guide below.

Enhance your Hot Water System Efficiency

Your hot water system is one of the appliances that consume energy in any home. As a result, make your hot water system more energy efficient by insulating the hot water lines so that they do not cool off quickly between uses. Also, use low-flow fixtures for baths and showers to reduce heat loss. You can also consider installing “on-demand” hot water circulating system in your home – it works with low-flow fixtures. This will reduce the amount of energy that your hot water system uses.

Boost Your Home’s Insulation

Effective insulation reduces heat loss at home in the winter or into the house during the summer. As a result, your HVAC will require less energy to heat or cool the house. Have your home assessed for effective home insulation – checking your walls, attic, and windows. Insulate your walls by caulking and blocking the cracks and holes and installing stud walls. Upgrade the insulation of your attic or loft. Boosting the home’s insulation is a wise investment that will save you money in the long run.

5 Effective Ways to Have​ a More Energy Efficient Home

Replace Incandescent Bulbs

Another way to have a more energy-efficient home is to replace all the incandescent bulbs in your home with LED bulbs, which use less energy and offer long-lasting, bright light. You would be able to save on energy use in your home.

Window Replacement

The first solution to having a more energy-efficient home is to undertake a window replacement project. Windows have always been found to be the leading culprit for homes without energy efficiency. Damages to window frames, warped and cracks in window glass allow draft into the house and make your home less energy efficient.

There is an extensive collection of energy-efficient windows on the market. Installing these windows will let you have a more energy-efficient home.

TuneUp the HVAC System

You need to ensure that your heating and cooling system is well-maintained to run efficiently at a peak level. This will save you money. Call an expert to service and tune-up your HVAC system for optimal and efficient performance without using more energy than necessary. Replace any appliance that cannot be tuned up for efficiency.

If you are a homeowner and do not know the benefits you can derive from basement waterproofing, this article is for you. Below are the reasons why you should consider waterproofing your basement.

Reduces Power Bills

Waterproofing your basement helps to lower the amount you pay monthly for electricity or power. During basement waterproofing, all the holes and cracks in the basement get sealed as well as any crevices found. This process ensures effective blocking out of the moisture and cold.

Besides, basement waterproofing prevents cold or warm air from getting out of the house because there will not be holes or cracks available any longer.

Why you Should Consider Waterproofing your Basement

Prevents Stores Item from Damage

If you use your basement mainly for storing items and materials, it can be an ideal store only if it is waterproofed. A leaky and moisture-filled basement would ruin items such as clothes, books, electronics, beddings, albums, toys, etc. By waterproofing your basement, you are ensuring that the items and properties stored in your basement would be preserved and in good condition. If your basement is flooded, it’s best to call a water damage restoration company to help clean up the mess.

Waterproofing your basement helps to lower the amount you pay monthly for electricity or power.

Curtails Long-term Health Risks

Water and moisture are crucial to the growth of potentially toxic moulds growing in the basement. Mould and mildew can cause damages to the respiratory system, headaches, itchy skin and eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing.

Why you Should Consider Waterproofing your Basement

The side effects could be mild or severe. When you waterproof your basement, you are doing a lot of good to yourself and family because you would be able to avoid health risks that moulds and mildew could cause due to a wet or damp basement.

Reduces Insurance Costs

Waterproofing basement is one of the ways by which you can reduce your monthly insurance premiums, especially if you have a policy that covers water damage, mould growth, and other related damages. Basement waterproofing would reduce these risks, and the insurer would offer discounts based on your basement waterproofing.

Protects the Foundation

In addition to protecting the interior of your home, basement waterproofing will also protect the foundation of your home against damage. The absorbed moisture is capable of cracking the foundation of a building. By waterproofing your basement, there will not be any inlet for water to compromise the structural integrity of the foundation of the house. The impact and financial consequences of a damaged foundation.

Know that seemingly little moisture in your basement is capable of causing big problems, waterproofing your basement is the best project to prevent all forms of problems that water seepage causes.

When shopping for a new window, it’s very important that you learn about durability, longevity and energy efficiency.

Old Age

As any material in our homes, with time windows completely lose functionality. Every manufactured and installed window out there has its own lifespan. However, it will mostly depend on weather conditions, amount of maintenance, framing material, and quality of the installation.

To find out whether your window is reaching old age, simply check your warranties and keep in mind these numbers:

  • Aluminum – 18 years maximum, a lot less if located near oceans and seas
  • Wood – an average of 30, can give up early if infected by rot and pesticide
  • Vinyl – maximum of 50, but everything depends on manufacturing
  • Fibreglass – can even reach 60 if not a victim of difficult impacts and storms

Time to Change your Windows

Obvious Damage

The second telltale sign of window replacement is obvious damage. Issues such as cracks, rot, leaks, condensation, and fallen parts are definitely signs that you need to add new replacement windows. Many homeowners try fixing such damages on their own.

Evidently, it’s a good way to save up on some money for replacements and professional repairs, however, it won’t address the underlying issue and won’t fix the damages entirely. Yes, rot can be removed with a hammer, but how long until it appears again?

Moisture & Mould

The most common reason for window failure is high moisture levels. After your home’s indoor air starts becoming unbalanced, tiny water droplets will start to appear on your windows and doors. If ventilation isn’t improved, these droplets will invite mould growth and pesticide in your home.

You can easily notice if you have dampness around your windows. It will start with interior condensation and quickly move onto rot, mould, and cold breezes. Running dehumidifiers won’t help at these stages since the windows will already be significantly damaged.

As any material in our homes, with time windows completely lose functionality

Time to Change your Windows

Failing Mechanism

Before you decide on the window style, you must learn everything there is about it. For instance, each type of window has its own flaws. About the time it reaches its age limit, certain situations might occur. One of them is a failed mechanism.

However, each type will fail at different things. With a double-hung, you might experience difficulties with the bottom sash while with a casement, you will face looseness and draftiness.

If you feel like your window is getting too old or too difficult to open and close, immediately contact experts and get the perspective of a professional.

Higher Bills

Last, but not least are high energy bills. The main role a window has is to protect you from cold breezes in the winter and heatwaves in the summer. When you find yourself turning on the furnace or the HVAC more often, give your windows and doors a visit and a thorough investigation.

Old, damaged windows let everything pass through them, including noise from the outside. This can also damage your energy bills since in this situation you won’t be having proper insulation. To get a better perspective: New vinyl windows won’t increase your bills. In fact, statistics shows how they can even reduce them by 15%.

Did you just purchase a resale home? Are you searching for top things you need to do when you move into a resale home? Do not stress out; here are the top things you must do before and when you pack into a resale home.

Change the Locks

Being a resale home, some people have previously occupied the home and have keys to the home. The best thing to do is to change the locks to the main entrances of the house to ensure that you are the only person who has access. You can call a locksmith or go for a DIY procedure if you have the knack for it.

Window Replacement

In addition to providing your home with a new look, windows replacement will also improve the energy efficiency of your home and make you feel comfortable. Window replacement is one of the top things to do when you move into a resale home.

Top Things to do when you Move into a Resale Home

Basement Waterproofing

Prevention is better than cure. You must prioritize basement waterproofing when you move into a resale home or expect to call a  water damage restoration company. Prevent water leakage in the basement and potential flooding. This way, you can rest assured that your basement is free from water damage, mould and mildew growth, and other attendant inconveniences.

Check for Plumbing Leak

During a home inspection, before you closed the purchase deal, the plumbing of the home must have been examined. However, you have to be sure that it is intact now that you will be using water and the entire plumbing system. Ensure that there are no leaks, and if there are any, have them fixed by a professional plumber.

Replace the Toilet Seats

Change the toilet seats to feel like the home is indeed yours and you would be free from worrying about what happened in it before you purchased the home. You can choose a detachable toilet seat to personalize the toilet.

Invest in Pest Control

Another top thing to do when you move into a resale home is to control the pests in the home. You do not necessarily have to know the level of pest activities in the house; hire a professional company for pest control to prevent rats, mice, roaches, spiders, and other pests from overrunning your home.

Get Familiar with the Circuit Breaker Box and Shutoff Valve

You must know where your breaker box and shutoff valves are located. Before you move in, see where the main water valves and gas shutoff valves are placed – this is essential for your safety.

Whether you are looking to upgrade residential or commercial roofing, metal is a material that must be considered. It is true that in the past people had certain worries considering metal shingles. Homeowners were simply more used to traditional designs such as those made from wood or tiles.

Today, however, the situation is very different. After passing a period of adaptation, nowadays buyers put metal as one of the top 3 available roofing materials. Here is why:

Extremely Long Lifespans

Most of us immediately go for the cheaper option. That’s why asphalt shingles are the most popular amongst buyers. Little do those buyers know that that cheap asphalt roof will have to be replaced after 15 years or so.

With a higher price, you get better quality and fewer worries on your mind. If the maximum lifespan of asphalt is 18 years, you will have to replace your roof at least 2 times in your lifetime. But, if you purchase metal roofing with a maximum lifespan of 100 years, chances are it will outlive your entire house.

What are the Benefits of a Metal Roof?

Strength and Resistance

One of the reasons why metal lasts so long is its strength. Experts say how after each severe storm, the number of metal roofs purchased significantly increases. And of course, it does!

When people see how their neighbour’s metal roof stays put during strong winds while their own tile or asphalt flies away, they will absolutely reconsider their construction decisions.

Even though it has certain flaws like denting due to temperature variations, metal is still the strongest material on the market today. Add extreme fire-resistance in the mix and there you have – the ideal material for your home!

Talk About Saving the Environment

Since “the rise of the machines”, we basically left our planet for dead. But let’s be honest here, long before Canadians started to become aware of energy efficiency and sustainability, Europeans were already putting certain methods in practice.

Today, however, the situation is very different. After passing a period of adaptation, nowadays buyers put metal as one of the top 3 available roofing materials.

That’s why metal roofing is still a subject of debate in Canada and the US, while it is actively installed throughout Europe. 25% of all metal roofs are made from recycled materials. Additionally, they are 100% recyclable themselves, extremely energy efficient, and are a perfect base for solar panel installation.

This is why this material should be especially considered for commercial roofing.

Powerful, but Lightweight

We already discussed all the wonderful benefits of metal roofs, but one can easily say how tile and slate have almost the same advantages. Yes, tile is strong, resistant, energy-efficient and eco-friendly. But, for basically the same price, with metal you will get additional benefits.

For instance, tile is a heavyweight material. This means that it isn’t suitable for every home. The house must have substantial strength in its structure to carry a heavy tile roofing.

Contrary to this situation, metal is lightweight. It can be adjusted to fit every type of home to that end that it can be also installed above an old asphalt roofing without doing damage to the foundation.

Front doors are not used frequently like decades ago due to side doors and the garage entries; most people do not even get to use their front doors for days. Regardless, front windows and doors are a crucial part of the home’s facade. As a result, the front door must be kept in the best condition possible. So, here are signs to tell it is time to replace your front door.

Hard to Open or Close

If you have to remind your guests to pull the door closed hard when leaving it you have a hard time opening it when going out, you should know that the front door is up for a replacement. An entry should not be too hard to open or close. So, if opening or closing your front door has become a work-out for you, consider replacing it soon. The problematic operation of the door is likely from the frame, hinges, or shape of the door (warped).

How You Can Tell it is Time to Replace Your Front Door

Physical Damage or Wear

Often, we do not pay attention to things we see every day. Take a good look at your front door and examine its physical state. Check the edges, and inside and out. If it has scratched, chipped, dented, warped, or cracked, your front door may require a replacement. Besides, check if the door’s materials are weak, decayed, or rotten. Visible physical damage is a good sign that you should replace your front door.

Poor Seals and Visible Light around Door Edges

If you can see daylight around the edges of the entrance door, that indicates that the seals around the door have collapsed or spoilt. When your door loses its seal and develops small gaps between the frame and itself, it will cause heat loss and reduce the energy efficiency of your HVAC. Drafts will gain access to the home through the gaps. In case you have to stuff a towel under the door to keep cold out of the house, you should replace your front door as soon as possible.

Out of Style

Even if your windows and doors do not have any physical sign of damage, you can replace them if their style is outdated or there are improved models on the market. Energy-efficient windows and doors have a lot to benefit you and your home. Consequently, you can take advantage of new models or styles of front doors for both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Your basement is prone to “water attacks” with time. This can make up very big damages to the home, hence, the need for basement waterproofing. Waterproofing requires the introduction of materials that help prevent water from permeating the whole essence of the basement.

In each case of waterproofing, the processes all start with a consultation. Here are some of the processes underlying these kinds of basement waterproofing.

External Basement Waterproofing

External basement waterproofing has been highlighted as the best method for protecting the basement against water. The processes involved here are quite more elaborate and labour-intensive than the internal basement waterproofing. After consultancy of a plumbing agency, they analyze the problem and work begins based on recommendation.

Processes involved in external basement waterproofing include:

  1. Excavation

This can be otherwise called digging around. It involves striking through the earth until the foundation walls are visible. If the only problems involved are with the weeping tiles and or French drain, then full excavation will not be necessary. Excavation is typically between 4 to 8 feet.

  1. Fix Cracks and Clean

If the foundation has weeping tiles, they are detached from the foundation walls and cleaned. There usually is a possibility for cracks permitting water into the foundation. This process finds such cracks and fixes them with hydraulic cement which is a coat that expands. Hydraulic cement reduces the possibility of cracks even in the future.

Process of Basement Waterproofing

  1. Application of Membrane

This thoroughly shields the foundation from water. It involves the use of polyurethane materials. The use of quality products here is essential. Elastomeric membranes, for example, are great waterproofs. They can move to inhibit cracks when they eventually occur.

  1. Installation of Drainage Mat

You will need to install a drainage membrane that has moulded dimple sheets. It is usually sized the same depth as the foundation. It acts to inhibit lateral pressure for the foundation and serves as a drainage membrane.

After these processes, the French drain or weeping tile is installed at the bottom of the footing weeping underneath the basement floor. Then, backfilling is done with the native soil excavated from the foundation. And the home is secure.

Your basement is prone to “water attacks” with time. This can make up very big damages to the home, hence, the need for basement waterproofing.

Internal Basement Waterproofing

This is inferior to the external basement waterproofing. It is done in cases where the foundation cannot be accessed directly or where excavation is optimal. It begins with consultancy and identification of the problem areas.

The processes involved include;

  • Breaking the floor area involved, about 7-10 inches away from the walls of the foundation.
  • Installation of the weeping tile (3 inch and perforated) is done after the concretes are removed.
  • The weeping tile is connected to a floor drain or pump
  • Dimpled membrane drainage sheet and ¾ inch gravel are added to the weeping tile.
  • Concrete is used at the last stage on the exposed part back to the ground level.

External and internal basement waterproofing are both essential based on situations to counter water permeation. The external method is preferred because it attacks the problem from the real source. Contact your local plumbing company to get a perfect response on your basement waterproofing needs.