Category Archives: ~Solutions & Fixes

Is Historic Preservation Trending in Home Interior Design?

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Image Source: Unsplash

Is Historic Preservation Trending in Home Interior Design?

Interior design trends come and go. Chances are, you’re not going to find green shag carpet from the ’70s in someone’s home today (thank goodness some trends fade for good!). But, what’s old can sometimes become new again. Certain trends are recycled or brought back to life for a variety of reasons.

One trend that is currently seeing a huge surge in popularity is historic preservation. You can chalk it up to home design shows on HGTV, inspirational boards on Pinterest, or just pictures and before/after reveals all over social media.

Whatever the reason, more people are seeing the value in home restoration and preservation. Many want to keep the historical elements of an old house intact rather than gutting the whole thing.

But, if this is truly a “trend,” can you expect it to stick around? What’s the value of restoring a historical home, and what should you expect?

Understanding and Increasing Value

It’s not uncommon for historical houses to be “diamonds in the rough,” allowing buyers to purchase them at a low listing price so they can restore them to their natural glory. But, that isn’t the case with every old home. To have a better understanding of what a property is worth, consider some of the following:

  • The existing foundation and what it’s made of
  • Quirky aspects of the home
  • Craftsmanship and details
  • Original colors, textures, and materials

If the home needs remodeling, there are things you can do to add value while keeping some of the historic charms. Some of the best improvement projects that can boost overall value include adding a bathroom, converting the attic space, remodeling the kitchen, and improving energy efficiency.

Things like new windows, a new HVAC system, and even new wiring can often be necessary repairs and improvements to historic homes, especially when it comes to keeping them safe. If you’re interested in a classic piece of Southern architecture, for example, you might need to make renovations that properly prepare the property for natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding. Things like sealing cracks in the foundation and adding retaining walls can make a big difference.

What to Know Before Preserving a Home

If you’ve fallen in love with the bones of an old home and it’s got a great listing price, you might be tempted to jump in right away with your sledgehammer. But, there are a few things to keep in mind before you put a lot of time, effort, and money into a home restoration. Before you start any rehabilitation, check the following off your list:

  • Research the building’s history
  • Identify interior elements
  • Assess what needs to be altered
  • Pay attention to any deterioration
  • Draw up plans

You also should consider any potential challenges you might face along the way, including planning and adjusting your budget for any unexpected repairs, and working with your local historical commission. There may be some things within the home that can’t be changed. A historical commission group can guide you through those things, but it can be a lengthy process. It’s also a good idea to work with a contractor and home inspector. They’re trained to see potential risks or problems that you might not discover on your own.

Is Historic Preservation a Lasting Trend?

Historic homes are becoming popular again for a reason. People love the charm, the attention to detail, and the comforting, familiar feel of an old house. But, is it a lasting trend, or is it something that will lose its luster after a while?

It’s hard to pin down an answer. While many home trends don’t last long, it seems that historic restoration gets a boost in popularity every few years. The most important thing is to decide if it’s the right option for you.

There are some aspects of a historic home that will undoubtedly seem outdated, and may not even appeal to you. For example, many modern homes have open-space concepts, and whether you have a larger family or just like the feel of more space, that’s a trend that’s not going away any time soon. Many historical homes are known for having multiple rooms, but those rooms aren’t necessarily that spacious.

You can keep the charm and integrity of an older home while increasing your space with just a few small changes, like:

  • Getting creative with storage options
  • Installing shelves
  • Investing in multi-use furniture

You can also choose to tear down walls in certain areas to increase the size of certain rooms. That’s obviously a bigger undertaking, but it doesn’t necessarily have to take away from the “older” appeal of the home. It may even make it feel more luxurious, like a Victorian mansion.

Historic preservation is absolutely a hot trend. But, because of the comfort and charm of old homes, it’s a trend that is likely to stick around – even if it becomes mixed with modern touches. Take the details into consideration and recognize all that goes into home restoration before deciding if it’s right for you. But, don’t be afraid to take on a historic project if bringing an old home to life is something you’ve always wanted to do.

6 Roof Maintenance Tips Every Home Lover Should Know

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Roof is what is standing between you and sunlight, rain, snow, feces of birds along with natural disasters. Since we have established that the roof is the most important part of any individual’s life, let me ask a question that is going to make a bunch of you very uncomfortable. What are you doing to keep it over your head? How often do you run maintenance sprees on it? 

Have you thought about it? Would you like to do something to make the big fat investment which is your roof safer? Your stars are aligning just in the right direction today, as I am going to teach you six simplest of the ways to keep your roof healthy for years. 

  1. Get Rid of Those Branches 

When the trees and branches are friends of the environment, the same cannot be said about the relationship of your roof and branches, according to the Roof Professionals. 

Simply put, branches are evil for your roof. You cannot allow trees to grow above or near your home’s roof at any cost. While it may sound bizarre, due to trees providing us the much needed oxygen factor, the truth is during any sort of natural disaster, even in the case of strong winds, branches tend to break. Breaking heavy branches may fall onto your roof, ending up damaging your roof. Maybe even breaking it. 

So, if after looking at a branch you wonder, “if it is too close?” Well, it might really be. The excellent solution will be to chop off the tree while planting a new one away from your roof, you can also go for trimming the tree every then and now, to get a secure roof.

  1. The Downspouts Cleaning 

Downspouts or roof drains are often clogged after a heavy rain and for obvious reasons as well. After clearing gallons of water off your roof, some things like dirt, stones, leaves, et cetera will block it naturally. These vertical pipes that run down to the gutters are lifelines of your roof. 

They evacuate the rainwater from your roof, not allowing it to accumulate on your roof and messing it up. So, if you ever run across a clogged downspout, just try adding screens into them. Mesh screens are just another shortcut to cleaner downspouts. 

Another downspout prevention is to keep in mind that there are many joints, connections, and elbows used in downspouts. You must keep all these connections in check as well for any leaks and cracks. 


Your best bet is to check the pipes when it is raining. Fix if there are any leaks in the pipe or it may collapse very soon. 

  1. Mingling With Shingles

This one is the easiest one on the list so far. As a homeowner you have to know how to check your roof shingles. It has to be a part of your weekend routine. Pay your roof a visit during the weekends and check for any broken or missing shingles. 

You should also pay attention to how your roof shingles look. If any area looks really streaky to you or you may find any cracked shingles, change them as soon as possible. Shingles can also be inspected from the ground. However, not all of them will be visible from down there, you eventually may have to go back up on the roof for a thorough inspection. 

  1. Look Out For the Signs Within the Home

When there is something wrong with your roof, your home will start spreading out the signs all over it. All you need to do is, look. Translate what your home is telling you about your roof’s condition. 

Look for molds or any big black spots on your ceiling. If there are black spots on your ceiling, there are good chances that somewhere on your roof, either water or moisture has accumulated. Both of them will ruin your home in no time. Better keep them under the check. 

Dipping water from the roof is also a huge red flag, that indicates that your roof has been cracked. Repair the roof without any delays in this scenario, you do not have much time. 

  1. Adopt a No Nest Policy 

It is your home, it is your roof, there cannot be a place for any bird or its family. Similar policy needs to be adapted for rodents as well. They can look cute but they are really the villains here. They will dig holes into your roof to make it their own home. 

You do not want holes in your roof do you? Good, chase them away whenever you notice any bird, squirrel or rat sitting on your roof for too long. 

Their presence under your roof is a bad sign and you should chase them out immediately when you notice their movement. Squirrels, as cute as they are, can and will chew onto your roof. Hence the no nest policy.  

There Can be Underlying Issues

There can be a lot of underlying issues, when it comes to roofs. You can add or replace attic insulation, can ensure proper ventilation in your home and there still can be issues. It is your most important part of the home we are talking about. 

With all the personal inspection, you should always get your roof checked by the professionals, every then and now. It is not about money, but about saving your life earnings and your family. A broken roof can end up hurting your family. 

So, even if you can, once every year, ask the pros to check your roof thoroughly for any dangerous business. 

Ending Note

So, these are six pro tips that are going to help you in protecting your home’s roof while extending its life. I am sure these tips will help you save a lot of money in repairs. You are going to eliminate the problem before it is even going to start. 

To end, while using any of these tips, always keep your security and your family’s as top priority. Whenever you are in doubt, it is safer to call the experts in, rather than doing a DIY on the roof. It is an important part of your life, take care of it with love. 

Drain Clog Fixed With A Zip Tie

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We all have problems with drains every once in awhile. Most of us have zip ties or they are now very cheap to get. Its easy to use a zip tie to clean out a drain by cutting little notches in a zip tie as shown in the picture above. Then take the zip tie and push in and out of the drain. This helps bring up hair and other items that get lodged as it goes down the sink. You can also use a zip tie to scrape the sides of your drain and eliminate buildup.

How Much Is That Water Leak Costing You?

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For many Americans, a constantly leaking tap is not much of a deal. A source of little annoyance maybe, but that’s all. Or is it? What if you come to know that this constant dribbling of tiny water droplets is also draining your wallet? And that it’s also one of the major reasons for the ongoing water shortage in many big cities. 

Yes, you read that right!

To take an example, the drought-hit state of California has been dealing with a similar sort of water dilemma for decades now. On top of it, its complex infrastructure is old, and mostly damaged by frequent earthquakes, making it extremely challenging for authorities to figure out the faults, let alone fixing them. 

But that’s not what we’re here for. We’re here to understand its impact on you. To know how much is that water leak costing you? And also, to help you save it. 

Well, let’s get started, shall we?

How much water does a tap leak?

Although there is no specific device to measure it, there’s certainly a way to come to an estimate. For instance, the United States Geological Survey suggests that,

15140 drips = 1 Gallon

4000 drips = 1 Liter

There’s also a drip calculator by USGS that you can use to calculate nearly how much water does a leaking tap waste. Just count the drips of a leaking faucet and you can calculate approximately how much water gets wasted from it every day and every year. Rest assured, the results will surprise you. 

To give you an idea, here are a few water stats and facts from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Stats and Facts on Water Leak

An average American family wastes about 1800 gallons per week or 9400 gallons of water annually.  

It spends more than $1000 per year as water costs but can save around $380 by using WaterSense labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR certified appliances.

The total volume of household leaks can reach and cross a staggering 900 billion gallons of water annually, which can be used otherwise for nearly 11 million homes. 

But a water leak can cause more damage than you can imagine. Apart from water wastage and extra charges, it can also harm your property and result in unnecessary repair costs. We’ll do the math in a while, but first, let’s take a closer look at all the possible sources of a water leak.

Sources of a Water Leak

The sources of water leakage are not just limited to leaking taps, showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, pipes, hoses, or fittings. Instead, there are other places as well that you might want to watch out for, such as:Electrical appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and water heaters/geysers.

Lawn sprinklers.

Plumbing that’s not visible, for instance, under the kitchen, sink, or wall, etc.

Roof, ceiling, walls, windows, doors, and floor, etc.

The point is that if you’re considering conserving water plus save money, you must take all these factors into account. An undetected leak can turn into a major problem in no time and can cost you fortunes. So, make sure that no leaks are left undetected or ignored for too long. 

Moreover, water prices are already on a rise in the state of California.  Therefore, it’s important to detect and fix any leaks and use water carefully to avoid paying extra. Let’s know more about it. 

Drip by drip, the water decreases, and the bills increase! 

A normal tap leak can increase our utility bills by more than $30 annually.

A small hole or crack in a pipe can cost you about $70 every month.

Leaking/running a toilet can cause you anywhere between a $80-600 rise in your monthly water charges. 

A leaking garden hose can cost you more than $300 per month.

Hiring a plumber can cost you somewhere between $250-325 per visit.

Repair of appliances damaged by water leaks is always an expensive task. For e.g. repairing a water heater or pipelines can easily cost you more than $500 in a blink. 

Replacing old plumbing lines with new ones can be quite pricey too and may charge you hundreds and thousands of dollars. 

The bottom-line is ignoring even the smallest leak can turn into a major defect and seriously disturb your budget.

Now obviously, you might not be able to detect and fix all the leaks on your own and may require assistance from expert plumbers for the same. 

At the same time, there are certain steps and measures that you can take to detect hidden leaks or to be certain that there are hidden leaks somewhere on your property. Here’s what you can do.

Last but not the least…

How to detect a water leak?

1. The first thing you should do is to turn off all the faucets, appliances, and water valves. Then check your water meter when you aren’t using water. If the reading changes, then there is a leak.

2. A routine check-up into plumbing pipes and water lines can also bring out many hidden leaks that need a fix. 

3. Be mindful of any odd sounds from water tanks or pipelines.

4. Check for any water spots, stains, or green patches in your property to see if it’s due to a leak.

5. Don’t ignore the dribbling; turn off the leaking taps.

The TakeAway

Whether it’s about saving yourself from paying high bills or protecting our natural resources, stopping water leaks quickly is worthwhile. So, the next time you suspect leakage in your faucets or any pipes, rush to a professional for a quick fix. 

Author Bio

For the past 30 years, twin brothers Dave and Jim Schuelke have run their company Twin Home Experts. Twin Home Experts can be found throughout California, Arizona and Utah for home services including plumbing, mold repair, bathroom remodeling, and rodent control. Twin Home Experts is also one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels online for valuable content to both homeowners and plumbers showcasing DIY and frequently asked questions. 

Best Ideas To Make Your Home Eco-Friendly In 2020

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People all around the world are becoming more eco-conscious. Everyone from large corporations to the average Joe is looking to reduce their carbon footprint and help conserve our environment. Most homeowners nowadays are looking to make their homes eco-friendlier, while also saving a bit of money along the way. There are lots of ways to go about this, so you should familiarize yourself with the basics.

Try some water-saving measures

Sustainability isn’t just about keeping energy expenditures low. Electricity isn’t the only thing we spend a little too much of. There’s also the problem of unsustainable water consumption. Most of us use a little too much water in our everyday lives. Not all of it is exclusively our fault, though. There are a lot of folks that are unaware of how much water some of their fixtures waste.

If you want to get serious about your water expenditure, it might be time to make some slight adjustments. To make concrete changes, you might want to install a low-flow toilet and showerhead. They can save tens of thousands of litres of water every single year. It makes for some very noticeable savings when it adds up. At the same time, ensure that you don’t waste a lot of water whilst brushing your teeth or lathering up during a shower. Individual efforts are just as important as implementing efficient fixtures.

Install energy-efficient lighting

Very few homeowners pay much attention to the efficiency of their home lighting systems. It doesn’t seem like much of a problem when you look at individual bulbs. Even incandescent bulbs don’t use a lot of power, but hardly anyone has their home running on a single lightbulb. It’s a lot more likely that they have dozens of them throughout their house.

Installing LED lightbulbs would save you quite a bit of power. Switching to LEDs might be a bit costly at first, but it’s an investment that is well worth the cost. After a while, the power savings add up. Not to mention, LED lights are famous for lasting years longer than their incandescent and fluorescent counterparts.

If you really want to keep your lighting efficiency up, make sure you utilize your windows throughout the day. Natural lighting is the best way to light your home, and it costs you nothing at all.

Get good with solar

Any modern eco-friendly home would not be complete without solar panels. They’re the single most efficient and environmentally-friendly installation you can add to your home. It’s not difficult to understand why they’re so advantageous, either.

Every home needs to be powered by electricity. If your home’s source is the power grid, it’s inevitable that it will increase its carbon footprint. Even the most progressive countries can only produce so much eco-friendly power from renewable sources for their populations. Some of that power will be sourced from burning fossil fuels and coal. This is because it’s difficult to gauge the overall need of the population for power using solar or wind alone.

Individual efforts for renewable power are a lot simpler, though. Especially when it comes to using solar. All you need is someone to do solar quotes for your home, install power panels, and you have yourself an eco-friendly source of power for the whole household. There’s no need to connect to the grid for most of the year, as the sun’s power will be plentiful, even on cloudy days.

Embrace natural cleaning

Cleaning your home is a regular chore we all have to deal with. You get your cleaning products, a brush, and start scrubbing away at all the dirt that accumulated throughout the week. What you might not know is that this kind of cleaning can harm the environment, depending on what you use to clean.

Various chemical cleaning products use substances that are less-than-ideal for the environment. No matter where you dump the water that’s left over from cleaning, it’s going to end up in the soil or natural water sources. Either it goes down the drain and to the nearest river downstream of sewage, or it drains through the lawn and ends up in underground water. It’s something that pollutes our environment and affects the natural ecosystems that surround us. To change this, you might need to get some natural cleaning products.

The good news is that this problem is relatively easy to solve with some DIY products. You just need some common household items. You would be surprised at how easy it is to clean with baking soda, vinegar, and a combination of both. Combine this with some natural soaps and you’ll have just about everything you need to clean most of your home. No harmful chemicals necessary.

Conclusion

It doesn’t take a lot of effort to make your home eco-friendlier. You just have to get familiar with some environmentally-friendly innovations and apply them. Every change you introduce to your home will make it much eco-friendlier and keep the environment around you safer. It’s well worth the trouble.