Modern Living

Curing Your Office Building of Sick Building Syndrome

Within the past decade, sick building syndrome has become a significant area of concern for commercial buildings. It can severely affect occupants’ and workers’ health, and it may even prevent individuals from being able to work in a particular building. Commercial buildings are especially likely to contain several of the conditions linked to sick building syndrome. Building deterioration, poor ventilation, improperly serviced HVAC systems, and the use of certain chemicals all need to be effectively remedied in order to cure a building of this widespread problem.

Ensure Your HVAC System is Properly Designed and Maintained

The construction of many commercial buildings in major metropolitan areas long predate the use of centralized HVAC systems. Resultantly, many systems simply aren’t well designed to meet a building’s needs. In addition, improper management of HVAC systems can cause them to continuously circulate unclean air rife with irritants and contaminants. When you’re looking for HVAC service Chicago, work with a company that is experienced in serving commercial clients in your area and can offer competitive pricing for ongoing comprehensive system maintenance.

Remediate Contaminants Such as Mold and Asbestos

Many older buildings that have sustained damage over time will degenerate and emit toxins. Mold is particularly prevalent in buildings that have suffered damage from leaks. Mold can be present in flooring, drop ceilings, and air distributors. If your building was constructed in the earlier 20dh century or has had water or flood damage, you should have a mold test performed to get a report identifying possible sources and recommending a remediation plan.

Use Only Non-Toxic Chemicals in Your Building

When you’re using chemicals in your building for basic maintenance needs such as cleaning and pest control, you have to ensure that you’re making safe choices. You need to select non-toxic cleaning supplies and avoid over-use of pesticide products in poorly ventilated areas.

Is It Time to Move to the Suburbs?

Have you lived in the middle of the city for quite some time now? Is it no longer holding the charm it once did? While it can be handy to live in the city-center when we are younger and building our careers, it can become irritating in the future. If you want to make the big move out to the suburbs, here are some of the things you should think about.

Where Should You Live?

When you decide to make the move to the suburbs, one of the first things you need to pick is a suburb itself. They all have different advantages and disadvantages, and some may not suit your needs as well as others.

For example, if you are worried about security then you may wish to move into a gated community. Though they can be more expensive and have stricter rules for the homeowner’s association, they could give you the security and safety you are searching for.

Another example might be a need to balance space with your commute. If you don’t want to spend hours driving in and out of the city, you should look for a suburb that is closer to the city limits. However, this might limit you on the space of the property itself. Going further out will give you more floorspace within your home, and potentially even a much bigger yard.

Why not take a look at the homes for sale in Pooler GA as the perfect example? The homes in this suburb of Savannah are spacious and offer everything a family needs, and you can still make it into the city for your day’s work with little difficulty. By choosing to buy a home for less in Pooler, GA, you may be able to solve many of the issues facing your family right now.

What Does Your Family Need?

If you have a family, you have to consider what is best for them. Many choose to make the move to the suburbs because they want their children to have a better quality of life compared to what is in the city. If you have lived in an apartment for most of your children’s lives, they may only be used to going outside accompanied by you, and most of their greenspaces will have been parks.

Many children around the world are raised successfully like this, but many parents also choose to make the move out to the suburbs so their children can experience more. Many feel that the suburbs are inherently safer than the cities. You may feel more comfortable about older children going out to play by themselves here.

You also might not be that impressed with the quality of the schools or nurseries in your local area. You need to ensure that your children are always going to get the best possible education no matter what, and plenty of socialization with other children. As a result, you need to make the move to the suburbs so they are eligible for the right education; whether you opt for the private route or find a good public school.

The Ability to Adapt Your Property as You Need

The problem with many city-center residences, be they full houses or apartments, is that you can be constrained by some pretty strict zoning laws. This means that you often have to take on a property as is. While you can make some aesthetic changes to it and improve or undertake structural maintenance if you are the owner, there are also several things that you are going to be unable to do.

There is more control handed to you when you move to the suburbs. You will not have full control entirely. Whether you have more zoning laws or a homeowner’s association to navigate, there will most likely still be some form of restriction that means you can’t do whatever you would like.

However, you may also find more options available than if you were to stay where you are right now. Depending on where you move to, you could even purchase an empty lot that would allow you to construct your dream home with all the space and rooms you need.

A Real Sense of Community

Moving to a suburb has several benefits for your social life too. While you may have a great local community where you live right now, there is more of a chance that you can meet people as you move to a suburb. As opposed to living in an apartment block with a load of strangers, you will be able to meet and form relationships with neighbors.

There will also be plenty of things for you to get involved with in the local community. From sports teams to charitable initiatives, there is plenty for you to jump into. A suburb offers you and your family the perfect chance to develop close friendships and ties beyond even what you have in a big city. With today’s modern technology, you even might be able to keep in touch with old friends and family you have left behind. This is the perfect chance to make a fresh start and throw yourself into a new life.

Look to the Suburbs Today

The move to suburbia is one that can terrify a lot of people. If you have lived in a big city for your entire life, the idea of moving to the suburbs can seem a little odd, but there is so much on offer here that it will really be a smart move overall. No matter what stage you are at with your career or your family, you might do a lot better if you choose to move to the suburbs and make them your base for the next stage of your family’s life.

Find out more about the suburbs surrounding your city today. There may just be the perfect community waiting to welcome you! Is it time to trade your life in the big city in for suburbia? Only you can tell!

Images: Pixabay

10 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

There are limitless ways to improve your home’s curb appeal.  From your front door, from the lawn, landscapes, and enticing garden.  By looking at the front of your home you are making an impression, a spectacular view.  Whether you like to improve your curb appeal for your own enjoyment or just want to sell your house fast.  You can make a sensible judgment on making subtle changes for the improvement of your exterior without compromising and spending less.  If you want to make the sale at a desirable price you can do an upgrade in an inexpensive way.

Here is the easiest way to make it happen. To improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal;

1. Spruce Your Paint

No one wants a gloomy and a dreadful look.  The paint on your house matters.  Being neatly done makes an additional appeal to your house.   You can always choose from the various color in demand, whether it is traditional, simple, and elegant colors.  From the look of your exterior wall and through your fences.  You can make one that visits you or in the near future your potential buyers drooling and wanting it by looking at your beautiful home.  A well-painted house can make a statement.

2. Spice up your Garden

Make the flower bloom.  Make the garden green.  Flowers and plants on the sidewalk can make a total turn-on.  Walking pass-through it can make the potential buyer stay or rather decide to buy the house instantly.  You can also eliminate unnecessary bush and uneven grass.  Make a flower bed near your entrance door.   They can be trapped by having a good glimpse of your wonderful front scene.

3. Show them the full view.  Cover up all the dead spots.

No one wanted their effort to be wasted.  There is no good in showing off if no one’s going to see.  Trees need some trimming as well as all the plants in your lawn, it can make your home features possibly dark and uninviting. There is also an instance that your trees can take all the nutrients and leaving the soil that may affect and kill the surrounding grass and leaving the lawn with an unappealing sight.  Always improve the look of your lawn, protect it from pests, and always try to maintain its good condition.

4. Review the Landscape

A work of art addresses classy and meticulous homeowners and clients.  You can show your skill or consult a landscaper for a makeover.  Do not hesitate to try to beautify and add some improvements to your property, it will make a payback in the future sale.  A beautiful landscape not only brings attraction to your home exterior but also add value to your investment.

5. Look over your Outdoor Lightings

To pass through an entryway you need a clear path.  Consider changing the outdoor bulbs if worn out. You can change your old sconce with modern, updated outdoor lamps that will give you applause remarks from guests and awe from passersby.  A clear and neat front view can make a lot of difference.  Remove cobwebs and debris around an outdoor light fixture, to make it appear more welcoming, bright, and clean.  You can add some solar lights outdoor to light up a walkway. You can always use available solar led lights affordable and not too expensive.

6. Embrace Symmetry

It can create stability.  A pattern with Symmetrical patterns can create a focal point that gives the impression of balance, pleasant, and well-coordinated.  To make this work you will be needing matching wall lanterns or plants in a pot on either side of your front door. An elegant front door accompanied by windows that are uniform can make a sense of balance, providing stature and significance.  On the latter part, an interested buyer and fast cash in your hand.

7. Paint Your Garage

It does not need to be overly costly. Paint can make a new face of your garage.  You do not need to install a new garage door.   It only needs a power wash to totally clean the surface to make it looked new. A decent color can make an added look for your garage.

8. Upgrade your Hardware

To add on the front door, you can improve curb appeal by simply setting up new doorknobs, door handle, and outdated lock.  There is various design to choose, depending on your taste and perspective. Rusty light fixtures cannot captivate even you, it will make the impression that it was neglected and unimportant so why not replace it.  Decorative house number can also make a statement, it will define the overall look of your home.

9. Fix-It Up

A well-maintained exterior avoids the hiking expenses of your house.  If you do not want to spend a huge amount by buying new ones.  You can take action on noting all the problems and addressing them by making a quick repair.  You can check on any ripped screens, burned out bulbs, or chipped paint.  Any tiny flaw can downside the view of your house, giving you a hard time and anxiety.

10. Outdoor Furniture.

A stylish bench on the front yard can add an accent to your home, contrary to overcrowded furniture.  Always keep your outdoor furniture clean and in good condition.  Maintain balance even in a small yard, a simple chair with a table topped with a flower can add spice to your yard.

An improvement to your home’s curb appeal can make a spectacle and add value to your property.  Whatever your plans are in the coming future, keeping your home or selling it for fast cash, always consider reinventing and upgrading.  It will help you not to depreciate the value of your home but keeping your investment to its higher price. If you decided to sell, do your due diligence. Make sure that you are working with a legit “we buy homes Los Angeles” company. You don’t have to look any further though. We recommend Candid Property Solutions. They can provide an honest and fair offer in just minutes!

Boost Your Curb Appeal

When it comes to home improvement projects, the sky is the limit. It’s easy to get lost in the abundance of incredible projects you see online that can increase your home’s curb appeal. However, it’s important to remember that not every home has to be featured on the cover of a magazine to be comfortable and desirable. If you want to start boosting your home’s curb appeal, work from the outside in. Here are some great ways to make your house stand out from all the others on your block.

Raise the Bar in Your Backyard

The backyard of your home is where your friends and family come to gather, so creating an incredible space worthy of everyone’s awe is a valuable endeavor. No matter the size of your yard, it’s important to use the space wisely and use landscaping to maximize the ambiance. If you have limited space, you can add elevated decks to make the most of every square inch. Multi-level decks are an impressive and functional solution for uneven ground or cramped yards. Decorate your deck or patio with string lights, solar-powered lanterns, or efficient LEDs to add an element of safety and coziness. Use colorful plants and hedges to create a sense of lushness and to attract beautiful butterflies and birds to your outdoor oasis.

Make Your Front Yard Stand Out

You can make your home pop by completing improvement projects in your front yard. Start with a well-manicured lawn. Even if you can’t replace your grass with fresh sod, you can make a big impact simply by edging and keeping your lawn trimmed. If you have the available space, add in blooming flower gardens. If you don’t have space for full front yard gardens, create an abundant container garden. Blooms bursting with color and attractive scents create an inviting aura. If you have the time and budget, add a front fence or hedges and use flowering plants or vines to make a statement. For major impact, add stone or brick pathways and illuminate them with landscape lighting.

Making your house into an inviting and attractive home can be a fun and engaging project. Use these tips to make your project stand out and impress your neighbors, friends, and family. If you are in the market to sell your home, these projects are sure to attract buyers and make them fall in love with their future home.

Act Now to Take Advantage of the Solar Tax Credit

You’re probably already aware that you can lower your energy costs and have a positive impact on the environment by converting to solar. What you may not know is that there is a substantial tax credit available when you install a new solar energy system. Read on to learn more.

What Is the ITC?

In 2005, the federal government began offering an income tax credit when businesses and homeowners install solar panels. Called the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the program was designed to encourage more people to move off the utility grid and obtain their power from alternative energy. Since its enactment, the use of solar power has grown by over 50% each year. You can learn more by researching solar ITC New Jersey or listings in your home state.

How Does the ITC Work?

For 2020, the ITC provides a 26 percent tax credit for both residential and commercial installations. That means that more than a quarter of the cost of your system will go toward decreasing your tax burden! To qualify, you must own the system as opposed to leasing it. When you file your annual tax return, simply claim the credit by completing IRS Form 5695 and adding the information to your tax form. If your tax liability is less than your ITC, you can carry over remaining credits to future tax years.

Is the ITC Ending?

Unfortunately, the solar ITC for residential installations will expire after 2021. Although it will still be available for commercial systems in 2022 and beyond, the deduction will be greatly reduced. To take full advantage of the credit, you should act immediately.

The ITC provides a big financial incentive to install a solar energy system, but you must move quickly. This valuable tax credit is only available for one more year.

Sell Your House Faster With These 5 Interior Design Tips 

Home staging is a very important step in the home selling process. It attracts a lot of interested buyers because it’s so easy to imagine oneself living in a home designed as if it has come out directly from a magazine. It’s no secret that decorating your home plays a significant role in selling a house quickly. You may want to start looking at home brochures, or home design ideas online to get inspiration for the theme or motif you want.

Here are some tips how to decorate your home for selling:

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

Remove the clutter and put away all personal things like your house bills, family photos, and others. Let your home breathe and everything should have its own place by the end of the process.

All the things you can still sell and earn money from, do so. You can either make a garage sale, or sell it online like in eBay. The money you get can be used to spend on the other decorating process.

The ones you want to keep, make sure they are boxed or displayed neatly. The rest, you can donate to charities.

2. Deep Clean and Fix Damages

After you have decluttered and sorted out your stuff, do a general cleaning in your home from corner to corner, removing all the years of cobwebs and dust that has aged in your walls. Do not leave any space left unattended and dirty. Small things like this when noticed, can largely impact the decision of the home buyer.

If there are broken parts or damages that need repair—like plumbing issues, broken tiles, damaged walls—do so if you can. But if it is too much for you to handle, hire a handyman to do all the repairs and save money because handymen are jack-of-all-trades.

3. Repaint Your Interior With Neutral Colors

Neutral colors freshen up the ambience and make it easy for the homebuyers to imagine themselves living in your house and making it their own. Light to mid-grey color, latte, stone color, or muted mauve are very inviting colors. You can put textured wallpapers to some that you want to serve as accent walls. But just make sure that it does not wander far from your desired theme. Make the tones cohesive throughout the house and keep everything light, bright, fresh, and welcoming.

4. Fix the Lighting

Lighting can improve your home immensely but a little misplacement or poor choice can taint even your most stylish design. Installation of lights should be thought through and placed strategically around the home. Choose the right colors for the right parts of the house depending on the mood you aim to imbibe.

Also, take note of the three layers of light—the base lightings in the ceiling, the accent lightings from lamps, and the lightings that add depth and set the mood. Warm light gives a cozy feel while cooler light provides an energizing environment. Avoid using harsh fluorescent lighting because it reminds people of uneasy hospital feelings devoid of personality.

5. Incorporate Accessories and Scents

An addition of textures and accessories can further enhance your home to impress your potential buyers. But it doesn’t need to be expensive. You just have to be very attentive to details even the tiniest ones—putting magazines neatly on a table, arranging towels stylishly, hanging DIY paintings or inexpensive artworks on the walls, adding colorful throw pillows, vases, flowers, place mats, napkins, cutlery on the dining table and others—can help create the right look and feel for your home.

Do not forget to use scents and stimulate emotions. A good smelling home can set the visitors’ mood and give them feelings of positivity and happiness. The smell associated with cleanliness works best. Alternatively, you can use fragrant oils, humidifier, or scented candles. Just make sure that the scent is minimal and not overpowering.

Once you are done with these 5 steps in decorating your house, do the final inspection through all the rooms and make sure there is no awkward space left untouched. Pay attention to details like letting the natural light in if the inspection is during the day, lighting scented candles less than an hour before the viewing, or double-checking all the surfaces and making sure they are dust-free. A refined and well decorated home will speak for itself and you can rest assured your house will sell fast.

We understand, these things can be pretty draining, so if you want to sell your house fast Los Angeles, give our trusted cash buyer a call. Mrs. Property Solutions is highly recommended if you want to sell your house as-is!