Modern Living

What To Look for in a Reputable Moving Company

Moving is not easy, but you can simplify your move by working with movers. You should experience reduced stress as you allow professionals to take over your move, so you can focus on other decisions and preparations. However, you need a reputable company. Therefore, these are things you should look for in a moving company.

Reviews and Recommendations

Always look at reviews of any company you hire for residential moving Minneapolis MN. If you know anyone who has moved recently, you should ask about their experience. However, you should also check online reviews, including those from the Better Business Bureau. You can also read reviews on industry pages. Your chamber of commerce may have additional useful information. Avoid companies with numerous outstanding complaints.

Proper Licensing and Liability Insurance

Moving companies are regulated by the state, but if they perform interstate moves, they are also regulated by the Department of Transportation. Avoid companies that are not appropriately licensed.

You should also check the insurance your movers have and offer. First, they should have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. They may also offer additional insurance. These companies typically offer a per-pound reimbursement rate if your belongings are damaged or lost, but you should be able to purchase additional insurance that will fully reimburse the cost of replacing your belongings.

Experience

Avoid new companies or those that have recently changed their names. Instead, look for companies that have been in business for at least a few years. You should research and ask about their success rates, such as how often they are late, fair market costs and damage or loss of possessions. Also, they should stand behind their quotes. Look for those that have proven track records and competencies.

Adequate Resources

Search for companies that have adequate resources. They should have the time, personnel and equipment to move you within your time frame. If you request that the moving company pack and unpack your belongings as well, they should bring their own packing materials, blankets and other supplies.

As you complete your research, you should find a moving company that is both reputable and satisfies your needs. 

How To Give Your Home’s Security a Boost

Even if you live in a “safe” neighborhood or small town, you should still be thinking about your home’s security and taking steps to improve it. You don’t have to go out and buy a fancy alarm system (unless you think you need it), but there are many small steps you can take to give your security a boost.

Lighting

Lighting can go a long way to make your home more secure. Install exterior lighting Winter Park that is triggered by motion sensors to deter trespassers. Put an interior light or two on a timer to switch on even when you aren’t home and make potential burglars think twice.

Locks

Your home must also have secure locks. Exterior doors should be fitted with deadbolts at the least, and you might even consider mortise locks for an extra layer of protection. Don’t neglect to fit strong locks onto your windows, patio doors and garage either, and don’t hide a key on your porch or in your yard. The crooks will find it.

Barriers

If you live in a neighborhood that has been having difficulties with theft and other crime, think about installing a fence around your property. Security fences can actually be quite attractive these days, but they still provide a barrier for potential thieves. Check with your city or homeowners’ association to see if there are any fencing restrictions in place. Then select a fencing system that suits your taste and comes with a good, strong lock on the gate.

Common Sense

Finally, you can boost your home’s security just by practicing some common sense. Don’t leave valuable objects sitting in your yard or in plain sight within your home. Don’t tell everyone on social media that you’ll be gone for a week. Do, however, let a friend know, so he or she can check your house and pick up your mail.

Indeed, a little extra security can go a long way to keep your home and your family safe and sound.

Benefits of Investing in a New Residential Roof

Being a homeowner comes with a ton of responsibilities. One of the main things you need to focus on as a homeowner is staying one step ahead of repair issues. The roof attached to your home will need to be repaired and maintained over time to remain functional. However, there will be a time when your existing roof will have to be replaced.

Over 5 million new roofs are installed in the United States every year. Some homeowners fail to realize just how much of a good investment a new roof is. Here are some of the reasons why investing in a new residential roof.

Reduce Energy Costs

When the time comes to replace your home’s roof, you will be presented with many warning signs. If you start to see a drastic increase in the price of your monthly electric bills, then an old and drafty roof might be to blame. As your roof gets older, it will start to allow air to escape. This means that your HVAC unit will have to run continuously to keep the inside of your home cool.

Instead of overworking your HVAC unit and paying more for energy, you need to address the root cause of this problem. With the help of roof installation Salem OR professionals, you can get a new roof installed in no time. Once this roof is in place, you will notice a definite decrease in the amount of energy your home consumes on a monthly basis.

Increase Curb Appeal

If the roof on your home is old, then chances are it looks faded. Having faded asphalt shingles can make your home an eyesore. Restoring the curb appeal your home has lost is easy when investing in a new roof.

If your existing roof is showing signs of wear, it is time to take action.

What To Look Out for When You Are Purchasing New Property

Purchasing a new home is an exciting event in your life, but it is essential to be prepared to know where potential issues lie. Here are some of the most important things to look out for when buying a new house.

Ask About Potential Hidden Problems

Older homes can be historical treasures but can harbor some potentially harmful and expensive issues, depending on when they were built. There are regulations around hazardous materials such as lead paint and asbestos, which should be caught on a home inspection. Many homes around 75 years old may include buried oil tanks, which were used to store oil for heating the home but can become potentially harmful to the environment as they age. If this is the case for your home, you may want to ask the seller to pay for oil tank removal Westchester County NY or lower the selling cost to recoup the cost.

Check Out the Big Stuff

The larger parts of a home are often the most expensive to repair, so be sure to look at spots like basements, foundations and roofs when you are looking at a potential new home. Inspectors will look at these as well, but it’s good for you to know what to look for to avoid wasting time on a house that requires more work than you want to handle. Other significant expenses could include replacing older windows or outdated wiring, so ensuring you are informed when you are purchasing can help you negotiate better or potentially move on to a different option.

Ask If the Home Has Been Unoccupied

Sometimes, homes are vacated before they are sold, which can lead to an array of issues. If the house you are looking to buy has been empty, the length of time could matter substantially. Issues like rodent infestations, vandalism, and unnoticed mold can get out of hand if nobody has lived in the house for more extended periods. These are all potential reasons to walk away from a house sale, as they can be expensive and headache-inducing to fix. While these issues can also happen in a still occupied house, they are much more likely to be uncontrolled in an empty place.

Buying a new home can be both stressful and exhilarating, so ensuring that you make a wise investment in your future is essential. Use these tips to help guide you in your purchasing choices, especially if you want to buy an older home.