Last updated Jul 23, 2021 | Remodeling
Scott James Sash Windows Specialists offer interested customers high-quality restoration and renovation of antique wood windows. Any work on the restoration of such things is complex and responsible. Particular attention is required by old buildings, some parts of which have already been damaged by the influence of time.
First of all, houses of particular architectural value need repairs. That is why in England there are a number of strict rules governing restoration and renovation of such buildings. Our task is to preserve as many beautiful buildings of historical and cultural value as possible.
Modern England is rich in architectural objects. A huge advantage is that most old houses were built of durable materials. In particular, this applies to windows. Therefore, most often they just need a restoration rather than a complete replacement.
It’s pretty difficult to plan repairs correctly. All other difficulties are accompanied by the need to strictly adhere to established rules and laws. It can take a lot of time to prepare the necessary documentation, plus you should go through other formalities before the start of the repairs.
When You Might Need Official Permission
In many cases, you might need to get the proper permission from the authorities to start the repair and restoration of windows. This should be taken into account when overhauling heritage windows. The legal document is always required for the complete replacement of certain parts of the building. At the same time, the main requirement is to preserve its original architectural appearance. In such cases, the officials may allow a full replacement of the windows.
If you want to carry out Listed Windows Restoration in a house included into the list of objects of special architectural value, or belong to a protected area, then you must contact your local officials before starting the repair. They will review your application and notify you if you get the permission to do it. A civil servant will also help you with your application.
How to Repair Architectural Buildings
In case of minor changes, no building permit is required. Such works include sealing, applying new paint, as well as some types of major repairs. Wooden windows can be restored if they don’t need a complete replacement. If you have glasses of the appropriate size, glazing will not be difficult. If you need minor change, rather than a complete rebuilding of a house, you don’t need official permissions.
Many owners of valuable buildings are in dire need of professional advice for listed building projects. The question of how to determine the need for window restoration is very relevant. There are always a number of sure visible signs. Remember that minor problems can later cause bigger troubles. Rotting of wood is a serious defect that spreads quickly. Therefore, the main thing is to notice it at the early stages. Timely maintenance and repairs as well as professional advice for listed building projects will make your windows more durable.
Restoration of old windows of any design can include the following tasks:
- dismantling the window from the frame;
- cutting out rotting areas of wood;
- replacement of unrepairable areas and parts;
- elimination of voids and cracks using high-quality epoxy resin;
- installation of new sashes and ensuring their correct balancing;
- inserting new glasses;
- filling-up;
- lubrication of pulleys, hinges and other parts of the window;
- applying new paint to protect the surface from moisture.
Moreover, the process of overhauling heritage windows might be combined with mounting a special perimeter sealing system (VPSS). It prevents the window from creaking and drafts. An equally useful solution is the sash removal system (SRS). Thanks to it, it will be much easier for you to paint or clean the window.
Last updated Jul 16, 2021 | Buying & Selling
Your home is your most valuable asset. That’s why you will want to do everything you can to ensure that you get the best possible price for your home when you sell. Even though we are in the midst of an unprecedented seller’s market, there is no guarantee that you will get a good price for your home.
House price growth and sales are incredibly uneven across the country, with many markets seeing homes stay on the market for longer and selling for less. If you want to avoid this and keep your house value high, you need to know how to sell a house the right way. Read on to find out the easiest ways to increase the value of your house.
1. No-One Wants a Fixer-Upper
One golden rule of selling houses is that, generally, people do not actually want a fixer-upper. If you want to get a good list price during your next house appraisal, you should make sure that your home is ready to live in. Turnkey homes always sell faster and at much higher prices than homes that require a lot of maintenance. A little bit of maintenance will go a long, long way.
2. Clean It Up
If you want to know “what is the value of my house?”, always deep clean the property before getting an answer. It may seem silly, but cleaner homes will get dramatically higher asking prices than homes with a little bit of dirt or mess. Marketing is essential when selling homes and it is important to remember that appearances are everything when it comes to selling.
3. Cut Out the Middlemen
Although this won’t actually boost the value of your home, cutting out the army of middlemen will ensure that you keep a much larger chunk of your home’s sale proceeds. If you choose to sell your home the traditional way, realtors, appraisal officers, lawyers, and notaries will siphon off tens of thousands of dollars from the sale of your home. To avoid this, you can sell your property as is and keep 100% of your sale.
4. Add Space to Boost House Value
Living space is the number one factor that goes into tallying the value of a property. Fortunately, there are many cost-effective ways to boost the space metrics for your home and command a higher sale price. Divide spare spaces into additional bedrooms. Add a large patio. Build a garage or convert your attic into a livable space. All of this will dramatically boost your home’s value.
5. Efficiency Sells
People care about their utility bills and they care about year-round comfort. That’s why homes that sell the fastest and for the best prices tend to have the best energy efficiency credentials. Insulate your home, upgrade your AC, and install meters to ensure that no energy is wasted on your property. This all translates to huge lifetime savings for residents, which buyers are willing to pay top-dollar for.
Make Your Home Beautiful Today
An important way to increase your home value is through staging. This requires using the right furnishings to make your home looking truly stunning. One important way to do this is with the right bedding. For this, we have got you covered. Make sure to check out our store for luxury bedding that you can afford today.
Last updated Jul 10, 2021 | Remodeling
A Guide On Keeping Your Stuff Safe During An Edinburgh Home Remodelling Project
The city of Edinburgh in Scotland has become one of the better known moving destinations in the UK. In recent years, many people have relocated to Edinburgh for a variety of reasons. Some of these are personal, and some relate to business, employment, or education.
The city is also an important centre for culture with its festivals, galleries, museums and theatre companies. The opening up of more restaurants has made this area even more attractive to new residents.
This growth has resulted in an increasing demand for property. Edinburgh is now a city with many large and expensive homes, plus some of the more affordable housing in Scotland.
Despite this, though, many people have found it a bit difficult to find the perfect home. And so, as an alternative, these people have chosen to remodel or renovate existing homes instead. After all, this option allows them to explore endless possibilities on how they should customise their homes, whether by building a whole new wing to the house, adding a fresh coat of paint on the walls, or fitting brand new windows. Here are some more Ideas One Can Use While Remodelling Their Home.
However, if you plan on renovating your Edinburgh home, you must know that there will be a lot of challenges you will have to face. This includes keeping your furniture and appliances safe and secure during the renovation process.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to make sure your belongings are well-protected while your home undergoes remodelling or renovation, and this guide will show you exactly how!
4 Easy Steps To Keeping Your Belongings Safe During A Remodelling or Renovation Project
Here are the five steps to making sure your belongings are safe while you are remodelling your home:
Declutter
The first step is to declutter your home. Look through every closet, cabinet, pantry, cupboard, and drawer you can think of. From the items you will find, determine which items you are willing to part with and which items you want to hold on to.
However, the task of decluttering can be a difficult thing to do, especially when you’ve grown attached to all the items you have acquired over the years. From little mementoes to special pieces of furniture, you will find that you can sometimes not just part with things you have grown attached to. If this is something you are having trouble with, here are some decluttering tips to keep in mind:
- If you do not find any purpose, need, or interest for a certain item, get rid of it. Chances are, you’ll never use it again.
- The same goes for items you have not used for over six months.
- You should not keep anything that is damaged or broken beyond repair. Such items will only take up unnecessary space in your home!
- If you have redundant items like a second coffee maker or an outdated air fryer you haven’t used since you’ve upgraded, dispose of them. Chances are, you won’t ever need those anymore.
By getting rid of these items, you will be able to make the process of packing quick and efficient. You will also find that by doing so, you may be able to save the money that you would have otherwise spent on a large moving vehicle and a large storage space.
Rent An Edinburgh Self Storage Unit
The next thing you’ll need to do is find a self storage facility in Edinburgh. There are many different ones around the city, but it is best to contact at least three before choosing one as your own personal self-storage facility for the duration of the home remodelling project.
You will want to look into their prices and what they offer in terms of unit size, features, and amenities. All of this information will play a huge role in your decision as to what self storage facility is the best for you and your family’s needs during your remodelling project.
If you are storing sensitive items like electronics, fine art, and antiques, make sure you are renting a climate-controlled storage unit. These units will protect your belongings from the humidity, water, and temperature fluctuations which can lead to superficial, structural, or internal mechanism damage.
Identify Your Essential Items
Because you’ll be keeping most of your belongings safe in storage, you will want to remember to set your essential items aside. From clothing, beddings, and toiletries to cooking materials and dinnerware, there are plenty of items you will still need while the home renovation project is ongoing.
Every household will have a different set of essential items, so be sure to figure out yours. This will only save you the trouble of packing items you will have to rummage for later, but also make sure that your daily lives are not too disrupted by the remodelling project.
Ensure That Your Belongings Are Properly Packed
Next, ensure that your items are all properly and safely packed into the proper boxes or crates.
Often, storage companies will offer packing boxes for free or at a minimal cost. However, if you are purchasing your boxes and other packing materials, you will want to make sure that they are waterproof, sturdy, and of high quality.
You will also want to be sure that you have enough packing materials to do the job. After all, this can make a world of difference when it comes to your items arriving safely at their destination and not getting damaged along the way.
Once you have gathered your packing materials, you will want to make sure that your items are given ample space in the box. Be sure to not pack items on top of each other, and remember to use plenty of cushioning around your items and in the spaces within the boxes. Doing these may prevent damages from one object rubbing, falling, and landing on another, which may cause scratches or breakage.
Lastly, you will want to make sure that your boxes are correctly labelled. This is a crucial step because this can help with determining what items belong in each box. Doing this will also make the process of unpacking your belongings in your newly renovated home quick and easy!
Now that you’ve read this guide, you should have a better idea of how to store your belongings during an Edinburgh home remodeling project. Remember the tips and tricks that we’ve covered in hopes of a successful storage process! Meanwhile, if you are in need of more remodeling tips, check out this guide!
Last updated Jul 7, 2021 | Buying & Selling
Have you been yearning for a location change? Somewhere with a humid subtropical climate – long hot summers and mildly cold winters? A beautiful, warm, relaxing scenery to digest? If yes, then search no more, for the needle in the haystack has just been identified with the numerous and attractive houses for sale in Georgia.
Recent studies have shown that Atlanta’s home values have gone up 8.7% over the last twelve months. This rise is most evident in Georgia.
Therefore, whether you’re an individual just starting up, a couple or a family searching for a new home, or desiring to become a homeowner, Georgia could be the best location for you.Houses for sale in Georgia offer thriving and energetic communities and a suitable environment for a career-oriented person.
Georgia has a top-ranked quality of life that is desirable and attainable where you and your family will be proud to call home forever. Georgia real estate for sale is affordable and doesn’t compromise on the good things as there are outstanding schools, beautiful recreational centers, exciting games, and fantastic diners.
This city leaves you spoiled for choice. It offers fantastic vacation locations on its pristine white sand beaches – ideal for vacations and getaways – ranging from Jekyll Island to Tybee Island. To check out available options, visit timstoutteam.com.
Six Steps for Obtaining a Home in Georgia
The idea of acquiring a new house is exciting but arduous and cumbersome, especially as there are high home demands. These demands sometimes even exceed the listings as property values are appreciating. Here are tips for facilitating your search and choice of a perfect dream home in the Peach State:
Decide the House You Want
Before you find houses in Georgia, you must know what you desire and what suits your taste. For example, you should have decided to want a flat, a duplex, a bungalow, or a mansion. How many rooms do you want in there? What are the must-haves?
Do you want a terraced house? A house with stained glasses, a glasshouse, a house with a garden, a service apartment, or one that you’d furnish yourself to your taste? If you want the place to be Gothic or Victorian?
You should know the indispensable features you require and have a perfect description of the kind of house you want to simplify your search.
Choose the Right Neighborhood
A house’s neighborhood is just as crucial as its layout and features. You should assess a community to see if it quickly offers access to basic amenities such as convenience stores, mini-marts, fueling stations, hospitals, schools, restaurants, amenities, etc.
Is the environment noisy or quiet? Does it suit you perfectly? Is it congested or traffic-free? Check the distance from the house to your workplace.
You must evaluate the area to check how well it meets your personal needs and preferences. Are there recreational centers for you to visit when bored?
Observe the local lifestyle as this may impact your daily routine. If you have kids, visit the schools in the region. Another essential piece of information you need to enquire about is the crime rate because, above all, safety is paramount.
Assess the Property Value
Study data on historical trends about the house you desire to ascertain. Check if the property you want to purchase is of appreciating value. Assessing average home values in a neighborhood will help you decide if you can afford to live there. Historical trends on property appreciation will let you know if buying in the area would be a profitable venture.
You would want to purchase a house that appreciates. This way, you can make an adequate profit whenever you wish to sell. Based on home value data from Zillow, homes in Midtown, Atlanta worth $211,221 in 2010 are now worth $320,513, i.e., an appreciation rate of 51.7%. You’d want to go for properties with such potential.
Plan Your Budget
It’d be best to have a good idea of your home purchase budget so you don’t outdo yourself in search of a classy, comfortable home. Yes, there are ecstatic, thrilling houses for sale in Georgia at affordable prices.
However, it’d help if you researched real estate prices in different neighborhoods to weigh your options, cut down costs, and avoid costly houses. Yes, you can get a place that has all your must-haves at an affordable price!
Get a Pre-Approved Mortgage
Sellers are more likely to show you their houses when you possess a pre-approved mortgage letter. It assures them that you’re financially prepared and ready to grab their offer. You should save for a down payment on your mortgage.
A conventional loan requires a 20% down payment, but a government-backed loan offers a lower down payment. Go for a lender with a record of happy customers who works actively to ensure the closure of a deal, not one who is slow with paperwork. This point is essential as it could delay or derail the entire agreement. When taking a mortgage, it’s imperative to take note of the interest rate.
A shorter-term mortgage guarantees you a lower Interest rate but with a higher monthly payment. Also, note that once you’ve been pre-approved, any change in your finance or credit card can void your pre-approval, so avoid making massive purchases after pre-approval, maintain your credit, avoid opening new credit accounts and make credit card payments on time.
Consider Closing Costs and Maintenance Costs
Legally closing a real estate transaction involves many services – title searches, document recording, etc. – that cost money. The seller is responsible for some closing costs, but typically, the buyer pays most of these expenses. Homebuyers usually have to pay 2 – 5% of the home’s price in closing costs.
Considering the average home value in Georgia is $216,314, that amounts to $4,326-$10,816. In Georgia, homeowners typically spend $2,331 in maintenance costs annually, but this can vary widely based on the house. In general, you should save 1% of the house’s value each year for repairs. Therefore, ensure you have enough saved up for these.
Conclusion
When looking for dream homes for sale in Georgia, you must decide on the house, choose the right neighborhood, get your budget right, prepare a pre-approved mortgage, and consider all relevant costs. Unfortunately, as a worker, you may not have time to follow up on this cumbersome and daunting process, or even if you do, you may not be interested in it.
You may also be an individual who has no idea how to practicalize all these steps and thus needs help or further inquiry. Well, all you need is a reliable realtor with years of experience and good sales. Look no further because you have all the help, legal advice, recommended lawyers, and mortgage lenders alongside home suggestions with Tims Scout and associates.
Contact this reputable team for further assistance in acquiring perfect houses for sale in Georgia. We assure you’ll have no regrets.
Jun 16, 2021 | Real Estate
Real estate marketing can be challenging in an increasingly overcrowded market. Companies can no longer rely on footfall and must compete online to get the attention of internet-savvy buyers. However, you need to protect your marketing budget to prevent your competitors from getting ahead of you in search engine rankings.
Creating a real estate funnel can help you connect with customers in a meaningful way, encouraging them to make contact and engage your services. Done correctly, over time, the funnel can provide a steady stream of passive potential leads.
Read on to learn how to plan and put in place your real estate sales funnel.
Check Your Online Presence
It simply isn’t enough to have a website and expect potential buyers to find it online and then get in touch with your office. It’s essential to have an online presence on many different sites, such as community forums and social media platforms. Your real estate social network can be one of the most effective sales strategies because people can easily view and share your listings.
The real estate industry is not as static as it once was, and you need to be proactive on key platforms. For example, you can post helpful hints and tips alongside your listings to promote trust and communication. When clients feel you value their needs, they are much more likely to make contact.
Landing Pages and a Call To Action
If you have an advertisement with a link to your listings, you need to ensure customers know what to do when they get there. It’s a good idea to have a landing page where they can click on similar listings, and you should have a clear call to action (CTA).
This message could show how to get in touch with your real estate business via phone or email. It could also encourage a customer to arrange an online viewing.
Real Estate Marketing Opt-Ins
Although it has been around for many years, email marketing is still a highly effective marketing strategy. Your home sales funnel has several steps, including placing the initial listing, arranging a viewing, and making the sale. But, many potential buyers won’t be ready to make an offer during the early stages of the process.
You can provide an email opt-in so you can continue to keep in touch and provide them with valuable information. Although it’s important not to spam customers, keeping in contact can help you open up a dialogue. This could aid customers when they have queries about listed properties.
As you can automate your emails to send in advance, this is a great way to get real estate leads while you focus on other tasks.
Create Your Real Estate Sales Funnel Today
Creating a real estate marketing funnel can be challenging, but the rewards can be enormous when you connect with the right target market. By establishing a professional presence and providing helpful information you can become a trusted agent in your area.
If you’ve found this article helpful, and are looking for some inspiration for furnishing a show home, be sure to check out some excellent ideas on our Pinterest page.
Last updated Jun 14, 2021 | Investing
Are you interested in making some money off of the home you are living in right now? If you dream of paying off your mortgage faster than the 25-35 years it normally takes by home investing, you are in the right place. In this guide, we will give you 5 tips on how to make money off of a home.
1. Rent Out Your Unused Rooms
The good thing about having a 2 or 3 bedroom home is that you have the space available to rent out to others. This is especially true if you have an empty nest, where your children have already left and you are lamenting about how your house is too big for the two of you. If you have a room or two that’s just sitting around, why not rent it out to a college or university student in need?
2. Renovate the Basement or Attic and Rent It Out
You might have an unfinished basement at the moment, which is just collecting dust or becoming a home for various pests. Why not invest a bit of money into it and make it so it has a separate entrance? This way you can rent it out to a couple that’s just starting who wants to save money by living in the basement?
It’s a win-win situation for all involved. The same thing applies to your attic.
3. Rent Out Your Garage
This might not be legal in your state, so check before you start renovating your garage. In some states, you can actually rent out your renovated garage as a separate dwelling. It’s going to be a tiny home for someone, but many people are willing to stay in smaller places at first, so they can save up for their own first home.
4. Or Rent Out Your Home and Live in the Garage
If you aren’t opposed to living in small spaces yourself, you could make more money by moving out into the garage and renting your home to a small family. This is a great way to have someone else pay your mortgage for you, while you save up for your dream retirement or vacation. A year-long cruise anyone?
5. Sell Your Home to an Investor
If you are done with the idea of homeownership altogether or you wish to downgrade into a smaller home, consider selling your home to an investor as opposed to a traditional buyer. There are these advantages to doing so.
Home Investing Is for Everyone Who Wants to Make Some Extra Cash
If you thought that home investing is available only to those who have a second or their property, you were absolutely wrong. With the home investment tips mentioned above, you are well on your way to making some serious money from your home.
Enjoyed this article? Don’t forget to check out the other finance and real-estate-related articles on our website. Keep learning!
