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Getting Started: How to Overcome the Hassle of Rental Properties

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Photo by OpenClipart-Vectors via Pixabay It’s only a hassle if you’re not in control. There are a lot of ways to do investment property wrong, but here are the ways to do it right so that it’s an asset, not a nuisance. Be picky about the property. While you don’t need to purchase anything high-end, always choose something you could live in with no problem. The neighborhood is decent. The roof doesn’t leak. There are no mold or pest issues. If you’re not handy, find someone that is to help you out. Houses need maintenance. Taking care of your property is part of the business of ownership. Buy extended warranties on the appliances. If something goes wrong, you can get them repaired or replaced instead of having to buy new ones. Take charge of the pool care, landscaping, pest control, and other services. Your tenants will be happier, and your property will be better for it. Have a strong rental contract or lease agreement. Get expert advice so that you’re in compliance with ...

Use Bench Footing to Gain Living Space

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Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash When buying an older home, you might wonder how to get more livable space out of that low-ceiling basement. There are two ways to gain height: raise the foundation or lower the floor. Raising the foundation requires lifting the entire home off its current foundation, building a new foundation, and resettling the home. For most homeowners, the sheer number of things that can go wrong with a project of this magnitude makes it an unlikely option. An alternative is bench footing, a method of lowering the floor of the basement that results in a higher ceiling. Bench footing is a straightforward technique regarded by contractors to be an optimal approach for supporting your building while providing room for more structural support and depth. With bench footing, professional contractors do not need to dig deep into the home’s foundation. Instead, they can lower the basement floor and add structural support from there. How Is It Done? The proce...

Buying a Working Luxury Ranch

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Image by Steppinstars from Pixabay Before you plunk your hard-earned money down on a working luxury ranch, look at several factors, including location, features, your experience and business opportunities. The success of the ranch hinges on your experience or the people you hire to run the ranch. Even if it’s a private ranch where you might sell horses or cattle, you either need experience or need to hire people who have experience. Type of Ranch Determine what type of ranch you will have. A horse ranch, cattle ranch and a dude ranch are all different. The type of ranch will also determine the location of the ranch. Horse ranches need stables and corrals. You might need several barns, including a foaling barn, if you plan on raising and selling horses. Cattle ranches might need foaling barns, milking barns and separate barns and fields for steers and cows. A dude ranch is a working ranch that allows guests. In addition to the typical ranch buildings, you’ll also need a place...

Flex Space: The Most Versatile Trend in Home Design

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Photo by Karl Solano from Pexels The open concept took over several years ago, and now, homeowners are reluctant to give up the flexibility that this optimal layout provides. Unfortunately, this versatility often only extends to meal prep, dining, and living areas. Other critical spaces tend to be far more difficult to adapt, making them problematic for long-term homeowners with evolving needs. Thankfully, a viable solution has recently emerged to help homeowners of all types make the most of every room: flex space. What Is Flex Space? How Does It Work? Flex spaces can take many forms. In general, however, this concept involves a versatile room specifically built to take on multiple functions. This room is purposefully built into floor plans with the intent of making adjustments over time. It may begin as a hobby room or entertainment space but eventually transition into an office or even a nursery. Its unique design allows it to serve a wide array of needs. Beyond versa...

Best Home Practices for Controlling Pests

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Getting rid of a pest infestation in the home can be an expensive and stressful endeavor. Enjoy a comfortable, pest-free home with a few best practices. Preventative Control Every homeowner should invest in preventative pest control. Either hire a company to come and treat the inside and outside of your house on a monthly or quarterly basis or commit to treating the home yourself. You can find pest control solutions at your local hardware store. Do yourself a favor and pre-treat your home to gain an edge on those pesky little creatures. Home Maintenance Maintaining a few key areas of your home can lend a great hand in keeping out pests. It is important to check all the weather-stripping on your exterior doors. Some bugs can squeeze under the door even if you have pristine weather-stripping, so if yours is worn-down or flimsy bugs can easily gain access and take up residence. Screens are another home feature you need to keep in good shape. Even if an insect can squeeze into ...