HomeKeepr Blog

Adding space outside to enjoy warmer days can create fun and long-lasting memories. However, choosing between installing a deck or a patio can become overwhelming. There are many factors to consider before deciding. First, it is important to understand the key differences between the two. A deck is an elevated structure connected to your home's first or second floor. It has a railing along the edge for safety and is typically made from wood, composite, or vinyl. Unlike a deck, a patio is built on the ground floor, either attached to the home or as a separate structure. They are comprised of concrete or bricks, as opposed to wood, making them durable and long-lasting.

If you've imagined spending summers in your backyard to cool off, consider installing your own inground pool that you can enjoy for years to come. However, before making your choice, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages before investing. Also, consider the size of your property, the intended use of the yard, and geographic location. The following are the Pros and Cons of having an inground pool.

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that bring high winds and heavy rain. The season begins on May 15 in the North Pacific and June 1 in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Before Hurricane season, ensure that your home and family are protected by planning ahead with the following safety measures to help your home withstand any major damage.

Frigid winters and blazing summers can take a toll on the surface of your home and other parts of your property. Peeling paint, mold, mildew, and dirt can cause damage over time and make your home an eye sore. Pressure washing is a good solution to improving the health of your home. However, misuse of pressurized water can cause injury. Pressure washing is a good solution to improving the health of your home.

We are so used to getting hot water in our home without a thought, until something goes wrong with our water heater, or it stops working. A cold shower or a leak can take us by surprise and are signs that the water heater is not working properly. This can happen when we neglect to periodically drain it. A water heater needs to be drained and flushed as part of its maintenance routine. Why is this so important? Over time sediment from minerals and other deposits in the water build up in the bottom of the tank, called scaling, and can lead to a clog in the valves which can cause leaks and corrosion. This can result in poor heating efficiency and costly repairs. Drainage helps flush out the sediment that can cause malfunction and makes it easier to heat the water when blockage is freed. With regular maintenance the heater will perform better, saving you money over time.

Are you looking to sell your home and concerned about its resale value? If you last updated, upgraded, or refurbished a while ago, your home could show signs of wear and tear that could negatively impact the sale when you try to appeal to buyers. Whether you have a large or limited budget, you can make the much-needed changes that can increase the value of your home and attract home buyers. Here is a list of top-rated home renovation ideas that offer the best ROI for resale.

Now that spring is fully here, this is a perfect time to prepare for how you want your home’s exterior and property to look and function for the summer. It’s also fun to find new activities to pre-occupy your time as an excuse to be out on warm, sunny days. You could choose to do renovations or purchase new outdoor appliances and furniture if that is within your budget. However, there are many easy and less costly ways to enhance and beautify your yard and exterior without calling on a professional landscaper or contractor. At the same time, you can hang out and have fun. Before considering the kinds of projects you want to undertake, evaluate one or more of these four basic processes: longevity, productivity, activity, and tranquility. Ask yourself what you would like to accomplish. Are you looking to improve functionality, such as fixing and refurbishing, or are you looking to produce something that can keep renewing itself every year? Do you enjoy outdoor activities and entertaining, or do you prefer to chill in a calm and intimate environment? You may be interested in a little of all four. Here are some suggestions for summer projects that can assist you in your goals for accomplishing one or more of the processes.

Have you experienced chronic ear, throat, or eye irritations, sneezing, coughing, dizziness, or headaches only while in your home and as soon as you use your HVAC system? It could be from poor air quality due to dirty air ducts. Even the American Lung Association recognizes indoor air quality as the catalyst for many allergy-related diseases. If you haven’t cleaned your ducts in 4 to 5 years, there will be an accumulation of contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other allergens recirculating by your HVAC system to the indoor air. Even new construction can pose a threat with its hazardous materials and drywall dust. Consequently, you breathe these particles in, leading to allergic and asthmatic symptoms. Indoor allergies are most prevalent during spring and summer when your HVAC starts moving air around, and any particles that have settled there through the winter will kick up and begin affecting your breathing.

Now that spring has sprung, you can kick the winter blues by getting outside to refresh and renew your home’s exterior. Whether it’s your siding, deck, garage, lawn, or other outer areas, plenty will keep you busy. It can be overwhelming, but tackling each section of your home and property in manageable increments can get much done without stress and strain. It's best to handle one area of your property at a time, starting with the most basic structures, such as your roof and shingles, to extensions of the house and then surrounding yard features. This helpful outdoor cleaning list of chores will help you organize yourself to make spring cleaning the outside of your home less of a hassle while you also enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.