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Garage doors can experience wear and tear from years of daily use. Parts can eventually wear out, which can create safety hazards and security risks. At some point, replacing a garage door makes more sense than repairing it.

When to Consider Buying a New Garage Door
An automatic garage door should start to move up and down without hesitation when you press a button or enter a code. If you notice a delayed response, if the door moves slowly or if it makes a loud or unusual noise, it may need to be repaired or replaced. A technician can diagnose the problem and help you decide what to do.

Sensors can detect a person, an animal or an object in a garage doors path and make it stop automatically. If your garage door doesnt stop when something is blocking it, its a safety hazard. It may be time to replace the door to protect your children and pets from injuries.

A garage door that doesnt close completely is a security risk. A burglar could break into the garage and steal your belongings or get into your house if you have an attached garage. A wild animal could also get into the garage and wreak havoc.

Garage doors can become scratched and dented from minor accidents and exposure to harsh weather, blowing debris and animals. A damaged garage door can detract from a homes appearance, but a new door can instantly increase your curb appeal.

A garage door with insufficient insulation or failing weather stripping can let cold air into your house in the winter and let cooled air escape in the summer. If you have noticed that your utility bills have gone up and you arent sure why, your garage door may be to blame. A well-insulated garage could make your home more energy efficient and lower your utility bills. Keeping the temperature inside the garage in a comfortable range could also allow you to work on vehicle maintenance or a hobby regardless of the weather.

If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, strong winds could damage the garage door and cause a pressure buildup inside the house. That could damage the roof and walls, and could even blow the roof off completely. A garage door with a high wind load could reduce the risk of that happening.

If you plan to sell your home, installing a new garage door may be one of the easiest ways to spruce up its appearance. It can also provide a higher return on investment than many other home improvement projects.

How to Choose a New Garage Door
Garage doors are available in a wide array of colors, styles and materials. Some have windows and others do not. You can choose a garage door to complement the rest of your house and instantly improve its appearance. Contact a local company to learn about your options and to compare features and prices.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are five features that millennials look for when purchasing a home.

Privacy

Whether its a gated community, a building with security, or a backyard enveloped by trees, privacy is important.

Eco-friendly

By investing in sustainability, youre increasing the value of your home.

Smart Tech

Millennials see smart home technology as a way to save time while also delivering extra peace of mind.

Proximity to Nature

Whether theyre in the city or the suburbs, communities with walking, hiking and biking trails will speak to millennials.

Home Office

Having an office or designated workspace is conducive to their lifestyle, which mixes work and play more freely than past generations.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

For many couples, buying a house together is a dream. Things may not go smoothly in reality, though, if you and your partner have a stark difference in credit scores. Getting approved for a large enough mortgage with a relatively low interest rate could be a challenge.

How Different Credit Scores Could Make It Hard to Buy a House
Credit scores are based on several factors, including an individuals payment history, the number and type of accounts, the percentage of available credit used and the average age of the accounts. The three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) each report their own credit scores. A high credit score can help a mortgage applicant qualify for a competitive interest rate.

If you and a co-borrower submit a joint mortgage application, the lender will pull each of your credit reports and look at your median credit score along with your co-borrowers. The lower of the two scores is the one the lender will use to set your interest rate. If you or your partner has a credit score that is significantly lower than the other, a lender might quote you a much higher interest rate than it would have quoted if only the person with the higher credit score had applied for a mortgage.

How to Buy a House When One Partner has Bad Credit
If one of you has a low credit score that would force you to pay a higher interest rate, you might be able to qualify for a lower rate if the person with better credit applied for a mortgage alone. The lender would only consider that persons income when deciding how much money to loan you to buy a house. That may or may not prevent you from buying the home you wanted.

If one person took out a mortgage, you could put both of your names on the title so that you would jointly own the house, but only the person whose name was on the mortgage would be held responsible for repaying the loan. That could allow you to buy a home, but things could get messy if your relationship ends.

Consider Delaying a Home Purchase to Address Bad Credit
If you would not be able to get a large enough mortgage with only one persons income and you would have to apply jointly, you might be able to get a better interest rate if the person with bad credit worked on improving it. Paying bills on time and lowering credit card balances and credit utilization ratios could bump their credit score up enough to qualify for a lower interest rate.

You may have to put off buying a house for several months, or possibly a year or longer. That might be frustrating, but it could save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

There are few architectural movements that can compete with the American Craftsman when it comes to exuding a sense of character and coziness. Having emerged toward the end of the 19th century, this style has been in demand among homeowners for over a hundred years and certainly wont be going away any time soon. As the name would suggest, these homes emphasize quality and craftsmanship, which is why theyre particularly appreciated by those with an eye for detail. Here are several hallmark features that make the American Craftsman style so appealing.

Charming Faades
Often designed with overhanging eaves and large covered porches at the front entrance, a Craftsman home feels inviting before you even step inside. Low-pitched gable roofs and tapered columns give the faade unique curb appeal thats both low-key and classic. Plus, theres just something about a Craftsman-style home that looks especially in its element when surrounded by lots of trees and plantings, which makes them ideal for any landscape design enthusiasts.

Large Fireplaces
At the center of almost every Craftsman home is a fireplace that the family can gather around. Oftentimes, youll even find more than one throughout the house. A prominent red brick fireplace with wood cabinets on either side is a quintessential feature that contributes to the balance between cozy and refined.

Thoughtful Details
Perhaps most importantly are the small details that make a Craftsman home stand out, such as beamed ceilings, built-in bookshelves and wainscoting. While a large living room with a prominent fireplace makes for a grand entertaining space, there also tends to be more intimate sitting areas, like window seats and reading nooks.

Natural Materials
Of course, given the features found throughout the interiors, a Craftsman house generally showcases an extensive use of wood and stone. From the fireplace to the built-ins, natural materials are on full display, creating an ambience thats distinguished and welcoming.

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If a heavy rain came along and youre stuck gathering pots and towels, and scratching your head about the next steps, dont panic. While no one wants to deal with a leak in their roof, many homeowners will face a problematic roofing situation at some point. Knowing how to effectively deal with it can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and an extremely costly issue. Here are the steps to take if you find a leak in your roof.

Contain the Damage
Water moves quickly and leaves damaging dampness wherever it manages to spread. If you notice an area in your home that is leaking, its imperative to address that spot immediately. Simply wiping up any excess water, moving furniture or appliances out of the way and containing the leak with pots or pans, can prevent a lot of excess damage. While your roof and ceiling may be a headache, the last thing you want to deal with are issues caused by moisture on your other belongings or parts of your home.

Assess Where the Leak is Located
Your roof is simultaneously one of the most expensive fixtures and the most vital protector of your home. Even a minor leak can cause serious damage to the building itself, in the form of rot and mildew or dangerous electric malfunctions, as water is introduced to your wiring or appliances. If you are unable to make or schedule an immediate repair due to inclement weather, assessing where the leak is located can help you temporarily seal it. Even the simple action of tarping a trouble spot can mitigate damage during a heavy rainstorm.

Call a Professional
It is true that small leaks may be relatively easy to fix, but only expert advice can tell you whether you have larger issues at hand. While many areas of your home are easy and cost-effective to DIY, your roof is such an important investment that it is far better to opt for a professional. A skilled roofer can assess not only the initial damage, but the best and most cost-effective steps to prevent damage in the future. After all, regular inspections and preventative maintenance are key to keeping costs low.

Published with permission from RISMedia.