Uncategorized

Heres what you need to know before installing concrete countertops in your home.

Sealing Is Essential

Similar to marble, concrete is naturally porous and will stain if not protected with a sealant.

Enjoy Durability

Youll have the benefit of a seriously durable surface thats heat and scratch resistant.

Customizable

Concrete is completely customizable and can be cast in any size or shape you desire.

Extra Versatile

Concrete isnt limited to modern and industrial spaces. Its equally suited to giving rustic and minimalist aesthetics a trendy look.

Sustainable (Sometimes)

Some companies produce sustainable concrete that you can bring into your home in good conscience.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

A standard homeowners insurance policy covers damage to a house and its contents in many circumstances, but not all. Perils that are typically covered include fire, lightning, water damage, wind, fallen objects, damage caused by a vehicle or aircraft, theft, vandalism, explosions and damage caused by the weight of ice, snow or sleet. Other perils, such as earthquakes and floods, are often excluded from a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Coverage for Additional Perils
If your home is located in an area where there is a significant risk of a peril that isnt covered by a standard policy, you may be able to buy extra insurance to cover that peril. The types of optional coverage available depend on state laws and each insurance companys offerings. With extended coverage, you wont have to worry about suffering major damage or a total loss and not receiving any compensation.

Insurance Coverage for Other Structures
Homeowners insurance covers damage to a principal dwelling, but it may not automatically cover damage to another structure on the property, such as a detached garage or shed. If your policy doesnt cover those structures, you can purchase extra coverage so you wont have to pay for expensive repairs if, for example, a tree falls on your garage.

Protection for Valuables
A standard homeowners insurance policy will cover the contents of your home if they are damaged or destroyed by a covered peril, but the total amount of coverage will be limited. If you own expensive electronics, jewelry, artwork, antiques or other valuables, you may need to purchase extended coverage to protect them.

Coverage for Sewer Problems
Damage resulting from a sewer system failure can be expensive to clean up and repair. Some insurance companies offer extended coverage for sewer backups. You might want to purchase that coverage if your neighborhood has an older sewer system.

Inflation Protection
A homeowners insurance policy typically provides a set amount of coverage in the event of a loss. If that amount isnt adjusted for inflation and your house suffers catastrophic damage, you may not receive enough money to repair or rebuild it. With an optional inflation guard endorsement, your coverage limits will be adjusted each year to account for inflation.

Do You Have All the Homeowners Insurance Coverage You Need?
Making sure you have the right forms of homeowners insurance coverage and high enough limits is essential. If you dont and you suffer a loss, you may find yourself with a house that you cant live in and cant afford to repair. Read through your homeowners insurance policy so you understand what is covered and what is excluded. Consider any risks specific to your location and contact your insurance company or agent to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

No matter how diminutive your shared dwelling happens to be, everyone needs their own space. Whether its to find a few minutes respite from busy family life, or to create necessary boundaries with a roommate or among siblings, here are some creative and effective ways to carve out personal space in a small home or apartment.

1. Use decorative screens. An attractive screen will not only add style to your home, but will instantly create a private space in any room, or in a studio apartment. Use a screen to create an intimate reading nook or distraction-free work space, or use one in a shared bedroom to give each person a bit of privacy.

2. Convert a closet. If youve got a roomy closet or walk-in pantry, clear it out, remove the door and shelves, and outfit it with a small desk and chair. Now youve got a quiet spot for paying bills, writing letters, doing homework or journaling.

3. Build a loft. Whether its in a bedroom or common living area, if your ceilings are high enough, construct a loft space for sleeping, reading or binge-watching. Furnish it with cushy throw pillows and blankets to maximize relaxation value.

4. Hang a curtain. A shared bedroom can easily be turned into two separate spaces by hanging a fashionable curtain in a track or on an extended curtain rod down the center of the room, size permitting. The nice thing about a curtain, is that it can be drawn back to open up the space when privacy isnt required.

5. Use furniture. Any room or area can be instantly sectioned off for privacy with a large piece of furniture, such as a bookcase, wardrobe or hutch. Fill it with your favorite books for a studious look, or use plants, framed photos, or your favorite collections to add interest. If youre worried that a large furniture item will truncate your space, paint it the same color as your walls so that it blends in and flows better with your design.

Remember to keep design in mind when creating private spaces, so that the result looks natural and fashion-forward instead of forced and clunky.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Theres a lot that you must think about when putting your house up for sale, but sometimes a simple thing can help attract people to your home and appeal to buyers.

Take the case of crown molding. While probably not on the top of anyones must-have list, once a potential buyer sees some elegant crown molding throughout the home, it may help boost your house on the top of their list.

True, spending money on crown molding is most likely an upgrade that wont allow you to raise your asking price, but it can separate your home from some of the other houses on the market. If someone is comparing your house to another at a similar price, that crown molding might be the thing that puts your home over the top.

When done properly, crown molding can make ceilings look higher, rooms more interesting and gives the home a more unique feel. Plus, it can be used in virtually any room in the house to create the wow factor that people crave. These little touches can help get a buyer interested.

Crown molding can be used at the base of a wall, but its also used to separate wall and floor and other types of molding on windows, doors, fireplaces and more.

Unless you are truly handy, dont attempt to do the crown molding yourself. It looks simple enough, but it takes precise measuring, special tools and lots of patience. Finding an expert wont cost too much and you will be glad you did when its finished.

Once up, a good tip is to paint the crown molding off-white, instead of white. Crown molding will collect dust and the white color may make it look dingy. Also, you should paint it a different color than the ceiling or wall to really make it stand out. Finally, having all crown molding the same color throughout the house will create a unified look, which is welcomed by homebuyers.

Published with permission from RISMedia.