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Category: House Warming

  • Solar Panels: Is Your House a Candidate?

    If you’re thinking about going solar, you’re probably wondering: Is solar cost-effective? Is my roof suitable for solar panels? Will solar energy generate enough electricity to power my home? Who makes the best solar panels?  But first, it’s important to explore if solar panels for your home make sense. Here are some key questions to ask yourself if you are interested in buying or leasing a solar energy system to make sure your home is best suited for making power with solar panels.

    Do I Have the Right Roof? The proper installation of solar panels will depend on the type of roof you have. The ideal roof materials are composite, asphalt type shingles, tiles made of concrete or a metal roof. You can still have solar panels installed if you have other materials like tile, wood, or clay, as long as they’re sturdy. It is also important to consider the amount of sunlight you get per day.  South, east or west-facing roofs are the most desirable. The roof should also be free of any obstructions such as vents, antennas, chimneys, or even wooded areas in the parts where your panels are being installed.

    Will it Help Save Money? Having solar panels installed won’t necessarily mean you don’t have to pay an energy bill, but it will certainly lower your monthly costs. Typically, solar panels will decrease your energy bill, but you are also eligible for a tax deduction.  The federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit, allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.

    How Many Panels Will I Need? The square feet of suitable roof space you need to install solar panels will vary by the size of the solar system you need. This, in turn, will vary with the amount of power you consume and the utility company. You can work out how many solar panels you need for your home using a solar panel calculator.

    What if my Roof isn’t right for Solar Panels? There are other solar options available if your roof isn’t ideal for installing a solar panel system, including:

    • Installing a ground-mounted solar panel system elsewhere on your property
    • Building a solar panel carport to simultaneously power your house and provide shade for your car
    • Invest in a share of a solar garden, which offers you the benefits of rooftop solar panels sourced from a large solar panel array in your community

    All of this could sum up to a great choice for the environment and an even better choice for your wallet!

  • Simple Ways to Refresh Your Space

    It’s easy to get sick of your home decor, especially if you have been staying home a lot.  With the warmer weather approaching, take some time to give your home a little refresh.  There’s no need to do a complete makeover of your home, just switch up a few things.  You’ll be surprised how a few simple changes can give you a whole new outlook!

    Take Advantage of Natural Light
    With spring on the horizon, we are starting to see a little more sun peeking out, so open those blinds and bask in the natural light. Instead of flipping on your lights in the morning, pull back the curtains and let sunshine fill your home.  The simple act of opening your windows can help lift your mood, and you’ll save a little on your electric bill too.

    You can also take advantage of the natural light to add in some more houseplants or help your current ones thrive! By simply adding in natural light, you have so many options to refresh and enjoy your living space.

    Give Your Home a Good Clean
    It seems simple but giving your space a deep cleaning and decluttering can instantly revitalize a room and make your home much more livable.  Even if you only go this far, it will surely make a major difference in refreshing your home. Set goals to clean and declutter one space at a time, and then work to organize anything left behind.  This is an easy and rewarding way to give your home a quick refresh!

    Change Up Your Bedding
    Making small updates to your bedroom, like changing up your bedding can change the whole look of your room and give it a fresh feel. This is the perfect time of year to wake up your bedroom with some new bedding. Or simply refresh your look by switching out your heavy winter blankets, throws, and pillows with lighter-weight and lighter-toned versions.  You could also add some throw pillows or a blanket at the end of your bed to add different textures and colors.

    Rearrange Your Furniture
    Rearranging your furniture is an easy and free way to completely transform your space.  Try changing up things or even losing pieces that just don’t fit. You’d be surprised how doing this can make your space seem more open and change the whole look of the room, while also becoming more functional. Plus, it’s kind of fun to shake things up a bit and change your furniture layout.

    If you are feeling bored with your space, you don’t have to completely remodel your home to switch things up! By swapping out a few pieces, adding in some new decor, or even letting more light in, you can achieve the looks you want.  These are all cheap and easy alternatives that will have a major impact on your living space!

  • 6 Housewarming Party Tips

    In the process of moving into a new home? Well, don’t forget to christen your new space with a housewarming party! We know, we know, the last thing you may feel like doing when you’re in the middle of unpacking boxes and setting up your new home is entertaining. But you may be pleasantly surprised by how it feels to take a minute, welcome a few friends, meet a few neighbors, and gaze at your new purchase.

    And, trust us, when you throw a housewarming party, your friends and neighbors are not expecting your new home to look perfect, but you can bet they are excited to get a first look at your new space! Need some motivation to get your boxes put away and at least a bit of décor up on your walls? Here are five tips for throwing an awesome housewarming party:

    1. Get Planning
    Decide on a date and time for your party. Once you set the date, determine your guest list and send out your invites. Use regular mail, email, or social media to get the word out. Remember, it is customary for guests to bring a gift to a housewarming party, so if you prefer that your guests just come to have fun, be sure to indicate that in your invite.

    2. Choose a Theme
    Here is where you can have a little fun before your party even starts. When it comes to housewarming parties, you can host anything from a casual backyard BBQ to a fancy dinner to an unpacking party—yes, you could put your guests to work when they come to the party!

    3. Include a Tour
    Just as guests pretty much plan to bring a gift to a housewarming party, they also plan on receiving a tour while they’re there. Of course, you can keep it traditional and simply parade guests through your home to show off the new space. But you also have a unique opportunity to add to the fun of your event. Offer up a non-traditional tour by creating a scavenger hunt through your new home. Deciding between a few colors in certain rooms? Let guests weigh in while they’re on tour!

    4. Let Guests Help
    In addition to asking guests to weigh in on paint colors or décor while they’re in your new home, you also can rely on them to help with the night’s menu. Plan to provide the main course, but let guests bring their favorites when it comes to appetizers, desserts, or drinks. This is a great way to beef up your recipe collection or stock your bar, too!

    5. Invite Guests Back
    The best way to end an awesome housewarming party? Don’t let the memory-making stop. You can ensure your new home is always full of fun and friends by giving your guests a way to remember how to find you. Send your housewarming party guests home with a memento that includes your new address. Anything from personalized post-its to custom-wrapped candy bars can include your address. Get creative when thinking about how to send your guests home after your party.

    6. Don’t stress yourself.
    A final tip for hosting a great housewarming party? Don’t stress. House cleaning and care are all a part of being a homeowner. If those tasks don’t get perfectly done before your party, it is OK. Remember, your guests are interested in seeing your home, but above all, they’re there to support you in your new venture!