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Category: Useful articles

  • Summer Refresh for Your Home

    Now that Summer is fast approaching, it’s the perfect excuse to refresh and brighten your home. It’s time to put away the faux fur throws and plaid wool pillows and bring in some vibrant colors and light, airy fabrics, and textiles. To help you freshen your home this Summer, we provided you with a list of ideas to freshen up your space!

    Clean Windows
    It’s finally time to let some light in! Now that the sun is shining, it is important to clean and open your windows to let the fresh air in. Washing and dusting your windows will help decrease the dirt and debris blowing through your house when it comes time to open the windows. During this time, if you notice your window screens have holes or rips it may be time to purchase and install new screens. If you’re feeling extra fun, you can even purchase new summery curtains to make your window space pop with color!

    Check HVAC System
    What’s worse than a 90-degree day with no air conditioning? To ensure that nightmare doesn’t happen to you, check your home’s HVAC system to ensure it’s working well before temperatures get too hot. That way if you run into a problem, you should have more than enough time to have a professional check it out for you.

    Put Seasonal Stuff in Storage
    Simplify your life!  Store away items that aren’t useful in the summer, such as blankets, thick Afghans, and heavy quilts, so that you can make space for things that are!  Lightweight throws are the perfect summer sofa or chair accessory because you can curl up in them comfortably, even when it’s hot outside!

    Add Some Greenery/Fun Accessories
    Flowers and plants are your best friends when it comes to bringing charm, beauty, and fragrant smells into your home. Pull out your vases, and stock fresh flowers of all kinds and colors in every room that you can! You can even get faux plants if you don’t want to buy the real thing!

    Additionally, you can brighten up your space with fun summer accessories. Beachy wall art, summer scented candles and fresh fruit arrangements are all great ways to decorate for the summer months.

    New Bedding
    Bulky, heavy, warm bedspreads in the summer are bad news. Thick bedding ends up on the floor anyway because it’s too hot to try to sleep with.  Put it away for the next few months and use a thin down comforter for a cooler night’s sleep. And by the way, if you have access to simple white bedding, use it!  It’s the perfect peaceful bedroom color for the summer months.

    The best way to celebrate the season change is revamping your space. Hopefully these tips will help you brighten your space for summer!

  • 8 Ways to Keep Kids and Pets Safe in Your Home

    With our spring-cleaning tasks just about completed, it is now time to prepare for carefree summer months of enjoying more time outdoors with neighbors, family members, and friends. With summer BBQs and impromptu picnics, there is likely to be more traffic in your home than usual in the coming months. Of course, you want to make sure that all guests, from those with the tiniest feet to those with four paws, stay safe when spending time at your home.

    In order to keep everyone from children to pets safe this summer (and all year through), we’re offering a few safety tips. Here are eight ways to child- and pet-proof your home:

    1. Protect your personal belongings.
    This tip is two-fold and will help protect your visitors and your valuables. When you know you’ll have a lot of traffic coming in and out of your home, it is a good idea to lock away things of value. This way, no one will get hurt, and nothing will get broken or misplaced.

    2. Restrict areas with safety gates.
    One of the best ways to prevent children and pets from getting into things they shouldn’t be around your home is to install safety gates. Often placed at the top and bottom of staircases, gates not only prevent children and pets from falling, but they also provide a great barrier, restricting access to forbidden areas.

    3.  Secure unstable furniture.
    It is natural for children and pets to run, jump and climb while they play. But when they get a bit rambunctious around your furniture, they run a risk of getting hurt. To prevent items like bookshelves, TVs or other larger pieces of furniture that you might have pushed against your walls from tipping over, it is a good idea to use brackets or anchors to safely secure them.

    4. Lock cupboards with child-proof locks.
    For every item from cooking oils and spices to kitchen knives, you simply never know what children and pets might try to get into. Prevent them from finding anything dangerous by locking up the cupboards and drawers where you don’t want them to peek.

    5. Keep medications and cleaning solutions on high shelves.
    Just as it is important to keep children and pets away from items in the kitchen, you also want to make sure that any medications and harmful cleaning supplies are far out of reach from little fingers and paws. It is a good idea to keep these items locked away or on shelves without easy reach.

    6. Remember to put the seat down – every time!
    It might sound silly, but pets are prone to finding any watering hole they can in a home. To prevent them from using your toilet bowl as a watering dish, make a habit out of putting the lid down every time you use the bathroom.

    7. Don’t keep poisonous plants in the house.
    Though they may add beauty and freshen the air in your home, some plants can pose dangers to children and pets. Be sure the plants you’re adding to your décor are safe. Opt for greenery that will not poison children or your four-legged family members who just can’t keep their paws off.

    8. Don’t allow children or pets access to electrical outlets and cords.
    Newer homes may offer a bit more protection when it comes to electrical outlets, but you don’t want to have cords lingering around your home when you have little feet and paws scampering around. Do your best to tuck cords away from areas where children and pets might play inside your home.

    Finally, when it comes to keeping children and pets safe in your home, a little common sense can go a long way. Take a few precautions to protect your tiniest and furriest family members and friends, but also keep a watchful eye over them as they play inside your home.

  • 10 Home Renovation Trends That Could Hurt Future Sales

    Spring is the time for many major home remodeling projects. From installing new flooring to upgrading your porch or patio to any other number of home upgrades, warmer weather seems to signal the perfect timing for making renovations.

    We also know that spring is a prime time for selling a home. While many buyers love a few upgrades, it pays to choose carefully when it comes to your renovations. Why? The design choices you make might not align with every buyer’s taste, which could hurt your potential for selling in a competitive market.

    Here are 10 trendy renovation choices to avoid if you’re planning to sell your home in the future:

    1. Overdoing it in the kitchen. Yes, granite countertops are appealing to many buyers. However, high-end appliances might not increase your resale value as you would hope. Sure, they are great if you’re planning to use them for the long term, but they probably won’t give your home an edge over others on the market.

    2. Being overly bold with your paint choices. Who doesn’t want to follow current trends when it comes to paint colors? But if you’re going bold in a lot of parts in your home, you could be creating more work for yourself when it comes time to sell. Loud paint colors can be covered up, but it can be a time-consuming and costly process.

    3. Forgetting about your curb appeal. Don’t get so caught up in renovating the interior or exterior of your home that you forget about your lawn and landscaping. Remember, your curb appeal is one of the first things that buyers notice about your home. Give it proper attention when you’re making renovations too.

    4. Leaving out lighting. Like finely pruned landscaping, great lighting can be an awesome selling point in a home. So, if you’re doing a major design overhaul in any room, don’t forget about upgrading your lighting. Whether it is a new fixture or adding energy-saving bulbs, good lighting can increase your home’s appeal when it comes time to sell.

    5. Buying on impulse alone. Typically, there are many parts to a remodeling project. Think about a kitchen renovation. You might choose new flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and hardware. Be sure to coordinate your choices so that you’re creating a fluid look throughout the project. Otherwise, your result could be disjointed and even unappealing to buyers.

    6. Only focusing on appearance. Together with coordinating design choices is making sure that your stylistic upgrades are supported by structural renovations too. It is one thing for your home renovation to look good, but if it negatively affects your home’s structure, it could cost you far more money – and a potential home sale – in the future.

    7. Skimping on good materials. During a home renovation, you want to get the most for your money. But that doesn’t mean you should buy cheap materials simply to achieve a certain look. While they might be appealing at first, lower quality materials probably won’t last, which could cost you more in the long run.

    8. Choosing the cheapest contractor. Like good materials, a good contractor can make your home renovation project last. When you’re ready to renovate, be sure to choose a reputable contractor. Otherwise, you could be paying for repairs – or a total redo – when it comes time to sell.

    9. Thinking you don’t need a permit. This is especially true if you’re completing your spring home renovation projects by yourself. Be sure to check local regulations before demo day. If you make renovations without a needed permit, you could be fined or even asked to tear down your work!

    10. Being the biggest home in the neighborhood. Finally, remember that while your renovations are meant to add beauty and value to your home, they do not need to make it the showiest home in your neighborhood. In fact, if your home is the biggest or most expensive in your neighborhood, you might not recoup your investments when you go to sell.

    The bottom line when it comes to your spring home renovations: be sensible if you’re planning to sell in the future.

  • Mistakes to Avoid While Moving with a Pet

    There’s no doubt that pets add another layer of stress and complication to a move, but of course we wouldn’t leave them behind for the world. And moving with an animal can be done safely! Read on to learn seven mistakes people make when moving with a pet and how to avoid them.

    1. Not Preparing Your Pet for The Move
    A move is always stressful for an animal, even if they’ve moved before. Transportation can add unnecessary stress if your pet isn’t prepared for it. If your dog isn’t crate trained, start start immediately. Place any type of pet, including reptiles, in the planned carrier for a few hours a day every day leading up to the move, so they can get used to the space; for cats and dogs, include any favorite beddings or soft toys to make the space comfier. Reptile carriers should be empty to prevent injury.

    2. Not Having a Vet Picked Out Beforehand
    If your pet is injured in the move or becomes sick with the stress, you want to have a vet available to see them as soon as possible. Research local exotic vets and find one that fits your needs; if possible, get your pet in the system as a patient and send the vet their records before the move. Also, check with your current vet before the move for any tips for moving with your specific pet safely.

    3. Not Having A Space Prepared for Your Pet When They Arrive
    This is probably obvious for owners of lizards, snakes, fish, and other tank or terrarium pets. Any pet that needs to live in a controlled environment should really spend as little time outside of their preferred climate as possible – be that heat, humidity, pH, water hardness, or anything else. However, cats, dogs, and other animals that have free roam of the house will also need a designated space prepared for them before they move in. Moving is stressful, and being immediately released into a new space can be overwhelming. Setting up a bathroom, bedroom or other contained space with their litter box or puppy pads, bed, toys, food, and other familiar necessities will give them a place to feel safe and comfy and less like they’re on a foreign planet. It will also be a major help in keeping them out from underfoot during the process of moving furniture and boxes and other heavy things that nobody wants dropped on the cat – least of all the cat.

    4. Not Transporting Your Pet Safely
    Cars and moving vans can be dangerous places for any animal, and having an animal in the car can also make it more dangerous for the humans involved. No matter how cute your dog looks hanging their head out the window, it’s important to make sure your animal is constrained while in the car to prevent accidents. Crate your dog or invest in a doggy seatbelt, buy a cat basket or carrier, and put a reptile in a waterproof clear plastic container with air holes and towels on the bottom. (Wet the towels if your reptile needs a moist environment.) Place the carrier on your lap or the floor to prevent it from moving or being crushed by other objects. If traveling by air, check with your airline for their pet transportation guidelines.

    5. Giving Your Pet Too Much Freedom Too Soon
    This one is especially important for cat owners. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, they are likely to be very attached to their environment at home and a move will be particularly stressful for them. Dogs can still struggle with the new environment, but their strong bond with their people will blunt the stress for them. Lizards and other reptiles might not even notice the change so long as their tank setup stays the same.

    Your cat might respond to this stress by trying to run away or by hiding away in a dark corner or small space for days. To avoid this, keep them in a contained space full of familiar objects for a few days at the old house, and then again with the setup as identical as possible in the new house. Let them explore new rooms at the house one at a time, always with close supervision and any escape to the outside blocked. How long it takes your cat to feel comfortable in the new space will depend on your cat, but hopefully within a few days or a week they can start to regain roaming privileges. Don’t let them outside for at least two weeks.

    6. Not Checking Local Laws Ahead of Time
    Check the licensing requirements for your pet before transporting them and make sure all the paperwork is squared away. Some jurisdictions may not allow certain breeds of dogs, like pit bulls or rottweilers. This is most important for lizards, snakes, amphibians, and other “exotic” pets. Some states, like Hawaii, forbid these pets entirely for environmental reasons. Also, make sure to have your lizard or other pet checked by a reptile vet no more than 10 days before the move and given a clean bill of health in writing, as you might need it to get your pet approved to travel.

    7. Trusting Your Pet Too Much
    This is especially true for dog owners, who might get lured into a false complacency by news stories about dogs finding their owners again after getting separated during a move. However much your dog loves you, this is unlikely, so take precautions. Get your dog tagged, microchipped and/or make sure your contact info is on their collar.

    Unfortunately, moving will be a stressful time for you and your pet no matter what, but if you’re careful and thoughtful throughout the process, it will just be a minor blip in a loving relationship and a happy life for your pet.

  • Tips for Buying a Home Out of State

    What do you need to know if you’re gearing up to buy a home in another state? Here are five tips if you’re making an out-of-state move:

    1. Hire a buyer’s agent who is familiar with the area where you are searching for a home. When you cannot be onsite for all aspects of your home search, it is crucial that you have a trustworthy, local expert to guide you through your buying experience. From learning about an area’s best neighborhoods, schools, and amenities to finding out tips about your future commute, your real estate agent is the perfect point of contact for regional information. And let’s not forget that agents are a wealth of knowledge about available homes, lenders, and service professionals when it comes to selecting a home, getting a mortgage and going all the way to closing. Choose carefully so you feel confident working with your real estate agent—even from afar.

    2. Become a thorough online researcher, but don’t limit yourself based on your search results. It pretty much goes without saying that you’ll have to do more than a little online research when you buy a home out of state. But you shouldn’t only rely on what you see online. In fact, you probably shouldn’t totally rule out a home out based on poor listing photos. Instead, check in with your agent to find out if a home that has the features you want is worth looking at. Your agent may be able to check in on a home before you attend a showing. Finally, while online information and a trusted real estate agent can be great resources, you should make sure you visit any home that you are seriously considering.

    3. Try to be present for your home inspection. Frankly, when you’re moving to a new state, it is likely that you won’t have a pre-established network of trusted professionals to rely on for things like your mortgage, home appraisal, and inspection. While you certainly can rely on the trusted advice of your real estate agent when it comes to selecting an inspector, you might feel most comfortable with the results—and purchasing the home—if you see any potential issues for yourself. If you can’t be there, your real estate agent might be able to stand in, but for peace of mind, it can be important to attend your inspection.

    4. Use technology to your advantage. Though you shouldn’t simply rely on your online resources when you’re selecting a home, it is safe to rely on technology for other aspects of the home-buying process. You can actually sign an offer on a home electronically—and you can orchestrate your entire closing without physically being onsite. You certainly want to do your legwork before you agree to buy a home, but you can—and should—let technology take you through the closing process if possible.

    5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is great advice for any potential home buyer (or seller!), but it is especially true if you’re buying a home out of state. If there is anything you don’t understand about the process, all you need to do is ask. Your real estate agent is there to assist you through the entire process. Use their services to navigate a new market.

  • 5 Ways Couples Can Manage Finances Together

    When most couples plan things they can do together, managing money might not make it to the top of the list. But maybe it should! Dealing with your finances can cause major strain for anyone and on any relationship.

    Here are five ways for couples to come together to successfully manage their money:

    1. Avoid keeping secrets.
    Honesty is the best policy for many aspects of a relationship, and nothing could be truer when it comes to your finances. Whether you’re talking about your debts, credit score or savings goals, it is always a good idea to keep an open, honest dialogue with your partner. Hiding any part of your financial history could lead to major problems for your financial situation – and your relationship.

    2. Create and keep a budget together.
    Once you’ve got an open dialogue to discuss your financial situation, you can start working on it together. A good first step in financial management is building a budget that you both can follow. Include your earnings, bills and projected expenditures. Don’t be afraid to make it a little fun too. Allot some extras for date nights and reward yourselves for good financial behavior from time to time!

    3. Share responsibilities.
    In any relationship, no one partner should take on all the financial responsibilities. Make it a team effort when it comes to money matters. Have a conversation about who is responsible for paying each bill and how much each partner will contribute. Being transparent about your shared roles will help improve your financial situation – oh, and your relationship!

    4. Use available technological tools.
    Know that you and your partner are not in your financial situation alone – not only do you have each other, but you also can rely on today’s technology to help keep you on track. Use trustworthy money management apps and software for everything from help with creating your budget and paying your bills to tracking your spending and saving money.

    5. Do what works best for you.
    When it comes to holding separate accounts or creating a joint account, there are a lot of opinions on what is best for couples. However, both methods can bring success. If you and your partner are honest about your financial matters, don’t worry about how other couples make it work. When it comes to separate or joint accounts, decide what you’re both comfortable with and make it work for you!

    A healthy financial situation can make for an even healthier relationship. So, take some time this spring to work on your finances with your partner. You might just reach new financial goals and new heights in your relationship!

  • Spring Cleaning Guide

    Spring cleaning might seem like a daunting task, but with a little love, your home will be looking brand new! Spring cleaning is essential to a happy and healthy home. From the bedrooms to bathrooms, to the living room, use this checklist to tackle every room in your home.

    Home Maintenance
    –     Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
    – Check all electronics and make sure they are working properly and plugged into a surge protector.
    – Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher.

    Porch and Patio
    –     Power wash surfaces
    – Wash outdoor furniture
    – De-grime screens
    – Plant flowers

    Bedroom
    –     Wash all bedding and pillows
    – Flip mattress
    – Clean out under the bed
    – Organize closets and drawers
    – Dust
    – Mop/Vacuum floors

    Bathroom
    –     Clean and disinfect tub and shower
    – Wash bathmats and towels
    – Dust and clean sink and toilet
    – Wash or replace shower liners and shower curtains
    – Organize medicine cabinet/drawers

    Kitchen
    –     Clean out pantry
    – Wash kitchen cabinets
    – Deep clean the oven
    – Move the fridge- mop and vacuum behind it
    – Deep clean fridge and get rid of unwanted food
    – Clean countertops

    Laundry Room
    –     Clean dryer vents
    – Clean inside of washing machine
    – Wipe down iron
    – Tidy up shelving

    Every Room
    –     Wash baseboards
    – Dust blinds, windowsills, doors, and walls
    – Wash windows, inside and out
    – Replace light bulbs
    – Wash drapes and blinds
    – Mop and vacuum floors

    When it comes to spring cleaning, be realistic. Go at your own pace. It’s not a race after all. Your reward will be an uncluttered, clean, and healthy home for yourself, and a feeling of accomplishment and pride. This guide should help you accomplish all the rooms in your home, plus the spaces you forgot about!

  • Buying a Home After a Foreclosure

    It is common for homeowners who’ve lost a home to foreclosure to feel a certain sense of defeat—and even a little fear—when it comes to trying to buy another home. Frankly, nobody wants to default on their mortgage and lose possession of their home even once, let alone think about going through it again.

    But once the market conditions, personal circumstances or financial situation that led to a homeowner going through a foreclosure change, there is hope for buying another home. The bottom line is that buyers who’ve gone through a foreclosure should be prepared to do a little more work and show a little more proof that they are financially ready to own a home again.

    Here are five things to expect when buying a home after a foreclosure:

    1. There might be a waiting period.
    If you’ve gone through a home foreclosure, the chances are good that you won’t be ready to turn around and buy a new home within months or even a year or so. The reality is that you likely wouldn’t be able to do so anyway. Lenders typically require buyers who’ve gone through foreclosure to wait anywhere from three to seven years before trying to purchase a new home. This waiting period gives buyers plenty of time to bounce back and improve whatever financial circumstances led to their foreclosure.

    2. You’ll need to prove your financial situation has improved.
    As buyers look to purchase a home after a foreclosure, they can use a waiting period to improve their financial situation. Like other home buyers, this is the time to work on paying down debts, saving money and improving your credit score. Because any lender will be aware of a previous foreclosure, buyers who want to purchase a home again might have to show several months of cash reserves on hand, whereas other home buyers might not be required to provide such stringent financial proof to qualify for a mortgage.

    3. You should be able to explain any financial hardships.
    Buyers who are trying to purchase a home after a foreclosure can expect to provide increased documentation. Foreclosures can happen to anyone, and lenders do understand that. But that doesn’t mean your lender won’t want to know about your personal experience when it comes to going through a foreclosure. Be prepared to explain whether it was a job loss, medical issue, market conditions or other circumstance that led to your foreclosure. It might be hard to talk about the situation, but it could help you qualify for buying another home.

    4. You might need to shop around for the right lender.
    This is advice given to every home buyer, but it is particularly true for buyers who have been through a foreclosure. If one lender won’t offer you a mortgage, shop around for another – and another if you need to. Every borrowing institution has varying requirements when it comes to loan approval. Don’t be discouraged if the first lender you seek out is not willing to offer you a loan.

    5. You could face a higher interest rate and down payment.
    When you are shopping around for the right lender after a foreclosure, you might notice that the terms offered differ from those offered for other buyers. You could be required to pay a higher interest rate or provide a larger down payment in order to purchase another home. This is another reason why a longer waiting period can help you better prepare for buying again. You’ll have more time to save money for any additional mortgage requirements you might face.

  • New Construction Loans: What You Need to Know

    If you’re considering buying a home, you’ve likely thought about how you are going to finance that home. But what if you’re considering building a new home, instead of buying from a seller? Can you go through the mortgage approval process in the same way? Well, sometimes.

    New construction loans can be obtained by a home builder or buyer. If you’re building a home with a large builder, you may not notice a difference in your mortgage process. However, if you decide to pursue your own construction loan, there are a few things you should know. Here are 10 differentiators about obtaining a new construction loan:

    1. Because construction loans are more high-risk investments, lenders may not advertise them as much as they promote more traditional mortgages. What does that mean for buyers? You may have to do some research with your own bank or credit union to find the right lender.

    2. Construction loans are usually short term. Because the home construction process typically lasts several months, construction loans are not structured to last more than a year or so.

    3. You may still need to save for a down payment. New construction loans are short term, so they are higher risk. For this reason, some lenders may require borrowers to put more money down up front. Do not be surprised if your lender wants you to pay 20% of the project’s cost up front.

    4. Buyers often pay interest only during construction. You may pay a heftier down payment for a new construction home, but because construction loans are short-term agreements, lenders often only require buyers to pay interest while their home is being built.

    5. Those interest rates may vary. Rates on new construction loans are usually higher than traditional mortgages. Interest rates may vary with a lender’s prime rate and could fluctuate during the payback period. So be sure to know what type of interest rate you have before signing on the line.

    6. Lenders may require additional information before you are approved. In addition to typical financial information submitted when applying for a mortgage, new construction lenders may want to see a project timetable and budget before they give the OK on a loan.

    7. Lenders may check in on construction site progress. Lenders are interested in the length of time it may take to build a new home, so they may check in on construction progress from time to time. This is why it is a good idea to build time in for construction delays when you submit a timetable to your lender.

    8. Lenders may want proof you can pay for extras. What do we mean by extras? During the home-building process, buyers may decide they want to make changes from the original design plans such as upgraded appliances or fixtures. But, those extras cost extra money, of course. Before lenders are willing to let you borrow money, they may want to make sure you have enough saved up to pay for any extras that you might decide on during your build process.

    9. New construction loans may roll into a traditional mortgage. This type of new construction loan is called a construction-to-permanent loan. When you’re seeking a new construction loan, know that you may roll your loan into a traditional 15–30-year mortgage. So, while it may feel like a higher risk, you can feel confident in moving forward with a lender you trust.

    10. A change in your financial situation could affect final mortgage approval. Similar to the process for obtaining a traditional mortgage, any major changes to your financial situation could affect the possibility of rolling a new construction loan into a traditional mortgage. So, while you’re building, keep your credit, career, and finances in order to ensure smooth sailing when it comes to your home loan.

    New construction loans can seem more complicated than a traditional loan but with an experienced agent and lender by your side, the process can be just as smooth.

  • 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!