Looking for the Hot Trends for 2013? Start Here!

8189080568_e6bb6fdcb1_oIf you’re thinking about making changes to you home and not sure where to spend money or if you are looking to fix your home up in order to put it on the market then you’ve come to the right place! We found this article with 13 different different hot home trends for 2013 that we hope will help you in making the best decisions for your home and family!

——————–
If you need Baton Rouge townhomes vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
——————–

From the article:

Outdoor Living Rooms and Screened Porches: A trend that began a few years ago continues to inspire home owners to think beyond terraces and decks. These spaces have more of the feeling and function of an indoor room???better furnishings, fire pits, curtains, and even televisions and audio systems. Some spaces are designed as courtyards for greater privacy, yet with high-efficiency glass windows and doors to make them energy-smart and seamless with indoor rooms, says Lowder of Mercer Home. Further helping to blur lines between outdoor and indoor spaces is the rise of screened porches, which have gained more indoor accoutrements such as fireplaces, making them livable nearly year-round.

Outdoor Kitchens, Vegetable Gardens, and More: Interest continues in outdoor food preparation of all kinds???as simple as a grill and as elaborate as a built-in cook???s station with sink, storage, beer tap, pizza oven, refrigerator, and countertops. Newer amenities include a hybrid grill that permits cooking with both gas and wood or charcoal and prefabricated kitchens that save funds, says landscape designer Michael Glassman in Sacramento, Calif. With a kitchen in place, many home owners move on to plant a vegetable garden, preferably including raised beds to avoid bending too much, Glassman says. He suggests starting with what home owners want to eat and cook???tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and herbs for gazpacho or spaghetti sauce???and learning through practice what thrives in an area???s soil and climate. Essentials are healthy soil, drainage, and readily available water. The next new food trend is a backyard pond with organically-raised fish that home owners can consume without trekking to a market, says Erik Coffin, CEO and owner of Gotham Capital Management in West Hollywood, Calif.

Stylish Kitchens and Bathrooms: These remain at the top of many home owners??? wish lists, as they reflect the trend of remodeling rather than adding on, says Bill Millrolland, executive vice president of Case Design Remodeling in Bethesda, Md. The transitional look???a middle ground between traditional and contemporary???has become more popular. This is evidenced by choices such as cove rather than crown molding, dark-stained or painted finishes rather than natural maple or cherry, and larger format 24??? by 24??? tiles rather than smaller 12??? by 12??? and 6??? by 6??? ones, he says. Designer Wendy Johnson in Manchester Village, Vt., also sees continued interest in kitchens, particularly when they become even more open ???live-in??? spaces for cooking, eating, socializing, doing homework, or paying bills. Likewise, master suites serve multiple functions, including unwinding, sleeping, and bathing. Millrolland reports more requests for Universal Design features that permit home owners to age in place but don???t convey an institutional look: Grab bars masquerading as towel bars, kitchen counters of different heights for wheelchair access, and wider hallways and doors to permit walkers and wheelchairs through.

——————–
Looking to fix things around your home but not spend a lot of money? Checkout this article about cheap home repairs for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

For all the trends click here: http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/architecture-coach/article/2012/12/13-hot-home-trends-for-2013

Find the Solutions Your Looking for in Your Small Home Office Here!

468094807_954a57c9e0_oHome offices are important regardless of how big your family is or how many files you keep. Depending upon where in your home you have your office, space might be an issue. Depending upon how much you use your home office determines how much space you need in order to get your work done. We found this article with several ideas on how to make your work space bigger. We hope it helps you be more productive!

——————–
If you need Baton Rouge apartment associations dryer vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
——————–

From the article:

If you’ve set up your home office in a spare bedroom, extra closet, basement, laundry room or even tucked under the stairs, you may be looking for ways to make it work harder for you. Read on to see how low shelving, hidden worktops, wall storage and other organizing tricks can help you create a more comfortable and efficient workspace.

Rollout desktop. A rollout desk like this is a great way to provide you more workspace when you need it ??? and less when you don’t. This traditional built-in desk has plenty of knee room for the everyday user, but the far cabinet pulls out as an extra countertop for larger projects ??? or even office space for two.

——————–
Looking to redo your home office? Checkout this article with ideas on how to redo home office for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

For all the ideas click here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14819503/list/Space-Saving-Tips-for-Your-Small-Home-Office

Looking to Decorate Your Home? Find Out How Much it Will REALLY Cost Here!

8030006543_00ab8b141a_oDecorating a home is so exciting. Whether you are moving into a new home, setting out on your own, or just getting married it’s so exciting to decorate your new home. Everyone knows it costs money to decorate but most people aren’t aware of how much it actually costs to decorate an entire house. We found this article by Realtor.com that helps you determine just how much it will actually cost. Good luck and have fun decorating your new home!

===========
If you need Lafayette apartment associations vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
===========

From the article:

To get an idea of what finished rooms cost to complete, we asked top designer-owners of Decorating Den Interiors franchises in different cities to show us a single room they designed. They shared before and after photos, furnishing costs, and each space???s challenges and advantages. You???ll hear where they splurged and when they cut back, as well as additional tips to guide you through the process of completing a room.

What: Living Room
How Much: $15,630
Designers: Barbara Elliott and Jennifer Ward-Woods, Atlanta

jun13_HD_remodel_cost_lr

Challenges: This room already had a contemporary design but was nested within a traditional house. Also, the room had several openings, making it tough to arrange a functional layout. Finally, the home owners owned almost nothing other than the console.

Advantages: The room already had attractive built-ins and a fireplace and had been painted a nice taupe gray. It had good hardwood floors and a ceiling fan.

Solutions: With a modest budget of between $10,000 and $20,000, the design partners focused on purchasing a quality circular two-part sectional that would offer a lot of seating and anchor the room. They also purchased a pair of side chairs to flank the fireplace, a good area rug, and upscale silk window treatments, which are visible upon entering the foyer. The designers knew these purchases would last; they cut back on accessories to fill the bookcase. The designers also completed the room in two phases???first choosing the upholstery, window treatments, rug, and one work of art, then introducing accessories and lamps later.

Tip: Splurge on pieces that provide the greatest longevity and take the most wear and tear. ???The sofa was custom-made, came with some pillows, and cost $3,300, but it was well worth it,??? says Elliott.

——————–
Looking to remodel your kitchen? Checkout this article about kitchen remodel ideas for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

TO see all of the ideas click here: http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/architecture-coach/article/2013/06/how-much-does-it-really-cost-decorate

Dryer Fires. Truth or Myth? Read This Then Decide!

133931996_3681093818_oWe’ve spent a lot of time discussing the dangers of dryer fires. Some of you may still not believe they actually happen. We found this article from Consumer Reports that we hope will help you form a concrete opinion.

===========
If you need Baton Rouge apartments cleaning dryer vent services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
===========

From the article:

In the e-mail, an unknown author warns of a clothes dryer’s burned-out heating unit. According to a “repair man,” the author writes, the burnout was caused by fabric-sheet film buildup on the lint filter. “You can’t SEE the film, but it’s there,” the author writes. “This is also what causes dryer units to catch fire and potentially burn the house down.” The best way to avoid these problems, according to the “repairman,” is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months.

But according to Consumer Reports testers, this e-mail mixes a lot of hyperbole with only a few helpful dryer-maintenance tips. At Consumer Reports we’ve tested hundreds of clothes dryers for our ongoing dryer Ratings and recommendations (available to subscribers). CR’s appliance director, Mark Connelly, says it’s possible that over a long period, fabric sheets, fabric softeners, and laundry detergent ingredients contribute to an unseen film or waxy buildup on the dryer lint screen. But “it’s highly doubtful,” he said, “that any such invisible buildup alone leads to heating-unit burnout or a fire.”

Improper dryer vents are a much bigger and more common safety problem. Here are a few tips to keep your clothes dryer running safely and efficiently.

  • Use metal dryer ducts to help prevent dryer fires. Consumer Reports says that flexible dryer ducts made of foil or plastic are the most problematic because they can sag and let lint build up at low points. Ridges can also trap lint. Metal ducts, either flexible or solid, are far safer because they don’t sag, so lint is less likely to build up. In addition, if a fire does start, a metal duct is more likely to contain it. See our dryer venting safety report for more tips as well as photos and a dryer-venting video.
  • No matter which kind of duct you have, you should clean it regularly. In addition, remove the visible lint from the lint screen each time you use your dryer. This not only will reduce the risk of a fire, but your clothes will dry faster and your dryer will use less energy. If dryer film is a worry, there is certainly no harm in occasionally cleaning the lint filter with warm soapy water and a small brush.
  • Clean inside, behind, and underneath the dryer, where lint can also build up.

——————–
Have more questions about dryer fires? Checkout this article about dryer fire statistics for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Read the entire article here: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/laundry-and-cleaning/clothes-dryers/truths-and-myths-of-dryer-fires/overview/index.htm

Want an Organized Home? Try These Tips!

2104574632_66ddc49342_oWould you like an organized home? Not sure where to start? Start here! We found this article from Better Homes and Gardens with 32 tips for having a more organized home. We’re sure with that many tips that you will find some that will fit you and your family!

===========
If you need Baton Rouge condos dryer vent services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
===========

From the article:

Storage Inside
The doors on the taller unit open to reveal shoe storage, and the shallow top drawer is ideal for corralling dog leashes, battery remotes, and other small items.

Jewelry Storage
A dresser stores Jen’s husband’s socks and ties, and the space above the dresser displays her jewelry on a fabric-covered corkboard and a metal vent cover.

Reading Time
Basic wood spice racks get coats of glossy red paint to become shelves for picture books in the boys’ room.

——————–
Looking to decorate your home? Checkout this article about actual cost to decorate home for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Read all the tips here: http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/organized-home/

In the Market for a Clothes Dryer? Be Informed and Make a Smart Decision!

Modern_front_load_tumble_dryerBuying a new clothes dryer is a big purchase. The last thing you want to do is get buyer’s regret from not having enough information before making the purchase. We found this article from Good Housekeeping that we know will help you make the best decision for you and your family.

===========
If you need Baton Rouge dryer townhomes vent cleaning services services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
===========

From the article:

What types of clothes dryers are available?
The major difference in dryers is how they’re powered ??? either by natural gas or electricity. Although you won’t notice a difference in how thoroughly they dry, there are price differences. A gas dryer costs roughly $50-$100 more than its electric sibling. But a gas unit is generally less expensive to operate and will often pay back its higher cost in energy savings within the first year (depending on usage and utility rates). In addition, dryers that offer steam cycles to de-wrinkle and freshen garments have become popular in the last few years. If you select a dryer with this feature, it may be necessary to have access to a water hook-up, as well.

What are the key questions to ask when selecting a clothes dryer?
How often do you use your dryer and what type of clothes do you dry weekly? If you have a family of four or more and regularly tackle jeans, sneakers, and heavy work clothes, you may prefer a large, heavy-duty dryer and one that offers a long warranty. If your wash load contains a wide variety of fabrics and garments, look for a dryer with the specialty cycles to give these items the care they require.

Where is your dryer located? If your clothes dryer will be installed in a dimly lit basement, look for a console that includes indicator lights and has large, legible type or a bright digital readout. Always consider how your dryer will be vented to the outside. Make sure the model you select can be vented in the direction your installation requires.

——————–
Looking for ways to maintain your washer? Checkout this article about maintain washing machine for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Read the entire article here: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/appliances/dryer-reviews/clothes-dryer-faqs

Concerned About Tiny Earthquakes Here? You Should Be!

5475631631_748a21c09f_oTiny earthquakes, called Frackings, can happen anywhere. We found this article describing that 1,000 minor earthquakes happened in Arkansas between 2010 and 2011. Regardless of the size of earthquake you should be concerned about the damage that they can cause to your home. We hope this article will help protect you and your home in the future.

===========
If you need Baton Rouge homeowners associations dryer vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
===========

From the article:

Seismologists at the U.S. Geological Survey say the disposal of millions of gallons of wastewater flowback as part of the fracking process can create “micro earthquakes,” which are rarely felt, and also the rare larger seismic disruption. Scientists say that’s what happened in Greenbrier, Arkansas, where the quakes damaged homes.

Yesterday, five local residents settled for an undisclosed sum of money after suing two oil companies. Those five residents aren’t the only ones suing Chesapeake Energy and BHP Billiton. Twenty other residents are expecting to file lawsuits in Arkansas state court, according to Reuters.

Some 40 fracking-related civil lawsuits in eight different states have been filed since 2009, with claims varying from groundwater contamination to air pollution to excessive noise. None have gone to trial so far, and nearly half have been either dismissed or settled. Similar suits are still pending against the two oil companies, but lawyers on those cases tell Reuters those are also expected to reach settlements.

Mary Mahan points to a crack in the floor tile of her home that was a result of an earthquake in Wooster, Arkansas, August 5, 2013. The Mahan’s home sustained damage after an earthquake in February 2011. (REUTERS/Jim Young)

——————–
Looking for ways to maintain your home? Checkout this article about maintaining your home for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Read the entire article here: http://www.theatlanticcities.com/neighborhoods/2013/08/see-what-1000-fracking-caused-earthquakes-can-do-home/6712/

Looking to Learn How to Speed Clean? Learn How Here!

CleanDo you feel like cleaning your home during the summer? If you’re like most of us then the answer is probably no. You’d rather be outside or spending quality time with your family. We found this article on speed cleaning that we hope will help you maintain your home while not spending a lot of time cleaning your home!

======================
If you need Denham Springs apartments vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Here are my favorite speed cleaning tips for fast and efficient housekeeping!

1. Get your daily routines down.
If I keep up with my basic routines, things don???t get so out of control in the first place. My house will stay clean enough! Trust me on this, cleaning routines will change your life.

Try my 4 Daily Routines or make up your own! The important thing is that you get yourself in a simple rhythm of daily upkeep of your home. Once you do, all the other necessary homemaking tasks will not seem so overwhelming or take so long in a day. This is so important!

2. Dress for success!
Want to fly through your cleaning routine? What you wear just might affect the efficiency in which you clean! I certainly find that to be true. I actually do not clean well in my PJs. Sorry to disappoint you PJ loving people, but it just doesn???t work for me. My clothes tell me what I can accomplish. PJs and slippers tell me to be lazy and slow and maybe even crawl back in bed. I can do a quick load of laundry while still in my PJs, but anything else and I am good for nothing.

Shoes and clothes tell me it is time to get down to business and start the day. Too nice of clothes tell me I shouldn???t clean at all. Aprons tell me it is OK to tackle a quick cleaning job no matter what I???m wearing.

Moral of this story, I find I need to be dressed appropriately for cleaning or wear an apron in order to be efficient. Try it. Get dressed and I bet you???ll be more efficient. I dare you.

——————–
Looking for spring cleaning help? Checkout this article about spring cleaning for busy parents that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Click here to read all of the tips: http://theinspiredroom.net/2012/06/04/speed-cleaning-tips-for-fast-efficient-housekeeping/

Homeowner’s Insurance and Mold

Mold 2Mold is something that nobody wants in their home. Sometimes it gets in though without us realizing or after a flood. Whatever the reason that the mold is there it’s important to get rid of it. If you have it though you’re probably wondering if it’s covered with your homeowner’s insurance. We found this article to answer just this question!

======================
If you need a Lafayette condos vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Mold strikes fear into the hearts of those who???ve heard horror stories about toxic mold, expensive mold remediation, and denied home owners insurance claims. Yet mold can be found anywhere, including in most homes. It???s usually harmless.

Mold and home owners insurance
Most basic home owners insurance policies exclude coverage of damage caused by mold, fungi, and bacteria, says Mark Ferguson, property claim specialist with General Casualty Insurance in Sun Prairie, Wis. Yet that doesn???t mean a mold claim will be denied automatically.

In most cases, if mold results from a sudden and accidental covered peril, such as a pipe bursting, the cost of remediation should be covered, says Ferguson. That???s because technically the pipe burst is the reason for the claim, not the mold itself. Claims are more likely to be rejected if mold is caused by neglected home maintenance: long-term exposure to humidity, or repeated water leaks and seepage.

It???s hard to put a precise dollar figure on mold damage because most insurers don???t separate mold claims from water-damage claims, says Claire Wilkinson of the Insurance Information Institute. About 22% of all home owners insurance claims result from ???water damage and freezing,??? a category that includes mold remediation, according to the III. A 2003 white paper on mold from the III put the cost of the average mold claim between $15,000 and $30,000, at least five times the average non-mold home owners claim at that time.

After a rush of mold claims in the early 2000s, most states adopted limitations on mold coverage. Amounts vary, but a typical home owners policy might cover between $1,000 and $10,000 in mold remediation and repair, says Celia Santana of Personal Risk Management Solutions in New York. Most policies won???t cover mold related to flood damage. For that, home owners need separate flood insurance, which averages $540 per year through the National Flood Insurance Program.

——————–
Have more questions about mold? Checkout this article about mold for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
——————–

Read the entire article here: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-insurance/homeowners-insurance-mold-covered/#ixzz2al89GsMw

Prevent Injury With Fire Safety

House Fire 3Preventing injury from fire is very important but it’s even more important if you have kids since they don’t have the common sense that adults have. We found this article that we hope will provide a training tool for you and your children. We also hope that it will help prevent any fire injury in your home.

======================
If you need Denham Springs townhomes vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
======================

From the article:

Electrical Appliances, Cords, and Outlets

  • Are your electrical appliances in good condition, without loose or frayed cords or plugs?
  • Are your outlets overloaded with plugs from the TV, computer, printer, video game system, and stereo?
  • Are you overusing an extension cord?
  • Do the light fixtures in your home use bulbs that are the correct wattage?
  • Does your home contain GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) and/or AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters), which prevent electrical shock and fire by shutting off faulty circuits?

Look around your house for potential problems. And unless you’re a trained electrician, be careful about do-it-yourself electrical projects. Studies have shown that many home fires are caused by improper installation of electrical devices.

————
Interested in more household safety tips? Checkout this article about household safety for homeowners that could be of interest to you.
————

Click here to read all the tips: http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/fire.html