Worried About Frozen Pipes? Learn More Here!

Posted on January 1, 2018 by Jeremy Leake

Regardless of where you live we’ve had a colder winter than normal. Knowing how to protect your home in the cold winter months is very important. This includes protecting your home from frozen pipes. In order to help you out we found this article with helpful information. We hope it helps you protect your home!

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From the article:

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

– Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
– Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
– Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
– Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
– Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
– When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
– Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
– If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55?? F.

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Looking for more information on preparing your home for winter? Checkout this article about winter preparation for home that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes

Looking for Some Cheap Winter Family Fun? Checkout These Ideas!

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

It can be hard to come up with fun family activities in the dead of winter. Especially activities that are free or almost free. We found this article with 100 different activities. We hope that you find some you and your family will enjoy!

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From the article:

Winter brings with it snow, hot chocolate, fires and CABIN FEVER!

In an effort to direct all the pent up energy my children have, I made a list of 100 free or inexpensive activities for us to do. I hope they inspire you to spend quality time together as a family.

Nerf dart gun war!!

Work a 1000 piece puzzle.

Cook Snickerdoodle cookies.

Play a classic board game (Sorry, Clue, Chutes & Ladders, Candyland, Monopoly just to name a few).

Pillow fight!!!

Build a snowman. Think creatively. It can be 6 inches tall, look kind of like Jobba the Hut, or be have a red scarf.

Watch a movie marathon. Anne of Green Gables, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, 80s movies, Little House on the Prairie, Lord of the Rings, Disney Princesses, or Toy Story would all make great movie marathons on a dreary winter day.

Play shadow puppets in a dark room with a lamp or flashlight. Then make stick puppets from your shadows.

Read aloud a classic children’s book.

Color in a coloring book. Our local dollar store has seasonal coloring books.

Build a house with Lincoln Logs.

Snowball fight!!!

Cook chocolate chip pancakes for supper.

Attend a free children’s craft/building clinic at Lowe’s or Home Depot.

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Looking for educational electronic toys? Checkout this article on educational electronic toys for busy parents article that could be of interest to you.
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For all the ideas click here: http://stephaniesmommybrain.blogspot.com/2011/02/100-free-or-cheap-family-activities-for.html

Considering Raised Garden Beds this Spring? Get Ideas Here!

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Now is the perfect time to start planning your spring and summer garden. Especially if you are wanting to build your own raised beds. In order to help you out we found this article with 65 different simple raised garden bed ideas. We hope they help!

From the article:

Within the categories of garden, you can come across wonderful types. DIY raised garden beds are gaining popularity and more and more people want to have these kinds of gardens. This concept focuses on having a garden in suspended beds of soil. You do not have to spoil the garden for planting your desired veggies or fruits. You don???t have to buy these from the market directly; diy raised garden bed designs can help you a lot in this respect.

Raised garden beds, which are simply big, above-ground containers for growing plants, solve a range of garden problems. I???ll walk you through all the basics from choosing the right style, wood options, creative add-ons, free building plans, and unusual growing possibilities.

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Looking for more gardening ideas? Checkout this article about gardening ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: https://homeastern.com/2017/07/09/63-simple-raised-garden-bed-ideas-backyard/

Looking for Information on How to Maintain Your Home This Fall? Find Out Here!

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Maintaining your home is important all year long. Knowing what to do when though is hard. That’s why we’re here to help! We found this article on what to do this fall. We hope it helps extend the life of your home!

From the article:

As the leaves change and the days get shorter, take the time this autumn to prepare for the oncoming cold weather. Ready the furnace for the months of work it will have ahead, and clean out the fireplace. Test them both to ensure they???ll be working when you need the heat. Don???t wait until it???s snowing to clear out your gutters. With upkeep in the fall, you???ll have peace of mind in the winter and more time to hibernate.

Outside The House
The Gutters
It???s best to inspect and clean the gutters a few times during the fall, especially if there are many leafy trees around your house. If gutters remain clogged, water will spill over them and onto the ground next to the foundation, which may cause damage to the foundation. Gutters and downspouts should be kept clean and should direct water away from the foundation, as well as from walkways and driveways, so that they do not become slippery or icy.

Yard Maintenance
The orange, yellow, and brown colors of the autumn leaves don???t look as nice on the ground as they do on the trees. Rake the leaves into piles and scoop them into yard waste bags. Most areas have ordinances about burning leaves, so check with your local area government first. When sweeping the leaves off your patio, don???t forget to clean, pack up, and store any patio furniture for the winter. Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the section of pipe just inside the house.

In The Garage
It is recommended that you empty out unused fuel from any gas-powered equipment stored in the garage, such as a lawnmower, because sediment can build up and clog the fuel lines. Store gasoline in tanks out of children???s reach and have it ready for use in your snowblower or emergency generator, if need be.

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Forgot to maintain your home this summer? Then checkout this article about summer home maintenance that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/maintenance/fall-maintenance-tips-for-your-home/

Have Dirty Air Vents? Learn How to Get Them Clean Here!

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Air vents are something that every home has and in most houses they are dirty. This can be because of a variety of reasons. If yours are dirty because you aren’t sure how to clean them then you’ve come to the right place. We found this article for you describes the best way to clean them. We hope you agree!

From the article:

I am sure we all are pretty okay at keeping out houses clean, right? The floors get mopped or vacuumed pretty regularly, clutter is picked up and surfaces are dusted. But have you considered your air vents? You know, those spots on the floor where all your warm air comes out to keep your house comfortable? As you can imagine, those can get pretty nasty. But with just a few minutes and some basic supplies, those vents can be clean and sanitized. Let???s get started!

1- Turn off your furnace. You don???t want it turning on while the vents are off!

2-Remove all floor, ceiling and return air vents. You might need a screwdriver for the return vents.

3-Put them all in the bathtub in warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap to the water and let the bubbles build up. The dish soap will help cut in grease and grime that has built up on the vents. Let the vents soak for about 10 minutes.

4-Using a scrub brush, give each vent a good washing. Be sure to scrub both sides. If you are like me, your daughter puts stickers on her air vent, so I had to scrub those off.

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Looking for speed cleaning tips? Checkout this article about speed cleaning tips that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.organizedmom.net/clean-air-vents/

Planning on Remodeling Your Home? Check These Ideas Out First!

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Jeremy Leake

Changing things in your home to be more functional or prettier can be a lot of fun. If you’re wanting to change somethings in your home then you’ve come to the right place. We found this article with 27 great ideas for you to consider in your remodel. We hope it helps you design a home you’ll love for years to come!

From the article:

Remodeling is a great way to make you realize your dream home without investing a lot of money. It is also a wise way to add value to your house, if you plan to sell it in the future. Some remodeling projects are quite easy as if you get the right tricks and you can complete them at weekend; while some are sophisticated and you need to work with a professional designer. In either way, you have to make a plan in advance to get your perfect remodeling. In order to help you improve your home, here we have rounded up some wonderful cases, come to find the favorite one!

DIY corner bench around the firepit.

Give your mailbox a makeover.

Wrap the couch in bookcases instead of using end tables.

Building a bed with hidden storage under a slanted ceiling.

DIY Wood Walls.

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Looking for items to add to your remodel ideas? Checkout this article about remodel ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.woohome.com/interiors/27-brilliant-home-remodel-ideas-you-must-know

Looking for Storage Ideas in Your Laundry Room? Check These Ideas Out!

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Jeremy Leake

>Storage is something there never seems to be enough of, especially in the laundry room. It is one of the most important rooms in the house that is often overlooked.

For storage ideas checkout this article we found that we help will bring order to your laundry room!

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If you need a South Louisiana 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!
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From the article:

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Interested in more tips to increase the value of your home? Checkout this article for homeowners with more weekend home improvement projects that could be of interest to you.
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To view the entire article click here: http://www.houzz.com/storage-ideas-for-laundry-room

Looking to Promote Family Unity? Home Design Can Help!

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

Having a family that functions as a unit is important. It’s important to do everything we can to in order to bring our family together. In order to help you out we found this article that discusses how the design of your home can actually promote family unity. We hope it helps you and your family!

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If you need Lafayette 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!
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From the article:

Gina Tentzeras and her husband, Chris, sit beside each other on the couch, facing twin TV sets on the credenza, their young son between them playing a puzzle game on his iPad. They???ve outfitted this family space in their Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home for a togetherness they enjoy passionately: video games.

???It???s very much a bonding thing for us,??? she said.

They both have demanding jobs, but for one hour at least three times a week, she describes it as ???a high priority.??? She already envisions Demetri joining them, describing how their toddler plays the games on his iPad ???with a shocking amount of skill and efficiency for a 3-year-old.???

Most of the way across the continent in Bountiful, Utah, Tonya and Jeff Olsen enjoy family time in the 1960 rambler they renovated with such closeness in mind. He???s watching TV while she reads a few feet away. Zach, 15, and Aiden, 13, are there, as well, playing on their phones.

Families are congregating where members can hang out as a group even if they???re not pursuing the same activities. This casual turn in family life is reflected by the latest trend in home design: an airy, open floor plan with the kitchen, dining and living spaces flowing into each other.

While homebuilders and decorators report more families forego a formal dining room, that choice is not coming at the expense of togetherness.

The National Association of Home Builders survey last year found most prospective homebuyers considered table space to eat together in the kitchen ???must have??? (36 percent) or ???desirable??? (49 percent), said Stephen Melman, head of the association???s economic and housing policy group. ???So 85 percent were saying they do want to eat together in a way.???

Melman believes the open-air designs of today may be even more family-friendly than older designs, creating ???a lighter home where everybody is together and not separated off to individual rooms.???

???I think families tend to want to be together, certainly at home after a long day of work or school,??? agreed Matthew Mead, nationally recognized home stylist, writer, photographer, lifestyle expert and magazine publisher.

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Looking for some family game night ideas? Then checkout this article about family game night ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://national.deseretnews.com/article/2123/how-home-design-can-foster-family-unity.html

Have a Homeowner’s Association? Learn All About Them Here!

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

If you’ve recently moved into a home that is apart of a homeowner’s association or HOA then you probably have questions about what it is and what it does. in order to help you answer these questions we found this article that we hope will answer all of your questions!

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If you need Lafayette 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!
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From the article:

About 20 to 30 percent of home buyers purchase properties within common-interest developments, commonly referred to as homeowners associations (HOAs). Before weighing the pros and cons of owning a property in an HOA community it???s important to understand what HOAs are, how they are governed and how they affect a homeowner???s bottom line.

Here are some basic facts home buyers should know.

What is a common-interest development?
In a common-interest development individual owners typically share some parcel and the buildings on that parcel as co-owners. A common-interest development would generally be a condominium building, a town home community or lofts, or could be a single-family home community, private neighborhood or other similar arrangement. Buyers in the development or building agree to live by the community rules and regulations.

These regulations mean that as an owner you have certain rights and restrictions as outlined by development documents commonly called CC&Rs (covenants, conditions and restrictions). The CC&Rs govern your allowed ownership, use and behavior at the property ??? everything from use of your unit to parking restrictions, insurance, architectural rules, paint colors, storage of RVs or boats, pets, allowed inhabitants and more. These rules and regulations can be changed, subject to approval by a majority of the owners.

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Have questions about homeowner’s insurance? Then checkout this article about homeowner’s insurance that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.zillow.com/blog/homeowners-associations-primer-152704/

Want to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors? Find Out How Much it Will Cost Here!

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

Everyone that has hardwood floors wants them to be beautiful. The problem with wood though is that it ages and becomes less beautiful over time. Luckily though hardwood floor can be refinished in order to become a different color and be restored to their former beauty. Refinishing hardwood floors costs money. In order to help you determine just how much money it’ll cost we found this article to help you. We hope it helps!

From the article:

Whether you???re moving into a fixer-upper or just looking to spruce up your existing space, refinishing hardwood floors can add warmth and beauty to almost any home.

The cost to refinish hardwood floors depends on where you live, the type of wood, how large an area you???re planning to refinish and the condition of your floors.

But, even before you start getting bids on your project, you need to determine whether your floors truly need to be refinished (sanding off the existing finish down to bare wood) or whether they should simply be ???screened and recoated??? (sprucing up an existing coat of polyurethane by lightly sanding the old finish and top-coating it).

Screen and recoat
Anita Howard, chief operating officer and a spokeswoman for the National Wood Flooring Association, says if homeowners regularly maintain their hardwood floors, they may never have to refinish them.

Polyurethane is used as a protective coating for many wood floors. Over time, that coating is worn away by day-to-day use. Every few years, before the protective coat has grown too thin, it must be refreshed with a new coat. The floors first must be cleaned. The finish layer is then abraded so the new finish has something to hold onto, and then the new coat of finish is applied.

This process, also known as ???pad and recoat,??? costs significantly less than total floor refinishing at around $1,000 to $1,400 for 800 square feet.

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Have questions about design and remodeling trends of 2014? Then checkout this article about home trends 2014 that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.zillow.com/blog/cost-to-refinish-wood-floors-145520/