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By: Jennifer Nelson
See what a bundle you can save if you declutter your home. If you’ve ever had to pay a late fee after losing a bill, thrown away spoiled peaches you forgot to eat, or bought another pair of sunglasses because you couldn’t find yours, you know firsthand that being disorganized costs you money. And conversely, organizing your home saves you money. At best, clutter in the home causes mistakes, late fees, overdue payments, and missed deadlines. At worst, a house in chaos can eat away at your finances, mar your credit, and reduce your productivity. That’s a whopping price to pay. Financial and Mental Health Benefits of Organizing Your Home “Do you think organizing is just for appearances?” asks Lisa Gessert, president of Organizing.buzz, a professional organizing service in Staten Island, N.Y. “Organizing your home is financially beneficial.” Gessert stresses to clients the need to sort, purge, assign things a home, and “containerize.” She says, “This process saves people tons of money.” There’s also a mental health gain from organizing your home. More people want to create simpler, more organized spaces in their homes, According to a 2021 Ikea “Life at Home” survey. Many respondents associated clean, decluttered spaces with a greater sense of calm. Clutter-free equals being in control, which is important for our mental wellbeing, the survey says. Here’s why being organized saves you money and how you can get your home into shape: Disorganization in the Home Office Costs You:
If any of these sound familiar, you need a home office system for dealing with important papers, bills, and personal correspondence. Wall-mounted bill organizers can help you stay organized. Look for ones with two or more compartments to categorize by due date. Mount shelving and create a file system for important papers, such as insurance policies and tax receipts. Work with underutilized space, such as converting a standard closet into built-in storage with shelves and cabinets for your papers, files, and office equipment. If you need to use stackable bins, don’t stack them around equipment that needs air ventilation, such as scanners and Wi-Fi receivers, since the equipment could overheat and malfunction — costing you money. “Having your papers organized will save time, help you pay bills on time, and allow you to be more productive,” says Alison Kero, owner of Alison Kero Organizing, based in New York City. Disorganization in Your Closets Costs You:
“Organizing often reduces duplication of possessions,” says Lauren Williams, owner of Casual Uncluttering LLC, in Woodinville, Wash. “No more buying an item for a second, third, or fourth time because someone can’t find it.” If closets are crammed, paring down is a must. First, take everything out. Rid yourself of multiples and anything you no longer wear, and assess your shoe collection. Create piles: purge, throw out, or donate. For what’s left, you’ll need a better closet system. You can choose a ready-made system that simply needs installation, or create your own. You can use PVC pipe to create additional hanging rods, and you may also want to add shelving to store folded clothes, hats, and bulky items. Look for wire mesh shelving, solid wood shelves, or an all-in-one closet shelving system depending on space. Large and small hooks can be wall-mounted to hold belts, accessories, and scarves. Disorganization in the Kitchen Costs You:
Since the kitchen is usually the hub of your home, it attracts clutter. Organize your junk drawers by adding small plastic or wooden drawer organizers for things like thumbtacks, rubber bands, scissors, and tape. To avoid buying your third jar of oregano or second potato ricer, buy or build an organizational system for your pantry. Built-in lazy Susan's work great. Use pullout mini shelving to corral items like dressings, hot sauces, and vinegars. Tackle cabinets and counters by mounting behind-the-cabinet-door racks to hold items like pot lids or cutting boards. Add pull-out drawers in your bottom cupboards to make everything easily accessible and easy to see. You’ll thank yourself when you get older, too. Disorganization in Your Living Areas Costs You:
Your living space is where you want to enjoy your home the most. If you can’t do that there, you’ll constantly be seeking out other places to find solace and fun — and that can add up to a lot of money spent on entertainment and recreational venues. Meanwhile, you could be paying more than you should for the living space you’re not enjoying. “I run into people whose homes are unorganized to the point of papers, boxes and stuff blocking air vents that supply heat and air conditioning to their homes,” says Gessert. This costs a fortune in utility bills. Likewise, a jumble of electrical wires around TVs and home entertainment systems can be sucking energy from always being plugged in. Connect them all to smart power strips that can turn everything off with one switch. Once you’ve organized your home, you’ll start to see the benefits everywhere. No more dealing with late fees on bills, buying replacement earrings or bread knives when items go missing, and — perhaps best of all — no more having to leave home to relax and be entertained. After all, saving on bills can boost your monthly budget, but there’s no greater value than enjoying your home more. By: HouseLogic A new shower valve can turn on the benefits you want. Find out the best way to get it done. We’ve all been there: You turn the shower handle, expecting a cascade of water, and instead, you’re greeted with a lackluster dribble. It’s like your shower decided to take a leisurely stroll instead of giving you the wake-up call you desperately needed. That’s where your shower valve comes in. Your shower valve is an essential component of your shower system and is often used daily, so it can quickly become compromised over time. Replacing your shower valve can go a long way toward regulating water flow and maintaining water pressure and consistent temperature. Let’s look at a few considerations for shower valve replacement, including expenses, timelines, and preparation: When to Replace Your Shower Valve If your shower resembles a lazy river at a water park on a scorching day, it might be time to say goodbye. In older homes, replacing fixtures like shower valves can significantly improve functionality and efficiency, allowing you to save water and reduce utility bills. Plus, it could mean you experience more consistent water flow when you shower. It may be time to replace your shower valve if you’re experiencing:
Preparing to Replace Your Shower Valve You’ll need to prepare appropriately to replace your shower valve successfully. This phase involves shutting off the water supply, removing the existing valve, and inspecting the surrounding area for signs of damage or corrosion. Additionally, you may need to adjust the existing plumbing to accommodate the new valve. Selecting the Right Valve Before you start your shower valve replacement, you’ll need to determine the type and size of valve you need. Identify the type of valve currently installed in your shower. (Review the list of common valve types below.) This is important because each valve type may use different hardware or plumbing features and require different replacement processes. Next, measure the valve. Start by removing the cover plate and finding the valve body. (A flashlight could help improve visibility, and taking a photo may prove useful for later reference.) Measure the center-to- center distance between the hot- and cold-water ports on the valve. Check for additional features, such as a diverter for a showerhead or tub spout, to help determine which replacement valve you need. Types of Shower Valves If it’s time to replace your shower valve, review this list of common types of shower valves to help identify the existing one and a possible replacement.
Step by Step: How to Replace a Shower Valve Now that you’ve measured and identified the type of valve you need, here are the steps to replace a shower valve. This outline of the replacement process can help you anticipate what to expect during the project. For specific details, consult a professional.
Shower Valve Replacement Project Timeline The timeline for a shower valve replacement can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the installation, the condition of the existing plumbing, and unforeseen complications during the process. On average, you can complete a standard shower valve replacement in an hour and a half to three hours, according to HomeGuide. However, this doesn’t include drying and curing, which could take a few days. Plus, if you have a broken shower valve, the project might require a little more time upfront to assess the damage. More-complex installations or situations requiring extensive plumbing system adjustments may extend the project timeline. Materials and Labor Costs Budgeting is crucial to any home improvement project, including shower valve replacement. Materials Although additional tools may be necessary, valve replacement often requires:
The price range for these materials can vary widely depending on brand, material quality, and specific features. For a standard shower valve replacement, you could expect to pay $200 to $280 for the valve. High-end or specialized valves with advanced features may cost $500 or more. Pipes and fittings can cost $20 to $100, depending on the materials used (for example, copper, PVC, or PEX). Labor Labor can account for a significant portion of the project’s overall expense and vary depending on the job’s complexity, local labor rates, and the plumber’s experience level. On average, homeowners can expect to pay $375 to $450 for labor to replace a shower valve, including time for planning, buying materials, preparation setup, and post-project cleanup. However, complex installations or situations requiring additional plumbing system adjustments may increase labor costs. A good practice is to obtain multiple quotes from reputable plumbers to support a fair and competitive price. Preparation costs are also a factor. Check with your plumber about whether they bill for prep tasks like turning off the water, dismantling the old valve, and assessing the condition of the existing plumbing. You’ll also want to get estimates for potential drywall repair in case the replacement calls for some wall adjustments where the new fixtures are installed and in surrounding areas. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Shower Valve Replacement For experienced DIYers with plumbing experience, it may be possible to swap out existing shower valves. However, there are exceptions. For example, an older shower valve could be more complex, so replacement may best be left to professionals. Professional Shower Valve Replacement Hiring a professional for this task could cost $100 to $300 for the valve replacement, not considering prep, cleanup, and more challenging replacements requiring drywall repairs. So, you’ll need to consider whether your project budget allows for the support of a certified plumber or if your skills will enable you to DIY. DIY Shower Valve Replacement You may be able to replace the entire shower valve yourself. Still, hiring a professional plumber is generally recommended; a broad range of tools and materials are required for the job. In addition, particularly with older plumbing systems, you’ll need to understand how those systems integrate with newer systems so that you create tight seals that don’t leak. If you attempt the job yourself, make sure you have the proper supplies. When Can You Use Your Shower Again? A critical question is when you can expect to use your shower again, especially if it’s the only one in the house. In most cases, you can take a shower after the replacement is completed and the materials are dry. This includes the fitting and curing of materials, which may take varying amounts of time depending on the materials used — anywhere from a few hours toa few days. Follow any specific instructions your plumber provides about the curing time of the materials used and when it’s safe to resume regular use of the shower. Elevate Your Shower Experience with a Valve Replacement Whether you choose the DIY route or hire a professional plumber, you’re investing in your home’s comfort and functionality. No more cringing at the sound of a dripping faucet or bracing yourself for an icy or scalding surprise in the shower. In the world of home ownership, this change may be for the better. So, savor the feeling of that warm, steady stream of water and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. With all the media information and talking heads talking about when the best time to buy or sell a home is, it's no wonder it can be overwhelming and confusing to figure out exactly when you should make the move.
To tell you the truth, it's ok to feel overwhelmed. It's ok to be confused. As long as you don't stay there. While there are statistics out there that support the most profitable times of year to buy or sell a home, it is not that cut and dry. What do I mean by this? What I mean is ideally the best time to buy or sell a home is when it's right for you and your situation. Notice I said 'you'. Does a couple that is going through a divorce wait until the market is good? What about the newly married couple who are anxious to get into a home? To figure out when the best time to buy or sell a home is, you have to look at your own personal situation and budget and go from there. Once you know you want to buy or sell a home immediately, it's time to dive deeper into what you are looking for in a home in terms of area and/or amenities. If you're considering selling, decide what you are wanting to get from your home sale. The take away here is to not get absorbed into what others say and to decide for yourself, based on your own life, when the right time to buy or sell a home is and take the leap forward. You will feel a sense of relief when you do so. Episode 350 AskJasonGelios Show By: Jason Gelios It's a debate amongst many real estate agents.
One side believes that open houses are effective while the other side doesn't believe in them. It's my belief that open houses, for the most part, are not really effective and tend to cater more towards the real estate agent then the actual home for sale. It's rare, in my experience, that a solid buyer will come into an open house and write an offer. Typically when a home hits the market it get's a ton of showings. This is why the first week a home hits the market is crucial. The most attention a home will receive is within this time frame. So, when a homeowner is asking the age old question "Does an open house work?", one should know that it really only benefits the real estate agent, in most cases. By: Stacey Freed
Wow. What an olfactory difference cleaning with a small box of baking soda can make. How many of those hanging car air fresheners would it take to stop the fishy smell from last night’s dinner? Too many! Before you decorate your kitchen like a cardboard pine forest, take a deep breath — preferably through your mouth — and open your cupboard. Enter baking soda. Odds are you already have what you need to nix food odors in one inexpensive little box. That unassuming baking soda can work a miracle in your kitchen. Baking Soda Absorbs Odors This household staple acts as a molecular sponge, eagerly soaking up and neutralizing a wide range of odors. Baking soda, unlike most commercial air fresheners, doesn’t mask odors, it absorbs them, says Mary Marlowe Leverette, an experienced cleaning and fabric care expert. Not only does baking soda absorb odors, but it does so with a scientific finesse that makes it a go-to solution for maintaining a fresh and odor-free environment in various corners of your home. How Does It Work? Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate in a convenient box) neutralizes stubborn acidic odors — like those from sour milk — as well as other funky smells lurking in your home. It’s a natural odor eliminator, but it’s not instantaneous. Depending on how pervasive the scent is, baking soda can take anywhere from a few hours to a whole day to remove unwanted food odors. The secret to the absorption lies in the chemical composition of baking soda, scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both acidic and alkaline substances. The acidic or alkaline molecules that often cause odors are neutralized by contact with baking soda. 7 Household Items to Clean With Baking Soda From banishing odors in your dishwasher to rejuvenating your microwave, baking soda can elevate your cleaning routine, especially cleaning kitchen appliances. Bonus tip: A vinegar-baking soda combination can boost cleaning power: the acid in the vinegar reacts with the baking soda, causing it to break down and release carbon dioxide gas. This gas can lift dirt from the surfaces undergoing the cleaning process. Let’s delve into the myriad ways cleaning with baking soda (and sometimes vinegar) may refresh and revitalize items around your home: #1 Dishwasher Dishwashers are supposed to be hallowed havens of cleanliness. If you don’t run the dishwasher every day, those rotten food smells can build up. Stop the stink by dumping a cup of baking soda into the dishwasher and running it through a rinse cycle. The soda eliminates foul smells and unwanted food odors from the machine. Ah! That’s a nicer-smelling place for your dishes, no matter what type of dish detergent you use. #2 Oven If you avoid using your oven because of that special burning smell, it might just be time for a scrub. The oven can be responsible for a lot of household cooking, which means it can hold onto a lot of food smells. Cleaning the oven with baking soda can be done in just a few steps: Cleaning Your Oven with Baking Soda
#3 Range Hood That greasy range hood could also be adding to your kitchen’s odor. Clean it with a mixture of about one-quarter cup baking soda, a good squirt of degreasing dish soap, and the hottest water you can stand (but be careful not to burn yourself!). #4 Drains and Disposals When you can’t source an odor, drains and disposals are often the culprits. Make them stink-free and (bonus) clog-free with a mix of one-quarter cup of baking soda, one-quarter cup of vinegar, and some kosher salt. Give the drain a slightly abrasive scrubbing and follow up with boiling water. #5 Food Containers Containers that once held strong-smelling foods can retain those odors. To rejuvenate them, wash them with a solution of water and baking soda. Let the containers air dry, and voila — a fresh start for your leftovers. #6 Microwave Does your microwave still smell like last weekend’s bacon? Clean and deodorize it with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda mixed with a cup of water. Put the solution into an uncovered, microwave-safe container and zap on high for three minutes. Then, simply wipe down the interior. #7 Refrigerator A little fridge baking soda box isn’t just an old wives’ tale — it helps keep your refrigerator smelling crisp. Place a full box in there with the top tab open to let air flow into the bicarbonate powder. The soda eliminates strong smells from foods like onions, cheeses, and yesterday’s leftovers. Pro Tips: Removing Odors With Baking Soda
Baking Soda: A Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Deodorizer The best thing about the cheap, odor-zapping wonder of baking soda is you can use it guilt-free. “You’re not going to harm humans or animals or ruin anything using baking soda,” Leverette says. “Plus, after you’re done deodorizing, mix it up with vinegar or lemon juice and some red dye, and make a cool volcano. The kids will love it.” So, the next time you reach for that box of baking soda, remember that you’re not just adding a pinch of freshness to your baking —– you’re unleashing a cleaning superhero into your home! By: HouseLogic
Gutter guards can keep the leaves out of your gutters, so you have less cleaning to do. Rain gutters help prevent water from pooling around your home and damaging your all-important foundation. But clogged gutters can be a pain to clean, and if left unchecked, they can cause damage as water trickles through cracks in the siding. That’s a problem you seriously want to avoid. A gutter guard is designed to prevent gutters from getting clogged by pesky leaves and debris, keep your home dry and safe, and avoid costly foundational repairs. They’re easy to install and can reduce the cleaning and maintenance. What Are Gutter Guards? A gutter guard is a device that keeps rubble like dry leaves and pine needles out of your rain gutters. That rubble can build up and even become a fire hazard, especially if you live in a wildfire-prone area. Gutter guards can also keep critters like mice, bats, and birds from nesting in gutters, reducing the risk of water damage to your home. Let’s look at a few types of gutter guards, including prices. Brush Gutter Guard These inserts resemble pipe cleaners or bottle brushes that lie in your gutters. The stiff bristles catch larger twigs and leaves while allowing water to pass through undisturbed. These are easy to install and relatively cheap, at $1.25 to $4 per linear foot. However, since the bristles of the brush guards trap debris that can build up over time, they may be less effective than alternatives and still require regular cleaning. Foam Gutter Guards Foam gutter guards also sit in the gutter, allowing water to pass through while trapping debris. They are easy to install, but be wary of low-end products. Poor-quality foam gutter guards aren’t a good choice. They can trap small debris leading to decay, which can become a hotbed for mosquitos. Expect to pay about $1.50 to just under $5 per linear foot of foam for your gutter guard installation. Reverse Curve Gutter Guard Also known as a surface tension gutter guard, this device features a sheet of metal that curves over the gutter opening, leaving only a small gap accessible. The curved guard allows water to flow into the gutter while dead leaves roll off the sheet and fall to the ground. These gutter guards cost around $3.50 to $6.50 per linear foot. Mesh Gutter Guard A mesh guard sits on top of your gutter and prevents rubble from entering. You can choose from materials like aluminum or steel and opt for different mesh sizes. Micro-mesh tends to be the most effective, but installation is more tedious. Prices range from 46 cents to $4 per linear foot based on the type of metal, the type of mesh, and whether the mesh is precut or on a roll. Perforated Screen Gutter Guards This sheet of perforated plastic or metal blocks objects from entering your gutters while water flows in easily. You can choose from materials like PVC plastic (51 cents to 86 cents per linear foot), aluminum (99 cents to $4 per linear foot), or steel (about $1 to $4 per linear foot). How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost? The national average cost to install a gutter guard is $335, and the average range is $69 to $600. Professional contractors may charge around $82 to $149 per hour for installation. Labor costs vary depending on the type of home you live in. A single-story ranch home with a medium pitch roof may be a simple installation. On the other hand, a multi-story home with climbing vines or steep roofs may require safety equipment, extension ladders, or scaffolding, which will increase labor costs. What Are the Downsides of Gutter Guard Installation? Nothing is perfect, including gutter guards. Here are some of the potential downsides you’ll need to consider. Gutter guards:
Installing foam or brush guards is simple enough for most people, as long as you’re comfortable on a ladder, since this type of installation is a matter of laying the guard into the existing gutter. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, like screens or mesh, you’ll need experience. Measuring the gutters, cutting the mesh, choosing the right materials, and attaching the covers are all important steps in the task. In most cases, this is a job best left to the experts. Let’s look at a few key questions to ask before hiring a pro. How to Find the Right Contractor If you’re considering hiring a professional to install a gutter guard, it’s a good idea to verify their expertise. These questions can help you make an informed decision.
How Well Do Gutter Guards Work? Efficiency depends on the type of gutter guard you’ve chosen. Brush and foam guards won’t work as well as micro-mesh screen guards. All gutter guards can reduce the collection of foreign objects in your gutters. What Is the Best Type of Gutter Guard? Micro-mesh gutter guards tend to do most effectively prevent clogged gutters, which means you can spend less time unclogging your gutters. That said, they’re not ideal for everyone, since cleaning them will likely require professional removal of the guards to access the gutter. What Should I Consider Before Installing Gutter Guards? Before jumping into a gutter guard installation project, think through your home, property, landscape, and needs. How often do you usually clean your gutters? Can a cheaper DIY with foam serve the purpose? If you live in a relatively dry area, pricey gutter guards may not be worth the spend. On the other hand, a gutter guard system may be worthwhile if you have a water drainage problem, you’re facing potential water damage from neglected gutters, the climate is more prone to precipitation, or leaf-shedding trees are located near the home. The Final Word on Gutter Guards Gutter guard installation may be a great idea if you don’t have time to clean your rain gutters regularly. They’ll help keep your rain gutters functioning well and your home free of water damage. But you’ll still have to clean your gutter occasionally, and mesh or screen gutter guards will probably complicate the task. You may want to try a cheaper option and decide later if you need a lasting solution. Some fast facts about adults age 55+ aging in place in their homes. |
AuthorJason Gelios is a Husband and Father. After that, a Top Producing REALTOR®, Author of the books 'Think like a REALTOR®' and 'Beating The Force Of Average', Creator of The AskJasonGelios Real Estate Show and Expert Media Contributor to media outlets across the country. Archives
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