There are pros and cons to all types of stone countertops. How do you choose which ones are best for your home? Knowing the properties of each type of stone will help you make the right decision.
Granite – There are over 3,000 types of granite. Despite its strength, granite is porous, which means it can absorb stains unless it’s sealed. It can crack if not properly fabricated and installed. Yet, granite’s beauty and variety make it the most popular choice for countertops.
Soapstone – Soapstone is a “magnesium-rich metamorphic rock” containing up to 80% talc, making it ideal for carving. However, there is a stronger strain called architectural soapstone that is impervious to staining and scorching. Damage can be sanded out. It requires no sealant, but mineral oil helps develop its patina, which darkens with age.
Marble – Marble is one of the most beautiful stones and is frequently used as in small amounts such as a bathroom countertop. It stains and scratches easily and requires sealant, making it less popular for kitchens. Like granite, it adds value to the home.
Quartz – Engineered stone is man-made of approximately 93% quartz and the remainder in resins. Developed as an alternative to granite, it’s nearly as expensive, but performs much better. While granite, soapstone and marble feature artistic veining and natural “flaws,” quartz is manufactured to have uniform patterns and colors. The advantage is a surface that requires no sealant that’s more durable and scratch resistant than natural stone.
Home security experts agree on one thing – intruders look for homes that appear easiest to break into and escape from quickly. The more obstacles you place in their way, the more likely they are to skip over your home and move on to someone else’s. Try these three tips to make your new home safer.
Lights! – Nothing says nobody’s home like a dark house. This is where landscape lighting is a useful deterrent. Don’t give intruders any places in your yard to hide, so be sure to install lights on trees. Make your lights come on at dusk and light up entries front and back. Motion detectors work well, too. If you’re away from the house, attach timed devices to one or two lamps that periodically turn on and off.
Cameras! – Cameras placed around the perimeter of your home should be visible from the street so that anyone cruising by can see them. You may have noticed on the Internet that cameras are also useful in crime-solving as well as prevention, so security cameras protect your neighbors, too.
Actions! – A security system is expensive, but it’s a good idea, especially when you put the provider’s sign prominently in your front yard. A vigilant barking dog, regardless of its size can hear and smell intruders before they enter your home. Install prickly bushes under windows and keep them trimmed.
Remember, locks on doors and windows may not be enough. Multiple and highly visible obstacles are much more effective to deter intruders.
Many cultures use red front doors to communicate something about their beliefs or status. Since the first biblical Passover the red door has symbolized God’s protection, assuring that plague and the Angel of Death would pass the household by. Red doors can also symbolize the blood of Christ, which is why so many churches and cathedrals feature red doors.
Early American settlers used red front doors to offer friendly shelter for weary travelers and their horses. By the Civil War, red front doors in the free Northern states were used by the Underground Railroad to signal safe houses for runaway slaves and other refugees.
In China, red doors say welcome, as is practiced by Feng Shui enthusiasts. The color red is believed to bring health, harmony, happiness, positive energy and prosperity.
The Irish and Scottish also had uses for red doors. When Queen Victoria died, the Irish were asked to paint their front doors black in commemoration and mourning, but many rebelled and painted their doors bright colors, including red. Many Scots today paint their doors red to signal that their mortgages have been paid off.
There are as many shades of red doors as there are traditions. However, red doors don’t hold much significance today, except as a statement color to still convey a cheerful welcome to visitors.
In mid-Michigan’s fast-moving housing market, you may find yourself compromising what you want for what’s available to buy. Some wish list items you’ll be able to find, but others you may decide to do without as you concentrate on choosing a home that best functions for your needs and budget.
Size: Most homebuyers want more space, but square footage can be misleading. A bigger house isn’t better if you’re paying big bucks to heat, cool and maintain space you don’t use.
Layout: As you preview homes, think about your daily activities and whether the layout functions for your needs. Does the interior design allow you to make adjustments as your needs change? For example, a little-used formal dining room or living room could become a home office or playroom.
Materials: As suggested by the children’s story The Three Little Pigs, houses made
of brick or stone are the safest, longest-lasting materials, but houses made of siding can be more affordable. The quality of materials and the workmanship are what matter most.
Comfort: You want your family to be comfortable and enjoy the spaces the home offers. Think about places for family and friends to gather. Privacy is important, but there should be shared spaces to do homework, play games, and converse.
Costs: When estimating your monthly payment, include taxes and hazard insurance, but don’t forget to budget for decorating, maintenance and repairs, such as installing curtains and repainting.
September is the ideal time to make little home improvements that could make a big difference once winter hits.
Get the furnace ready. A clean, well-maintained furnace will perform better, helping to keep fuel costs down and making the home’s air quality better. Remember to change the air filter every thirty days. A dusty, clogged air filter will cause the furnace to work harder, reducing its efficiency and causing it to wear out sooner than necessary.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. With furnace weather on the horizon, you will also want to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. The life expectancy of a smoke alarm is generally 10 years, after which point their sensors can begin to lose sensitivity. The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics, and alert system are working; it doesn’t mean that the smoke sensor is working. The detecting components of carbon monoxide detectors lose their effectiveness after 5 to 7 years and may no longer detect carbon monoxide.
Check the roof. It’s important to check the condition of a home’s roof before winter. The key things to look for are cracked or damaged shingles and caulking issues. Caulked joints can dry out and crack during the summer months making openings for melting winter snow to enter the home.
Improve the air quality. Mold and mildew thrives during the summer in poorly ventilated areas like a home’s basement or around leaky pipes. There a number of good products sold at places like Lowe’s and Home Depot that will help eliminate mold before you’ve button up the home for the winter.
Replace weatherstripping on doors. There could be gaps that you can’t see and that can jack up your energy costs. It’s a simple fix that can be done with items found at your local hardware store.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Clogs in gutters and downspouts can cause ice to form into an ice dam. With nowhere to go the water backs up under the shingles and leaks into your home.
If something happens to your home, from robbery to wind damage to fire, you want to make sure you can make repairs. This is where homeowners insurance comes in. Homeowners insurance allows you to pay monthly premiums so you’ll be covered in the case of a damaging and expensive event. So how can you save on homeowners insurance while still getting full coverage? Here are a few ways.
Make Your Home Safer
How to save on homeowners insurance partly depends on where you live and what type of home you live in. Though you can’t control the hazards in your area, you can make small changes to make your home safer. Here are a few examples:
Update electrical: If your home is older, you may have unsafe electrical wiring. Updating this, especially if you are already making other updates, can lower your homeowners insurance premiums.
Update plumbing: water damage due to faulty plumbing is a common cause of homeowners insurance claims. If you’re already making updates, overhaul your plumbing to make it safer, and let your insurance agent know.
Install home security system: Robbery is another common cause of home insurance claims. Installing a home security system can lower your chances of robbery, and thus lower your premiums.
Install new roof: older roofs are more likely to become damaged due to wind and hail, the most common cause of claims. This means installing a new roof can lower your premiums.
Eliminate Risks
Some risks, such as living in a flood zone or an area with inclement weather, you cannot control, and your home insurance will reflect this. How to save on homeowners insurance also includes risks you can control. If you’re considering home updates or changes, think twice about the following, since they can raise your premiums.
Pool: Adding a pool increases the risk that someone will get hurt on your property, which will also increase your homeowners insurance.
Fireplace: Adding an open flame in your home will increase insurance rates for obvious reasons. Though a fireplace can be cozy, consider making other updates first.
Dog: Many homeowners consider dogs good protection against burglars, but insurance carriers may also consider them a risk to visitors. Owning a dog can increase your insurance rates, especially if the dog is considered an aggressive breed.
Trampoline: A trampoline can be fun, but it can also be dangerous, which increases your liability risk.
Smoking: smoking puts your home at greater risk of fire, which can increase your premiums. Put this on a long list of reasons to kick the habit.
Increase Deductible
How to save on homeowners insurance is not always a question of risk; there’s also the financial factor. As with most insurance types, increasing your deductible means lowering your premium. To an insurance company, this can mean lowering the chances of small claims, since you have to pay your deductible before your insurance pays. Consider raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000, and you may be able to save substantially in the long run. If you do, just make sure you have enough cash on hand to pay the deductible.
Bundle Insurance
Insurance carriers want your business, and they’ll provide discounts if you buy more insurance from them. If you have auto, life, and home insurance all in different places, ask about discounts you can get from bundling.
Shop Around
It can be a hassle to get home insurance, and it’s tempting to settle with the first rate that you get. However, shopping around can lower your premiums substantially. Talk to agents working with different companies, or talk to an independent agent. Ask about rates and discounts, as well as the claims process. Keep in mind that the lowest premium is not the only factor—you also want to be covered if you have to make a claim.
Improve Your Credit Score
You’ve already seen that your credit score impacts your mortgage, but it impacts your home insurance as well. Homeowners with credit scores above 630 are seen as more reliable, and will get better rates.
Balance Your Coverage
It’s important to get the right amount of coverage, but you also don’t want to pay for coverage you’ll never use. Even in a worst case scenario—your home is completely destroyed, perhaps in a fire or tornado—keep in mind that you’ll still have your property and foundation, so rebuilding might not cost as much as you think. Also, consider the other property in your home you’re insuring, such as jewelry or electronics, and see if this makes sense with your deductible and premium.
Ask for Discounts
Many homeowners insurance discounts exist that you might not be aware of. For example, homeowners that are home during the day, such as those that work at home or who are retired, are considered less likely to be robbed, so they may pay less in premiums. Neighborhoods with Homeowners Associations are often safer than other neighborhoods, so paying HOA fees may win you a discount. Different insurance carriers offer different discounts, so ask about which you may be eligible for.
Now that you know how to save on homeowners insurance, maybe it’s time to shop around. Looking at other carriers won’t raise the rates that you currently have, and you might find a better deal elsewhere. If you haven’t considered your home insurance premiums in some time and you’ve made improvements to make your home safer, ask about discounts you may now be eligible for.
As the leaves begin to turn and cold evenings drift in, heating costs may have entered your mind. Fall is the perfect time to make improvements to save on heating bills this winter. Some of these might be larger projects, while others you can do in a few hours. Go through these tips to save on your heating bill this winter, and see which ones make sense for you.
1. Get an Energy Audit
If your home heating bills are high, it can be difficult to know where to start. Many local utilities as well as private businesses offer energy audit services to give you a better idea of what improvements offer the best return on investment. Consumers Energy, for example, offers a home energy analysis program to give you an expert opinion on where you can reduce all energy costs, not just your heating bill.
2. Look for Rebates
If you’re considering taking on bigger projects to save on your heating bills this winter, rebates can help reduce the upfront costs. Many utilities offer rebate search services, such as these home energy rebates from Lansing’s Board of Water and Light. This way, you’ll benefit from lower heating bills in the winter while also reducing the costs of energy improvements themselves.
3. Insulate the Attic
When it comes to reducing heating bills in the winter, many people go straight for windows and doors. While this is an area of heat loss, it’s usually not the primary area of heat loss. Since heat rises and since your roof and attic have much more surface area than your windows and doors, most heat loss occurs through your attic and roof.
We all know that heat rises, which is why higher spaces in your home are generally warmer. As you might expect, the warm air doesn’t just park in your attic, though. The process of convection causes it to rise, and then radiation and conduction causes it to escape through the roof, windows, and walls. While it’s impossible to completely stop this from happening, insulating your attic can help to reduce the effect. You might be able to do this yourself, or you might want to hire a contractor.
4. Upgrade Windows
While attics are responsible for a majority of heat loss, windows are also a culprit, especially in older homes. If your windows are single pane, they’ll lose heat through radiation faster. Double-pane windows, as the name implies, use two panes of glass, with an insulating layer in between. Upgrading to double-pane windows is a significant investment, but it will significantly save on heating bills, and help to lower cooling costs in the summer.
If you have double-pane windows, but you still feel drafts, consider adding weather stripping. If you’re not sure exactly where the draft around your window is coming from, there are two easy tests you can try. First, close the window on a dollar bill or a piece of paper. If the paper is stuck, your seal is tight. If you can move it easily out, your seal is worn-out. If you suspect the glazing around the window is worn-out, use a smoke test. Light an incense stick, hold it near the window, and see how the smoke moves to track a draft.
5. Seal Windows
If you’re not ready for a full-scale window overhaul, you can add an extra layer of sealing yourself. Clear plastic insulation is made to go over your windows in the winter, and you can install many types of this yourself. Some types stick on, other types require heat, such as a hair dryer, to fit tightly to the window. Make sure those unexpected fall heat waves are over before you start this project, since you won’t be able to open the windows again until you take the plastic off in the spring.
6. Turn Down Thermostat
This is a pretty obvious way to save on heating bills, but it’s easy to underestimate the difference it can make. The Department of Energy estimates a 1% heating bill savings for every 1 degree you lower your thermostat in the winter. This doesn’t mean that you need to wear two pairs of socks all winter long, though. Lowering your thermostat 5 or 10 degrees during the eight or ten hours when no one is home can add up to significant savings. You might also lower your thermostat while you sleep. With about 16 to 18 hours of significantly lowered heating costs, you can feel better about keeping your house warmer while you’re there.
If you’re tired of coming home to or waking up in a cold house, consider installing a programmable thermostat. Many models now allow you to set timers, so you can start warming up the house an hour before you get home or wake up.
7. Update or Tune Up Furnace
You can save on heating bills by reducing the heat escaping from your home, or by improving the efficiency of the heat source itself. If your furnace hasn’t been updated in over ten years, consider making a replacement. Scheduling a tune-up in fall can also help your furnace stay at full efficiency. This might also reveal any problems that could cause a shut-down in the winter. Finally, replace your air filter. A dirty air filter will make your furnace work harder than it needs to.
8. Reverse Ceiling Fans
In the summertime, ceiling fans should spin counter-clockwise at a high speed. In the wintertime, switch this; run fans clockwise at a low speed. You can usually reverse the fan’s direction using a small switch on the side. Blowing air around to stay warm may seem counter-intuitive, but this interrupts the process of convection. As warm air rises, the slow, clockwise ceiling fan essentially pushes it back down around the edges, and pulls cold air up, without creating a strong current. In summertime, a fast, counter-clockwise fan keeps cold air down by creating a strong downdraft at the center.
9. Insulate Ducts
Heating ducts move warm air throughout your home, but they won’t do this efficiently if they’re not well insulated. Add insulation around ducts and seal any leaks on or around the ducts themselves. This will help warm air move along its intended path with minimal heat loss.
With some tips to save on heating bills this winter, hopefully the cold season doesn’t seem quite so intimidating. Plan out home improvements you can tackle this fall and you’ll be ready for a snug and cozy winter.
As a homeowner you need to pay attention to maintaining and protecting your investment. Your electrical, water, gas and A/C systems may be working fine for now, but sooner or later, you can expect a major repair or replacement expense. All you need to do is be prepared.
Review your inspection report from when you purchase the home so you’ll be able to gauge how much life is left in your appliances and systems. If you know that your A/C unit is 10 years old and the life expectancy is seven to 15 years, you have the heads up to prepare for a major repair or replacement soon.
Review your homeowner’s insurance. How much is your deductible? That’s the amount you’re responsible for when you use your insurance for an expense like a hail-damaged roof. The higher the deductible, the more money you should set aside, just in case.
Build reserves. Many repairs or replacement costs won’t be covered by hazard insurance, so reserves are your rainy day fund. This money you’ve saved or set aside should be quickly and easily accessible through a savings account or a short-term certificate of deposit.
Set aside an emergency-only credit card. Keep one credit card at zero or a low balance so you’ll have a back-up source for payments.
Exterior of a new Cape Cod styled suburban house with recently planted shrubs and grass
Garage Door Replacement: 112% Value
Replacing your garage door is one of the few home improvements that can actually exceed the cost of investment. Since it is also one of the most affordable projects, it easily tops the list of best home improvements to increase value in 2019.
A new garage door improves your home in several areas that are important to buyers in Michigan. With especially cold winters, homebuyers are conscious of heating costs, and aware that a cold attached garage can quickly sap heat from the home. A new garage door helps to reduce drafts, and ultimately reduce heating costs.
The garage door is also a visual focal point of your home. This large, flat surface makes up a notable part of your home’s exterior facade, and scratches, dents, or other issues can quickly detract from the home’s appearance. On the other hand, a new garage door can elevate the exterior.
Finally, security is a concern for every homeowner. If a garage door doesn’t close or lock properly—or it appears not too—homeowners won’t see it as safe. Even if an older garage door functions properly, homebuyers might still find it suspect. A new garage door puts these concerns to rest.
Manufactured Stone Veneer: 111% Value
This home improvement can significantly elevate the look of your home, and isn’t as expensive as many might think. A manufactured stone veneer is also the only other investment that will actually make you money when you sell.
Manufactured stone veneer refers to partial faux stone siding around the home’s street-facing exterior. The stone segment covers the lower third of the home and an entry archway where possible. Ideally, the manufactured stone complements the colors of the roof, siding, and other exterior elements.
This is one of the best home improvements to increase value because of its dramatic effect on the appearance of the home. The stone veneer sets the home apart from other homes with common vinyl siding. It also gives the home a regal, distinguished appearance, which accounts for the notable increase in value. Stone veneer also has other, functional benefits, like additional water resistance and heat retention.
When considering stone veneer as a home improvement to increase value, manufactured stone presents significantly more benefits than natural stone. Manufactured stone is lighter, easier to work with, and it is much more affordable than natural stone.
Entry Door Replacement: 80% Value
This is the most affordable home improvement on the list, and one with the highest value.
Like the garage door, replacing the entry door of your home has considerable effects on the appearance, heat retention, and security of your home. A durable entry door, like the recommended 20-gauge steel unit, will be the most valuable replacement. This type of door is long-lasting and difficult to break through, especially when combined with a deadbolt lock, giving home buyers peace of mind.
To achieve the maximum aesthetic impact, choose a door that complements the rest of the exterior, and include a half glass panel for a look of elegance and charm.
Grand Entrance: 77% Value
When considering changes to your home’s exterior, particularly the entry door, you might also consider a grand entrance. This is another elegant home additional that can considerably change your home’s exterior. A grand entrance, along with manufactured stone veneer, can take your home from average to spectacular.
A grand entrance widens the door frame slightly, but leaves the actual door size the same. The additional space includes sidelights with tasteful glass panels to frame the door itself. A grand entrance makes an immediate and striking first-impression, setting the stage for the home from the first steps visitors take inside.
Besides the high ROI, a grand entrance makes the list of best home improvements to increase value because of its comparatively low cost and quick timeline. Experienced contractors can add a grand entrance in one day’s time. If you are considering replacing your entry door anyway, taking on both of these projects at once can net you substantial value.
Siding Replacement: 73% Value
Most homeowners know the value of clean, neat siding, but they don’t know the actual number figure behind it. Replacing worn-out side can win you back about 73% of your investment. Of course, this partially depends on how worn-out the siding is.
If you’ve lived in your home for several years, you probably don’t notice cracks, stains, or faded spots on your siding. However, homebuyers will. In some cases where the damage and wear around the siding is minimal, a new coat of paint may be enough. But, if the siding shows structural damage, like cracks, chips, or holes, if mold or rot has set in, or if has begun to warp, new siding will be the better investment.
Before deciding which home improvements are best for your home, decide how long you will continue to live in your home. If you plan on staying several more years, you’ll get enjoyment out of larger improvements, like siding replacement or a grand entrance, as well as additional value. If you want to sell in the next two years, start with the most affordable home improvements, like a new garage door or entry door. If you plan these renovations carefully, you can time them around the best times to buy and sell a home. Remember to start with the most affordable improvements, like a new coat of paint and a deep clean, and make a home improvement budget to stay on track.
Something goes wrong with the air conditioner or the toilet clogs when you least expect it. Unless you’re Mr. or Ms. Fixit, you’ll have to go to the expense of calling a plumber, electrician or appliance expert to solve the problem. Unless a part has worn out, pilot error (that’s you or someone in the household) caused the malfunction.
Appliances and fixtures can be temperamental because they’re only designed to work under certain conditions, so take time to learn a little about how each product functions. Even if you don’t think you’re handy, you can do a little preventive maintenance and quick fix to handle minor problems.
To extend the life of your appliances and systems, here are 10 helpful suggestions:
Keep all booklets, warranties and operating instructions for every system and appliance in one convenient place.
Follow suggested scheduled maintenance, such as bi-annual checkups for air condition systems.
Keep supplies on hand – a plunger, drain cleaner, filters, etc.
Change heating and air filters once a month.
Clothes need room to tumble to get clean, so don’t overload washers.
Empty dryer filters with every load.
Don’t put potato peelings, fibrous vegetables such as celery, cooking oil or grease down any drain or disposal.
Run water before during and after using the disposal.
Put a mesh trap in your shower drain to catch hair and soap buildup.
Paper towels, Kleenex, baby wipes and cat litter can quickly clog a toilet, even if the box says the contents are safe to flush.
There are pros and cons to all types of stone countertops. How do you choose which ones are best for your home? Knowing the properties of each type of stone will help you make the right decision.
