Simple Home Renovation Tips

Do you want to give your home new character? Whether your renovation ideas major or minor, here are some simple tips to get you started.

1. Changing the lighting is a great way to brighten up a room, especially when existing light sources cast dim and uninviting shadows. One of best lighting options stem from a strong light source in the form of wall or panel lamps. These are stylish options to consider as well as excellent additions to your home improvement checklist.
2. Change the colors of your walls. If you’re done being stuck with that white, boring wall, spice it up with the colors that define you and your home! You may opt for the latest color design trends, or something which speaks to your creativity and uniqueness. Cerulean blue, for example is soothing and calm while red walls are fierce and add more drama.
3. The purpose of renovation is to draw the guest’s first look to things in the house that are most appealing. Replace or remove anything broken, chipped and old. Classify these objects in need of replacement or by those which can be repaired.
4. Install brand new flooring. This is a good option if your floor looks worn and rugged. Try wooden floors for your terrace space if you want a clean, natural and refreshing ambiance. Familiarize yourself with the best and latest tiles to lay in your bathroom, living room, kitchen and bedroom!
5. Incorporating art in your home is one of the best ways to artistically renovate your home. You can have several tasteful posters framed. Put them up on the right walls and corners. Posters of favorite bands may go well in the bedroom of your teenage child, and you may wish to hang banners of your favorite films in the living room.
6. Sometimes the only revolutionary change you need for your home is clearing out all of the clutter. Get a huge garbage bag and put in the things that need to be thrown. One great idea is to have a donation box for those things which you no longer need, but are still usable.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

Space-Saving Tips for Your Home

Wish you had more space in your home? Here are some great tips to make the most of the space in your house while crafting a relaxing, enjoyable environment.

The solution for household clutter? Out with the old, in with the new! As this is a general rule for creating space, there are old items that are probably more conveniently utilized than by replacement.  These items should be kept.

The simple rule is, to remove anything that is no longer of use. You may have second thoughts about removing some of the items in your home, but you should be firm in your approach, selecting the items that will surely make a huge impact on your home’s improvement once being thrown out.

The three main areas that you will need to focus on are the ceiling, the floor and the walls. Don’t be deceived by thinking the only area you will need to work on is the floor space, because there are areas that will greatly affect how you move around the house.
One area that will need your attention aside from the flooring are the items that occupy air space.

One of the things that may affect homeowners who are over-utilizing their space is the repeated purchase of items that serve the same purpose, such as having a floor lamp and purchasing a sconce for the same area. This can be blamed on impulsiveness, in which one buys immediately without proper thought. However this is associated with little organization, especially when coupled with a busy schedule.

When you are moving into a new house, planning is very, very important. Use the space in your new home wisely. Acquire an item that does not interfere with your walking zone.

With todays, LCDs and plasma TVs, conserving floor space has become exponentially easier. Utilize TV wall mounts and witness the miracle it works for your home space. Position your TV mounts at a higher area where it won’t block walking space.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

The Advantages of Installing a Composite Door in Your Home

Your front door needs to be inviting, practical and aesthetically pleasing. They should also be strong enough to withstand the test of time and keep your family safe.

If you are looking into the option of replacing your doors, then composite doors will definitely be among your top choices. These doors are a specialized type of door which are growing in popularity through residential neighborhoods across the country.

There are several benefits and advantages of using these doors as opposed to the usual wooden doors. Below are illustrated some of the unique benefits of composite doors over traditional doors.

1. Composite doors are incredibly durable. They are rust-free, long-lasting, termite resistant and can survive any kind of inclement weather conditions. This is because they are made from Aluminum, glass and other resilient materials. They can also retain their beauty and durability over the years.
2. The composite doors are designed to look like traditional wooden doors without the deterioration and need for maintenance that comes with a wooden door. They need very little maintenance and can be easily cleaned using a wash cloth whenever you notice that they become dusty or whether.
3. These doors are inherently designed for security, with multiple locks and sturdy materials. They are also composed with highly efficient and burglar safe locking options which ensures the complete security of the premises.
4. Another unique feature of these doors is that they contain a thermal foam core. The foam padding material used in the composite door provides far better insulation than any door made of timber.
5. You can pick from a wide variety of colors and styles and your door can be built to your exact requirements, which means it will be an excellent personalized choice and a great addition to your home. Home owners are sure to find a suitable front door that will match and compliment the exterior as well as the interior of their house.

The front door is usually the first impression visitors receive while entering your household. Make it a wonderful impression.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

Sure Signs That Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

Nothing is worse than a broken AC unit the middle of summer! There can be many causes behind an air conditioner not functioning properly, so before you try to fix it or call a heating & cooling professional to come work on it, check a few things first, so you can get a clearer idea of what the source of the problem is.

Here are a few common types of air conditioning malfunctions and what the potential causes may be:

• The air is not cool enough. Check to see if the Freon lines are frosted up. Poor airflow is often caused by the cooling coil fronting up, which makes it unable cool the warm air passing through it. This is usually caused either by blocked vents and dirt or the thermostat being set too low, which causes the coils to freeze. The solution to this problem is to turn off the air conditioner and leave it for a few hours with just the fan running to melt the frost off the ice. Another reason behind air not being cool enough is a leak in the system, resulting in low refrigerant. The leaks must be repaired before you can add more Freon to the system.  You can purchase convenient leak stop kits for emergency leaks, which will allow you to fix the problem easily.
• There is no cooling at all. If the outdoor fan unit is still running, but only warm air is coming out of the vents, this can be due to a variety of problems.  Usually, it is due to a damaged compressor. Outdoor condensing units are equipped with a fan and a compressor, but the fan can work even if the compressor does not. It can be difficult to determine if this has occurred, but it is not uncommon. It is best to hire a professional work on the issue, as there are many electrical components involved that require  certain skills to address.
• There are loud noises. Check to see if the loud noises are coming from the indoor unit or the outdoor unit. There are three components in the outdoor unit that can cause noise,  including the fan motor, which causes screeches, the compressor, which is louder and more like a hammer or a growl, and the contactor, which buzzes or hums.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

Criteria for Choosing Home Appliances

There are a lot of factors are to consider when buying appliances for your home. The biggest thing to remember is to avoid making purchases on impulse. In order to spend your money wisely, take some time to do your research and compare prices. This will ensure that you find the product that meets everything you need at a price you can afford.

Here are a few items to consider:

1. Size – Consider the size of the appliance that you are about to buy. Does it fit comfortably in the available space in your home? You want to find something that blends well with your home, so you can avoid the dilemma of creating an awkward look and feel in your space by having an appliance that is too big or too small.
2. Features – List all the features that you want in your home appliance. Check the internet for what’s new in appliances, so you can capitalize on the newest technology. Some features may provide what you need, while others are superfluous – choose what’s right for you.
3. Check Online – The internet is the best place to start your search because you can easily shop and compare in the comfort of your own home. Once you narrow it down, then you can start driving around to different stores to see the appliances in person. Checking online first will make the process more efficient.
4. Energy Efficiency – This is an important feature to consider. Choose appliances that have a good energy efficiency rating – not only will it be better for the environment, but it will also save you a lot of money on your electric bills.
5. Company/Brand – Look for reviews about the brand of the appliance you like.  Find out what other customers are saying, so you can determine if you’re dealing with a reputable company with a quality brand. Also check to see if they offer a warranty.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

Types of Garage Door Openers

In general, there are four different types of garage door openers that are classified according to the mechanics they use, as well as their specific functions.

1. Chain Drive – This is the most common type of garage door opener. It is the preferred choice for most homeowners because it is an effective, affordable option. It works similarly to a bicycle chain by looping around a rail. The two main downsides to this type of garage door opener are that they are noisy and require a fairly regular amount of maintenance due to the chain growing loose over time.
2. Screw Drive – This garage door opener is the easiest type to install and good for homeowners who love DIY projects. It works via a long metal rod that is threaded like a screw to operate. This type of opener requires little maintenance beyond occasional lubrication. It is also less noisy than a chain drive.
3. Belt Drive – This type of garage door opener uses a rubber belt that is metal reinforced. It is like a car’s fan belt, but does not operate with a chain. It is a more expensive option, but can be worth it because it operates silently. The rubber belt is durable enough that it can lift even the heaviest of garage doors. Belt drive garage door openers last for several years and usually come with a lifetime belt warranty.
4. Direct Drives – This garage door opener is gaining in popularity due to its common usage in Europe. It operates via a motor that drives along a stationary chain and is very easy to maintain. Its reliability, durability, and quiet operation make it a valuable investment. Companies usually offer warranties on the motor, chain and rail, and circuit board. They operate quietly too.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

Tips to Effectively Sell Your House

Selling your house at the maximum asking price is the goal of every seller. There are a lot of steps that go into making that happen, however – it usually doesn’t just happen on its own. So, here are a few tips on steps you can take to maximize the selling price of your home:

1. Improve the house. Make improvements to the house that will update it and/or resolve any repair issues that needed to be fixed. This alone increases the value of the house significantly because potential buyers can see that they won’t have to put a lot of work and money into it when they move in. This gives them peace of mind and a sense of security, two things that people value and are usually willing to pay a little extra for if necessary. Do-it-yourself house improvements include repainting, mowing the lawn and tidying the gardens to create curb appeal, making the house spic-and-span, and replacing outdated fixtures. Larger house improvements that may require professional assistance include re-carpeting, floor polishing, re-tiling, improvements to walkways, and garage and roof repair.
2. Stage the house for showings. Hire an interior designer or professional stager to help you arrange your house in a way that shows off its features and makes it look inviting. Rest assured that you’ll get more money than what you pay for when you invest in this step because it significantly impacts how people perceive the value of your home and what they will be willing to pay.
3. Purchase or rent display furniture. It is wise to purchase or rent display furniture when the house is on the market. It allows you to use stylish items that will make your house look more universally attractive to buyers versus just the ones who share your personal style.
4. Have a trustworthy and competent real estate agent. This is crucial because a real estate agent will work hard on your behalf to do what’s necessary to make the house sell. Ideally, you should work with someone who is familiar with your particular area and who is good at marketing. If you need help finding someone, ask around to other homeowners and inquire about their experiences with their real estate agents.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

Different Types of Roofing Materials for Replacing Your Roof

Every homeowner wants quality materials for their home in order to ensure safety, durability, and longevity of use. A roof in particular needs to be strong, reliable, cost effective, and durable. In order for this to occur, it must be built carefully and precisely using the best materials available. When a  roof needs to be replaced, careful planning is important.

Here is a list of the most commonly used roofing materials to help you find which type will work best for you:

1. Shingles – This is the most common material used for roofing and is assembled by overlapping the pieces. Shingles can be made from concrete, hardwood, red cedar, asphalt, or asbestos.
2. Thatching – This process utilizes plant stalks that are woven tightly and then made into overlapping layers. The plant stalks may be palms, sea grass, rye straw, and wheat straw.
3. Metal Roofing – This is a popular choice because it is lightweight, durable, and cost effective. This is also the most eco-friendly of all materials. It is available in aluminum, metal, or galvanized steel.
4. Membrane Roofing – The materials used for membrane roofing are usually rubber, plastic, polyester, bitumen, and fiberglass. They come in large sheets that are joined by the corners, which develop a large and continuous surface.
5. Tile Roofing – Also known as terracotta tile roofing, this is a concept taken from India’s Mangalore clay, which can last for 80 years, depending on the weather conditions. It offers a beautiful finish, but is also the most expensive material to use, especially if it is made from clay versus concrete.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

How to Remove Mold from Your Basement

Having problems getting rid of bad odors or mold in your basement? There are several ways you can maintain your basement to keep it clean, organized, and functioning properly.

Basements are notorious for having bad odors and mold because they are the dampest, moistest room in a house. Bad odors are fairly easy to remove, but mold poses the bigger problem. There are many different types of mold, ranging from green mold to black mold and various others in between. If mold is not removed as soon as possible, it will release toxins into the air that can cause serious health consequences over time. Mold toxins can cause headaches, dizziness, lethargy, and other various neurological illnesses. Aside from that, they can also cause respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, and allergies.

If you suspect that mold is present in your home, especially in the basement, you need to remove it as soon as possible. If you simply scrub the mold, it tends to cause mold spores to spread through the air as they are loosened, which allows them to reach other areas of your home, where you can breathe them in. The best way to eliminate mold is to contact a professional mold remover because they knows how to dispose of it properly and in a way that will prevent it from growing back easily.

After the mold is removed, you need to take precautionary measures to prevent the mold from coming back. To do this, use soapy warm water to clean the areas where the mold has been removed and dry them thoroughly to strip the area of the moisture that breeds mold. from You can also use dehumidifiers and portable air cleaners.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC

Different Types of Insulation for Your Home

Insulation is an important part of your home, as it helps it to maintain a comfortable temperature and be more energy efficient. There are many insulation types you can choose from depending on your needs and your budget. When you are choosing insulation for your home, make not that the higher the R-value, the better it is at conserving energy and helping make your home comfortable. The R-value refers to the ability of a material to block heat transfer.

Here are the most common types of insulation and how you can benefit from them:

1. Foam Board: This type of insulation is composed of thick, fixed panels of foam that have been cut to fit in between the wall studs. It can be used in both pre-existing walls and new walls. It does not have to be stapled to studs while being unwound because it sticks automatically. Multiple levels of foam boards can be installed together to order to achieve the desired thickness
2. Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF): This type of insulation consists of foam boards or hollow foam blocks that are tied together and built directly into the structure. They offer high thermal resistance with R-values exceeding R-17.
3. Spray Foam: Polyurethane material is the most common example of this. The material is simply sprayed in place in wall openings or attic floors. It expands into a solid plastic made up of air-filled cells when sprayed. This is a good option to consider for structures that are irregularly shaped and the best way to insulate very small spaces and cracks.
4. Blanket Insulation: This type of insulation is made from mineral fibres and comes in blanketed rolls. It is usually placed between wood frames and rafter, above ceilings, and under flooring.
5. Loose Fill Insulation: This type of insulation is made up of loose fibers and fiber pellets that fill the cavities of attics using special machines. Cellulose, as well as a fibreglass and rockwool mixture,  are the two types of loose-fill insulation. Cellulose is composed of recycled newspaper which can be chemically treated to make it fire resistant, while the fibreglass and rockwool mixture uses a blow-in blanket system that offers full coverage and better insulation.

-Chris Hines
George Mason Mortgage, LLC