Month: January 2022

How To Install Kitchen Cabinets

On January 26, 2022

While hiring experts to install kitchen cabinets will always get you the best results, installing cabinets by yourself isn’t too difficult. Below, you will find a step-by-step, do-it-yourself process for kitchen cabinet installation.

Measuring and Marking the Walls

Find the highest point of your kitchen floor and use a tape measure to create an even line 34.5 inches above this point. This line marks the top of your bottom cabinets. To find the bottom of your upper cabinets, make an even line that is 17-18 inches above the line you just drew. Then, use a stud locater to find the studs in your wall and make a mark for each stud. Be sure to also mark the locations of your fridge, oven, and microwave.

Installing the Upper Cabinets

Remove the cabinet doors to make the kitchen cabinets in Milwaukee WI easier to maneuver. To support the cabinets, screw some cleats directly under the line you marked for the upper cabinets’ bottom edge. Lift the cabinets onto the cleats and, using your previous stud marks, screw the cabinets against the studs. Then, screw the cabinets together. It is recommended that you install the upper corner cabinets before installing the adjacent ones.

Installing the Base Cabinets

Place all the base cabinets in their correct positions, making sure that the cabinets are level with the floor and walls. Correct any unevenness by installing shims where they are needed. Install the corner cabinets first and screw them into the wall studs. After screwing the corner and adjacent cabinets together, align the adjacent cabinets to the corner cabinets and attach the adjacent cabinets to the wall studs.

Once these steps are complete, you can begin removing the cleats, replacing the doors on the cabinets, pushing drawers into their places, and installing the trim and countertop.

3 Things To Ask Yourself When Choosing an Apartment or Condo

By Barry Hale

On January 7, 2022

In Real Estate

When you are looking for an apartment or condo, there are a few important things that you should always consider with one of the most important being the real estate agent you choose for real estate expired listing leads – Espresso Agent. While some things, such as who you have for neighbors, can’t be helped, you can control other housing aspects by asking yourself these three important questions before choosing a new place to live.

1. How Safe Is the Property?

The safety of tenants should be the property owner’s first priority. These safety issues can range from how the buildings are constructed to how clean the public areas are to whether it’s gated or not. Some of these things (e.g., structural integrity) will be hard to tell upfront, but others will be obvious. For instance, are there security measures in place? Are the parking lots kept free of debris, and is commercial pressure washing Oviedo FL regularly done to keep the outside of the buildings free of mold? Do the units meet the building code (e.g., have smoke alarms installed)?

2. How Convenient Is the Location?

Location is always important in real estate, but when it comes to rental apartments or condos, it is especially important, as the location is one of the main reasons many people choose to rent instead of buy. The location of your apartment or condo complex will make a real difference in how convenient your life there will be.

3. How Suitable Is the Layout?

By definition, an apartment or condo is a relatively small living space. So it is important to consider how the layout fits with your lifestyle since space will be at a premium. For instance, if you are a packrat, take careful note of how much storage the unit has. If you value outdoor space, make sure to look for a patio or balcony. If you like to entertain, go for something that has a more open layout to increase the space for entertaining.

Looking for a place to live is always complicated, but if you keep these things in mind before you make a choice, your life won’t have to be.

Tips for Home Fire Preparedness

By Barry Hale

On January 6, 2022

In Equipment & Tools

One of any homeowner’s biggest fears is the possibility of experiencing a house fire. Being prepared in the event of a fire can not only potentially save belongings, but keep loved ones safe. Here are some tips for home fire preparedness.

Have an Emergency Plan

Every homeowner should have an emergency plan that includes what to do if a fire is found in the home. This plan should be known well by all members of the household and should include what to grab, where to meet and how to get out of the home safely. If there are pets in the home, the emergency plan should include them as well. Including age-appropriate directions for small children can help keep them safe as well.

Keep Safety Equipment In Good Working Order

If a fire does happen, having working safety equipment can mean the difference between life or death and can help save your home. Homeowners should replace batteries in smoke alarms, make sure that there are smoke alarms in all areas of the home and test the batteries regularly. Homes should have at least one fire extinguisher in high-risk areas, like the kitchen, which fire detection and suppression NYC professionals say should be maintained and inspected per regulations. There are other options for home fire safety equipment, including window ladders for houses with more than one story.

Keep Important Documents Fire Safe

Should a fire happen in the home, homeowners should ensure that any important documents, like birth certificates and social security cards, are kept in a fire-proof box. Some people may decide to keep other personal items like family photos in a fire-proof container as well, but this is a personal choice for families to make.

The potential for a house fire is a nightmare scenario for most homeowners, so following these tips can keep loved ones and belongings safer.

5 Questions to Ask When Shopping for Homeowner’s Insurance

By Barry Hale

On January 3, 2022

In Real Estate

Choosing homeowner’s insurance can be challenging. There are so many options for coverage, and it’s not always easy to decide which types of coverage you should go for. If you’re a new homeowner choosing a policy, it can certainly be an overwhelming feeling.

Here are a few questions you should always ask when you start comparing agencies that offer homeowners insurance Newark DE.

How Much Will Your Home Cost to Rebuild?

If your house is destroyed by a fire or storm, you’ll need to rebuild from scratch. When shopping for insurance, make sure your agent is knowledgeable on home values and the costs associated with construction in your area.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

If you live in an area commonly affected by tropical storms or hurricanes, you may need to consider a separate flood insurance policy. It might surprise you to find out that not all standard policies cover flood damage, which can be an unfortunate surprise for many homeowners after a storm comes through.

How Much of Your Personal Property Will Be Covered?

Sadly, your personal property won’t be spared when your home is destroyed. However, a good homeowner’s insurance policy will help cover the cost of all or most of your belongings.

Do You Need Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance will cover you if someone gets injured on your property or if you cause damage to someone else’s property. Also, if you have to go to court or payout damages for a lawsuit, liability insurance will cover you.

Are There Any Discounts?

Insurance can be expensive. However, you may be eligible for discounts. Make sure you ask your agent what discounts might be available to you.

In addition to asking the questions listed here, make sure you do your own research on other aspects of homeowner’s insurance that might be confusing to you. If you’re armed with knowledge when you sit down to talk rates, you’ll be in a much better position to get the best deal.