5 Home Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Follow

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5 home safty tips from High Quality Contracting Inc

Protecting your family from home safety hazards is a top priority for any homeowner. According to the National Safety Council’s 2016 report, an estimated 161,374 people died from unintentional injury-related deaths in their homes. Adding an extra layer of safety to your house can help keep your family and friends safe year round. Below is our TOP 5 safety tips every homeowner should follow.

Stove Safety-

Three out of every five house fires start with the stove. To prevent home cooking fires, objects such as towels, curtains, etc. should stay at least 3 feet away from the heating surface of your stove. Furthermore, maintaining a clean stove and oven where grease has been removed can also prevent a fire. Don’t neglect the range hood. Maintaining the fan features in the hood and keeping it also free of grease is a priority. 

Clothes Dryer-

The National Safety Council further sites that home dryer fires happen at approximately 17,800 a year. These fires are preventable and usually start because of built-up lint. Remember to clean the lint trap after each use.  Moreover, scheduling the dryer vent for a good cleaning semi-annually is imperative. If you need a good HVAC person to come and help you clean these vents, contact the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau. They have a list of companies who provide this service.

Carbon Monoxide and Radon Detectors-

Over 400 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide inhalation each year, and the number of lung cancer deaths associated with high levels of radon in homes is over 21,000 a year. These numbers can significantly be reduced and so can your chances of experiencing symptoms or death related to carbon monoxide or radon by merely installing and maintaining the detectors. Be sure to check your detector’s batteries monthly. Because radon comes from the ground, be sure to install a radon detector in your basement.

Electrical Cord Fires

According to the EFSI, an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly than 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage each year come from electrical fires. The majority of these are due to frayed cords, damaged cords, or products that were not in use but plugged in. Whenever an appliance is plugged in, it is live and able to catch fire. Unplugging things like curling irons, kitchen appliances, and charger cords can help prevent a fire. Be sure to check cords if you have pets regularly, as some pets tend to chew wires. 

Other Electrical Fires

Homeowners also need to be aware of what is going on in the walls of their home. Listen for strange buzzing sounds or watch for lights that flicker. Be sure to not overload outlets with too many cords, and if you decide to get any work done on your property such as installing outlets, be sure to use an expert. Keeping fire detectors working and a family evacuation plan on hand in the event of a fire. If you suspect your electrical system is old or may not be working correctly, contact an expert and licensed professional as soon as possible to have the issues inspected. 

Keeping your family safe is a priority for High Quality Contracting. This list of 5 home safety tips is not an end all list, however, it will help keep you from harm. If you would like more information, contact your High Quality Contracting team today.

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6 Home Renovations with High ROI

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Wisconsin home remodeling ROI for your home

We all want home renovations with high ROI. If you are trying to decide which home projects you should do first, or if you are considering listing your home soon, you may be interested to know which home renovations give you the best bang for your buck. You may be considering updating appliances, carpeting, and paint to be the place to spend the money, but, don’t be so quick. According to a recent article in US News and annual reports in Remodeling Magazine, you may be better off spending your money in other areas instead.

Here are six great projects to consider that offer the best return on your investment.

Kitchen Remodel

It is true that the hub of any home is the kitchen. A kitchen remodel can recoup anywhere from 65- 80% and add value to your home quickly. It is a crucial selling point for most buyers as well. When remodeling your kitchen, consider upgraded modern countertops, cabinets, flooring, and lighting. You do not necessarily need to make a complete overhaul of the kitchen, however, consider at least a few of these options to get that updated look. If the kitchen is closed off from the rest of the house, look at opening up a wall to allow for an open concept. This may mean the difference between a quick sale or one that sits on the market for months.

Bathroom Remodel

Another prime area for investment is the bathroom. Remodeling a current bathroom will recoup a higher return than adding a bathroom. However, according to Remodeling Magazine and the National Association of Realtors, if you only have one bathroom and multiple people are sharing it, an additional bathroom may mean the difference between a sale or not.
When considering upgrading your current bathroom, updated tiles, tubs, sinks and cabinetry is vital. Increase lighting and space where possible. If adding a bathroom, the placement of where this bathroom is can be significant. Many people enjoy having an en-suite to the master bedroom. Your High Quality Contracting, Inc. remodeling expert can help design the perfect bathroom for you.

More Square Footage

According to the National Association of Realtors,  a home renovations with high ROI include increasing your square footage. A homeowner can expect to recoup upwards of 69% for refinishing a basement, attic, or other space in a home. By increasing the livable space in a home, you can assure that you will dramatically improve your home’s value.

Research the going rate per square foot for living space in your area to get an estimate for the value of the increase.

New Windows

Remodeling Magazine states that you should not invest in the top of the line for a window upgrade if you are planning to sell. Instead, invest in a midgrade product that is energy efficient. It increases the possibility for a faster sale, as well as brightens the room. You can expect to recoup upwards of 74% on vinyl replacement windows.

Added Insulation

2017 Cost Vs. Value Report in Remodeling Magazine reports that the number one ROI investment into your home was professionally installed attic insulation. Because of the substantial improvements in insulation products becoming more energy efficient and lasting longer, this upgrade makes sense if you are planning to stay or leave. Not only do you lower heating and cooling costs, but, you ROI is roughly around 108%.

Updated Home Siding

This one is just common sense, one home renovations with high ROI is home siding.  Updating your home siding can improve many aspects of your home as well as enhance the chances of a sale. Realtors insist on creating curb appeal when selling your home, first impressions count. So what is the ROI for the siding change? That depends on the product you choose as well as making sure it is professionally installed. The foam-back provides at least three times the R-Value as the hollow-backed siding. This reduces the overall heating and cooling budget for the home. The price is higher than the hollow-backed siding, but, it pays off in resale value and energy costs. Choose from a wide array of colors and textures to meet the structure of your home. If you are a little unsure as to what products would best fit your home and budget, one of our siding experts can help you decide by explaining the options.

There are many other projects that you can do around your home that have a good ROI; however, these are our top 6 for this year. If you are considering selling your property, give us a call and set up a free consultation. High Quality Contracting Inc. can assist you in deciding which projects might best help you increase your resale value.

 

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Chase Away Winter Blues with these Home Remodeling Tips.

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increased natural lighting in home with new windows

Home remodeling can reduce your winter blues. Wisconsin’s long cold winter months can sometimes cause homeowners to get the winter blues and increase the symptoms of depression. But have no fear, help is near. Did you know that by making a few remodeling changes to your home you can help with these symptoms?

Since it is Mental Health Month, we thought to share tips for remodeling that will help. It is a scientific fact that increased natural lighting can help with feelings of Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder. By making some of these changes in your home, you can improve your homes natural light, air flow and a general sense of well being.

Full-length windows

If your home has small or very few windows consider larger windows or more of them to allow light in. Consider full-length windows that brighten a room or a large bay window. You can also add fun items like a window seat or a book nook to create that cozy feel and give you a space to relax in the sun.

Add skylights

Another great way to increase lighting is to add skylights. Skylights can bring in lots of light and improve your homes energy efficiency by allowing the sun to help heat your home. A skylight is like a window in the roof, but its frame is designed and flashed to withstand the rigors of rainfall that a shelter receives. It allows for daylight to fill the home with both warmth and light which in turn reduces your energy costs, the amount is dependant on the amount of sun that your area gets. The more sun, the more warmth, and light you receive.

Screened in porches

Screened in porches are great, but, what about changing that porch to fully enclosed space with large paned windows. This would provide plenty of space to sit and relax in the sun while still staying warm and indoors.

Change the hardware

Changing the hardware, you are using for the lights can also help. If you light switches are attached to poorly lit ceiling lights, opt to change those items out for newer energy efficient lighting systems.

Light bulbs can make a huge difference in the amount of light in a home. User a higher wattage if you are using only 60-watt bulbs. Consider fluorescent or natural exposure bulbs to brighten a dull and darkened room.

Open concept 

Opening up walls for an open concept look is not only a way to improve lighting but airflow and energy efficiency as well. The light can now resonate throughout the home more naturally as well as heat can be distributed efficiently.

Doors

Increase the brightness in your home with French glass doors rather than a solid interior door. You can still have privacy, but the glass allows the illumination to flow.

Don’t forget the front or back doors of your home as well. Install a newer energy efficient door with triple paned glass for security yet the ability to allow light to flow in from the space. Or consider a glass storm door which you can use to let light in during the day while still being able to close and lock the more massive solid door at night or when you are away.

Home remodeling can reduce your winter blues so don’t let the winter months bring you down. There are so many ways to brighten your home. The best way to handle any home remodeling project is by contacting a High Quality Contracting, Inc design expert to help you devise a custom plan that fits your home and your budget.

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