Finding the average cost of home insurance: Factors to consider

If you’re budgeting for a new home, it’s important to incorporate the average cost of home insurance. Insurance rates are composed of many factors, and knowing these factors can help you estimate the potential expense.

Here is a quick guide to the variables determining the average cost of homeowners insurance:

Home location & age

Homeowners insurance cost is partially determined by certain aspects of the home itself. The biggest factors include location, age and condition. If your home is located in an area prone to extreme weather or other potentially damaging conditions, it’s considered a higher risk to the insurer and may incur a higher premium.

Older homes are more likely to need repairs, and those repairs can cost more. Similarly, if your home’s condition is less than ideal, your insurance premium may be higher as a result.

Coverage details

There are several variables in your policy that go into the average homeowners insurance cost. The most important variables are:

  • Deductible amount – Deductible amount affects how much you pay monthly and how much you may need to pay out of pocket for a claim. A higher deductible means a lower premium cost, but a higher out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.
  • Dwelling coverage amount – The portion of your policy that protects the physical structure of your home can vary based on size, condition and age of your home.
  • Personal property coverage amount – Also included in your average insurance cost is protection for the value of your personal belongings, such as clothing, furniture and appliances.

Other factors

There may be other factors that impact the cost of homeowners insurance. Some of these are related to your home and lifestyle, like whether you have a pool, trampoline or aggressive pets. Others might concern your financial history, including credit score and past insurance coverage.

If you want more details about what goes into the average cost of home insurance, consult your insurance provider.

Conduct a Successful Home Inspection

A home inspection is a key part of the property buying process. If you fail to allocate the necessary time and resources to conduct an in-depth inspection, you may struggle to identify various home problems before you finalize your property purchase. And if you cannot identify such issues, you risk buying a home that may require costly, time-intensive upgrades in the foreseeable future.

Ultimately, there are many things that you can do to ensure that a home inspection provides you with the insights you need to determine whether to proceed with a home purchase. These include:

1. Hire an Expert Home Inspector

A home likely is one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. As such, there is no need to leave anything to chance, especially when it comes to conducting a house inspection. But if you hire an expert home inspector, you can get the support you need to conduct a comprehensive property inspection.

Look for a home inspector who possesses extensive experience. Also, you may want to ask a home inspector for client referrals before you make your final hiring decision. If you get in touch with a home inspector’s past clients, you can find out what it’s like to work with this professional and proceed accordingly.

2. Attend Your Home Inspection

You are under no obligation to attend your home inspection. But in most instances, it is beneficial to attend an inspection.

A home inspection usually requires just a few hours to complete, but the benefits of attending an inspection may last a lifetime.

For example, during an inspection, a home inspector may be able to provide you with property repair insights that otherwise won’t be included in your inspection report. Meanwhile, attending a home inspection allows you to ask questions and gain the insights you need to make an informed decision about a home purchase.

3. Analyze Your Home Inspection Results

Spend some time reviewing a home inspection report – you’ll be happy you did. If you assess a home inspection report closely, you can use all of the information at your disposal to decide whether to continue with a house purchase.

Furthermore, if you have questions about a home inspection report, don’t hesitate to reach out to the inspector who conducted the evaluation. This inspector can respond to any report questions that you may have and provide you with information that could prove to be exceedingly valuable as you make your final decision about a house.

As you get ready to buy a home, it certainly helps to have a best-in-class real estate agent at your side too. This housing market professional can offer recommendations and suggestions about what to do following a home inspection. Plus, he or she can provide plenty of guidance at each stage of the property buying journey.

Take the guesswork out of a home inspection – use the aforementioned tips, and you can boost the likelihood of completing a successful property inspection before you finalize a home purchase.

3 Signs That Now Is a Good Time to Pursue a California Luxury Home

Believe it or not, now may prove to be the right time to pursue a luxury house in San Francisco, Los Angeles or elsewhere in California. Some of the key signs that may help you determine whether you should kick off a Golden State luxury home search include:

1. You want to move into a bigger and better residence.

Although your current residence has served you well, you’re ready for an upgrade. Fortunately, many California luxury residences are available that are sure to match or surpass your expectations.

Oftentimes, it helps to create a list of homebuying criteria prior to starting a California luxury home search. This list will help you simplify your home search so you can discover your ideal residence faster than ever before.

You also should think about where you want to reside in the Golden State before you embark on a house search. For instance, if you love the sights and sounds of Hollywood, you may want to consider the luxury houses in and around LA. Or, if you prefer the serenity of San Diego, you may want to check out the luxury residences in the city.

2. You are intrigued by all that California has to offer.

Let’s face it – there is no shortage of wonderful attractions scattered across California. If you buy a luxury home in the California city or town of your choice, you can enjoy convenient access to your preferred attractions.

From Disneyland in Anaheim to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, there’s plenty to explore in California. As a Golden State luxury homeowner, you’ll be able to check out lots of great attractions you simply won’t find anywhere else.

3. You want to live closer to family members and friends.

If you have to commute a long distance to visit family members and friends in California, you may want to consider a luxury home that provides quick, easy access to these loved ones. Lucky for you, California offers a broad selection of luxury residences. The Golden State luxury housing market is updated regularly, and as such, you should have no trouble finding a terrific house near family members and friends.

As you get ready to conduct a California luxury home search, you may want to hire a real estate agent too. In fact, with a real estate agent at your side, you can receive plenty of support at each stage of the Golden State luxury homebuying journey.

For example, if you want to pursue a luxury home near your office in Sacramento, a real estate agent will make it simple for you to do just that. On the other hand, if your goal is to buy a Santa Monica luxury home as quickly as possible, a real estate agent will enable you to streamline your property buying journey. Regardless of your California luxury homebuying goals, a real estate agent will work with you to ensure you can acquire the right house, at the right price.

Launch a California luxury home search today, and you can discover your ideal Golden State luxury residence in no time at all.

Garden & lawn benches: What to consider before you buy

While many regard lawn benches as a ubiquitous and utilitarian outdoor feature, the right bench can make a stylish statement in your outdoor living space. But how do you choose the best bench for your yard?

Here are some of the key factors to consider when shopping for the perfect garden or lawn bench:

Locations & surfaces

A perfectly placed seat can be a valuable reprieve from the elements. If your outdoor living space gets plenty of sun, consider adding a bench where you can sit down and enjoy the shade. Conversely, if rain frequently hinders your outdoor fun, a bench located under an awning or umbrella makes the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors while warm and dry.

On a more mechanical level, the surface below the bench is important to consider as well. For example, do you have flagstones, brick or another type of uneven surface? Certain types of benches can be off-center and uncomfortable unless placed on a perfectly flat surface, while others can adjust to an uneven foundation.

Materials & styles

Outdoor benches don’t have to coordinate perfectly with the rest of your outdoor space or backyard decor. However, if you want a bench in a specific architectural style, design and materials matter.

For example, English or French style gardens are the perfect setting for an ornamental cast iron style. A more contemporary yard would call for a sleek, modern style of bench with clean lines and lack of embellishments. The classic wooden bench could work in either context, but whether you add stain or paint color depends on the aesthetic you hope to achieve.

A bench might seem like a simple furnishing, but once you get deeper into the possibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choices. If you’re interested in finding the perfect bench for your outdoor living space, consider these key factors to guide your decision.

Renovating a Home: How Much Will My Remodel Cost?

Many hopeful homebuyers seek to save money by buying a fixer-upper and doing most of the renovations themselves. This is a proven method for those who have a knack for home improvement and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

However, estimating the cost of a remodel can be difficult. There are many costs you may not be aware of, and others that are easy to go over budget on.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the cost of an average remodel, and some lesser-known costs that you might be forgetting to factor into your budget.

Average remodeling costs

As you might guess, the cost of a remodel can vary greatly. Things like the size of the home, the number of rooms you’re remodeling, and the type of repairs you’ll be making all factor into the equation.

Some repairs can be quite costly. Septic system replacements can cost several thousands of dollars depending on the type of system you need. And, if you’re buying an old home, you’ll need to look out for expensive fixes like asbestos removal and foundation damage.

According to one report, most Americans spent between $17,000 and $61,000 on their remodel, with the average renovation cost being around $37,000.

If you’re hiring a contractor for the bulk of your remodel, expect them to charge between 10% and 15% of the total cost.

Lesser known costs of a home renovation

Remodeling a home isn’t as simple as looking up a contractor and telling them to give you the bill once it’s finished, and that’s probably a good thing because odds are you would be shocked by the cost.

First, you’ll pay a contractor to do a walkthrough and estimate costs. Next, you’ll need to get any permits that are required for your renovations.

If you plan on doing the renovations yourself, there are a few costs you’ll need to consider. First, understand that you likely won’t be able to take advantage of all of the discounts that contractors can, meaning your building materials may be more expensive than expected. Similarly, the cost of tools for the project adds up quickly. And, when you make mistakes–we all do, we’re only human–you’ll be paying for it out of pocket.

Knowing your long term goals

An important consideration for a remodel is to look toward the future. Do you want to sell your home within the next few years? If so, you might consider going with less expensive materials–such as generic kitchen cabinets rather than custom-built–to save money while still increasing the value of the home.

However, if you plan on being in this home for decades or more, it may be worth the extra money now to make sure you are happy with your home for years to come.

Remodeling a home can be a memorable and rewarding endeavor. You get the chance to take a house that you see potential in and make it truly your own. Now that you know the costs, you’ll be better prepared for planning your home renovation.

Hazard insurance: Understanding the basics

Hazard insurance and homeowners insurance are often mistaken for the same thing due to the similarities they share. While standard homeowners insurance policies include hazard coverage, standalone hazard insurance serves a different purpose.

How do you know if you need hazard insurance? Here is a guide to help you understand the basics:

Hazard insurance vs. homeowners insurance

Hazard insurance can protect you financially from damage caused by hazards like fire, lighting, wind and other natural events. While homeowners insurance includes protection from a broad range of hazards, certain specific events are excluded.

In certain areas where specific hazards like tornadoes or earthquakes are common, you may be required to get a separate hazard insurance policy. This combined with your regular homeowners insurance coverage means you’re prepared for anything.

Another key point of comparison of what these two types of insurance will pay to replace. Hazard insurance typically refers to coverage for the structure of your home, including the roof and foundation. Homeowners insurance, however, includes coverage for your personal belongings and furnishings.

How to know if you need hazard insurance

Whether you should have additional hazard insurance largely depends on where you live. In regions prone to flooding, for example, your mortgage lender might require you to get a flood insurance policy before approving you for a loan.

Even if not required, having hazard insurance coverage can give you peace of mind. If you have an additional hazard policy, you’ll know you have financial coverage if your home and belongings are damaged in an extreme weather event.

By comparing the hazard insurance cost with the potential cost of replacement and repairs, you can determine whether it makes sense to add it into your budget. Consult your insurance company to find out what options you have and whether a hazard insurance policy is right for you.

How to Choose Lighting for Your Closet

Image by B. Forenius from Shutterstock

There are some overlooked places in your home that need proper lighting. A good example is a closet. Whether a closet is small or large, proper lighting is essential for safety and good illumination. When building a new space or upgrading an existing one, these tips will help you choose the ideal lighting. 

Safety first

Closet lighting fixtures should be installed at least 12 inches away from where your clothes will be stored. Light and heat from bulbs can be harmful to your clothes especially if exposed for extended periods. Avoid heat issues by choosing LED or compact fluorescent (CFL) over incandescent lights. Using LEDs or CFLs in your closet provides the right amount of light, gives off less heat and saves energy. 

Halogen lights generate a significant amount of heat. They are not suitable for enclosed spaces like closets so avoid halogen fixtures in this application. 

Color temperature

Consider the color temperature of the lightbulbs you select. A color temperature within the range of 3000k-3500k provides bright, white light that is perfect for a closet. Selecting the right color temperature allows you to see the color of your clothes more accurately: no more guessing if your pants are black or dark blue.

Illuminate dark areas

Many closets include shelves and cabinets. Natural light or wall-mounted fixtures may not reach the far corners of these spaces. Consider installing under cabinet lighting to brighten the darker corners. Under-cabinet lighting comes in assorted sizes that can be customized for your closet. LED tape lights offer endless possibilities because of their thin profile and flexibility.

Choosing the perfect light for your closet can make big impact on your space. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your updates. If you do not have existing fixtures, consult with an experienced electrician to help with installation and placement.

Weekend projects to make your home more energy-efficient

While many home improvements have a lengthy process, there are plenty of upgrades you can accomplish as weekend projects. One way to spend a weekend improving your home is to add upgrades and changes that will help lower your utility costs. Here are some ideas for weekend projects to make your home more efficient and cost-effective:

Install a smart thermostat

Adding a programmable smart thermostat is an excellent weekend project that can save you money and make your home more energy efficient. With a smart thermostat, you can set specific schedules for heating and cooling. Many of them have features to adjust the temperature automatically based on activity. Smart thermostats can help you save energy and are simple and quick to install.

Upgrade your appliances & fixtures

Home appliances can be a major source of energy waste, and luckily, replacing them can be accomplished in a single weekend project. Modern refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens have energy-saving features to help you keep your costs down and your home more efficient. Even smaller appliances like coffee makers or microwaves can be swapped out for energy-saving alternatives. For fixtures, consider replacing your sink faucets with low-flow options to save water.

Touch up your weather stripping

Even modern homes can lose significant amounts of energy through leaky windows. If you want to keep your heating and cooling bills down, touching up the weather seals on your windows can help you ensure your HVAC system is performing at maximum efficiency. You can purchase caulk and other simple-to-use products at your local home improvement store or online to solve and prevent leaks.

These are just a few ways to help your home be more energy-efficient. If you’re interested in a more cost-effective and eco-friendly home, consider these home improvement ideas for your next weekend project.

Navigate the Property Selling Journey Like a Pro

No one should be forced to deal with a long, complicated home selling journey. Fortunately, there are many things a seller can do to navigate the property selling journey like a pro.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you enjoy a quick, profitable home selling experience.

1. Analyze the Housing Market

You may have entered the housing market in the hopes of enjoying a seamless property selling experience. Yet the real estate market offers no guarantees. But if you analyze the housing sector closely, you can gain the insights you need to price your home appropriately based on the present market’s conditions.

Take a look at the prices of available homes in your city or town that are similar to your own. This housing market data can help you see how your residence stacks up against the competition. It also may help you determine how to price your residence so you can ensure it garners lots of attention from potential buyers.

Furthermore, don’t forget to assess the prices of recently sold houses in your area, as well as how long these residences were available before they sold. If homes are selling quickly, a seller’s market may be in place. Or, if homes linger on the real estate market for many weeks or months, the current housing sector may favor sellers.

2. Perform Home Upgrades

For those who want to speed up the home selling process, improving your house’s curb appeal is ideal. Because if your home boasts amazing curb appeal, you can make it easy for buyers to fall in love with your house.

To bolster your residence’s curb appeal, you should mow the lawn, repair any damaged siding and perform other home exterior improvements. That way, your house is sure to impress buyers as soon as they see it for the first time.

In addition, allocate time and resources to transform your home’s interior from drab to fab. If each room of your home dazzles, buyers will have no trouble envisioning what life may be like if they purchase your house.

3. Hire a Real Estate Agent

Generally, it helps to hire a real estate agent if you are selling your home. And if you have a real estate agent at your side, you can quickly and effortlessly promote your residence to the right groups of buyers.

A real estate agent will offer recommendations to help you upgrade your residence’s interior and exterior, set up home showings and open house events and much more. Plus, if you are ever unsure about how to proceed along the property selling journey, he or she is happy to offer home selling advice.

For those who prepare for the home selling journey, it may not take long to sell a house. If you take advantage of the aforementioned tips, you can plan ahead for each stage of the property selling journey. As such, you will be able to navigate this journey like a pro.

How to Make Planters From a Wine Barrel

If you’re looking for a satisfying garden DIY project, try repurposing an old wine barrel. Wine barrels are made of sturdy materials and built to last even long after their original purpose has ended. This makes them excellent candidates for outdoor planters. Here we’ll go over the process and materials you’ll need to make your very own DIY wine barrel planter.

Materials

Wine barrel
Circular Saw
Pencil
Chalk line marker
Tape measure
Sand paper
Glasses or eye protection
Ear plugs
Protective gloves
Power drill & spade bit

Where to Find Wine Barrels

If you don’t already have a wine barrel sitting around, there are a few ways you can get them. First would be to look at any local thrift or second-hand stores, especially those with outdoor goods. If you have any vineyards or wineries nearby, you can contact them and inquire about helping them recycle. If all else fails you can always turn to online marketplaces to find the materials you need.

How to Build Your Planters

  1. First, turn the barrel on its side and use your tape measure to find the very middle. Once you have it, mark it with a pencil all the way around the barrel.

  2. Next, use the chalk line marker on the pencil line to mark where you’ll need to cut with the saw.

  3. Once the middle of the barrel is well-marked, carefully cut along the line using a circular saw. Make sure you and anyone helping you wear protective gear when using power tools. For extra stability, wedge the barrel between two cinder blocks or other heavy material as a brace.

  4. Once you have cut the barrel in half, use your power drill and a spade bit to cut drainage holes in the bottom of the new planters. For a planter of this size you should have at least 4 drainage holes.

  5. Carefully sand the edges of the barrel along where you cut it. This will help you avoid splinters, snags and other hazards when handling the planter.

  6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other half of the barrel.

  7. Now you’re ready to plant! Add a layer of gravel to the bottom of your barrels before your choice of potting mix, then fill with your favorite flowers, plants or herbs. For a super easy gardening hack, place your plants right into the barrel, container and all. Nestled closely together the plants will appear lush and full but be much easier to transplant or remove if you ever need to make changes.

With this project you’ll have created not one but two wooden wine barrel planters. This is an excellent way to repurpose old materials and enjoy the satisfaction of DIY crafts. Now you can enjoy these planters in your garden, patio or even indoors for years to come.