Nowadays, many people use the famous magnetic screen door worldwide. The door has gained popularity because of its convenience. There are mainly designs available; hence, you can choose one that fits your needs. The door allows easy entry and exit from a house. The majority of the users prefer using the screen door in their back door. This is to prevent rodents and insects from accessing the house. Most people have small kitchen gardens in their backyard, attracting rodents and parasites. Therefore, the animals can easily access the home without prevention. There are different types of screen doors; hence, it is upon you to choose the kind that will fit you best. If you are planning to invest in a screen door, below are the benefits you will get from it.

Gain security in your home

One of the significant benefits that you can get from a magnetic screen door is safety. The door is made of solid material. Therefore, no one can access it unless they are authorized. If you use the lock system, even the family members will have to make calls to get inside. Since the door can be made using a different material, you must choose the most durable material. This way, no intruder would be able to get in.

The door is easy to install

Screen doors are the easiest to install. You will not need to pay a technician to carry out the task. This will save you the money and time you would have used on the technician. If you find it hard to install it, you can go ahead to check for a guide. Like the magnetic screen door, some doors will have a manual that you can use when installing them. In addition, there are many people on the internet demonstrating how to install the door.

Adds value to your home

Having a screen door in your home is a great investment. When you have one in your home, your home is more valuable. Therefore, if you plan to resell your home, you will do so at a higher price. The majority of buyers today are interested in homes that have been upgraded. Therefore, there will be more customers at your disposal.

Ensures good health

A screen door is made to allow free entry of air because it is made of mesh. This means that fresh air will get into the house. This is much better than the traditional doors that do not allow any aeration into a home once closed. Fresh air promotes good health by eradicating dust and allergens from home.

The door is very versatile

This type of door promotes flexibility, meaning that it can be used anywhere. Some people prefer to install it on the back of the front door. In addition, even if you don’t own a home, you can use it on a property you have rented. This is because the door can be temporarily installed, and when you are moving, you can move with it. Therefore, if the property owner is reluctant to do such an installation, you will still be safe. On the other hand, you can remove the door during winter. This is because, during the season, people prefer to keep their doors shut.

Doors like magnetic screen doors have brought development to homes. People are no longer complaining about rodents in their homes. When purchasing the door, make sure that you consult with other people who have the same.

 

Fixing drafty windows in your home is an excellent way to make your energy dollars go further while keeping yourself warm and comfortable. It might be time for a window replacement job soon.

Window sashes can warp over time due to various factors such as extreme temperatures or repeated usage. The problem with window sash warping is that it lets in much air, forcing you to crank up the heat!

Whatever type of window you have, it will save you on heating costs if you make a few simple repairs!

Remember These When Fixing Drafty Windows

There are several ways to fix drafty windows in your home. It depends on the type of window and what is causing the problem.

• Prior to fixing drafty windows, make sure they are tightly closed. You can also add insulated curtains or shades for added warmth.
• Before doing any repairs, open your windows to clear out built-up dust and dirt. Cleaning your windows at regular intervals will help keep them in tip-top shape.
• While you can fix some drafty windows with a simple repair job, others may need parts. If you have single-pane windows, it might be time to replace them with double-pane ones, which better insulate your home and cut down on drafts!
• Other times, the problem is with the weatherstripping. If you can’t find any replacement weatherstripping, you may be able to replace it with a sticky-backed foam strip which will provide insulation and hold your window tightly shut.
• You can clean your windows regularly to keep them in tip-top shape or replace weatherstripping to ensure that your windows stay tightly closed.
• If all else fails and you still have drafty windows that won’t stay closed, don’t hesitate to call in an expert! A window repair service can come to your home and fix those drafty windows in no time.

Additionally, you can replace single-pane windows with double-paned ones or call in a window repair service to make the necessary repairs.

Signs That You Need To Fix Your Windows

You might notice that your pipes are constantly freezing or that it gets cooler inside than out. If this is the case, drafty windows may be the root of your problems. You can fix them yourself for drafty windows, utilizing a few supplies and basic DIY skills.

Window Inserts

Window inserts are the most popular form of insulation for windows. The inserts are attached to the inside windows, filling up all the space between the insulation and exterior windows.

Many people opt to use window inserts to solve their drafty window issues. With a simple window installation process, it can keep your house warm all year round. That prevents drafts entirely by blocking out any wind that comes into contact with your windows.

Anyone can install this without any damage to the window or its screens. Some people use plastic shrink-wrap to stop drafts, but this may also be difficult for those who are uncomfortable working with tools and materials.

Once the insert is attached to the inside of the window, it fills up all of the space between your heat insulation and exterior windows, preventing drafts entirely.

Shrink-Wraps

Some people make use of plastic film or shrink-wrap to stop drafts. While this can be effective, it doesn’t leave your windows free to let light inside. It may also be difficult for people who aren’t comfortable working with tools and materials.

There are professionals who offer insulation installation services if you’re uncomfortable fixing drafty windows yourself. Professionals run window insulating services to provide proper insulation. It is the most well-liked solution for people looking to fix drafty windows at home.

That can keep your space warm at least cost to you. That will fix drafts and be beneficial for stopping cold and hot spots.

If you have any further questions regarding these solutions or are looking for more information on home insulation services, consider consulting an expert from a home insulation company.

You can find the different ways of fixing draft windows at home using window inserts and other methods here.

How Much Do Window Replacements Cost?

How much does window installation cost? The cost of window replacements varies from company to company and from project to project because each comes with unique factors that need to be considered.

Thus, the cost depends on the number of windows you have in your home, what type of material they are made out of, if it has any special features or finishes that you want to add to them, how many panes or glazes they have, and their overall dimensions.

If they are double-pane windows, they are more expensive than single-pane ones, so the former would cost more. Also, if you want additional features like low-E glass, it can be more expensive.

You have to consider that if you are replacing or adding one window, it can be extremely cheap, but if you need to replace all of them in your home, the cost may increase drastically.

How To Choose A Window Replacement Company

You might need to hire a company to fix your drafty windows if you aren’t comfortable doing the job yourself. When hiring a company, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right one.

The first thing is looking into reviews and feedback from other customers. Spend some time skimming through reviews on their website or that are available on third-party websites.

Also, look for online forums where customers may share feedback. Once you hire professionals you no longer need to learn how to frame for a window installation.

Another factor is to check the company’s credentials and licenses because this ensures that they are legally allowed to do the job. You can ask them about their certifications to know if they have the expertise needed for your project.

Also, consider checking if they are insured and bonded. That protects you, the homeowner, against any damage during the project. Never be bothered about how to install a replacement window again with help from a trusted replacement company.

It also ensures that they can perform their job smoothly because if they overdid it or made a mistake since they aren’t licensed, you won’t be held responsible for it.

Finally, choose a company based on your budget and perform the best job for you. Window replacement is a significant investment, so make sure to hire someone who can give you quality work at a fair price.

 

When it comes to a planning application, the planning authority might ask for you to carry out a tree survey on any trees located on the property or near to it. While you might think that tree surveys in Essex are all the same, this is simply not true. As a result, the planning department might ask for you to have a tree survey but once you begin looking, you soon realise that there are more surveys than you realised, so what tree survey do you need?

The Tree Survey

When a tree survey is carried out, it should be carried out in line with the British Standard 5837. This process will then involve surveying and identifying each tree. The survey will consider all of the relevant data related to the individual trees such as the name and botanical name, the age and size too. It will also consider the health of the tree and how long it is likely to live for while it will also involve considering the crown spread and the height as well as the Root Protection Area. Any report or assessments that take place will be underpinned by this survey, which means that it is vital.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment

This assessment will consider which trees will be kept and those that will have to be removed. It will also look at the way in which the development plans could impact the trees that will be kept. As part of the assessment, the health and lifespan of the trees will be considered as the potential impact will be dependent on this information. Once these factors have been considered, the relevant measures will be put in place to help reduce or remove the impact. Consideration will also be made to other factors that could impact the development and this might include the likes of a Tree Preservation Order that might be placed on any of the trees.

Arboricultural Method Statement

This is the final part of the process, and the Arboricultural Method Statement is designed to provide insight into how any work can be completed with the aim of minimising damage to those trees that are remaining.

This will consider making recommendations such as installing fencing, pruning trees and even the way in which any services above and below ground are installed. The method statement is site specific and will look at many of the different factors based on the plans for the development as well as any current features located on site.

Tree surveys are important for many reasons, but the aim is to help identify information about the trees as well as the impact that any changes might have on them or vice versa. So, when it comes to tree surveys, it helps to understand what they involve and which one you need as this will ensure you get all of the information that you need.

Replacing drywall is a more standard home repair than many people might initially think. Drywall runs the length of your home’s interior, and it’s the miracle surface that separates the bones of your home from the luxurious space that you see and relax in on a daily basis. Likewise, drywall provides your property with the ability to hang pictures with ease, alongside many other functions.

The average home has likely seen a hole in the wall, though. Many families with younger children know that playtime can easily be interrupted when an overzealous child accidentally lets a heavy toy fly through the air, crashing into the wall with a huge thump. Often, drywall can take a beating without letting you know it, but corners of metal objects, shoulders (after a running trip down the hall, for instance), and many other routine bashes and scrapes can leave the home with an unsightly hole in the wall. This leads homeowners to the inevitable question of how to replace a section of drywall with simplicity and effectiveness.

In this article, you’ll learn the basics of drywall replacement and repair.

Drywall repairs can often be made with a patch.

For small holes in the wall, utilizing a utility knife to scrape out a clean edge can give you an understanding of the scope of the repair required. Damaged drywall requires repair quickly because moisture can seep into the studs, attic, or other components of the home if the hole is left to its own devices for a long period of time. Likewise, moisture, debris, and other irritants like pests can creep into the living space that you enjoy without a proper drywall patch to repair the section of drywall that has taken a knock or been subjected to water damage.

For holes or damaged sections that are 5 inches or smaller, a patch using drywall repair putty is easy and highly effective. For this approach, you’ll want to clean the area and then begin to apply the first coat of solution to the space, ensuring that you don’t leave any ridges that will alert viewers to the problem area later on. For small holes, this is as simple as using a spackle edge or other smooth object to smear the spot with your patch material. Other holes that are larger may require some backing material to hold the fix in place and offer support.

Larger problem areas will require a new section of drywall altogether.

For anything that is larger than a few inches (as a result of water damage or a significant impact, for instance), you will want to cut away the damaged section and replace it with a new drywall element. The beauty of this type of siding is that it provides excellent rigidity and support but won’t force you to go through any extended process of tearing away wood or other heavy material in order to repair an issue.

Cutting the damaged section away until you find the studs is crucial here. You’ll need a piece that is larger than the damage because your new section will need to be fastened to the wooden studs that lie just behind the drywall outer layer. Using drywall screws is recommended because they are specifically fabricated for the hold that these construction materials require. Simply cutting your new drywall patch to size and fastening it into the wall will finish the first step of the process. From there you’ll just need to spackle the area to match the texture around its perimeter and then paint the new segment to complete the job.

Start on your repair work today!

When it comes to online marketing, most people are finding ways to rank higher on Google. With all the SEO tactics that are used, some people do not think about making their websites accessible. But it is important to remember that search engines like Google give you a rating based on how user-friendly your site is. A good score on Google means you are more likely to rank higher. If your site is not accessible, this can make it difficult for people with disabilities to use your website, which will lead to lower scores. Using an accessibility overlay is a great way to optimize your website and rank higher on google.

An accessibility overlay is a tool that lets you know how accessible your website is and if there are any changes that need to be made. There are three different types of overlays:

– Color Contrast

– Keyboard Shortcuts

– Skip Links

Color contrast is the most common type of overlay. This overlay will let you know if there are any colors on your website that make it difficult to read. If you have a background color with text over top of it, the accessibility overlay will show you if there is enough contrast between these two elements. The tool will let you know if one is too light or too dark in relation to the other. This allows you to see what changes need to be made.

Keyboard Shortcuts is another type of overlay that will let you know if there are any problems with using your website using a keyboard only. This can help those with mobility issues and makes it easier for them to navigate your site. The last kind of accessibility overlay that you may use is called a Skip Link. This link lets those with disabilities know that if they tab to the link, it will skip all of the navigation on your website and take them directly to the content section.

Skip links are the most useful tool for ranking higher on Google because it lets people with disabilities skip past your navigation and go right to the content. This means that they don’t have to listen or read through multiple pages just to find what they are looking for. The other types of overlays are less important than skip links when it comes to SEO but are still great tools to use in order make sure your content is accessible.

How Does An Accessibility Overlay Help You Rank Higher On Google?

By having an accessibility overlay instead of a pop-up, you are letting search engines like Google know that your website is easier to use. This will help you rank higher on a Google search because of a good user experience. It is important that your website be accessible for everyone. Even if you have a small audience who uses a screen reader, it is still important that the information found online can be accessed by all users. With an accessibility overlay, you are able to let search engines know that your website is easier to use. Having a high user experience score will let Google know that your website is relevant and trustworthy, which will increase your rankings for targeted keywords.

Do you have any questions about this article? Click here to contact us today.

You can use the accessiBe WordPress plugin to improve your site’s accessibility. The goal of the plugin is to help you fix website’s existing errors in order to meet WCAG 2.0 AA guidelines, making it easier for people who are blind, have low vision, or motor disabilities to visit and navigate your site. The following article will introduce you to the plugin’s interface and show you how to improve your site by adding missing titles, subtitles, images, and alternative texts.

Every time you add a new image to your post or page, remember to add the image’s alt attribute. Images without alt attributes will be ignored by this plugin.

The plugin is activated on default for all your posts and pages. If you want to deactivate it on certain pages or posts, just uncheck the checkboxes next to them.

In the plugin’s main menu, below ‘Settings,’ there is a list of posts and pages where you can check whether accessiBe WordPress plugin has been activated. If it wasn’t activated for some posts or pages, please activate the plugin on them before going to the General settings area.

General Settings

The plugin’s general settings are divided into three sections: Handling, HTML, And CSS.

Handling Settings – The main purpose of these settings is to tell the plugin how it should handle errors. You have five options available: Ignore, Moderate, and Markup.

Ignore: When this option is selected, accessiBe WordPress plugin will not generate any markup or CSS for errors that are found.

Moderate: When this option is selected, the plugin will only show errors which you have moderate permissions to edit – member, editor, or administrator.

Markup: When this option is selected, the plugin will show all found errors on your site, and it will also create HTML elements and CSS classes to help you correct errors.

HTML And CSS Settings – When the accessiBe WordPress plugin finds errors on your site, it will add them as either HTML elements or CSS classes. For every error the plugin finds, an HTML container element is created and placed inside a div container with a class of ‘accessibe-error.’ Inside this container, you will find all errors the plugin has found.

Logs Settings – There are two options available under Logs settings: Show accessiBe icon: This option adds an icon to your site’s header that shows that your site is accessible. Hide Icon: This option hides the icon from your site’s header.

HTML And CSS Classes

– The plugin provides a list of HTML elements and CSS classes that you can use to correct your site’s errors. These are stored in the ‘accessibe-element’ and ‘accessibe-class’ variables, respectively.

Markup And Styling – This option enables or disables the plugin’s markup code.

Styling Your HTML Elements – This option enables or disables the plugin’s CSS styling code.

Alternative Text – When a thumbnail is found, the plugin will also attempt to retrieve a picture’s alternative text from og: image tag.

Title And Subtitle – If the title or subtitle of a page or post has been added to that page or post, then this error will be corrected with these two settings checked.

Image Alternative Text – When you add an image to your site, if it has no alternative text set by the author, this error will be corrected with this setting checked.

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Pressure cookers are used by millions of people in the United States and all over the world, but most people don’t realize that pressure cookers can come with real safety risks. Properly designed and well-constructed pressure cookers offer you the ability to prepare delicious meals in a shortened amount of time without much fuss or mess. However, when they’re defective or malfunction, they can cause bodily harm and severe injuries. If you’re wondering about lawsuits connected to these incidents, read on to learn whether or not there was ever a pressure cooker explosion lawsuit.

Was there a lawsuit related to pressure cooker explosions?

Yes, there have been many claims filed as a result of the pressure cooker explosion lawsuit. Pressure cookers, commonly known as instant pots, are cooking devices that use trapped heat and steam to cook food. Pressure cookers are used because they can reduce cooking times for popular dishes by a significant amount of time, but when they’re poorly designed or defective, they can cause serious injuries like burns, lacerations, and electrocution.

What defects were associated with the affected pressure cookers?

Like many other products, pressure cookers are vulnerable to defects or errors in the designing and manufacturing process. Those defects can create serious risks for customers, including a risk of the device exploding. This can cause severe injuries for anyone in the vicinity of the pressure cooker when it explodes. The most common reason for these explosions is a lack of proper design to safely release the steam pressure that builds up during use. This causes problems like lids flying off, gaskets exploding, and spraying heated water.

The release of excess steam pressure is typically dissipated by a release valve that discards excess. If that valve is clogged or defective, it can result in blockages that don’t allow steam pressure to get out. The extreme internal pressure, or the pressure release when the lid is removed, can cause explosions. Some common causes of pressure cooker malfunctions include faulty gaskets, improper lid seals and locks, faulty release valves, improper ventilation, digital indication malfunction, and faulty wiring.

Who is eligible to file a claim?

If you’ve been the victim of a pressure cooker accident that you believe may have been caused by a defect or malfunctioning device, it’s a good idea to reach out to a law firm that specializes in cases like this to discuss your legal options. Personal injury lawsuits, including those related to defective product liability, often have a statute of limitations. That means you only have a limited amount of time to file your claim.

Anyone concerned about the financial cost of filing a lawsuit can take comfort in the fact that most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Under this agreement, your lawyer will take their payment as a percentage of your final settlement or judgment. That means you won’t have to pay anything until your case is resolved, making recompense more accessible for even low-income clients. You should never avoid seeking justice due to the fear of the price when you’ve been the victim of an accident.

No one expects the products they buy to be defective, but it’s an unfortunate risk that everyone has to take. Though your odds of receiving an item that is likely to malfunction is low, it still happens with surprising frequency in the United States. In the aftermath of an accident due to a defective or damaged product, many people don’t know what legal options they have or what to do about injuries or damage sustained as a result of the incident. If you’ve been injured as a result of a faulty pressure cooker, it’s a good idea to contact a lawyer immediately.

 

The modest toss cover is effectively among the most famous pieces for the home. Materials like cotton, wool, and fleece furnish you with various choices that you can trade all year, relying upon your solace needs. They’re ideal for housewarmings, for birthday celebrations, and for surprising somebody who could utilize a tad of a jolt of energy. However, other than their undeniable noticeable magnificence and surface, what makes them so extraordinary? Assuming that you end up having one around, or you’re pondering buying one for the home, you might need to remember these helpful tips.

It’s a Perfect Protective Cover

You may not understand the benefit of securing things around your home until you become a pet parent or have youngsters. Pets normally shed fur, which implies your upholstery will amass stray hairs decently fast. That is the kind of trash that you can make a decent attempt as conceivable to control yet never quite get a handle on. Be that as it may, it’s a whole lot simpler to wash a toss cover! The equivalent goes for the wrecks that little ones may incidentally make occasionally. Crumbs and spills are normal, and you could invest an extreme measure of energy attempting to eliminate a stain from your home. Or, on the other hand, you could throw the Throw Blanket in the clothing hamper, trade it for another, and appreciate clean furniture all year.

It’s a great design tool

A toss cover isn’t only incredible to fold over your shoulders when you’re cold or to cover your legs while you’re snuggling on the sofa. It likewise fills in as an emphasized piece ideal for your inside plan plot. You can exploit a vivid style in such countless cunning ways. If you check details about toss covers on the internet, you get that could wrap it across your bed as an appealing sprinter to add a little emphasized part of your room.

Convenient to move around

Toss covers give individuals the solace of an ordinary cover combined with the accommodation of something significantly more modest that can be utilized all around the house. A regular blanket is roughly a similar size as your sleeping pad and your bedsheets, so assuming you have anything bigger than a sovereign, it’s probably going to be enormous to get and move it around the house. Throw Blanket will cover your body; however, you can all the more effectively fold it over yourself without stressing over being wrapped in a staggering measure of texture that may haul around the floor at whatever point you move.

Provides great warmth

It’s measured perfectly for your solace. You can put it on the floor and unwind on it, for instance, or on the rear of the sofa so you can snatch it at whatever point you feel somewhat cold. Toss covers are extraordinary for those minutes when you need to unwind, loosen up, and disengage from the wildness of the rest of the world. The above advantages make it almost impossible not to purchase a fuzzy toss cover. However, before purchasing any toss blankets, you should check details on the various web stores that sell them and go through them all. Toss covers come in different colors and sizes, and you should choose the one that fits you best.

 

What’s your dream kitchen?

Our kitchens are a hub for many memorable activities for our family. That’s why we want it to be functional, comfy, homey, and bright.

In addition to some countertop and shiny appliances, it’s important to pay attention to your cabinets. As you know, your kitchen cabinets are the basis for the structural foundation of your kitchen, plus their functionality and design can make or break your kitchen design.

If you’re looking for ways to maximize your existing kitchen cabinets but on a budget, here are easy, cheap DIY kitchen cabinet add-ons you can try:

1. Rollout Trays on Your Cabinet Under the Sink

The space under your sink is usually unused because of some obstacles, such as your plumbing pipes. You can customize rollout trays that fit where you can store cleaning supplies, unused vases, trash bags, etc.

You only need basic carpentry tools and some simple materials you can buy from hardware stores at a low price. You can find free video tutorials online to guide you if you are a beginner.

2. Cutting Board Holder Inside Doors

The materials you need in this project are:

• Screw
• Wood glue
• 4 Woodblocks
• 2 Wood moldings or trims
• Drill
• Measuring tape

Start by making a cutting board holder from your wood moldings and wooden blocks for the height. Measure the length of your cabinet’s bottom to find out how long your moldings would be. After taking all your measurements, head to the hardware store and buy wood pieces necessary to fashion your holder.

Glue your wood moldings and blocks, and drill. Finally, mount the holders and form your cutting board’s cradle. You can dab some paint on the exposed screw heads to match the color of your cabinet.

3. Back-of-Cabinet Door Organizer

Turn the back of your kitchen cabinet door into a handy hanging space. If your cabinet door is not sturdy enough for the hardware, you can screw a piece of 3/4-inch thick plywood to the back of the door. For hollow-core doors, add construction adhesive.

Cut your plywood at least 3-4 inches smaller than the door edges to give space for the doorknob or hinges. You can mount as many hooks and magnets as you want.

4. Back-of-Cabinet Door Storage Bins

This is perfect for your cabinet under your sink, where you can store sponges, cleaning supplies, plastic bags, etc. All you need is to cut a plastic storage tub in half with a utility knife. With the plastic lip at the top of the tub, screw it to the inside of the cabinet door.

Make sure to position it correctly so that you can close the cabinet door even if the storage bin is full of supplies.

5. Rack for Gloves at the Back of Cabinet Doors

Use this rack to hang your hats and gloves. String clothespins on aluminum wire (since it doesn’t rust), and stretch it between screw eyes on the back of your cabinet door.

6. Pull Out Towel Rack at the Back of Cabinet Doors

If you have a cramped bathroom and your kitchen cabinets have extra space, why don’t you mount pull-out towel racks? You can buy cheap swivel towel bars at your local hardware store. Wood pieces that you can shape and turn into a wood towel rack can also do the job.

7. Pegboard Hang-Up for Kitchen Utensils

Pegboards are excellent for organizing kitchen cabinets. Just rout a groove in a 1 x 2 frame with a rabbet bit, attach the pegboard using glue and brads, and mount it to the back of the cabinet door. The frame provides support to the edges of the pegboard, and at the same time, creates a half-inch space behind the boards so the pegs can be inserted.

8. Pockets for Cords and Chargers

Let’s admit it. We experience rummaging through our drawers, searching for chargers and cords of our gadgets because we forgot where we last kept them. A clear hanging pocket organizer can solve this problem, which you can mount at the back of your cabinet’s door. Remember to label each pocket.

Remember

Whatever you choose to store in your kitchen cabinets, make sure to clean regularly and keep the inside dry. Molds in kitchens and other high-moisture areas are common since they thrive with moisture, little ventilation, and humidity. Food particles and wet items in your cabinets can provide a perfect environment for molds to grow.

Pay attention to the cabinets under your sink, dishwasher, and near your exhaust vent as these are the most common areas that retain heat and moisture. If you spot a small area of mold growth, make sure to clean it right away with cleaners you can find in your home: vinegar, lemon, bleach, and even hydrogen peroxide. Just be sure not to mix these solutions.

Here’s an easy step-by-step process on how to remove molds in your kitchen.

 

There are few things in life as exciting as buying your first home. Unfortunately, first-time buyers often get carried away in the process and make unnecessary mistakes. Below are essential tips to follow when buying your first home.

Know what you want

It sounds obvious, but it’s difficult to keep a clear view of what you want with so many options and opinions from well-meaning friends and family. Make a comprehensive list of must-haves before starting your property journey.

There is a big difference between what you want in a property and what you need. Why not create a wants versus needs checklist, considering:

• Type of home
• Amenities in the area
• Location and Neighborhood
• Size of property
• Features – home office, walk-in wardrobe, etc.
• Outdoor space
• Energy efficiency

Having a clear list of must-haves will keep you focused. Carefully consider how long you want to live in your first property. What is most important to me? Is this where I will raise my family? Do I want this property to be an investment opportunity? Am I willing to take on renovation works?

Even though you will require plenty of expert advice along the way, you need to educate yourself as much as possible before embarking on your homeowner’s journey. By preparing and educating yourself as much as possible, you will become an empowered home buyer. You should view this process as a project and yourself as the project manager.

Secure your finances

Do not start looking at properties before you have secured your finances. A big mistake a lot of first-time buyers make is falling in love with their dream home without first getting approval for what it will cost. You may have a rough idea of what you can afford or what you would like to afford, but this can often be far from reality. By securing your home loan before you even start looking, you will save yourself a world of pain and frustration. The first step in your property journey is to choose the right mortgage adviser and get pre-approval of your loan. An experienced mortgage adviser can give you a complete picture of loan type, interest rates, down payments, and additional costs, giving you an accurate bottom-line figure. Many of these services have now moved online, and sites like this can quickly review offers and provide you with the results in one format.

Keep in mind you may be approved for more than you might expect, but be careful. What you are approved for and what you can comfortably afford might be two different things. Calculate what you can comfortably afford to pay each month, considering all the added expenses that come with owning our own home, such as maintenance, taxes, utilities. Normally it should not exceed 28% of your monthly income.

Get your paperwork prepared before speaking with a broker, proof of income, identification, bank records, etc. Being prepared in advance helps reduce stress and means you can get your mortgage approval fast. Don’t ever sign documentation you are unclear about. Discuss any doubts or questions with your mortgage broker. They have all the expert knowledge and can easily answer questions you have.

Find a good real estate agent

Don’t just go with the first agent you find or the one listed on your property of choice. It is essential to have an agent who will keep your best interest in mind. Research what the best agencies in your area are. The important thing is to find an agent with who you communicate well and are known for being helpful and having a high quality of customer service. Be very clear with your agent that you want to stick to your loan approval amount and that they only show you properties within your price range. Your real estate agent will also help you with your home appraisal once you have found your dream property. A property appraisal is primarily for your mortgage lender to determine your final loan amount, but it is also essential for you. You are purchasing your property for an accurate and fair price, or even better, that you might get a deal.

An agent has at hand all the market research and information on the best neighborhoods and potential investment properties. When negotiating, deliberate every offer and counteroffer, don’t be rushed to any decision.

Lastly, always listen to your gut! Don’t let anyone else make your final decision for you. Remember this will be your home, the place where you raise your family and enjoy your life.