Category Archives: Home Advice

Tips for Moving into Your New Home

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new home Moving into your new home is a very rewarding feeling but it can also come with some stress in the beginning when getting settled in.  We want to help make this process a little less stressful for you so that you may be able to enjoy this happy moment. Here are some things you can do before your big move that will help make the transition less stressful for you and your family.

Update Your New Address Before Moving

When you move into a new home you want to make sure that everyone who needs your new address has it. The easiest way to do this is to fill out a change of address form at your local post office. This will ensure that your mail will begin to get delivered to your new home as soon as possible. You will also want to make sure that you update your drivers license, voters registration, insurance, bank information and credit cards to reflect your new address. To further eliminate any stress, have all of your utilities transferred to your new address or set up new accounts if needed. If  you have any subscriptions to magazines or newspapers don’t forget about these too! The post office does forward these types of things but only for a limited amount of time.

Keep Important Documents Somewhere Safe

You know that new big screen TV you just bought or the washing machine you just had to replace? Those probably came with important warranty information and it is crucial that you keep these in a safe place. Remember it all just looks like paper when it is in a big pile and you would hate to throw something important like that away. A good idea is to get some kind of safe deposit box or safe that you can put all of these documents in so that they will not get mixed up with yesterday’s junk mail. Maybe you are moving across the U.S for work and the moving expenses are tax deductible; you do not want to lose your receipts. Make sure to keep these in a safe place as well.

Add Some Security

If your new home is not already equipped with a security system, you may want to consider setting one up. A new home is a new environment and knowing you are protected will give you peace of mind. If you are not moving into a newly built home it is also wise to change your locks so that your key is not the same as the previous owner’s key.

Do a Final Walk Through 

Here at P&D Builders this is a standard practice right before you get your keys. Doing a walk through will ensure that all the necessary repairs and updates were made before taking complete ownership of the home. You can find out more about our White Glove Guarantee here.

Get to Know Your Home 

A new home is a new surrounding, new walls, new floors and usually a whole new setup. That is why you need to take some time and get to know  your new home. P&D makes sure that you know where every outlet is, every light switch and circuit breaker by giving you a thorough walk through of  your home and answering all of your questions for you. Think of it as a ‘New Home Orientation’. It is important that you get all of your warranty information and operating manuals on the new appliances/features of the home. Also this is an important time to create an emergency plan for your and your family in case of a fire or other emergency. Since this is a new home for your kids too, make sure that they are familiarized with everything as well.

Home Owners Association (HOA)

Regardless of how you feel about homeowners associations, if you live in one you will want to make sure you are familiar with the HOA rules. Each community has different rules and regulations. Find out what you can or cannot do if you do live in a homeowners association. This is also a great time to find out what the trash and recycling collection times are and other important “need-to-knows” and events in the community.

Get to Know Your Neighborhood

When you move into your new home you are likely to have neighbors as you are probably living in a community (unless you are moving to a rural location). Don’t wait for your neighbors to come to you, reach out and meet them. It is also good to get to know your neighbors as this can add a sense of security to the community and your home. They can help watch your home when you are away, you can arrange play dates with their kids and most likely end up becoming great friends with one another. Embrace your new community and you will find that it can be a very welcoming experience for you and your family. Once you become more acquainted collect addresses and phone numbers from your neighbors in case of emergencies. Also if you have pets, find out where the veterinarian and pet hospital are located. The more you know about your neighborhood, the more assimilated you will feel.

Once you are all settled in, you have met the neighbors, and have become acquainted with your new home, you will feel much more at ease. This is the point in which  you break out all the necessary items to plan your housewarming party and invite everyone over for a celebration!

 

 

What You Need to Know Before Building a Pool

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building a pool

There is something about the warm summer days that make most people crave a trip to the pool. Maybe it is to simply cool off from the hot and humid Ohio summer days or just to hang out poolside with friends. Often times if you do not live in a condo or apartment complex you do not have a pool that you can go to free of charge therefore many opt to building their own pools for the convenience and luxury. If you are thinking of building a pool at your home there are a few considerations you should make before you begin the process.

#1 Create a Wishlist & Set a Budget

Research is so important when it comes to investing in something big like a swimming pool because it is permanent! With technology changing all the time it is best to see what new features, techniques, and other innovations are out there, especially if you want the best there is to offer. After you figure out that aspect of it, gather pictures of what you want it to look like, where you might want it to be built in your backyard, and what kind of ambiance you want to create around the pool. Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration! By creating your wish list and vision board it will be easier to explain to the builder exactly what you want. Don’t forget about setting a budget during this period before any commitments are made and contracts drawn up.

#2 Research the Types of Pools

Since you are likely putting a large chunk of money towards this investment it is important to know about the different types of in-ground pools available. Some pools are made of concrete, others are made of fiberglass, and some are even vinyl. Then you have to look into the coping, cleaning systems, filtering systems, and the artistic finishing touches that are available. With so many variations it is important to understand the pros and cons of each type so you and the builder are speaking the same language.

#3 Find A Credible Pool Builder

Again, we cannot stress the importance of research. Read reviews, talk to your neighbors who have a pool and see who they went with or recommend. You can find more in-depth reviews from the Better Business Bureau  It is best to find a pool builder who is seasoned in swimming pool construction. A good pool builder will offer samples of his work, provide references, and answer all of your questions. You will be working with this person for several months so make sure you choose someone you will be comfortable with.

#4 Consider the Weather in Your Area

Weather can dictate certain pool building decisions. People who live in colder climate areas should consider enclosures to prolong the amount of time they can use the pool. If you live in a wetter environment an enclosure would also be beneficial. A pool heater might be necessary if you live in a cooler environment. Also investing in a nice solar pool cover keeps the leaves and debris out while warming the pool with the solar energy. If you are looking to save on energy costs the enclosures, pool covers, pumps, and lighting timers can all pay for themselves in a short amount of time. If you live in Ohio you know we have bitter cold temperatures in the winter so completely shutting your pool down for the winter is the most efficient.

#5 How Will You Use Your Pool?

Is the pool going to be for your kids? For entertaining? Are you building it to add value to your home? Or is it being to built as a relaxing oasis for you and your spouse? Answering these questions will help you determine what kind of pool you should build and what features to add. If you are building for your kids, a pool slide or a shallow area would be perfect. If you are building it as more of a resort-like feel for you and your spouse, think of an infinity pool or using more high-end glass tile finishing. If you are using it for entertaining and want it to be very visually appealing, consider more expensive coping and maybe a built-in water feature. If you have a clear purpose you will be the builder’s best friend.

#6 Getting Permits and Insurance

Of course, we can’t go without saying this one! Even though your pool builder will be able to help you with this part, it is important to know the rules and regulations yourself. Some areas require perimeter fences of a certain height, some require locking fences and some require a fence only around the pool itself. Know what the requirements are in your area. It is important to inquire about restrictions, noise policies, and property tax concerns too! And don’t forget about the insurance. Contact your home owners insurance carrier and find out what differences it will make to your policy. It is always better to be informed instead of being surprised!

Building a pool can add a tremendous value to your home and create lasting memories both inside and outside! Make sure that all of the bases are covered and that you have done the research before beginning the process and beyond everything else always make sure to yell “canon ball’ before jumping in!

 

How to Choose the Right Moving Company

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moving company You have built your dream home and the move-in date is quickly approaching. Now it is time to pack up your current home, gather your stuff out of storage, and prepare to move into your new home. For many people moving can be a bit of a headache and that is why many end up hiring a moving company to do it for them. It is very important to do your research when searching for a reputable moving company to hire. Your belongings are very important and you want to make sure they are treated with the utmost care and respect. Here are a few things to consider when you are searching for a moving company.

Are they Licensed? 

This is one of the first, and most important, things to verify when searching for a moving company. You want to look into the company’s legal status. Most companies say they are licensed and insured but it is important that you do the research yourself for verification.

In-State moves: Many states have implemented rules and regulations to monitor moving companies at a local level. The Department of Transportation or the Public Utilities Commission are the authorities responsible for the oversight of these companies. If you are looking for more information it is best to contact them for more details or questions.

Out-of-State moves: If you are moving out of state and want more information or details on a moving company, check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This agency grants permits to all moving companies engaged in interstate transportaion of household goods. They regulate the safety, economic and legal compliance audits to protect consumers. This data is available as a public record and you can check to see if the mover you choose is licensed and insured.

Are they Reputable? 

Now that you have done your research into their validity, look at their reputation. This does not mean choose a company with the best ad campaigns or the catchiest slogans. Read reviews, get input from others who have used the company. Moving can be stressful so it is likely that you will get honest opinions from those who have used the company in the past. If they took care of them during that stressful time and made it a little easier, most likely you will get some honest feedback.  Another thing to notice is how the company responded to the reviews and feedback online. Was their presence made known both on their website and their social media accounts? Did it seem that they genuinely cared for their company reputation if they did receive a negative feedback? This is likely to show how much they care for their customers and their business.

 Do They Bring an Added Value? 

By now you have narrowed down your search. You have found a reputable, trustworthy company to hire, but don’t stop there. You want to ask them questions about how they go about disassembling furniture and electronics, the types of equipment they use for large or unique furniture? What types of packing materials do they use to keep your valuables safe from damage? Do they offer any other added benefits such as a cleaning service after the move is over? Do they offer storage (if needed)? These are all great things to consider because you might discover you need additional services as your moving day approaches.

The Red Flags

We cannot give you this list without advising you on what “Red Flags” to watch out for. If you are searching a moving company and they do not have a listed physical address, scratch them off of your list. If they do not give you a written estimate when doing a walk-through of your home also scratch them off of your list. Other things to watch out for are requiring a large deposit down before a move, estimating an extremely high or low price for the move, not giving you the FMCSA booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”, or asking you to sign blank or incomplete documents.

We know that this process is both exciting and sometimes stressful so we hope that you can use this as a guide when choosing a moving company to help you on your big moving day. If you would like more information on some moving companies in the area that we recommend contact P&D Builders.