Guest Post - Preventing Water Damage When Surrounded by Water

The idea of living with a lake view or even being able to look out at the ocean from your house sounds peaceful and serene. There are many mental and physical health benefits to living by the water (which is why most waterfront properties cost a pretty penny!). 

But, waterfront homes – especially those in hot and humid areas – can be more susceptible to water damage. 

While that shouldn’t deter you from moving to your dream house, there are some things you should keep in mind when it comes to preventing water damage. It might take a bit of extra effort to keep your property in top shape, but it’s well worth it when you know what to look for and the right steps to take. 

Let’s take a look at what you should expect when you consider buying a property surrounded by water, and how you can make sure your home stays free of damage. 

Understanding the Risks

There are many benefits to living on the water that go far beyond your health. Investment and recreational opportunities can earn you a bit of extra income, and if you’re a naturally creative person, it’s a great way to feel inspired and rejuvenated each day. 

But, you can’t just consider the benefits when you’re looking at a waterfront property. Before you take the plunge, consider some of the possible “cons”, including: 

• Higher insurance rates

• Hidden costs (boat fees, rural utility fees)

• High sewer costs

• Bulkhead maintenance 

One of the best things you can do before you buy a property by the water is to make multiple visits. Hire a home inspector to assess any existing damage and to let you know the potential risks, based on the location. It’s also a good idea to research the history of the house. Has it experienced any damage before? If it’s older, what will you need to do to protect it from water, heat, and humidity? 

It might sound like a lot of work and stress to prepare yourself for a potential waterfront home. But, knowing what to expect can offer you peace of mind and keep you from feeling overwhelmed when you have some extra maintenance to take care of. 

Staying On Top of Problems

Water damage tends to get worse over time when it isn’t taken care of. Unfortunately, many people don’t recognize any problems until it’s “too late” because they don’t always know what to look for. 

When you live on a waterfront property, understanding the signs of water damage will make it easier to catch problems early on. Some of the most common red flags include: 

• Sagging ceilings and walls

• Paint peeling from the walls

• Musty odors

• Water lines or discoloration on ceilings and walls

Leaks are one of the biggest culprits of water damage. Being able to detect potential leaks, especially in your walls, is another proactive way to stop water damage before it becomes a disaster. Thankfully, detecting leaks is easier than ever thanks to modern technology. There are specific leak-detection devices you can use to “scan” your walls and pipes. These devices use a special microphone that will allow you to hear the leaks and know where the source is coming from. 

If you do see any water damage in your home or you’re able to detect a leak, DIYing the problem or calling a professional plumber is crucial. Don’t wait for things to get worse, because they will – quickly!

Living in a place where you’re surrounded by water could be the best decision you ever make. But, don’t let your dream house become a nightmare by ignoring the potential risks of water damage. By staying on top of things, you can prevent damage, enjoy your home, and soak in the tranquility of the water surrounding your property. 

Author Bio: Noah Rue is a freelance writer.

Best Places in Your House To Add LED Lights

LED lights can be a great addition to any space without much of a cost. They provide safety and security to the more desolate spaces around your home while making any space look inviting and warm. Here are some of the best places in your house to add LED lights.

Under Shelving

One of the best spaces for exhibition lighting is under shelving or cabinetry. These spaces are typically dark and dank spaces that do not receive much use due to being in the shadows. Lighting can turn these spaces into functional showcase areas or just basic functional spaces. In either case, LED lighting is the perfect investment for making these types of spaces more hospitable.

LED Floodlighting for Outside Space

Outdoor spaces are another type of area that can benefit greatly from the inclusion of lights such as LED floodlights. These are great options for lighting up any dark outdoor space efficiently. LEDs have great intensity, throw, and brightness. As well, they can control their own temperatures. This means that with LED lights, you can have a bright and secure outdoor space and change the lighting to be the most conducive to the environment.

Freezer Lighting

One of the lesser-known uses for LED lights that provides major benefits around the house is freezer and refrigerator lighting. Because LEDs do not take time to warm up or emit a large amount of heat, they can help keep your food storage areas at a more consistent temperature while saving on energy costs. Furthermore, LED lights last a lot longer when in colder conditions, meaning that yours will last for a long time!

LEDs are a great addition to any home due to how good they are at lighting up spaces efficiently. If you are considering adding LED lights to your house, try putting them in one of these best places in your house to add LED lights. We are confident that you will see the major advantages they provide.

How To Prevent Flooding on Your Rental Property

Flooding can be one of the most destructive forces that your rental property can be subjected to. In most cases, if the property manager is not prepared on what to do in the case of flooding, there can be significant damages to your property. To help you prevent this in the future, here are some of the best ways to prevent flooding on your rental property.

Exterior Drain Maintenance

Keeping your exterior drain systems in good working order will help you prevent flooding to a high degree. In most cases, there are a few things that you can do daily and yearly to keep your drains in excellent working order.

Some actions you should consider taking weekly to prevent flooding include regular gutter cleanings and regular checkups of the downspouts and their support. On the other hand, other actions you should consider taking yearly to prevent flooding could include snaking drainage pipes, replacing drain covers, and trimming brush away from exterior drains.

House Maintenance

When flooding occurs, your second line of defense is your property itself. There are many things that one can do to waterproof their house ahead of a flood. While these methods are not the most effective ways to prevent flooding on your rental property, they will still contribute to your success by a large margin. Some things that you could do include:

• Piling sandbags against all entryways

• Lining sandbags on the perimeter of the property

• Exterior waterproofing

Get Flood Insurance

While flood insurance may not prevent flooding on your rental property, it is still worthwhile to mention how useful it can be for any rental property owner. The fact of the matter is that there will be flooding damage in some cases, no matter how much action you will take. In these situations, the small fees for flood insurance can often prove handy in fixing up the water damage caused by flooding. For those managing out-of-state rental properties, flood insurance may be a must depending on where you are renting. Look around and talk to other property managers to find out if flood insurance is necessary.

Hopefully, we have provided you with some useful knowledge on how to prevent flooding on your rental property. Remember that protecting your property is one of the most important things that you can do during a flood situation. Not only are you protecting your investment, but you are also protecting the homes and possessions of those who rent from you.

Upgrading the Comforts of Your Home

Your home is the place where you spend most of your time. That is why you should do everything that you can to make it the place you want to be. You can do things like the following to upgrade your home.

Replace the Windows And Doors

If your doors and windows are not in good shape or getting very old, then it’s probably a good time for you to replace them. Ill-fitting doors and windows can be drafty, falling apart, or have problems you can’t even see. Not only will replacing the doors and windows make your home look better, but they will also make things comfortable. New doors and windows will reduce any drafts in your house, meaning you’re able to save on energy when trying to keep your home warm. They’ll also provide better security since they’ll fit better and you can be assured they’ll stay locked up tight.

Also, if nothing else, updating your doors and windows will add to the property value.

Security System

A security system may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about comfort. However, a security system will make you feel more comfortable because you will be safer. A good security system can serve as a deterrent for potential thieves. If someone attempts to break in or cause damage to the house itself anyway, then the authorities will immediately be notified.

Unlimited Internet

It is a good idea for you to upgrade your internet. You may even want to get unlimited internet if it’s something you can afford. Unlimited internet can be especially beneficial if you work from home because it will be easier for you to get your work done.

Refrigerator

There are several reasons that you should upgrade your refrigerator. For example, if you upgrade your refrigerator to a bigger one, then you can store more food. You can also enjoy fresh water and ice. Upgrading your refrigerator also has the chance to save you money on energy used since it’ll be new and ready to work.

Fireplace

If you do not have a fireplace, then you could consider installing one, especially if you’re thinking about remodeling your living room or den. A fireplace can keep your home warm and cozy during the winter, which means you may be able to save money on your electric bill because you won't have to use your HVAC system as much.

Furthermore, a fireplace is an eco-friendly choice. Not only is wood an environmentally friendly choice, but the fireplace itself will provide you with a natural source of lighting. It doesn't take a lot for you to maintain a fireplace. The only thing that you will have to do is make sure that your fireplace stays clean and that you open the flue whenever you decide to use it.

You can take many steps to make your home a more comfortable place to be. You can replace the doors and windows if they’re old or out of style. You can also upgrade to unlimited internet and install a security system. Replacing your refrigerator is something else that you can do in order to make your home more comfortable. Furthermore, it is a good idea for you to replace your fireplace.