J.D.R. Hawkins

One bullet can make a man a hero… or a casualty.

Archive for the tag “guest post”

24 Aug 2023

How to Extend the Life of Your Prefab Metal Barn

How to Extend the Life of Your Prefab Metal Barn

Being one of the most durable materials available on our planet, steel has outscored all its competitors. Its features like fire and pest resistance, durability, and strength are unparalleled to traditionally used materials like timber. Generally, metal structures are cost-effective and do not require much upkeep. Even though metal buildings require less maintenance, without a little care, they might start rusting and develop signs of withering. With proper care, you can extend metal building life. With suitable care, the metal barn can last up to 50 years or more, but without maintenance, it will last you only 10 years. Metal barn maintenance becomes essential for livestock cleaning, feeding, and washing inside the building. The area where animals frequently move around or sit will develop moisture. A good housekeeping practice must be implemented for animal health and hygiene. If you are using a barn to store crops, you must check moisture, unwanted rodents, and mildew growth. Following are some hacks you can adapt to extend metal barn life and help you with its maintenance.

Examine Rust:

It’s essential to check your building at least once a month regularly. If you notice any signs of rust or holes in your metal panels, addressing them promptly within a few days instead of waiting for months is best. This proactive approach can help prevent further damage and ensure the safety and integrity of your building. In metal barns, rust can spread if subjected to moisture, so that tiny hole might lead to a bigger impact in the future. Ensure your building is dry and clean to prevent any rust formation. If there is any water logging problem near your metal barn, fix it promptly. Failing to address this matter may lead to rusting in the long run and result in significant financial damage.

Oil Hinges:

Hinges are connectors to your metal structures found in add-ons like windows, doors, etc. They are in use frequently. Timely oiling of hinges will reduce friction. It may look unnecessary, but it will keep your windows and doors from jamming. Do not let a stubborn door get in your way to access your building. Replace hinges that have wear and tear signs. A broken hinge can cause your doors and windows to shift out of place or even fall off entirely.

Ventilation:

Air circulation prevents the building of moisture, foul smell, and heat. When you buy a custom steel barn, ensure that you have proper windows and door plans for ventilation. If you have solar, wind, or gravity-powered ventilators, ensure they are cleaned regularly. Clean the blades of your barn’s ceiling fans and empty the dehumidifier reservoir where water is collected. 

Insulation:

If your insulators have passed their warranty period, get them checked and replaced if needed. Leakage and incorrect insulation may lead to condensation. Condensation damage is interior. It can lead to rusting due to moisture retention.Proper insulation plays a vital role in your metal barn maintenance. It might cost you more at installation, but it will prove worth every cent. Remember to get insulators when buying a custom steel barn; they will extend your metal building life.

Repair Damages:

In general, repair any minor damage that you notice in your metal barn. Metal buildings have power coating and durable spray coating that looks like paint. If you see them chip away or fade away, apply a re-coat. It will protect from rust and prolong the life of your metal barn. 

Washing Your Barn:

Over time, dust and sand can accumulate in your barn and cause it to lose its charm. If dirt and grime have accumulated on your steel barn, it’s time to wash them off. How? You can use industrial cleaners available for washing buildings. After cleaning, you can use a pressure washer at its lowest setting to rinse off. While dirt is not a problem for metal, it will feed and attract algae and moss growth. You can also wash interior walls and floors using cleaning solutions, and wearing a mask while cleaning is advisable so the spray does not enter your lungs.

Cleaning Roof and Gutters:

Any organic debris, like leaves, branches, etc., can stockpile on roof panels. Not just this debris make your barn look dirty, but they also absorb rainwater and moisture from the air. They dampen the roof’s surface, which might lead to rust formation if leftover time. Go for vertical roofs as they make cleaning easy due to their vertical steel panel.Cleaning your barn’s gutter is as important as installing it. While buying a custom steel barn, ensure you have gutter features installed. A gutter will collect all the rainwater and drain it from your metal barn into a drainage. This will help your barn to get dry quickly. Hence, there will be no time to develop moisture. A clogged gutter will restrict the flow of water.

Unplanned Updating:

If you plan to expand your metal barn, consult a professional rather than do it alone. Any unplanned modification might cause extra load on the building’s base. Barn is usually a large structure and requires proper planning to be extended in size. 

WRAP UP

Besides the above points, ensure that your nearby landscape is also clean. Any plants or roots of trees can damage the barn’s foundation if left unchecked. It will take the life out of your metal building. Inspect your metal barn as soon as it is installed to remove any unwanted leftover material that may cause the metal structure to rust. Keep your unused stuff properly stored. So, how far should you have a plantation? Avoid having bushes and trees immediately beside your building’s base. Maintaining a foot gap will be advisable. When you buy custom steel barns, ensure they are coated for protection. It would be best if you preferred installing an insulator during construction because afterward, you might have to dismantle some panels, which will cost you extra. When buying a prefab steel barn, always choose certified galvanized steel. You can email us at Viking Barns for more information. If you are looking for a prefab metal barn or have any queries, please contact us.

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10 Aug 2023

Guest Post by Andre Griffin

The Art of Curating a Stellar Writer’s Portfolio


Photo by Pexels
The US has birthed countless creative talents, from Edgar Allen Poe to John Grisham. With the country’s literary heritage so rich, it’s clear the passion for storytelling runs deep. If you’re an aspiring writer aiming to add your narrative to this illustrious lineage, understanding how to get your work noticed is critical. This article, courtesy of author J.D.R. Hawkins, offers insight into strategies that can help you amplify your voice, secure an audience, and enhance your chances of making a living from your craft.

Securing Patronage for Your Literary Endeavours

Just as famous authors and poets, today’s writers might need to find their own champions. Harvard Business School notes that this begins by seeking potential investors who align with your vision and creative goals. Whether it’s securing a traditional publishing contract, pitching for grant funding, or leveraging the power of crowdfunding platforms, building a compelling case for your work is the key.

Creating a Compelling Portfolio

Just as artists have galleries, Authory points out that writers too must curate an engaging portfolio to show the world their unique voice and literary prowess. This portfolio may include excerpts from your works, samples of your writing style, and brief synopsis of your works-in-progress. Demonstrating a range of styles and ideas not only attracts potential investors but also builds your reputation with your audience.

Seek Opportunities to Showcase Your Work

Visibility is a crucial part of getting your work on the map. Besides traditional bookshops and libraries, consider digital platforms such as blogs, podcasts, and online literary journals to share your work. Utilize the power of self-publishing on platforms like Amazon Kindle or Smashwords. Don’t forget literary contests either; they offer the chance to win not just prizes but much-coveted recognition and readership.

Crafting a Personalized Website

In the digital era, a strong online presence is no longer optional. Creating your personal website is like building your online “home.” It’s a place to showcase your portfolio, share your writer’s journey, and connect with readers and potential collaborators. Make sure your site is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and representative of your personal brand as a writer.

Partner with Fellow Creatives

Harnessing the power of collaboration can significantly bolster a writer’s creative journey, opening up fresh paths of inspiration and broader exposure. Tactics such as guest blogging, co-authoring a novel, or organizing joint events can provide a mutually beneficial platform to expand your reach and generate innovative ideas. By pooling resources and audiences with other creatives, you’ll enrich your creative influence, carving out a stronger position in the literary landscape.

Amplify Your Online Presence

Embrace the digital world to extend your reach beyond geographic boundaries. Blog about your writing process, share snippets of your work on social media, or start an email newsletter. These digital marketing strategies not only help attract potential readers from around the world but also help build a community around your work.

Harness the Power of Local Literary Festivals

Engaging in local literary festivals and events offers a unique opportunity to connect with an audience that includes avid readers, industry insiders, and peers in writing. High-profile gatherings like the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and the Library of Congress National Book Festival serve as significant platforms where you can learn, network, and even generate sales for your books. By making the most of these occasions, you can elevate your profile in the literary community and advance your career.

Digitize Your Literary Business

Digital organization is a less glamorous but crucial aspect of running a professional writing business. It involves turning essential paperwork like contracts and copyright forms into digital records, enhancing both accessibility and protection for your work. When it comes to drawing up terms and contracts for clients who commission work from you, you can use a tool that allows you to sign and fill out PDF forms online so your clients can sign documents without having to print anything out. As you look for an easy-to-use tool, you should check this out. The signed PDF helps to streamline your records and ensure quick and easy access.
While you’re weaving words and creating memorable narratives, remember to take time to strategize and market yourself. After all, your stories deserve to be read, and with the right steps, you can make that happen. Your masterpiece could be the next on the map!

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09 Aug 2022

How to Buy a Backyard Studio Shed

I’d like to share this guest post, which discusses purchasing and and building a backyard shed. If you’re thinking about building a she shed or a he shed, this article is for you! Thank you, Lucerin Saldana, for your contribution.

How to Buy a Backyard Studio Shed

The backyard studio shed’s popularity is rising. For many Americans, “work from home” is here to stay, and they’re seeking for a peaceful space to do it, but not in their own house. Working in a studio shed has proven to be a great substitute for hiding out at the neighborhood coffee shop.

A backyard studio shed is a significant investment that you’ll have to make and live with for at least fifteen years. Here are some crucial factors to consider while looking for the shed that will function the best for you.

  • Landscaping

Think about how you’ll incorporate your studio shed into the landscape of your yard. Perennial or annual plants and garden beds will enable your outdoor shed merge into your yard. If your shed has wooden siding, placing trellises up against the walls will look fantastic with vines climbing up them.

  • Design

The studio shed should match your house’s design. For instance, a shed with a classic customized steel building design will go well with a home with a rural theme, and a shed with arched doors or window frames will match a home with such elements perfectly.

  • Foundation

Whatever the material of your backyard studio shed, it’s best to have it put on a foundation that holds it off the ground or any soggy areas. Concrete blocks, pressure-treated wood beams, or a gravelly bed can all be used as foundation materials. The rusting or rotting of the materials used in sheds can be avoided with a raised, well-draining base.

  • Siding and Wall Materials

Wooden, metal, and plastic are your three main siding and wall material choices.

Wooden sheds normally have plywood covering stud-framed walls, while more upmarket wooden sheds could have plywood sheathing over the studs and conventional lap siding over the plywood. On this kind of shed, asphalt shingles are frequently employed.

For the walls and top of metal sheds, a straightforward metal framework is commonly covered in factory- or vinyl-coated metal. Remember that if the protective covering or paint is scratched or destroyed, metal sheds may corrode.

PVC plastic sheds don’t require a coating or paint because the color is already there in the material. Additionally, they require relatively little upkeep.

  • Laws of Zoning and Rules of HOA

Find out if your city or municipality has zoning law restrictions forbidding backyard sheds before purchasing a studio shed. Some places permit sheds but have limits on their location and size requirements.

If you are a member of a homeowner’s association, be sure you are in compliance by reading the HOA regulations regarding sheds. For instance, you might have to build your shed a certain amount of distance from your property line.

  • Decorative Niceties

French doors and cupolas, which are distinctive features, can make a significant difference in whether or not your studio shed attracts attention. To give your shed some personality, you may also add items like window boxes, weathervanes, or shutters.

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31 May 2022
2 Comments

Guest Post by Carolyn Mitchell

This guest post relates to what my husband and I have been going through. We started to have an addition put on last June, and it still isn’t completed. We’ve had to start from scratch by hiring another contractor. Word of advice: don’t go through Home Depot’s Pro Team! Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed and insured. Ours lied to us, so here we are a year later, with an uncompleted project. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this article.

10 Ways to Find a Reliable Contractor For Your Upcoming Home Renovation

Finding a reliable contractor is a vital part of your home renovation plan, and knowing how to find the perfect one will ensure that the job is done right. Check out our tips for hiring the best contractor for your home remodel.

10 Ways to Find a Trusted Contractor

1.   Ask Around

Word of mouth is often one of the best ways to find a great, trustworthy contractor for your job. Ask for professional recommendations on community social media platforms and from neighbors, friends, or family.

2.   Search Online

Do some research online to find reputable contractors in your area. Home service apps are becoming popular sources for professionals to advertise their business with their qualifications, experience, and reviews right at your fingertips. You can also search your city’s website for recommendations. Sometimes there is even a list posted by the city of trusted contractors that keep up-to-date on building permits and regulations.

3.   Read Reviews

When you find a contractor, look for reviews about their previous projects. Reviews could sometimes skew more positive or negative, so reading between the lines is an important factor when reading through them. However, by sifting through them, you will be able to start building a clearer picture of what doing business will look like with certain contractors.

4.   Seasonal Expectations

Depending on the type of project, some home renovations may have seasonal highs and lows. Most indoor repairs tend to happen during the winter months, while spring through early fall is when most outdoor work is carried out.

Keep the season in mind when you are planning your project because it could be a busy season for your contractor. Remember that although you want your project completed right away, a company having a full schedule speaks to the quality of their work.

5.   Interview Prospective Contractors

Interviews are a great way to get to know contractors and how they like to carry out business. Start simple by asking questions about your project over the phone to narrow your search.

Once you have focused on a few select contractors, have face-to-face interviews or consultations so you can show and talk more openly about the project, price, and time frame.

6.   Ask for Bids

After researching your project’s estimated costs and narrowing down potential contractors, have your final group submit bids for the work. Review the offers and find the best one for the job. Beware of a price that is too high or too low and be sure to ask about any fees that may come later down the road.

7.   Check for License & Certification Information

It is crucial in home renovation projects to ask the contractor about which licenses, certifications, and insurance documents they possess. Not having some of these items could invalidate their work when the city checks the job or when you sell your home. You also do not want to be held liable for any on-the-job injuries, so make sure your handyman service has an insurance plan.

8.   Make Sure They Obtain Permits

You will know a good contractor because they will be on top of procuring the necessary permits themselves. If a professional asks for you to get local permits, that is a sign they may not be the right handyman for the job. If they say you don’t need permits, you could be putting yourself at risk for city fines or redoing projects that were not approved. A reliable contractor will take care of all the documentation the city deems mandatory.

9.   Discussing Payments and Schedule

Going over payment plans and schedules should always be a topic discussed prior to the work getting started. This way, the contractor and the client can set expectations about what is acceptable for the duration of the project. Discuss specific goals and time frames for those goals.

Scheduling days and times that work best for you and your home renovator is essential to your plan. You want everything to run smoothly and quickly without disrupting your life as much as possible. Having a conversation about the working hours the team can commit to will help create an environment that is less disruptive for both parties.

10.  Going Over the Contract

Once you have finally found the contractor that fits your needs, it is time for the contract. Make sure to carefully review the contract before signing to ensure that all the agreed-upon points are present in the writing. When you and your contractor have all the details hammered out on paper, sign your name and get the project going!

Find the Best Contractor

Contractors know there are many other home service professionals vying for your business. The best ones will put in the extra effort to ensure your satisfaction. By doing research, reading reviews, interviewing, and asking for specific bids, you will be able to find the right contractor for your home renovation project.

Author bio:

Carolyn Mitchell is a freelance writer and content strategist with a passion for home décor. She can often be found re-painting and updating the furnishings in her home, and she is also a dedicated cat mom to two adorable kitties.

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03 May 2022

Guest Post by Amy Lara

From time to time, I feature guest posts to help other authors out. Here is another guest post that I thought you would enjoy.

Which is better – wooden horse barns or metal horse barns?

When the time comes to build a new horse barn on your property, you’ll have a few crucial considerations. First, you will need to pick where the barn will be, how big it will be, and more. In this essay, we’d like to look at another essential option in this process–the material you will use to create the barn. There are two primary alternatives accessible today, wood and metal, and both may give some great perks. Let’s analyse the benefits and downsides of a metal barn over a wood barn.

While many iconic pictures of horse ownership contain wood barns, the barn marketplace has transformed to keep up with demand. For years, wood was the primary building material for barns, storing it in our memories as the “best” barn material.

Why are metal barns better than wooden barns?

Metal Barns are Flexible

Custom Metal barns designs are entirely adjustable depending on your needs and budget. For example, maybe you have enormous horse barns ideas down the line. Metal horse barns can cost-effectively grow with your horse family in the future. Unfortunately, wood structures do not give the same flexibility and are significantly more expensive.

Maintenance

Wooden horse barns are not very weather resistant over time. They are vulnerable to rotting, mold, warping, cracking, termite damage, and other difficulties that will require a large amount of maintenance. It alone could tip the scales if you are investigating metal barn designs. You can also plan to paint and varnish your wooden horse barn every few years. 

Safety

Any exposed metal might hurt a horse if the animal kicks it or becomes entangled in it. For example, while placing kickboards on interior walls might protect horses where kicks are most prevalent, horses can suffer significant lacerations anywhere exposed metal is present. For safety, the point has to go-to wood.

Metal Barns Have Room To Grow

Metal horse barn designs help you create what you need or can afford right now without hindering your potential to grow in the future. Unfortunately, standard wood construction cannot give the versatility of a metal horse barn.

You’re not losing safety simply because it’s easily extendable. Metal and steel horse barn kits endure extreme weather. Our designs are so solid that we provide a 50-year structural warranty.

Weather and Fire Resistant

One of the significant reasons to acquire a horse barn is to shelter horses from the weather and offer them a stable area for feeding and maintenance. Your barn will give a location where they may escape from the outdoors and feel comfortable even during harsh winter weather and the through the heat waves of summer. It should also protect them from fire.

Wood may damage by water, but moisture management in metal buildings is easy to maintain. Metal barns do not get damaged by water. In dry climes, barn buildings water through barn misting systems and evaporative cooling. Throughout years of water exposure, steel will exhibit little to no damage, whereas wood will break down and deteriorate.

Durable

Wood has demonstrated its ability to stand up to Mother Nature, but metal structures with steel trusses are significantly more robust. The straightforward span truss design implies that you won’t wind up in a claustrophobic environment. You’ll love the absence of flat ceilings, which provide more useable internal space. So go ahead and place a gambrel roof on your design for maximum effect.

It establishes the primary interior frame convention that gives you the ability to complete the interior with doors and windows. You can even insulate with standard batt-style insulation.

Sustainable

While some horse owners will always select wood, there are many compelling reasons to go for metal horse barns; one of the most prominent arguments is sustainability; metal structures are today’s green construction alternative.

Conclusion

Many homeowners frequently become overwhelmed while picking between horse metal barns and wood structures. Naturally, metal and wood are fundamentally different materials, and they have their pros and downfalls, which you must evaluate. However, there are additional crucial variables to consider before picking, such as your budget, durability, strength, and maintenance cost.

Although wooden constructions are appealing, they may not give you long-term benefits like steel buildings. Many homeowners frequently become overwhelmed while picking between metal barns and wood structures. Naturally, metal and wood are fundamentally different materials, and they have their pros and downfalls, which you must evaluate. Before you pick, there are additional crucial variables to consider, such as your budget, durability, strength, and maintenance cost.

Although wooden constructions are appealing, they may not give you long-term benefits like steel buildings, above some of the advantages of metal barns over traditional wood buildings that will help you make an informed selection.

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01 Mar 2022

Guest Post by Julian Lane

Tips to Avoid Weather Damage to Your Home

Photo by Unsplash

There’s a reason we build shelters to protect ourselves from the elements—it gets brutal out there. Of course, the barrier that protects us from the heat, wind, and snow takes a beating from those extreme weather conditions. Over time (and sometimes immediately), your home can suffer weather-related damage.

While some damage can be easily fixed, other types of damage require further inspection. And in some cases, you’ll even need to boost your insurance policy. Consider the following tips if you live in a climate that’s prone to severe weather events.

These tips are brought to you by J.D.R. Hawkins, an award-winning and bestselling author of several fiction and one non-fiction book about the U.S. Civil War. You can find her Renegade series of novels on her website, JDRHawkins.com

Clean Your Gutters

If water can’t flow freely through your gutters, it can leak into your house, causing damage to the walls and even the foundation, compromising the home’s structure and stability. Remove any leaves or debris from the gutters, or you could hire a service to clean your gutters at least once a year. Another option is to use gutter guards to help prevent debris from getting lodged into the gutters in the first place.

If you’ve had clogged gutters, you can check for water damage yourself. Look for stains, warping, mold, and standing water. If you find any of these issues, you’ll want to have them addressed right away to avoid further damage.

Prune Your Trees

A dead branch (or even a live one) can break in a storm, causing damage to your roof, windows, or exterior walls. If you’re unable to do it, hire a tree service to remove dead branches and prune the trees to promote their healthy growth. This will also help prevent any unbalanced growth that could lead to the tree leaning or even falling against your home in the future. Dead trees can be a serious hazard, so consider hiring professionals to lend a hand. It’s easy to find reputable contractors via the members list of the LVBA.

Secure Items or Put Them Away

When the forecast calls for an event like a tornado, your best bet is to secure items like patio furniture, grills and the like. A flying chair could easily bust through a window and open your home up to more damage. Before snow season descends, make a point to clean and stow away any of those items so they come out good as new in the spring.

Protect the Pipes

When winter is on the horizon, you’ll want to keep your water pipes in mind. A burst water pipe can cause extensive damage to your property, and it doesn’t take much to help keep your pipes safe and warm. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or heat tape and seal any cracks or leaks. On severely cold days, leave a faucet or two dripping and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

The Time to Make Repairs is Now

Making needed repairs before a weather event can prevent more serious damage like installing storm windows and replacing cracked or damaged gutters. Keeping up with regular roof maintenance and repair is essential, as replacing an entire roof is fairly expensive. Also, if you live in a highly competitive market and intend to sell your home in the future, those repairs will pay off in the long run.

If your home endures a big storm, you’ll want to have a roof inspection, particularly if you know your roof was hit by debris or hail. While you can glance at your roof and spot a missing shingle or two, a professional will be able to see the bigger issues and details that can lead to major problems, like damaged flashing or how old the roof is.

Examine Your Insurance Policies

It never hurts to make sure you understand what your homeowner’s policy will cover—and what it won’t—in case of weather-related damage. According to Nationwide, nearly two-thirds of homes are underinsured. Living in an area that suffers extreme climate could be a compelling reason to boost your coverage. For example, you might need supplemental flood insurance to cover the costs of damage related to severe flooding if you’ve seen that sort of destruction in your community.

The adage about an ounce of prevention holds true when it comes to your home. To keep your home in top condition, address damage as it occurs and do what you can to avoid it in the first place. Your property value will thank you for it!

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25 Jan 2022

Guest Post by Suzie Wilson

Read more informative articles on the J.D.R. Hawkins blog today!

Launch a Business and Move to a New Home All at Once

Many people dream of launching a business. This is especially true of veterans; in fact, JPMorgan Chase notes that 25 percent of veterans would love to set up their own businesses. Of course, many people will likely start a business out of their homes. The issue is, if their current house doesn’t have enough space for working and living, that dream can’t become a reality. Luckily, by handling the process correctly, it’s possible to launch a business and move to a new home all at once.

Here’s how, presented by J.D.R. Hawkins.

A Cost-Effective Strategy for Buying a House While Launching a Business

Both starting a business and moving can be expensive. If you need to buy a new home to make your professional dreams a reality, finding a cost-effective approach is a must.

In some cases, buying an existing home can work. However, home values have risen by 15.0 percent year-over-year according to the National Association of Realtors, and projections say they’ll keep climbing.

One option is to keep the cost down by buying a home as-is. By not asking the seller to handle repairs, they may offer a better deal. Just make sure to consult with a lawyer, get a buyer’s inspection, and research land records to ensure there aren’t any issues.

Another option could be to get a custom-built home. With that, you can get a house that meets any unique business needs. Plus, you could make economic choices about layouts and finishes, ensuring you can keep the cost down.

Before doing anything, however, make sure the area you’re moving to suits your needs — especially if you’re moving to another city. For example, if you’re moving to Denver, look into Denver apartments in the neighborhood you’re interested in. This way, you can check out the neighborhood and what it has to offer before making that long-term commitment.

Coordinating a Move Without Breaking the Bank or Derailing Your Company Launch

If you’re starting your company and moving at the same time, careful coordination is a must. Here’s what you need to consider.

Launching Your Business

Many of the steps to officially start your business require little more than a computer or mobile device. You can choose a business structure by doing some research. You can request a federal EIN (and state tax ID, if you need one) online. Similarly, preparing to register your business is mainly computer-based.

Since those activities don’t require much physical space, handling them while you pack up your home and head to your new house is doable. Just make sure to save digital copies of any paperwork and back them up to an external hard drive for safekeeping.

Handling the Move

When it comes to the move, you can schedule most of what you need in advance. Reserving a DIY moving truck online is fairly simple. Just make sure that you compare shops to get the best deal.

Additionally, look for low-cost options for supplies. Find places to get free boxes. Buy packing tape in multi-roll packs to save some cash. Buy thick tip, multi-colored markers for labeling boxes at a dollar store.

If you’re using a full-service mover, you’ll need to gather quotes from several area companies. That way, you can pick one that offers you the best deal.

While full-service movers are more expensive than using the DIY approach, they’ll manage everything. From packing supplies to furniture disassembly/reassembly to recycling the packing materials at the end, they’ll handle it.

Overall, the average cost of a move is about $1,500. However, if you’re using a full-service company and it’s a long-distance move, the price could come out to $10,000 or more.

Take some time to think about your budget and workload preferences. If you want to focus on your business, a full-service move could be a better fit. If you want to save money and don’t mind handling the work, then DIY could be the right choice.

Image via Pexels

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08 Dec 2021

Guest Post by Amy Watson

With the Christmas season upon us, many of us are feeling the strain to set up our homes for the ideal festival with companions, friends, and family. While a considerable lot of us focusing on brightening within our homes with pine trees, stockings, nutcrackers, and presents, setting aside the effort to adorn your home’s outside can likewise upgrade your property and spread some occasional soul.

Tips to Decorate Your Metal Homes Exterior on Christmas 

Enhancing metal building houses to meet your specification and needs with Christmas lights consistently awaken extraordinary recollections of adolescence. Such countless individuals kept on doing that as the years progressed. Here are the absolute most excellent open-air house designs with Christmas lights. They are referenced in not specific requests, and of them are great and tell the best way to observe Christmas with style.

Examine Your Home’s Exterior

Get your cell phone or camera, something for taking notes assuming you need, and dress in a suitable climate because we’re going to go on an outing outside for a couple of moments. Before we even start to talk about outside Christmas designing thoughts, or kinds of lights, or establishment tips and deceives, you’ll need to get to know the outside components of your metal home.  Take a gander at your metal home from a Christmas-enriching viewpoint, and we hear a little outside air is helpful for the creative mind.

Less is More Now

Rather than drawing out all the merry occasion embellishments from past years, have a go at being more specific to save money on schedule and disappointment. By paring down your Christmas stylistic theme, you can clear your mind and regard for explicit regions. Rather than setting up various light strands, including both diverse and white, have a go at adhering to pieces that work with a specific shading plan or occasion subject.

Use Fairy Lights

So essential, however so powerful, nothing beats pixie lights with regards to outside Christmas stylistic themes. Furthermore, we say the better, outline your window and entryways, fill trees and fences, so your metal home truly sparkles. 

Our possible suggestion regarding going all out with pixie lights is to guarantee they are overall a similar tint, you right away notification in case your lights are unique, and it will lose that durable look. Your most innovative option to accomplish this is to purchase every one of your lights from a similar brand, so you have that progression in shading.

Decorate Floor With Festive Flourishes

Doorstep is a fantastic property with regards to the Christmas stylistic theme. Every one of your visitors will see it, as will your neighbors, as will you, so you need your front way to be looking as supernatural as the beautifications that lie behind it. A wreath of some depiction is an unquestionable requirement, however why stop there? We love the snowy scene made here; it’s fun and merry yet classy, too, with a slight Scandi edge. What’s more, those who realized artificial snow could look so stylish, will be giving it a shot themselves.

Use Lanterns

For a more insignificant way to deal with the doorstop stylistic theme, be roused by this good look and line your means or patio with various lights. Blend and match the sizes and styles to make them even more, a component and spot in certain scaled-down trees as well, assuming you need to make it extra happy. Think natural candles aren’t the most secure choice for your metal home; switch them for open-air LED candles that emit that exquisite gleam yet don’t burn to the ground and are a lot faster than an open fire.

Light Your Windows

There’s something so beautiful and comfortable with regards to a shining window at Christmas, one that welcomes you in with its warm and inviting light. So while the entryway might be such a center regarding Christmas stylistic theme, make sure to decorate your windows as well. Hanging lights are the least demanding of Christmas window lighting thoughts and moments make a metal home look merry, yet light in the windows from within as well, however candles of enhancements so they genuinely sparkle.

Use Garlands

Laurels may not generally be an open-air design, yet there’s a lot of freedom to utilize them in your nursery. ‘I love to incorporate occasional stylistic themes in unforeseen spots, such as open-air chimneys. Putting surprising things in the firebox, like pinecones or poinsettias, is an excellent choice for making seasonal joy outside.

Conclusion

The most straightforward method for enhancing the outside of your metal home for Christmas is with lights. They are basic, jazzy and thus successful. String them around your windows, from the rooftop, in the trees; indeed, you can never have too much.

Beautifying your metal home’s outside with strands of Christmas lights adds a warm occasion shine to the property during the season. Laying out the metal home’s elements, for example, belt board, entryways, and windows, presents the house like a coordinated, comfortable creation in light, welcoming even from far off. Whether picking one prevailing shading or blended light tone on the light strands, staying with one fundamental topic for every component makes a more durable look. Testing the lights in advance saves the difficulty of bringing down and rehanging light strands that aren’t working as expected.

Author Bio: 

Amy writes for topics like metal buildings, metal building decor, real estate and construction, topics additionally; she has a passion for the metal building industry for more than ten years, Amy has become an experienced building specialist in this industry. Her goal is to help people with his vast knowledge to assist them with his best suggestions about different metal buildings such as carports, garages, barns, utility buildings, and commercial metal structures.

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09 Nov 2021

Guest Post – Fake Grass for Pets

I frequently feature guest posts about various topics, and I found this one interesting. If you have ever traveled with a dog through an airport, you know how difficult it can be to find a place where your pet can relieve itself. I have seen rooms set up in some airports with artificial grass, and I wondered how effective it was. Perhaps this article can enlighten us as to the potential of artifical grass.

Fake Grass for Pets: 5 Common Questions

Fake grass or artificial grass is becoming quite popular, especially among pet lovers. Every pet owner has a different reason for liking the fake grass as some like it for its similarity with original grass whereas some like it because it doesn’t require cutting. It shines throughout the year and can make discolored lawns green again. Not only this, fake grass doesn’t get muddy from your pet’s little paws. 

Fake grass doesn’t require much care and that’s why more and more people are going after it. If you too are a fan of fake grass and planning to install the same for your pet on your lawn, then this post can be useful to you as here we will discuss it in detail. 

Featured Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-flip-flops-on-green-grass-4066359/

Advantages of Choosing Fake Grass Lawns For Pets?

·         A Lush Green Lawn Round the Year

When you own a pet, you make yourself ready to deal with problems like a dirty lawn with your pet’s urine or digging. To maintain your lawn, you spend a lot of money on fertilizers, lawn care treatments, and others. After doing all this, you still don’t feel satisfied with your lawn’s condition. But if you choose fake grass for your lawn, then you don’t have to spend a lot of money on maintenance. Even you get lush green lawn throughout the year. 

·         No More Muddy Paws in the House

Real lawns get muddy in rainy or winter seasons and your pet loves to roll around in muddy lawns. It can be fun for your pet but as an owner, you don’t like muddy paws in your house. However, if you go for fake grass, then you don’t have to face this problem as there is no mud in fake grass no matter what the weather outside is. 

·         Healthier Environment

A real lawn can have insects like lungworms inside the grass that tends to make your pet fall sick. But if you choose fake grass for your lawn, then there is no risk of this kind. It prevents your pet such as a dog from contracting any disease or illness. 

·         No More Harmful Chemicals

For the maintenance of a real lawn, you have to use chemicals like fertilizers, weed killers, insecticides, and growth regulators. Although chemicals remove insects and weeds from your lawn, these are harmful to your pet. On the other hand, if you go for artificial grass, then there is no risk as artificial grass is made of non-toxic material which is safe for your pet. 

The above-listed are the major advantages of using fake grass for your lawns. The advantages are not enough to convince a pet owner to use fake grass over real grass.

Now, we will discuss five common questions that come to a pet owner’s mind when they plan to install fake grass or artificial grass on their lawns:

Will your pet love to play on it?

Featured Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-dog-on-grass-field-3590443/

Pets such as dogs love to play on grass and they do the same even when you use fake grass in place of real grass in your lawns. The good news is that your dog has a much healthier environment to play in. Also, you don’t have to worry about the muddy paws of your pet in your home.

What happens if your pet urinates on artificial grass?

You need to understand that most artificial grasses can drain the liquids. So, you don’t have to clean the urine on your own as the same gets drained by itself. Now, you would ask how the liquid is drained. So, for your knowledge, the backing found on fake grass has drainage holes that drain the liquid in a few minutes. Most fake grasses have the draining capability of draining about 50 liters of liquid per square per hour. In case, you find the grass to be stinky because of the urine, then you can clean it by watering the affected areas.

How to clean the fake grass lawns?

Some people tell you that there is zero maintenance for fake grass or artificial grass lawns. But, it is not true at all but the cost is minimal. With time, dirt gets built up at the bottom. You can clean the same with a stiff broom or with the help of a brush. It is advised to clean the grass occasionally because this will keep the fibers in the grass in their best condition. Do the cleaning only once or twice a year.

How to remove pet hair from fake grass?

This is an important question that comes to a pet owner’s mind. Pets such as dogs have problems like hair fall. Their hair gets stuck to the fake grass and the same cannot be removed easily. You can use the garden vacuum to clean dog hair from fake grass. This will surely work better than anything else. 

Are fake grass lawns long-lasting?

Fake grass lawns are designed in a way that they can stand the test of time. These have a lifespan of about twenty years. So, installing the same in your lawns can be a one-time affair as their lifespan is quite long. The pet turf will remain the same even after wear and tear from pets. 

Conclusion: The above-listed questions with answers are enough for you if you are going to install fake grass in your home’s lawn in place of real grass. They are low-cost and easy to maintain. So, opt for fake grass lawns over real grass lawns. 

Author Bio

This article is contributed by Steve. With over 20 years of landscaping experience and expertise, Steve and his top-notch team have completed thousands of artificial grass and green installations that come with the added bonus of saving money and water.

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16 Sep 2021

Guest Post by David Tylor

How to Keep Gutters Free of Nesting Birds

Birds are among the most amazing creatures in the animal kingdom in many ways. For starters, birds are direct descendants of dinosaurs and have existed since the Jurassic period. Most birds are well-designed for flight, with hollow bones and aerodynamic structures, and they are also the only animals covered in feathers. Birds are diverse and well-adapted creatures that come in all sizes, shapes, and colours and can be extremely intelligent. Their songs and calls can also be quite impressive!

Birds Don’t Belong in Your Gutters!

But if you’re a bird lover or observer, there’s one place you don’t want to see birds build nests: inside your gutters! Why? Because a bird’s nest can clog your gutter, and a clogged gutter can cause serious damage to your home’s roof and other infrastructure.

How? All of the moisture that accumulates on your roof has to go somewhere. Mounted gutters and downspouts do an excellent job of directing water away from your home’s foundation. That is to say, gutters work well when they can flow freely; a clog caused by a bird’s nest, on the other hand, can easily throw a wrench into the entire system.

A bird’s nest can significantly reduce the flow of water in your gutter. Add some accumulated leaves or other debris, and you could end up with a complete blockage! In this case, water can quickly overflow the gutters and cause serious damage to your windows, siding, and foundation. Water can back up onto your roof, causing damage to the roof’s support structure.

Some Tips for Keeping Your Gutters Clear of Birds Nest 

So, yes, birds are wonderful and incredible! But, at the same time, you can’t have them nesting in your gutters. So, what are you going to do about it? Is it possible to address the problem of gutter-nesting birds in a safe and humane manner? There are, indeed!

Here are a few tips you can try:

Install a predator decoy.

Many bird species can be deterred by using visual scares. Because their eyes are trained to recognise predator birds, a well-placed decoy can cause birds to flee in a hurry. A static decoy, on the other hand, will not fool the birds indefinitely, so you will need to change its position and move it around from time to time to keep the birds from catching on. However, you should be aware that some homeowners associations prohibit the use of bird decoys.

Set up some rubber snakes.

Don’t like the look of a large, plastic hawk, owl, or other bird of prey standing guard on your roof? Another lower-profile option is available, and it is not prohibited by most HOAs. We’re talking about rubber snakes, of course. They’re relatively inexpensive to purchase, and you might even find an extra rubber snake or two in your children’s toy box. While not all birds are afraid of snakes, they are wary of snakes near their nests because snakes pose a threat to their unborn chicks. You’ll probably want to put more than one around your gutter area, and you’ll need to figure out how to attach them so they don’t fall off and they won’t blow or wash away.

Make use of a bird repellent.

Bird repellent exists in the same way that mosquito repellent does. No, seriously. It is available in spray, gel, and granule forms, and can be applied wherever you want to keep birds away. Bird repellents are typically odor-based, making birds uncomfortable enough that they will not nest in the immediate vicinity. Because bird repellent can become quite thick and unpleasant to the touch, you should apply it with gloves. You may have to reapply several times during the bird breeding and nesting season.

Make use of a high-pitched noise deterrent.

Don’t want to mess with any liquids or chemicals? You could also use a bird deterrent that makes noise. Some systems attempt to mimic audible predator sounds, while others may include high frequency sounds that humans cannot hear. With either approach, you’ll need to be able to strategically mount the speakers close to your gutters, with enough speaker coverage to cover the entire gutter system.

Release the Bird Scare Attack Spider

This may sound like a joke, but it’s actually a novel approach to bird repellent. Many birds are afraid of larger spider species because they prey on small birds and their eggs. Are you ready to launch your own Attack Spider? This large animatronic spider can detect both sound and movement. When a bird triggers the detector, the spider descends its mounting line and scares the bird away. To make it work, you’ll simply need to find a way to elevate your Attack Spider above the gutter surface. You’ll almost certainly need to install more than one around the perimeter of your gutters.

Physically capture and relocate the bird (s)

If you can’t frighten them, trap them. Trapping birds is not always easy, but it is another somewhat humane approach you can try. It will, however, take some time and effort on your part. After you’ve set and baited the trap, you’ll need to check it on a regular basis. Once you’ve caught a bird (IF you can catch it), you’ll need to transport it somewhere else for a safe release, and then you’ll just have to hope it doesn’t find its way back to your house. To be honest, this is probably not the best solution for you.

Make and install your own steel mesh gutter covers.

If you are unable to repel the birds, you can create your own physical barrier to keep them out of your gutters. DIYers have been known to cut steel mesh (also known as hardware cloth) to size and then wrap it around their gutters. Birds, leaves, and other debris can be kept out of your gutters with these homemade gutter guards. However, they do not have the same lustre as professional-grade Gutter Guards, they’re not nearly as effective, and debris can still accumulate and clog on top of the mesh.

Get gutter guards professionally installed.

If you want a long-term, low-maintenance solution to your bird problem, having gutter guards professionally installed is your best bet. True gutter guards not only keep birds and rodents out of your gutters, but they also keep out leaves, twigs, and other debris while still allowing water to flow freely. And here’s another great advantage: you’ll never have to clean your gutters by hand again!

Conclusion

We hope you find these tips useful as you work to protect your gutters from nesting birds! And if you’re looking for the best gutter & gutter guard solutions in North Carolina and Virginia, Skywalker Windows & Siding has you covered. They manufacture and install custom seamless gutters, as well as the best gutter guard products from leading manufacturers. Give them a call or click today and let their friendly staff show you the Skywalker difference!

About the Author:

David composes for points like Home Improvement, Kitchen stylistic layout, Garden or travel-related themes furthermore; he has an enthusiasm for the metal structure industry for over ten years, Kylo has become an accomplished structure expert in this industry.He will probably assist individuals with his huge information to help them with his best recommendations about various Home Decors, for example, Doors Replacements, Siding, Windows Replacement, siding replacement and business structures.

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