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Tips for Lowering the Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance

September 21, 2017DIY / Home Improvement

Following a few Tips for Lowering the Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance can save you a bundle of money

Owning real estate property is something nearly everyone aspires to. That being said, being swamped under with homeowner’s insurance is something everyone can do without. While you can always talk to your local insurance agent to see what can be done about lowering your rates, there’s even more you can do to save on your insurance while still enjoying quality coverage.

Take Steps to Protect Your Home

Anything you can do to protect your home from intruders, fire, earthquakes, water damage and the like is sure to help lower the cost of your insurance. This is because a well-reinforced home is less likely to suffer damage, which means you’re less likely to have to file a claim later on down the road. While you might balk at the initial investment of making such improvements, you’re sure to appreciate how much you save in your insurance costs over the years, and there’s also the fact you can rest easy knowing your home is well-protected.

Shop Around

While you might be happy with your current insurance provider, that doesn’t mean you can’t shop around. If it’s possible for you to get the same coverage with a lower price tag by switching providers, take the leap. You might hate to part with your current agent or company, but you also probably hate parting with your hard-earned cash when you don’t have to. Right? Before you change providers, see if your current home insurance company can do anything to lower the price of your premiums without compromising your coverage.

Raise Your Deductible

Increasing your deductible is another way to better save on the overall cost of your homeowner’s policy. Know that it’s possible to lower your premium cost by as much as 25 percent if you’re willing to raise your deductible to $1,000. No matter what your deductible might be, make sure you always have quick and easy access to that amount should you ever have to file a claim. Even better, put the money in an interest-bearing account so it works for you.

Ask About Discounts

Simply asking for a discount is another way to save money on coverage for your home. If you’ve been with your insurance company for a while, you might be eligible for savings. You might also be able to bundle policies if you also need auto insurance or the like. If you’ve never filed a claim, or if it’s been several years since you’ve filed a claim, you might qualify for a discount.

Review Your Policy

Have you had your homeowner’s policy for a while? If so, your coverage needs might have changed in recent years, which means you might not need the same type or policy or need to pay the same price for your premiums. Sit down with your agent to talk about your life and lifestyle. A single conversation can reveal you have coverage on your current policy you don’t need to pay for.

Think Before You Make a Claim

In the event you have to make a claim, think before you reach out to your agent. This is because making a claim can potentially drive up your premiums, and there’s also the fact your insurance company might view you as a policyholder who’s more trouble than you’re worth if you have a history of filing a claim for an issue you can easily take care of on your own. You might not like having to take care of the cost on your own, but it’s better than developing a bad reputation in the insurance world.

Paying home insurance is a necessity, but paying more than necessary for it most certainly isn’t. Let these tips guide you to getting the coverage you and your home deserve without an inflated price you don’t need.

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January 11, 2023DIY / Home Improvement

How to Restore Antique Glassware

Getting your old antique glasses to look like new ones can be complicated. It involves many steps, from cleaning and resilvering to analyzing the refractive index and displaying the glasses.

Cleaning

Knowing how to clean your ancient glass is essential for preserving its beauty, whether you are a collector or want to exhibit your prized glassware. However, the process can be difficult and cause damage. If there are any damages, you should get them fixed right away by glass repairs Houston, TX specialist.

The correct way to clean glass is to use a soft, non-abrasive cleaner. For example, dish soap, distilled water, and dishwashing liquid can be used. These ingredients are gentle on metals and are effective at breaking up dirt and grease.

The best way to clean antique glass is to use a soft, lint-free cloth. Dip it into a bowl of distilled water and gently wipe down the surface. You can also soak a glass in warm water and dish soap solution.

If the dirt is stuck on the glass, you can use mild acid or vinegar to break it up. You can also use chamois leather or well-rung-out chamois to remove stubborn stains.

Analysis of Refractive Index

During the past centuries, many useful articles were produced from glasses. Besides the standard measurements of the density and bending strength, the analysis of the refractive index of a glass sample is also important. This information helps determine if the material is suitable for the intended use.

Several methods are available in the market which provides indirect measurements of the refractive index. Some of them require the sample to be immersed in liquid before measurement. Others are based on the structural parameters of the sample. However, these methods limit the accuracy of the samples’ refractive index. Therefore, the proposed method aims to directly measure glasses’ refractive index without requiring structural parameters.

This method has two advantages over traditional methods: measurement accuracy and environmental vibrations robustness. The accuracy of refractive index measurement can reach 5 x 10-4.

Removal of Old Silver

A cleaning solution can be a good way to remove old silver from antique glasses. The solution works quickly and doesn’t harm the environment.

A good solution is made of food-grade ingredients. You can find this product at many fabric stores. It would help to have a large container to soak your silver in.

You can also apply a baking soda bath to soften the tarnish. Again, it would help if you used aluminum foil to make this work. You can then polish the silver with a soft cloth.

Some people also use toothpaste. If you do, use a microfiber cloth to rub it onto the silver. Once the tarnish has been removed, rinse the silver with clean water. If the tarnish is still stubborn, you may need to apply more baking soda.

Resilvering

Whether you have an antique mirror or a glass piece, try resilvering it. Silvering is a chemical process that applies a thin layer of silver to the surface of a glass. It is a technique that has been used for centuries.

You should be aware that resilvering your mirror can be expensive. It is common for mirror resilvering to cost around $15 per square foot.

This process is a complicated one and requires the use of toxic chemicals. However, resilvering a mirror is well worth it.

The first step to resilvering your mirror is to clean it carefully. You should also remove the protective silver backing. This will allow you to reapply the silver layer.

Next, you need to apply the silver leaf. You can apply it in several places on the mirror. This will help to cover any scratches or cracks in the silver layer. You should use a soft felt cloth to smooth out any wrinkles.
January 11, 2023Finance

5 Tips for Investing in Fixer-Upper Properties

Fixer-upper properties can be a great way to get into the real estate market. They can be purchased for much less than their full market value, and the profit potential is huge. 

However, investing in fixer-upper properties can also be tricky. There are many costs that you may not be aware of, and there are a lot of hidden problems that could arise. 

Fortunately, today’s guide is here to help. We’re now going to look at some of the best tips for investing in fixer-upper properties. 

Know what you’re getting into 

The first and most important tip is to make sure that you know what you’re getting into. Investing in a fixer-upper property is a big commitment, and it’s important to understand all the risks and rewards that come with the process. 

This means researching and finding out as much as possible about the property before you make a purchase. You should also factor in the potential costs of renovations, materials, and labour. 

Get a professional inspection 

Before making a purchase, it’s important to get a professional inspection. This will help identify any potential issues with the property and ensure it’s a worthwhile investment. 

It’s also a good idea to get a contractor to look over the property as well. This will give you a better idea of the costs associated with the renovations and help identify any potential issues before you make a purchase. 

Budget for hidden costs 

The next tip is to budget for hidden costs. This means taking into account all of the potential costs that may arise during the renovation process. 

This could range from the cost of materials and labour to any permits or even landlord insurance that may be required if you are letting in the interim. It’s crucial to factor in any potential hidden costs before making a purchase, so you’re not caught off guard later. 

Secure financing

It should also go without saying that you will need to secure financing before you make the purchase. This will ensure you have the money you need to complete the project and make a profit. 

There are several different financing options available, so make sure you research and find the best one for your situation. 

Be prepared for the market

Finally, it’s important to be prepared for the market. Once you’ve completed the renovations, you will need to find a buyer for the property. This means researching and finding out as much as possible about the market to get the best price for your property. On some occasions, this may even involve holding tight for a few months – just so the market can settle and you can get the best price for all the renovations you have invested in. A quick look at the recent sold prices in the area and conversations with local estate agents will help you no end.