Metro Detroit Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Real Estate Newshttps://www.dwellingsmi.com/blog/Copyright DwellingsMI.com2023-10-05T10:32:10-07:00tag:dwellingsmi.com,2012-09-20:7086Factors You Should Consider When Choosing Exterior Colors<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/blogs/2023/Hl6fRNH8huumxHoElBytkWjBJPVTErvZ1695923315.jpg" width="1903" height="860" />
Choosing the right exterior color for your home is a significant decision. Not only does it affect the curb appeal, but it also plays a vital role in how well your property blends with its surroundings. Here are some factors you should consider when choosing exterior colors.
Architectural Style and Age
Consider the architectural style and age of your home. Different styles lend themselves to different color schemes. For example, a genuine Victorian home might look striking with bold and contrasting colors, while a modern minimalist home could benefit from neutral shades. Research the color schemes associated with your home's architectural style. Also, remember that while you don’t have to follow these exactly, you should be mindful of zoning regulations and your neighbor’s potential reactions to unusual exterior color schemes. This brings us to the next point.
Neighborhood Harmony
Consider your neighborhood setting. Your home should harmonize with its surroundings. Look at the color palette used in your neighborhood. Does it lean toward warm earth tones or cool blues and greens? While you want your home to stand out, it shouldn’t clash with the neighboring properties.
All the Elements of Your Home’s Exterior
Your home’s exterior isn’t just walls and trim. The roof, walkways, driveway, and even your landscaping can impact how well exterior colors work for your home. The roof is a prominent feature of any house, and the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://benjaminbrothers.com/blog/f/considerations-when-choosing-roof-shingle-color-for-your-home" href="https://benjaminbrothers.com/blog/f/considerations-when-choosing-roof-shingle-color-for-your-home">color of your roof shingles </a>will significantly impact the overall look. Choose an exterior hue that complements your roof. If you have a red tile roof, for example, a warm beige or cream for the exterior walls may create a harmonious look.
The color of your driveway and walkway is another factor to consider. These elements make up a considerable part of your property's exterior, so their colors should work well with the house color. Whether they’re brick, concrete, or stone, choose a color scheme that ties these elements together.
Your Aesthetic Preferences
Lastly, consider your own personal style. Your home is an extension of your personality, so its exterior color should reflect your taste. Do you feel drawn to bold, vibrant colors, or do you prefer muted, understated shades? There are many hard-and-fast rules (other than HOA rules or local zoning laws) when it comes to color. So think about what feels right to you.
Choosing the exterior color for your home involves considering several factors. A well-chosen color scheme can enhance your home's charm and increase its curb appeal.2023-10-05T10:27:08-07:002023-10-05T10:32:10-07:00Dwellings Michigantag:dwellingsmi.com,2012-09-20:5702Things To Consider When Selecting a Roofing Material<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/blogs/2023/YeBtejIkL7DkJQ5DG4qwSIMwso5ir4Rx1676064962.jpg" width="1903" height="860" />
If you’re building a new house or updating your current home, one of the most important factors to focus on is roofing. Your roof protects your home’s structure and provides various other benefits. Here are things to consider when selecting a roofing material.
Material Options
There are several roofing options available, with some of the most popular options being asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and clay tiles. Asphalt shingles are among the most common roofing materials due to their affordability and wide range of color choices. This material has an average lifespan between 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance. Metal roofing is a great option for durability, low maintenance, and fire resistance. Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, depending on the type of material and level of care they receive. Tile roofing has a lifespan of 50 to 100 years but requires regular maintenance throughout its lifetime to prevent damage.
Cost
You also want to keep costs and budget in mind while selecting. The ideal roofing material will fit your budget and meet your needs. The expenses to consider are material costs, installation fees, and labor costs. Roofing materials like asphalt shingles are typically the most affordable, but they may cost you more in the long run due to repairs and maintenance. Metal and clay materials have a higher installation price, but they’ll save you money due to their longevity and lack of required upkeep. Set a budget for your roofing project, then estimate the total costs and expenses to determine which option is most suitable for your home.
Durability
Durability is another key factor in determining the right roofing material for your home. You need your roof to provide enough strength and durability to withstand various elements and conditions. For example, you want a material that can handle high winds, heavy rain, snow, hail, and other inclement weather. Selecting a material with fire-resistant capabilities is also beneficial to protect your home against potential fires, lightning strikes, and other unexpected incidents. Metal roofing tends to be the most durable option, especially in terms of fire and resistance. There are also several <a href="https://www.americanmetalroofswi.com/how-metal-roofs-help-protect-against-extreme-weather/">ways metal roofs help protect against extreme weather</a>, making them a fantastic choice for homeowners everywhere.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, one of the most important factors is how easy a particular roofing material is to maintain over time. Some materials, such as metal roofs, may require less upkeep than other options. For example, tile or asphalt shingles can need frequent repairs and replacement due to weather damage. It’s essential to know what kind of maintenance will be necessary for your chosen option so that you know what kind of care and attention it will need down the line. Knowing what warranties manufacturers or installers offer could be helpful because this will provide much-needed protection if something ever goes wrong with your roof after installation.
Now that you know what to consider when picking roofing materials, you can find the best option for your home. Before you know it, you’ll have a new roof that adds value to your property and protects your home’s structure.2023-02-13T11:36:15-07:002023-02-13T11:42:51-07:00Dwellings Michigantag:dwellingsmi.com,2012-09-20:5677Apartment Management: What Amenities are in High Demand<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/blogs/2023/SemaConnect-223979-Apartment-Ameneties-Demand-Image1.jpg" width="1903" height="860" alt="Apartment Management: What Amenities are in High Demand" title="Apartment Management: What Amenities are in High Demand" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Apartment life greatly differs from home rentals. It involves more community aspects and smaller living spaces. Many people also choose apartments over homes due to their access to amenities.
Adding community spaces and perks to an apartment complex enhances your property’s appeal and improves your tenants’ lives. It provides resources, opens up community-building opportunities, solidifies loyalty, and strengthens relationships between you and your tenants. Here is a list of apartment amenities currently in high demand and on the radars of potential residents.
Gym Facilities
Each year, many take their wellness journeys more seriously, from making diet changes to giving themselves self-care days. Gym facilities equip people with space and tools for improving their fitness and physical health. However, public gyms come with membership fees, take time to get to, and require people to go out of their way to exercise.
Adding a basic gym—equipped with at least a treadmill, weights, and exercise mats—appeals to many because it gives them easier access to equipment and motivation to work out. It cuts out membership fees and driving time, allowing tenants to exercise more flexibly and accessibly. Apartments with gyms are a popular commodity for those that prioritize their wellness.
Package Lockers
Receiving packages brings joy to many. Whether they are collecting a gift sent from loved ones or online deliveries, people’s packages are their prized possessions. Package lockers add mailing security, protecting your tenants’ orders and mail from porch thieves. It makes your residents feel safer, cared for, and happier. As more people join the online shopping trend bandwagons, the demand for proper and safer package handling also rises.
EV Charging Stations
Along with healthier lifestyle choices and increased online ordering, another popular rising trend is electric vehicles. EVs provide people with an eco-friendlier way to travel, reduce their carbon footprint, and are the latest technological update in the automotive industry. More people are switching to EVs over traditional motor vehicles.
Installing <a href="https://www.semaconnect.com/resources/blog/3-benefits-of-installing-ev-charging-stations-at-your-apartment/">EV charging stations at your apartment</a> offers many benefits. It promotes a healthier, greener community and adds curb appeal. EV charging stations also offer an array of perks to your residents, from charging convenience to sustainability practicality. Those looking to live and sustain a greener lifestyle view EV charging amenities as a huge selling point.
Recreation Space
Amenities provide residents with accessibility, conveniences, and added resources. Recreation spaces are a simple way to supply your tenants with multiple amenities at once. It makes room for a public coffee bar, entertainment, public lounges, hangout areas, event accommodations, and public supplies, such as computers and board games. Recreation spaces give tenants access to multiple perks, making them a popular amenity for potential residents.
When people commit to a new home, they take every detail into consideration. Apartment residents want to relish community perks that aren’t easily accessible in home rentals. It’s part of the selling point for apartment living. Upgrade your apartment’s appeal and the lives of your tenants with some of the most demanded apartment amenities on the market. From EV charging stations to gyms, there are many trending amenities to explore and install.2023-02-08T10:23:03-07:002023-02-08T10:24:47-07:00Dwellings Michigantag:dwellingsmi.com,2012-09-20:5592How Shipping Container Homes Benefit the Environment<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/blogs/2022/zG4QORboD0mLtrww4FdlE6WWWzmj0ojj1668187514.jpg" width="1903" height="860" />
Shipping container homes seem to become more popular with homeowners yearly. They offer many advantages to the average homeowner, so don’t overlook the environmental advantages a container home offers.
If you’re looking for a house that helps the environment instead of hurting it, learn how a shipping container home benefits the environment below!
Reusing Materials
One of the major ways that container homes help the environment is that they don’t require using new materials for construction like traditional homes. A shipping container home is practically already built and only requires minor renovations depending on the owner’s needs to make it livable.
Compared to all the other materials needed to construct a brand-new home, like wood and concrete, the container home is a much more efficient and sustainable use of materials. The construction industry already contributes a staggering amount of waste to our landfills and environment—but container homes can help reduce that waste as they reuse and recycle materials instead.
Take Up Less Space
Perhaps the most basic way shipping container homes benefit the environment is they take up much less space than traditional homes. Even a home constructed of multiple containers is typically smaller than a traditional home, and many people utilize containers as structures for their tiny houses.
The tiny house trend has taken off in recent years, and the container home with it as it’s simple, affordable, and makes a comparatively small impact on the environment. A smaller home means a smaller carbon footprint and preserving our natural environment.
Efficient Upkeep
Another advantage of a smaller container home is that since it doesn’t take up much space, it’s much easier and cheaper to maintain. Container homes have some unique maintenance challenges that are different from traditional homes, like <a href="https://www.containermgt.com/tips-to-prevent-shipping-container-condensation">preventing container condensation</a>, but they’re much more durable and easier to maintain overall.
Pro Tip: Many container homeowners install solar panels on the roof since the homes don’t require much energy, and it puts the open roof space to good use.
With proper insulation and ventilation, a container home can be comfortably heated and cooled with a fraction of the energy needed to heat and cool a larger house. If you’re looking for an affordable house with minimal necessary upkeep, few options compare to the shipping container home.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why people love shipping container homes—they’re affordable, unique, and customizable—but they’re also incredibly popular with eco-conscious homeowners. When it comes to environmentally friendly residences, the shipping container home is one of the greenest.2023-01-25T09:38:36-07:002023-01-25T09:45:39-07:00Dwellings Michigantag:dwellingsmi.com,2012-09-20:4460How To Become a Mortgage Broker in Three Steps<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/blogs/2022/ValChrisInvestmentsInc-130375-Become-Mortage-Broker-image1.jpg" width="1903" height="860" alt="How To Become a Mortgage Broker in Three Steps" title="How To Become a Mortgage Broker in Three Steps" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
If you’re considering becoming a mortgage broker, there’s no better time than now. The industry is thriving, and it’s considered an excellent way to make a living. How do you get started? It’s not as difficult as you might think. Here is a guide on how to become a mortgage broker in three steps.
1. Get Your High School Diploma or GED
While you don’t have to be a college student to begin your career, you need a high school degree or GED. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get your license. College isn’t necessary, but it might help to take a couple of courses in finance or gain external certifications. There are several free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) you can take on any topic, including finance. These classes can prepare you before you take the plunge. There are many options out there.
2. Prepare for Licensing
In addition to your high school diploma, the federal government mandates training. The Secure and Fair Licensing Enforcement Act (SAFE) makes state licenses mandatory for all mortgage originators. This means you must get a license from the Nationwide Multi-State Licensing System and Registry (NMLS). To get this licensing, you need to complete a 20-hour course on fraud and ethics, federal regulations, and mortgage lending standards. You’ll need to take an exam to certify that you understand the material at the end of the course. They should also teach you <a href="https://www.val-chris.com/blog/tips-for-boosting-sales-in-your-mortgage-brokerage-business/">tips for boosting sales in your mortgage brokerage business</a>. You can’t skip this step, so make sure you study hard for it.
3. Establish and Register Your Business
After getting your licensing under control, the next step is establishing your business. You need to choose the name of your business. Register it under city, state, and federal agencies. Pick the business location and get your state and city tax numbers. You’ll also want to apply for licenses and permits for your city. Make sure you’re ready on a federal level to begin your business.
If you’re starting your brokerage business, you must know how to become a mortgage broker in these three steps. If you don’t follow these rules and regulations, you’ll find yourself in trouble at a federal level, so make sure everything is legitimate. Good luck on your journey!2022-06-08T08:12:00-07:002022-06-08T09:14:31-07:00Boyd Rudy Assoc. Brokertag:dwellingsmi.com,2012-09-20:4216Early 2000s Home Décor Trends That Haven’t Aged Well<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/tuscan_kitchen.png" width="1120" height="630" alt="Early 2000s Home Décor Trends That Haven’t Aged Well" title="Early 2000s Home Décor Trends That Haven’t Aged Well" />
Y2K—two letters and a number that, in many respects, feel just like yesterday. We may still be watching as much Friends and listening to as much Dave Matthews Band as we did back then, but consider this: 2000 is as far away from us today as 1978 was from 2000, and no one would mistake those years for each other. The place where we really see this passage of time is in our homes. Styles move fast, and our once-au courant surroundings have started to show their age. We’ve selected a few early 2000s home décor trends that haven’t aged well—certainly not as well as those timeless reruns of Friends.
The Open Kitchen: A Little Too Open
Home and Garden Television, or HGTV, rose to prominence at the turn of the millennium, inspiring homeowners across America to invest in their houses and increase their resale value. One of the most common ways for HGTV’s design mavens to do this was with an open-concept kitchen. Simply separate the walls that partitioned the kitchen away from the rest of the ground floor and watch that appraisal skyrocket!
We’ve since seen the error of our ways. Open-concept kitchens eliminate the distinction between a workspace and an entertaining space. Add too much reverberation and a lack of privacy while cooking, and we can see why <a href="https://www.nextmodular.com/are-open-floor-plans-a-thing-of-the-past/">the open kitchen has fallen out of favor</a>.
Tuscan Villa Décor: Go Ahead and Stop Believing
The Sopranos was the defining television program of the aughts, one whose popularity has only increased since its first run. More and more observers have deemed it the greatest TV show of all time. But The Sopranos wasn’t just a masterpiece—it was a period piece, perfectly capturing the suburban opulence of the decade. North Jersey McMansion style was something many families everywhere aspired to achieve. This meant a rise in Tuscan-inspired interior design, which designers usually achieved with faux-stucco wall treatments. This dappled beige and Italian tile seemed to represent countryside chic at the time, but the overload of brownish tones and the good intentions of faux texturing are something most of us have since moved on from.
Massive Consoles: Are You Not Entertained?
If there’s one early 2000s home décor trend that hasn’t aged well, it’s the massive, imposing entertainment center. As DVDs rose to prominence and television entered its second golden age, we did our best to create home theaters and get serious about watching TV. This meant we needed a place to put a bigger and better TV, as well as additional shelf space to accommodate all that physical media. Now that TVs have outgrown their furniture and streaming reigns supreme, these massive inlaid units look seriously outmoded. Minimalist consoles are the way to go for now—the only thing you need shelf space for is your router.2022-04-12T13:29:00-07:002022-04-27T16:32:04-07:00Dwellings Boydtag:dwellingsmi.com,2012-09-20:4222What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022
The coronavirus pandemic turned the real estate market into a frenzied rollercoaster ride for both buyers and sellers. Especially because of the historically low mortgage rates coupled with the inventory shortage.
But with the pandemic subsiding, the burning question is, what will happen in real estate in 2022? Housing experts forecast the market could calm down this year and ease up a little, especially for many first-time buyers.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/5trends.png" width="1000" height="1307" alt="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" title="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" />
While no one knows what the future has in store, here we have compiled a list of five real estate trends that home buyers and sellers should be aware of as they navigate the market this year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/sellermarket.png" width="1000" height="307" alt="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" title="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" />
Due to the surge of buyers during the pandemic, both existing and new home inventory has been extremely low throughout 2021. According to experts, inventory will remain scarce this year and we will continue to be in a seller's market. The February 2022 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) revealed that the national inventory of active listings declined by 24.5 percent over last year, while the total inventory of unsold homes, including pending listings, declined by more than 15 percent. Newly listed homes were also down 0.5% nationally compared to a year ago.
One of the main catalysts for the low inventory is that homeowners have been hesitant to list their homes for sale, as there is no guarantee they will be able to find an affordable home to purchase or a rental to lease. Builders are trying to ramp up production, but new home construction isn’t keeping up with the surge in demand. There have been huge issues with the supply chain, which made construction materials more expensive and difficult to come by.
Tips for buyers: To find a good home in this tight market, do as much legwork as possible. Make sure you get pre-approved for a mortgage before you even start house-hunting. Sacrifice some of your nice-to-haves for your must-haves. If the neighborhood you have been eyeing is too competitive, try to expand your search. Lastly, do not hesitate to work with a local and experienced realtor who can help you navigate the complicated process of buying a home, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Your agent knows what is happening on the market and can give you the best advice to find the perfect home that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Tips for sellers: Low inventory, where homes are being snatched up fast, means less competition! Even if your home isn’t quite as appealing to many other buyers, or you intend to sell as-is without renovations, you still stand a better chance in the current real estate market. Just make sure you plan for your next home before you decide to sell.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/mortgage_interest.png" width="1000" height="307" alt="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" title="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" />
Over the past year, mortgage rates have stayed extremely low, but that will likely change in 2022. New projections by the Federal Reserve show seven rate hikes this year, up from three projected rate hikes in December 2021, which means mortgage rates will likely rise. Both Redfin and Realtor.com predict a 30-year-fixed mortgage rate will reach 3.60 percent, while the Mortgage Bankers Association expects the average rate on a 30-year loan to reach 4 percent, by the end of 2022. The combination of lingering inflation, consumer spending, and the pandemic subsiding is what's driving mortgage rates higher.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/home_prices.png" width="1000" height="307" alt="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" title="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" />
Just like groceries, gas, and everything else, house prices are going up. And while historically low mortgage rates helped offset the higher listing prices in 2021, experts forecast both home prices and mortgage rates to go up this year.
According to a recent <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/home-prices-spiked-by-double-digits-in-78-of-metro-areas-in-third-quarter-of-2021">report</a> by the NAR, the national median sales price of single-family existing homes increased to $363,700 by the end of 2021, mainly due to strong home buyer demand and limited housing supply. In 2022, existing home sales prices will continue to increase, rising 2.9 percent.
Tips for home buyers: Know how much house you can really afford and commit to staying within that budget no matter what. Likewise, take the time to research lenders who have a good combination of low rates and low fees, then apply for a mortgage pre-approval.
Tips for home sellers: Higher home prices mean a nice profit is on the horizon! But to get more money from your biggest investment, work with an experienced and local real estate agent to help you get the best offer for your home.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/home_value.png" width="1000" height="307" alt="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" title="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" />
Home appreciation refers to a home or investment property that increases in value over time. Throughout 2021, homes appreciated at rapid rates, mainly because the market has been so hot across the country. Housing experts suggest it may change in 2022, they expect the rapid appreciation rate to slow down and will be lower than last year. According to the NAR, home sales will take a breather after what has been a spectacular housing market in 2020 and 2021. Thus, home price appreciation is expected to be at 2.8 percent this year, down from 14.7 percent in 2021.
Tips for home buyers: The slowdown provides a better environment for buyers because the homes they purchase may not skyrocket in value as quickly as they would have in 2021, and may help avoid bidding wars. But at the same time, prices won't seem to be going down. Many Americans will also no longer face the prospect of home values far outpacing their pay raises.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/designs.png" width="1000" height="307" alt="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" title="What's Ahead in Real Estate? 5 Trends and Features To Watch Out For in 2022" />
In 2022, renovations will continue to come in all shapes and sizes. More people will gravitate towards using nature-inspired colors to give a calming vibe to their homes, including greens, blues, taupes, and browns. Many potential and recent buyers are drawn to colors associated with water and sky, as demonstrated in Zillow's interior paint color analysis. Research has found that homes with light blue bathrooms could sell for 1.6 percent more than expected or nearly $5,000 on a typical U.S. home. Meanwhile, dark, moody blues in the bedroom could sell for a $1,500 premium.
Aside from matching the colors of Mother Earth, sustainability is also a top priority, especially for younger homeowners. Home listings with descriptions mentioning eco, energy-efficient, or similar terms have sold more than two days faster than expected. Listings that mention drought-resistant features sold 13 days faster, and smart sprinkler systems and double pane windows installed for energy conservation were associated with homes selling more than a week quicker than expected.
After the tough two years, one thing that almost everyone learned is to prioritize their mental health. We see this reflected in thoughtful wellness home designs, including retreat features such as meditation rooms, reading nooks, and even spa-inspired bathrooms. According to Zillow, a freestanding bathtub can lead to a 2.6 percent premium on a home’s sale price. Even features such as a “she shed” can help a home sell for 2 percent more than expected. Natural light will also be a priority, especially in home offices and common spaces.
2022-03-17T13:43:00-07:002022-04-27T16:47:00-07:00Dwellings Boydtag:dwellingsmi.com,2012-09-20:4228Top Fire Safety Equipment Every Home Should Have<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2470/image/fire_safety.png" width="1120" height="630" alt="Top Fire Safety Equipment Every Home Should Have" title="Top Fire Safety Equipment Every Home Should Have" />
House fires can leave a physical and psychological toll when they happen. Fortunately, there are a variety of measures you can take in your home to avoid these terrible circumstances from occurring. Look below to learn about the top fire safety equipment every home should have.
Detection Is Your First Line of Defense
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas that can lead to suffocation and even death. CO poisoning is most prevalent when smoke is in the air or in households with malfunctioning furnaces, generators, or ovens that experience mechanical failure. That's why it's crucial to <a href="https://www.buygasmonitors.com/blog/the-dos-and-donts-of-installing-carbon-monoxide-detectors/">effectively install a carbon monoxide detector</a> in your home to warn you if CO is present.
Smoke detectors can alert you to early warning signs of a fire outbreak. According to the National Fire Protection Association, having working smoke detectors in your home can cut the risk of dying in a reported fire in half. Make sure to test each sensor once a month and replace the batteries every two years.
Fire Extinguishers Can Put Out Small Flames
You can get a fire extinguisher from your local hardware store or grocery store. Remember the acronym PASS while using a fire extinguisher:
Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
Aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep from side to side until the fire is out.
Keep track of when you last had your home's fire extinguishers serviced or inspected. Always make sure they're in excellent working order. Place the extinguisher in a plainly visible and easy-to-reach position away from any potential obstructions.
Escape Ladders for Multiple Story Buildings
When your home features two or more floors, your family should plan for the possibility of having to evacuate the higher levels without using your interior stairs. One of the best solutions is placing an escape ladder near windows as a second escape route. You can store these ladders in an accessible location when not in use. Just make sure everyone in your home gets trained on effectively using them.
Make a Family Emergency Plan
One of the most critical pieces of safety equipment you can have is a family emergency plan. Your plan should include where to meet, when to contact 911, any medications you're taking, and how to turn off the water and gas. Keep emergency contact information in a prominent location in your house, such as the refrigerator.
Additionally, you should keep a disaster supply kit for worst-case scenarios. The kit should contain:
Water.
Non-perishable food items.
Basic medical supplies.
Clothes and bedding.
Anything else you would need to survive for at least three days.
Stocking up on the top fire safety equipment every home should have can be lifesaving. Just make sure that you check all the equipment regularly to ensure that it is in proper working condition and ready to use when you need it.2022-03-09T06:03:00-07:002022-04-28T08:05:07-07:00Dwellings Boyd