(BPT) – 2020 outdoor living trends are all about enjoying your backyard alfresco — but with the comfort and ease, you expect from your indoor spaces. Today’s outdoor spaces are transforming into an extension of the home. The current outdoor design also takes into account the look and feel of your entire home, including the interior and exterior, building materials, and surroundings.

Connecting with nature: Biophilic design

Biophilic design is achieved when natural elements are incorporated into space, helping people feel connected to the natural environment. It creates a calm, tranquil space and reduces stress. Biophilia makes sense for indoor urban environments needing to bring the outdoors in, but how does it work when you’re already outside?

Biophilic design for outdoor spaces means integrating natural elements with constructed elements to create a harmonious space. A plant wall or raised garden bed can integrate greenery and pops of color with the built elements of your outdoor space. It also means using natural materials, like wood and stone, to complement the surrounding environment.

Create a greener, more sustainable spaces to celebrate the environment, which can help encourage pollinators, grow healthy food, and forge a cohesive outdoor space. You can also use materials such as Belgard’s permeable pavers, which allow water to drain through the surface, replenishing the soil and aquifers beneath your path, walkway, or driveway.

More than just a grill

Today’s homeowners want much more than a grill in the backyard. With aspirations to cook and entertain guests outdoors with everything the best outdoor kitchen can offer, the possibilities are endless — from grills to cooktops and ovens or even a wine cooler and an outdoor bar.

Homeowners also have many options when it comes to the design and price point of their outdoor kitchen. Some may lean toward a grill island, adding prep and storage space to their grilling station, while others might create a full-on outdoor kitchen with a grill, smoker, refrigerator, sink, seating area, and more.

Either way, homeowners can get a feel for exactly what their space will look like before breaking ground through Belgard’s design resources. The Belgard Design Studio takes a simple sketch, some dimensions, and a couple of photos and turns it, using design software, into 3D animations and virtual reality experiences to give homeowners a sense of the finished product in their backyard.

Sleek, modern design

While it may seem contrary to the more organic approach of biophilic design, the contemporary trend toward sleek, modular furniture can enhance your outdoor space.

Modular, sectional pieces with clean lines and streamlined design can be arranged and re-arranged to accommodate any natural elements you want to incorporate in your space or to handle different numbers of guests when entertaining.

The minimalist approach to furnishings also allows the natural elements around you to take center stage.

Multifunctional spaces

Whether your home is in an urban area with limited green space, or you want to optimize your outdoor living, get creative:

• Add vertical planters
• Hang hammocks for lounging
• Create built-in seating
• Build raised garden beds

Here’s where some of that modular seating can come in handy, too. Some urban homes make good use of their front porches and yards, instead, which invites more neighborhood engagement and a feeling of community.

Entertaining both night and day

Regardless of the time of day — or year — you and your family can relax comfortably in your outdoor sanctuary, thanks to modern technology and the latest outdoor installations:

• LED lighting is installed in a variety of ways. You can install strips of light and/or spotlights, even using multiple colors, to add flair at night.
• In the harsh sunlight, large umbrellas and movable shade walls or screens can keep your space cool and more comfortable.
• For cooler climates, an outdoor fireplace provides heat and light for cozy evenings in the yard.

Whether you have a straightforward vision for a patio or dream of elaborate outdoor living spaces, these ideas can help you create your oasis. For more information on how you can upgrade your outdoor space, visit Belgard.com.

A.C.F. Home Inspections, Your Premier Orlando Home Inspection Company | Let this experienced Orlando Home Inspection Company help keep you from buying The Money Pit. We’ll alert you to any and all health or safety issues and maintenance needs of the home you’re looking to buy.

As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on supporting homeowners and families who need an honest, competent and dependable property inspector. We understand the importance of safety. When it comes to children and family. Therefore, we give special attention to deficiencies in systems and components of the home that represent an immediate danger. And we are independent and impartial; we work for you – our client – and not for an agent or other interests.

A.C.F. Home Inspections is committed to bringing you a consistently high level of service. We are an indispensable asset to real estate agents, buyers, sellers, investors, property managers, landlords, mortgage brokers, and private and nursing care homes.  Let us be your residential and commercial advisor, and find peace of mind that you are getting a professional’s opinion.

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(BPT) – This year you might have goals like ramping up your workout routine, increasing your self-care regimen or finding time to de-stress.

The EPA reports we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, but most people feel that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental well-being and stress level, according to a recent YouGov study commissioned by Velux. So, if your goal is to de-stress, here are some healthy behaviors and design tips to help you bring nature’s sanctuary indoors.

1) Fill your home with photos of nature

Surrounding yourself with images of nature can have a positive effect on wellness. Try framing some photos of special memories in nature like a hike with your family, beach sunset or mountain view.

2) Let in more fresh air and natural light

Today’s homes are built tighter and more sealed, which means they can trap toxins from daily living – such as cooking, cleaning, pets and more – inside. Adding skylights that can open is a simple home renovation project to improve fresh air flow, helping rid indoor air of pollutants. Additionally, studies show that exposure to natural light helps to sync your circadian rhythm, allowing for better sleep at night.

3) Fill your home with natural scents

Up your chef game by using fresh herbs in your cooking that will fill your kitchen with natural fragrance. Making an indoor herb garden ensures you’ll always have some on hand. You can also incorporate fresh herbs into bouquets or wreaths for a natural air freshener throughout your home.

4) Meditate or do yoga in the morning

Waking up with stretching or meditating is a great way to prepare yourself for a successful day. Open the blinds or curtains on your windows and skylights to let in early morning light and help you feel invigorated and refreshed.

5) Go green with your décor

Reap the benefits of nature by bringing it inside, adding greenery or even fruit into your décor. The possibilities are endless – use a bowl of fresh fruit as a centerpiece or mix different sizes of pots to create a succulent gallery. Little touches of green in each room will go a long way.

6) Use natural cleaning products

Many common cleaning products have harsh chemicals that can be inhaled or absorbed into your skin. Combat the dangers of these toxins by switching to natural cleaning products. You’ll feel safer and more relaxed when your home is chemical-free.

From boosting your home’s natural light to going green and adding plant life, it’s easy to turn your home into a natural oasis with these simple steps. For more information, visit whyskylights.com.

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522

BPT – With the early arrival of winter, the grip of cold temperatures and snowfall that landed along with it, now is a good time to start thinking about keeping your home warm and cozy all season long.

This winter, consider the strategies below to keep your house warm, even during the most frigid days of the year.

1. Help your HVAC system work more efficiently

No matter what kind of heating system you have, you can take steps to keep it working at its best.

• Schedule annual heating tune-ups
• Change the furnace filter frequently
• Make sure ductwork dampers are open
• Check air vents — are they open? Are any blocked by furniture?
• If you have a home with radiators, make sure they aren’t blocked
• Avoid wild temperature swings — set your thermostat for reasonable highs and lows at night and during the day, since extremely low temps could result in freezing pipes, and your system has to work extra hard to aim for higher temps than it can handle

2. Consider upgrading your HVAC system

If you have an older system that just can’t keep up or you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, consider upgrading to a new high-efficiency heating system. It may save you money and energy in the long run, while increasing your comfort level.

Thanks to advances in technology, today’s HVAC equipment can provide more consistent air flow and better maintain a constant temperature in every room. In the middle of winter, all of that adds up to a more comfortable and cozy home without the enormous utility bill.

For the latest and greatest in comfort technology for your winter upgrade, consider a duct-free split system equipped with LG’s newest heating technology, the compact and powerful LGRED° (Reliable to Extreme Degrees), designed for even the coldest of climates. With continuous heating capabilities down to -13° Fahrenheit, LGRED° technology provides superior heating performance that will keep you warm all winter long. This increased performance not only delivers heat when traditional HVAC systems are unable, but operates with top notch efficiency, cutting energy costs and increasing savings.

Pair this technology with sleek indoor units, like the LG Art Cool^TM lineup, for comfort without sacrificing style. An added plus is that LG systems can make one or many rooms perfectly toasty without tearing up walls or altering the home’s appearance.

3. Block the leaks

If you have drafts or leaks in your home, you’re losing valuable heated air and letting in the cold. Start by checking doors and windows for any drafts.

• Improve your doors’ weather stripping and use a draft blocker to further keep cold air out
• For windows, an insulation kit and heavy drapes can help you prevent leaks
• If you have an unused fireplace, install a fireplace plug to keep warm air from heading up the chimney
• Cover up mail slots or pet door flaps that may be leaking air, especially at night
• Close vents and shut doors to rooms that are seldom used, so more warm air can be redirected to rooms in use
• Schedule an energy audit from your energy company to identify areas for improvement
• Attic insulation is also recommended, since heat rises

4. Reverse ceiling fans

As heat does rise, ceiling fans set on low and adjusted to turn clockwise will help pull up cold air and draw down and circulate warm air that’s hanging out near the ceiling.

5. Warm your floors

When heat rises, don’t leave your floors out in the cold.

• If you’re interested in remodeling, radiant floor heating can help warm up a room, and has become especially popular for bathrooms
• Invest in thick, plush rugs to help rooms feel warmer to your feet

Following just a few of these tips will make a big difference in helping your house feel cozy and warm, even during the most extreme cold temperatures of winter. To learn more about ways to easily improve your home’s warmth this winter, visit LGHVAC.com.

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522

BPT – Routine maintenance: two words that likely evoke eye rolls, exasperated sighs and dread for most homeowners who read, hear or even think about them. However, they’re also a homeowner’s best line of defense when it comes to protecting their most important investment — their home.

“Many homeowners insurance policyholders are choosing higher deductibles because it lowers their insurance costs,” said Christopher O’Rourke, Mercury Insurance vice president of property claims. “This means, however, that if they need to make a claim then their out-of-pocket costs will be higher. So, the best claim is the one you don’t have to make, because you’ve taken the time to ensure your property is properly maintained. And the good news is that it generally costs much less than paying a deductible.”

So, with that in mind, here are three inexpensive projects that could save you a lot of money in the long run.

1. Inspect plumbing connections, appliance hoses and pipes for leaks.

Refrigerators with icemakers or water dispensers, dishwashers and washing machines all have hoses that connect to your water supply. If these hoses wear out, blister or crack, or the connections loosen, they can cause leaks that can cause a lot of damage to your home and appliances. Replace these hoses with steel-braided hoses because they are less likely to fail and can be purchased at your local hardware store for around $20. Consult your owner’s manual for hose specifications and recommended replacement intervals.

Periodically inspect the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks for leaks. Also, if there’s a bathroom in your home that’s seldom used, turn the faucets on and off, and flush the toilet once a week to ensure water continues flowing through the pipes properly.

“Oftentimes, people will notice a brown spot on the ceiling, bulge in the wall or swelling cabinets — all indicators of water build-up or leaks — and most homeowners policies don’t cover long-term leaks,” said O’Rourke. “It’s important to address these things as soon as possible because they can create extensive damage if left untreated.”

If you suspect you may have a leak, but the source isn’t easily accessible, time is of the essence. The average cost to hire a plumber is about $300, which is less than the potential amount of damage an untreated leak might cause.

2. Clean dryer ducts and vents.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to 15,050 home fires involving clothes dryers and washing machines in 2014, which is the most recent data available.

It’s important to empty your dryer’s lint filter after each use because lint is highly flammable. Combined with the high heat given off during a tumble cycle, this is a recipe for disaster. Lint also accumulates in dryer ducts and vents. While they take a bit more effort and know-how to clean, it’s just as important to do this at least once a year.

Unfortunately, one Mercury policyholder learned this the hard way.

“Our insured’s dryer was about 12 years old and its vents had never been cleaned,” said O’Rourke. “The resulting fire caused $300,000 in damage to her home, which she was forced to leave for 10 months. Insurance helps cover material losses, but you can’t put a price on lost memories or having your life turned upside down.”

The average cost of a professional dryer vent cleaning is less than $200.

3. Visually inspect your home’s exterior.

Make a point of walking the perimeter of your home to look for cracks, chips or holes in the facade and loose shingles on the roof. Imperfections like these can be access points for unwanted water to enter the home, which can cause rot, mold or structural damage.

If your exterior walls are coated with built-up dirt and debris, wash them first to make it easier to detect potential problem areas. You can do this by attaching a cleaning tool to your garden hose or renting a pressure washer. Costs will vary depending on which option you choose, but start as low as $20.

Windows are another potential danger zone for leaks, so be sure to check the condition of your weather stripping, as well as look for chips and cracks.

Consult a professional to determine next steps if you find damages to your home’s exterior.

O’Rourke also recommends speaking with your insurance agent to learn more about where to clean, what to replace and when to consult a professional before it’s too late. “Another suggestion is to consider hiring an inspector to help identify areas of risk. Most people only do this before buying or selling a home, but you don’t want to wait until it’s too late,” said O’Rourke.

Taking care of your property now with these simple maintenance tips could save you time and money in the long run.

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522

 A perfectly installed stucco can be a great help to your home. Stucco homes are more fire retardant, more energy-efficient, and less prone to noise pollution. However, a poorly installed or not properly maintained stucco can pave the way for countless stucco problems which can severely damage your home.

But first, let’s understand what stucco is and what is it used for.

Stucco, also called render, is a construction material made from a binder and water. It is applied while wet and hardens into a very dense solid. In short, stucco is a fine plaster used for coating wall surfaces, ceilings, and moldings as a sculptural and artistic material in architecture. Applying three coats of stucco over a lath base provides a solid, durable and seamless home exterior that offers a natural resistance to fire with lasting durability.

However, if the stucco is not well maintained or was poorly installed, issues can arise which can eventually affect your home. Most of the stucco-related issues are caused by water problems. Most of the time, it has to do with moisture being trapped in the house.

Below are some of the most common stucco problems and how you can fix them:

1. Wall staining

• has an array of contaminants that can become absorbed in stucco and stain your walls. Rainwater can also wash dirt and contaminants from the windows and roof into your stucco. Eventually, huge deposits of contaminants in your stucco can lead to overall deterioration.

• a stucco remediation team that utilizes environment-friendly products to get rid of the contaminants. The remediation team will use a low-pressure water spray to effectively clean the stucco and apply a water-resistant sealer to prevent similar problems from recurring.

1. Mold

When we talk about moisture and excess water, a mold problem is always on the list. A mold problem is very serious and should not be taken lightly. Not only will it affect the home but your family’s health may be put at risk.

To deal with this, you must first find and exterminate the main source of a water problem. Next, remove the stucco affected by excess moisture and remove the rotten wood. After this, contact a professional for the installation of a new stucco system. A high-end water management system will also be done to prevent similar stucco problems from recurring in the future.

1. Cracking

There are two types of cracking in stucco homes –localized and more comprehensive. Water damage underneath the surface is usually the main cause of a localized cracking while poor workmanship during the stucco installation can result in more comprehensive or general cracking.

• For a localized cracking, the professional repair team usually installs a coating system that strengthens without affecting the look.

• For a comprehensive cracking, a complete stucco replacement is highly recommended. This is because it is a more serious stucco problem that resulted from poor workmanship during the installation.

Dealing with a stucco problem means unfolding the main source of the problem first which is usually water damage. If you own a stucco home and is struggling with moisture issues, contact a professional to help you address the issue. Working together to give the stucco system a total overhaul can help prevent your home from any future issues.

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522