Plumbing problems are bound to happen any time of the year. But with the freezing temperature and snowfall brought about by winter, there's a higher chance of enduring plumbing problems.

Below are 4 of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face during winter, along with some suggestions on how to prevent them.

Water heater breakdown

As the temperature drops below zero in the winter, your water heater has to work harder to keep up with your family's needs. Considering that you use hot water for different activities throughout the day, don't be surprised if you experience some problems with your water heater in wintertime.

To avoid this inconvenience, we recommend that you have your water heater serviced before the cold weather kicks in. Flush and drain your water heater at least once a year to eliminate sediments and mineral deposits that accumulated at the bottom of your tank. Plus, it helps your water heater to function more efficiently.

Adding curb appeal to your home gives it a nice, finished look. This is especially beneficial if you're planning to sell. Enhancing your front yard will not only help capture the attention of potential buyers but also makes your home easier to sell. 

The good news is, you can make big changes to your home's exterior without spending a fortune. 

Check out these simple, low-cost curb appeal ideas that will give your home's exterior a mini-makeover. Follow these tips, and you'll get an excellent first impression from potential buyers.

Keep your lawn well-manicured 

Maintaining your lawn may seem like a lot of work, but it is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a big impact. A well-manicured lawn is not only aesthetically pleasing; it also helps increase the value of your home.

Consider plantings some colourful and dainty flowers. Conquer those weeds and cut the grass regularly. Make your yard look as good as you can.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that flooding in basements can occur in any home. This is most likely to occur during heavy rainfall or when snow and ice start to melt. 

If you’ve ever experienced basement flooding, you know just how stressful and tedious the clean-up process can be. It is the last thing you want in your home. Your new carpet can quickly become a moldy sponge after flooding. Plus, you'll be left with ruined possessions and countless hours of cleaning. 

Fortunately, there are some ways to prevent it. Here are some of them. 

Clean gutters

Blocked gutters are considered one of the most common causes of flooding. Keeping your gutters clean is one of the easiest ways to prevent flooding in your basement.

Buying a new home can be thrilling and nerve-racking at the same time. Since this will be one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make, it's important to control your emotions and make a rational decision. 

Don’t let the styled decor sway you into buying that Colorado house. More than anything, it is important to learn about the house’s condition so that you have a good idea of what you’re buying. Remember, this will be your Colorado home in the coming years, so it pays to check out every aspect of the property.

Here are a few things homebuyers should look out for before signing on the dotted line. 

Buying a foreclosed property can be a great option if you're in the market for a new home. While many buyers associate buying a foreclosure with getting a great deal, it can also carry some risk. Before making a purchase, you want to make sure that you understand what you're getting into.

To help you make a more informed decision, let's take a look at the pros and cons of buying a foreclosed home. 

Pros

Financial gains

Buying a foreclosed property is financially advantageous since you may be able to purchase it at a price that is below the market rate. Typically, the cost of foreclosed homes is about 5% lower as compared to similar properties in the market. 

It is essential to pay attention to your home's curb appeal when selling it. Potential buyers will make their initial judgments based on your home's curb appeal. It can make or break your home sale. 

If your home looks cluttered, untidy, or poorly maintained, you may scare potential buyers away. You may have to wait for a long time to sell your home, and your sales price may suffer as a result. 

Here are four curb appeal mistakes that can sabotage your home sale. 

Dying plants and flowers

Colorful plants and flowers will add visual interest to a shady yard and add instant curb appeal to your home. But if those once beautiful flowers have turned brown, they're going to have quite the opposite effect. 

A solid roof above your head protects your family from the elements and ensures that your property is secure. For your roof to do its job, you need to make sure it’s in top condition. Never wait for a serious problem to occur before examining your roof.

Learning the signs of potential roof damage will help you catch minor issues and prevent them from becoming bigger and more complicated. Pay attention to these warning signs and have a professional fix the issue as quickly as possible. 

Missing or damaged shingles 

Visually inspecting your roof will help you spot missing, cupped, or cracked shingles. Your roof’s structure and your home’s interior become vulnerable to water damage when you have missing shingles. Therefore, it is best to replace torn or missing shingles as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, the gutters, flashing, ventilation pipes, and chimney may eventually be damaged. 

Buying a house is one of the most expensive purchases most people make. But with financial stakes so high, one wrong move can cripple you with stress and end up costing you a lot of money. 

First-time homebuyers are prone to mistakes. Luckily, most of these mistakes are preventable. By arming yourself with knowledge, buying a house can be less stressful and more enjoyable. 

Here are some of the biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make, along with some tips on how to avoid them.

They don’t bother with an inspection

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, 10% of home buyers choose to forego a home inspection. We understand that most buyers are trying to cut costs, but hiring a professional home inspector can actually save you thousands of dollars down the road. 

So, you’re planning to put your home on the market? If so, you have probably taken steps to make sure your home appeals to most buyers. 

As a seller, the goal is to sell your home fast and get the most money out of it. These things, however, will distract a buyer from all the great things your home has to offer and may even sabotage the sale.

Unkempt yard

When potential buyers drive by your house, the first thing they see is your yard. You want it to be a great indication of what’s yet to be seen on the inside. 

If your yard looks like the Adams family owns it, potential buyers may never want to come inside. Tidy up, cut the grass, and plant some flowers. You want to make sure it looks warm, friendly, and welcoming.

Kitchens are the hub of home life. Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling as compared to other home improvement projects. Depending on how serious an overhaul it is, homeowners would spend about $10,000 to $40,000 on kitchen renovations. 

We understands that some people do not have the budget required for a complete kitchen remodel, but don’t be tempted to use cheap materials to save money. To get the most financial gain on your kitchen remodels, you want to invest in durable materials. 

Here are three materials to avoid on your next kitchen remodel.

Trendy backsplash material 

The backsplash provides you an opportunity to be creative and express your personality. However, you may want to do away from trendy tile patterns and bold colors. 

Trends come and go. Tastes change. You may like it now, but you may find it tacky after a few years. To prevent this from happening, you want your kitchen to remain timeless in design. Stick with classic designs and neutral colors. A neutral backsplash adds just as much character to your space. 

Cheap sheet vinyl flooring 

Kitchens are among the busiest rooms in the house. Heavy foot traffic demands you to invest in durable materials. Besides the look, durability should be given importance when selecting kitchen flooring. 

Due to its affordability, vinyl flooring has gained popularity among homeowners. It is also moisture resistant, so it works pretty well in the kitchen. Despite having a “wear layer”, vinyl flooring tends to show signs of wear over time. If damaged, it’s unrepairable. Additionally, it has a shorter lifespan than other flooring materials and fades when exposed to sunlight. 

Plastic laminate countertop 

Countertops made from laminate are some of the cheapest options available. If you’re watching your budget, you are probably considering using laminate for your kitchen counters. Laminate is a good choice, provided that you stay away from the entry-level plastic laminate. 

Plastic laminate is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. They are also easy to clean and maintain. The downside is that they are extremely easy to damage. Knives can damage the melamine finish, so be sure to keep your cutting boards handy. Also, be careful with hot pans as they could melt the plastic and leave a permanent mark on your counter.

Plastic laminate is impossible to repair once damaged, so your only option is to replace the entire counter or live with the damages.