Join us as we dive into how to renovate your home strategically, with practical tips to save money, increase property value, and avoid common mistakes.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight on behalf of Tivly. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Renovate Wisely: A Homeowner’s Guide to Cost-Effective Home Improvements

Homeowners often look around their homes and find things that they would like to improve. You may have started to wonder how your walls would look with a different color paint, or you might have more drastic ideas that would require you to knock out a wall or two. The important thing to remember is that renovations can cost a lot of money, but they don’t have to be insurmountable. Find out why you should renovate your home and how you can save money on these renovations. 

Why Should You Renovate Your Home?

Lower the Cost of Utilities.

To lower your bills, you must upgrade the appliances in your home. They will be energy-efficient, and this will lower your energy costs. Sometimes, all it takes is adding insulation and replacing your windows. To guide you in finding areas where you can make upgrades, find out which appliances are expending the most heat and electricity, and replace those with energy-efficient options. The more efficient you can say that your house is, the more people will be interested in purchasing it when it comes time to sell. 

Increase the Home’s Value.

Renovations make it possible to increase the asking price for your home. You may have a small project to do, like updating a few things in your bathrooms, or it could be much bigger, such as upgrading the entire kitchen, and these renovations will increase the value of your home. To find out what would be the most worthwhile upgrades, you can consult with a contractor or your local realtor. 

Upgrade the Function of the Home.

It may be time to add a second bathroom, or you might want to increase the space in your home. For example, some men like to add “man caves” to their properties, or else you may think that it would be nice to have a patio so that you can entertain outside. This is a good idea if the renovations do not decrease the value of your home.

Make an Older Home Look New.

If you have an older home and it appears to be older, it may turn buyers off when you want to sell. The best plan is to select timeless styles that will not need to be upgraded as often. 

How to Save Money on Home Renovations

Do the Job Yourself.

If you can make the renovations yourself, you can save a lot of money. This means that the price you pay for your renovations will be at least 10% lower than if you paid a contractor. Doing the job yourself also gives you the opportunity to purchase everything yourself, so you can search for the best prices. 

Have Fewer Cabinets.

It may be surprising to read this, but you do not have to have as many cabinets in your kitchen. For example, you can place open shelving instead of upper cabinets, but you can also have a few lower cabinets. You can save money on these cabinets by searching for a cabinet shop owner who will sell you slightly imperfect cabinets for a lower price. One do-it-yourselfer was able to purchase cabinets for $50 a piece this way. 

Consult Your Local Contractor.

Your contractor has valuable knowledge, so it is worth your while to ask him or her for advice on which supplies to use. No need to be afraid to ask because contractors are happy to share what they know. They also have relationships with suppliers, and they will be happy to help you get in contact with them. These suppliers offer contractors discounts on their materials, so you may be able to take advantage of these suppliers for discounts as well. 

Don’t Take Too Long to Make Decisions.

The best way to ensure that your costs are as low as possible is to make the most important decisions before you begin the work. If you change your mind at the last minute, this can lead to delays that cost a lot of money. Begin searching for your materials, appliances and fixtures long before you are set to begin the work.  

What to Avoid When Doing Home Renovations

Underestimating the Cost of Your Renovations

In general, home renovations tend to cost more than the owners expected. That may be because they also take longer than expected. You can prevent this from being an issue for you by overestimating your costs by about 20%. If you find that this price is too high, choose a less expensive project. 

Creating a Plan and Expecting Everything to Follow It Perfectly.

This will be an issue especially if your house is older. Anything could be behind a wall in an older house, but things will not always be smooth sailing in newer constructions. You still have to be prepared for anything that can go wrong. Human beings always hope that, if they plan, everything should follow that plan, but this never happens. 

Not Paying Attention to Your Home’s Natural Style.

Renovations need to complement the natural style of your home. For example, if you own a ranch house, you are not likely to make it look like a penthouse in New York City. Even if this is a DIY project for you, it will be worth your while to consult with an interior designer. This professional will help you add new style elements to your existing decor.   

Doing Everything On Your Own.

Unless you are a contractor and a designer, you must allow the professionals to do certain things. These include roof, plumbing and electrical repairs because they can easily become larger problems if you do not know what you are doing. This can increase the costs significantly.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Tivly

This article outlines five key strategies that educators can use to encourage and empower female students to pursue STEM careers.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight on behalf of Automation Integration Solutions, LLC. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

The Five Cs of How Educators Can Encourage Female Students to Pursue Careers in STEM

In the United States, women hold about 35% of all positions in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. To sustain the exponential growth in these fields and encourage more general equality, educators in primary and secondary institutions are the key. With the power to influence and encourage the next generation of STEM employees, educators can inspire young girls to enter into fields they were previously discouraged from or didn’t know existed. With communication, cooperation, collaboration, confidence, and curriculum, the percentage of females entering into STEM careers in the future can increase, meeting the needs for both growth and equality. 

What are STEM Careers?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Occupations in these fields have grown over the past few decades to include cyber and crypto fields, robotics, genetics, and environmental careers. It is an expansive field that continues to grow with the development of new science and technology, requiring more individuals to pursue an interest in these occupations for those fields to continue to grow and sustain development for the future. 

Five Ways Educators Can Encourage Girls to Pursue STEM Careers

Communication

Educators see their students every day for 180 days out of the year. This provides ample time to be able to communicate ideas and inspire curiosity. However, students will engage with ideas only if they are communicated to them. Talking about what STEM means, what kind of careers are available, how more women are needed in these careers, and why during everyday conversation or instruction will create a message that students can be exposed to. Surrounding the classroom environment with messages about STEM and women in STEM will also communicate the message. If an educator is not transmitting information, the likelihood of inspiration and curiosity is greatly diminished. 

Captivation

Most women do not connect products or services that they use with women in STEM careers. By exhibiting examples of how women have impacted their everyday lives with examples and role models, they will be able to see “someone like them” who made a real difference in the world through a STEM career. Captivating their curiosity will get them to look more into a subject. Showing how robotics and automation have changed the workforce can spark a level of interest in technology and science. By utilizing the Internet to show HOW science and technology affect just about every area in our lives, and how STEM careers play a role in that, the female audience has a chance to be captivated and dream of a potential future in these fields. 

Collaboration

It takes a village to support a child, and although educators play a major role in the development of young minds, collaboration creates an exponential impact. If educators work together, alongside families, guidance counselors, colleges, and the community, the conversation can grow in a unified manner bolstering the message that more women are needed in STEM careers. Creating opportunities for hands-on experiences, tours of local facilities, mentors and role models speaking to classrooms, exhibits being set up and communication being sent home to parents can bring a sense of collaboration for the subject helping to deliver the message clearly and across the board. 

Confidence

Educators play a primary role in developing confidence in young girls. If students are told that they can do it, and they are shown how to do it, they develop the confidence to go out into the world and achieve their dreams. Many people will tell you that the reason why they are successful in what they do is because there was a teacher in their life who told them that they could achieve their dreams. Girls need to have support and skills to gain confidence, especially if they are looking to go into STEM careers. By reinforcing ideas such as they can make good salaries in STEM careers, that women can be math and science-minded, and that they can pave the way for generations after them by becoming the next round of role models, they will be more interested in pursuing a STEM career because they believe that they can do it. 

Curriculum

Any subject in school can be tied to a STEM career with some creativity. Integrating science, math, engineering, and technology into every curriculum will help diversify the interest and knowledge that will inspire girls to pursue a career in STEM. Hands-on activities that promote curiosity about how things work, learning to write technical pieces, drawing out ideas spatially, or providing real work ideas that require scientific applications will help girls will be able to relate STEM to real-life scenarios, opening up a whole new array of possibilities to them. 

STEM Careers Girls May Want to Avoid

Although most females will encounter barriers in entering into STEM fields, there is a high need for the continual push for equality in science, technology, engineering, and math positions. Though no woman should be discouraged from pursuing their dreams, there are a few fields that young girls may want to think twice about entering. 

High Risk of Sexual Harassment

Although many protections are put into place, females should be aware of the standards and procedures that are put into place in any field, occupation, or work setting for sexual harassment. 

Health Endangerment

Fields that can cause exposure to reproductive organs or have a high health risk need to be evaluated by women who are entering that occupation. 

Equality

Although many women want to break the gender gap and barrier, constantly fighting to prove yourself because you are a woman can become very discouraging. For those who do not have the confidence to break the barriers, seeking out role models and mentors of women who have broken into the field is recommended. 

Along with this, women don’t need to be encouraged to only apply in gender-stereotypical STEM careers. These include fragrance and cosmetic careers, nursing, or secretarial work. Just because they are related to STEM, doesn’t necessarily mean they are STEM careers. 

With only approximately 40% of STEM careers being held by women, educators can shape the next generation just by how they present information and how often. Educators are often the greatest influencers and confidence boosters for young women pursuing these types of careers. By engaging them, encouraging them, and seeking out collaborative efforts to help them relate STEM to real-life examples, they will be more engaged in exploring opportunities following their primary and secondary education that they might not have thought of before.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Automation Integration Solutions, LLC

This article explores four traditional holiday ingredients that are also superfoods to boost your immunity during winter and beyond.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Megan Isola. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

From Cranberries to Ginger: Making Your Holiday Menu Work Harder

The holidays are a season of indulgent foods, ranging from traditional pies to new twists on cranberry sauce. This year, indulgent doesn’t need to be unhealthy. With these holiday superfoods, you can boost immunity and energy while making dishes that everyone will love.

Cranberries: Antioxidants From Thanksgiving to Christmas

Cranberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits native to North America. One study from the American Chemical Society found that these berries had the most phenols out of 20 fruits found in American diets. Phenols are one of the most common and effective antioxidants.

Bringing a can of cranberry sauce might be fine if you’re rushing to Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll be thrust into the debate over jellied or whole berry though, and there are much healthier options:

• Cranberry Cocktails: You can use cranberry juice in everything from punch and sangria, to cosmopolitans and fruity martinis. If you need a virgin drink that kids can have, mix cranberry juice and seltzer water for a fancy non-soda beverage.
• Cranberry Sauce: Cook up homemade cranberry sauce with a new twist. Making cranberry sauce is fairly foolproof, as they have natural pectin that jellies when cooked. Add cinnamon, ginger, or even a jalapeno for something that has a little kick. Cinnamon and ginger will add even more superfood power.
• Cranberry Relish: Making cranberry relish just requires blending the berries with some other good things. Pecans or walnuts — themselves being superfoods — add some crunch, and citrus brings some bright acidity. Just be sure to balance out the brightness with a little sugar; you’ll still be using less than the canned stuff has. For an even more colorfully festive look at Christmas, garnish with a sprig of parsley.
• Fresh Cranberries: If there happens to be a natural cranberry bog nearby, picking them can be a great pre-Thanksgiving outdoor activity. Freshly picked cranberries are good enough to be eaten on their own, being quite different from the cranberries you can buy in-store. Wild cranberry bogs are rare and sometimes closely held secrets, but great if you can find one.

Sweet Potatoes: Beyond Just the Sugary Casserole

The orange in sweet potatoes comes from beta-carotene. That’s the antioxidant that old wives’ tales claim is good for sight, but it’s good for all sorts of health aspects. Not only that, but, these yummy potatoes are safe for your pets, so if you drop a piece or two on the ground your furry one can reap the benefits too.

Sweet potatoes can be one of the best sources of beta carotene, because of how much people will eat when having them. Family and guests will take a large helping or two of sweet potato casserole, rather than just a couple of raw carrots. The sheer amount of sweet potatoes that people will eat ensures they get lots of that beta carotene.

A casserole is one of the most traditional ways to serve sweet potatoes, but it’s far from the only option:

• Sweet Potato Casserole: Create the traditional marshmallow- and brown sugar-topped sweet potato for something that kids will gobble up. Sure it’s high in sugar, but at least they’ll be getting plenty of beta-carotene. Bonus points if you pass this off as dessert.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Who says mashed potatoes have to be white? Bring mashed sweet potatoes for a visually striking version of this standard dish. Leaving the skins on ensures you get even more of the nutrients than you otherwise would.
• Sweet Potato Salad: Toss some sweet potatoes with cranberries, fresh spinach, and walnuts for a quadruple superfood salad. The tart, sweet, and crunch go well together and also make the dish one of the most colorful on the table. This is one dish you can make a day or two ahead of time, so the kitchen is just a little less chaotic.

Walnuts: Versatile and Affordable

Almost any nut is a good source of protein and other nutrients, but walnuts especially stand out as good holiday options. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, and they have a natural sweetness too. These are also some of the more affordable nuts you’ll find, which is helpful if making a big dish to share.

Walnuts can be incorporated into cranberry sauce or sweet potato salad, as already mentioned. They’re also good for:

• Stocking Stuffers: Whole walnuts can be a fun and easy stocking stuffer — simply toss them in between other items. They’ll be a healthy snack on Christmas morning when sugar is often the main food of the day. Just be sure you have at least one nutcracker (and not the decorative kind) if you get these.
• Baklava: Pistachios are the traditional nut used in baklava, but walnuts are a good and more affordable alternative. Their natural sweetness goes well with honey and pastry, and they have just the right amount of crunch. At many gatherings, you’ll be the only person who thinks to bring baklava for dessert.

Ginger: Secret Ingredient Adding Depth

Ginger is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. It might help soothe sore throats, whether from illness or dry air, and upset stomachs after eating too much during a feast.

Ginger is also one of the most versatile ingredients when you’re making sweets. You can make:

• Mulled Cider or Wine: Mulled cider or wine has sweetness, spice and plenty of warmth. Ginger can add to the spice, complementing other common fall spices with a little extra flavor. This is another option to make ahead of time, and then keep warm in a pot or crockpot. If you don’t have a good and large pot, there are plenty of cookware sets that come with big ones.
• Ginger Bread: Gingerbread is a popular holiday treat that can be enjoyed anytime. Have a slice for breakfast, as a side, or for dessert.
• Ginger Cookies: Ginger cookies are an alternative holiday dessert that may keep longer than a loaf. Gingerbread people are fun to bake and decorate with kids. Ginger snaps have an old-timey crunch.
• Apple Dishes: Whether baked apples, apple pie or apple sauce, ginger can be added along with cinnamon and nutmeg. Not many people use ginger in their apple dishes, so this will give yours a little extra depth compared to any others that are brought for a meal.

Enjoy Your Holiday Meal

With dishes like these, you’ll want to eat plenty during the holiday season. Spread the dishes out throughout the season so that you don’t gorge all in one day. Check out other holiday-eating tips to enjoy the season’s tasty dishes, without running your stomach or diet.

About the Author: Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.

Learn why precise measurements are crucial for successful home remodeling projects and get expert tips to avoid costly mistakes.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight on behalf of Built Right Construction & Restoration. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Measure Twice, Cut Once – Remodeling Advice

It is a dream come true to move into a home that truly shows your unique style and be able to accommodate the needs of your family. It is possible to visualize a kitchen that encourages culinary creations, a bathroom that looks like a spa, or a beautiful living space that makes the everyday life, easy.

Home remodeling enables you to turn those dreams into reality. But embarking on a successful remodeling journey requires more than just imaginations and Pinterest boards. It requires careful planning, accurate execution, and appreciating the important role that accurate measurement plays in bringing your vision to life.

Precise measurements form the very foundation upon which your dream home is built.

It ranges from ensuring the seamless fit of new cabinets and appliances in order to minimize costly errors and potential structural issues.

Accurate measurement and ordering the correct quantity of materials that are required will empower you to make the right decisions and create a space that is not only beautiful but also functional. We’ll cover the most valuable components of home remodeling, from the importance of accurate measurement to useful information with which to use this exciting, often challenging opportunity.

Home Remodeling

Home remodeling is thus a delicate process through which some or all aspects of home constructions, design, and systems undergo change in one or the other in order to be improved. This will in a way help you accommodate a new lifestyle that befits you most. This involves anything from renewing your kitchen with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances which will to creating a nice sanctuary in your bathroom that has updated fixtures and finishes.

We can also remodel the house by encompassing more substantial projects like adding square footage with a room addition. Finishing a basement and re-configuring the existing layout will create a functional living area and optimize space and flow. In order to enhance efficiency and safety we require upgrading essential systems like plumbing, electrical wiring, or HVAC. Home remodeling will ensure your home remains comfortable and adaptable for years to come. It focuses on improving accessibility by incorporating features like ramps, wider doorways, and grab bars. It gives an opportunity to personalize your space whether you’re undertaking a minor refresh or a major overhaul. It will assist you to come up with a house that you desire most and one that caters with your desire needs.

Why is Measurement Critical in Home Remodeling?

Sometimes, it may be disappointing when at last prepare to own new kitchen cabinets, only for them to be so large that they cannot fit in the place they are supposed to be, or someone discovers that the tiles ordered are not enough to do the bathroom floor. These are only a couple of the costly and time-consuming setbacks that could occur due to incorrect measurement. As Vevano made clear in their how-to on measuring your space, the importance of taking proper measurements cannot be stressed enough to ensure a right fit for cabinets, appliances, fixtures, and everything else to ensure everything in your remodeled space will work out. With such precision, expensive reworks, delays, and disappointments from ill-fitting components will be minimal. Secondly, good measurement allows you to order the correct quantity of any material you might need, be it flooring, tiles, paint, or lumber. This keeps waste at a minimum and saves unnecessary extra dollars.

This is also very important for creating accurate designs and layouts. When one is planning their remodel, correct dimensions allow the creation of detailed floor plans and elevations that accurately depict space. The visualization capability really allows one to make informed decisions and ensure the end result is exactly as one had in mind. Most importantly, poor measurements can lead to structural issues, especially when major changes are made to walls, windows, or doorways. Good measurement is critical because good measurement ensures that your remodel is structurally sound and safe, thus protecting your investment and your family. Good measurement minimizes costly mistakes and rework, enabling you to stay on schedule and within budget. For that reason, it is a major factor in good project management.

Home Remodeling Tips: Measuring and Beyond

While correct measurement is paramount, a myriad of other key factors comes into play in any successful home remodeling job. The National Association of Home Builders provides tools for individuals contemplating a remodel. According to the organization, pre-construction planning is highly emphasized. Consequently, prior to the measurement phase, one has to clearly define one’s objectives, reach a workable budget, and establish the project’s scope. This will be a proactive approach, guiding your decision-making throughout. Unless you are highly experienced with home renovation, engaging qualified contractors for specialized tasks involving electrical work, plumbing, and structural modifications is advisable. These experts ensure the project meets safety standards and building codes.

There are permits you may be required to have from your local building department depending on the extent of your remodel. It will also be important to have open and clear communication with your contractors and designers throughout the job to help avoid miscommunications. This is to make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding the vision for the job and where the job stands. According to Mercury Insurance, when remodeling, one should expect hiccups and extra costs along the way. It means that flexibility and adaptability will get them through these unforeseen circumstances so that the project stays on course.

The ability to measure is an art. You should invest in good quality tools like a good measuring tape, a laser measure if larger rooms have to be measured, and a level for accuracy. Keep in mind Remember that old saying which states that you measure twice and cut once. Measuring twice before you make a cut or order materials will not only save time but frustration, too. When taking measurements of a cabinet, appliance, or fixture, take into consideration possible obstructions. Take extra caution when taking down all your measurements. Include in your notebook sketches and diagrams for future reference regarding your project. Other than the general dimensions of each room, take the time to measure items like door openings, window heights, and ceiling height to allow for an accurate fit of all elements. Houzz has an excellent guide on key measurements for home design; ideal insights for homeowners. This means if you are uneasy taking proper measurements or understanding your results, consult a professional expert to advise you appropriately.

Pay more attention to precise measurement, and add these detailed tips to your list for turning your home remodeling dreams into just perfect success-a place just the way you wanted it, fitting your lifestyle.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Built Right Construction & Restoration

This article explores how contractors using landscape management software can streamline home renovation projects, potentially saving homeowners time and money.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Megan Isola. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Digital Tools for Dream Homes: Leveraging Software in Home Renovations

Taking on a major home improvement or renovation project can be an exciting prospect. But unless you have experience with such projects, you will likely need to hire a general contractor to oversee the project from beginning to end. There are a lot of good contractors to choose from, and depending on the scope of the project, different contractors may offer varying cost and schedule benefits. To ensure you are getting not only a good value from your contractor, but also working with someone who can keep the project on schedule, it could be beneficial to seek out a contractor that uses landscape management software.

Landscape management software allows a contractor to monitor multiple key aspects of a home improvement project via digital means on a computer or tablet. The insights your contractor gains from the software can be shared with you, helping you to understand and make changes, while also allowing you to see how your money is being spent as the project progresses. The overall benefit of such software is an improved success rate for keeping the project on schedule and within budget.

Working with a contractor who utilizes landscape management software

When selecting a contractor to oversee and carry out your home improvements, it will be well worth your time to find a contractor who makes extensive use of landscape management software. The world of home renovation contractors has changed a lot over the years, with some of the biggest and most beneficial changes coming with the development and deployment of software. A contractor that uses landscape management software is in a position to provide beneficial time-saving operations, which equals cost savings for you.

While the use of software to manage operations during a home improvement project can be as simple as a spreadsheet, it will be worth your time to ensure that your contractor is using a software package. Such a software package will enable the contractor to track multiple aspects of the project, from subcontractors to how far along the project is. Using these data points, the contractor can make adjustments as needed to keep the project moving forward and help ensure a timely completion.

When you work with a contractor who makes the most of landscape management software, you can easily keep apprised of the progress of the project. Your contractor will be able to generate reports and other visuals that you can use to better understand the overall process. You can use this information not only to track the project but also to see where your money is being spent, which may allow you to change your plans to reduce costs or point out potential cost savings to your contractor. Ultimately, though, the biggest benefit to you as the homeowner will be how much more streamlined the project will be, taking a lot of the burden associated with a major renovation away because you can be more confident that your contractor has things under control.

Planning your renovation project

Regardless of the size and scope of your project, you will have input into the planning of the project. To maintain some level of overall control of the project, it will be necessary to work closely with your contractor throughout the entire process. The level of communication you have with your contractor can vary depending on your personal preference and the size of the project. However, when you work with a contractor taking advantage of the benefits of landscape management software, you will be able to gain closer insights into the details of the project’s costs and timeline.

Using the data collected through the software, your contractor will be able to generate reports for you to review. As the contractor looks at these reports, they will be able to make changes to the process, and can then share the impact of these changes with you. You will be able to track the project from beginning to end, keeping apprised of how your money is being spent and how effective the initial project plan was.

Even if you are not reviewing the data gathered by the contractor, a good contractor will use the insights garnered from the software to tweak the project as needed, and they can provide you with an overall better understanding of the changes and why they were made. Having this information can make the project process go smoother, helping to ensure project success.

Funding a major home improvement project

Any home improvement project is going to cost a substantial amount of money. When working with a contractor that uses landscape management software, you will likely be making a trade-off of paying the contractor more to realize overall time and cost savings over the entire project. To secure a good contractor, you will probably need to have the funds to pay an upfront fee, and coming up with such a payment can be a challenge for some homeowners.

There are many ways to pay for home improvement projects, depending on the size of the project. One of the best and most common ways to pay for large projects around your home is a home equity loan. Over time, as you make payments on your mortgage, you build up equity in your home, the difference between how much you have remaining on your mortgage and the value of your home. With a home equity loan, you can borrow against that difference to secure a large amount of money to pay for a major home renovation project.

Taking out a home equity loan may seem like taking out a new mortgage, but it is really more like a loan you might get for a car or major purchase. A home equity loan will probably have a shorter term than your mortgage, and it is backed by the value of your home. If you are looking for a way to pay any upfront costs associated with working with a contractor who uses field service management software, and ultimately be able to pay for the overall home improvement project, a home equity loan is probably the best route to take.

About the Author

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.

Read this post for an insightful look at how to harness the power of the internet and AI while avoiding burnout and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Megan Isola. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

The Art of Digital Balance: Thriving in Both Virtual and Real Worlds

The value provided by the internet cannot be underestimated. With all the possibilities and capabilities created in our digital age, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain a day-to-day lifestyle that is not completely overwhelmed by the internet. It is easy to experience digital overload as we work to keep up with social media, maintain an online business presence, sift through mountains of online content, and more. Maintaining your daily routine and staying grounded is more important than ever as digital technology creeps into more aspects of your life.

How the internet impacts your life

As little as 25 years ago, the internet was not a very important aspect of most people’s lives. With the advent and explosion of social media, e-commerce, smartphones, and an ever-more connected world, the internet and all it offers has become more ingrained in our daily lives. Often, we may not recognize these changes, as they have advanced in a way that has not been obvious unless one compares life today to how things were in the late 1990s.

While the internet has helped and benefited us in some ways, we face new challenges in our digital world. In general, maintaining a presence in the digital world has had a negative impact on our personal lives. Your daily routine and life suffer as you focus your business solutions and personal interactions more on internet-based digital solutions. However, it is possible to live in and interact with a digital world and maintain a presence in the real world.

Creating personalized customer solutions

Although digital technology can make it difficult to meet customer needs, it can also be harnessed to develop solutions to those very challenges. Using technology, especially the advancements made in recent years, it is possible to build personalized options for your customers. In a digital world where everyone is anticipating the answers they find to be specific to their needs, developing custom content that meets those varying needs has become important. However, spending all your time anticipating what your customers want and then customizing your content to those desires will overwhelm you.

Leveraging the power of AI applied to data on your customers, you can automatically generate content directly applicable to those customers. While many businesses are experiencing setbacks when it comes to the impact of AI on their business model, as a digital content creator, you can make the most of the advancing technology to provide your customers with meaningful content and solutions. Your customers will appreciate that you are anticipating their needs and speaking directly to them, and you will appreciate how much time is freed up to focus your efforts on other aspects of your life.

Make an escape

Occasionally, it can be beneficial to escape from the digital world. You may not recognize how much of an impact the internet and digital world have on your life until you step away and focus on other aspects of your life. For many people, this digital detox can go so far as to avoid all technology for an afternoon, a day, or an entire weekend. Often, though, even something as simple as not touching your smartphone for a period of time can help you realize that it is important to take a little break.

When you escape from the digital world, you can do a sort of reboot of your overall lifestyle. If you are not focusing your energies on the internet and a digital presence, whether that be in your personal or professional life, you will find that not only does your non-digital life improve, but you will gain a new perspective on how to address those challenges presented by the digital world. Keeping abreast of the latest developments is important, but think about the fact that you are not going to miss much in a few hours, a day, or a weekend. That time can be better spent in the physical world, completing tasks or interacting with friends and family in person.

Managing stress

Everyone experiences a point where keeping up with and utilizing digital technology becomes more stressful than the supposed benefits cover. Whether it is keeping up with social media or managing an online presence, our digital world can be overwhelming on different levels. Managing the stress these challenges create is important for ensuring you can escape from digital overload and separate these aspects of your lifestyle.

Although you will experience a variety of stressors in your day-to-day life, managing the stress caused by technology has become more important as that same technology has made its way into more aspects of our lives. The stress caused by digital technology can have an impact on your health, which is compounded by the natural stressors we all experience due to age, diet, and overall health. By managing the stress in your life, especially the stress due to digital technology, you can ensure general health benefits, advancing your lifestyle, while still managing to maintain a presence in the digital world we all inhabit.

Exploring other options

If you are looking for ways to minimize the negative impact of the internet and digital technology on your lifestyle, try to evaluate all the areas in which you experience these technologies in your daily life, and then explore whether there are alternatives that are not so heavily reliant on the internet. For example, if you run an online business, there may be technological solutions to minimize the effort required to engage your customers. In your personal life, interacting with others via non-technological means can help build those relationships, and allow you to escape from the digital world.

It is important to understand that we live in a digital world, whether we like it or not. But you do not need to let that digital world affect the other aspects of your lifestyle. Keeping informed about what new technologies and solutions are available to help manage your digital life to benefit your overall lifestyle, while simultaneously exploring non-digital opportunities to interact with life, can help you stay grounded in all aspects of your life.

About the Author

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends. 

In this post we explore using precise measurements and modern tech to boost accuracy, efficiency, and save money.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friends over at Metrology Parts. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

From Blueprint to Reality: Maximizing Home Improvement Success with Technology

Metrology, the science of measurement, is essential because progress in developing, designing, and manufacturing can be measured by measuring. Metrology comes from the Greek metro (measurement) and logy (study). Historically, our opposable thumbs, forearms, and stride helped measure and were used to gauge length units, while beans, seeds, and grains were a weight measurement system!

Today, metrology is a universally followed means of measuring units that immensely impact everyday activities, from manufacturing to medicine to home construction. It involves practical and theoretical characteristics of measuring and delivering the proper measurement methods across various industries with accuracy and reliability.

Here’s where agreed-upon units of measurement come in: metrology is like a shared language for measuring used to achieve uniformity and order. It’s vital for specifying quality standards and measurements. And that measurements are consistent across industries, languages, or cultural differences.

Home Renovation

Home renovations can be challenging. One significant concern people often need help with is the exacting nature of taking correct measurements. Design measurements must be exact for a proper fit. You’ll notice if that door is off by an inch. Many architectural elements, such as countertops, staircases, glass installations, and wall coverings, are custom-made in various shapes and sizes.

Technology

Technology has changed the way professionals and DIY weekend warrior carpenters take measurements. Many use photogrammetry, a camera, and photographs to create an area or object model.

Photogrammetry takes measurements based on photographs. Multiple photographs of a specific location can form an accurate model used as a 2D or 3D CAD drawing during renovations. PhotoModeler software technology is readily available for pros working on renovations. These models are used after measurements and photos from multiple angles and locations for study and planning.

Consider using the latest photogrammetry software; it’s a great benefit. It’s more affordable than many might assume. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways for pros to measure, especially with monthly subscriptions, so let this assuage any fears about hiring a professional; accurate measurements count and help keep costs down.

Photogrammetry can also be done using a basic camera setup for those with the time, aptitude, camera, and desire to take on their home improvement projects.

Photogrammetry for Kitchens and Baths

Kitchens and baths experience the most usage and wear and tear, requiring more frequent renovations. These renovations can be challenging, including taking measurements. Since many countertops, cabinets, and doors are custom-made, each has to be measured carefully for the correct dimensions of the walls, porcelain appliances, doors, windows, outlets, and other elements. 

Photogrammetry for Stairs

Stairs, installing a new handrail, or making additions to the staircase are among some of the most complex parts of the house to measure. Photogrammetry is an excellent aid in measuring stairs, no matter how complicated the staircase. 

Photogrammetry for Structure

The roof is one of the largest areas of your house that needs measurements. Even roofs with a typical shape, the size of the area, and the height can make this difficult. Happily, photogrammetry lets you obtain measurements without climbing onto the roof, and pros routinely use drones and ground shots to take aerial photos of roofs and measurements. 

Photogrammetry for Windows

Most homes typically have basic, rectangular windows. And then, there are your unique windows. Measuring circular windows can be challenging using traditional methods, or the windows might be in a difficult position. Photogrammetry can take measurements, and size and an awkward location are no problem. These measurements allow you to achieve perfectly sized window coverings and glazing. 

Retrofit of Stairlifts

Home improvements and additions, like stairlifts, can make a house more accessible; however, the new stairlift needs to be measured perfectly.

Accurate Measurements

Let’s speak to accuracy. In many handicrafts, the human touch adds charm. However, in carpentry, the most minor errors can lead to costly mistakes and increased costs, which is why accurate measurements are invaluable. Be aware that mistakes are easy to make when using hand measurements. 

Precise measurements increase efficiency during every part of the renovation process. Knowing the room’s dimensions is essential to understanding the space you’re working with. Remember to take appliances and built-in features into account.

How to Measure a Room - The Basics

Tools:

Measuring Tape / Tape measure / Measuring App

Drawing Paper

Pen / Pencil

Camera / Smartphone Camera

Start with an outline. Sketch out the basic shape of the room and sketch in the windows, doors, closets, and other elements. Fixed features include windows, doors, cabinets, shelves, nooks, and other built-ins. Here is your measurement map.

Measure wall-to-wall and make a note of each side of the wall - and if they differ, note that. Measure floor-to-ceiling, too. If there aren’t any other wall openings, measure walls to the outer trims of doors. Measure windows and doorways from outer trim to outer trim (not just the window opening or glass). Label and mark measurements for cabinets, cupboards, and closets, and note whether it’s a base or upper cabinet.

Visualizing space in square blocks can be helpful, with each block representing a square foot - length x width = square footage or area. Tip: Consider ordering 10 percent extra in flooring, tile, or backsplash for additional material in case of adjustments or breakage. 

Measuring is an essential step in a home improvement project. It helps the designer, carpenter, or do-it-yourself homeowner visualize changes, ensure accurate renderings of designs, purchase supplies, plan labor, and reduce waste.

The Measure of Metrology

Proper measurements ensure everything fits, looks, and performs as you envision, and that’s the beauty and order of metrology.

Editor’s Note – How Metrology Can Save You Money

Metrology, the science of measurement, can significantly impact your wallet during home improvement projects. By ensuring precise measurements, you can avoid costly mistakes that often result from even minor errors. Accurate dimensions prevent waste of materials, reduce the need for adjustments or replacements, and increase overall efficiency in the renovation process. This precision is particularly crucial for custom elements like countertops, cabinets, and doors, where a small miscalculation can lead to expensive do-overs.

Moreover, leveraging modern metrology tools like photogrammetry can provide additional cost savings. These technologies offer more accurate measurements than traditional methods, especially in hard-to-reach areas like roofs. They can reduce labor time and costs, improve project planning, and enhance quality control. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or working with professionals, embracing metrological principles ensures your projects are completed efficiently and cost-effectively. Remember, investing in proper measurement techniques upfront can lead to significant savings throughout your home improvement journey.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Metrology Parts

Safe, inclusive apartment communities benefit women tenants and managers through thoughtful design and management practices.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friends over at Higher Visibility. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Building Trust: Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Apartment Communities

Home should feel like the safest place on Earth. This is no less true when the place that somebody calls home is an apartment. However, some people feel more vulnerable in apartment buildings or complexes because they’re in a shared space where people come and go. They may also feel like they have less control over safety features than they would if they were in a home they owned.

The way an apartment complex is staffed can help to put residents at ease. Consistent and familiar faces handling the front desk or managing the grounds can help to make an apartment complex feel more like home to residents. What’s more, clear communication between management and tenants makes tenants feel like there’s someone they can turn to when something feels unsafe or suspicious. Here’s a look at the benefits of creating safe and inclusive apartment communities.

The Importance of Safe and Inclusive Apartment Communities

With more than one-third of all households in the United States falling under the status of being renters, landlords around the country need to meet the diverse needs of 45 million households. Renters represent every economic class, family size, cultural background, and lifestyle. This creates a tough task for landlords and property managers who must somehow align everything from accessibility to tenant-landlord procedures to meet the needs of so many different people.

Apartment buildings should feel safe and welcoming for single tenants, families, single moms, single dads, tenants who need to come and go at odd hours because they work the night shift, and every other kind of tenant. According to data released by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, 43% of renter households worry about their home negatively affecting their health, safety, and well-being.

Do Women Working in Apartment Management Increase the Safety of the Property?

According to data from the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), 5.8 million apartment households consist of single women. It works out to single women accounting for up to 27% of tenants in the rental market. This data shows that single women actually make up the largest individual demographic among renters. Of course, female representation in the tenant population is much higher when you consider the number of women who also live in rentals with husbands and partners.

It makes sense that safety and inclusion efforts at apartment complexes should strongly factor in this data. The way that women feel when walking through an apartment complex can essentially make or break decisions for lease signings and lease renewals. How can property owners help women to feel safer?

One way to help women feel safer in apartment complexes is to make sure that the property’s management team has female representation. For many women, approaching a male property manager or maintenance liaison about concerns over personal safety could feel uncomfortable. They could fear that their complaints won’t be taken seriously. They may also feel uncomfortable having a vulnerable conversation about their safety with a person of the opposite gender. This is why the role of women in property management is becoming increasingly important in assuring tenant satisfaction.

Things for Women to Know When Living Alone

Property managers who empower their female tenants with safety tips set a tone for inclusiveness at an apartment complex. However, female property managers who live within the complex can also have their own concerns. Here’s a look at essential safety tips to help women feel more secure and confident when living alone.

Security Codes Should Be Changed Regularly

Lots of people pass through apartment complexes as both tenants and employees. This is why good “code hygiene” is needed with any security codes that are shared. Create an ongoing system for swapping security codes for fresh codes. We often underestimate the amount of times people share confidential codes for the sake of ease or convenience when they need to provide access to an outsider. It only takes one unauthorized person to create a massive security breach.

Peepholes and Video Doorbells Can Dramatically Increase the Sense of Safety

There’s no reason why apartment doors should provide zero visibility for tenants. The bare minimum is to provide doors with peepholes that allow tenants to verify the identity of the person on the other side before answering the door. However, a video doorbell is a preferred option today because it allows tenants to verify a visitor without physically standing at the door. Virtual doorbells that allow tenants to monitor activity remotely can help a female tenant to detect repeated unwanted visitors or stalking dangers even when they aren’t home.

Good Lighting Is Important

Bright, properly maintained lighting is essential at every apartment complex. Research shows that nighttime lighting helps to reduce crime. Having properly lit parking areas, walking areas, and shared areas at an apartment complex is crucial for ensuring that you’re not creating opportunities for criminals to take advantage of the shadows. Good lighting is also necessary inside individual apartments. For example, having light switches or outlets positioned near doors allows tenants to flick the lights on as soon as they enter instead of having to walk through a dark apartment to turn on a light.

Good Locks Are Essential

Locks matter in apartment buildings. First, locks need to be changed with each new tenant. This is something that should be confirmed by the landlord. In addition, units need to have deadbolt locks that give tenants the peace of mind of knowing that an intruder can’t get in simply by jostling a handle.
Creating a safe, inclusive environment where both tenants and property employees can feel at ease is the best way to make an apartment complex the best place to live in town. The fact of the matter is that single women account for the biggest demographic among renters. With more women also stepping into roles as property managers, the need for better safety practices has never been greater. Lariat Realty Advisors is proud to serve as the broker agency for countless clients in 47 states and the District of Columbia.