We just had our first snowfall, and you know there is more winter weather on its way. Winter has arrived, there is no denying it anymore. If you are needing snow and ice removal for your business or your home, make sure to contact us to get on our list!
For many people, Alaska and snow go hand in hand. Did you know the average snowfall here each winter is over 75 inches!
Snow and ice can create slippery pathways and increase our risk of falling. Winter weather can lead to accidents such as slip and fall, auto accidents, and other snow-related accidents.
Slips, trips, and falls happen year-round, of course, but winter ice and snow create a more hazardous environment that increases the risk of personal, customer, or employee-related injuries. When it comes to adverse winter weather conditions, it is better to be proactive as opposed to reactive.
As a business owner, it is vital for an active effort to be made to prevent the build-up of ice on walkways and sidewalks. It is also important to assure your sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots are clear from ice and snow. Places like parking areas and outside break areas utilized by employees or customers in need of a place outside to smoke are commonly overlooked but frequently used.
Similarly, as a homeowner, your driveway area should be kept safe as well. Many winter slips and fall accidents occur when someone is trying to get from their car to your doorstep.
Ice and snow build-up are not only a slip and fall hazard; they are a driving hazard as well. These conditions can cause vehicles to slip when driving on an icy driveway, resulting in car accidents. The heavy snowfall during an Alaskan winter storm may cause our cars to get covered under heaps of snow or snow to fall off our roof and buildup on sidewalks and driveways. Without the proper equipment, snow and ice can be hard to remove, putting the safety of your family, guests, customers, or employees at risk.
Why shovel yourself? When you consider hiring the services of a professional snow removal company, it is vital to do your research and ask a few fundamental questions. This way, when the next storm comes, you are not surprised by what they do and do not provide for services. Here are a few helpful tips to help you find the right company.
Home updates and trends tend to be cyclical. Trends that are “new” are often heavily influenced by what was popular in the past.
Here’s a look at 5 easy to incorporate home trends that are making a comeback:
Butler’s Pantry
Butler’s pantries are typically located just off the kitchen or dining room and serve as staging areas for serving meals as well as a storage space. A butler’s pantry typically includes a countertop and cabinets for storing serving pieces, tableware, wine glasses, table linens, candles, and other dining room items. A dishwasher, small refrigerator, or sink can also be added if you’re looking to make an upgrade.Cabinet Appliances
A more uniform and sleeker look is achieved when your appliances match the look of your cabinets. Main kitchen appliances like the fridge, freezer, and dishwasher are often integrated with the overall design of the kitchen.Wallpaper
Yes, I said it. Wallpaper is slowly making its way back into homes. But this isn't about your Nana's kitchen wallpaper. While floral designs were popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, this time around look to bold and bright colors leading the way. Get inspired with colors that brighten and create space in your home.Woven Furniture
We just don't want summer to end, and with that look to furniture often spotted outside (like cane and rattan) to making a comeback indoors. Versatile and functional!Art Deco
The design style of 100 years ago is coming back. It is characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric shapes and strong colors and is mostly found in household objects and architecture. You can use what you have a change up with some paint, or scour some rummage and thrift stores to find the perfect piece. Contact Be Happy Property Services today to schedule a free home improvement estimate. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services. One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.
If you’re looking to make some positive changes to your home, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to talk about home updates that you can enjoy and (bonus!) will increase the value of your home.
Fresh Paint
One of the first things that people notice when they walk in your front door is whether or not it looks welcoming. One way that you can make an underwhelming entrance more inviting is by adding new paint throughout the house. Not only will this make your space look clean and professional, but it will prevent the need to repaint in a few years. Check out our paint link to get some inspiration!Kitchen Island
If you love cooking, but hate the mess that comes with it, then a large and modern kitchen island is great for you. Not only will this space give you more workable space for putting your dishes away, but when it’s finished the end result will be a clean, organized, and wonderfully spacious area for you to create some delicious meals.Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors can make a big difference in the value of your house, and they look beautiful! Hardwood flooring has come a long way and is extremely durable. You can look to this update to help extend the life of your floors.Light Fixtures
Consider adding some new light fixtures throughout your home to create a more welcoming atmosphere. Decorative lighting is a great way to make a room feel more spacious and cozy at the same time. Placements, tones, and hardware are easy updates that won’t break the bank. From here, you can start to imagine how your house is beginning to look after you’ve made some of the above home upgrades. You’re one step closer to making your home more impressive and attractive. Contact Be Happy Property Services to get started on your updates today! Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services. One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.
Do you have an outdoor space where you can relax after a long day at work with your patio furniture? Here are some ideas for creating the ideal outdoor lounge and patio in your own backyard.
Patios
An outdoor patio is a convenient way to create an outdoor lounge. Patios can only be built on flat terrain and provide a space where you can enjoy the comforts of inside while being outside. Decks and porches can also be used as outdoor lounge areas. Patios can be built with cement, stone, tiles, or pavers. Arrange furniture, décor, lighting, and other elements to create the ideal setting for a view, cookout, and other activities.Patio Location
Where you will install your outdoor patio is an important consideration. If you intend to cook on the grill or use the space for dinner, keep it close to home in case you forget the plates or any utensils while cooking and eating. Sliding doors can be installed as the entrance to your home for a smooth transition from inside to outside. Build your patio away from the house to create the ideal get-away spot.Furniture and Structures
When decorating your patio, make sure to use weather-resistant materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or treated wood. Keep storage for pillows, lounge items, and other items nearby, such as benches with storage or small plastic sheds, to keep them in when the weather turns bad. Make an outdoor lounge for you and your family to enjoy in your backyard. An outdoor patio can be built almost anywhere and decorated with pergola structures, drapes, lights, furniture, plants, and other accessories. Make it your own and see what you can come up with. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services. One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.
Over the time living in your home, you may begin to feel your space getting cramped. Whether the reasons are that your family increases in size, you amass more belongings, or you need more space to move around at home, it happens.
Whether you live in a small or a big house, over time, you’ll find yourself wanting to spruce up your home’s living space.
If that holds true, why not turn that desire into reality as your home improvement project for this summer?
There are so many different ways—both minor and major upgrades—for you to expand your home’s living space effectively. Soon, you’ll start to feel more organized and put together in your newly designed space. With that said, below are some home expansion ideas so that you can widen up your home’s living space. Read here for 2022 Top Trends if you need inspiration and feel overwhelmed.
1. Enclose A Patio
This first idea applies if you have a patio in your home. This outdoor space can easily turn into an extension of your living space once you enclose it. When done correctly, you’re adding more useful square footage to your home. Enclosing a patio means at least putting a roof over it. This enables you to better use your patio, even during rainy days. You no longer have to be constrained by the weather. Whenever guests come over, you can also use that newly-enclosed patio to entertain. This allows you to expand your living area literally, so you’re not just limited to your home’s indoor area.2. Plan A Second Floor
You can also do this tip if you don’t have a second floor yet at home. Just be sure, however, to double-check your original blueprint first. First, you have to ascertain that your home’s foundation can withstand an added floor. That way, you know for sure that adding a new floor won’t weaken your home’s foundation. This project, however, can be an expensive one. Be sure that it’s something you can afford at the moment. The second floor doesn’t necessarily have to be a room. You can add a new living room on that floor, too. This can serve as your family room or entertainment area, so the first-floor living room can be reserved for your guests and relatives who’ll come over.3. Take Advantage Of All Your Walls
If the second tip is not possible, take a good look around your current living space. Are there still bare walls you can maximize? This is what it means to make use of vertical space. Taking advantage of your walls means adding more cabinets without eating up more floor space. Installing cabinets is something you can easily do on your own or with the help of a professional cabinet contractor. The choice as to style is yours, too. You can opt for vertical shelves if you don’t want to conceal your belongings or want those things to be full-on display. If you want something cleaner, you can also have closed cabinets.4. Add Mirrors
If there is no opportunity for you to create an expansion, at least build an illusion of it. The bare walls in your home can also double as a place for you to add mirrors in. This is an effective strategy to make your living space look and feel bigger—without doing any major renovation at home. Here’s a bonus, too. When positioned right, mirrors can make your living space look brighter. The reflection of natural light from the windows can give off that airier and less claustrophobic feeling, even when you’re in a small and tight space.5. Finish A Room
Do you have a room in your home that’s unfinished? You may have intended for that room to be your guest room. Or, at the moment, your attic and basement are serving no other useful purpose than as extra storage. Why not grab this chance to furnish that room? You can make many uses out of an extra room apart from a bedroom. Some ideas include:- Turning it into a home office, if you’re now working from home and you’ve previously only used the dining table as your office;
- Transforming it into a homeschool room, if your kids are also homeschooling;
- Creating a family room or an entertainment area;
- Using it as a playroom for your kids so the toys aren’t all over your living space.
Conclusion
Have the ideas above given you enough inspiration on how you can potentially expand your home’s living space? Are you just looking to spruce up so you can sell? Read about our top ROI tips here. You don’t have to feel so limited and tight in your current living area when you have Be Happy Property Services here to help you with your remodeling plans. Yes, the ideas above won’t dramatically turn a small house into a castle, but once those are materialized, you’ll be surprised at the extra square footage your home will now have. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services. One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.
Cost-Effective Ways to Enhance a Bathroom with Fixtures
Bathrooms are often ignored when it comes to interior design; they usually remain untouched, with the exception of a new coat of paint. However, providing your bathroom with fixtures that are cost-efficient provides more than just an aesthetic update. Once you have added your new fixtures, you will have something wonderful to show off and use. These affordable additions can even save you money in the long run by going green with eco-friendly products and saving space in your home.
Here is our rundown of some cost-effective ways to enhance a bathroom with fixtures.
Start with the Faucet
One of the most important parts of your bathroom is the faucet. A good faucet can help you save water, especially if you get a low-flow faucet. A faucet that looks great could be all you need to update your bathroom to a modern style.
If your plumbing isn’t working well or there is trouble with the valves, schedule Be Happy Property Services to take a look before you purchase anything new for your sink. Replacing an entire sink just for cosmetic reasons is usually not worth it unless it is broken and needs to be replaced anyway.
Get an Energy Efficient Sink
Energy-efficient faucets aren’t just for the bathtub. A sink with an energy-efficient faucet can help you save water and money on your bills. If you are looking for a more affordable option, try getting a sink with a smaller basin.
There are so many options. You may want to consider choosing a white porcelain sink instead of installing granite or marble. White porcelain sinks are much cheaper than other exotic materials and they are still durable.
Renovate Your Toilet
If you have a toilet that is difficult to use, you might want to consider replacing it. Luckily, there are many economical options for toilets.
There is a toilet for everyone! You can get a toilet with an elongated bowl and seat lid that is perfect for people who lose their coordination every time they sit down to use the toilet. Another option is a bidet toilet seat that will create water streams in front of the user.
If you are looking for something even more cost-effective, look into the aesthetic version of the bidet – a spray toilet. This device saves water but you cannot use it to wash yourself.
Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services. One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.
Being handy can save you a lot of money around the home. Dealing with small repairs is an efficient way to get things done, and fun. How many of us are guilty of spending time (hours) watching Youtubers or DIY shows transform bathrooms, kitchens, even whole houses, in a span of 20 minutes?
However, you need to know when things are beyond your skill set and out of your wheelhouse. If you try to take on something beyond your means, you could end up doing more harm than good, or you could even get hurt. In these cases, it’s better to bring in a professional to handle the job and ensure it is done as safely as possible.
Here are the BIG THREE home repair jobs that you should leave to those with the right experience.
Electrical Work
Your home’s electrical system is crucial to just about everything you do. It helps you see in your home, run and charge devices, cook food, and so much more. Most of us don’t think much about it, until something stops working or starts showing signs that something is wrong. Unless you are experienced in electrical work, it is not advised to take on any electrical tasks on your own. While you can do simple things like changing an outlet cover or adding a new light fixture, things like rewiring a home or adding a dedicated circuit should be handled by a pro. If you do-it-yourself, you risk not only doing it incorrectly, but potentially shocking or electrocuting yourself or someone else. The good news is, our local area likely has plenty of qualified electricians that you can contact to get the ball rolling on your electrical work. They will ensure everything gets done safely and successfully, which can’t always be said for DIY electrical work.Foundation Repair
Your foundation is without a doubt one of the most important parts of your home. It is crucial to the structural integrity of your home, and it is what prevents it from sinking or becoming damaged. If it begins to show signs of damage or wear, it could be dangerous – not only the home, but also the people and contents inside. While the cost of foundation repairs can be high at times, it is better to invest in quality repairs, rather than trying to fix it yourself. If you make the foundation worse or do things incorrectly, not only can it further damage your home, but can drastically increase the costs you will be responsible for paying. It can turn something that may have only cost a few thousand dollars into something that can easily surpass tens of thousands of dollars to fix.Roofing Repairs or Replacement
Roofing is another type of work you should leave to the professionals. Whether it is a simple repair or a full replacement, it should always be handled by those with experience. Your roof is a crucial part of the safety, security, and comfort in your home, and you want to ensure it is installed and maintained properly. Doing this type of work yourself without any experience can also be very dangerous. There are many rooftop hazards that exist like unstable roofs, improper ladder placement, or even slippery surfaces that makes this work best left to the professionals. They have the experience and training, as well as the right tools and materials to do the job safely. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services. One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.
We have been spending a lot of time home these last few years. Our homes should inspire and nourish our minds and spirits, and this can be represented in a variety of ways by different people.
We’ve compiled experts’ predictions for home decor, interior design, home inspiration, and living room trends for 2022. What are some of the most frequently stated renovation ideas?
Continue reading to know.
1. Sustainability Everywhere
As more intense weather patterns and changes in nature’s cycles begin to touch our day-to-day lives, environmental issues have gained root in the collective American consciousness. As a result, it’s no surprise that so many people are looking for more environmentally friendly, sustainable items and solutions for their homes. Expect to see landscaping that is both attractive and protective, particularly in places prone to wildfire or flooding. Repurposed flooring is expected to grow more popular within the home. Furthermore, ecological materials such as bamboo and cork are gaining popularity. Look to the roof for solar panels that go even further in terms of environmental friendliness.2. Converting a spare room into an office
We believed we’d all be back in the office in 2021, but then Omicron came along. If you currently work in an office, it’s safe to assume that you’ll require an office space at home in the coming years if you need to shift to working from home for whatever reason. Consider a multipurpose area if you’re scared to convert a whole room into a home office.3. Mixing Vintage and New
Vintage shopping is more attractive than ever, especially in the face of supply-chain breakdowns and months-long back orders. Vintage shopping is not only cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but it also adds character to a room. People are increasingly mixing antiques and vintage items with more modern designs, rather than buying all new furniture. Antiques and vintage-sourced decor and furniture are not only environmentally friendly because they are recycled goods, but they also allow for a juxtaposition of old and new in a place.4. Glass walls
After spending almost a year indoors because of the epidemic, homeowners now want to feel like they’re outside. Glass walls on the inside or outside of a house can make homes appear larger and inviting. Glass barriers are an excellent method to maintain an open appearance and at the same time they also provide privacy for family members.5. Large master bathrooms
Large master bathrooms are in trend these days. These larger suite areas didn’t truly take off until the 1980s, and now because of the COVID-19 pandemic they’re getting even bigger and better! Most of us have deliberately (and subconsciously) improved our hygiene in the last year, and a master bathroom is a big part of that. Walk-in showers, double sinks, lighted mirrors, touch less faucets, greater storage, and heated floors are becoming less of a luxury and more of a need. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services. One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.
With Year 2022 looking so promising (it isn’t 2020 or 2021, so yes, promising), you may have set yourself all kinds of resolutions and goals, whether it’s spending more time with family or changing careers. However, if you’re a homeowner, you may want to undertake a home improvement project. Not only can updating your home boost your property’s resale value, but you can also save money on energy, and be more eco-friendly too.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are five of the best home improvement projects to undertake in 2022.
1. Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is regarded as one of the most used rooms in the home, meaning it makes sense to pay attention to how it looks and consider an update. If you have money set aside and are ready to make big improvements, a kitchen remodel may be the answer. Whether you update your cabinets, purchase new appliances, or create more space, a kitchen remodel is one of the best projects for updating your home and boosting its resale value. Be Happy Property Services has financing options that may be your best bet!2. Attic Conversion
If you have an attic and you’ve been using it primarily for storage purposes, why not convert it into another room of the home? Whether you add a new bedroom, bathroom, or living space, converting your attic can also increase the value of your property. Once you’ve got plans in place, you’ll need to insulate your attic to ensure it’s warm, safe, and habitable.3. Bathroom Remodel
When it comes to saving on energy costs, improving functionality, and adding a touch of luxury, a bathroom remodel may be the perfect home improvement project to tackle. Whether you have tons of room or there are limitations, simple changes like upgrading the fixtures, and tiling the shower wall can have a huge impact. Remodeling your bathroom also allows you to replace old inefficient fixtures and pipes.4. Get Rid of Clutter
Although you may not like to think about it, if your home is piled high with clutter, this is a serious health hazard that needs sorting out. Whether it’s old clothes, books, toys, or photos, getting rid of clutter can provide mental health benefits too, such as reducing stress and anxiety. While it may feel like a big challenge at first, if you take things step by step and go room to room, you’ll notice a huge improvement.5. Boost Curb Appeal
While a lot of your focus will be on improving your property’s interior, you mustn’t forget about what’s on the outside. Boosting your home’s curb appeal can create a great first impression, both for guests and potential homebuyers. Keeping your front lawn tidy, replacing your front door, and painting the window frames are great ways to get your home’s exterior in order. Whatever budget or space you have to work with, there are lots of home improvement projects you can tackle in 2022 which can transform your property for the better. Be Happy Property Services provides residential and commercial properties in Anchorage and our surrounding areas with dependable, licensed, insured, and bonded services. One call, we do it all! 907-336-7434.
If you're embarking on renovations on a tight budget, it can be hard to decide what to do first.
Find Your Decorating Style
The vast majority of people who purchase fixer-upper homes do so for financial reasons. This financial reality, however, can present a perplexing challenge when moving into a home that's in need of a little (or a lot) of TLC. Which renovation projects should you focus on first if your budget is tight? And why? Here's what the Be Happy Property Service insiders had to say, along with a few tips on how to get organized as you embark on your fixer-upper face lift.Before You Start Remodeling
First things first: It's essential to understand what work should be done for safety reasons and to prevent costly challenges down the road. The best way to do this is to have a professional assess your newly purchased home and use that insight to develop a game plan. Hire an inspector to look for potential issues or hazards with electrical, plumbing, and the roof. It's a good idea to start with the structure and take care of items like electrical, which can be a potential fire hazard, as well as plumbing issues so that you don't end up with major problems or damage in the future. You will not see a great transformation, but it brings peace of mind.1. Refresh Rooms with Paint
Once you've addressed safety matters, you can turn your attention to aesthetic renovation projects and upgrades. Adding a new coat of paint throughout your home can make a big difference without a big investment. A fresh coat of paint on walls goes a long way, we can feel rejuvenated and visualize a clean slate to start a new chapter. You can paint walls, cabinets, or even your front door for a fresh new look. The best part: a paint project can cost as little as $50, depending on the scope. For an added style boost, consider painting an accent or focal wall, which is generally the wall you first see when entering a room. It might also be the wall where your sofa or your bed is located.2. Install New Flooring
Another project that can make a tremendous and immediate difference in a fixer-upper is flooring. Not only will new flooring brighten a fixer-upper visually, but tackling this type of change early on can be much easier logistically. Once you've moved in and your furniture and personal belongings fill every room, redoing flooring can be challenging at best.One additional consideration: the color you select for your flooring or floor stain will also help set the stage for future updates in your home.