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It’s easy to overlook that hurricane season is upon us during this season of tan lines, beach vacations, popsicles, and sunlight. Start stockpiling materials now so you’re ready when the following tropical depression turns into an exceeded all expectations.

Getting prepared for a storm should not fill you with dread. It’s actually a great excuse to tackle those home maintenance that has been piling up on your to-do list and stock up on groceries. Make the most of the resources and time you have when the weather is nice—it will be much more challenging once the gale-force winds are chasing you down and the stores are out of the water and found, and the petrol stations are out of gas.

When Should I Begin Hurricane Preparations?

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The short answer is right now. It is never too early to begin planning for a massive storm, especially if you are expecting more than one this year!

Making preparations ahead of time does more than just give you peace of mind. Also, it puts you in an easier position to care for your pets and family in the event of a natural disaster, such as a power outage or flood.

When you’re still getting ready, you can (and should!) make a hurricane plan. If you anticipate a risky storm, you could perhaps know where you can seek shelter and have an emergency plan ready. Users should also know what to do if the hurricane starts changing direction and you need to rip down the compartments at the residence in less than 24 hours.

How Can I Get My House Ready for a Hurricane?

Given that hurricanes are classified based on their potential for causing property damage, it’s understandable that many homeowners want to secure their homes. While some hurricanes are destined to cause havoc, research and safety innovations have made significant progress in the last few years to reduce potential property damage. Here are a few ways to protect your home from hurricane damage:

1. Edges of windows and doors should be caulked

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If you’re concerned regarding water leaking through door jambs and glass crevices, plan to caulk these areas. Even if your massive storm has been downgraded by the time it gets to your house, huge rain can cause devastating floods or home damage. Caulking the gaps and leaks around your home will aid in preventing interior rain damage.

2. Install storm shutters

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In certain areas, storm shutters may come standard with the house. Several of these accordion-styled open and close, while others roll down like a garage door. Storm shutters should be implanted completely on your windows so that they can be launched quickly and securely. If you purchased a home and discovered a large collection of perforated sheet metal stashed in the garage, those are most likely your hurricane shutters. They’re typical and fairly simple to put up, but you’ll need a ladder, protective clothing, and another pair of hands to assist you.

3. Secure roof with clips or straps

Roofs may appear to be secure constructions, but if you have never experienced a massive storm, you would be amazed at how vulnerable they can be too high winds. Throughout a Category 5 hurricane, some homes lose large portions of their roofs or their entire roof. Instead of leaving it to chance, prepare ahead of time by protecting your roof.

To reduce your risk of roof repairs, the best method for securing your roof is to use hurricane straps or clips. Both straps and the clips help to secure the roof of your home, providing it with a better chance of surviving the storm.

Protect Windows

If you’ve ever lived through a hurricane or watched media exposure of one, you’ve probably noticed that the majority of houses have some kind of window protection. Because of the high wind speeds associated with hurricanes, there is a high risk of debris fracturing a window. Not only is shattered glass dangerous, but a broken window exposes your home to the components, including intense rainfall. You have a few choices if you wish to avoid glass shards and water damage.

One of the common methods of protecting windows is to use wooden boards such as plywood. If you don’t have hurricane-tempered glass, this is the best and most cost-effective alternative. All you’ll need is enough wood to complete the project. If you have hurricane glass windows, you are not required to board them. Individuals who do not board their windows may be persuaded to tape a large “X” on the window with duct tape. Folks who use this method presume that the tape will decrease the number of glass shards if an item strikes the window. This is not only false but also risky. When glass windows are taped, they may shatter into larger shards, which could be more unsafe than small pieces. Another common misconception is that maintaining a window cracked helps to normalize pressure inside the home. This is false; in fact, it exacerbates the problem. An air vent that allows wreckage to enter the house at high speeds is also problematic.

For many people, a home is a large investment, so why not increase its value? We rank the best ways to get the most bang for your buck.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

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You don’t need to spend a fortune if you get innovative and consider some slight changes to your kitchen. Remove the rooster wall art and replace it with a neutral shade, for instance –. A growing number of buyers are wanting some conventional kitchen items, such as stainless-steel appliances and hardware. With new light fixtures, you have a great-looking, revised space. A few people are also searching for gourmet kitchens. You can also repaint the cupboards and add accent dining chairs. A kitchen is a large prospect for a buyer, whether they’re able to cook or not.

Retain Versatility of Room

Is there a special room in your house? No one is saying you have to give up your own and special place, however, it is crucial to exercise caution. If you plan to sell your home in the future, don’t go overboard with the customization. Wooden floors, cord, mobile, cable internet wiring, and plenty of windows are all good ways to personalize while preserving the room’s versatility. One more option is to design the space so that it can be quickly converted into a visitor suite, studio, family room, or den.

Improvement through Paint

Paint is not something to be frightened of. It’s one of the easiest and cheapest ways to drastically improve the appearance of your home. Here are a few pointers: If you are unsure about your color sense, consult with a professional color specialist. Think vintage and neutral as well. A prospective buyer must be able to visualize his or her belongings in the room, and excessive customization can prevent this. Hire someone if your painting skills are lacking. It all balances out in the end since nothing is worse than a bad paint job. So, overcome your hesitation to commit by putting some color on those walls!

Build a Deck

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None of it beats calming on a deck in the warmer months with a cool drink in hand. Create one if you do not already have one. Whenever a house owner keeps adding a deck to their home, they are likely to recoup approximately 76 basis points of their investment; even so, you do not want your deck to be excessively big or too small; it should not be more than a third of the size of your house. The average deck costs around $20 – $50 per square foot. The number one rule for valuers is to find homes that are very similar within a mile of your home, enough that pairing your advancements to the homes in your neighborhood is critical.

Basement Revamp

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Countless basements are plain, empty, and unoccupied spaces with few visitors. Why throw away all that space? Play with your imagination and turn your basement into a masterpiece. Make a leisure space or a family room that will amaze your visitors! Attaching a fantastic bar area, seating, and beautiful finishes to your home would then add character and value.

Bathroom Renovation

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Make an ugly duckling of the main bathroom into a swan by discovering more space – but not by adding on. If you’re able to find the extra square footage, stealing space may be a better solution. Create different his-and-her areas with different sinks, or add a skylight to bring in beneficial natural light by opening up a closet. Upgrading the tub and flooring are also excellent ideas.

Attic Make Over

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Remodel your attic. The room above a storage shed is frequently small, cramped, and dusty, and is very seldom used for storage. Why not make it a bedroom suite? By adding as many windows as possible in order to increase natural daylight. Concave windows, wooden floors, built-ins, and specially made seating are also excellent ways to increase the value of a home.

Adding A Level

Adding a second story can accomplish more than simply increasing square footage. This can help balance out an uneven house. A barn with a flat roof can be an ugly mess as well as a massive waste of space. You might solve both issues at the same time by extending the garage roof. Make use of all that empty space by constructing a great room or a reading room. You will not only add space but also significant curb appeal.

Source: HGTV