Corona California Community Blog | Business News

Relocation Costs

Considering a move to a new city? Before you pack your bags and hire a moving company, be sure to research the potential price tag of relocating. It may cost more than you think.

    Cost of living can vary greatly from town to town, so be sure to do some research before taking the plunge. Better Homes and Gardens recommends browsing the local newspaper for grocery promotions, ads, and other local news to track costs so you can put those figures into a worksheet and determine the income you might need. While several cost-of-living calculators are available on the Internet, they provide don’t take into account specific housing needs.

    Be sure to ask a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS Agent) in your target area about “hidden” homeownership costs, such as recreation fees, trash collection and community services. Try to obtain a one-year sampling of utility bills for the type of home you’re considering. What can you expect to pay for telephone, cable TV and Internet services? Will you have your own septic tank and water pump, or will the community provide water service?

    There are a host of other expenses to consider. What taxes will you pay? Higher taxes may mean better schools, libraries, trash collection and other community services, while lower taxes could mean higher expenses for these services. But it pays to have all the facts before you make a move.

    Likewise, transportation and parking costs often are higher in larger cities, while a small-town commute can mean a short walk or bike ride. Also, gas prices can be more costly in some areas than in others.

   Leisure time costs can add up as well. How much more will you have to pay for tennis or health club memberships, adult education classes and golf course fees? 

    Moving away from family and friends can mean more frequent phone calls and trips back home, so be sure to allow for those additional costs as well.

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Home remodeling contracts come in all shapes and sizes, from a one-page summary to a 10-page document. But before you sign on the dotted line, the Federal Trade Commission advises homeowners to take time to review the contract carefully to make sure all the details are covered. Understanding the finer points ahead of time can prevent misunderstandings and mishaps later. Contracts should include the contractor’s name, business address and phone number, and license number; payment schedule; who will obtain permits, if needed; and a detailed list of all materials needed for the job, including the product, brand name, size, color and model. Some contractors may include a visual presentation of the work to be done, such as sketches or a floor plan. Warranties covering materials and workmanship should also be included. Contracts should address how change orders will be handled. A change order is a written authorization to the contractor to change or add a task to the original work agreement, which can often affect the project’s cost and schedule. Remodelers may require payment for change orders before the work begins. The contract should also include a clause explaining your right to cancel the agreement within three business days. The contractor will provide two copies of a cancellation form, one for you to keep and one to send back to the company if you decide to cancel. If site clean-up and trash hauling are not included in the contract, ask for a “broom clause”, which makes the contractor responsible for all clean-up work. The contract may also include details on issues such as access to the home and care of the premises. Once the paperwork is signed, keep all copies in a safe place. Also keep track of phone calls, conversations and activities related to the project, and take photos as the project progresses. These records can be helpful in resolving any problems that may occur, either during or after construction.

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 HERB GARDENING MADE EASY Growing an indoor herb garden is a simple way to fill your home with color and fresh aromas while adding flavor to cooking and reducing grocery bills. And growing an indoor herb garden is easier than you think. All you need is natural light, water soil and nutrients. There are many herbs to choose from, such as basil, dill, oregano, cilantro, rosemary and thyme.

Before choosing your plants, the National Gardening Association suggests that you consider how much natural light you get in your home. Herbs need a lot of sunlight, at least five to six hours a day, so windows that face south or west will provide the best sources of light. If your home doesn’t get a lot of natural light, or you live in a colder, cloudy climate, keep the plants under a fluorescent light year-round. Once you’ve selected the herbs, either plant seeds in a container or buy small starter plants from a local nursery. Use containers with holes at the bottom to drain the excess water. Provide enough water to keep the plants moist, but not soggy. Some herbs can be planted together in one larger container, but consider their needs first. For example, basil prefers warmth and more moisture, while rosemary needs to dry out between soakings and prefer cooler temperatures. If a plant becomes wilted, check the soil for dryness. If there are pests, move the plant to another area and spray the foliage with a soap solution every five days until the pests are gone. To keep them strong, feed the plants every two weeks with a half-solution of an all-purpose fertilizer. With a little care, your windowsill herb garden can thrive all year round.

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FINAL WALK-THROUGH

Several weeks or months can passbetween the day you put an offer on ahouse and the day you take possession
of it. In between a lot can happen thatcan affect the condition of the property,such as a leaky roof, a dripping faucet or
stains on the carpet. Inspection experts at YourChicagoHomeInspector.com suggest doing a final walkthrough to
assess the condition of the home before you take possession of it and make sure it is in the condition you agreed on when  you signed the contract.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH
As you walk through the home with your agent, use a checklist as a guide to make sure everything is working properly, and note any questions you might have. Below are a few items in a typical checklist, but it also covers the roof,
gutters, doors and windows, floors, basement and attic.

Plumbing — Flush all toilets and check for leaks. Do they keep running after they flush? Run the sink and shower faucets and check for proper drainage. Also check for hot water and water pressure.

Electrical — Make sure the utilities are on, especially if the home has been vacant for some time. Operate all lights, switches and ceiling fans. Also test the smoke alarms, and run the kitchen appliances. When you run the washer
and dryer, check for leaks from the washer and make sure the dryer gets hot enough.

Heating and air conditioning — Use the thermostat to operate the heating and cooling system. Check for heat and cool air at all registers.

 General — Open and close windows so they operate properly, and check for broken glass. Look for stains on the ceiling that might indicate a leaky roof.



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Safe House

Summer seems to bring out the home-improvement expert in everyone. It’s the perfect time to tackle those projects — large and small — that have been lingering. And whether you’re bringing out the lawn mower for the first time, getting ready to clean the gutters or repairing odds and ends, consider these important safety tips:

Mowers

• Before mowing the lawn, do a walk-through of the area and remove any large sticks or debris.

• Wear clothing that offers protection, like sturdy closed-toe shoes and safety glasses or goggles.

• Do not clean the grass exit of a mower by hand, and keep the mower on grass, not pavement, which can kick up debris.

Ladders

• When using a ladder, place it on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks engage.

• Always face the ladder when climbing and use slip-resistant shoes.

• Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For extension ladders, it’s the fourth rung from the top.

Power Tools

• Remember to keep tools away from heat, oil and sharp edges.

• Disconnect tools when they’re not in use or when you’re replacing a blade, bit or part.

• Keep your work areas well lighted and wear gloves and appropriate footwear when using tools.

Sources: Home Safety Council; Occupational Safety and Health Administration

****July is National Ice Cream Month. More ice cream is sold on Sunday than any other day.

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