Author: home urbans

When summer temperatures soar, keeping your home cool becomes a top priority for many homeowners. One popular solution often recommended is the installation of roof turbines—also known as whirlybirds or turbine roof vents. These distinctive, wind-powered devices are designed to enhance attic ventilation by drawing hot, stale air out of your roof space and allowing cooler air to enter, all without the need for electricity. But do roof turbines help cool your house, or are their benefits overstated? The science behind how roof turbines work Roof turbines operate on a simple yet effective principle of ventilation. As the wind blows,…

Tiny homes have surged in popularity as an affordable, minimalist, and environmentally friendly housing option, but the rules governing their construction and placement are anything but uniform. Whether you need a building permit for a tiny home depends on a variety of factors, including your location, the home’s size, and whether it is built on a foundation or wheels. While some states and municipalities have clear regulations or even welcome tiny homes, others may have strict building codes, minimum size requirements, or zoning laws that make tiny home living more challenging—or even impossible—without the right permits and approvals. The Growing…

Ticks are commonly associated with outdoor environments, particularly grassy and wooded areas. However, many people wonder if ticks can make their way inside homes, posing risks to both humans and pets. While most tick species struggle to survive indoors due to low humidity and lack of suitable hosts, there are exceptions—most notably the brown dog tick, which can thrive and even breed inside the house. Understanding how ticks enter homes, which species are most likely to survive indoors, and how to prevent infestations is essential for keeping your living space safe from these persistent pests. Can Ticks Come Inside the…

If your house burns down, you may wonder whether you are entitled to compensation and how the process works. In most cases, if you have homeowners insurance, your policy is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding your home, replacing your belongings, and providing for temporary living expenses while your house is being repaired or rebuilt.Insurance policies vary in terms of what is covered, how claims are handled, and what compensation you may receive. fire, and your actions after the incident. Understanding these factors is key to navigating the aftermath of a house fire and ensuring you receive the compensation…

A home purchase is one of the most significant investments a person can make, and it often involves substantial financial and emotional commitment. While prospective buyers may be drawn to a property’s appearance or location, many hidden issues—such as structural defects, dampness, or outdated systems—can remain unnoticed without a thorough inspection. This is where a property survey becomes essential. A professional survey provides an objective, expert assessment of a home’s condition, revealing potential problems affecting safety, value, and future maintenance costs. What is a survey, and what does it include? A survey is a professional assessment of a property’s condition…

Understanding whether you need permits is crucial to avoid legal headaches and protect your investment if you plan to remodel your house. Building permits are required for many home improvements—especially those that involve structural changes, electrical or plumbing work, or significant alterations to your home’s footprint. The rules vary widely depending on your local municipality, so checking with your local building department before starting any project is essential. This guide will help you determine which renovations require permits and why following the correct procedures is necessary. The Importance of Permits for Home Remodeling Permits play a vital role in the…

Tipping can be a nuanced and sometimes confusing aspect of hiring house cleaners, especially as expectations and customs vary widely depending on whether you work with an individual or a cleaning company. In many service industries, such as restaurants or salons, tipping is standard practice, but the etiquette is less clear-cut when it comes to house cleaners. Understanding when and how much to tip—or whether to tip at all—requires consideration of factors like the type of service, the frequency of cleaning, and your relationship with your cleaner. This guide will explain the etiquette of tipping house cleaners, offering practical advice…

Owning a beachfront property often feels like having a personal slice of paradise, with the ocean just steps away from your doorstep. But when it comes to the sandy stretch right in front of your house, the question arises: do you truly own the beach? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Beach ownership is governed by a complex mix of laws, regulations, and public rights that vary widely depending on where you live. In this article, we’ll explore the legal realities behind beachfront ownership, what rights you actually have, and how public access and environmental protections can impact…

Understanding house tax in Tennessee is essential for homeowners and prospective buyers alike, as the state’s property tax system is uniquely administered locally. Unlike many states where property taxes are centrally managed, Tennessee relies on county assessors to appraise property values and local county commissions or city governing bodies to set tax rates. Property tax obligations can vary significantly depending on where your home is located within the state. Tennessee applies different assessment ratios based on property classification—residential and farm properties are assessed at 25% of appraised value, while commercial and industrial properties have higher ratios. To calculate your property…

When buying a home, understanding how sales tax is calculated—or whether it applies at all—is essential for accurate budgeting and financial planning. While conventional sales tax is typically charged on the retail sale of goods and services at the point of purchase, its application to real estate transactions like home buying varies significantly by jurisdiction. In many regions, property purchases may be subject to a range of taxes, such as transfer taxes, stamp duties, and capital gains taxes, rather than a traditional sales tax. This guide will walk you through the key considerations for determining what taxes apply when purchasing…