Author: home urbans

When you hire a crew to paint the exterior of your home, you’re not just investing in a fresh look—you’re also relying on their skill, dedication, and, often, their willingness to work in challenging conditions. As the project wraps up, many homeowners wonder: should you tip exterior house painters? Unlike restaurant servers or hairstylists, professional painters typically earn a fair wage for their contracted services, so tipping isn’t expected or required. However, if your painters went above and beyond, tackled a difficult job with exceptional results, or provided outstanding service, a tip can be a thoughtful way to show appreciation.…

Black houses have surged in popularity for their bold, modern aesthetic, but they also come with unique thermal challenges. Dark exteriors absorb significantly more solar radiation than lighter colors, converting sunlight into heat and raising surface and interior temperatures. This introductory overview explores five key reasons black houses may become hotter, from the physics of color absorption to the practical impacts on energy efficiency and comfort. The Psychological Effect of black on Our Emotions and Why it’s Becoming Popular in Home Design Black has a powerful psychological impact on our emotions. It evokes feelings of sophistication, elegance, and strength. In…

When obtaining a mortgage, a common question revolves around the role of a cosigner and whether they possess ownership rights to the property. A cosigner is different from a co-borrower, and while both aid in securing a loan, their rights and responsibilities diverge significantly. Understanding these distinctions is crucial before agreeing to cosign a home loan. Understanding the Role of a Cosigner Cosigners act as financial allies for mortgage applicants.Their primary role is to boost the borrower’s credibility by guaranteeing repayment of the loan. When lenders evaluate an application, they look closely at credit scores and income levels. A cosigner…

A common question among home cooks is whether a Crock Pot, or slow cooker, significantly heats up your house while in use. Unlike ovens or stovetops, slow cookers operate at low temperatures and are designed to keep heat contained within the cooking vessel. They emit only a small amount of heat externally—comparable to one or two incandescent light bulbs—and thus do not noticeably raise room temperature. This makes them an ideal appliance for cooking without adding extra warmth to your home, even in hot weather. While all electrical energy used by a slow cooker ultimately dissipates as heat, the well-insulated…

Does running a dehumidifier help cool your house, or is it just a myth? While a dehumidifier doesn’t lower the temperature of a room as an air conditioner does, it can make your living space feel noticeably cooler and more comfortable by removing excess moisture from the air. High humidity makes the air feel warmer and stickier because sweat can’t evaporate as efficiently from your skin, trapping heat and leaving you feeling muggy. By lowering humidity levels, a dehumidifier helps sweat evaporate more easily, relieving that clammy sensation and creating a fresher, cooler-feeling environment—even if the actual temperature stays the…

A fireplace is often seen as a cosy centrepiece in many homes, especially during colder months, but the question remains: can it heat an entire house? The answer depends largely on the type of fireplace, its size, and the home’s layout. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are charming but tend to be inefficient, losing much heat up the chimney and often only warming the immediate room. In contrast, modern gas fireplaces equipped with heat distribution systems and large electric fireplaces can provide heat to larger areas, sometimes even an entire home, particularly if the house is smaller or the fireplace is designed…

When evaluating the size of a home, square footage is often a key factor buyers and sellers consider. But what exactly does that number represent? One common question that arises is whether the garage space is included in the total square footage of a house. Understanding how square footage is calculated—and whether the garage counts—can help you make more informed decisions in real estate, whether you’re buying, selling, or appraising a property. In this article, we’ll explore the standards and nuances behind house measurements and clarify the role of garage space in those calculations. Understanding House Square Footage House square…

The use of a key safe—a secure box mounted outside your home to store spare keys—offers convenience for homeowners, carers, or guests, but it also raises important questions about your house insurance. Many people worry that installing a key safe could automatically invalidate their insurance policy, leaving them unprotected in the event of a break-in. The reality, however, is more nuanced: whether a key safe affects your coverage depends on your insurer’s specific terms, the type and quality of the key safe, and how it’s used. Some insurers may reject claims if a burglar gains access using keys from a…

A new driveway can significantly influence a home’s value by enhancing its curb appeal and functionality. Often the first thing visitors and potential buyers notice, a well-designed and maintained driveway creates a positive first impression that can increase a property’s perceived value by up to 10% or more. This improvement not only adds aesthetic appeal but also offers practical benefits such as convenient off-street parking, which is highly valued in areas with limited parking availability. While the exact increase in value depends on factors like location, driveway size, and material quality, investing in a new driveway often yields a strong…

A recession often sparks the question: does it really lower house prices? While economic downturns typically lead to reduced buyer demand and can create downward pressure on home prices, the relationship is complex and influenced by various factors. Historically, recessions have slowed housing markets and sometimes caused price declines, but significant crashes like in 2008 are exceptions rather than the norm. In many cases, recessions result in slower price appreciation or modest dips, especially in markets facing additional challenges such as high taxes or natural disasters. Moreover, a recession often leads to lower mortgage rates as central banks cut interest…