A common issue we see today in a lot of communities is an abundance of vacant and abandoned homes left to rot, lowering the property values and quality of life for everyone in the area.

Homeowners who have obtained properties from their parents who have retired, moved or passed on simply don’t have the time to properly manage and maintain these homes.

As discussed in our last blog post, Cleveland Heights contractors Reilly Painting and Contracting specialize in estate cleanup and property management.

Our team fully encompasses all that’s necessary to restore, stage, sell or rent these homes.

In the photos above and below you’ll see the beginning stages of one of our jobs on Cumberland Road in Cleveland Height that perfectly reflects this predicament as described above.

We are restoring and preparing to get it on the market.

Some of the work involved in cleaning up this estate includes

• Exterior tuckpointing

• Hardwood floor work

• Landscaping

• Interior and exterior painting

• Gutter cleaning

• Driveway work

• Declutter

As this list doesn’t cover the full spectrum of labor to be done, we also use a variety of web and social media marketing tools to help get the home the most exposure around and outside the Cleveland area.

If this sounds all too familiar and you find yourself stuck with a property that you want to get off of your hands, Reilly Painting & Contracting and Reilly Properties are the stress relievers you need.

Thank you for reading and we hope this post has been of use to you. Stay tuned for Home Mechanic tips, seasonal news and much more coming to our website and blog.

A neighborhood is more than just a group of houses next to each other.  It brings a sense of community and togetherness between neighbors.  It provides a safe place for us to raise our children and help them learn how to be good citizens, but did you know there is more you can do to make your neighborhood prosperous?  It can be difficult knowing where or how to start, but these tips from The Liveout Nanny will help you figure out how to invest in your neighborhood.

1. Support Local Businesses.  Do your best to spend and recommend in your own business community.  Supporting the local shops helps both the economy and longevity of a neighborhood.

2. Make charitable donations.  Donating to your homeowners association, to PTA and education based programs, can make a huge difference in the communities ability to provide services and support to those in need.

3. Volunteer with local organizations.  Give some of your time to a local clean up or outreach effort, or your community center.  Volunteering not only feels great but really helps non-profit organizations to function to the best of their ability and they will be so grateful for your time and effort.

4. Join a community supported agricultural exchange.  You know that garden you’ve always wanted to start in the backyard?  Talk to your neighbors and see if they are interested in a neighborhood exchange.  Agricultural exchanges are a great way to make new friends and spend some time outside.  By several neighbors growing different things in their gardens and sharing between themselves, it creates a sense of community and teamwork.

5. Support elderly and mobility-challenged neighbors.  Help those in need around you by simply holding a door open, help carry bags or groceries, or offer your services to help out with difficult yard work tasks.

6. Build relationships.  Greet your new neighbors.  Introduce yourself and your family by bringing baked goods or even a friendly smile and a positive attitude.  Offer to watch the neighbors kids on date night, or hold a family night at your house.  These simple ideas will help create long lasting relationships between families.

7. Organize and throw a block party.  Team up with your neighbors and have a huge party for the entire block.  Plan and delegate tasks amongst each other to ensure everyone helps out and has a great time.

Investing in your neighborhood is essential to truly feeling a sense of community where you live.  By making lasting friendships with neighbors, being generally helpful and giving your time or money whenever you can, you will see your neighborhood flourish.

Check out The Liveout Nanny for more information

photo credit

Thermal imaging is a form of infrared cameras that measure the amount of heating radiating from an object or a person.  The lense of a thermal imaging camera uses a sensor array specifically designed to show the radiating heat.

This technology can be used in many ways, but one of the most interesting ways is in home inspections.  Having a thermal imaging inspection for your home can really save you money on heating and cooling costs for your house.  By using thermal imaging an inspector can identify areas of the home where heat is escaping.  This allows the homeowner or contractor to adjust the areas of leakage to keep heat inside the home and save money on utility costs.  The contractor may suggest using a plastic or caulk to seal leaks in windows, or adding a sweep to doors to contain the heat.

THERMAL IMAGE OF A HOUSE

For cities like Cleveland Heights, which have many old homes with drafty windows and doors, the long winters drive up heat costs significantly.  Keep your home warm and comfortable without losing heat or money this year by contacting your Home Mechanics about a thermal imaging inspection for your house today.

Pictures from public domain and Wikimedia