House Monitoring Cameras Doing More Than Recording
House Monitoring Cameras Can Do Much More Than Just Record
House monitoring cameras are a great way to surveillance your home when you’re away; most homes these days have at least one security camera monitoring their home. But did you know that there are options that allow you to not only monitor, but analyze the video stream and alert you when there is an unusual activity?
Alarm.com has recently launched a smart video analytics service that enables you to view detailed insights on your live house monitoring camera feeds. Your cameras can turn into your own personal “security guards.”
How it Works
Using artificial intelligence developed for home and business security, Alarm.com’s technology can distinguish whether an object in motion within the camera field is a person, vehicle, and even an animal. You are also able to set virtual “tripwires” that can trigger outdoor lighting, as well as virtual “zones” within which activity can be specially monitored.
When Is it Useful?
The new layer of home security by house monitoring cameras comes with many benefits to you. Are you anxious about unwanted visitors, whether they’re human or animals? Keep your family and pets safe all around the clock with the added analytics feature. You can get alerts for visitors that linger for too long, when vehicles stop outside your home, and even when the neighbor’s dog decides to pay an unexpected visit.
The smart technology allows you to selectively control and manage notifications, so you can receive only those alerts that are important to you. For example, you may not care to know that the mailman came to drop off a package, so you can turn off these alerts. During the night you want to know if anyone is trespassing in your backyard, so as soon as someone enters the virtual “zone” you have created you’re not only notified, but your house monitoring cameras will trigger the smart lights and deter the individual.
How We Can Help You
HomeForce’s security team can help determine what home security options are best for you. We strive to provide you with the highest standard of service, always. Contact our team today to learn more about the home security services we provide.
Home Theatre Systems: Samsung is Transforming TV's
Home Theatre Systems: Samsung is Transforming TV's into Works of Art
Big, bulky TVs can be distracting and diminish the ‘cozy’ feeling a living space should have. You may spend a lot of your time decorating the space and perfecting it, only to have the design ruined by home theatre systems that becomes the new focal point of the room.
Most still prefer having a TV in their living space, understandably. It’s always great to get your friends and family together to watch the game or even just get comfortable and binge-watch your favorite Netflix series on your own. However, what isn’t so great is the fact that most home theatre systems are off-putting when they’re not in use; Samsung is hoping to change this with their new QLED TV lineup.
What is QLED?
You have heard of LCD, which is the major type of TV today. QLED or ‘quantum dot LED,’ TVs are simply a variation of the standard LCD screen, but generally superior to the OLED screens that have been released. Essentially, with a QLED TV, you are getting better contrast and black levels and brighter images than an OLED TV. The latter has less variation in picture quality and better viewing angles, but the prices and sizes are generally not affordable, or practical, for most shoppers.
TV Turned Art Piece - New Age Home Theatre Systems
Besides the standard features a TV provides, Samsung’s ‘Ambient Mode’ on the new release of TVs allows users to scrap the empty black screen on display while the TV isn’t in use, replacing it with beautiful art pieces.
By collaborating with talented artists and including world-renowned works of art, your TV can turn into a different kind of the focal point – one that isn’t such an eyesore. Customers have access to over 1,000 artwork displays in Samsung’s Art Store, with unlimited design possibilities.
This feature can also allow the TV to effortlessly blend into the room. By creating a visual camouflage and mimicking the pattern behind the TV, it almost seems like the TV is transparent. The new line of home theatre systems surely takes home automation experience to a whole new level.
Find What’s Right for You
This new release comes with a number of TV options, with different sizes and styles so you’re sure to find something that is right for you. Contact the HomeForce team today and we’ll help you find the TV that best suits your home theatre needs.
A Crash Course on Must-Have Lutron Light Dimmers
A Crash Course on Lutron Light Dimmers – ‘The Smart Lights’ – and Why You Need Them
Everyone has their own personal lighting preferences for their smart homes. Your standard light switch doesn’t cater to those preferences, which is why many homeowners have been switching to using dimming switches. Lutron, the leader in the lighting control industry, has a wide variety of options so everyone can find something that works for them.
Ease of Use
Caseta by Lutron is a smart lighting control system. Unlike most smart lighting systems, Lutron Caseta allows you to make your light bulbs smart without replacing them; the smart systems can work with the existing bulbs in your home.
The Caseta starter pack is great for those who want to give the system a try and can be expanded on at your own pace. Each pack includes a remote to control the lighting without ever having to reach for the wall switch.
Not Just Dimmers
Besides the standard features a dimmer offers, Lutron Caseta gives homeowners added benefits.
One of the most unique features Lutron Caseta has is Smart Away. Imagine going away on a trip, the lights in your homestay off, and this indicates to others that nobody is in your home. With Smart Away, lights are randomly turned on and off, leaving your home and belongings safe while you are out of town.
You are also able to automate the lights in your home and have them run on a schedule. The lighting can automatically adjust as the sunlight changes throughout the day, and throughout the seasons when sunset times change. For example, you can set the lights to automatically come on at dusk so that your family always comes back to a welcoming home.
Caseta can be managed on multiple devices, which include voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, and through the free Lutron mobile app. This allows you to manage and control the lighting at home even when you’re not there.
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Finds provides product recommendations for consumers, and a recent article published by Forbes mentions the Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch Starter Kit as a must-have for those with the Google Assistant. It takes Home Automation to new heights making it a must have.
Lutron products are widely recommended and relied upon, and HomeForce provides nothing but the best in products and services for you and your home. Call our professional team today to get more information on Lutron products and installation.
Feel Secure in Your Apartment with Ring’s New Doorbell
Feel Secure in Your Apartment with Ring’s New Doorbell
Ring Inc., Amazon’s home security company, recently released a new Ring video doorbell to add to its current collection of security systems. Advertised as being ideal for renters or apartment residents, the Ring Door View Cam is compact and replaces your existing peephole, with added security features.
The Basics
The Door View Cam is essentially a peephole and security camera in one. The battery-operated unit has two lenses – a top and bottom. The top lens is your conventional peephole door viewer, while the bottom lens has a video camera. This allows you to quickly view who is outside your door in passing, or through the Ring app while you’re lounging in your living room.
When the doorbell is rung, an alert appears through the Ring app on your phone. Here you can use the live video view to see who is at the door, and even go ahead and initiate two-way talk through the doorbell. These features through the app are available even if you’re not at home.
Not only are you alerted if someone rings the doorbell itself, but the impact sensor ensures that you are notified if someone knocks on the door as well. This can also be helpful if someone is trying to break into your home since you will know as soon as they try to jerk the door open.
Is it Right for You?
Since the Ring video doorbell fits perfectly inside the pre-existing peephole on your door, no additional drilling is required. This is especially beneficial for those who may not be permitted by landlords to drill holes on the door or wall beside the door, so it is ideal for renters or apartment residents. You simply have to unscrew the existing peephole and slot the View Cam into place.
You may be one of those individuals who had an existing video doorbell at a previous home but have recently moved into a new apartment or building, that comes along with new regulations and restrictions. This can be a difficult adjustment since you very quickly get used to the peace of mind that a home security device like this can give you. The Door View Cam makes it easy to overcome this hurdle and maintain that sense of security you desire.
Additional Features
Since Ring is owned by Amazon, there are additional perks that come with the purchase of the Door View cam, similar to the other Ring devices. The unit is compatible with Alexa and select Echo devices, including the Show and Spot. A simple “Alexa, who’s at my front door?” can allow you to stream a live feed on an Alexa-enabled video device immediately. You can also use this feature to utilize the two-way talk component we had mentioned previously.
The Door View Cam also enables you to set “privacy zones” which can be especially useful if you live in a complex with harsher privacy restrictions. If you share a hallway with neighbours, you can specify blackout zones and the camera will not record activity in these zones. Audio capture in these areas can also be reduced.
Let Us Help You
HomeForce’s home security team specializes in securing your home, with the installation of security systems. We provide you with tailored packages to ensure that you are getting exactly what you need to make you feel safe in your home.
Stay safe and have peace of mind, call the HomeForce team for a quote on installation in Abbotsford, Mission, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, Richmond, Burnaby, or Vancouver. It’s time to take yours and your family’s safety seriously.
Access Control Systems: 4 Very Important Basics to Know
Your business and, perhaps, your home contains confidential data that you cannot afford to lose and you are slightly aware of how access control systems can help you. It is important that you take the appropriate steps to decrease the risks of your documents ending up in the wrong hands. You may be struggling to make a decision on the appropriate technology to use for your business security? We encourage you to stick around because we may have the information that can help narrow down to the right access control system for your business.
Whether you are looking to protect your residential or commercial property and its occupants, access control systems are one of the best options technology has to offer. Multiple commercial and residential buildings in Abbotsford, Mission, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Richmond, and, especially, Vancouver are utilizing the latest technology to control who, when, why, and how their resources and properties are being accessed.
What is Access Control?
Control of access can take place on a physical and logical level. Physical access control systems regulates and limits access to physical property and resources. For example, access to campus, home, apartment buildings, paper documents, safes and vaults. Logical access control regulates and limits access to digital property or resources such as Wi-Fi connections, network connections, system files, and online data. It is an important concept in security that reduces the risk to businesses or organizations.
Types of Access Control
Access control can be both manual and electronic. Manual access control, commonly used by us all, include keys for doors or cars, and even ID to enter a bar. Electronic access control can vary from password, fingerprints, to eyeball scanning. Electronic access control is the new innovative technology used for high security and can serve multiple purposes.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Role Based Access Control, the most demanded access control system, grants access based on roles. This grants physical and logical access necessary to an individual’s job role or privilege level. Not only is it in high demand in the business world, RBAC has also become highly sought-after among households.
Rather than assigning an individual as a security manager, the security manager position already has access control permissions assigned to it. In a household, parents or adults have access to certain areas, property, and documents that are restricted to children, tenants, or guests. RBAC makes life much easier because rather than assigning multiple individuals particular access, the system administrator only has to assign access to specific roles in the household or organization. It saves time, effort, increases efficiency as you are not required to reassign access when new employees take on job roles.
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Discretionary Access Control is the least restrictive compared to the other systems. It holds the business owner responsible for deciding who is allowed in a specific location, physically or digitally. Essentially, it allows an individual complete control over all objects they own, as well as the programs associated with those objects.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Mandatory Access Control is more commonly used in organizations requiring maximum security due to their ownership of highly confidential and classified data (i.e. military institutions). MAC only permits one central authority to regulate access. Access is regulated by class and sensitivity level. For example, unclassified data is accessible to anyone, confidential and Top Secret are highly regulated and only accessible to those who are permitted by the central authority.
When it comes to choosing the type of access control system that is most suitable for your organization, there are a number of factors involved. If you want to regulate access based on job roles within your organization, maybe RBAC is the best option. You may not have military level classified dataca but if you still want to regulate access by classifications, MAC could work for your business as well. You may feel that your business is small enough for you to regulate access individually, then DAC could be good enough for you. Always remember that the primary beneficiary of access control on your property are you and your stakeholders. Don’t gamble on safety, get your access control installed today by HomeForce's professional team.
10 Security Statistics and How Security Systems Can Keep Your Home and Business Safe
Single family dwellings are 15% more likely to be robbed.
I remember a few years ago when my father made the decision to install an alarm system. Our family never had any form of the home security systems before and it was not a common asset in our circle of friends and family, so we really had no idea what to expect. Once we had it installed, we felt an immediate sense of security. Every window and door had sensors installed and each time they were opened, we were instantly notified. We were constantly aware of who was coming in and out, from where, and when. My mom and dad were very proud of this innovative security system in their home and were at ease knowing that if no one was home or we were all asleep and an attempted burglary was to take place, our alarm would go off and that alone would scare away the thief before the cops arrived.
With current statistics, it is advisable for every homeowner to do the same and secure their belongings and keep their family safe. Gone are the days where a simple door lock will do. Thieves and criminals are smartening up and you should as well. If you’re not sure if a home security system is for you, keep reading as we have a lineup of statistics and facts that will help you make the right decision for you and your family.
Is Your Home or Commercial Building at Risk?
With our high standard of living, almost everyone has possessions worth stealing. No city, suburb, or neighborhood is immune to break-ins. Here are a few statistics from Stats Canada to reinforce how vulnerable we all are to home burglary and invasion:
- On average, home break-ins occur more frequently during the summer.
- Vancouver police received 10,092 reports of breaking and entering meanwhile Calgary, having a larger population, reported 7,519 breaking and entering incidents in 2002.
- 7,181 reported home invasions took place between 2004-2008.
- 62% of reported home invasions involved weapons.
- 33% of weapons used were firearms and 30% knives and cutting instruments.
- A total of 159,338 home burglaries were reported in Canada in 2015. Only 31% of crimes are reported, so this number doesn’t put into perspective the other 69% of crimes taking place.
- Single family dwellings are 15% more likely to be robbed.
- A total of 26,529 break and entering incidents were reported in British Columbia in 2017.
- In the city of Vancouver alone, 14,960 breaking and entering incidents were reported in 2017
- 1,005 breaking and entering incidents were reported in 2017 for both Abbotsford and Mission.
Like most predators, criminals are looking for the home with the weakest security to prey on. Not securing your home makes you vulnerable and an easy target. We cannot stress how important it is to ensure that your home is the safest it can be. With the large number of home burglaries and invasions taking place, assuming that it cannot happen to you is gambling with your safety and that of your family.
How Can Security Systems Minimize The Risk?
Thieves can unlock 90% of doors by lock bumping, which leaves no damage. As a result, insurance companies deny the claim since no evidence of a forced entry can be provided. Your lock can easily be tampered with and allow invaders to creep in unannounced and unnoticed. Although necessary to have, the old fashioned padlocks and key locks will not stop thieves from breaking in.
Be it shoplifting, breaking and entering, or home invasion, researchers have found that criminals are less likely to commit a crime once they are aware that their presence is known. That is what a home security system does, it detects when an unauthorized access to your home is taking place and alarms you of the danger and crime taking place. Thieves rely on being discrete and unnoticed to carry out their criminal plans. The moment these factors are no longer present, they flee. However, minimizing the chances of home burglary and invasion is just one aspect of what a security system can to do enhance your safety.
A security system comes with numerous benefits. Having a security system installed in your home and business by HomeForce’s highly experienced team of professional will provide you with these security features that will enhance the safety of you and your family or business. Our security systems will provide you with the following:
- Effective detection-includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, receivers and transmitters.
- Immediate notification of threats.
- Reliability so you stay protected even when the power is out, the phone line is down, and the internet is slow, or your panel is smashed.
- Smart area partitioning, allowing you to create unique areas for safe and vaults, garages, pool rooms and other desired areas.
- Independent security for areas such as rental spaces.
Security systems are ideal and a great solution for anyone who wants to keep their property safe and out of harm’s reach. Be it a commercial property or residential, these new technologies are made to keep you safe and give you peace of mind.
In addition, depending on the extensiveness of your security package, some insurance company discount up to 20% off your annual premiums. 69% of home owners are under the impression that home security systems increases their property value. This has been proven to be true because 49% of home buyers look for pre-installed home security when shopping for a home.
When it comes to security systems for your home, you and your family are the primary beneficiaries. The added value to your home is secondary to your safety. We highly recommend you make the right decision for your home and get a security system installed. Stay safe and have peace of mind, call HomeForce’s professional team for a quote on installment in Abbotsford, Mission, Mapleridge, Chilliwack, Richmond, Burnaby, or Vancouver. It’s time to take yours and your family's safety seriously.
6 Amazing Window Cleaning Benefits
Your windows hold a world of benefits and value that you may not be aware of. Thus window cleaning is imperative, even if you may not feel that now!
Big windows and nice views are a lot more important than you might have imagined. Beyond what you may already know, we’ve listed three important benefits of window cleaning and three reasons why you should invest in maintaining them.
3 Amazing Window Cleaning Benefits
Promotes Physical and Mental Health
Humans are attracted to beautiful views, sunlight, and big windows for psychological reasons that we may not be aware of. We don’t know why we open the blinds to let sunlight in when wanting to wake up our kids for school, or our spouse for work. We don’t know why we love to drink a cup of tea in front of a window or on a balcony soaking in the morning sunlight. It’s almost therapeutic and makes you feel alive, awake, and at peace. You don’t really know why you feel that way and why those big windows in your home help with your mental health. Here’s a fun fact, serotonin is the culprit.
Serotonin, often referred to as the ‘happy chemical’, is released in your body in response to sunlight. This occurrence aids in elevating your mood and energy. That is why you feel awake and in a great mood every morning when you throw open those blinds and your home is lit up by warm sunlight. You have energy to be active, to get your work done, and you end up sleeping better at night. This keeps us mentally healthy and physically motivated, as sunlight provides us with vitamin D, an element that aids in boosting brain function and mood. Unknown to us, all these health benefits are what our body craves and that’s why we look for nice views, big windows, and a well-lit home.
Increase Productivity in the Workplace
A research conducted in 2014 demonstrated that workers sitting in windowless environments had lower performance scores and poorer sleep quality than workers sitting in environments with lots of windows and sunlight exposure. The research suggested that office environment should have more windows because the daylight exposure employees receive through the windows increases work performance and promotes health and well-being.
Melatonin, a hormone that aids in controlling sleep patterns, increases when it's dark, causing fatigue. Which is why workers in darker, windowless environment had low energy resulting in poor performance. Researchers have suggested that more windows should be implemented in office designs to allow more exposure to daylight which will result in an increase in work performance and promote worker’s health and well-being.
Increases property Value
Ever wondered why a 3 bedroom home along the shores of White Rock Beach costs twice as much as a 3 bedroom home in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, or Mission? The home in White Rock may not be as modern and up to date in comparison to its competing listings, but yet it has twice the value. It has a lot to do with the view and what prospect buyers see when they look out the window.
When people visit a home, very few are pleased and fascinated by small windows, low lights, and a dark environment. A common phrase heard from guests and visitors are “I love the high ceiling windows”, “the view and lighting in this home is incredible!”. Big windows give a home the appearance of being spacious, large, and worth its listing price.
3 Reasons Why Windows Need Maintanence
Unmaintained Windows Decreases Property Value
Although having big windows in your home has tremendous health benefits, maintaining them clean, appealing, and efficient is a common struggle for house owners. Remember, these are not only your money maker but also the venue in which sunlight, cold, and rain enters your home, so it is important to maintain them in tip top shape. It might be advantageous for your pocket and your health to own a home with large windows and great lighting, but its upkeep can be challenging.
For example, if you noticed mold building up around your window from the inside, rest assured that it is happening on the outside as well. Getting rid of the mold on those tall hard to reach windows can be a struggle, and definitely not advisable to be done on your own.
Home owners are advised to have window cleaning done professionally by booking window washing services at least twice a year, during Spring and Fall. Professionals such as HomeForce’s team are trained and equipped to clean those hard to reach windows. In between the window washing services, using window washing solutions and fluids until the next appointment will prevent the fast buildup of mold. If not maintained, not only will your windows become dirty and covered with mold, your home value will diminish due to low energy efficiency.
Window Inefficiency
Poorly maintained windows can result in low energy efficiency. If your window is unable to retain heat produced by your heater, you end up spending a lot to keep your home warm. And if your windows let out the cool air produced by your air conditioner; you end up using a lot of energy to keep your home cool. Many are unaware of how costly it is to own a home with poorly maintained windows. Make sure you keep your windows in tip top shape, as it can determine how much money you lose or make in the long run.
Expensive to Replace
Vinyl replacement windows can cost up to $600 a window and wood replacement windows can cost up to $1,000 a window with up to $100 in installation fees per window installed. If each room in your living room and kitchen alone has a total of four windows, that’s about $2,800 for vinyl and about $4,400 for wood without considering the size of your window. In the long run, it is cost efficient to maintain your window’s appearance and condition.
Your windows hold a world of benefits and value that you may not be aware of, and we’re here to tell you that it is worth your effort and attention to invest in its well-being and condition. It might be hard to reach those gorgeous tall windows or those on the top floors, but HomeForce’s team of trained professionals are ready to help you maintain those windows , inside out, with our window washing services. Be it in Abbotsford, Langley, Maple Ridge, Vancouver, or Chilliwack, HomeForce is ready to provide you with quality home maintenance services with maximum satisfaction. Get your windows washed twice a year, not only will your windows be clean and maintain their good condition, your household and employees will reap the benefits of the sunlight they let in. Invest in maintaining your property because a maintained property is valuable.
Important Things You Must Know About Power Washing and Pressure Washing
Going for power washing annually or semi-annually will help lessen the number of harmful bacteria around your home.
You’ve noticed mold and dirt on your home’s exterior is diminishing its value and curb appeal and have finally decided it is time to have it cleaned up! Before you make that trip to Home Depot and purchase a pressure washer to begin your “do it yourself” project, there are a couple of very important factors you should know and consider.
Power Washing or Pressure Washing?
Although power washing and pressure washing are viewed as the same, very few people are aware of the differences. Power washing and pressure washing are both a process in which dirt, mud, mildew, and mold are removed from a surface using heavy machinery to blast water at high pressures. However, power washing uses heated or hot temperature water. The heat of the water aids in effectively breaking down hardened contaminated material from your property’s surface.
Pressure washing, on the other hand, uses water at a normal temperature. The effectiveness of pressure washing solely depends on the force and speed at which the water is being released. Pressure washing and power washing have the same water release velocity and can be dangerous and damage property if handled by untrained individuals.
Dangers of Power Washing and Pressure Washing
Most home residents are under the impression that pressure washing is as easy as spraying water across your driveway like you would with your thumb over your hose. What most do not know is the unexpected high velocity in which the water is released by pressure washers and power washers can cause damage to your property.For example, it is not recommended for an untrained individual to use a pressure washer or power washer on the roof. The kickback, which is a result of water being released at a high pressure, can cause your ladder to fall back, along with you. Be advised that the wrong pressure level can also shorten your roof’s lifespan, which can cause a major dent in your wallet prematurely.
Pressure and power washing your roof can clean off more than dirt, mold, and mildew. Many homeowners across the region have stripped the granules from their roof’s asphalt shingles. If your roof shingles are made of plastic or metal, you could dent them. With 10 years of experience, HomeForce professionals are trained and knowledgeable on the appropriate pressure levels to use, or not use at all, on your roof. You don’t and you’re not expected to. We highly recommended you leave the exterior maintenance of your property to HomeForce’s professional team as your roof is not the only area of your exterior property at risk. You might not see the damage you caused , but it will eventually show down the line, without fully understanding that the pressure washing may have attributed to the premature replacement.
Benefits of Power Washing and Pressure Washing
Do not get the wrong impression, pressure washing and power washing are extremely beneficial for your home if handled by trained professionals. Having your home power washed annually or semi-annually will help lessen the amount of harmful bacteria around your home as it rids and eliminates contaminated dirt, grime, mildew, and fungi. It leaves your property’s exterior environment looking clean and aids in preventing illness for you, your family, and your pet(s).
In addition, pressure and power washing, using the appropriate pressure, will prevent the accumulated mildew and grime from breaking down and rotting your property. Exterior areas and properties such as your sidings, fence, garage door, driveway, deck, outdoor furniture, swimming pool, and decorative statues will last longer if you invest in maintaining them.
We highly recommend pressure washing and power washing for the exterior of your home as it comes with tremendous benefits and maintains the value and appearance of your property. However, we do not recommend utilizing the pressure/power washer’s heavy equipment that can be damaging to your property when mishandled or poorly operated. Save your time and the risks and choose HomeForce’s team of professionals as the guaranteed option to get your property’s exterior clean. Be it in Abbotsford, Langley, or Chilliwack, HomeForce is ready to provide you with quality home maintenance services with maximum satisfaction. Not only will your property look clean and safe, it’ll also maintain its value. A maintained home is a valuable home, invest in the outer appearance of your home always.
5 Easy Lawn Care Practices for Stunning Curb Appeal
You love your home, and you want nothing but the best for it. You clean it, you air it, you even plant the best flowers to improve its outer appearance. But no matter your lawn care efforts , your curb appeal is no match to that of your neighbors’. The grass is always greener on their side. But here’s a little secret, the grass is not always greener on the other side, it’s greener where its maintained. Here are five important things to do to improve your lawn’s appearance and maintain your curb appeal in tip top shape throughout the Spring and Summer.
- Get New Sod Rolls
If your lawn is patchy, dried out, and simply refuses to grow green and healthy, it’s a sign that you need fresh new sod rolls in your backyard and front lawn. Many HomeForce customers have improved the appearance of their home and increased its’ value using our lawn care services. Within a day, your home will be surrounded with beautiful green grass. However, sod rolls usually take two to three weeks to root and establish where it is placed before you’re able to do any sort of activities on your new lawn.
Sod rolls are an option with multiple benefits. Apart from getting instant results, this option is great for erosion control and results in significantly less weed growth. Keep in mind, the best time to replace your unappealing lawn is during the spring, summer’s high heat levels can stunt the establishment and growth of your sod roll. Get an appointment with HomeForce’s lawn care services in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Maple Ridge, Langley, Surrey, Richmond, and Burnaby, before the summer heat beginnings by clicking here!
- Fertilizer
Now that HomeForce’s lawn care services has replaced your patchy and unhealthy lawn with new sod rolls, you have to maintain that gorgeous curb appeal enhanced by your healthy lawn. Fertilizers are a great provider of nutrition for your lawn, and as your grass continues to grow, the more nutrient it uses and needs. Sure, it might not have an appealing aroma, but fertilizing your lawn one to three times every year will make a huge difference in maintaining a healthy lawn. For maximum result, fertilize your lawn early spring, late spring, and towards the last summer days.
- Water Sprinklers
During the Spring, your grass is getting an abundance of water and moisture. Lawns look their best during this season. They thrive, they grow, and flourish during spring season due to all the rain. However, Summer can be a trying time for your lawn. Your lawn should be watered every day for the best result but very few people have the time to do so. Therefore, we greatly encourage home owners to invest in lawn sprinklers. Depending on the size of your lawn, you will not be spending more thank $100 on your sprinklers. Attach your sprinkler system to your hose, turn it on, and continue to attend to your busy schedule.
- Cut your Lawn Regularly
Now that your lawn is even, full of nutrition, and provided with sufficient water and moisture and you’re seeing results, do not slack! Make sure you maintain a groomed lawn. Nothing says “uncared for home that probably has a hundred things wrong with due to lack of maintenance” more than sky-reaching grass stems. We advise that you do not let your lawn reach an unattractive length before mowing it. To keep a tamed and healthy lawn, mow it once a week. On a beautiful Saturday morning, make it a point to groom that lawn or pay your, or your neighbor’s, kid to do it! Whichever way works best for you, simply make sure your grass is groomed, and your curb appeal remains incomparable.
- Trim Your Grass Edges!
This step is gravely underestimated, and probably the step that will edge your curb appeal ahead of your neighbors’. Clean cut lines are what makes your exterior look like art, a million dollar paradise visual art. Little details, such as trimmed grass edges, are what pulls everything together. It’s like cleaning up your hairline after a nice haircut or putting on a nice pair of earrings for that extra ‘wow!’ factor. So it is very important to keep your grass edges from overflowing onto your driveway or crawling up your fences, keep them short and neat! Edge trimming only takes a few minutes but makes a huge difference in the visual presentation of your lawn.
There you have it, all the secret to obtain and maintain a beautiful lawn. A healthy lawn greatly impacts your curb appeal, and great curb appeal is what makes a Star Home. When you get new sod rolls installed by HomeForce’s professional team, make sure you maintain the beauty of your exterior property by fertilizing, watering, mowing, and edge trimming your healthy lawn. Not only will you have one of the best looking lawn on the block, you’ll have the best curb appeal in the real estate market. A maintained home is a valuable home, invest in the outer appearance of your home always.
5 Home Maintenance Tips: Spring Edition
Spring is here and your Fraser Valley home has been taking a beating for the past 6 months. Here are 5 essential home maintenance tips to help your home recover from a rough British Columbia winter.
Check the Gutters
Even from the ground level, you can take a look at your gutters’ overall condition. Things to look for are leaks, broken downspouts, and proper downspout trajectory. Rain should always be taken away from your home’s structure, not towards it!
Inspect the Concrete
Take a walk around your yard and look for signs of cracking, movement, and algae build-up. All exterior slabs except for pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation to avoid costly damage. Fill cracks with a crack filler, power wash the concrete to remove slippery algae and seal the concrete.
Check Power Equipment
Check your gas and battery-powered maintenance equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. This is more for convenience but staying on top of this will make it much easier to keep your home maintenance under control.
Examine Roof Shingles
Whether you feel comfortable doing it, or get a professional to do it, it is important to examine the state of your roofing material in spring. Summer can also be damaging to roofing with intense heat so not maintaining this can result in leaks when it starts to rain again. Also check flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys and repair if needed.
The last Home Maintenance Tip..Move Firewood
Remove firewood stored near your home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground and at least 2 feet from your home’s structure. Firewood stacks will inevitably attract critters and moisture so it is best keeping these away from your house.