Tag: Homeowner

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Computers

I’m a New Homeowner. An App Called Thumbtack Has Become a Lifesaver for Me

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Never in my life did I think I’d own a home, but I was fortunate enough to close on my first house last fall. Yet as I moved into my new space—after nearly a decade of renting in New York City—I was overwhelmed with anxiety. Anything and everything that went wrong in the house was now the responsibility of my wife and I to solve. Is something wrong with the boiler? Find someone to fix it. Got water damage? Find someone to fix it, fast.

I’m a little handy around the house. I recently installed a smart thermostat and smart shades, I painted several rooms, and I successfully followed the California patch method to fix some holes in my drywall. Most of these experiences start with me watching several YouTube videos (HomeRenoVision is excellent). But there are a lot of jobs I just don’t feel comfortable doing myself. That’s where Thumbtack comes in.

Mobile phone with screen showing home improvement goals as well as additional tips and ideas

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

It’s like the Yellow Pages and Uber mixed into one app built for homeowners, where you can find and hire a professional in your area for nearly anything you need to do in your home. There are vendor reviews from other customers with photos of the completed work, plus you can chat with and book these experts through the app. Thumbtack as a company has been around for more than 15 years, so its database is enormous—there are 300,000 local professionals across the US. Best of all, the app is free; the company charges professionals a matchmaking fee, and it doesn’t place any pressure on you to pay them through its app.

Today, Thumbtack is unveiling a new version that evolves the app from a way to find home professionals into a project manager for your home. I’ve been playing around with the new update over the past week—it’s only rolling out for iPhone right now, with Android to come in a few months—but it’s already giving me a little more peace of mind.

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One Task at a Time

The previous owner of my house left several business cards and leaflets for plumbers, roof specialists, and the like in a few of the drawers. For some of the initial work I wanted help with, I tried Googling the details of these people as well as researching local handymen, but it was hard to get a sense of how much a project would cost if I hired them, and whether or not they’d be reliable. That’s when I remembered it was my home inspector who recommended Thumbtack.

Ever since then, I have used the app several times in the past few months. I’ve hired an electrician to install new outlets and my security cameras. I’ve had some folks come to move and install a washer and dryer, to recaulk baseboards, and even to mount a TV. Thumbtack is built for homeowners, but there are certainly a few things renters will find useful as well, like if you need help assembling furniture, mounting items, or moving.

The app does a great job of auto-filling my queries and pointing me to the terms industry professionals use. Thumbtack’s director of product, Alexis Baird, says the new update also leverages Meta’s Llama 2 large language models to better map your searches to professionals, who may use more precise terms and proper lingo in their profiles to showcase their expertise.

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News

Bedroom Bliss: Essential Upgrades for the Modern Homeowner

The bedroom is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a sanctuary, a personal space where one retreats to relax, rejuvenate, and dream. As homeowners, investing in this intimate space can significantly enhance comfort, functionality, and even the property’s overall value.

As such, here are some top investments to consider for a bedroom that truly stands out:

Upgrading to a King Bed

The bed is undeniably the centerpiece of any bedroom. Upgrading to a king bed offers more sleeping space and adds a touch of luxury. A king bed can make all the difference, especially for couples or those who enjoy the extra room.

If you’re debating between getting a king vs. queen-sized bed, consider factors such as room size, personal comfort preferences, and budget. A king bed requires more space, but provides unparalleled comfort and elegance.

Investing in High-Quality Bedding

High-quality bedding is as important as the bed itself. High-thread-count sheets, plush duvets, and supportive pillows can transform your sleeping experience. Opt for natural materials like cotton or bamboo for breathability and comfort.

Installing Smart Lighting Solutions

Lighting sets the mood. Investing in adjustable lighting, such as dimmable LED lights or smart bulbs that can change colors, allows homeowners to customize the ambiance according to their mood or the time of day.

This might not seem like a major upgrade, but the difference in mood and comfort levels can be profound. You can even sync some smart lights to your music or TV, creating a truly immersive experience.

Having Built-in Wardrobes

A built-in wardrobe saves space and gives a sleek and organized look to your bedroom. It’s a great way to make the most out of space in your student room. Customize it with compartments, drawers, and lighting for a functional and stylish storage solution.

Soundproofing and Insulating Your Bedroom

For those living in bustling areas or homes with thin walls, soundproofing can be a game-changer. Consider adding acoustic panels or upgrading to double-glazed windows for a quieter bedroom environment.

Additionally, make the colder months more tolerable by insulating your bedroom. This could involve insulating walls, windows, and doors, or adding a thick, plush rug for underfoot warmth. Using thermal curtains can also help to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

Opting for Modern Window Treatments

From blackout curtains to motorized blinds, modern window treatments offer both functionality and aesthetics. They can regulate light, provide privacy, and enhance the room’s overall look.

Putting Up Art and Personal Touches

Art pieces, whether paintings, sculptures, or wall hangings, can inject personality into the bedroom. Choose pieces that resonate with your style and evoke positive emotions.

Getting Flooring Upgrades

Whether it’s plush carpeting for a cozy feel or hardwood floors for a classic look, upgrading the bedroom flooring can drastically change its appearance and feel. Moreover, you may also want to install underfloor heating for that extra touch of luxury. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in colder climates.

Creating Your Dreamy Sanctuary

The bedroom is a reflection of one’s personal style and preferences. Making thoughtful investments lets you create a space that’s comfortable and functional. Moreover, it can be a true reflection of their personality.

Don’t overlook the importance of these upgrades. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the room but also contribute to the overall living experience.

 

Categories
News

Escapee From Pennsylvania Shot by Homeowner While Stealing Rifle from Garage

According to authorities, a homeowner who observed fugitive felon Danelo Cavalcante in the garage obtaining a handgun opened fire on him on Monday night.

At a press conference on Tuesday, George Bivins of the Pennsylvania State Police said that a homeowner contacted police at 10:10 p.m. ET to report that a small Hispanic male wearing no shirt and black trousers had entered the garage while the homeowner was inside and taken a.22 rifle leaning in the corner.

The homeowner fired several bullets at the guy, subsequently identified as Cavalcante by police, as he “fled with the rifle.”

Police arrived at the Coventryville Road house minutes later, but Cavalcante had already departed. Bivins expressed confidence that Cavalcante, 34, who had been missing since August 31, was safe.

After finding what seemed to be the inmate’s green sweatshirt and white T-shirt on the edge of the driveway, the search area was expanded to include that location.

Among other “significant developments,” Bivins mentioned the encounter with the homeowner looking for Cavalcante.

A vehicle on Fairview Road west near Route 100 reported sighting a guy crouched in the bushes about 8 p.m. that night. The driver drove back around to make sure she had spotted the man, but he was already out of sight.

Border Patrol had a tactical team nearby, and many more soldiers responded immediately.

There, investigators found footprints and mud “identical to the prison shoes worn by Cavalcante,” according to Bivins. Soon later, the police discovered his prison boots.

A neighbor also stated that a pair of work boots were removed from the house’s porch before to the gunshot call.

Cavalcante is armed and very deadly, so use extreme care. “He’s armed with a.22-caliber rifle outfitted with a scope and a spotlight,” Bivins said.

Several law enforcement agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police, the FBI, and the United States Marshals, conducted nighttime searches utilizing aircraft, canines, and mounted patrols. Authorities reported on Tuesday that more than 500 officers had guarded the perimeter.

The current perimeter is eight to ten square miles in size and is defined by Pennsylvania State Route 23 to the north, Pennsylvania State Route 100 to the east, Fairview to the south, and County Park Road to the west.

“We ask residents in and around this facility to secure homes, outbuildings, and vehicles,” Bivins said, adding that neighbors in the area were warned to take the precautionary action through reverse 911 calls.

South Coventry Township is in Chester County, close northwest of Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania State Police have previously said that Cavalcante is being pursued in this region.

The public was warned to avoid contact with him, to stay indoors, and to lock all doors and windows.

A camouflaged Cavalcante was seen in adjacent Phoenixville on Sunday.

Cavalcante was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release last month after being found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend.

According to the police, he has attempted to garner support among former employees.

“I believe he is beyond assistance at this point, and we will actively hunt until we find him,” Bivins said on Tuesday.

On August 31, surveillance film from Chester County Prison in Pocopson Township shows Cavalcante, an escaped convict, reaching over a wall in the exercise yard before scaling to the prison’s roof.

Police said Monday that the “long game” in their hunt for Cavalcante, who they suspect abandoned a stolen car in the area, had started.

According to investigators, he initially sought refuge in the woods before moving to a more populated area.

“While he was playing that tactical hide-and-seek in the woods, I believe it’s now advantageous law enforcement because he’s in an urban setting,” Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark said on Monday. These are the kind of situations that our investigators specialize in.