Safety Tips for Doggy Doors

You’ve purchased a home with a large backyard and all your pup wants to do is be outside. But after the 10th time, you have to get up and open the door to let him or her in and out, you start researching doggy doors. Long-term convenience with a fairly simple installation sounds great to you! However, before committing, you should consider how it may affect the safety of your home.


A doggy door is a home feature that can make your house more susceptible to burglary. These doors are almost always placed in a back door or wall of the home, putting it out of the line of sight for passing traffic and neighbors. If a robber is small enough, they may be able to slip right through the door or use it to reach in and unlock the doors.


As long as you remain conscious and aware of the safety implications, there are several ways to secure your doggy door, keeping convenience in place while protecting you and your family. The first and easiest option is to select a door that includes a sliding bolt or has a self-locking feature. If you have a security system in place, you can have the design adjusted to include the doggy door and surrounding area. Many of these systems include sensors and cameras intelligent enough to ignore your pet’s body weight or shape but pick up on anything else. Alternatively, you could install a motion detector that will signal you on your phone or report to your security company if someone is coming in and out of your home.


Regardless of the option you choose, make sure you take precautions to protect the safety of your family members, both human and furry.

How to Create a Gallery Wall

Creating a gallery wall in your home is an easy,do-it-yourself way to bring your personal style into any room. There is no right or wrong way to create one and no limit to the possibilities. Before you get started, check out the following tips for creating an eye-catching gallery wall that you will love.

  1. Find your wall. Creating a great gallery wall doesn’t require a huge area to work with. Select a nook or corner in your living room, a small stretch of hallway, or your entry area
  2. Choose a focal piece. Find a favorite piece of art and use that as the centerpiece for your gallery wall. This could be a large canvas painting, family portrait, metal feature piece, or stylish mirror. Then choose pieces that complement and highlight it.
  3. Determine your theme. Is this gallery wall going to contain artwork and images of all the same texture, color, and materials? Or are you going to mix and match different prints, photographs, décor pieces, frames, and drawings?
  4. Decide on the arrangement. Gallery walls usually lean one of two ways — linear and orderly or abstract and dimensional. Select the one that matches the look you’re going for and start hanging!
  5. Tie the room together. Your gallery wall doesn’t have to end where the wall hits the flooring. Consider tying in other aspects of the room by coordinating colors and materials on pieces, such as rugs, furniture, lamps, plants, bedding, decorative pillows, and more. Or, if you’ve already styled the rest of the room, use those colors to inspire the pieces in your gallery wall.

How to Keep Mold Out of Your Home

Finding mold in your house is the last thing a homeowner wants to encounter. Not only is it unsightly and smells unpleasant, but it can pose a serious health threat to you and your family.


Take steps up front to prevent mold in your home by checking gutters and downspouts to ensure water is draining away from your foundation. Check under sinks and near dishwashers and clothing washers for any leaking and repair immediately. Finally, use bathroom fans when showering to limit moisture.


After taking these steps, if you still encounter mold, don’t fear! Here are our top tips for dealing with it. Take precautions. When cleaning mold, make sure to wear proper protection, such as eye covers, face masks, and rubber gloves. Keep children and pets out of rooms where mold exists and run fans or dehumidifiers to expel moisture.


Use proper cleaning solutions. The best way to remove mold depends on the surface it has grown on. For interior walls and flooring, use a mixture of bleach, detergent, and water with a sponge or mop. For exterior walls or cement, use the mixture alongside a strong bristled brush to scrub the area. Clean clothing immediately. To prevent the transfer of mold spores, place clothing worn while cleaning in a plastic bag and wash separately with hot water.


Hire a professional. If the mold is extensive, it may be beneficial to hire a professional. A good rule to follow is to call for help if affected surfaces surpass 10 square feet.


Want more information on the local market? Whether you are buying, selling, or just daydreaming about a new home, I can help you make an informed decision. Give me a call at (406) 272-6568.