It’s no secret that “smart home” technology is taking over. From voice-controlled devices to timed lights, there are countless ways to bring easier smart features into your home. Thanks to the internet, virtually everything can be connected wirelessly for less effort from you. There are many products on the market available for home automation, but here are a few to check out in 2020.

Smart Speakers

        Devices like the Amazon Echo and Google Home have become a staple item in most homes recently. The ability to voice control things such as turning on other devices or quickly checking a news story.

Smart Thermostat

        A smart thermostat is one of the best investments you can make for your home. It has the ability to create a schedule for the temperature setting of your home to save on utility bills. With the option to set your A/C higher when you plan to be away, you’re effortlessly conserving energy.

Smart Plugs

        Smart plugs give the option to control multiple devices from your phone. They connect to the WiFi and can turn devices on and off wirelessly such as lamps or TVs.

Universal Remote

        Wireless universal remotes work with the internet for voice control capabilities. You can choose to watch a movie with one touch to automatically turn devices to their correct settings. These remotes can even be used to control lighting and thermostats.

Motion Sensor

        Smart motion sensors are ideal for keeping a safe home. You’ll receive phone notifications if you forgot to close a door or if other doors/cabinets are opened unexpectedly.

Automated Sprinkler System

        Most new construction homes come with smart sprinkler systems to keep your grass looking lush with minimal effort. Gone are the days of manually turning on each sprinkler; now, you can set timers and turn them on or off from an app on your phone.

        We are living in exciting times and managing everything in your home is a breeze thanks to the wide array of smart devices available. Explore the options that are best for your home and enjoy the convenience of automation!

DIY Dog Washing Station

        Are you or the kids tired of sharing bathtub space with your furry family member(s)? If so, a dog-washing station could be the answer. Dedicated areas for dog washing have been a rising trend in new homes over the past few years, but can easily be added to your existing space as well. Check out how to create your very own dog washing station here:

        First, you’ll want to set aside a space in your home that already has existing plumbing in order to save money, time and stress. This can be a laundry room, mud room, basement or garage. A utility sink can also be easily converted into a washing station if you’re looking to save more time and money.

        If you’ve never installed a tub, sink or shower by yourself before, you’ll want to enlist the help of an experienced friend or family member. Otherwise, it may be best to hire a plumber to help get the job done.

        One major benefit of making your own dog-washing station from scratch is that the design possibilities are endless. You are free to choose everything from the location to the tile. You’ll also want to be sure to choose a detachable showerhead, which makes rinsing easy and provides more control with water pressure. Install a small shelf as well to easily store their shampoo and brushes.

        Non-slip bath appliques or mats are a good idea to include so that your pup doesn’t slip and fall, but rather can stand with confidence during their bath.

        Leave enough space surrounding the station for the inevitable “shake” after each bath. If you’re scared of something being damaged from a large splatter of water, move it to another area. You want your pet to have an open space where messes won’t be an inconvenience.

        A drying rack is another important factor in your new dog washing station. Install a few hooks for large towels to easily dry off your pet after washing.

        While it may require a bit of extra work and money, having a dedicated space to clean your pet will pay off in the long run. Make them feel like part of the family by making this all for them and customize it to both of your needs!

        Mudrooms have rapidly gained popularity in homes over recent years. A mudroom is typically defined as “a small room or entryway where footwear and outerwear can be removed before entering a house”. They are practical and convenient. If you’re looking for the best ways to utilize or design a mudroom, read on.

Pick a location.

        If you’re adding a mudroom to your home or including one in your new home construction plans, choose a location that will enhance the functionality of the mudroom with easy access. Mudrooms are usually located at the entryway of the most-used door in the home, which is either the front door or garage entrance door. Think about how a mess may be handled too - they are called mudrooms for a reason. On a rainy day, you’ll want a quick dropping point for boots and wet coats to avoid tracking dirt and debris through the house.

Maximize storage capabilities.

        Mudrooms are known for storage space. Adding multiple hooks for coats and bags is a must to ensure sufficient space. The main purpose of the mudroom is to transition from outdoor environments to indoor while still keeping the home clean. If kids tend to kick off their shoes anywhere, add a bench dedicated to keeping their shoes underneath. If you are prone to losing important items such as keys or sunglasses, have a small storage basket or bowl nearby to keep track of them.

Customize away.

        A mudroom is the perfect spot to experiment with fun wallpaper or tile. If you’ve been nervous about introducing bold prints or colors into your home, the small space in a mudroom can bring the right amount of vibrance and fun.

        If there are multiple people living in the home, it’s a good idea to give them designated spots for their belongings. Label each hook or storage basket/space with the person’s name to avoid shoes, coats and bags being mixed into a large pile. The mudroom is still a focal point in the home so it’s important to keep it neat but functional.

        Let the mudroom in your home be an opening to warmth and comfort while embracing the convenience of leaving outside belongings in one spot. Decorate it to your needs and make sure there is plenty of storage available!

        Are you building a new construction home in 2020? Perhaps it’s time for some renovations in your current home. If flooring is a decision you need to make, be sure that you select the right flooring for your lifestyle. It is an essential component of the home that can pull a room’s overall look together, but also needs to be ideal for the type of usage it will undertake.

Hardwoods        

Hardwood floors are a classic that never really go out of style, but upkeep can be a challenge. They require special wood floor cleaners and are prone to scratches. If you are living on your own or without children, hardwoods could still be useful and somewhat easy to maintain. But if you have a family or pets, it may be best to avoid the hardwood option.

Luxury Vinyl

        Luxury vinyl flooring comes in both plank and tile styles, making it easy to place throughout most areas of the home. Most modern luxury vinyl is modeled after hardwoods and natural tiles, so appearance isn’t a problem. It’s usually more cost effective as well if you’re trying to stick to a budget. The cleaning and maintenance are much less tedious than classic hardwoods. Luxury vinyl is also easier on your body as it has some spring, unlike ceramic tile which can wear on your feet and legs after a period of time. Luxury vinyl is a much better option for families with children and/or pets.

Carpet

        Carpet is typically placed in bedrooms, but most homeowners are opting for hardwoods or luxury vinyl simply for ease of maintenance. While carpet is softer, one spill or accident can require hours to clean. It can be expensive too if there are larger messes that need to be taken care of by a professional. If you’re looking to save money up front and don’t mind breaking out the vacuum regularly, go for carpet in as many rooms as you choose.

        Be sure to consider all of the factors involved in your flooring decision. How much foot traffic will be in each room, the upkeep required and wear are all important things to think about when you are purchasing flooring. Make the best choice for you and your family!

Famous Homes within Driving Distance

        Hollywood is slowly moving to the South, with a number of high-profile movies, shows and stars filming right here in Georgia. In fact, Georgia is third in the country in film and TV production behind Los Angeles and New York City. Many small towns as well as big cities like Atlanta are popular tourist destinations for film landmarks.

        If you are looking for a different adventure, take a look at some of these homes that are a short drive away:

Swan House at Atlanta History Center

        At 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW in Atlanta, you’ll find the infamous President Snow’s mansion from box office hits The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Mockingjay: 1 & 2. Catching Fire is currently the highest grossing movie that has been filmed in Georgia, as it grossed $865 million worldwide. Most famous homes can only be viewed from the outside, but you can take a tour through the Swan House daily beginning at 4:00 pm.

The Mercer-Williams House

 Located at 429 Bull Street in Savannah, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was filmed by famed director Clint Eastwood. Daily guided tours are available to tourists and fans.

Gaither Plantation

        Madea fans can travel to Covington, Georgia to visit the 159 year old Gaither Plantation. Tyler Perry’s rise to fame began with Madea films and Madea’s Family Reunion is no exception. Visit the historic site and take in the beauty of this southern destination.

Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery

        Hallmark fans may be delighted to know that this quaint destination in Dahlonega was used for part of the filming of 2015’s Christmas in the Smokies. Much of the surrounding downtown area was used as well. The winery is available for regular wine tastings, making this a delicious stop.

        These are just a few of many famous spots in the state of Georgia. Believe it or not, Augusta has picked up some recent film business as well. Make a day trip and enjoy the nostalgia of seeing these film locations in real life!

        If you are looking for a home in Aiken County, Gregg’s Mill may be the neighborhood for you. You’ll find this exceptional neighborhood just off of the Aiken-Augusta Highway in Graniteville, South Carolina. Gregg’s Mill is complete with a resort-style pool and sidewalks for a relaxing stroll and swim.

        A full virtual tour of the model home for Gregg’s Mill can be found here. If you are short on time or out of the area, this is the perfect place to start when looking for your new home. If you are able to visit on site, be prepared to be wowed! Bill Beazley Homes’ Franklin V floor plan serves as the model home in this neighborhood and is 3,112 square feet of comfort.

        As soon as you walk through the front door, you’ll be greeted with a formal dining room that is decorated beautifully. It’s easy to imagine holidays with your family gathered around the table and making memories. The kitchen and living room are straight-ahead with easy pathways for guests. The kitchen boasts a double oven as well as an island for prepping or entertaining. There is also a breakfast nook for everyday meals.

        The living room has a beautiful fireplace that is sure to keep your winters cozy. It is the perfect size for entertaining guests or relaxing.

        The owner’s suite is located off to the side of the living room, spacious and inviting with a fireplace of its own. You’ll also find ample natural lighting from the tall windows and a bathroom with a garden tub and walk-in shower that will make you enjoy getting ready in the morning. There is no shortage of counter space and storage here! The spacious walk-in closet is accessed through the bathroom as well.

        Heading up the stairs, you’ll be greeted by a cozy loft area that could act as a second living room for maximum entertainment. There are 3 additional bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs.

        There are many different floor plans offered in Gregg’s Mill, but a tour of the model home gives you the perfect idea and example of what you could have. Stop by today and get started on your dream home!

Home Upgrades that Pay Off at Resale

        It’s a great time to sell, but a few renovations may be necessary in your home before getting ready to list. By making upgrades that will make your home stand out against others on the market, you may end up with a higher return on investment. We have listed 10 of the best upgrades that will pay off in the long run.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

        Replacing old appliances with more modern, energy-efficient models and refinishing cabinets with a trendy stain will give you a leg up on the competition when the time comes to list. Even small hardware and tile upgrades can go a long way.

Deck Addition

        If your house has a large yard, a wooden deck can be an enhancement that provides entertainment and enjoyment for years to come. Between the investment in building and cost addition in resale, you could recoup up to 75% of the cost of construction.

Bathroom Updates

        Pay attention to bathroom trends when preparing to list. Marble or granite countertops, clean painted cabinets and new hardware fixtures can all assist in increasing your home’s value.

Landscaping

        Hire a dependable and reputable landscaping company to freshen up your curb appeal. Driving by your home is the first impression a potential buyer will have, so this small investment will be sure to create a sense of welcome to those interested.

Fresh Paint

        If your home has been painted to cater to your personal taste, it may be best to switch to modern neutrals that brighten up the home. This would also be a good time to cover larger holes in the walls where pictures have been hung since it is important to remove personal items before listing.

Renaming a Room

        If there are additional rooms in your home, maybe one can be converted to a selling feature. Office space or home gyms are highly used and you may get a quick sale by including them during upgrades.

Insulation

        If your home is older, it may not boast the best energy efficiency. Without modifying the necessary insulation, the utility costs could be higher than a newer home. Energy efficient insulation can save yearly costs for homeowners.

Flooring

        New floors add to the value of the home both visually and financially. Updated scratch-proof and waterproof wood-look flooring will last longer, especially in high-traffic areas with pets and children.

Add-On Space

        A smaller home in a neighborhood with larger floorplans could take longer to sell. If you are able to budget and are willing to invest, consider adding additional space to the home. Maybe building an extra room or two or converting a basement to a fully furnished suite would be just what you need to sell.

Work with a Realtor

        For your best returns on investment and a quick sale, search around for an experienced realtor that can give you advice on what to do for your listing to pop. They have researched market trends, know about interior design and all of the best features that are sure to sell your home at a better price than you think.

        By considering these ideas and making small investments now, you may end up selling your home quickly and will stand out among the competition!

Creating a Home Maintenance Plan

        Owning a home means that you are responsible for a majority of the upkeep and maintenance. If you’ve never had a maintenance plan before, create one today to have a schedule that can be easily followed so that normal tasks don’t overwhelm you when the time comes.

Connect with Us Online!

        Are you looking for different ways to keep up with Bill Beazley Homes and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Beazley, Realtors? We are on all of the most frequently used social media platforms and would love for you to give us a follow. Here is a list of places you can find us.

Facebook

        The Facebook page for Bill Beazley Homes can be found here. It’s a quick and easy way to search through new home construction in our neighborhoods as well as various tips for homeowners. You’ll also find links to all of our blog posts as they are released.

        Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Beazley, Realtors also has a Facebook page to showcase new and upcoming listings from our talented realtors. There are also home buying tips and local events to check out.

Instagram

        Search for @billbeazleyhomes and @bhhsbeazleyrealtors on your Instagram app for stories on the progress of our new office building, home listings and more. Your favorite tiny squares are showcased with beautifully curated graphics and listings for a quick shortcut to everything you’re looking for.

Pinterest

        Find all of the inspiration you need on Pinterest with our decor tips, remodeling ideas and more. You can also get a quick view of the floorplans we offer and the neighborhoods they are located in. Start an inspiration board and head towards your dream home!

YouTube

Our YouTube channel contains testimonials from home buyers, walk-throughs of various floorplans and more. Be sure to subscribe so that you’ll be the first to see new video releases!

It’s simple to stay connected with our companies. If you use any of these social platforms, be sure to follow us so that you don’t miss any exciting news! There is a ton coming in 2020, so get ready!