Protect your investments by adding these must-haves to your rental agreement:

1. Security Deposit Terms

• Specify the amount, when it’s due, and conditions for refunding or withholding it.
• Include clauses regarding damages, cleaning, and unpaid rent.

2. Maintenance and Repairs Responsibilities

• Outline which party is responsible for regular maintenance (e.g., lawn care, plumbing, etc.).
• Specify who handles emergency repairs and the time frame in which issues should be addressed.

3. Late Payment Penalties

• Define due dates for rent payments.
• Include a clear late fee schedule and consequences for habitual late payments (e.g., eviction).

4. Subletting and Guests

• Restrict or prohibit subletting to ensure tenants don't rent out your property without your consent.
• Set rules for overnight guests or long-term visitors.

5. Rent Increases

• Include a clause on how and when rent may be increased, complying with local rent control laws if applicable.

6. Pet Policy

• Specify whether pets are allowed, and if so, the number, size, and type.
• Include a pet deposit and any specific pet-related rules (e.g., noise, cleanup).

7. Term of Lease

• Clearly state the start and end dates of the lease agreement.
• Include early termination clauses, if applicable, with penalties or conditions for breaking the lease.

8. Insurance Requirements

• Encourage or require tenants to carry renters’ insurance.
• Outline the responsibilities of each party in case of property damage or loss.

9. Property Entry and Privacy

• Define the conditions under which you can enter the property (e.g., for inspections, repairs, or emergencies) and how much notice you’ll provide.

10. Smoking Policy

• Specify whether smoking is permitted, and if so, the designated areas.
• Define any penalties for smoking inside the property.

11. Termination of Lease

• Include details on how the lease can be terminated by either party, with or without cause.
• Specify notice periods required for non-renewal.

12. Use of Property

• Ensure tenants understand the property is to be used as a residential space only (unless explicitly permitted for business use).
• Clarify any restrictions on modifying the property, such as painting walls or making structural changes.

13. Dispute Resolution

• Include a clause that specifies how disputes will be resolved, such as mediation or arbitration before resorting to legal action.

14. Local Ordinances and Compliance

• Ensure the lease agreement states that tenants must comply with local laws and ordinances, including noise regulations, waste disposal, etc.

15. Utilities

• Clearly state who is responsible for paying for utilities (electricity, water, trash, etc.).
• Specify whether utilities are included in rent or paid separately.

 
When managing rental properties, it's crucial to protect your investment and establish clear expectations with your tenants.

Picking the right light color for your space can completely transform it—making rooms feel brighter, larger, and more inviting. But with so many shades of white, beige, and soft greys or blues, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
​
Here’s how to navigate light colors and choose the right one for your space:

• What is the vision?
  • Do you want the space to feel warm and cozy?
  • Or cool and airy?
  • Are you aiming for modern, traditional, or minimalist?
• Identify tones.
  • Warm tones: Creams, warm whites, soft beiges
  • Cool tones: Icy whites, pale greys, soft blues

• Understanding natural lights.
  • North-facing:
    • Cool, bluish light
    • Choose warmer light colors to balance (e.g., ivory, warm greys)
  • South-facing:
    • Bright, warm light
    • Can handle cooler light colors (e.g., pale grey, crisp white)
  • East-facing:
    • Warm morning light, cool afternoon
    • Neutral light colors work well
  • West-facing:
    • Cool mornings, warm evenings
    • May benefit from soft warm tones to reduce harsh contrast
• Choose undertones based on your surrounding finishes such as floors, countertops, tiles.

• Yellow/cream: Cozy, traditional
• Pink/red: Can feel romantic or dated
• Blue/green: Crisp and modern
• Gray: Sophisticated, cool

• Think about all the rooms. Stay consistent with the undertones.
  • Living room: Warm greige or soft whites for versatility
  • Bedroom: Soft blues, greens, or creams for calm
  • Bathroom: Crisp whites or light greys for clean feel
  • Kitchen: Reflective whites or warm neutrals for balance

Other tips to consider is choosing paint. Use flat or eggshell finishes for walls, Satin or semi-gloss for doors and trim. 

✅ 1. Define Your Goals
Start by answering:

• Why are you renovating? (Resale, lifestyle, repair, aesthetics?)
• What do you want to change or add? (Open floor plan, more bedrooms, updated kitchen, etc.)
• What’s your style? (Modern, farmhouse, minimalist, etc.)

💰 2. Set a Budget
Think about:

• Construction and labor
• Design fees (architect or interior designer)
• Permits
• Contingency (15-20% buffer for surprises)

📝 3. Assess the Current Condition
Get a professional inspection to check:

• Foundation, plumbing, roof, electrical
• Any code violations or safety hazards

This helps avoid costly surprises later.
📐 4. Hire Easy Renovations

• For all your renovation needs!

Four tips to clear your mind!

1. Budget: Set a Realistic Budget you can afford or spend. This is the cash on hand, savings, or financing, etc.
2. Define the scope of work: Be specific about which rooms or areas you want to change and decide if you want full renovation or partial upgrade.
3. Cost: Break down the cost and prioritize wants and needs.
4. Hire: EASY RENOVATIONS for all your projects! 

For less intimidating deep cleans squeegeeing daily will keep your shower in good shape. For deep cleans it is recommended once a week.
What you’ll need:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Dawn dishwashing soup

It is recommended to add equal parts water and distilled vinegar with a teaspoon of dish soup into a spray bottle and to use a sponge to scrub off any soap scum. Lastly, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the glass doors.

​1. Don’t over think it – if you see something you like go with it – don’t questions yourself.
2. Plan the project during a period of time that is the least stressful for your family.
3. Be realistic about the impact it is going to have on your family. All constructions interfere with your normal routines. Be realistic about this upfront.
4. Stay in your budget if that matters to you. All new projects look great when they are done. Styles change over time, do what you like. If you know you are selling soon just go with a more neutral pallet.

​This really comes down to how durable you would like your sink to be and if you want it in a color or not. I would never recommend a porcelain sink because they are very hard to keep from getting scratched, which only makes them look old right away.
The right answer is likely a Stainless Steel or Granite/Quartz composite. They are the most likely to retain their new look the longest and are easy to care for. They are also in an affordable price range. Other materials like copper or fireclay are available especially if you are looking for a farmhouse sink, which would typically be porcelain. However, for most people they want an under-mount sink, and I would highly recommend Granite/Quart composite first and Stainless Steel second.

We are frequently asked to repair under sink cabinets because of water leaks or chemical spills. Such repairs cost between $500-$700 depending on how we are repairing it, and the extent of the damage. Why pay for an expensive repair when you can purchase an under sink mat, the nicer ones cost $50.