GR8TR Today Magazine

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Akron

Creativity in the Workplace – Jennifer Yaros

Today we are talking to an expert on creativity in the workplace. Jennifer Yaros conducts workshops and has a book coming out about the topic and we got a chance to discuss how improving creativity at work can help boost productivity.

1) Tell me what you mean when you say “Creativity” in the workplace.

Creative thinking is essential for problem solving whether it is process improvement or product development. Companies are always looking for better, faster, and cheaper ways to do things. To stay ahead of the competition a company needs creative thinking and innovative solutions.

Creativity in the workplace shows up in:

  • finding new ways to creatively solve more business problems
  • injecting new ideas into your business
  • developing new products and service offerings
  • developing future leaders with a creativity and innovation mindset

2) What benefits can an employer expect if they invest in improving creativity with their team?

Having a creative and innovative culture in the workplace helps your company to stay ahead of the competition and to keep employees engaged. When employees see their ideas matter and their solutions valued, they are happier and more loyal. When they see trying something new is embraced, it is difficult to stay in a rut doing the same old thing.

3) How do you maintain creativity long term in the workplace?

It is not enough to simply say your company values creativity. You must actively promote, develop, and nurture it. One of the biggest ways to encourage creative ideas is to encourage employees to Fail Like a Genius™. This is a three-step process I created to help companies and individuals understand, accept, and deal with “failures.” The key for the company is to not punish individuals if their creative idea or solution does not work. The company can help them to Fail Like a Genius by:

1) Embracing failure. Give yourself permission to fail.

2) Learn from failure. Diagnose the cause of the failure and make adjustment.

3) Reassess failure. Determine if you just need a different audience or a different use.

4) What are some common creativity killers at work?

A big “creativity killer” is stress. Your brain creates neurotransmitters and certain neurotransmitters have been proven to promote creative thinking and others are prohibitive to creative thinking. When you are stressed your brain generates the neurotransmitters cortisol and adrenaline which activates the fight or flight impulse. This is detrimental for creative thinking. Other producers of cortisol and inhibitors of creativity are depression and sadness. To combat this, companies can encourage employees to take period breaks to walk or mediate. Exercise and mediation trigger the brain to produce serotonin which signals calm and is necessary for the brain to create ideas. Other “creative” neurotransmitters are dopamine and endorphins, so there is a direct correlation to excitement and happiness and creativity.

I could talk forever about creativity killers and how to combat them, but I will restrict myself to one more. Ego. I devote an entire section of my workshops and book in overcoming ego to improve creative thinking. Sometimes it’s too much ego and sometimes it’s not enough ego. Going back to what I mentioned previously about failure, that is all about ego. It is our ego that makes us afraid to fail and when we are afraid to fail, we do not try new things or take risks. We do not speak because we are afraid of looking stupid or being judged. It is our ego that creates roadblocks telling us that something is not possible instead of seeing an opportunity for trying something different. It is our ego that says, “I can’t” instead of “How can I?” Our ego also tells us that we are better than others and we miss out of collaborating. Letting go of ego allows us to work with others and double our creative ideas. It allows us to listen and learn new things.

5) What is something a management team could do today to immediately boost creativity?

Give employees the time for creative thinking. Allow them to walk around the building or play a game of ping-pong. Stepping away from work gives the analytical side of the brain a rest and allows the creative side of the brain to be heard. (This is why people often have their best ideas while driving or just before sleep. The analytical side is noise and it needs to be quite for the creative side to be heard).

I helped one company by facilitating a creativity workshop immediately before their annual strategic meeting. The CEO was tired of solving the same problems with the same ideas. By holding the creativity workshop before the meeting, the department heads were more open to exploring alternative solutions to the problems and their excitement had the creative ideas flowing.

6) You have a book coming out soon – what is it about and who is it for?

The book is titled Conditioning Your Mind to Fuel Creativity. I discuss the importance of creativity and the ways it is used in personal- and business-life. I cover the three key areas you must pay attention to order to improve your creative thinking – your body and senses, your thinking, and your ego.

The biggest differentiator of my book with other books about creativity out there are the exercises and tools that I provide. These are things a person can do and use immediately to start improving their creative thinking. Creativity is something that must be practiced in order to improve. It’s just like improving at a sport, language, or musical instrument. You MUST practice. The exercises and tools I provide are a fun and effective way to practice and apply various aspects of creative thinking.

7) How do people find out more about you, your book and your workshops?

They can get more information on the BrainSpark website – www.brainspark-creativity.com

I also have several social media sites for news.

Facebook BrainSpark Page – https://www.facebook.com/JenniferYarosBrainSpark

My LinkedIn Page – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferyaros/

My Twitter Page – https://twitter.com/JenniferYaros

 

 

 

Middlebury Academy in Akron, Ohio

The Middlebury Movement – Molding Students Into Leaders

Middlebury Academy is under new management, and there are exciting initiatives on the horizon. The future is very bright for this kindergarten through eighth grade school located in East Akron, OH. The school recently partnered with the Educational Empowerment Group, and dynamic upgrades are underway. Middlebury Academy will have additional curricular resources to enhance classroom instruction, 21st Century technology, such as new, interactive SMART boards in each classroom, wrap-around services to support students and families, and energetic school programs to provide a fun, well-rounded experience for the students.

The students of Middlebury Academy will engage in an elevated experience through positive motivation, encouragement and high expectations. Since its partnership with the Educational Empowerment Group, the school has increased community partnerships to include Beech Brook Counseling Services, Families First Health Services and the Minority Behavioral Support Group. These additions are fostering a positive school culture which can promote an increase in overall student achievement. The school endeavors to continue to increase community programs and partnerships to support the social and emotional needs of the students.

The new principal, Michael Zografos, has a mission for the school which will raise the standard of excellence among the students and staff. Principal Zografos is actively working to cultivate leadership, scholarship and citizenship among students. Middlebury Academy is taking the shape of a distinctive school that will positively change the lives of its students and become a beacon in the Akron community. Middlebury Academy is molding leaders!

For more information, call 330-752-2766 or click here to submit a request for more information.  Middlebury Academy is currently accepting applications for enrollment. Reserve a place for your student today.

Call 330-752-2766 or go here to submit a request for more information.  The Middlebury Academy takes applications for enrollment all year long so do not wait.

Towpath Trails High School

Did you know that young adults in the Akron high school system you have more free public school options than you might realize?  Charter schools are public high schools that are free to students and give families an option to move to another school with the same standards as any public school.  Thousands of parents in Ohio have moved their children to charter schools to pursue better options for their kids to get a quality education when the traditional schools are not meeting their expectations.

Towpath Trails High School has two locations, one at 275 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44303 and the other at 1016 Canton Road, Akron, OH 44312their phone number is 234-542-0102.  It serves students who would be traditionally enrolled in grades 9-12, aged 15-21. These students may have fallen behind in earning credits, have difficulty passing state required tests, are at risk of dropping out of school, or just need a new environment in which they can succeed.

Towpath Trails High students do not enroll in a specific grade level but rather in the “Towpath Trails High School.” The school attracts the population of students whose educational needs have not been met at any meaningful level. Towpath Trails High is an alternative for the non-traditional student. The Towpath Trails High model catches the students that are falling through the cracks and empowers the community with more contributing adult citizens.

At Towpath Trail, the individual child comes first, and they are focused on helping them achieve to their potential. Educating children is important to them because we realize that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Their success is all our future.

Towpath recognizes that each student learns differently, and the model allows for individual differences as each student moves towards graduation. Towpath Trail offers the first, and sometimes only, opportunity for many families to choose the right school for their children. They have the chance to choose an alternative to their local high school, which may be overcrowded, underfunded, or perhaps dangerous. If a local school cannot meet a child’s needs, Towpath Trail may be the appropriate school for that child. In fact, many students thrive with the special attention and alternative methods employed by Towpath Trail.

Educational excellence motivates everyone at Towpath Trail. Even though they make the success of each individual child the primary goal, they still governed and held accountable by the same controls that manage all district schools in Ohio.

Another unique feature of Towpath Trail is the program’s flexible hours.   The schedule gives students the opportunity to attend one of two daily sessions, giving each student time to balance their personal lives that often include family and employment responsibilities.

Come in and take a tour:  Call 234-542-0102

There are a lot of reasons people choose a charter school over the traditional public schools.

Charter schools provide an option when high school students are unhappy in their current school or the school system is not performing to the standards expected.

Charter schools often have small class sizes, are very community focused and have experience educating students who have added challenges or special needs better than many larger schools.

Charter schools offer the same breakfast and lunch programs a traditional school does.  Charter schools offer bussing just like other public schools do.  And charter schools are held to the same standards for testing and student performance as the traditional public schools are.  The difference is a better environment for students who are struggling in traditional classrooms and need something more individualized for them.

Of course, every Charter School is different, and it is important to do your homework.  Some charter schools have not performed well but many have provided a quality, high performance environment for students looking for a free alternative to public schools.

The most important aspects of choosing the best school for your children is to meet the staff, see the facilities and look at your child’s individual performance in any school.  We strongly encourage all parents to call Towpath Trails High School to schedule a tour and meet some of the staff and make a good decision.

Call 234-542-0102 or go here to submit a request for more information.  Towpath Trails High School takes applications for enrollment all year long so do not wait.

Ohio National Parks

Summer Vacation time for many families across the country is coming to an end. Colleges, universities, private and public schools in many counties have set their calendar early this year. Classes for many students are scheduled to begin August15th. Scheduling the last trip for your family to enjoy before getting ready for school might seem a bit rushed, but if you live in Ohio and like nature, there are many places that you can visit for the weekend, have fun and most importantly spend time with the family.

  1. Hocking Hills State Park

An Ohio State Park with 2,000 acres to explore. The state encompasses 6 different areas with hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, and archery. The beautiful scenic view you will encounter hiking this beautiful national park is a perfect getaway for your entire family or it could be an incredible spot to celebrate an anniversary at any other time of the year. The park is open from dawn to dusk all year round, with a campground and cabins for you to stay.

Address: 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH 43138

phone:(740) 385-6842

2. Cuyahoga National Park

A beautiful state park between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, this 50 plus square miles park with beautiful scenery can leave you wanting to explore for days. There are many activities that your family can enjoy while exploring the beauty of the park; hiking, fishing, jogging, and kayaking. Do you own a horse? This park has the trail for you to ride your horse and enjoy nature. Do you want to have a family picnic or party? No problem, the park has plenty of parking, picnic tables and a beautiful pavilion for you to enjoy.

Not all national parks charge a fee, and this beautiful park so close to home is a free experience for you.

If you are feeling more inclined to visit historical monuments, on the other hand, Ohio has an abundance of them with a nice history lesson for the whole family. Visit the National Park Service website to find the one closest to your home.

Daniel Moneypenny, Star Networker & Dealmaker

Daniel Moneypenny is a rockstar at networking, making deals happen, and naming companies and their products.  I know a lot of people and can honestly say no one is even a distant second to the hustle and value exemplified by Daniel Moneypenny.  I have had numerous conversations with people who have just met him, and then been introduced to me as we have some things in common.  They always start by asking, “Is he for real?”  My answer is always the same. Yes. But you better be serious because it is drinking from a firehose.  He is going to connect you with a lot of great people and make things happen, and you must be ready to keep up.

I had a chance to interview Daniel Moneypenny, Founder of Emaginit and Capture Qwest, in his home.

How did Daniel Moneypenny get started and develop himself into a top networker?

In high school, I got “C’s and D’s.” Then “went to the military, the 82nd Infantry Airborne, in Wiesbaden, Germany. I ran track for the army track team. And I was part of the Prix LeClerc team.”  After he came back from the service, he did his undergrad from 26 – 30 and got almost all A’s.  An English professor noticed he was excelling at writing and encouraged the skill. 

Before long, Daniel had “a couple of businesses, a running store, an antique shop, had the first Finish Line running store in the country.” This led to him developing ads for his businesses and other businesses and doing some branding work.  Within a short period of time, people recognized his talents and his fees escalated, turning into a lucrative branding business.  “We ramped it up from $500 in the name up to 30, 40, 50k for a name, which is a fact, and for large names of billion-dollar companies. We’ve named many billion-dollar companies around the world and hundreds of products.”  The whole time, he was also building his Rolodex and developing his network.

Resources

Daniel Moneypenny - Networking in Ohio

Daniel continued to go into more detail, “So I took all the branding, all those relationships. Because they are very discreet, they are very personalized relationships, people must trust you, you’re going to go away and create for them. I was always a zero-fee guy, meaning if I did not get a trademarkable entity, I did not get the fee. We have a 94% success rate. So that was a good way to build a reputation. You cannot charge people money for stuff they can’t use, although a lot of people did that back in the day. So, I had all these relationships over the first 18 years of branding and talking to people, and networking. I starting to do professional networking, even while still doing branding. “

Over time, Daniel explained he developed relationships with over 41,000 companies.  I asked him how he manages so many relationships.

Daniel Moneypenny sales

“We network with about 41,000 firms and make connections with about 1,200 people that are in an exclusive network. They pay a front-end fee to join and then commissions on the back end. So, the branding lead into the networking and that led to the M&A.” 

So, branding leads to networking, which naturally leads to helping people with bigger deals, and a Mergers and Acquisitions service.  We have a “big wheel of buyers and sellers and my partner Sean Coleman and I are currently in about 70 deals. So, branding and relationships are turned into networking. That turned into deals, buying, selling, finding, doing recaps. And we get a finder’s fee.” Daniel went on to stress it is always a win, win, win relationship.

How do you manage your network of people who you work with?

Daniel answered, “It is almost impossible… but we have some good people in the network. We vet them before they come in. And we watch them as we go along. Occasionally, somebody will cheat us, we kick them out. We do not sue them. But we kick them out, they can never come into our network again. It’s the 80/20 rule of 50 years ago, almost still goes today in anything, but it’s more like 85/15, I think has moved into that. I think there’s 50% of people that can still provide you with most of your revenue.”

How many things have you branded roughly, and do you have some examples?

1000s. We have samples all over the website, all through the website so you can see them. Lots of company names, lots of product names, lots of product extension names, lots of corporate identities, product campaigns taglines that campaigns. I started out they were called slogans in the 70s. a slogan was $500 in corporate positioning statements $20,000 there is a difference in language there.

How many businesses have you been involved with that people have bought, sold, or raised money for?

“I have been part of many deals.  People have bought many nice-sized businesses through us. Smaller deals where a business was sold or raise money for, another 30+” replied Mr. Moneypenny.

Daniel Moneypenny business quote

What is the most fun thing you do and what is the least fun thing you need to do?

“The most fun thing I do is obviously see my family happy. I like to work out, I have a lot of friends I work out with. I love history. I love to travel. The least fun thing to do. Accounting, end of the year, things like that. Anything to do with a myriad of numbers.  I do not like that. But I like connecting. Literally, we connect 1,000s of people in a year.”

Does Daniel Moneypenny stop networking on vacation?

No. Much, much to the dismay of my wife. No, I mean, I do back off. No, I mean, as soon as we go to the beach or go for sushi, I take cards with me. I am never not networking. And that is a good thing. And a lot of ways. I mean, I do turn off. And when I am at home I do decompress quite a bit. But I am always networking and I mean ALWAYS.”

What does an average day look like for you?

My routine would be I’m up really early, like 5:00 to 5:30. I read the papers and work on some emails and things like that. Light stuff. Then working out.  I like to kick back on Sundays and stuff like that. But my days are chopped up between in-person meetings, lots of electronic correspondence, some phone calls. I don’t really like phone calls or Zoom calls. I really like to be with someone, look at them and see them. But an average day is just a very robust busy day doing a lot of things, often including travel, for a lot of people and taking care of my family, they take care of me.

Do you do Pro Bono work?

We also help a lot of people out. It is not all about us. We are sharing our success with people all the time. On our website under who we are, there’s a pro bono page with several hundred, 501 C3 and entities that we give time, money, creative and all those things to. Daniel made sure to point out that “Time is money, and money is time.”

Work with Daniel Moneypenny

Who should reach out to you and how can they find out more about you?

I think that is a good point to make for something like this where people might see the word networking and think you just want to meet anyone. You generally will make money on any kind of transaction that you help create. That is how you make your money.

Daniel Moneypenny explained, “That’s how I make my living. I still do the branding, and then the network, where receiving commissions on things from people that were placing new business, the network is when people have a business, and they want to have more business driven into it. Instead of spending a lot of money for a sales team, they can have us come in for a small front-end fee and commissions on the back end of everything that we send them.

But yeah, so almost everything can be sold. Almost everything has a price. Not everyone is for sale, till sometimes you ask them. I have no problem asking someone if they would entertain an exit. And sometimes they say no. And the next day they are calling you. You never know. It is all strategic. It is all timing.

We all know that timing is everything, and it could not be truer than today. And with the baby boomers like me, coming out of 911, the 2008, 2009 real estate problem, and then COVID, there are a lot of transactions going on right now. People between 60 and 80 have had it and they want to maybe settle down and spend some of the hard-earned money that they have spent a lifetime building. So that is why it is very robust right now. And everyone knows that. And it is a good time. It is a good time to be out there. And you never know who you are standing next to. You never know who you’re going to meet. So, it is always good to be nice to people. Talk to everyone. If you can, if you have an opportunity, help them out – you just might be standing next to your future.“

Sage advice from Daniel Moneypenny.  I want to thank him for taking the time to invite me to his home and do this interview.  If you want to find out more about Daniel Moneypenny’s Branding service, Network Service, or M&A service, follow those links.  His website is a wealth of information from his client, his pro bono work, and his network.  It only takes a few minutes to see how wide his personal network is.

Daniel Moneypenny Interview by GR8TR Today Magazine

Meet JJ DiGeronimo, The President of Tech Savvy Women

JJ DiGeronimo created Tech Savvy Women to help bring together women in tech, build relationships and to advocate for one another’s career goals.

DiGeronimo, the president of Tech Savvy Women, came from Buffalo, New York to Ohio University with a desire to learn and find career opportunities. After graduating with a Communication Systems Management degree, DiGeronimo landed her first Information Technology position in 1995. With a vision and dedication she poured herself into her professional journey, which has taken many exciting twists and turns throughout the years.

Often one of the only women at the table, DiGeronimo created Tech Savvy Women in 2008 to connect women in technology. DiGeronimo is known for her leadership skills and promoting inclusion in tech workplaces. “Tech Savvy Women is commonplace for women in tech to communicate,” DiGeronimo said.

While at Ohio University, DiGeronimo took the time to excel in the classroom and scheduled meetings with college advisors to prepare for the future. “I had very specific discussions with my advisors about degrees and job offers. Many shared that computers and the related degrees were a solid choice,” DiGeronimo said. “I did really well in my classwork which helped me align internships early, as professors recommended me. Those internships lead to many offers.”

Although tech is a great career option, there are fewer women that pursue technology or stem-based careers than their male counterparts. The organization was originally meant to bring women together and have a strong network in Northeast Ohio, but has evolved into a group of women, over 2,500 nationwide, which allows them to share ideas, network and connect.

“We’ve helped each other get jobs, references, and other opportunities,” DiGeronimo said. “It’s made the industry seem smaller because we have more people connected in more places.”

As the organization has evolved, DiGeronimo has written two award-winning books to help elevate women in the workplace. From this success, she has been asked to keynote locally and nationally to positively impact the field of technology. She speaks to women about advancing their professional objectives and speaks with tech organizations on how to cultivate male allies to promote diversity. “Diversity is business impact tool and companies are striving to not only get women at the table but have them as equal contributors,” DiGeronimo said. “This takes advancements on both sides.”

Throughout DiGeronimo’s work she has shared strategies to elevate women into leadership positions while guiding them through common career challenges. Her second book, Accellerate Your Impact, has given readers a playbook to glide through some of the challenges women have faced in the past.

DiGeronimo has numerous blogs, videos and posts with advice for women working to advance with their careers. “Women generally wait (to apply) until they’re 100 percent qualified, men apply when they have 60 percent of the requirements,” DiGeronimo said. “You don’t have to check every single requirement for the job, and you should not. There is little opportunity to learn and grow if you only apply to jobs you feel confident you can land.”

Through all of DiGeronimo’s research, she’s found that career catalysts are necessary for women to align leadership positions and shares the three most important.

DiGeronimo believes in professional coaching to get their professional goals straight, document and defined. “I think more women need to pay for professional coaching to help them get their ducks in a row,” DiGeronimo said.

Having a mentor that will focus on providing advice and guidance as professionals move through the many stages of their careers is a necessity for female and male professionals. Mentors will often give advice while you’re with them to help with personal career journeys.

The final catalyst DiGeronimo recommends are sponsors, professionals that leverage their own social capital to help cultivate desired goals. A sponsor could setting up a meeting on your behalf or connecting you with other professionals in the field. Sponsors are often the best career catalyst, according to DiGeronimo.

“I think women are taught to work really hard but it’s important to network and develop relationships,” DiGeronimo said. “Make time to foster an effective network, get to conferences and get out of the office and do things for yourself. Anything you can do for yourself outside of the office, in a meaningful way to advance your career is important.”

DiGeronimo believes women with an interest in solving problems, adding value and continuing to learn should consider a career in tech. She reasons this with the possibility of great financial gain, endless opportunity and the ability to work with great people.

DiGeronimo is an active LinkedIn user and leverages the tool in many ways to connect, learn and showcase her personal work. She encourages young professionals to bundle their value and continue to develop their professional connections. JJ DiGeronimo can also be found on Youtube, and on her website.

Interview by LynAnne Vucovich : A journalist who studied at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She has a passion for culture, community and cats.

6 Family Activities After Dusk

Summer is when the sun goes down later at night, and often kids are in bed around dusk.  But it is a great time to stay outside and enjoy the evening if your kids can stay up.  Here are 6 ideas of things you can do at dusk together as a family.

  1. Camp Fire – fire rings are common now and having a camp fire in your back yard is a great way to talk and have fun.  Each city has different fire codes and you should find out what yours are, but in many cases as long as it is contained you can have a great little fire.  Cook smores, learn fire building techniques, fire safety, and just catch up with each other.
  2. Minor League Baseball – Akron Rubberducks – check their schedule, sometimes they have fireworks.
  3. Night Hike – Take flashlights and explore a well marked, safe path at night to get a whole new perspective on nature.
  4. Drive In Theater – Yes, they are still around.  Not better quality picture, not better sounds, but a wholly different movie experience your kids need to try at least once.  Here is the one between Kent and Ravenna.
  5. Carnivals and Festivals – Do a quick search and you will find local fairgrounds and downtowns full of festivals and carnivals all Summer long.
  6. Free Park Concerts – Want to expose your family to some culture?  Me either – but we still have fun going to park concerts and you cannot lose when they are free.

Exploring Nature Spots Near Akron

Akron, Ohio is home to some amazing bike, hike, and walk trails in Ohio. A short distance from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and housing a few of its own lengthy hiking trails, there are plenty of opportunities, and gorgeous hidden nature spots in, and around Akron.

1. Portage Lakes State Park — Wingfoot Lake State Park —993 Goodyear Park Blvd. Suffield, OH 44260

If you’re looking to do it all, kayaking, boating, swimming, hiking, and having a large group of people, Portage Lakes State Park will be able to accommodate all of your needs. It features many different lakes as well as a wetlands area that attracts many different species to the surrounding area. There are also events that take place in the park which showcase the multipurpose use of the park.

2. Cascade Valley Metro Park

Located in south Akron, this metro park offers a large range of different trails for you to explore. The Overlook area offers amazing views and a relatively easy trail which is great for children or beginners. More experienced hikers might enjoy the moderately challenging Highbridge Trail which has some beautiful views of the Cuyahoga river.

3. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm —1828 Smith Rd. Akron, OH 44313

As well as having three walking/hiking trails, this park and nature realm is a great place for children or adults who want to learn while they hike. There includes seasonal exhibits as well as a great kids adrea and a on-site naturalist who is happy to answer any kinds of questions about the area and wildlife. This area houses many beautiful observation decks, ponds, and even a large ravine. This is a perfect place to take the whole family to enjoy and learn about the outdoors.

4. Treaty Line Area in Sand Run Metro Park —995 Treaty Line Rd. Akron, OH 44313

For those wanting to work up a sweat, the Treaty Line Area inside the Sand Run Metro Park
might be right for you. It features several challenging hills and workout stations that can further
challenge you during your walk. This trail is also pet-friendly and features restrooms and a
picnic area which makes it well suited for groups.

Preparing for a Home Inspection

Are you preparing to buy or sell a home? A professional home inspection is a critical step to identify potential issues and ensure that your home is in good condition for potential buyers or renters. But what areas of your home will a home inspector evaluate, and what issues should you address in advance? In a recently written Guide to Passing a Home Inspection, I explore the different areas of a home that a home inspector will typically examine, with a focus on the foundation and water in the basement.

The foundation and structure of a home provide support and stability, and a home inspector will evaluate the condition of the foundation and look for any signs of cracking, settling, or other damage. Water in the basement is also a common issue that can cause damage and affect the livability of a home. A home inspector will evaluate the basement’s drainage system and look for any signs of water intrusion, such as dampness, mold, or mildew.

In addition to the foundation and basement, a home inspector will evaluate other critical components of a home, such as the roof, electrical system, plumbing system, HVAC system, windows and doors, and exterior. By addressing any potential issues in these areas before the inspection takes place, you can avoid surprises and ensure that your home is in good condition for potential buyers or renters.

In the article, I provide more detail on each of these areas and the common issues that a home inspector will look for. I also offer tips for preparing your home for a home inspection, such as cleaning and decluttering your home, addressing any obvious issues, and providing the inspector with relevant documentation.

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, a home inspection is an essential step in the process of buying or selling a home. By understanding the areas of your home that a home inspector will evaluate and taking steps to address any potential issues in advance, you can ensure that your home is safe, secure, and attractive for potential buyers or renters.

To learn more about the different areas of a home that a home inspector will evaluate, and to get tips for preparing your home for a home inspection, read the full article.

Choosing the Right Kind of Deck for Your Backyard

Backyard decks are an amazing space for grilling during the summer, and they enhance the appearance of your yard. However, there are different materials that are used to create decks, and thus, you should determine the best material for you. Choosing the most suitable material for your deck is more significant than the shape itself. In addition to different kinds of materials, the decks that are available differ in color, texture, installation, and cost. Below are the most common categories of materials used to make decks that you can choose from.

  1. Wood decks

Decks created from wood are strong and comfortable; however, you will have to put a lot of effort into maintaining it compared to other kinds of deck materials. Wood decks require annual cleaning and also re-cleaning some years. Despite these maintenance and cleaning activities, your wood deck is likely to experience breakdowns as a result of rotting, warping and splintering, especially older decks. Therefore, you should apply a colored protectant to your old deck so that it can last for more years.

There are three common types of wood that you can select from:

a) Pressure Treated wood

These are the least expensive deck woods; however, you should perform the installation process carefully because they contain dangerous chemicals. You can choose from many shades, and they last for a very long period of time.

b) Redwood and Cedar

These kinds of decks are very common because they contain a good visual appeal and resistance to bugs. Whereas they are soft and wear out quickly, they can last for many years with suitable maintenance.

c) IPE hardwood

This kind of deck wood is found in South America and does not wear out easily. It is costly, but it can last for more than 25 years.

While wood material for your deck is a good choice as you will save a lot of money, in the long run, it requires a lot of maintenance. Also, you will spend some money after a couple of years to clean your deck so that it can remain in good condition. You will find a lot of information that is available in the various ways to clean your wood deck.

Similarly, it is simple to build a wood deck using simple tools and hardware compared to composite and PVC decks that need advanced tools. Ensure that you choose certified wood for your deck so that you can be certain of high quality and durable deck for your backyard.  Also remember you are most likely required to have a building permit to add a deck to your [city1] home.

  1. Composite Decks

These types of decks are built using a combination of plastic and waste woods fibers that increase its resistance to rot. They have the same appearance as the wood decks, and you will simply choose your most preferred color. Generally, composite decks are more costly compared to wood decks but the advantage is they require little maintenance.

  1. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Decks

PVC decks are completely recyclable, and they do not rot. They are more expensive but resist fading. They are available in a wide range of colors.

When searching for the right deck, you should take into consideration the appearance and materials that you want. If you are interested in the appearance of a wood deck but still desire a low maintenance deck, then you should choose the composite deck. Composite decks do not shrink or split, and if you are interested in a colorful and durable deck, then your best choice is the vinyl deck.

Determine your purpose of the deck that you want so that you can easily pick the right material that will enhance the value of your home.

An outdoor deck is a big investment, and thus, you should begin by determining your budget and do your homework on the different types of decks that are available. Choose a deck material on the grounds of quality and affordability.

Additionally, make sure that you ask for a warranty for the materials that you will buy. In the case of maintenance, it is important that you read the specifications provided by your deck manufacturer so that you can determine if you can manage and be sure to pick a reliable builder.