Even if your house is located in a posh residential area, getting a high-priced settlement can be a bit of a stretch. But with the right tweaks, you will get the highest bid possible for your home.

A well-maintained, clean home might get you the baseline price, but getting the desired bid may need you to give your house a complete makeover. Now you need to look at your property with the eyes of a seller and dig a little into your budget to make the cut.

It is easy to go overboard with home makeovers, even when you eventually are going to sell it.  House renovations are presumed expensive and that is what sucks most homeowners into a spiral of extravagant spending. This however, is not the case; there are a few home décor tips that you can use to make sure when you have to stop and when you have to invest.

Here are our top 3 tips that are sure to help you increase the market value of your house. These tips are from Offer Climb, one of the most reliable home buyers in Houston and Phoenix. They offer fast cash solutions and consultation to homeowners who want to sell their homes in Phoenix AZ and Houston TX area. 

Start with de-cluttering

After you have time to sit and design what budget you are going to be working with, the next step is to get rid of the clutter and junk in your house. Clutter can be extremely distracting to home renovators and even potential buyers. They need to see the actual structure of the house rather than extra cabinets. Try to start riding the garage of excessive clutter that is just taking up space a is of no use. This is a fantastic point to begin with as this not only creates space for renovators and decorators to work with, but also helps set you up for moving.

Professional cleaning

It is necessary that your house is in the best shape when being displayed to potential buyers. However, before having everything cleaned, it is important to first pack all your stuff save the heavy furniture. Secondly, having your house cleaned by a professional. This provides a clean slate for décor and also interests buyers more. If the whole house cannot be cleaned, try to get the kitchen and restrooms cleaned first. 

Remodel as needed

Realtors’ research has shown that extra bathrooms can actually increase the market value of the house by 24%. If you already have a number of bathrooms, try to install more storage units and improve the functionality of the house. Getting a fair idea of what the latest features are in the competitor's house can be very useful in adding features that your buyer is expecting. If your neighborhood has houses with small swimming pools, it might be wise to add one in your backyard as well. A small kitchen remodel can do wonders for the overall price of your house. Work with what is expected of a house like yours and you are sure to stay within limits while decorating.

Recommendations

A clean, well-maintained house can attract quite a few buyers. Determine what style of home you are trying to sell, example: Georgian, bungalow style, etc., and pay attention to details such as flooring, bathrooms and swimming pools. A few small changes can get you a better price for your home!

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As the new year is upon us, resolutions are taking over, and we think that’s a great thing! This year, some great resolutions for your home and the environment (and your bank account) would be to make some eco-friendly home improvements. Our friends at BiologiQ, a manufacturer of eco-friendly plastic with the use of their BioBlend, has put together this great list of home improvements you can make this year to help the environment. It starts with you!

Lights

New Year’s is a great time to make a list of all the home improvements you want to make, and switching out your less than efficient light bulbs for more efficient LED bulbs is a great place to start! LED bulbs take less energy to power and they last longer, thus saving you time and money. And they are a great way to do your part in lessening energy resources. You can find LED light bulbs at any home improvement store and most local retailers.

Windows

This one is especially important in the winter. Your home can lose a lot of its heat through windows as cold air tries to make its way in. Blackout curtains are a great and inexpensive option for retaining your home’s heat. There’s a lot of energy and resources that go into heat production, so lessen those resources by keeping the heat in your home for longer. A solid blind option is another route to go with heat retention.

Repurposed Furniture

Have you been wanting to replace your old furniture for a while now? Don’t just throw it out! Put it up for sale, or free, on the Facebook marketplace or on Craigslist. Or donate it to a local thrift shop. It’s likely there is someone else out there looking for furniture at a great deal. And on the other end of that, instead of purchasing furniture brand new, or straight from a manufacturer, look at repurposed furniture in your area – local furniture stores (overstock, etc.), or see if anyone else is getting rid of furniture on the digital marketplace. Prevent old furniture from taking up more space in our already overflowing landfills.

These are just three things that you can do this year to turn your home into a more eco-friendly place. Do your research to see what other options you have for helping the environment and add it to your resolutions this new year!

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It would be fair to say that basements have been given a new lease of life over the last few years. Once regarded as a nuisance and somewhat unfashionable, there's been a real phenomenon in some areas of the world as property owners aim to maximize the space in their plot.

At the same time, some obvious problems exist. We're not going to mull on about dampness and other similar topics - there are whole guides based on this. Instead, today's post is going to focus on lighting (or the lack of it, in the case of the typical basement).

As we all know, the vast majority of basements don't contain any windows, which presents blatant problems. Let's take a look at some of the best solutions you can adopt to deal with these.

Solution #1 - Temporary lighting

Let's start with one of the easiest solutions; temporary lighting. In truth, you can really go to town with this and you only have to look at the different types of floor lamps from Pagazzi.com to see what we mean in this regard.

Floor lamps are one option, and perhaps the most visually appealing. This is also something that can really direct large amounts of light around the room - and at least make up for the lack of natural sunlight.

Of course, there are other options and some people might opt for table lamps, which might not offer quite as much light but will add character. It mainly depends on the size of your room, and also what you are planning to use it for, but the general message is to make sure you have plenty of temporary options so you can play around with the direction of the light as well.

Solution #2 - The false window

A slightly more inventive solution comes courtesy of the false window. Granted, this isn't going to be suitable for everyone, but this option entails creating a window-like object on one wall, but placing a lighting structure behind it.

Of course, this window is never going to be opened - it always appears as though blinds or curtains are covering it. However, it can trick the eye and if you are regularly entertaining guests in the basement, this can be a worthwhile solution.

Solution #3 - Dimmer lights

The final solution involves dimmer lights. Again, this is something that varies depending on personal taste, but it could be argued that a dimmer light adds more of the natural-factor when deployed in the basement environment.

In short, being able to dictate exactly how light the room is at various points in the day is something which can mimic sunlight. This is one of the biggest complaints amongst homeowners with a basement, so this benefit of dimmed lights should not be underestimated.

Of course, these can be implemented as both a permanent and temporary solution, which does provide you with a degree of flexibility in this case as well.

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Eclectic-style homes have a lot a charm, effortlessly blending many different styles together into one, collaborative design. These types of transitional designs mix traditional and modern décor within one space with wonderful results. One design that’s gotten a lot of attention lately is the Rustic modern look.  There are many ways you can take elements of traditional and modern decor that appeal to you and mix styles to create your own, unique look.

These five tips will help you make the most of your new space. Whether you have a traditional home and a love of modern furnishings, or your home is already transitional in design and you want to continue the style.

1. Evenly Mix the Looks

While occasionally putting one offbeat element into a room makes the rest of the décor come together, transitional design is not one of them. When blending two distinct styles together, make sure that each is equally represented within the room. Otherwise, your one distinct piece may look out of place.

For example, if you’re creating a rustic modern home and are using Amish living room furniture, you should keep all the lines and colors in the room very clean and modern to balance the look. This doesn’t mean that for each rustic piece you add you need a more modern one, just that on the whole, both styles are evenly represented so the scales don’t tip too far in any one direction.

2. Use Color and Texture

Sometimes transitional designs are used to soften modern décor and make it feel more inviting and comfortable. Often, this is done through the use of color and texture in otherwise modern spaces.

For example, if a contemporary living room looks too bland, consider replacing some of the stainless steel fixtures with oil rubbed bronze. Add more texture to fabrics like throw pillows, and rugs to invite a tactile sense. Paint the walls a warmer, richer color than would otherwise be used in a contemporary setting. You could also add a custom canvas print to your walls.  The result is still a modern room, but one that you can now relax in and feel welcomed by.

3. Add Character

Another way you can blend together different styles is to use materials in the room that have character – something that makes them stand out from either traditional or modern décor. One example would be to use something like reclaimed wood wall panels and add a wooden wall.

Reclaimed wood has a history and character all its own. While not modern or traditional, they do add a lot to a room. Adding with a reclaimed wood panels to your wall, then adding some modern furnishings will create a transitional design that has a lot of depth and interest.

Create Your Perfect Style

One of the best parts about blending a design is the fact that you can do it slowly over time. Add pieces one by one in equal measure until you strike the balance that works best for you. Use these tips to help you mix traditional and modern décor styles in your home, and create a living space as unique as you are.

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Every square foot of a successful restaurant has to perform consistently at the highest level. Restaurant owners begin with a special vision for their restaurant—from the type of cuisine to every interior design element from ceiling fixtures and lighting to wall and floor treatments.

Of all the decisions that go into the creation of a great restaurant, the choice of flooring is one of the most important ones. From the kitchen, to the bar, to the dining area, restaurant floors take a real beating, especially in high-traffic areas.

If the flooring you specified is already showing too much wear and tear, it may be time to choose a high-performance hardwood flooring that is engineered to be 300% more durable than regular hardwood floors. Even though it may cost you more upfront, the longer life-cycle value will easily make it the smartest flooring investment you’ll ever make.

The helpful infographic below from Nydree Flooring illustrates the amazing, long-lasting benefits of acrylic-infused hardwood flooring for your new restaurant or as a replacement for your worn-out flooring.

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You never know when you will need a repairman or an electrician when you are a homeowner. It can come at the most inopportune time or you could be planning a renovation that would require such a service provider. There are many reasons you could find yourself in need of an electrician, but where do you find a reputable service provider in your area? It can be a challenge when you are in dire need of assistance, which is why you should always keep a reputable company such as electricianinperth.com.au bookmarked. This is especially true if you live in Perth. This article will highlight some of the most probable reasons that you may find yourself in need of an electrician. 

• Make sure the job is done right the first time. When hiring a professional electrician, you can rest assured that your job will be done right the first time that it is completed. Sure, you can try to fix the problem yourself but you may find that you create an even bigger problem. Perhaps you find an additional problem while fixing the original issue. Regardless, hiring someone who knows what they are doing is a good idea as it can save you time, money, and a great deal of frustration.
• Knowledge and certifications. When you hire a professional electrician, you can count on them having knowledge, certifications, and in some areas licensure to provide you a service. Before you hire an electrician, it is not uncommon to ask for proof of insurance, certifications, and any other licenses that may be required in your area. In addition to having electricians who are licensed and have knowledge of the profession, the company should also be insured, licensed, and bonded. These are critical components that the company should have before you hire them as this can not only protect you should something go wrong, but you can be confident in the service that you are paying for to be done correctly and in a safe manner.
• Protect yourself from getting into too big of a job. Even if you are a handyman and enjoy working on projects around the house, taking on a job that requires you to mess with the electricity is a bad idea. If you are unsure of what you are doing, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting shocked or even doing the job in a way that may not be safe for the long-term.
• Safety. When working with electricity, safety is imperative and a critical component to doing a good job. Not only is it important for the electrician to be safe while doing the job, but the work must also be safe. It would be a detriment to have electrical work done only to have it spark or cause a fire later on after the project was completed.

There are many reasons that you should hire an electrician, especially if you live in Perth. Safety, protecting yourself and your family, and making sure the job is done right is all critical to finding a reputable electrician in your area that can do a good job at the price you are willing to pay.

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With all of the holiday decorations that are up, or going up if you’re a last-minute decorator, there’s a lot that little hands can get into. Maybe you have children, or maybe you have guests coming over who do, but either way, you’re going to want some good baby proofing tips for Christmas and New Year’s. Rindfleisch Family Practice, a family doctor that specializes in Coolsculpting, put together this list of ways to keep your little ones (and your food and décor) safe this holiday season.

The Christmas Tree

Oh, the Christmas tree! So many little things for little hands to grab and choke on, or make a mess with. If you’re concerned about small children getting into the Christmas tree, try some of these ways to keep it out of reach.

• Create a blockade. Put a baby gate up around the Christmas tree, or make a wall will large wrapped boxes. You can put rocks or books in the boxes to way them down, and because they’re wrapped in lovely holiday paper, it will only add to your decoration.
• Put it on a pedestal. Put your tree up where little ones can’t reach it – on a table or a large box.

The Kitchen

There is so much hustle and bustle around the kitchen during the holidays. It is easy for small children to go unnoticed and get into things they shouldn’t – or even get stepped on if they’re making their way into a high traffic part of the house like the kitchen.

Baby gates are going to be your best friend this holiday season. To keep tiny fingers from pulling food off the counters and to keep them from getting hurt or into trouble, put up a baby gate. It might add a little inconvenience for those who have to step over it (but that might be a good thing, because fewer adults will go into the kitchen to steal food too).

The Fireplace

Not everyone has a fireplace, but some of us do, and it’s nice to be able to relax by the firelight at the end of the night. But mantles can get hot, and you don’t want little ones to burn their fingers. So, put up a nice little fence just in front of the fireplace to deter wandering children from touching the hot glass over the fireplace.

Another way to keep them from wandering to the fireplace or other places they shouldn’t be is to distract them. Get the kids playing a game, coloring in a book, or watching a movie to keep them from getting into things they shouldn’t.

Keep these tips with you throughout all of your holiday gatherings, and you’ll be just fine.

Have a Merry Christmas!

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Your lawn should always be taken care of all throughout the year. However, during fall and winter, one has to take special care of the lawn to ensure that it is safe and can survive the cold weather. The cold seasons are not always good for your grass. But if you take care of it during the warmer period of the year, you can be assured that your grass will be good for the winter and fall. You can find out more information about caring for your lawn by visiting ziehlerlawncare.com.

Here are 5 tips that can help you to take care of your lawn and keep it safe through the winter:

1. Aerating the lawn at least once a year

Ensure that your lawn gets a breather during the autumn and the winter seasons. There are aeration tools that you can use to achieve this. Break all the compacted turf, and pull up any plugs of soil as well as grass. When you do this, new grass will grow and this should make your lawn look fresh and healthy. If you have children who play on the lawn frequently, then it would be advisable to aerate the lawn at least twice per year.

2. Seeding your lawn

During autumn, the soil temperatures will reach up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is the right time for you to seed your lawn since the turf roots are known to grow extensively during the period. For you to get good results, you should not go for the cheap grass seeds as these will contain weed seed. A lush lawn can be achieved through the high quality but expensive grass seed.

3. Fertilize your lawn before the initial frost

For you to provide your grass with the right nutrients, it is advisable that you should fertilize it before the occurrence of the first frost. The grass will easily absorb and store nutrients during this period. Fertilizing the grass before the frost ensures that it can survive the winter period and remain green and lush. To do this, you should pick a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus as this is good for root growth.

4. Go on mowing

You should not stop mowing your lawn just because it is the winter period. Mowing even during the cold season will ensure that the grass does not overgrow and look shaggy. You should mow the grass till the growth stops. Do not let the grass reach 3 inches as this can lead to mat. If this happens, it would lead to diseases such as snow mold. However, the grass should not be shorter than 2 inches as this would impede its ability to store food.

5. Frequent watering sustains growth

Consistent watering of the lawn helps sustain the growth of the grass. You see, the grass will continue to grow during the autumn. You should water it as much as possible until the ground starts to freeze. For those with automatic irrigation systems, they need to be careful not to use too much pressure with the compressed air. This can easily damage the grass.

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The right security system for your home is more than just buying alarms. The trick is always in choosing the right system. There are many different types of alarm systems and numerous manufacturers and this makes selecting home alarm systems a daunting task. To make it easier for you, here is a list of several things you must consider to get the best home alarm systems.

DIY Self-Monitoring

There are numerous types of alarm systems. However, consider selecting systems that are self-monitoring. This means that you get to have full control over what happens in your home. For instance, you can connect the system to your alarm so that when your doorbell rings you are notified and can talk to the person. You will also get a text or an email whenever your alarm is triggered, so you have control over the situation. But what if you are held up in a meeting and miss an alert, what happens then? The system should include central monitoring where other people can look so that nothing is missed.

Budget

Of course, before everything else, you ought to think about how much money you have. The money you have will determine the type of system you can afford. Installing and monitoring the system yourself makes it cheaper and it is one of the way to cut your security costs. However, if you select a central monitoring system, there is a monthly subscription to be paid. While there are systems that require you to pay as little as $10, you can expect to pay as much as $50 depending on the company you select and the type of setup used.

Should It Operate During Power Outages?

You should think about how your security system is powered. There are times when you may be away from home, and a storm in your area knocks out your electricity. Will your security system still be on or will it be a great way for burglars to raid your home? The best systems should continue to operate even when there is a power outage in your home. Most use low voltage and can work perfectly using batteries. This ensures that they continue to run after their main power is out. If you’re buying a generator to power your home and alarm system in case of a power outage make sure to choose your generator wisely. Check out this link for some reviews of the best dual fuel generators: www.10powerup.com/best-dual-fuel-generator/.

Size Always Matters

Most companies will tell you that alarm systems are a one size fits all. However, this could not be further from the truth. The fact is that there are numerous different sizes which can be custom-fitted to your needs. They are meant to suit your security needs and your way of life. You need to consider the size of your home both inside and outside. If you have a small home, a small system will do the trick. However, such a system may not serve mansions and other large homes effectively.

Your Provider

Your provider is just as important as the type of system you choose. You have to know what additional services your provider offers. Consider how long they have been in business and how satisfied their customers are. Also, consider the distance between you and the monitoring location.

Before buying security systems, ensure you have done extensive research on the options you have. Ensure you get the right size and the features that are meaningful to you.

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If you are looking to have a better idea of the market value of your home, you should proceed to have your home appraised. Appraisals can either be evaluated or performed by a real estate agent or by a professional property appraiser. Most people usually get their homes evaluated in order to sell their property at the best possible price. It is ill-advised for you to sell your property without having it appraised by professionals first.

However, there are other reasons why it is advisable for you to pay for an independent valuation. There are services that provide free home evaluation too! Without beating about the bush any further, here are 5 reasons you should have your home evaluated.

• You will need to evaluate your home for home insurance

It is advisable for you to get your home insured. And, in order for you to do so, it is necessary for you to first have your home evaluated. A professional property valuation will give you an accurate idea of how much insurance coverage you require. You should also take into account the rebuild value of your home when setting up an insurance plan.

• Tax Reassessment

There are many states in America that base property taxes on the basis of the current market value of the homes. Hence, if you get your property evaluated and find that it has decreased in value, you can request the responsible authorities to perform a reappraisal of the property. If you do this, you will increase your chances of paying a lower annual property tax.

• Home Equity Loan

You will need to have your home evaluated when you seek a home equity loan. The evaluation will be especially useful if the property values in your community increases. If the current value of your home is more than when you first bought it, your equity in the home will increase in value too. However, if the value of your home decreases, so will your value of the equity in the home.

• Business Loans

If you are planning to take out business loans by putting your home up as a primary collateral source, it is essential for you to first get your home appraised by a professional appraiser. After the appraiser documents the value of your home, you can then use the documents to acquire a loan from the bank or other lenders.

• Refinancing

You will need to have your home evaluated if you want to refinance your home. Lenders and banks have to ensure that the collateral value of your home justifies the refinanced loan amount that you are requesting. The evaluation will also help you know exactly what percent of the current market value of your property you own. Basically, in a nutshell, refinancing allows you to access the equity in your home. And, refinancing your mortgage can lower your monthly payment.

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Let’s be honest, no one really wants to have a calm and simple Christmas, right? That would be too easy, and, frankly, boring. But what makes it exciting and interesting is the bizarre stuff we see. For example, the neighbor’s house across the street who wants their lights to be seen from outer space. That one uncle of ours who likes to eat cat Jell-O at the Christmas dinner party. Yes, I am naming a bunch of Christmas movie references. Work with me on this. We’ve seen it all, or have w

What brings about some of the more memorable Holidays is when we have some unique and creative stories to share. Remember that one-time dad decided to put up the Christmas lights with a staple gun? We want our Christmas to be fun and special! Recently, East Idaho had their annual “Parade of Homes,” where many witnessed beautiful home décor. Sleek, clean, and neat where Idaho Falls home builders work their best to make this possible. We’ve almost become a little envious, wishing that we could have our houses like this instead of the way our houses look as if a hurricane came through. It would be nice to have it that way, but wouldn’t it be a little more interesting for your guests to walk in a literal “Winter Wonderland?”

Now I am not suggesting we grab all the snow from outside and dump it everywhere inside the house. But instead, create something special, something different, that you, your family, and friends will get a kick out of. Here are some “Peculiar Christmas Knickknacks” that will do just the trick. Get creative and make it your own.

Ladder Christmas Tree

One of the decorations that symbolizes Christmas so well is the Christmas tree. We could have it big, small, wide, skinny, or just plain Charlie Brown. But have you ever tried a ladder Christmas tree? Give Instructables a look at to see just what I mean. The best part of creating a ladder tree is that you can do all sorts of things with it. Take the Redneck Christmas Tree. Want to get a laugh from your friends and neighbors? Put up a large ladder in your front lawn, and wrap lights around it. Simple and awesome!

Christmas Wreaths

Imagine the first decoration your guests see when they walk up to your door. A wreath entirely made from toilet paper, thanks firsthomedreams.blogspot.com for this great idea. The possibilities are endless! What really sets you apart from the rest of your friends and family is what sits right there in the front of your house. Check out bystephanielynn.com for some more ideas on how to get creative.

There are plenty more creative decorations out there, but these were some to name a few. Now it is up to you to decide how you want to remember this Christmas. And remember, don’t be a “humbug” about it!

This article is brought to you by home builder, Clint Cook Jackson, WY.

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Home insurance helps protect you from any major repairs that you might be unable to deal with on your own. However, your home insurance should not become an unnecessary expense in your homeownership journey. You need to shop around for a home insurance that saves your money. To help you take home insurance that does this, let’s give you 5 tips to help you save money on your home insurance.

1. Increase the amount deductible

While having a small deductible on your home insurance may seem like a good idea, increasing it may cut premiums by up to 10%. This is a significant cost saving that you can use in other investments.  Talk to your home insurance company and they will help you structure increase your premiums to a level that you are comfortable with. Some of the best insurance companies such as Meridian insurance offer you sound professional advice on this issue. You can check out Meridian insurance home insurance offers on their website, http://www.mymeridianinsurance.com/cincinnati-home-insurance.

2. Combine it with your car insurance

To make the best of your home insurance, it is best to seek both auto and home insurance from the same company. This way you can save up to 15% on your home insurance payments. That’s because the company gets to process both payments at the same time. Besides, getting both insurance gives you the leverage to negotiate for better rates as opposed to when you are only paying for home insurance alone. When you take the two policies together, the company takes it as a sign of goodwill and trust.

3. Install a security system

Insurance companies will lower your home insurance premiums if they believe you are low risk. How do you lower your level of risk? Well, you can do that by installing a top quality security system. This assures the insurer that some of the risks associated with home insurance are mitigated, hence lowering the premiums for you. Some insurers can give you up to 10% discount just for installing a good security system on top of other mitigating factors such as a sprinkler system.

4. Establish a long-term relationship with one insurance company

Like every other business out there, insurance companies appreciate long term customers. That’s why you need to use this approach to negotiate for lower home insurance rates. To us this approach, try and stay with your insurance company for at least 2 to 3 years. At that point, you would have the leverage to negotiate for up to 10% deduction in your home insurance rates.

5. Fix your home before seeking home insurance cover

Insurance companies charge their premiums based on the level of risk. In the case of home ownership insurance, the insurer will charge more if your home looks like it might need repairs sometime in the near future. That’s why by having your home in good condition at the point of registering, you stand a chance to cut your insurance payments by a significant percentage. Those are cost savings you can redirect to other areas of your life.

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In the near past, I attended a deposition where the insurance company's counsel questioned my client about his decision to hire a Public Adjuster.

The confrontation between my client was enlightening. He leaned towards the attorney and said his world had changed that day of the loss and the destruction of their home more than that he was concerned for the health and security of his family. My client knew he had to seek professional help because of the gravity of his loss and experience in dealing with his home insurance.

As time went on, more was learned about their loss, the sincerity and appreciation the client held for his insurance adjuster was apparent. The client had more questions about his property loss, and no one could answer them until he hired a public adjuster.

Yes, public adjusters are paid for their services, homeowners are usually surprised or opposed to paying for a licensed public adjuster to assist with their claim. Most public adjusters who support clients claims work off contingency fees, which mean, the homeowner's insurance is not paying hourly rates for Public Adjuster services nor paying for services to begin. When client’s insurance pays a Public Adjuster small percentage of the claim collected by the Public Adjuster or recovered, the Public Adjuster can start helping immediately and work rigorously to ensure the property claim gets paid, so the Public Adjuster can get paid.  If the Public Adjuster does not put forth the effort and willingness to close the case, the Public Adjuster will more than likely not be paid. If this happened frequently, the Public Adjuster business would falter.

A public adjuster should assess your losses and help you “get every penny you deserve,” from your insurance company, says Serafin Martinez, owner at Churchill Public Adjusters in Miami, Fla.

But don’t expect miracles.

“Understand the insurance company is not going to agree with everything you want just because you hired an adjuster,” Martinez says.

Homeowners should be aware that hiring a public adjuster after you’ve already started processing and negotiating your claim can slow the process.

“If we are in upfront, it’s not that big of a deal,” Martinez says. But usually, homeowners don’t contact the adjuster until they start to have problems with the adjuster who had been assigned to them by the insurance company. In those cases, hiring an adjuster might add another 30 to 60 days to the process because the public adjuster must revisit and renegotiate much of what’s been done with the previous adjuster, he says.

Sometimes the wait pays off. But there are no guarantees homeowners will get more money by hiring an adjuster than they would on their own.

A study conducted in Florida, which analyzed claims at one insurance company in 2008 and 2009, shows policyholders who hired public adjusters generally received higher settlements than those who didn’t hire public adjusters. According to the study, the typical settlement to those who had the help of a public adjuster was about $22,266, compared to $18,659.

But public adjusters come at a cost, usually about 10 percent of the amount you get from the insurance company.

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