Picture a living room where soft throws, flickering candles, and calming neutral tones create a haven of warmth and relaxation. That’s the idea behind Hygge, the Danish art of coziness. Whether you’re unwinding with a cup of tea or enjoying a quiet moment, a hygge-inspired space wraps you in comfort and serenity. Ready to embrace the cozy life? Let’s explore how to turn your living room into the ultimate snug retreat.
What exactly is Hygge?
Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Norwegian word that means coziness. It’s a Danish concept characterized by simplicity that embodies a feeling of comfort and contentment. At its core, hygge is about slowing down and savoring moments that bring joy and relaxation, helping to create a sense of well-being and balance in everyday life.
Elements of Hygge Design
Hygge design is all about simplicity and functionality. Here are some easy ways to incorporate hygge elements into your living room.
Space
Hygge spaces are uncluttered, light and airy spaces with distinct areas.
Clutter is stressful. The first step is to declutter your room. This gives you the blank canvas to thoughtfully consider what belongs here.
If you’re ready for a painting project, paint your walls in a light earth tone such as white, off-white or cream.
Add sheer drapes or window coverings in shades of those same colors.
Plan out cozy places within the room to gather, such as a reading corner and conversation nook.
Furnishings
When considering your furniture, look for modern, minimalistic designs.
Draw inspiration from Scandinavian furniture with clean lines, rounded edges and tapered legs.
Avoid stiff furnishings. Instead choose a chair with overstuffed arms or super soft upholstery.
Blend old and new. You can incorporate vintage furniture next to modern.
Arrange seating for conversation and interaction, rather than around the television.
Less is more but make sure you have ample seating for everyone.
Calming Neutrals
The neutral color palette used in hygge design draws inspiration from nature.
Choose calming tones such as creams, grays and browns. Think of the colors that you find in natural shades of wood.
Select patterns with similar colors that will not disrupt the harmony.
Avoid bright pops of color. Instead, go deeper with earth tones.
Everything you add should create a peaceful atmosphere.
Tactile Textiles
A neutral palette allows the textures to really stand out.
Choose materials that invite you to touch them, such as fluffy pillows, thick knits, boucle blankets, and items made of linen, cashmere, and fuzzy mohair.
Add a deep pile area rug that invites your toes to sink in.
Layer your textures. Group together throws and cushions of different textures.
Pile blankets high in a wicker basket within easy reach of your seating area.
Soft Lighting
Lighting creates the right ambiance for relaxation.
Just as you layer fabrics, you can layer lighting. Choose an overall dimmer switch for full room lighting that can be adjusted to fit your mood. Then add pockets of lighting in areas within your space.
Use a floor lap or table lamp in your reading nook. Choose light bulbs with a warm color temperature. Lamps with frosted shades offer beautiful, filtered light.
Candles provide a flickering glow. Choose flameless varieties that are safe around kids and pets, for increased fire safety.
Twinkling lights give off a softer light than your overhead light. Choose tiny white or clear lights that work with hygge décor.
Natural Elements
Hygge is inspired by a connection to nature. Bring those natural elements inside.
Add potted plants, fresh or dried flowers, for some natural inspiration.
Incorporate organic materials like wood and stone in furniture and décor.
Consider wood floors, wooden bookcases and shiplap paneling on walls.
Display artwork depicting scenes in nature or using natural items or themes.
Décor
Hygge is about minimalism. You’ll want to keep your décor simple and meaningful.
Display your treasures—the things that are meaningful to you. That includes children’s artwork, DIY crafts and family photos.
Avoid overcrowding shelves and tables with knickknacks.
Less is more when it comes to décor. Start with a blank slate and add one or two pieces to create that cozy, welcoming feel.
Your home is one of your greatest investments. Make sure to protect it – and your valuables – with the right insurance.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
When it comes to house hunting, preparation is key. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced one, the right tools can make all the difference. From capturing details to measuring spaces, here’s the gear you need to ensure a smooth and successful search for your new home.
Tape Measure
While you can use an app on your phone to measure a space, it will be less accurate than using a traditional metal tape measure. You can buy one at any hardware or big box store. Before you go house hunting, make sure to measure your furniture so you’ll know whether it will be right for the homes you are touring. For your potential new home, here are some considerations.
How wide are the door openings? Will your furniture fit through?
Measure the rooms where you will be bringing furniture. Do you have sufficient space to arrange them the way you’d like?
Measure the appliance spaces if you are bringing your own washer-dryer, refrigerator, etc. to ensure they will fit.
Camera/Phone and Notepad
You don’t want to rely on photos from the listing. Those are staged. Speak to your agent and ask if you can take photos. You also don’t want to rely on your memory. Use your phone or a notepad to take notes. You also can make quick sketches.
Jot down things you like and don’t like about each home.
Sketch out floorplans. Mark locations of windows and doors for future reference.
Take photos of the house and rooms from different angles.
Pro tip: Bring along printouts of online listings so you won’t have to write everything down.
A Level
Homes are never completely level. They settle over time. However, you shouldn’t find sloping floors, warped walls or cabinets that do not appear straight. You can buy a pocket level, a measuring tool that shows whether a surface is perfectly parallel.
These tools typically have a bubble of air suspended in a vial of liquid. When a surface is level, the bubble will be within the guidelines. There are digital and laser levels, too, which are more expensive.
Place your pocket level along the floor, on counters, or anywhere else that should be a horizontal surface.
Look for the space between the doors and the floor as they swing out. Is the gap wider at any point?
Floors that are not level could signal larger structural problems. Do your due diligence if you are buying a home in that condition.
Moisture Meter
Moisture problems aren’t always obvious and can be hidden. Bring along a moisture meter and you can measure the amount within the home. You can buy these meters at a hardware or big box home store. Choose one without pins so that you won’t put holes into a home you might not be buying.
Moisture meters usually go from 1 (dry) to 100 (wet). Anything at 17 or above is a cause for concern. It could indicate water damage and leaks.
The moisture meter must contact the surface to provide an accurate reading. There should be no visible moisture on the surface being tested.
Place your meter flat against a surface such as wood or drywall. Try it in different places as you may find varying moisture levels.
Pro Tip: Go house hunting after it rains. You’ll see where water collects around the house and in the gutters, and you may observe moisture or leaks inside.
Outlet Tester
This handy tool checks that each contact in the outlet is connected to the correct wire. It can identify several common wiring errors. You can buy a standard receptacle tester that plugs into an outlet or a non-contact voltage tester. Always be careful when performing tests on a live outlet.
Plug your tester into an outlet. Repeat for several outlets throughout the home.
A series of lights on your outlet tester will light up. Read the key code to determine what the lights mean. In some cases, an alarm will sound.
If you do get a concerning reading, that means there are likely issues with the wiring in the house.
You can use that additional anticipated expense to bring the price down, or you may choose to walk away from the potential problem.
Water Pressure Gauge
With low water pressure, showers and laundry will be longer and more frustrating. Low pressure also could signify a problem with the plumbing. Bring along a water pressure gauge to check out whether this is an issue in your potential purchase.
If the water comes from a municipal utility, you can use an outdoor hose spigot near where water enters the house. If water is from a well, use a faucet close to the tank.
For the most accurate reading, make sure water isn’t being used elsewhere in the house, such as with laundry or dishwashers.
Do not test from a hose. Make sure your pressure gauge screws directly onto the spigot or faucet and that the seal is tight.
Turn the water on all the way and read the gauge. A normal reading is from 40-80. Anything outside that range is cause for concern.
Flashlight
Even well-lit homes have dark corners and areas that aren’t easily seen. If you’re considering a purchase, you want to see everything—the good and the bad. Bring a pocket-sized flashlight or use the light on your phone to peek into dark areas.
Look under appliances, in corners, dark basements, etc.
Look for spiders, mold and any potential problem areas.
A mirror can help you peek around corners.
Pro Tip: Bring a UV flashlight and shine it on carpets to reveal places where pets have made messes.
Looking for a new home is an exciting time. Should you have questions about protecting your new investment, don’t hesitate to reach out to an agent for the right policy.
Happy house hunting!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Imagine finding a contractor to repair your roof after a damaging storm, only to discover that you’ve been duped by a scammer. It’s a situation no one wants to face, yet contractor scams are on the rise, leaving unsuspecting homeowners with unfinished projects and empty wallets. Before you embark on your next project, whether it’s a home renovation or repairs following a disaster, it’s important to know the warning signs so you don’t become the next victim.
What exactly is a contractor scam?
You expect a contractor to provide professional repairs or updates to your home. However, when they make promises but they don’t deliver on them, that’s a scam. They intentionally mislead you. They might do a job that is substandard, overly expensive or they may not do the job at all. If your area is hard hit by a wildfire, tornado, hurricane, extreme weather or other disaster, be aware. Scammers posing as contractors may try take advantage of the situation.
Types of Scams
Pushy, door-to-door contractors
Beware of contractors who show up at your door, unsolicited. That’s the first red flag. When they are high-pressure salesmen, you know something is wrong. They can be very convincing, but don’t fall for discounts that only apply if you hire them on the spot. If you didn’t ask for their quote, chances are they are not the right contractor for you.
Out-of-state contractors
Some contractors chase storms to look for easy money. Be suspicious of anyone out-of-state who is offering a quote on work. Be especially careful of contractors working out of their vehicle rather than an office. An out-of-state contractor can be hard to contact if you have issues or work isn’t completed. Choose a local contractor instead.
Unlicensed and uninsured
Scammers may tell you they don’t need to be licensed to do the work. That’s not the case. Your state likely has requirements a contractor must meet. They need to be licensed, and they should be able to show you a license from the state contractor’s board. Double check the number that they show you with the board; scammers can sometimes present inactive licenses. A contractor should also have proof of insurance. If they don’t, that means you could be paying for expensive mistakes that they make.
No references and/or bad reviews
Ask for photos of previous work and customers you can contact. If a contractor cannot provide that, then it’s likely they are not legitimate. Also do a search online for the contractor’s name along with the word “scam” or “complaint.” Read the reviews. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints filed. You might find reasons not to hire this contractor.
No written contract
You should know in writing what work will be done for what price. When contractors don’t provide a written contract before work starts, that’s not professional. You should always thoroughly read the contract, including the fine print. Don’t sign it if you have any concerns. Never sign a blank contract.
Payment requires in full at the start
Don’t deal with a contractor who asks for payment in full upfront. Sometimes contractors require a deposit, but full payment should never be provided before work is done. Know that you can negotiate a reasonable downpayment; some states even limit how much that can be. Contact your state consumer protection agency to find out more.
Unusual forms of payment
Beware of payment requests for wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps, insurance checks, cryptocurrency or cash. Don’t borrow money from a lender they know. Scammers love these types of payments because they are almost impossible to get back. Beware of scammers who offer to help you qualify for FEMA relief for a fee. FEMA doesn’t charge fees, and you are better off doing that on your own.
Cost quotes on places you cannot see
Don’t let an unknown contractor inspect your roof and then tell you what must be done. Ask for pictures of places you cannot easily access, such as crawl spaces, ducts, your roof, etc. Then verify that those images are of your home. If it is a cost quote on an area that you cannot see, get several quotes from those you trust.
Promise of immediate repairs
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t believe a contractor who promises immediate repairs. There’s usually a timeline for quality work. Make sure the contractor you choose doesn’t cut corners by skipping steps to get repairs done right away.
Frequent unexpected expenses
Whenever there’s a construction repair job, there’s a chance of unexpected expenses. Your contractor may find mold, for example, when they work on your home. However, when there are frequent unexpected expenses or expensive ones, get a second opinion. You may find that these unexpected expenses aren’t real ones at all.
Low-grade materials
Make sure the material listed on the estimate is the material being used. Contractors can switch out low grade materials to save money and sacrifice quality.
No one on the job
If no one is on the job during working hours, that’s a big red flag. It could be that your contractor is using subcontractors that arrive after their day jobs. Or it could be that no one will show up to do your work at all.
Protect Yourself from Scams
You can take precautions to help prevent falling victim to a contractor scam. Here are some guidelines.
Contact your home insurer. When your home is damaged from extreme weather or other disasters, your insurer will need to survey the damage before you get it repaired. They will help you prepare a claim and identify reputable contractors. Before you hire anyone, verify your insurance coverage. Don’t rely on a contractor to tell you what is covered.
Get multiple quotes from local contractors. That way you’ll know if the price is in the ballpark. Remember that the lowest bid is not always the best. That contractor may be cutting corners. Also make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Pro Tip: use the BBB Get a Quote tool at https://www.bbb.org/get-a-quote.
Do your research. Check references and ask for photos. Verify your contractor’s license and insurance. Read online reviews and look up your contractor on the Better Business Bureau.
Get a written contract. Make sure it includes the contractor’s name, address, phone, license number, an estimated start and finish date, a payment schedule, the scope of work and cost of labor and materials. Make sure it also includes a written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days if you signed it in your home or in a location other than the contractor’s permanent place of business. Make sure it has no blank spaces that a contractor could fill in later.
Guard your money. Never pay a deposit that is more than 25% of the total cost and never pay anything until materials are delivered to your home. Don’t sign over insurance checks to contractors. If you have any questions, contact your insurance agent. Don’t make the final payment until the job is complete.
If you suspect a scammer, report them. You can report scams to the Better Business Bureau, the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You can also consult StopFraud.gov.
Your home is one of your greatest investments. Make sure it is covered with the right insurance.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Understanding the difference between your home warranty and home insurance can save you from financial headaches when things go wrong at home. Let’s break down these two types of coverage to help you make informed decisions about protecting your property.
The Difference At-A-Glance
Home warranties cover repairs and replacements for certain systems and appliances in your home.
Home insurance covers property damage to your home, other structures, or belongings in the case of unexpected events like fires, hail, wind, vandalism, or theft.
Both come with limits on what they cover. Read on to find out more.
What You Need to Know About Home Warranties
The name, home warranty, can lead you to believe that this protection covers your home. That’s not exactly the case. Home warranties cover the major appliances and systems in your house.
When you might purchase a home warranty
Home warranties are generally offered when you purchase a new appliance or system. Examples include washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and garage door openers. You also may have a home warranty for electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. In case one of these “big ticket” purchases malfunctions, you can avoid a major out-of-pocket expense. The home warranty kicks in after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
You can also buy a home warranty at any time directly from a home warranty company. Sometimes home warranties are offered as part of real estate transactions as an incentive to close the deal. Such warranties offer peace of mind for the future homeowner.
What your home warranty covers
Home warranties usually cover service, repair, and replacement of a product for a covered problem and everyday wear and tear.
What your home warranty doesn’t cover
Your policy might deny coverage if you have not been keeping up with maintenance. They also could deny coverage for improper installation or modifications, pest damage, or pre-existing conditions. Check your warranty policy for the details of what may be excluded from coverage.
How coverage works
You file a claim. The warranty company connects you with an approved contractor to perform the repair. A technician visits your home to diagnose the appliance or the system, and to recommend a repair or replacement. There may be a service fee associated with this visit. If the repair is simple, the technician can do it the same day. If a replacement is needed or a part must be ordered, then a follow-up appointment is scheduled.
When seeking a home warranty, be an informed consumer:
Take an inventory of your large home appliances and systems. Write down their age and condition. Record the last time they were serviced.
Estimate how much it will cost you to replace those systems. If you can afford to replace them without help, you do not need a home warranty.
Consider a home inspection. This will document any pre-existing conditions that will not be covered by a warranty.
Research coverages and payment amounts. Read the fine print. Many companies limit the amount that they will pay, and it may only be a portion of the appliance or system.
Check that the company you choose is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
What You Need to Know About Home Insurance
A homeowner’s policy is a “package” of coverages. It protects your home and personal property from specific events that can damage them and provides additional living expenses if you are unable to live there due to an insured loss. In addition, your homeowner’s policy covers you for lawsuits or liability claims that might otherwise be your responsibility if you accidentally injure other people or damage their property.
When you might purchase home insurance:
You will purchase home insurance when you buy your home. If you have a home mortgage, then maintaining homeowner’s insurance is generally a requirement of your loan agreement. Even if you own your home outright, it’s recommended that you protect your equity in the home by maintaining homeowner’s insurance.
What your home insurance covers and doesn’t cover:
Following are highlights of what your home insurance policy covers and doesn’t cover. For details on these and other coverages, see our blog on Home Insurance 101.
Dwelling coverage refers to the structure of your home: the roof, walls, floorboards, cabinets, and bath fixtures. A loss is covered unless it’s excluded by your policy.
Other structures insurance covers pools, fences, gazebos, sheds, etc. A loss is covered unless it’s excluded by your policy.
Personal property coverage protects your possessions, such as furniture, clothes, sports equipment, and other personal items. If your possessions are stolen, or damaged by fire/smoke or any of 16 covered “perils,” your policy will pay for them subject to your deductible.
If your home is damaged in a covered loss, it may not be livable. If that’s the case, you would need to stay somewhere else. Loss of Use, also called Additional Living Expense, covers you for any necessary increase in living expenses, such as lodging, food, and gas.
Personal Liability protects you if a claim is made or a suit brought against you for bodily injury or property damage caused by an occurrence to which coverage applies. Liability covers you at your place or anywhere in the world.
If you are not liable, but your guest was injured through his/her own fault, then Coverage F – Medical Payment to Others may cover your guest’s medical bills.
How coverage works:
You file a claim. You’ll fill out the necessary paperwork online or by email. For a homeowner’s or personal property claim, you will need to provide a Proof of Loss statement. That’s a list of items that were damaged or stolen and how much it costs to replace them. You may have to get a repair estimate and include that information. Then, you’ll wait for approval. Once the repair is authorized, you’ll be able proceed. Either you or the contractor will receive payment from the insurance company, so check with your adjuster. You will be responsible for the deductible amount, the amount that you will pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.
When seeking home insurance, be an informed consumer:
Estimate how much it would cost to rebuild your home from scratch in your current location. Also ballpark the cost to replace all your personal property. This will give you a starting point as to how much insurance you will need.
Determine if you will need specialized coverage beyond a standard homeowner’s policy. For example, you may want flood or earthquake coverage for your location.
Shop around for insurance, and keep in mind, that it usually pays to buy home and auto coverage from the same company. When you bundle your home and auto insurance, you can often qualify for reduced rates, saving hundreds of dollars.
Ask about discounts. You may qualify for insurance discounts for being part of a professional association, such as groups for teachers, nurses or first responders. There are also discounts for being retired, for paying via automatic bank payments, and for paying in full upfront.
Check that the insurance company you choose is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
In the US, home break-ins occur about every 18 seconds. That’s pretty alarming. Not only can a thief steal your belongings, they can rob your peace of mind leaving you and your family feeling violated, scared and even angry.
By taking the time to educate yourself and following some simple precautions, you’ll be better prepared to protect your family and home from a break-in ever occurring.
Know it: A security system may prevent a burglar from even attempting to break in.
Do it: Have a security system installed and monitored – and display the yard signs and window stickers you are provided.
Know it: Thieves sometimes rely on the cover of night, but most burglaries happen between 10am and 3pm while many people are at work or school.
Do it: Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed back. Consider getting motion activated security. Leave on a TV or radio. A barking dog can serve as a great deterrent to thieves – while you get to enjoy a wagging tail and a wet nose when you arrive home.
Know it: Burglars are often familiar with your neighborhood or daily schedule.
Do it: Varying your routine will make it harder for the bad guys to tell when you’re not home.
Know it: Signs that you’re on vacation or out of town for an extended period can make your home an easy target for burglary.
Do it: Put your mail, newspaper and deliveries on hold. Have a trusted friend or neighbor watch your home. Put indoor lights on timers. Some police departments offer an out of town home watch. If your local authorities provide this service, be sure to sign up several days prior to going out of town. Be vigilant about what you and your family post on social media.
Know it: 34% of burglars enter through the front door. Another 30% take advantage of unlocked windows or other unlocked doors.
Do it: LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS! Keep your garage doors closed, even when home.
Know it: The top three things a burglar is looking for are cash, prescription drugs and jewelry but don’t doubt that these criminal opportunists will take anything they can get their hands on. Unfortunately, this often includes your identity.
Do it: Don’t leave valuables, cash or items that can be used for ID theft in plain sight or hidden in obvious places. Keep an up-to-date home inventory with a record of serial numbers from electronics to aid in filing police reports and insurance claims. Be sure to have an identity theft protection and recovery service if burglars get access to your personal or banking information.
We can’t stop all criminals, but California Casualty is here to protect you with quality auto and home / renters insurance with exclusive benefits not available to the general public. Every policy also comes with free ID theft protection.
In the US, home break-ins occur about every 18 seconds. That’s pretty alarming. Not only can a thief steal your belongings, they can rob your peace of mind leaving you and your family feeling violated, scared and even angry.