Homesteading is in. More people are trying to be as self-sufficient on their property as they can when it comes to food, and chickens—and their eggs—are no exception. For your consideration, here are a few of the pros and cons of keeping your own chickens.

Pro: Back-to-the-Land Satisfaction

Something about cooking with produce you grew yourself feels great. The same goes for the breakfasts and desserts you’ll make with your homegrown eggs. You’ll feel a sense of pride and self-reliance with these ingredients. Just make sure to take pride in your coop, too, for reasons we’ll explore later.

Con: High Upfront Expenses

It’s hard to do the math to determine whether you’ll come out ahead by keeping your own chickens rather than buying them from the grocery store or the farmers market. Whatever the costs or benefits in the long run, know that the upfront expenses will be high either way. If you would struggle to shoulder those costs right now, it’s best to wait.

Pro: Compost Products

In addition to laying eggs, chickens have another way of giving back. We’ll warn you right now that chicken manure is going to be a very plentiful “resource.” However, this waste product is more than mere waste—its nitrogen and mineral content make it an ideal fertilizer, one that can add a great deal to your compost heap. With time to further decompose, chicken manure will supplement your compost and help your garden grow. Cracked eggshells, another organic material, can also provide more minerals to your heap.

Con: Potential Salmonellosis Cases

Having eggs close at hand would seem like a healthy alternative to grabbing cartons from the grocery store. However, the quality of homegrown eggs isn’t always everything it’s cracked up to be. You don’t have the quality-control measures in place that major egg producers do, and if you don’t enforce stringent sanitation practices around your coop, it’s possible for Salmonella bacteria to infiltrate your eggs, causing dangerous or even deadly cases of food poisoning. Indeed, salmonellosis outbreaks because of tainted backyard chicken eggs have been on the rise lately, with well-meaning poultry hobbyists coming down with nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Pro and Con: No Need for Alarm Clocks

Clichés are rooted in truth. Your rooster is indeed going to let out a “cock-a-doodle-doo” at the crack of dawn. Even your hens can get in on the action, making a great deal of noise as they rise and shine each morning. The pros and cons of keeping your own chickens overlap with this noise. Some keepers of chickens may relish the sounds of their birds, especially if they, like their chickens, need to be early risers. Neighbors in proximity to your coop, however, may disagree. Your municipality may have reservations about residents keeping chickens due to the noise. Make sure you’re complying with local ordinances before you throw out your alarm clock—and be ready for strongly worded letters from the neighbors.

When you’re preparing an insulation project, you must follow the proper steps to ensure your project goes smoothly. It can be a big project to tackle on your own, so make sure you know what to consider when installing insulation in your home. Follow these tips for a successful installation and results you can be proud of.

Your Insulation Type

The first step to planning your home insulation project is choosing what type of insulation you want to use. Some of the most popular options for home insulation include fiberglass, spray foam (open-cell and closed-cell), cellulose, and reflective insulation. Spray foam is one of the most energy-efficient varieties, and it has a high R-value, which makes it a great option for homeowners who experience cold and warm weather alike. It can keep indoor heat from escaping as well as prevent outdoor heat from entering.

Where To Insulate

You should also have an idea of exactly where you need to install insulation in your home. Most homes will need insulation from the roof to the foundation to maintain maximum energy-efficiency. Map out the areas of your home that need special attention, such as in between interior walls and basement crawl spaces.

Don’t overlook any areas when it comes to insulation. You may save a quick buck during the initial installation process, but you could lose these savings in the long run through lack of energy-efficiency.

Safety Guidelines

Whether you’re preparing a personal insulation project or working on a jobsite, you have to follow the proper safety procedures. If you’re using spray foam, follow the essential spray foam safety tips that the professionals use to make sure your own project is as safe and secure as possible. This includes investing in the right safety gear and knowing the right steps and practices for your insulation method ahead of time.

Taking Your Time

You may be eager to complete your home renovations, but take your time during this process. A rushed installation job could lead to issues that you’ll have to fix later, such as blockages to your vents and other airflow systems throughout your home. Take care to complete the installation process right the first time, and you won’t have to go through the trouble of fixing mistakes later.

Installing your own insulation is no easy task. With these tips, you now know what to consider when installing insulation in your home so that you can complete your renovations with confidence.

Colder weather means more time spent indoors getting cozy. It’s time to check a few things off the list with these home repairs to tackle before the cold weather arrives.

Repair Roof Damage

Rain, ice, and snow don’t belong in your home. Any leaks in your roof can cause costly damage to the inside of your house, along with increased utility bills from keeping your home warm. While the weather is still comfortable, get outside and visually inspect your roof for any cracks or gaps, missing shingles, or visible signs of damage. Don’t forget about the inside as well. Check the attic for any signs of water damage along the ceiling or cracked plaster.

While you’re up in the attic, check the insulation. Insulation protects your home from cold temperatures and keeps the warmth inside. You may need to get it replaced. There are different types of insulation, so figure out which is the best fit for your home.

Clean and Inspect Gutters

While you’re up on the roof checking for damages, inspect the gutters and downspouts. Clear away any debris hiding in them and ensure that everything is attached and properly draining. If a gutter isn’t draining correctly and the temperatures reach below freezing, they will become weighed down and break away from their supports.

You may want to consider gutter guards. These guards will stop branches, leaves, and other debris from piling up and disrupting the flow.

Painting Interior Rooms

While you can paint the inside of your home any time of year, it’s best when you’re able to have a properly ventilated home. You can best achieve this ventilation with open doors and windows. Colder weather makes it difficult. Fall is a great time to tackle painting because you can take advantage of the weather and still have natural lighting.

Check the HVAC System

Fall is the perfect time to have the HVAC system professionally inspected. Take time to check if your home’s heating system is working before you have to use it for the first time. Then, if there are any issues, you can schedule an appointment and get any problems fixed.

You can walk around the house to ensure all the vents are clean and swap out your furnace filter. It’s also the perfect opportunity to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries if needed.

Tip

Consider changing out your thermostat for a smart one if you haven’t already. These devices will help save you money and are a quick and easy eco-friendly update for your home.

Inspect the Deck and Patio

Another home repair to tackle before the cold weather arrives is sweeping off your deck or patio to remove loose branches, leaves, or other debris that may sit there. Check around for any cracks or splits in the wood or railing of the deck. If something appears broken, fix it up, and think about resealing the deck too. The colder temperatures will dry out the wood and can potentially lead to more damage. Keep an eye out for any signs of water damage and mold as well. This harm will get worse over the colder months.