Interior designers, furniture retailers and amateur design junkies have all hopped aboard the Pinterest train. Whether you’re a DIY junkie on the lookout for your next project, moving into your new home, or just looking to revamp an old, tired room, Pinterest is a great resource to help you find the inspiration and organizational tools to make your vision come to life. Below are some tips adapted from Real Simple’s blog on how to use Pinterest as your own interior decorating assistant.

Create boards with a purpose. Looking for paint colors for your kitchen? Create a “Paint Sample” board. Keep an eye out for kitchens or colors that catch your eye. See if there is a theme (i.e. you find yellow in almost every one of your pins). Once you narrow down a single element, you can begin to build inspiration boards to create a comprehensive, unified look for your room. For example, your “Living Room Makeover” board could have the paint color, style couch, brand of chair, and DIY wall art projects; before you know it, you’ve planned out your entire room.

Be Descriptive. When you see something you want to implement in your home, don’t just pin it and forget about it. In the descriptive box, write down as much info as you can. If you can find the paint sample, write down the name and maker. If it’s a dining room chair, you like, label it as that. When you come back to actually implement your ideas, it will be much easier to find the samples, furniture, and materials you are looking for, and you won’t forget why you pinned it in the first place.

Be Picky in who you follow.  Only follow people whose style you love. There are a million different design viewpoints out there- the more people you follow, the more you have to sort through the results. The more people you follow whose style you want to emulate, the more inspiration and ideas you will find.

Credit your sources. Some have voiced copyright concerns when it comes to pinning content on Pinterest. Be careful when you pin to always give credit whenever possible- always, always, always link back to the original source.

Homeowners throughout Connecticut and Southern New England look to the Byrnes Agency to protect their homes in the event of damage or liability. Contact us today for more information.

According to Auto Blog, a national survey by Consumer Reports found that half of all teens surveyed used a handheld phone while driving in the past thirty days; a full 30% copped to texting while driving. In addition 8% said they operated a smart phone app while driving.

Here’s the kicker. Of the participants, 63% said talking on the phone is “dangerous,” meaning they know it but do it anyways.  This is particularly unnerving given that auto crashes is a leading cause of death among teenagers. And more than two-thirds of people younger than 25 have a smartphone.

“With adolescents there’s an element of risk taking that in some ways is age appropriate. There was also a subset of very nonchalant teenagers who were like: ‘I can do it in a safe way. I think I’m a good enough driver so this isn’t a problem,” the Washington Post reports.

A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last month found that 13% of drivers ages 18-20 in crashes admitted to texting or talking on the phone. Of those who text and drive 20% said sending e-mails or text messages did not affect their performance.

You want to get the best protection possible for your beloved risky teenager. Protect you and your family by getting comprehensive Connecticut auto insurance with Byrnes Agency. We provide communities throughout the Connecticut area. Contact us today for more information.

Factors such as where you live, your finances, affordability and practicality should factor in and cause you to consider other options.

Single-Family Housing. The most popular choice when it comes to family housing, this type of home is the most independent, with its own heating, plumbing systems and no attached walls. Research the area carefully though when considering finances. Single-family housing are often in planned communities with different conditions and restrictions or some areas may have additional fees to pay for local schools in the area.

The Duplex. This house shares one roof and wall (there can also be triplexes or duplexes). Some buyers decide to go for this style of housing as a business venture: they can live in one of the units and rent out others to help pay for their mortgage.

Townhouse. Similar to a duplex, a townhouse can have multiple shared walls, walkways and common areas.

Condominiums. Similar to apartment complexes, individual condos are often owned by the owner. Homeowners have an interest in common areas including halls, stairways, elevators, open areas, etc.  

You want to pick the housing style that is right for you and your family’s lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a Connecticut condo, purchasing a house for the first time, or delving into a new business venture with a duplex, you want to make sure you get the best Connecticut Insurance possible. That’s where the Byrnes Agency comes in. Whatever housing style you choose, we can help you find the best homeowners coverage that works for you. Contact us today for more information.

You have worked hard to provide a roof over your head, but when was the last time you checked out your gutters? Here’s the checklist. Check the drainage. Clean out your gutters periodically (you can even install gutter covers to prevent leaves from clogging up the pathway). Make sure your downspouts are positioned far enough away from the house so you’ll be ready in the case of a surprise spring shower.

Clean up the debris that has piled up from winter. Prune away any dead or damaged branches that have been damaged over the season change. A tip: shaping hedges with hand pruners, rather than electric shears, prevents a thick outer layer of growth that prohibits sunlight from reaching the shrub’s center.

Clean up the plant beds and borders. Remove dead leaves and foliage (which can smother plants) from the flower beds. Pull up spent annuals and add them to the compost pile. Prep damaged lawn areas for spring seeding.

Neaten up hard-scape surfaces. Clean up the walkway. If you have loose gravel, rake it back into the walkways and patios and refill it if necessary. Clean down all outdoor furniture, hose down paths and patios, sweep the stairways, and patch worn and tattered paint. Check for any rotten wood that needs to be replaced.

Finally, fill in any sparse areas with new plants and flowers. You’ll get gorgeous yard you and your family can enjoy throughout spring and summer.

You’ve worked hard to make your home beautiful- now get the protection you deserve. Homeowners throughout Connecticut and Southern New England look to the Byrnes Agency to protect their homes in the event of damage or liability. You’ve worked hard to provide a home for you and your family- make sure you get the best protection with comprehensive homeowners insurance. Contact us today for more information.

If you are one of the many homeowners looking to remodel your home, it is important to verify you have the amount and type of insurance both during and after the renovation, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The I.I.I. details steps to follow when re-modeling your home to make sure you gets the best protection.

Talk to your insurance agent, broker or company representative before you start the project. Let your insurance company know about your remodeling plans. Ask if you will need to update your homeowners insurance and whether you need any other type of insurance to protect you financially during the project.

Verify that your contractor has insurance coverage. Ask to see a copy of your contractor’s insurance policies. They should have workers compensation and commercial business/general liability insurance policy. It is essential to make sure the workers at your home are properly insured so in case of any accidents they do not sue you.

Keep records and receipts. Take before and after pictures of your home improvements, and detail the work being done along the way. Keep any receipts for work done and all contractors receipts. Keep track of your belongings as well. The I.I.I. has a free Know Your Stuff-Home Inventory program to help create and maintain a home inventory, you will always be prepared for any  unexpected occurrence.

Update your insurance coverage after the renovation.  Make sure your insurance company knows about the home improvements; you may need to increase the amount of insurance to cover your home. Make sure to cover any particular high risk assets your home may have, such as fences, pools, sheds, etc.

Above all, you want to protect the value you’ve created in your house. From personal liability to personal property coverage and special coverages, Byrnes Agency can help you create the right homeowners insurance plan to protect you and your family. Contact us today for more information.

License. Most states require contractors have a license to operate in that state; check out your contractor to see if they have a local contracting license to do the job.

References. Ask friends or family members. Check out their quality of work, efficiency, and professionalism.

Bids. Get multiple bids from several contractors. Be cautious of the “too good to be true” bids. The best contractor isn’t always the cheapest; a contractor who offers a low bid may be desperate for work or might cut corners on the job.

Get it in writing. Draw up a contract detailing the entire project, to save any headaches and miscommunication down the road.

Payment. Don’t pay in cash- keep all logs of payments, including the dates, amounts, and what exactly was paid for. Use check or credit card only.

Some final key tips to keep in mind: The contractor should have at least 4-5 years experience. They should have insurance, notably liability and worker’s compensation to protect against any mishaps. The contractor should also have several references, provide cost breakdowns for jobs, and be flexible, willing to work with you as a homeowner to make sure all your specifications are met.

Whether you’ve built your dream home or added on a great new addition, make sure you and your family get the best protection. Homeowners throughout Connecticut and Southern New England look to the Byrnes Agency to protect their homes in the event of damage or liability. We take pride in the fact that so many residents trust us with one of their most valuable assets, and because of this we take the time and care needed to make sure our customers understand the various options available to them. Contact us today for more information.

Cancellation. Sometimes unexplained events happen that cause you to cancel or postpone your wedding. Cancelling the venue, catering and flowers can mean multiple lost deposits that add up quickly.

Attire. Your dress and jewelry are incredibly special investments-they can also run you thousands of dollars. Make sure to protect your dream dress from any mishaps.

Weather. The least predictable component of your outdoor wedding, it one of the biggest stressors on the event and can cause cancellations or postponements.

Vendors. Another top insurance claim is vendor and venue issues. This includes venue related problems, flowers and photos not being delivered, and DJ’s not showing up.

Whether you’re the bride and groom or the parents of the lovely couple, planning a wedding is both exciting and stressful.

Don’t get bogged down with doom and gloom thoughts of “what if this happened” on your wedding day. Protect all the hard work and love you’ve put into planning your event by getting wedding insurance with Byrnes Agency. Get the best coverage to protect your Connecticut Wedding. Contact us today for more information.

Using cameras and multiple sensors, the “Super Cruise” feature allows cars to adaptively adjust their speed, keeps the vehicle centered in the lane, and steer and brake in highway driving. Current Cadillac models already have a juvenile version of the Super Cruise; many are able to automatically break and adjust cruising speeds based on other vehicles nearby.

The difference between the two technologies is the purpose. According to GM, the Super Cruise is meant to be a safety feature, not a personal chauffeur. The Super Cruise only works in good weather- weather conditions that hide lane markings or interfere with the GPS will force the driver to grab the wheel.

Google’s self-driving vehicle on the other hand, is meant to be an entirely autonomous vehicle. The car is equipped with the Velodyne 64-beam laser range-finder mounted onto the car’s roof. The device scans laser measurements and uses them to record a 3D model of the world. The 3D image correlates to high resolution maps; based on the correlations, it creates a route that avoids obstacles and obeys traffic rules.

In addition, according to PC World, Google’s vehicle is equipped with radar, GPS and an inertial measurement unit to help keep the vehicle on course.

Interestingly, self-driving cars could change your driving habits. Google’s for example, is programmed to be especially courteous; it yields to all pedestrians, and adheres to all road rules.

Whether or not your car drives itself, you still want to get the best protection available for you and your family. We spend so much time in our cars, driving to work, doing errands, taking the kids to school and all their extracurricular activities.

That’s why it’s so important to have the right Personal Auto insurance in place. The Byrnes Agency provides individuals throughout Connecticut and the country with auto insurance plans to protect against unforeseen damages and injuries. Contact us today for more information.

Understand your time horizon. If you’re looking for a short-term buy, you want to think about whether the place is a good investment. If you’re planning to settle down, factors such as the local school system or a larger lot to make room for future re-models might be important factors to consider.

Know the market conditions. Investigate the surrounding area. What comparable properties have sold over the past 3-6 months? Having knowledge of the surrounding area will keep you better informed.

Search and buy within your means. Don’t make any assumptions- cost of living continues to go up, so make sure you don’t purchase something you can’t afford down the line.

Don’t get sucked in by appearances. Sellers will present their home in the best possible light. Imagine the room with your furniture, and how it will fit your lifestyle, rather than how the house is now. Disregard any staging furniture that could cloud your vision of the house.

Have questions prepared. How old is the roof, heating system, hot water heater? What is the general cost of utilities? Ask detailed questions about the property- sellers and their agents should be prepared to answer them.

Make sure you’re covered. Your home is one the most important purchases you will ever make. Get the best protection possible to cover you against any future damage or liability with homeowners insurance.

At Byrnes Agency we specialize in providing Connecticut homeowners Insurance throughout the Connecticut and Southern New England area with comprehensive coverage. We take pride in the fact that so many residents trust us with one of their most valuable assets. Contact us today for more information.

Comforter. The bed is the main focus of the room and at times will double as a couch, lounge, or study area. Pick a durable comforter that won’t show dirt. It will also be the central feature of the room, so make sure to pick a color scheme they like. Keep in mind that most beds are extra long, so make sure to purchase sheets and comforters that fit.

Care package. Leave a little bit of home behind for your college freshman to discover later. Pack a box with their favorite treats, gift cards to local eateries, and a note. It will help combat any homesickness (which they’ll deny ever having).

Kitchen essentials. Some schools have restrictions on what type of kitchen items you can bring into your dorm. Most allow refrigerators, but may not allow microwaves. A lot of dorms however, will have a kitchenette students can use. Outfit your freshman with at least one set of dishes, utensils, and a coffee mug as well as snack to get them through those late night study sessions.

Organization & Wall Décor. Making the transition from their own room to sharing space can be difficult- having a few organizational details is essential. Raise the bed with cement blocks or bed risers to make more room for under-bed storage space. Closet organizers are a great way to keep shoes and clothes neatly aligned. Bring frames of friends and family members and posters to liven up drab walls.

Check your insurance policy. If your child is living in a dorm, then typically your homeowners’ policy would cover their belongings for a limited amount This depends on the type of policy and the insurance company that issued the policy. If they are living in an apartment, then renters insurance is a great option.

The Byrnes Agency offers college students Renters insurance at very reasonable prices. The policy will cover personal property in the event it’s damaged as a result of fire, storm, theft, etc. Take the extra step to make sure your child is protected even when they leave home. Contact us today for more information.