In this episode of Ask Danny, arborist Billy Allen offers his expert tips on planting and pruning. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
In this episode of Ask Danny, arborist Billy Allen offers his expert tips on planting and pruning.
Billy is an ISA Certified Arborist, AUFA Certified Urban Forester, an ALNLA Certified Landscape Professional, and many more.
He’s the owner and operator of Top Notch Tree Care, where he provides services such as residential and commercial pruning and/or removal as well as consulting services for pre-construction preservation of trees, disease diagnosis and treatment, and health and structural assessments. He also provides plant health care services such as tree fertilizing, pesticide application, and soil compaction mitigation.
Arborists say the best time to plant a tree is when it goes into dormancy. (KatarzynaBialasiewicz, Getty Images Pro)
When to Plant
What’s the best time of the year to plant?
Billy: For the best time to plant a tree, the overwhelming majority of the time it’s going to be as the tree goes into dormancy — late fall, early winter. When you’re planting a tree, you’re going to lose a lot of roots, so you want the heat stress on the plant to be as low as it possibly can be.
The exception would be citrus trees. You want to plant those after the last frost of the springtime because a good freeze can be detrimental to them.
The biggest problem I see people do when planting has to do with depth. Deeper is not better. Think about it this way: Who plants a tree in the forest? The answer is no one. A seed falls on top of the ground, organic material covers it up, and it sprouts.
You want the topmost root of that plant, whether it’s a tree or shrub, to be at or just above grade. If you have a lot of clay in the soil, incorporate something into the soil to mitigate that very fine material. You want to till out three to four times beyond the size of the root ball and prepare that soil so it’s more advantageous for the roots to grow out.
You can prune any time of year as long as you’re doing it correctly. (prathan chorruangsak, Canva)
When to Prune
When’s the best time to prune a tree?
Billy: You can prune any time of year as long as you’re doing it correctly. I see a lot of incorrect pruning, especially on crepe myrtles, azaleas and live oak trees.
It’s important to make the cuts at the right spot and not defoliate the plant more than what should be done in a growing season should be considered. If you do that, you can prune 365 days a year.
If you’re going to do aggressive pruning, like with crepe myrtles, you need to do it during the dormant season.
With flowering plants, there are so many things you have to consider, but there’s a thing called the May rule. If your plants are blooming before May, prune them just after they bloom. This includes camellias and azaleas. For plants that bloom after May, prune them during the dormant season.
After you’ve made your pruning cuts, don’t put sealant on it. The healing process occurs chemically inside the tree.
It’s actually walling off that area of dead tissue and keeping that decay confined to that particular area. What you do to the outside has no bearing.
A tree’s health can fail for many reasons, such as lack of water, nutrient deficiency, pest infestations, and diseases. (HendrikDB, Getty Images)
Tree Health
How do you ensure a healthy tree/shrub?
Billy: It really has a lot to do with the initial establishment of the plant, how that plant grows and thrives from the initial installment forward.
My advice as an arborist is to make sure the soil is prepped correctly and follow the spacing guidelines.
What are some reasons for a tree’s failing health?
Billy: Concerning tree health, the number one thing I see is root damage, especially in mature trees. Whether it’s compaction, cutting of roots, grade changes, or changes in the direction of the flow of water, all of those things will negatively impact a tree.
Mature trees are a lot less tolerant than smaller trees when you’re talking about caring for their roots.
How much damage can a tree’s root system take before it begins to harm the tree?
Billy: It’s subjective. People ask me all the time “how much of these roots can I lose and still keep the tree?” The answer is, I can’t tell you.
The easiest way to explain it is to think of a dinner plate. The dinner plate is all of the feeder roots of the tree. Then imagine a wine glass with a stem. The pedestal of that stem is the structural root plate of the tree. You can lose a lot of the dinner plate and the tree is still structurally sound.
Healthwise, it depends on how much of the dinner plate you lose as to how the tree will survive moving forward, and that is a very difficult question to answer.
I suggest having a qualified arborist look at the tree and give you an assessment because every site is going to be different and every tree is going to be different.
My general answer is save as much as you can.
A flower bed around a tree is a great way to add a splash of color to your yard, but be sure the soil doesn’t smother the tree’s roots. (HoleInTheBucket, Getty Images)
Garden Beds Around Trees
What are your thoughts on putting a raised garden bed around the trunk of a tree?
Billy: You don’t want to pile dirt up around the tree in any form. There are some tolerance levels there, depending on what kind of soil you’re working with.
Sand is more porous so you can get away with more sand on top of the root than you can clay.
It’s all about air infiltration down to the feeder roots. Those have to have oxygen and if you pile a bunch of dirt on top, they’ll suffocate and then the tree will decline.
Keep the root flare (where the first main roots attach to the trunk) exposed. When you see trees that look like a pencil coming on out of the ground, that means the root flare is buried.
Where to Find an Arborist
An arborist can help diagnose any problems that a tree may have and provide advice on how to best care for it. (welcomia, Canva)
There’s a science behind what we do. Without knowing how to do that, it’s impossible to achieve proper maintenance or health strategies. Go to treesaregood.org to find a local arborist.
Do you feel like you have too much stuff? You’re not alone:
It’s undeniable: Americans are drowning in stuff. The rise of fast fashion, “fast furniture,” and wasteful habits have all contributed to this problem.
And yet, there are many families in need that cannot afford basic necessities like clothing.
If you want to free yourself from clutter, there’s no time like the present to assess your belongings and break the cycle of overconsumption. You’ll be less stressed, less anxious and can even feel more self-confident. You’ll also be giving back to your community if you donate any items.
If you don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered: Start with our room-by-room checklist.
Top Decluttering Tips For Your Home: Room-by-Room Checklist
The first rule of decluttering is: Don’t try to tackle everything all at once. Organizing and decluttering gives you a huge sense of accomplishment, but if you try to take on too much, you’ll just get overwhelmed.
Instead, break up your decluttering mission by room. Then break it down even further. Go one cabinet, drawer or shelf at a time. This is especially true if you have a lot of stuff in your house that needs to be donated, thrown out or reorganized. If you focus on one small section of your home at a time, you’ll have a clear organization plan and ultimately accomplish more.
The bathroom is often overlooked when it comes to organizing, but this room can easily start overflowing with expired, old products. If your bathroom is full of forgotten skincare serums, unused Bath & Body Works gift sets or foundations that aren’t quite your shade, it may be time to reevaluate.
Credit: Kostikova / Getty Images
Additional tips for decluttering the bathroom:
Some makeup and toiletry products expire after a few months, so throw out anything that is past its expiration date. In the future, you can label the date you open makeup products so that you know when they’ve gotten old.
Reassess your bathroom routines and the products you use every few months to avoid overbuying.
To maximize the functionality of your bathroom, keep only the products you use the most out on the counter, and put the rest away in drawers or bins.
The Bedroom
Your bedroom should be your “zen” space. But all too often, it becomes a dumping ground for piles of laundry, empty water cups and artwork you’ve been meaning to hang up for months (or even years). You don’t need to be overwhelmed by the mess — start one step at a time:
Additional tips for decluttering the bedroom:
Tackle a bedroom decluttering project in stages. Organizing your nightstand, dresser and closet separately can prevent an organization project from becoming unruly.
Being selective about which items you want sitting out can make your space feel less cluttered and makes surfaces easier to clean.
Utilizing floating shelves, wall hooks and under-the-bed storage appropriately can help maximize your storage and display space.
The Closet and Clothing
For many people, clothing is the largest source of clutter in the home. An overabundance of clothing can not only overfill your closet and drawers, but spill into other aspects of your life as well. It makes doing laundry, keeping your space organized and just choosing outfits each morning more stressful than necessary.
Credit: AndreyPopov / Getty Images
Additional tips for decluttering the closet:
When going through your closet, have a close friend or family member help you decide what to keep or get rid of. Having someone else there can encourage you to get rid of more items.
When organizing your clothing, take account of what you have. Make a list of any items you actually need. When you’re out shopping for clothes, don’t buy anything new that is not on the list. This makes it easier to stop yourself from buying unnecessary clothing.
If there are items that you haven’t worn much but would like to, hang them up in a prominent place in your closet. You’re more likely to wear something when it’s in your line of sight.
The Kitchen
Although it’s important for every room in your home to work for you, the functionality of your kitchen may be the most important. Who wants to cook in a disorganized, overflowing mess of a kitchen? Once you declutter your kitchen, you’ll be excited to make delicious, home-cooked meals again.
Additional kitchen organization tips:
Store holiday items or other items you use rarely in higher cabinets or away in storage containers.
If you need additional storage space in your kitchen, try using a rolling cart. You can move it out of the way when it’s not in use, and it can make kitchen tools more accessible.
Storing pans, baking sheets and other kitchen tools vertically rather than horizontally can prevent you from pulling everything out when you need to find one item.
The Living Room
The living room is the focal point of your home. When you have guests over, it’s almost guaranteed that they will spend time in the living room. But you want to enjoy the space, too.
That’s why you should use your living room to highlight the items you love the most, and store away items you don’t want to look at. You’ll enjoy relaxing in your living room more, and the items you display can serve as awesome conversation starters.
Additional living room organization tips:
If extra throw pillows and blankets are taking up space in your living room, try putting them in an ottoman with built-in storage.
If your living room tends to be a “catchall” space for random household items, try adding a collection basket for your family to use instead. Rather than immediately throwing items on the floor or tables, they can put things in the basket to be put away in the correct place later.
The perfect time to complete home renovations is after a declutter. New built-in storage, energy-efficient windows, hardwood flooring or simply a new coat of paint can transform your home and make it even more impressive to guests.
What Items Should You Keep, Throw Out or Donate to Charity?
Making decisions about what to keep, give or throw away can be difficult. When going through your stuff, focus first on the purpose each item serves and how it makes you feel. You should predominantly keep things you genuinely enjoy, care about or use.
10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Decluttering and Organizing
When deciding what to keep, throw away or donate, the two most important questions to ask yourself are: Do I love it? Do I use it?
However, the reality is that the sorting process is not always that simple. If you’re having trouble deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, dig a little deeper with these questions:
Do I love this item?
How frequently do I use this item?
Will I use this item in the near future?
Is this item broken?
If so, will I really repair it?
Do I already have an item that serves the same purpose as this?
Will not having this item impact my daily life?
Is this item worth the clutter it’s creating?
Does this item serve who I am today?
Would I buy this item again?
If you’re grappling with the idea of permanently getting rid of items, try setting them aside. Put items you may want to get rid of in a box that you can put away for a couple of months. If you don’t reach for any of those items during that time, take those items to your nearest donation center.
What Items Can You Donate to Charity?
Some items can’t be dropped off at your local Salvation Army, Goodwill Community Foundation or other large charitable organization. These restrictions are often in place due to safety or size guidelines.
That being said, you may still be able to donate certain items elsewhere. For instance, items like eyeglasses, large appliances and medical devices are not accepted by larger organizations. However, there are smaller charities that accept these items specifically.
Things you can donate:
Clothing
Household items and small appliances
Jewelry and accessories
Books
Computers
Furniture
To learn more about what items Goodwill accepts, click here.
Credit: Grace Cary / Getty Images
Things you should only donate at designated charities or locations:
Eyeglasses
Large appliances
Exercise equipment
Old TVs and other large electronics
Stuffed animals and pillows
Hearing aids
Walkers and wheelchairs
Cribs
Other medical or mobility devices
Things you can’t donate:
Old mattresses
Used toiletries, cosmetics or haircare products
Damaged or stained furniture or clothing
Hazardous materials, including medical supplies, weapons or cleaning supplies
4 Charities That Help With Free Donation Pick Up
There are many charities that will pick up your large donation items, free of charge. Here are just a few:
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that aims to make housing more affordable for families all around the world. They help build and improve homes at little or no cost to families in need.
Items that Habitat for Humanity accepts: Appliances, furniture, building materials and household goods
How your donation helps: Donations help with the building and furnishing of affordable housing. Donated furniture and household items are sold at a steep discount in Habitat ReStore locations
How to schedule a donation pick up: Enter your zip code here to find your local Habitat ReStore location. You can contact your store to schedule a pickup of larger items like furniture
Learn more about Habitat for Humanity or get involved at habitat.org.
Goodwill
Goodwill is a nationwide charitable organization that uses donations to fund workforce programs and training. Its mission is to increase opportunities and economic advancement of community members through education and skillset development.
Items that Goodwill accepts: Household items, shoes, furniture, books, small appliances and more
How your donation helps: Donated items are sold in its stores at a steep discount to people in need, and profits fund workforce programs
How to schedule a donation pick up: Find your closest Goodwill store here and call to schedule a pickup for larger items
Learn more about Goodwill or get involved at goodwill.org.
Furniture Bank Network
Furniture Bank is a network of nonprofits, charities and social enterprises that share the mission of providing gently used furniture to families in need at little or no cost.
Items that the Furniture Bank Network accepts: Furniture and vehicles
How your donation helps: Furniture Bank is a community of like-minded organizations that want to help create a better living situation for low-income households
How to schedule a donation pick up: Locate your nearest furniture bank and call to organize a pickup
Learn more about the Furniture Bank Network or get involved at furniturebanks.org.
Out of the Closet
Out of the Closet was founded in the 1990s with the mission of making HIV and AIDS prevention and care more accessible. Today, 96 cents of every dollar its customers spend are donated to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Items that Out of the Closet accepts: Furniture, home goods, kitchenware, appliances, electronics, tools, musical instruments, clothing, shoes, books, estate items, artwork and more
How your donation helps: Out of the Closet funds AIDS Health Foundation’s affordable HIV prevention and healthcare services
How to schedule a donation pickup: Fill out the large item pick-up form on its website to schedule a pickup at your nearest location
Learn more about Out of the Closet or get involved at outofthecloset.org.
Places to Sell Items
There’s nothing wrong with an old-fashioned yard sale. But in the age of technology, you can maximize your earning potential (without sacrificing your Saturday morning) by selling old items online. There are plenty of local thrift and consignment shops that will pay you for clothing and home items, so there’s really nothing stopping you from earning some extra cash.
Credit: OKrasyuk / Getty Images
4 Great Places to Sell Your Stuff Online
It’s never been easier to sell your things online. These sites make it easy to start making money:
Facebook Marketplace: You can sell pretty much anything on Facebook Marketplace. The platform allows you to set the price of each item and decide whether to arrange a pickup with the buyer or opt for shipping. For step-by-step instructions on how to sell items on Facebook Marketplace, click here.
Poshmark: Poshmark is a great app if you’re looking to sell clothes and accessories, especially brand-name pieces. It’s easy to make an account and start posting your unwanted items, and if an item sells, you don’t have to worry about shipping fees. You’ll print out a prepaid shipping label to pack up and ship your package. Poshmark takes a fee for each item that you sell, and there is no option to pick up items locally. Learn more about listing on Poshmark here.
ThredUp: If you don’t want to go to the trouble of individually listing items on Poshmark or another selling app, you can use ThredUp. Once you make an account, you can order a free “Clean Out Kit.” Once you receive the kit in the mail, fill it with your unwanted clothing items and ship it back with the prepaid shipping label. The ThredUp team will sort and list your items, and you’ll make a commission when items sell. Learn more about ThredUp here.
OfferUp: OfferUp is an app that lets you sell almost anything locally. Once you post your item, interested buyers will message you and you’ll agree to a price. Then, you can either ship the item or arrange a pickup in person. The good thing about OfferUp is that you can rate buyers, so untrustworthy buyers will be penalized. Learn how to post on OfferUp here.
Local Consignment Stores
Consignment shops will pay you for items that you don’t want anymore. Large consignment store chains like Plato’s Closet, Once Upon a Child and Uptown Cheapskate will pay you on the spot for trendy, lightly worn clothing.
There are many locally owned consignment shops throughout the U.S., so do your research to find a store that fits your needs.
How to Maintain Your Home After Decluttering
We’ve all been there: you’ve finally taken the time to declutter and organize your home, but just a few weeks later, it feels like you’re wading through piles of junk again. You keep ending up back at square one.
Credit: Kilito Chan / Getty Images
This time, you want to declutter for good. Thankfully, there are simple ways to finally make your space work for you and avoid recurring cleanouts:
Create a functional space: It’s much easier to maintain the organization of a room that is functional for your needs. That means that the items you use the most should be easily accessible, while items you use less frequently can be stored up high or in the back of cabinets and closets. That way, you won’t be digging through items you rarely use just to get to an item you use daily, creating a chaotic mess.
Be mindful of what you’re bringing in: After you declutter, you’ll feel like you have so much more space in your home. But don’t let this tempt you to begin filling the space with new objects and start the cycle all over again. Instead of using your recent declutter to justify buying more stuff, use it as an opportunity to enjoy what you already own. Of course, bringing in some new items is inevitable, so try practicing the “one in, one out” method: Whenever you get a new item, donate or give away an old one.
Use labels: When you’re decluttering and organizing, labels are a great way to categorize your items. Not only will you always remember where things are, but labeling also makes it easier to maintain your newly organized space.
Get your family on board: Chances are, if you live with other people in your home (especially kids), you understand the struggle of painstakingly cleaning and organizing a space just to see it torn up again in a matter of days (or hours, or minutes). Involving your family in the decluttering process and setting expectations can help get your family on board with maintaining a clean space.
Make organizing fun: That being said, if you have kids in your home, they may be resistant to the decluttering and cleaning process. Try making the process as fun as possible: incorporate bright-colored sorting bins, turn on some music or make cleaning and sorting a game. You can also explain to older kids that the items they donate can be used by people in need, so everyone feels good about giving.
Set aside organization time each week: We’d love organizing and decluttering to be a “one and done” deal, but the reality is that even the most organized space requires maintenance. To avoid spending a whole day (or days) decluttering again, set aside time each week for maintenance. It doesn’t have to take long — just 15 minutes goes a long way in preventing items from piling up.
Benefits of Decluttering and Why You Should Donate
It goes without saying that decluttering is good for your peace of mind and donating items helps people in need. Here are just some of the benefits of decluttering:
Furthers the life-cycle of your gently used belongings, which reduces your carbon footprint: Donating items extends the life of your items, and prevents them from ending up in a landfill.
Charitable donations are tax deductible: To learn if your donations are tax-deductible, keep reading here.
Helps provide affordable furniture and clothing to families in need: As we mentioned above, charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill resell your donations at a very low cost so families in need can afford to furnish their homes.
You get to enjoy your items more: The simple fact is that you cannot enjoy items that are hidden in the back of a closet, under piles of junk or hanging out on the floor. When the items in our house are actually items we actively chose to keep and appreciate, we get to enjoy them more.
Reduces stress and anxiety: A study from the University of Connecticut concluded that removing clutter directly reduced stress and anxiety, and even increased self-confidence. It’s true — don’t you feel better when your surroundings are clean and organized?
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) is a home warranty company that offers comprehensive warranty coverage with three different plans and affordable pricing. Established in 2017, Liberty Home Guard may not have as robust experience as other providers, but its exceptional reputation, affordability and extensive add-on coverage make it one of the best home warranty companies in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard is available in every state except Wisconsin and Washington, which makes it an excellent choice for thousands of homeowners within the U.S. Learn more about Liberty Home Guard by reading our extensive review below to better determine if it is the right home warranty provider for you.
Using our jump link table of contents to find what you’re most interested in for this review on Liberty Home Guard.
Liberty Home Guard is an excellent choice for home warranty coverage. This provider not only has excellent coverage options but also affordable rates, a simple claims process and an unbeatable reputation.
Our experts analyzed Liberty Home Guard and evaluated the company in six categories to determine an overall score out of 100. Liberty Home Guard received a score of 93, giving it an overall rating of 4.7 stars. The chart below summarizes our results and you can learn more about each category in the following sections.
We explain our review methodology and what we look for below.
Plans and Coverage of Liberty Home Guard
Score: 25.5 / 24 points
Pros
Liberty Home Guard offers three distinct plans to cover either your appliances, built-in systems or a combination of both. The company’s Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans cover your major household appliances and your major systems, respectively. However, if you want comprehensive coverage, the Total Home Guard plan is the perfect option to protect against home appliance and system breakdowns. This comprehensive plan covers 15 systems and appliances, whereas other companies offer plans that cover eight to 13 items.
What sets Liberty Home Guard apart from other providers is the company’s 42 coverage add-on options to protect luxury items like swimming pools and electronics. Most other providers offer less than 15 items for additional coverage, making LHG warranties the most customizable.
Cons
While Liberty Home Guard’s most inexpensive plan offers excellent basic coverage, it does not cover household systems. So if you want to cover major systems, such as your air conditioner, you’ll need to choose the most expensive plan.
While Liberty Home Guard offers more ways to customize your plan, the biggest drawback to having so many additional options is the additional monthly cost. The more add-ons you include in your plan, the higher your monthly premium will be.
We go into more detail on Liberty Home Guard’s plans and coverage below.
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Affordability of Liberty Home Guard
Score: 20 / 22.5 points
Pros
The national average cost of home warranty plans is $50 per month, and Liberty hovers right around that price point for both its Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans. Warranties from Liberty Home Guard range from $49.99 to $59.99 per month. This means that for less than $2 per day, you can benefit from Liberty’s most comprehensive coverage plan.
More than 25 of Liberty Home Guard’s additional services cost less than $15 per month, which makes these add-ons affordable for most homeowners. This makes it easy to customize your plan to your unique needs.
Cons
Liberty Home Guard offers numerous add-ons, but some are more expensive than add-ons offered by other home warranty companies. For example, LHG will cover your swimming pool for an extra $19.99 per month, whereas you can protect your pool with another home warranty company for less than $15 per month.
Your service call fee from Liberty Home Guard may be as low as $65 depending on the service, but that fee can also be as high as $125 per call. Unlike some other home warranty companies, you cannot choose your service call fee with Liberty Home Guard. This means you may not know how much you’ll pay to have a technician sent to your home, and this cost could be more expensive than the average.
Some home warranty companies have no cancellation fee, but unfortunately, Liberty Home Guard is not one of them. If you cancel your plan after 30 days, you will need to pay a $50 fee.
We go into more detail on the cost of Liberty Home Guard below.
Home Warranty Resources
Customer Experience of Liberty Home Guard
Score: 14.5 / 18.5 points
Pros
Customers rave about Liberty Home Guard’s knowledgeable and friendly representatives that go out of their way to explain each coverage plan in detail. In addition, many customers report quick response times, around-the-clock support and positive experiences when filing claims. There are very few complaints about Liberty Home Guard on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, but the company’s customer service team actively works to address all customer concerns as they arise
Getting a quote from Liberty is easy — you can receive an instant, personalized home warranty quote online that allows you to compare different plans, rates and add-on coverage. This allows you to create a customized plan that fits your needs and monthly budget.
Cons
When you enter your information on Liberty Home Guard’s website to receive your free quote, you will receive calls, text messages and emails from company representatives. Although these individuals are friendly and helpful, the sheer volume of contacts you receive can be overwhelming. On the first day alone, our reviewers were contacted 13 times. Three weeks later, the same reviewer continued to receive daily text messages and marketing emails.
Company Reputation of Liberty Home Guard
Score: 15.5 / 17.5 points
Pros
Liberty Home Guard has one of the best reputations of all home warranty companies. It has an A- rating with the BBB and 4.7 stars on Google Reviews, which solidifies its reputation as a trustworthy company. Furthermore, LHG has a 4.6-star rating on Glassdoor, which indicates that the company cares as much about its employees as it does its customers.
Cons
While Liberty Home Guard has excellent ratings and an active customer service team that responds to complaints, it lost points in this category due to its few years in business and a 2020 lawsuit in which a customer sued over frequency of contact. While some companies have more than 50 years of experience in the home warranty industry, Liberty has only been in business for five years.
We’ve included some customer reviews of Liberty Home Guard from the BBB below.
Claims Process of Liberty Home Guard
Score: 12.5 / 12.5 points
Pros
Liberty Home Guard is well known for its easy claims process and responsive customer service team. Many online customer reviews report excellent customer care once they file a claim, and some even say it is the easiest claim process they have experienced. Once you submit your claim online or over the phone, it takes less than 48 hours for it to be approved.
Similar to other home warranty providers, Liberty has a 30-day waiting period before you can submit a claim. After this waiting period is over, you can begin making claims.
Cons
Although the claims process is often smooth, some Liberty customers report longer wait times because technicians are required to submit pictures before they can begin work. This means you will sometimes need to schedule multiple appointments before your home system or appliance is fixed.
We’ve included a step-by-step outline of Liberty Home Guard’s claims process below.
Availability of Liberty Home Guard
Score: 5 / 5 points
Pros
Liberty Home Guard is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, and covers 48 states except for Wisconsin and Washington. Because of its wide coverage area, Liberty receives full marks in this category.
Cons
Liberty Home Guard serves 96% of the U.S., but due to service exclusions, homeowners in Washington and Wisconsin are currently unable to obtain home warranties through this provider.
Liberty Home Guard Plans, Costs and Coverage
The national average for a monthly home warranty is $50 per month, and Liberty Home Guard meets that rate with its Appliance Guard plan. Even so, the company’s Systems Guard and Total Home Guard plans are also affordable, starting at $54.99 per month and $59.99 per month respectively.
If you add items to your plan, your monthly rate will increase. All items covered under Liberty’s home warranty service cost between $3.99 per month and $35.99 per month, but most items are within the $8 to $15 per month range.
Every time you call Liberty Home Guard to submit a claim, you will pay a service call fee. This fee will range from $65 to $125, but the exact amount depends on the service you require.
Appliance Guard Monthly Cost
Systems GuardMonthly Cost
Total Home Guard Monthly Cost
Starting at $49.99
Starting at $54.99
Starting at $59.99
Liberty Home Guard Appliance Guard Plan: The Appliance Guard plan is perfect for homeowners who want just the basics covered. If you don’t have central air conditioning or have older appliances, you should invest in this plan. It covers eight major household appliances — including your dryer, washer, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, cooktop, garage door opener and exhaust fan.
Liberty Home Guard System Guard Plan: If you just bought new appliances and only want to cover your major home systems, then the System Guard plan is for you. It covers your HVAC systems, ductwork, electrical systems, plumbing systems and water heater.
Liberty Home Guard Total Home Guard Plan: The Total Home Guard plan is ideal for homeowners who want complete peace of mind. It includes everything in the Appliance Guard and System Guard Plans, covering a total of 15 home systems and appliances.
The table below shows a side-by-side comparison of what is covered under each Liberty Home Guard warranty plan.
Appliance Plan
Systems Plan
Total Home Guard Plan
Clothes Dryer
✓
X
✓
Clothes Washer
✓
X
✓
Kitchen Refrigerator
✓
X
✓
Built-in Microwave Oven
✓
X
✓
Dishwasher
✓
X
✓
Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
✓
X
✓
Ceiling and Exhaust Fans
✓
X
✓
Garage Door Openers
✓
X
✓
Air Conditioning
X
✓
✓
Heating
X
✓
✓
Ductwork
X
✓
✓
Plumbing
X
✓
✓
Electrical
X
✓
✓
Water Heater
X
✓
✓
What Optional Add-ons Does Liberty Home Guard Offer?
Liberty Home Guard offers the most customizable home warranty plans because of its many available add-ons. Along with the basic home system and appliance coverage, you can choose to add up to 42 additional items to your home warranty, including:
Pool
Spa
Additional Spa
Well Pump
Sump Pump
Central Vacuum
Septic System Pumping
Stand Alone Freezer
Limited Roof Leak
Lighting Fixtures
Re-Key
Water Softener
Lawn Sprinkler System
Electronics Protection
Swamp Cooler
Ejector Pump
Second Refrigerator
Trash Compactor
Ice Maker (Fridge)
Freestanding Ice Maker
Wine Cooler
Salt Water Pool
Generator
Plumbing Fixture
Grinder Pump
Water Dispenser Water Line
Instant Hot Water Dispenser
Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
Casita Guest Unit
TV Mounting
Along with additional items in your home, you can also pay a monthly fee for home services:
Window Washing and Cleaning
Gutter Cleaning
Pest Control
Carpet Cleaning
Power Washing (Exterior Flooring)
Finally, your basic Liberty Home Guard warranty does not cover luxury appliances. If you have these items in your home, you can upgrade your coverage to include the following:
Pro Series Refrigerator
Pro Series Range/Oven/Cooktop
Pro Series Dishwasher
Pro Series Microwave
Pro Series Washing Machine
Pro Series Clothes Dryer
Pro Series Stand Alone Freezer
Does Liberty Home Guard Have Any Exclusions?
Similar to other home warranty providers, Liberty Home Guard does have limitations and exclusions to its home warranty coverage. Keep in mind that Liberty only covers damage due to normal wear and tear, so if you want to get the most out of your home warranty, make sure to keep all maintenance records.
Your Liberty Home Guard home warranty will not cover the following:
Routine maintenance
Damage due to lack of maintenance or human error
Improper installation or previous repairs
Corrosion or rust
Commercial grade equipment
Luxury appliances
Smart technology and devices
Repair of cosmetic defects
Does Liberty Home Guard Have Any Coverage Limits?
For all items included in the Appliance Guard, Systems Guard and Total Home Guard plans, coverage is limited to $2,000 per item. For all additional covered items, the limit is $500 per item. This amount applies per policy period, meaning it resets after 365 days from the date of purchase.
Liberty Home Guard Customer Reviews
Many Liberty Home Guard customers have posted both positive and negative reviews on the BBB website. We’ve included a few of these home warranty reviews below.
Positive Reviews of Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard has hundreds of online reviews that highlight positive customer experiences. Customer satisfaction is evident from many reviews on the BBB, and many Liberty customers rave about the amount of money saved, knowledgeable representatives and a smooth claims process.
They [Liberty Home Guard] met my expectations when they replaced my garbage disposal in four days. They exceeded my expectations when they replaced my air conditioner in two weeks. I saved around a hundred dollars on the garbage disposal replacement, because of the deductible and the fact that the garbage disposal issue was determined to be pre-existing. I saved about $1,200 when they replaced my AC. All in, I am up about $1,180 and I am very happy so far. I hope to continue to get more and more value from this policy. But really, so far the plan is worth every cent I have paid for it.
— Amber C., 11/18/2022
Liberty’s team has been extremely reliable and saved us more than a significant amount of money on repairs so far. Their technicians just give off the aura of being very skilled and polished and probably most importantly, seem extremely motivated to help. We actually originally got our policy with them as a gift from our realtor about three years ago and have used the service now and again on a semi-regular basis. On our last claim, Brian R. really helped us out. As a homeowner, Liberty Home Guard’s protection has proven to be very worthwhile.
— Madeline C., 11/14/22
Negative Reviews of Liberty Home Guard
Some Liberty Home Guard customers report long wait times on the phone and the need to schedule multiple technician appointments to complete a repair. Liberty often requires service technicians to submit pictures of home appliances and systems before they can be repaired, which can delay repairs by several days.
[The] deductible is too high, there’s a waiting period before you can file a claim and they require the plumber to submit photos before approving. That means two appointments I had to take off work for, one for the photo and one for him to actually fix the issue.
— Rick M., 07/19/2022
Liberty Home Guard vs Other Home Warranty Companies
Before you choose a home warranty provider, it’s important to research the providers available in your area. Below you can see how Liberty Home Guard compares to other top home warranty companies.
Provider
Best For
Monthly Cost
Service Fee
BBB Rating
Years in Business
Liberty Home Guard
Most Customizable
$49.99 – $69.99+
$65.00 – $125.00
A –
5
American Home Shield
First-time Homeowners
$49.99 – $99.99+
$75.00 – $125.00
B
51
Choice Home Warranty
Value
$46.83 -$54.75
$85.00
D+
13
Select Home Warranty
Most Affordable Service Fee
$60.42 – $63.75+
$60.00 – $75.00
B-
10
AFC Home Club
Most Added Benefits
$30.00 – $50.00+
$75.00 – $125.00
B
13
2-10 Home Warranty
Kitchen Appliances
$17.00 – $60.00+
$65 – $100
B
39
How to File a Claim With Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard customers can report a claim around the clock, any time during the week. This 24/7 coverage offers peace of mind knowing if something goes wrong in your home, you just have to file a claim online or call customer service as soon as you notice the malfunction.
Liberty Home Guard also offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee. So if a technician has repaired one of your home systems and the system fails again within 60 days, Liberty will send a technician to repair it at no additional charge.
FAQ: Liberty Home Guard
Is Liberty Home Guard legitimate?
Liberty Home Guard is a legitimate home warranty business with great customer reviews online. This company is among the most highly rated of all home warranty companies, so we consider it a great option for your home warranty needs.
Does Liberty Home Guard cover pre-existing conditions?
Liberty Home Guard does not cover any known or unknown pre-existing conditions. According to an online sample contract, Liberty will only cover the cost to repair or replace systems and appliances that are installed and in good working condition when your service contract begins.
Does Liberty Home Guard cover roof leaks?
Liberty Home Guard offers roof leak protection for an additional $11.99 per month. This will get you $500 of coverage per term, but the coverage does not include partial or complete roof replacement. It only applies to the roof leak patching that presides over living space in a single-family residence.
Does Liberty Home Guard require a home inspection?
Liberty Home Guard does not require a home inspection for you to take out a home warranty policy, and the company will cover your home systems and appliances regardless of age. But these systems and appliances must be in working order when you sign your warranty contract to receive coverage.
How do you cancel a Liberty Home Guard policy?
You can cancel your Liberty Home Guard warranty by calling the customer service line. If you cancel your policy within the first 30 days, you will get a full refund. But if you cancel after 30 days, you will have to pay a $50 cancellation fee.
How We Evaluated Liberty Home Guard Against Our Review Criteria
To help consumers like you choose the best home warranty companies for your home, we dive deep into every top-rated home warranty company and rate them based on six factors. Once we research a company and have gathered all our data, we use the following scoring system to grade each home warranty company on a 100-point scale. We then convert the score to a 5-star rating.
Plans + Coverage Options (24 Possible Points): Since every customer has different needs and a different budget, we award more points to providers that offer more plans and greater flexibility. Liberty Home Guard does exceptionally well in this category because it offers three different plans and dozens of add-ons that allow for plan customization.
Affordability (22.5 Possible Points): Cost is an important factor because many homeowners choose home warranties to avoid high payments for home appliance repairs. We evaluate each company based on its plans and additional services, service call fees and cancellation terms. Liberty’s Home Guard’s plans are each affordable at less than $2 per day, and the add-on coverage allows for customers to customize their plan to suit their needs and budget.
Customer Experience (18.5 Possible Points): Your experience as a customer is important, including the support you receive when contacting a home warranty provider. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews, conducting homeowner surveys and going through the quotes process. Liberty Home Guard has great online customer reviews and an easy claims process, which means it scores high in this category.
Company Reputation (17.5 Possible Points): A company’s reputation is a combination of reviews from customers and reputable organizations like the BBB. We also take into account the years of experience a company has, how satisfied its employees are and any past or pending lawsuits. Liberty has an excellent A- rating with the BBB and 4.7 stars on Google Reviews, so it does well in this category.
Claims Process (12.5 Possible Points): In this category, we look at the overall claims process, including how easy it is to file a claim and a company’s response time. Liberty Home Guard’s claims process is simple and customers can contact a customer service representative 24/7.
Availability (5 Possible Points): Availability refers to how many states and locations a company serves. Liberty Home Guard does well in this category because it offers home warranties in 48 states, only excluding Wisconsin and Washington.
According to a national poll by the AARP, three out of four adults over age 50 want to “age in place” — or stay in their home as they get older. However, a poll from the University of Michigan reported that only 15% of seniors have seriously considered how to renovate their homes to accommodate their needs as they age.
Why the disconnect? Many seniors aren’t sure if they can afford to hire help or renovate their homes. Others believe they will eventually have to move anyway, despite wanting to “age in place.” Or sometimes, the idea of making plans for the future can just feel daunting.
Luckily, many resources are available to help seniors live safely in their homes.
Why is Home Safety Important for Seniors?
The vast majority of people would like to continue living in their homes as they get older. However, homes can pose accessibility issues and safety risks for older people. One major risk for seniors living in their homes is falling:
Risk factors like vitamin D deficiency, the use of certain medications and difficulties walking can lead to falls. However, home hazards like clutter on the floor, uneven steps or slippery bathroom floors are serious fall risks that you can avoid with some preparation.
Homes can be designed with safety in mind, and home improvements for seniors can reduce the risk of falls and increase accessibility. Despite this, only 36% of respondents in an AARP poll said they plan to renovate their house so they can continue living there as they age.
What is Aging in Place?
Aging in place is when you choose to stay in your home as you age rather than move to a retirement community, assisted living facility or nursing home.
In order to age in place successfully, you have to anticipate your changing needs and prepare accordingly. Although you will continue living in your home, you may need additional support caring for yourself, doing chores, preparing meals or generally moving around your home.
Pros and Cons of Aging in Place for the Elderly
Everyone’s needs and living situations are different. As time passes, your needs will likely change as well. If you do choose to age in place, you should reassess your needs regularly with a close family member, friend or caretaker to see if you need additional support.
Pros of Aging in Place
More independence and autonomy in your own home
More comfort living in your own space
More familiar with the layout and features of your home
You can stay connected with your neighbors and community
Cons of Aging in Place
Getting around can become more difficult as you get older
Navigating stairs and household dangers can pose a risk
As aging advances, caring for oneself and your home can become challenging
Meeting new people and finding companionship can be harder
Caregivers and Aging in Place
If you are a caregiver for an older person, there’s a chance your responsibilities will change as the person you care for ages. But your role can also change day-to-day. Whether you are a friend, family member or professional caregiver, you’ll want to establish the needs of the person you are caring for.
Below are some baseline questions concerning household tasks, accessibility and community that you can review with the person you are caring for. The questions can help you determine if their home is safe to age in place and what level of care is needed.
Household Tasks
Can you complete household tasks like lawn care, grocery shopping, cleaning and laundry without assistance?
Do you feel comfortable setting up your own doctor’s appointments, paying your own bills and managing your finances?
Are you able to plan and cook your own meals, or do you need me or someone else to help you with this?
Do you have a hygiene routine that you are able to complete daily? Do you remember to take your medicine and do so safely?
Accessibility
Can you walk up the stairs safely and with ease? Do you feel safe walking around your home?
Are there currently things on the floor, slippery surfaces or uneven stairs that could lead to a fall in your home?
Do you feel comfortable driving or taking public transportation alone to get where you need to go?
What changes could we make so that your home is accessible and safe?
Do you feel lonely? How often would you like someone to check in on you?
Do you have a support network of friends, neighbors, family members and care professionals?
Are you able to communicate with your loved ones regularly and in a way that is comfortable for you?
Once you understand the needs of the person you’re caring for, you can create a schedule to check in and assist your loved one as needed.
Credit: Terry Vine / Getty Images
As a caregiver, navigating these conversations with a loved one can be difficult. Many people feel embarrassed admitting they need help or do not want to acknowledge that their needs are changing. Because of this, you may not be able to have a completely candid conversation about the questions above or even have the conversation at all.
However, as a caregiver, you can use other resources to ensure that you are making the right decisions for your loved one. For starters, you can try getting the consent of your loved one to attend a doctor’s appointment with them to discuss their needs.
You can also speak to someone that the person you’re caring for trusts, like someone they live with, a very close friend or family member. This way, you can get more insight into their daily life and struggles.
Resources for Caregivers
Being a caregiver can be stressful and difficult, but it is also rewarding. As a caregiver, don’t forget to take care of yourself and find a support group to help you navigate your responsibilities.
Here are some top resources for caregivers:
Home Safety Checklist and Renovation Tips for Seniors
Planning is key to making sure your home is safe. Planning ahead, discussing your needs and completing repairs and aging-in-place remodeling before a serious accident occurs can make aging-in-place a better experience for yourself and everyone involved.
Home Safety for Seniors
If you or a loved one chooses to age in place, it’s important to assess the home’s safety. Go through the house carefully and consider certain safety factors like falls, poisoning and scams. Make a plan about what to do in case of an emergency.
Falls: Move anything off the ground that could be a tripping or slipping hazard. If you’re worried about falls, you can purchase a medical alert bracelet or necklace. As a senior aging in place, always keeping your phone on you is a good idea. You can also speak with your healthcare provider about preemptively preparing for a fall with exercise programs.
Poisoning: Improperly using or mixing medications or cleaning products can be harmful or deadly. In general, keep harsh cleaning products like bleach out of the house. Have your pharmacist confirm that you are taking all medication properly and give you large-print labels for pill bottles.
Scams: Countless scams target older people. Establish a game plan with your loved one about what you will do if you receive a suspicious call or someone shows up at your door. Never open the door to strangers or let them in your home, and never share personal information over the phone or online. If you are uncertain whether or not something is a scam, you can always say that you will get back to the person after checking the legitimacy of their business.
Of course, you want to prepare for emergencies, but it’s best to avoid them in the first place. You can make many simple renovations to ensure your home is safe and does not pose a danger to yourself or your loved ones.
Home Renovations and Remodeling for Seniors
Many homes are not designed to accommodate elderly people or people with mobility problems. To age in place safely, caregivers and seniors must carefully consider how to make the home safe, which could include home improvements and repairs.
An AARP poll found that seniors are most likely to renovate their bathrooms or entryways to enhance their safety in the home. However, every room in a house can be modified for safety depending on the unique needs of the person who lives there.
Bathrooms
Credit: Baac3nes / Getty Images
Bathroom floors and surfaces can become extremely slippery, posing a serious falling risk. Other potential dangers in the bathroom include burns from scalding hot water and falls from getting on and off the toilet. So, how can you fix this?
Install grab bars around the tub and a shower seat for comfort and accessibility
Add non-slip mats in the shower and on the bathroom floor to alleviate the risk of falling on slippery tiles
Reduce the risk of burns by setting the water heater to a maximum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)9
Install good lighting, including a nightlight, for improved visibility and to prevent disorientation
Install an ADI-compliant raised toilet seat with grab bars to make sitting on and getting off the toilet easier
Install a walk-in tub or shower
Bedroom
The main challenges in a bedroom can be getting in and out of bed and climbing upstairs to access the room. You can make the bedroom safer by:
Moving the bedroom downstairs to avoid stairs (if the bedroom is upstairs)
Installing a home stair lift, if it is not possible to move the bedroom downstairs
Installing grab bars above the bed to help get in and out
Practicing exercises that help maintain stability and muscles needed to get in and out of bed
Kitchen
The kitchen is a high-risk area for burns, cuts and falls. You can make the kitchen safer and more user-friendly by:
Adding non-slip mats to prevent falls
Lowering the countertop height and installing pullout drawers for wheelchair accessibility
Adding a work table in the kitchen (if it isn’t possible to lower the countertops)
Putting away very sharp or large knives to avoid cuts
Rounding out or cushioning sharp edges (like on counters) to prevent bumps
Living Room
Although living rooms do not pose as much risk as other spaces in the house, a cluttered or cramped living space can make the living room inaccessible or hazardous. Avoid dangers by:
Picking any unnecessary items off the floor
Moving furniture to create a more open floor plan
Securing rugs using rug gripper or tape so that they do not fold or bubble up
General Tips
There are also general precautions you can apply throughout the home to increase safety, including:
Install non-slip flooring that has sufficient cushioning and reduces slips. Thick carpet, cork, rubber, or vinyl are good options
Replace door handles from knobs to lever latches for easier turning and improved grip
Improve lighting throughout the house to ensure rooms are well-lit. Dim rooms, especially at night, can lead to disorientation, collisions, and falls
If you use a wheelchair or walker, have the doorways widened for accessibility
Other general home repairs like fixing broken or uneven stairs to remove tripping hazards
4 Home Improvement Grants and Financial Assistance for Senior Citizens
Below are a few federal, state and local financial resources that offer subsidized or free home repairs for seniors.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants: The USDA has state-specific resources for home repair loans and grants. Although qualifications for these Section 504 Home Repair Program loans vary, elderly, low-income homeowners typically qualify. Learn more here.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): Although Area Agencies on Aging operate regionally, they are available throughout the U.S. to offer repair funds for senior home modifications. These programs are provided through the Older Americans Act. Learn more and find your local AAA here.
Weatherization Assistance Programs (WAPs): WAPs offer low-income and elderly households energy efficiency upgrades through grant funding. These programs provide services like caulking, HVAC maintenance, insulation and more to help households save on energy bills. Learn more about the application process here.
Medicare and Medicaid: Your Medicaid may help you pay for senior home renovations to allow for safe aging in place. You can also have medical equipment covered, including walkers and bathtub safety benches. Contact your local Medicare or Medicaid office to learn more.
3 Organizations That Help With Aging in Place for Elderly
National Council on Aging (NCOA): The NCOA has helped secure landmark programs and legislation that help seniors, like Medicare, Medicaid and the Older Americans Act. They offer tools, resources and services to improve the livelihood of older adults. Learn more here.
Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity has an aging-in-place program that provides home repairs, modifications and community services to improve housing and health equity for seniors. Learn more here.
Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels is a nationwide program that operates through thousands of locally-run volunteer groups. Meals on Wheels provides healthy food and other resources to people in need.
Learn about more organizations that help older people aging in place here.
Older adults are embracing technology now more than ever. AARP’s 2022 tech survey found that three in four older adults use technology to stay connected. The senior community has seen an increase in the use of nearly all technologies in recent years, including video chat, texting and social media.
Credit: MoMo Productions / Getty Images
As older adults become more comfortable incorporating technology into their daily lives, more tech tools designed to help seniors navigate their lives have hit the market. Here are some of the best (and most affordable) tech tools for elder safety:
Snug Safety app: Snug Safety is an app that allows seniors to check in daily on their phones. If the senior does not check in once a day, the app will message their emergency contacts to alert them that they may need help.
Lively Link app: Lively Link is also a check-in app for seniors, but it also allows seniors to share the location of their phone, changes in daily activities, whether or not their phone is on and their phone’s battery level. Additionally, the app will automatically notify emergency contacts if the senior contacts emergency services.
Tile Tracker: The Tile Tracker can help seniors find missing items. Just download the app and connect the physical tile to a commonly lost item, like a wallet or purse. If you lose the item, you can use your phone to activate an alarm on the lost item.
Virtual retirement communities: Virtual retirement communities let seniors enjoy the activities and connection of a retirement community without having to leave their homes. Learn more about the increasing popularity of virtual retirement communities here.
Smart plugs and locks: The rise of the “smart home” can also be convenient for seniors. You can now control lights, plugs, locks and more in your home with simple devices that connect to your smartphone.
Imagine if every time you walked across a carpet, you felt like 1,000 ants were tickling your toes, or whenever you entered a room with white lights, you felt like the high beams of a car were blinding you. If this is your reality, you are most likely in a constant state of despair and naturally will respond.
These examples may seem exaggerated to some, but for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), these experiences are very real. Overstimulation by otherwise safe and nontoxic stimuli is a major trigger for the behaviors associated with autism and is commonly known as sensory sensitivity.
Because no two autism diagnoses are the same and each person has different sensitivities and symptoms, designing an autism-friendly home can be challenging. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach,” reports Dr. Kristi Gaines, a professor at Texas Tech University and the co-author of “Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders.” A design that is helpful to one person may be harmful to another, so it is important to view each case as unique.
There are some interior design considerations that any family can make to create a safe, comfortable space for their loved one with autism. Designing spaces to limit sensory overload does not always require a complete renovation. A few minor changes — like increasing the amount of natural light and reducing noise levels in the home — can make a big difference.
Why is Autism-Friendly Design Important?
Children and adults with autism experience the world differently than people who are neurotypical. Those with autism may be hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hypo-sensitive (under-responsive) to stimuli in their daily environment and react to things that you may not always — or ever — notice.
Since much of autism therapy focuses on behavior management, therapists, caregivers and families alike constantly look for ways to make the home environment more comfortable for their loved one with autism. Ultimately, these design solutions should provide a safe space that promotes growth, development and a better quality of life.
A growing body of research also suggests that minor changes or adjustments to sensory inputs in the home can reinforce positive behaviors and create a safe oasis for people with autism. A person’s physical environment can so profoundly impact their functional and social performance that autism-friendly modifications have become integral to autism educational and treatment centers.
Why not do the same for your home?
First Steps: Understand Sensory Stimulation Needs
Before you start replacing the lights and painting the walls, it’s important to understand the needs of your child or loved one by having a professional assessment done.
Each person with autism has different needs, and many people have at least one or more other disabilities, impairments or diagnoses in addition to autism. To clarify:
Once you know what kind of sensory stimulation is needed, you can start making changes in your home. If you do not decide to redesign your home completely, you can consider other design solutions including:
Home layout
Paint and finishes
Lighting
Acoustics
Sensory rooms
Safety
Home Layout
Much of the research on interior design for children with autism has focused on learners in an educational setting, but you can easily apply this information to your home environment. Predictability is the most important factor to consider when thinking about home design.
A well-designed floor plan makes it easier for children and adults with autism to navigate their homes. When designing a home for people with autism, one of the main focuses in the report Advancing Full Spectrum Housing is clearly separating rooms and spaces.
There should be clear transitions into each room, and all rooms should be designed according to their function and purpose. “High predictability and routines are essential for children with autism. The higher the predictability, the lower the resistance and behavioral rigidity,” says Victoria Isaac-Jordan, Ed.S, NCSP.
When a room’s layout is functionally predictable, individuals with autism can better focus on emotional and behavioral regulation.
Because paying attention can be challenging for some people with ASD, it can be helpful to place visual cues throughout the home. Written signs or pictures can help children and adults understand the function of a room and where the bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen and sensory rooms are. You can also use color coding, but be sure to use pastels instead of bright colors.
To improve the spatial layout of your home and enable independent living, make the most of your space by doing the following:
Increase visibility in rooms as much as possible
Use clean lines and minimalist-designed furniture to avoid clutter and excessive furnishings
Use a specific color, flooring, type of material or rugs to indicate a change in space
Provide ample storage in both shared and individual spaces
Always provide a quiet place for personal or alone time
Provide enough space between furniture to move around easily
Ensure a balance between shared space for social interaction and personal space
Paint and Finishes
From olfactory to auditory, each person with autism has unique sensory processing. Visual stimuli, especially colors, can have an impact. For example, a neutral color palette is a typical recommendation for people with ASD, but some children may seek sensation and prefer bright colors and glitter. It really depends on the individual, so always consider this before making a design decision.
When choosing colors for your walls and décor, stick to soft, pastel and neutral paint colors — such as tan, beige, pink, blue and green — instead of bright shades. The same goes for flashy, distracting patterns and cluttered décor. If processing sensory input is challenging for someone, it can be hard to concentrate if the walls are full of colorful patterns.
Comfort should always be the goal when creating a calm atmosphere for children and adults with autism. When choosing materials for your design, stick to options that create a warm environment — such as wood grains, green tones and natural elements — rather than busier materials that create an institutional or noisy atmosphere.
Additional considerations for paint and finishes include the following:
Minimize clutter to avoid sensory overload
Choose materials that contain fewer harmful chemicals, like no or low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) paints
Rely on tone — how dark or light something appears — rather than bright colors to indicate the location of light switches, outlets and other features
Use fragrance-free paints and materials
Lighting
Bright light is a common sensory sensitivity in children and adults with autism, and fortunately, lighting is one of the easiest updates you can make. When lighting your home, install a range of options that include natural light, non-flickering bulbs and warmer hues.
Natural light is the preferred option. If you have large windows, you just need to install blinds that you can easily control. If you do not have easy access to natural light, you can create your own calming light source by installing recessed and indirect lighting such as lamps, backlit mirrors or under-cabinet lighting.
Because it’s often too bright and stimulating, do not use fluorescent lighting. Instead, opt for warmer light, energy-efficient LEDs and fixtures that you can dim. If you are tech-savvy, you can set up a timer to slowly dim the lights, similar to how natural light changes throughout the day.
In addition to the lighting suggestions above, you should also consider the following:
Avoid flickering light as it can be unsettling
Make sure all your lights are hum-free
Avoid surfaces that might reflect light, such as metal
Reduce glare by using indirect lighting
Always install lights in closets
Hallways, stairways and landings should have adequate lighting
Bathrooms should have bright lighting that does not cast shadows
Acoustics
Noise is a common sensory sensation in any home that may require more intensive renovation to fully address. For example, if you live near an airport, railroad track or busy road, there’s little you can do to limit the noise. However, there are ways you can remodel your home to reduce ambient noise, which is the everyday sound generated by our homes and appliances.
Ambient noise may not be something you notice, but it can be incredibly overstimulating to a person with autism. It may be that your HVAC system makes noise as it pushes air into your home, your refrigerator occasionally hums every or the water softener hisses as it improves your water. To combat ambient noise, you can invest in quiet home systems and appliances that limit excessive sounds.
If you can soundproof your walls, this update alone will decrease noise. However, some homes have such thin walls that there is little you can do to prevent noise from spreading from room to room.
There are several other ways to improve both the acoustics and the comfort of your loved ones, including:
Cover windows with heavy curtains to reduce outside noise
Place large pieces of furniture against the wall to block out ambient noise
Muffle sounds with rugs and carpets
Insulate your walls with acoustic panels or acoustic insulation
Install ductless HVAC systems
Isolate HVAC systems with acoustic duct panels
Install quiet fans
Mount washers, dryers and dishwashers on flat surfaces to reduce bouncing
Use refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves designed to be quiet
Turn off the alarm that indicates the refrigerator has been open too long
Sensory Rooms
A sensory room, also known as a multisensory environment or multisensory room, is a special area that engages all five senses and helps people with autism relax and relieve stress. Because some people with autism are sensory seekers rather than easily overstimulated, you should tailor each sensory room should to the specific needs of the person.
Credit: Weekend Images Inc. / Getty Images
Since this room is designed to be a place where people with autism can spend time regulating their senses, it should not be too sensory or too stimulating. In fact, this space does not have to be elaborate at all, and sometimes less is more. As long as the sensory room is in its own place and away from stimulating environments, this safe space can be an oasis for your child or loved one with autism.
The guidelines below can help you create the perfect sensory room in your home.
Use neutral and white tones to create a calming environment
Add textures to the walls, floor or furniture to stimulate the senses
Make sure the room is enclosed to make it feel safer and more secure
Limit noise in the room, but provide headphones with preferred sounds and music if desired
Provide comfortable furniture with designated seating
Add favorite toys, activities and fidget spinners
Weighted blankets and other compression jackets may be useful
Set up swings, mats, trampolines and playground equipment for sensory-impaired children
Safety
An autism-friendly design should be a comfortable and calming environment that promotes independent living, but it should also be safe. As you create an oasis for your child or loved one with autism, always keep the following in mind:
Create clear pathways without furniture obstructions
Make sure floors are level and smooth
Use non-toxic paints, cleaners and other materials
Use hypoallergenic products
Avoid the use of pesticides and insecticides
Ensure that everyday items are easily accessible
Use only non-slip rugs in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room
If possible, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that talk instead of beeping to minimize stress in a dangerous situation
In this special New Year’s Eve episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
In this special New Year’s Eve episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year. We wish you a happy new year and hope you look at 2023 as an opportunity for you to get things done around your home.
Cutting crown molding is easy when you use our Simple Solution. (DepositPhotos)
Cutting Crown Molding: To make miter cuts in crown molding, turn a panel upside down on the miter saw table. This allows the angled back edges to rest against the fence and the table during cutting.
Holding the molding in the right position while you make a cut is the difficult part.
The solution is to hot glue a piece of 1-by-2 wood to the saw table so it acts as a cleat to hold the molding in the proper position.
Use plastic liners in your apron to easily switch between nails and screws. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Easy Nail Apron Liners: Make interchangeable liners for your nail apron or tool pouch out of one-quart plastic motor oil bottles.
Cut off the spout, wipe the bottle clean, fill it with nails or screws, and slip the liner into the apron pouch.
Fill up several bottles with various types and sizes of fasteners, so you can quickly and easily switch them in and out without having to dump out the apron.
