Real Estate Information

The signs of fall are all around: golden-hued leaves, crisp temperatures and shorter days. As you prepare for the months ahead — storing summer clothes, checking heating systems and making sure your home is well insulated — don’t forget the landscape around your home.

If you’ve been mowing all spring and summer, it’s not time to quit just yet. Continue until the grass stops growing. (The weather in your area will determine when this happens.) And speaking of mowing, don’t forget to take care of your trusty lawnmower. Drain it in late fall, because gas left in the machine all winter will get gummy and may make startup difficult when spring rolls around.

As the temperatures drop, so will leaves from the trees around your home. It’s important to rake lawns regularly so the grass can “breathe.” How long can you wait before breaking out the rake? Most gardening experts say you shouldn’t go longer than three or four days. However, if the layer of leaves is particularly thick or has been weighed down by rain, the sooner you rake, the better.

If your area gets snow and ice, you’ll want to protect deciduous flowering shrubs under a lean-to or similar structure. Begin by building a wire cage that is secured into the ground with poles. Attach chicken wire or heavy-gauge wire to the poles and then fasten burlap to the sides of the structure to protect the shrubs from damaging wind.

Last but not least, remember your garden hose. Drain it before storing it for the winter and then turn off your outside water supply to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting.

Calling all pack rats: Are you ready to conquer clutter once and for all? The National Association of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net) offers these handy tips.

Kid’s Room

·       Place bins and boxes on lower shelves so a child can put away the toys.

·       Label storage so it’s easy for children to put items where they belong.

·       Provide low hooks to hang up sweaters, pajamas, jackets, book bags, etc.

·       Take children with you when you go to donate unused items. This helps them learn to part with things.

Closets

Kitchen

D o you have one area in your house you just can’t figure out? Maybe it’s too small or oddly shaped or just not in the right location in your home. Don’t let it turn into dead space. There are plenty of ways to turn unusual home spaces into comfortable, functioning living areas that appear as if they were built for a purpose.

    If large enough, divide the space into individual “rooms,” so that one area can be used for one purpose, leaving the rest of the area open for a different use. The possibilities are endless: a library or reading nook, an office, a crafting room, or a yoga or art studio.

    If the room is particularly small, remember to use furnishings that fit the space. For example, an overstuffed couch won’t do well in a room meant for two chairs. Go curvy: Round furnishings in hard corners or plants placed strategically can help. To give the illusion of space in a small area, choose glass tops or chairs. Curtains that run floor to ceiling create height and flow in a small space.

    Other things to consider: Painting an “odd” wall in a different color, and using it to display art or photos will also lessen its awkward effect on the room; and an area rug in the center of the room will bring the eye to the middle of the space, rather than focusing on its unusual shape or size

Source: HGTV

Summer seems to bring out the home-improvement expert in everyone. It’s the perfect time to tackle those projects — large and small — that have been lingering. And whether you’re bringing out the lawn mower for the first time, getting ready to clean the gutters or repairing odds and ends, consider these important safety tips:

Mowers

• Before mowing the lawn, do a walk-through of the area and remove any large sticks or debris.

• Wear clothing that offers protection, like sturdy closed-toe shoes and safety glasses or goggles.

• Do not clean the grass exit of a mower by hand, and

keep the mower on grass, not pavement, which can kick up debris.

Ladders

• When using a ladder, place it on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks engage.

• Always face the ladder when climbing and use slip-

resistant shoes.

• Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For extension ladders, it’s the fourth rung from the top.

Power Tools

• Remember to keep
tools away from heat,
oil and sharp edges.

• Disconnect tools when they’re not in use or when you’re replacing a blade, bit or part.

• Keep your work areas well lighted and wear gloves and appropriate footwear when using tools.

Sources: Home Safety Council; Occupational Safety and Health Administration

From painting and HVAC to organizing and yard upkeep, there’s so much to think about when it comes to home care that it’s easy to overlook the one thing that protects it all — until it starts to leak.

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house, and it also happens to take the biggest beating, thanks to the elements and general wear and tear.

A new roof is a hefty investment — it can cost $20,000 or more — so how do you know when to replace it or just repair it? Here are some tips for knowing when to patch and when to overhaul:

• As a general rule, roofs usually last 12 to 20 years, depending on the climate. If your roof is approaching the 20-year mark, shingles are more likely to be worn out, and flashing around chimneys, eaves and skylights might have decayed, leaving your roof prone to leaks.

• If there are a lot of missing or torn shingles, as opposed to just a few, then it’s best to replace the roof. Shingles also curl up and crack as they age, making them unable to resist water and exposing your home to leaks and interior damage.

• Inspect the interior walls that touch the roof. If paint is missing, they are moist to the touch or there are water stains in the house, it’s clear that water has seeped in, and the roof will most likely need to be replaced. But finding one or two leaks in a specific location could mean that a roof patch will be enough to stall any potential damage.

• Extreme weather can wreak havoc on your roof. If prolonged conditions such as rain, hail and direct sunlight have exposed parts of the house from the top, a minor patch will not be enough to protect the interior, and the roof will need to be replaced.

    Keeping your roof clean and in good repair should prevent costly replacements for years to come. But before attempting any patch or replacement, talk to an experienced roofer.

A recent survey by RemodelorMove.com finds that nearly two-thirds of homeowners are handling some parts of remodeling jobs on their own to save money. But doing it yourself may not always be a wise choice in the long run, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Correcting home improvement mistakes can be costly, and some contractors are unwilling to take on botched do-it-yourself projects. 

So how do you know if you should do it yourself or hire a contractor? Here are some factors to consider:

Costs – Look at all the costs, including the cost of materials, time and the tools you may need. If the job doesn’t turn out right, can you afford to re-do the project or correct mistakes?

Skills – Do you have all the tools, and more importantly, the skills required to do the job?

Knowledge – Have you done this work before? Do you know all the steps involved? Are you familiar with local building codes and permit requirements? Some local jurisdictions require that the work be completed by a licensed professional to meet code.

Time – Do you have the time to devote to completing the project? Always double or triple the estimated time for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and are familiar with the project.

Personality – Do you enjoy physical work? Do you have reliable work habits? Are you persistent and patient to see a project through to the end?

Materials – How will you obtain the materials you need?

Safety – You health and safety comes first. Experts suggest you don’t attempt major projects that could put your well being in jeopardy, such as electrical or roofing. Call a professional instead.

Whether you are preparing your home for an open house or simply want to give your front entry a makeover, you can often find low-cost solutions to update your home’s appearance and give potential buyers a positive first impression. Home-improvement retailer  Lowe’s recommends the following quick fixes:

1.     Install upgraded light fixtures and set out a new doormat.

2.     Put a kickplate on the front door to add some elegance and to help prevent scuffs and dents.

3.     Replace the door hardware and doorbell and coordinate the finish with your lighting and kickplate.

4.     Paint the door in a bright, appealing color to create an instant focal point.

5.     To dress up a plain porch and steps, stain the concrete. To give the appearance of stone, combine two stain colors.

6.     Add house numbers, and choose large digits so guests can easily read them.

7.     Plant small trees or shrubs. For added effect, choose something fragrant such as tea olive.

8.     Flank the entry way with planters and then change out the plants each season for fresh splashes of color.

9.     Add lighting along the path leading to the entry. For a more eco-friendly option, choose fixtures with solar panels. The sun charges them during the day for nighttime lighting.

Not all tiles are alike. Some are more durable and wear-resistant than others. And with so many colors and styles available, choosing one that’s right for your home can be a challenge. Before you buy, here’s what you need to know from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

     Ceramic tile is less expensive than other types and come in two styles: porcelain and non-porcelain. Non-porcelain tile is suitable for light to moderate traffic, but it is more prone to wear. Porcelain is denser and absorbs less water than ceramic tile. It is also more wear- and damage-resistant.

    The NKBA recommends that you check the tile’s rating from Class 1 (no foot traffic) to Class 5 (heavy to extra heavy traffic) to determine its recommended use.

    Another option is natural stone tile, which is commonly found in slate, marble, limestone, travertine and granite. Slate is a dense, tough composite available in shades of black, gray and green. It is best suited for floors, walkways and roofing, and recently has been used in kitchen countertops and wet bars.

    Marble is a popular natural stone that is softer than granite. It is used most often in bathroom walls and flooring, tub decks, fireplace surrounds, furniture, sculptures and courtyards. Marble is not recommended for kitchens unless the stone is honed and sealed.

    Limestone is less dense than marble or travertine. It comes in earthy colors, such as off-white, grey and beige, and it is best used for structural walls, entry walls, floors, fireplace surrounds, vanities and shower walls. However, it can stain and scratch easily, so it is not recommended for kitchen countertops and wet bars.

    Travertine is less dense than high-grade marble and highly porous, and comes in light beige to brown. However, some cleaning products can damage the surface. Travertine is best used for entry walls, floors, vanities, shower walls, tub decks and mosaics, but not for countertops because it scratches and stains easily.

    Once polished, granite can maintain its high gloss finish forever. It’s also easy to clean and durable, which makes it ideal for kitchen countertops, wet bars, entry walls, floors, fireplaces and bathroom vanities.

Is your home too hot or too cold during the year? Is your boiler constantly breaking down, or are the systems too noisy? Certain telltale signs indicate when it’s time to replace heating and cooling equipment, or upgrade the entire system. The experts at EnergyStar.gov suggest calling a professional if the following conditions occur:

·         The heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.

·         The furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.

·         Your cooling and heating equipment needs frequent repairs, and your energy bills are high.

·         Some rooms in your house are too hot or too cold due to duct problems, inadequate insulation or improper equipment operation.

·         You don’t have a programmable thermostat, and no one is home for long periods of time during the day.

·         Your home has humidity problems; the air is too dry in the winter or too humid during the summer.

·         Your home has excessive dust.

·         The heating and cooling systems are noisy.

Addressing HVAC problems sooner rather than later can save time, money and hassle in the long run.

Windows are one of your home’s best features, and the right treatments can really make them stand out. With so many varieties and styles available — from sheer, embroidered curtains to shutters and woven wood shades — finding one that suits your home and fits your budget may be a challenge. Experts offer these tips for finding the right treatment for your home.

Set a budget. Treatments can be pricey, so be realistic about what you can afford. Visit retail stores and Web sites to check costs of fabric, blinds, shutters and ready-made draperies. If you know how to sew, you can create your own treatments to save money.

Set priorities. Experts suggest dressing the windows in the living room and bedrooms first since those are the most-used rooms. Then set a schedule for the remaining rooms.

Consider your lifestyle. How you live will determine what treatments are needed in certain areas. For example, if you cook a lot, avoid delicate fabrics in the kitchen where they might get splattered. For high traffic areas, choose more durable, washable materials, such as cotton, nylon or acrylic. 

Think about function. Do you want your window treatments to control sunlight or noise, provide privacy or insulate against heat or cold? For example, to control light, vertical blinds and shutters are a versatile choice since you can tilt slats or louvers to let in the right amount of light.

Find your style. If you are not sure what your style is, get ideas from books and magazines. Or browse the Encyclopedia of Window Fashions, which has hundreds of examples and charts.

Before installing, measure the window area more than once. Draperies should be hung at least four inches above the window frame and should overlap the frame two to four inches on either side of the window. Using decorative hardware can add personality to a room.