GDR Spotlight on Real Estate / October 15, 2021

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 31

CONTRACT PENDING

245 Foxcroft Lane, Winterville, NC Listed by Jessica Snyder 252-412-3001

Jessica F. Snyder, Realtor, Broker ABR, CRS, GRI, SLS, SRS, SRES Aldridge & Southerland Realtors 252-412-3001

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Spotlight on Real Estate, Friday, October 15, 2021

Craftsman home renovation ideas Craftsman homes trace their roots to the late 19th century. An architectural style inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement that flourished in Europe and North America for roughly 40 years between 1880 and 1920, the American Craftsman home has endured into the 21st century thanks to its beauty and the unique feel its homes inspire.

Many craftsman homes were built nearly a century ago if not even earlier. That means these homes may be in need of some renovations that make them more functional in modern times without sacrificing their historic beauty.

• SIDING: Craftsman homes are instantly recognizable from the street. Homeowners who want to maintain that authentic craftsman feel must carefully consider their choice of material when replacing the siding on their homes. The siding manufacturer Allura notes that fiber cement siding can be a great option for homeowners who want to replicate the original design of craftsman homes built with sported board-and-batten siding. Fiber cement siding gives the appearance of wood when installed and does not fade quickly or require significant maintenance.

• EXTERIOR COLOR: Homeowners need not feel beholden to certain colors when replacing

siding or repainting their homes’ exteriors. Nautical color schemes featuring navy blue exteriors with white accents can highlight features that are unique to craftsman homes, but more understated colors and tones can work just as well.

• PORCHES: An expansive, welcoming front porch that makes for the perfect place to relax and read when the outdoors beckons is a telltale feature of craftsman homes. Furniture options abound when homeowners are looking to upgrade the living spaces just outside the front door of their craftsman homes. Adirondack chairs can make a porch a relaxing place to enjoy a morning coffee or post-dinner digestif, while wicker furniture can help homeowners establish a relaxing vibe for summer. A porch swing or hammock can make that relaxing vibe resonate even more.

• REAL WOOD CABINETS: Cabinets are a popular avenue homeowners look to when they want to give their kitchens a new look without breaking the bank. When upgrading cabinets in a craftsman home, the home renovation experts at HGTV note that craftsman-style kitchen cabinets often feature straight lines and minimal ornamentation. Cabinets are typically made from heavy woods like quartersawn oak, hickory, cherry, or

Signs of septic system malfunction

Homeowners recognize that their work is never done. Homes require maintenance that runs the gamut from daily tasks like cleaning kitchen countertops to more significant undertakings like replacing roofs. For many homeowners, keeping their homes running smoothly involves tending to septic systems.

Estimates from various sources indicate that roughly one in five homes in the United States has a septic system. Homeowners who live in areas with regional sewage systems may not give much thought to the operation and maintenance of their wastewater and disposal system. But that responsibility typically rests squarely on the shoulders of homeowners whose homes have septic systems. Learning to maintain septic systems so they operate safely and efficiently is essential. Homeowners should know that recognizing signs of septic system malfunction is vital to avoiding potentially costly, messy accidents that can put the health of humans and local wildlife in jeopardy.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SEPTIC SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS? The Washington State Department of Health notes that a malfunctioning septic system is a threat to the health of both humans and animals as well as the environment. When a septic system is malfunctioning, untreated sewage can be released and end up in places where it

shouldn’t be, such as groundwater, surface water and marine water. That’s true even if it’s not visible to the naked eye. Humans and animals are in danger when septic systems malfunction because untreated sewage contains pathogens and other contaminants that can make them sick.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A MALFUNCTIONING SEPTIC SYSTEM? The DOH of Washington State notes that properly maintained septic systems should provide reliable service for many years. Part of that maintenance is keeping an eye out for these signs that suggest a system is malfunctioning or failing: • Water and sewage from toilets, drains and sinks is backing up into the home • Bathtubs, showers, and sinks drain very slowly • Gurgling sounds are coming from the plumbing system • Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drain field • Bad odors around the septic tank or drain field • Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drain field, even during dry weather • Algal blooms in nearby ponds or lakes • High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in water wells Homeowners with septic systems should make tending to those systems part of their routine home maintenance.

- Metro Content

maple. HGTV notes that updating the cabinets in a craftsman home often requires custom cabinetmakers, so the project may be more expensive than it would be if replacing the cabinets in a different style of home.

Craftsman homes are instantly recognizable thanks to many of their unique features. There are various ways to renovate craftsman homes yet still maintain their authentic feel.

- Metro Content

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Spotlight on Real Estate, Friday, October 15, 2021

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The differences between organic and inorganic mulches The benefits of mulch are widely known among lawn and garden enthusiasts. By insulating soil from extreme temperatures, helping soil to retain moisture and preventing weed growth, mulch can help plants, trees and gardens thrive, even during periods when Mother Nature can make that very difficult.

Novice gardners may find themselves a little confused when visiting a lawn and garden center to purchase mulch.

That’s because there are various types of mulches. One of the ways to simplify that is to break mulches down into two main classes: organic and inorganic. Learning to distinguish between these two classes can help homeowners choose the best mulch for their properties.

ORGANIC MULCH Organic mulches are made up of materials that decompose over time. The experts at BobVila.com note that, because they decompose over time, organic mulches must be replenished on a regular bais. Hardwood and soft-

organic mulches because they help soil retain moisture, improve soil fertility and help to deter weed growth.

INORGANIC MULCHES Inorganic mulches are permanent because they do not decompose over time. Gravel, brick chips and crushed stone are examples of inorganic mulches. Homeowners who do not intend to plant after laying mulch may lean toward inorganic mulches, as they won’t require much work, if any, after being laid. However, the Chicago Botanic Garden notes that inorganic mulches do not improve soil quality. In fact, because inorganic mulches like rocks and stones absorb heat, they can be detrimental to plants in areas where weather tends to be very dry and hot.

The right mulch for a given property depends on a host of factors. Understanding the differences between organic and inorganic mulches is a great first step toward finding the right wood chips are among the most pop- clippings, and compost mixes also fall mulch for your landscape. ular and recognizable organic mulch- under the organic mulch umbrella.

- Metro Content es. Evergreen needles, leaves, grass Many gardening enthusiasts prefer

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