Everything Home - May 2022

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Real Estate & Home Services Guide

Selling your home: focus on the most profitable upgrades Page 3

Decor trend: white faucets Page 6 VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 2 | MAY 2022

4 must-have features for the ultimate dream kitchen Page 15

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR AND PUBLISHER Valerie Secor vsecor@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7235

Real Estate & Home Services Guide A Publication of The Daily Star

102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 | 607-432-1000 | thedailystar.com Selling your home: focus on the most profitable upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . 3 Buying an older home: points to keep in mind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Decor trend: white faucets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 How many bathrooms should you have in your home?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4 reasons to add a level to your home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Advantages and disadvantages of short-term rentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Renting your cottage: what to expect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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May 2022

LAYOUT Tracy Bender tbender@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7232

Yakisugi: the charred-wood trend.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to spot hidden defects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The berry best desserts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 must-have features for the ultimate dream kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 ways to update your flooring.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Use warm colors in your decor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 tips for renovating your foyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Content provided by Newspaper Toolbox.

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Selling your home:

focus on the most profitable upgrades

I

f you’re planning on selling your home, you may want to make a few upgrades to make it more attractive to potential buyers and maximize your profit. This is an excellent idea if you invest in the right places. Here are a few things to consider.

Refresh your walls If you’re on a tight budget, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders. For just a few hundred dollars, you can drastically improve your home’s appearance to make a good first impression on potential buyers. However, make sure you choose a subdued palette.

Redecorate the kitchen A bright and attractive kitchen can instantly make foodies fall in love with your property. If your appliances are dated or the space is poorly designed, renovating it

is a profitable investment.

Transform the bathroom Potential buyers often try to imagine their everyday lives when touring your home. Consequently, a cramped, dark and unwelcoming bath­room won’t earn you any points. Instead, turn this room into a true oasis of relaxation. You’ll be glad you invested the money.

Focus on the details Although large-scale renovations like repairing the roof or finishing the basement can really pay off, replacing accessories, such as light fixtures and faucets, can instantly modernize your home and increase its sales potential.

Hire a renovation spe­cialist in your area to make your home stand out from the rest of the housing stock.

May 2022

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Buying an older home:

points to keep in mind Have you fallen in love with an older home? You may be tempted to seize the opportunity and skip an inspection, especially if there are several interested parties. Before taking on a mortgage, here are a few essential points to keep in mind.

the past. Therefore, single-paned windows and poorly insulated walls are sure to drive up your heating bill.

Cost of renovations

Some materials that were po­pular in the past are now undesirable or even prohibited. For example, old paint is laden with asbestos and lead, which can infiltrate your drinking water. Therefore, you must find out if your dream home hides any unpleasant surprises.

Even if the home’s foundations and frame have survived well over the years, you may still be faced with costly renovations. For example, if you decide to knock down a wall and upgrade the insulation, you proba­bly don’t want to close it off with bare drywall. Consequently, you must think through the additional expen­ses you may incur to preserve the home’s character.

Additionally, you may be saddled with inadequate electrical circuits or an insufficient number of power outlets. Moreover, energy efficiency wasn’t a priority in

Among the many aspects to consider is the insurability of the building. Before taking the plunge, take time to consult a broker and call a qualified inspector.

Materials

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Decor trend:

white faucets F

or years, black has occupied a prominent place in interior decor. However, white is now carving out a choice spot. Particularly in the bathroom.

Therefore, you may want to consider installing matte white faucets to update your bathroom.

How to arrange it?

Moreover, you can coordinate white faucets with a pop of color. For example, play with contrast by combining white taps with black accents to create a chic, retro atmosphere. Gold accents create a refined luster appearance, while all-white finishes create a harmonious look. If you think all-white finishes will make your bathroom feel cold, warm up the space with wood or rattan accessories and furniture.

You can integrate white faucets with simple lines and unique, delicate ceramic tiles into a vanity unit. Addi-

Visit your local home improvement stores to pick up a new white faucet with all the trimmings.

Why matte white?

White is a timeless color that’s elegant yet contemporary. It adds charm and character to the bathroom. The soft matte finish also complements minimalist decor.

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tionally, opt for a glazed or open shower stall to make the best use of light.

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May 2022

How many bathrooms

should you have in your home?

I

f you’re building a new home or want to renovate an existing property, you may be wondering how many bath­rooms you should install. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

Know the different types Bathrooms can be categorized as full baths, three-quarter baths, half baths and quarter baths. Full bathrooms have a sink, toilet, shower and bathtub. Three-quarter baths have a shower, sink and toilet but no tub. Half baths, also known as powder rooms, only have a sink and toilet. Quarter baths have just a toilet.

Assess your family’s needs It’s important to consider how many people are in your family as well as their accessibility requirements. For exam­ple, a bathtub may be difficult for a person with limited mobility to step over, but it’s convenient for bathing young children. If you have teenagers, an extra full bath or three-quarter bath is probably a wise investment.

Keep the long term in mind You should be mindful of the future when installing or re­novating a bathroom. In addition to considering how the needs of your family members are likely to change over time, you should think about how your choices may impact the resale value of your property.

If you need advice on your renovation project, consult a building contractor in your area.

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4 reasons to add a level to your home

D

oes your home feel cramped? Whether you’re growing your family or developing your property, you may want to consider adding an extra floor to your home. You can create a second story or build out your basement. Here are four advantages of adding a level to your home.

1. You can significantly increase your living space Adding a second story creates several new rooms. You can use them as you wish to meet all your space requirements.

2. You don’t lose any outdoor space You can avoid expanding the footprint of your home. For instance, you can keep your garden and continue enjoying all your outdoor activities.

3. You don’t have to move You don’t have to give up your dream location. Moreover, you can save yourself the cost and inconvenience of buying and selling properties.

4. You increase the value of your property Adding a floor allows you to renew and transform the appearance of your home and upgrade the siding to keep the exterior looking fresh. For added value, make sure your home matches the style of other homes in the area.

Are you ready to take on this large expansion project?

Before you do anything, contact your city to ensure your project complies with applicable bylaws.

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Advantages and disadvantages of

T

short-term rentals

he short-term rental industry has exploded in recent years because of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner). If you’re thinking of getting into this market and renting your residential space, there are a few things to consider. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons to give you some insight.

The upsides Short-term rentals can be a substantial source of passive income that requires relatively little effort. The initial investment is often negligible. Therefore, you’ll quickly see profits with minimal risk. This income is also flexible since you have the freedom to rent when it suits you best.

The downsides You must put in a substantial amount of effort to make your visitors happy and have a successful enterprise. Con­sequently, expect several expenses, from maintenance and repairs to legal obligations and insurance coverage.

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Moreover, short-term rentals are increasingly singled out as an aggravating factor in the housing crisis occurring across the coun­try. Therefore, be aware that your new source of income could provoke di­sapproval among residents in the area, es­pecially if you live in a small community.

Renting your cottage: what to expect

Do you want to rent out your cottage to supplement your income? If so, here are a few points to consider.

Required investment Running a rental cottage requires a consi­derable amount of time and mo­ney. For example, you must take care of maintenance, cleaning and key handling. More­over, you must be prepared to answer questions over the phone and through email.

Obligations It’s essential to learn about various administrative and legal con­siderations, like municipal policies, laws, re­gu­ lations, certifications, taxes and duties.

Rental contract You must create a written agreement specifying the rental details, including ra­tes, length of stay and cancellation con­ditions.

Guest satisfaction Owning a rental property isn’t only about handing over the keys and collecting the money. Consumers are increasingly looking for comfort. Therefore, you must carefully think through every aspect of their stay. At the very least, you want to avoid negative online reviews, which could de­ter potential renters.

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Yakisugi: the

charred-wood trend S

hou sugi ban is a traditional Japanese technique of burning wood planks — usually cedar or larch — to preserve the wood and protect it against UV rays, moisture, insects and other sources of damage. The result of this weatherproofing process is a striking, charcoal-black wood plank known as yakisugi.

While yakisugi was traditionally used as a material for siding, this blackened wood is becoming increasingly popular for other applications. The product can now be found indoors on walls and floors and outdoors to construct fences and decks.

In addition to its unique appearance, yakisugi is renowned for its durability. The process of scorching planks in a controlled environment eliminates moisture and hardens the wood. In fact, it’s estimated that this material, when correctly made, has a usable lifespan of at least 80 years. What’s more, burnt wood is resistant to fire.

In terms of care, these treated wood planks have the benefit of requiring virtually no maintenance. However, applying a natural oil to the surface every 15 years or so can help protect yakisugi from the elements.

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Yakisugi is considered an environmentally friendly material because the treatment and maintenance of the wood doesn’t require the use of chemicals or other harmful products.

How to spot

hidden defects When you buy a house, you naturally expect the seller to tell you the truth about the quality of the construction. However, you also have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions before signing the contract. Other­wise, you could face unpleasant surprises and have no legal recourse to remedy the situation.

erty is crucial to ensure a seamless transaction and protect you from possible hidden defects. Be on the lookout for any clues that arouse suspicion. Rather than relying on your own judgement, trust a building expert to conduct a thorough inspection to confirm your suspicions and alleviate your concerns.

A visual examination of the prop-

Hidden flaws may become appar-

ent only after the purchase. In this case, the seller could refuse to take responsibility. If the matter goes to court, you’ll have a better chance of winning your case if you’ve shown that you practiced due diligence before the sale. Therefore, it’s essential to find out about the consumer laws in place to know your du­ties and legal recourse.

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THE

berry best DESSERTS

Blueberry Crumble Cake

With its juicy blueberries and crunchy topping, this cake is perfect for serving to company — or eating for breakfast!

Ingredients Crumble • 1/2 cup rolled oats • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup melted butter

Strawberry Scones Featuring one of the season’s most popular berries, these scones are a simple and elegant option for dessert or breakfast.

Ingredients Start to finish: 40 minutes • 2 cups flour (20 minutes active) • 5 tablespoons sugar Servings: 12 scones • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed • 1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and quartered • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 1 tablespoon milk Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. In a large bowl, mix the flour, 4 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the cubes of butter, and incorporate them into the flour using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly. Add the strawberries and mix.

2. In a small bowl, mix the eggs and cream. Pour them over the dry ingredients, and stir gently using a wooden spoon.

Don’t overwork the dough; it should only be lightly mixed.

3. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and form it into a large disk. Using a knife, cut the disk into 12 equal triangles. Gently pull the sections apart so there’s about an inch between each piece.

4. Use a basting brush to coat the dough in milk, then sprinkle on the remaining tablespoon of sugar. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.

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Start to finish: 1 hour 20 minutes (20 minutes active) Servings: 10

Cake • 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup white sugar • 1/2 tablespoon baking powder • Pinch of salt • 1/2 cup melted butter • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 2 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2/3 cup milk • 1-1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 ºF. Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the dry crumble ingredients and then add the butter. Mix and set aside.

3. In another bowl, combine flour, white sugar, baking powder and salt.

4. In a third bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Gradually mix in the vanilla, eggs and milk until smooth.

5. Add a third of the flour mixture at a time, gradually combining the ingredients until you have a uniform batter. Add the blueberries and stir.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and top with the crumble.

7. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a tooth pick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out dry.

8. Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4 must-have features for the

ultimate dream kitchen

A

re you updating your kitchen? If so, here are four fabulous features you may want to consider installing.

1. Pot filler A pot filler is a swing-out faucet on a long, jointed arm that’s generally mounted over the stove. Pot fillers are extremely convenient and prevent you from having to lug heavy, water-filled pots from sink to stove.

2. Farmhouse sink With their white, fireclay basins and tall, stainless-steel faucets, modern farmhouse sinks aren’t only stylish; they’re also wider and deeper than standard kitchen sinks. This helps make cooking and cleaning a breeze.

3. Double oven Double ovens provide extra cooking space, so you have the flexibility to whip up multi­ple dishes simultaneously. They’re especially convenient if you do a lot of entertaining.

4. Built-in refrigerator If you want your kitchen to have a streamlined and uniform profile, a built-in refrigerator is the way to go. Built-in refrigerators sit flush with the rest of the kitchen cabi­n e­­t ry in the space and of­fer an upmar­ket ap­pearance.

If you’re design­ing your dream kitchen, keep in mind, you don’t have to do it alone. Consider reaching out to a home designer or general contractor in your area for help.

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HARDWOOD • WATERPROOF FLOORS

4 ways to update your flooring

R

estoring or replacing flooring is a great way to refresh your home’s look. Here are four ways you can update your floors.

1. Refinish it If your floor looks a little worse for wear, refinishing it is an affordable solution. Depending on its condition, you may need to sand, varnish, stain or repair cracks to make the floor look new again.

2. Paint it You can paint over most types of flooring. For example, wood flooring is particularly easy to paint. Just make sure you choose a suitable product for the type of surface and level of traffic in the room.

3. Replace it If your floor is beyond repair, replacing it may be your only option. However, make sure you choose a suitable floor type. For example, if you need to update your bathroom floor, choose a waterproof material like ceramic. Additionally, if you have pets, you may want to opt for a scratch-resistant flooring material like vinyl.

4. Decorate it If your floor is in good condition, simply adding a rug or two can instantly transform your space. Choose a rug that’s the right size, style and color for the room.

If you don’t have any experience repairing or installing flooring, hire a professional.

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Use

warm colors in your decor

D

o you want to repaint or decorate a room or two in your home? In 2022, warm colors are all the rage. Here are some tips to help you choose the right color and achieve the desired results.

Balance warm shades with cool tones Combine warm colors with cool elements to create a sense of balance. For example, yellow or orange walls go perfectly with a polished concrete floor or wrought iron furniture.

Use them in the appropriate places Yellow is a particularly stimulating color that has been shown to improve concentration and productivity. Therefore, it’s ideal for your home office or the bedroom. Moreover, red has a restorative, soothing effect, while orange evokes friendliness and creativity.

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Think about the mood you want Do you want to create an intimate or energizing space? Answering this question will help you determine the intensity of the colors to choose. Canary and mustard yellow, for example, evoke two very different moods.

Consider the effect of lighting Both natural and artificial lighting can impact color.

Before you start painting, make sure to try the colors in your space. Apply a few samples to the wall to see how your lighting affects the finished result.

Do you need help creating the perfect decor? Consider consulting an interior designer.

6 tips for

renovating your foyer

Does your foyer need a little TLC? If so, here are six tips for a successful update project.

1. Consider the front door If your front door is in good condition, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders. If you need to replace your door, choose one that’s sturdy, secure and has sufficient insulation.

beating and must with­stand water, dirt and salt. Consequently, choose durable, easy-to-clean materials like ceramic, stone, concrete or vinyl.

4. Improve the lighting

If you want your foyer to feel bright and inviting, install windows on either side of the door or choose a model with built-in windows.

Make sure your entryway is well-lit, both inside and outside. Whether tying your shoelaces or getting your key into the lock, having good lighting can make your everyday life easier.

3. Spruce up your flooring

5. Make storage a priority

The floor in your foyer takes a

Foyers tend to get cluttered. There-

2. Add windows

fore, efficiency is key. Make space to store clothes and accessories for summer and winter. Furthermore, consider installing a custom-made cabinet to provide easy access and make the most of the space.

6. Pay attention to decor Don’t overload your foyer. Instead, focus on a few well-selected decorative touches. Choose light sha­des to make the space feel open and airy.

Visit the home improvement stores in your area to get everything you need to update your foyer.

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EVERYTHING

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Real Estate & Home Services Guide

EVERYTH

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HOME

Real Estate &

s Guide

Home Service

EVERYTH

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Real Estate &

ntage How to take adva ket of a seller’s mar Page 5

4 hacks for your at-home office Page 10

improving

tips for Home5your it score cred Se rv ice Page 18

s Guide

3 | AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 4 | ISSUE

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