Everything Homes - May 2020

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Real Estate & Home Services Guide

Four ways to avoid a renovation disaster Page 7

Quick and simple ways to make a front door pop Page 12 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | MAY 2020

How often should you inspect your roof?

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

102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 • 607-432-1000 • thedailystar.com

How home design trends are evolving for social distancing. . . . 4 To bid or not to bid: red flags homebuyers shouldn’t ignore. . . . 6 Four ways to avoid a renovation disaster.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Lighting dos and don’ts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Three reasons to hire professional painters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Renovations that’ll make it harder to sell your home.. . . . . . . . . 1 1 Quick and simple ways to make a front door pop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Two common kitchen problems and how to solve them. . . . . . . . 14 How often should you inspect your roof?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Summer Eats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 How to spot a walkable neighborhood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The best way to display your collections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

PUBLISHER Fred Scheller fscheller@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7214 ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Valerie Secor vsecor@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7235 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tracy Bender

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Should I hire an architect for my renovation project?

If you plan to renovate your home, you may be wondering if you need to hire an architect. While in some cases a designer or a contractor is the only pro required, other times, further expertise is vital. Here’s when you should hire an architect.

You’re not sure what you want Do you want to change the layout of a room but aren’t sure how? If so, an architect can help you sort out your needs and preferences and come up with a design for the space you’ll love.

You’re making major changes If your renovation dreams include taking down a wall or creating an entirely new space, you need an architect. They’ll ensure that your home remains structurally sound and help you obtain the proper permits.

You need help managing the project Some people don’t have the time or expertise to oversee a project. In this case, you can hire an architect to make sure the renovation goes according to plan, from start to finish.

While smaller renovations don’t necessarily need the expertise of an architect, you’ll never regret hiring one for larger projects.

How home design trends are evolving for social distancing (MS) – COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action – work, entertainment and shops – and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again.

Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson 4

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we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.

Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features,

cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape.

Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key.

Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury

home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost.

Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do

buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.

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To bid or not to bid:

I

red flags homebuyers shouldn’t ignore

f you’re buying a house, getting a home inspection before signing on the dotted line is a must. But even before the inspector arrives, there are several things that should give you pause. Here are some potential problems to look out for.

Water damage Fresh paint and carpeting can easily mask signs of water damage. Try to spot bubbling or irregularities in the paint, as these can be indicators of a problem.

Rot and mold are other signs but may also be hidden.

A moisture detector is therefore a must when inspecting a home.

Infestation There aren’t always obvious signs of a pest infestation as animals and insects can hide inside walls, under carpeting and even beneath floorboards.

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Inspectors will check the exterior of the home as closely as possible for any potential entrances.

Roof issues Issues with the roof may be missed if simply viewing it from the ground. Prior to the home inspection, it’s a good idea to ask the seller how old the roof is, as an old one is likely to have issues that need fixing.

HVAC issues Inspectors may not run a full test of the HVAC system.

The age of the system, however, is usually a good indicator of its state. In addition, inspecting visible air ducts will usually give you a good idea of the system’s overall state.

While inspectors tend to provide very thorough evaluations, there are things that should give you pause even without one. While not all of these things are deal breakers, they’re all worth being aware of when negotiating a price for your new home.

Four ways to avoid a renovation disaster Whether you just bought a fixer-upper or are upgrading your home, avoiding renovation mistakes will save you time and money. Here are four rules to follow that will ensure your next project goes smoothly.

1. Have a plan Taking the time to plan your project will save you time and money in the long run. Make a list of every improvement you want to make, decide on the order in which they should be completed and then establish a timeline and budget.

2. Expect the unexpected More often than not, you’ll encounter unexpected issues when renovating your home. Always allow yourself more time and money than you think you’ll need. This way, unforeseen complications are less likely to delay completion.

3. Make room in the budget Whether you’re completing the work yourself or hiring contractors, you should allow for a contingency of at least 15 percent and ideally 25 percent. The additional funds will allow you to deal with unexpected problems.

4. Don’t DIY everything Trying to do everything yourself can be overwhelming. More importantly, some things need to be done by professionals, no matter how handy you are. This includes structural as well as electrical work.

By following these tips, you’ll avoid making mistakes and help ensure that your next home improvement project goes smoothly.

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Lighting

L

dos and don’ts

ighting plays a big role in how interior spaces look and feel. Make sure your home is beautifully lit by following these dos and don’ts.

Do tailor the lighting to the room. Kitchens and bathrooms require bright task lights, while bedrooms and dining rooms should have ambient lights.

Don’t exclusively install hanging lights in the dining room.

Chandeliers look equally great in entranceways, bedrooms and even bathrooms. Just be sure the one you choose is the right size for the space and that it’s hung at the correct height.

Do use dimmers. Adjusting the brightness in a room is a great way to either add ambience or have more light to see.

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Dimmers don’t just add atmosphere. They also reduce energy consumption and will help your lightbulbs last longer. In addition, some LED bulbs, which are already highly energy efficient, now work with dimmers.

Don’t forget to think about your lightbulbs. Task lighting should be bright and stark, while ambient lighting should be soft and warm.

Do use a combination of floor lamps, table lamps and overhead fixtures. Not every room needs all of these but aim to use at least two types.

Don’t forget to match your lampshades and light fixtures to the decor in the room. They should complement and enhance your design choices.

Above all, be sure to call an electrician if you’re moving light fixtures around or need to replace switches. They’ll make sure the work’s done properly, thereby reducing the risk of an electrical fire.

A pro house painter is a key ally when it comes to refreshing your home.

Three reasons to hire professional painters

P

ainting can be a messy, time-consuming task. While some homeowners are capable of doing the job themselves, often choose to hire professionals instead. Here are three reasons you should do the same.

1. To save time Experienced contractors can complete painting jobs quicker than the average homeowner. Not only will you avoid squandering your own time, but the job itself will be completed faster than you expect.

2. To get great results Professional painters take pride in their work and do far more than just apply the required color. They also prepare walls, repair small imperfections and make certain to properly set up the area. Following these steps ensures that the results are as close to perfect as possible.

3. To avoid mistakes Many people fail to realize that different rooms require distinct types of paint and that special brushes and rollers are needed in certain situations.

Professionals are fully aware of these things and also have all the necessary drop sheets, pans and other equipment.

A pro house painter is a key ally when it comes to refreshing your home.

Not only do they have the skills needed to do a great job, but they’ll also make sure the work is done right.

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Renovations that’ll make it harder to sell your home Not every renovation is going to make your house attractive to buyers. Here are four types of home improvements that may be detrimental.

1. Pool installation Unless you live in an area where pools are expected, adding one won’t do much to increase the value of your home. In addition, many buyers are put off by the required maintenance and additional insurance costs that come with owning a property with a pool.

to more than a quarter of its original value is likely to result in your home being priced out of the market. This happens when the home’s value ends up being too high for the area, which in turn makes it less attractive to buyers.

Resale value shouldn’t be the only criterion when deciding what to renovate, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.

2. Room conversions The number of bedrooms in a home is an almost universal consideration for buyers. Converting one into a gym or home office, especially if it entails removing closets and storage space, is likely to make your home a lot less attractive.

3. Wall-to-wall carpeting If you’re going to replace the flooring, it’s best to choose a material that’s likely to increase the value of your home, like hardwood or something similar. Typically, carpeting isn’t a very popular feature among modern home buyers.

4. Excessive upgrades Any major renovation that bumps up your home’s worth

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Did you know?

Most municipalities require you to obtain a permit before doing any kind of major renovation.

This legality ensures that the new construction will be up to code.

Quick and simple ways to make a front door pop Visitors’ impressions of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway.

Must as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create, regardless of how accurate that impression is.

Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal. Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior.

Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway.

• Bold front door color: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway.

Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick. The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim.

• Custom walkway: Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway. Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway.

• Contain plants. Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and well-tended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura.

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• Highlight the address. Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers.

Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door. • Utilize high-end materials. The relatively small area of real estate by

the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury.

These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures. • Add architectural details. Find out which architectural elements will

meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.

The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention. Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entryways that really make a statement.

Two common kitchen problems and how to solve them

In many homes, the kitchen gets the most traffic. Consequently, an issue in this room is likely to be acutely felt. Here are two common kitchen problems and some tips on how you can solve them.

1. Not enough storage

1 2

The ideal way to approach this issue is to entirely remodel your kitchen and thereby create the space and storage you need. However, if this isn’t currently feasible, you should consider implementing one or more workarounds.

For example, you can add hooks under the cabinets to store mugs and thereby free some precious cabinet space. Or, you might want to invest in a professional storage system with racks and drawer dividers to make the most out of the space you’ve got.

2. Not enough counter space

Not having enough counter space makes it hard to prepare meals and keep the room tidy. One solution to this problem, if you have the space for it, is to install an island. Alternatively, you can buy a small cart that will give you more surface area to work with.

Freeing up the counter space you have is also essential. Be sure to stow your toaster, coffee maker and other appliances in your cabinets when they’re not in use.

Once your kitchen problems are solved, you’ll be surprised just how much better the whole house will run.

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How often should you inspect your roof?

Your roof is an integral part of your home and plays a big role in shielding you and your loved ones from the elements. Though roofs last a long time, they must be inspected regularly and repaired as needed.

So, how often should you inspect your roof?

Most contractors recommend checking it twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. However, if you’re not comfortable climbing on top of your house, it’s best to hire a professional roofer to perform the inspection.

Some things to look for are: • Soft spots • Shingles that are loose or curling • Loose material around the chimney • Anything protruding from the roof • Large amounts of shingle granules in the gutters Biannual inspections are crucial, but they aren’t the only time your roof should be given attention. Be sure to also visually check them after big storms, especially those with heavy precipitation and strong winds.

Your roof’s lifespan depends on its material. Slate, copper and tile roofs can last for up to 50 years, while wood shake roofs last for 30 and cement tiles have a lifespan of 25 years. Asphalt shingles will typically last around 20 years.

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Marinated BARBECUE SALMON Ingredients • 1/4 cup olive oil • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 1 garlic clove, minced • Salt and pepper to taste • 4 quarter-pound salmon filets, skin on • Parsley and lemon wedges Directions 1. Mix all of the ingredients — except the salmon, parsley and lemon wedges — in a bowl.

2. Place the salmon filets in a large freezer bag and pour half of the marinade in. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible and marinate in the fridge for 1 to 3 hours.

3. Preheat the barbecue. Oil the grill using a silicone brush.

4. Put the salmon filets directly on the grill, skin side up. Close the barbecue cover and let cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filets.

5. Flip the filets, and brush the remaining marinade on the fish. Close the barbecue lid and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.

6. Place the filets on a plate, cover with aluminum foil and let rest for about 5 minutes.

7. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, and serve with a green salad.

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This simple recipe is perfect anytime it’s too hot to cook inside. The marinade caramelizes perfectly on the salmon and you’ll want to make this delicious dish again and again.

Start to finish: 1 hour, 15 minutes (15 minutes active) Servings: 4

VEGETARIAN OPTIONS for your next barbecue Do you think cooking on the barbecue is reserved for meat eaters?

Think again! Here are some easy ways of making your next cookout vegetarian-friendly.

SIDE DISHES

Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will appreciate having grilled vegetables to accompany their main dish. Zucchini and eggplant are delicious when cut lengthwise, seasoned and cooked on an oiled grill.

If you prefer to cook an assortment of veggies, cut them into even-sized cubes and season them as desired.

Once they’re ready to be cooked, wrap them in a piece of aluminum foil and place them on the barbecue to be steamed.

MAIN COURSES

There are vegetarian substitutes for

almost all grilled meat dishes. For example, as an alternative to hamburgers you can buy premade veggie burgers or try your hand at making your own. A great replacement for ground beef is a mix of black beans and tempeh (a product made from fermented soybeans).

If you’re serving brochettes, replace the meat with more vegetables or with chunks of marinated tofu.

Remember that many vegetarians prefer that their food not come into contact with meat, so a clean grill is recommended. When cooking meat and non-meat dishes, cook the vegetarian items first or simply dedicate a portion of the grill to plant-based food.

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How to spot a walkable neighborhood Walkable neighborhoods are increasingly popular, especially as more millennials enter the housing market.

These communities can be safely and conveniently navigated by foot and are often located close to transit and bike paths. Here’s how to spot one.

Walkability checklist When determining if a neighborhood is walkable, first and foremost, be on the lookout for the following: * Walking room. Look for wide and well-maintained sidewalks. These typically indicate that people in the area frequently walk.

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* Ease of crossing. Confirm that crossing the streets is safe for pedestrians. Is it easy to see oncoming cars?

Are there traffic lights or signage? * Local driving habits. Evaluate the flow of traffic in the area and how drivers respond to surrounding foot traffic. * Clear safety rules. Confirm that the area is safe for you and your children. School crossings with plenty of signage are a good indicator. * Pleasantness. Do you enjoy walking in the area? Is there sufficient greenery? Is it clean, safe and well lit?

Places to walk to The second component of a walkable neighborhood is that it has places to walk to. At a minimum, there should be access to basic necessities like grocery stores and pharmacies.

The presence of retail stores, restaurants and other services is also key, as it indicates that there’s an active community and strongly suggests that the area is pedestrian friendly.

Finally, proximity to public transit means you’re likely to get to work easily and may be able to forgo using your car entirely.

The best way to display your collections Are you a collector? Whether it’s books, magnets or vintage glassware, it can be hard to know how to best display the treasures you’ve accumulated. Here’s how to expertly show them off.

Group it together A collection that’s displayed as a whole is more impactful than one that’s dispersed throughout the house. You could: Create a gallery wall. Frame and present your collection of vintage maps or photos.

Install floating shelves. Use them to display grouped-together figurines and other small collectibles.

Use glass jars to show off your collection of rocks, buttons or shells.

Match it to the room The best display for your collection is one that matches its surroundings. The kitchen is the perfect place for antique jars or vases; the bathroom is a great home for old perfume bottles or vintage jewelry; and a den or entertainment room is the best place to show off old movie posters.

If your collection is so extensive that it would overwhelm the space, don’t display everything at once. Show off only your most impressive pieces and keep the rest in storage. Or, rotate pieces periodically so that every item has a chance to shine.

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EVERYTHING

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Real Estate & Home Services Guide

EVERYTH

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Real Estate &

s Guide

Home Service

4 things realtors might not tell you Page 5 Why you should sell in the fall Page 10 What is the KonMari Method?

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2019 9 | SEPTEMBER VOLUME 2 | ISSUE

s Guide

How millennials are chan the housing mark ging et

Page 6

Bedroom decoratin g help you get more tips to Z-s

Page 10

3 times you don’ t need a 20% down paym ent

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