18 minute read
To avoid mistakes
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.
Lighting 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.
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. 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.
Lighting dos and don’ts
Three reasons to hire professional painters
Painting 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.
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. 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 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.
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.
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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.
• 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
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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
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
* 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.
4 things realtors might not tell you Page 5 Why you should sell in the fall
Page 10 What is the KonMari Method? Page 18
EVERYTHING Real Estate & Home Services Guide H O M E EVERYTHING Real Estate & Home Services Guide H O M E
VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 9 | SEPTEMBER 2019
How millennials are changing the housing market Page 6
Bedroom decorating tips to help you get more Z-s Page 10
3 times you don’t need a 20% down payment Page 15
VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2019
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