Saturday, February 20, 2016

How to Incorporate Upcycling Into Your Home Decor







How to Incorporate Upcycling

Into Your Home Décor


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Got an old dresser gathering dust in your attic? Or maybe you inherited your mother's Mason jar collection but not her love of canning? Instead of trashing it, try upcycling hand-me-downs into something new. There are a million options for turning one person's trash into another person's treasure. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Vintage Dressers -- Transform an old wooden dresser into a charming bathroom vanity, a television stand for your guest room or a storage bench for the front entryway. All it takes is a little bit of paint and some DIY know-how!

  • Window Shutters -- Give old wooden window shutters new life as a room divider, shabby chic sideboard, succulent planter, wall-mounted magazine holder or a cottage-inspired armoire.

  • Posts and Railings -- Turn those architectural elements into functional furniture. Used wood stairway posts are useful as legs on a children's desk. Just add a wooden top and a fresh coat of bright paint, and you have a colorful place for the kids to study.

  • Old Doors and Windows -- Repurpose old doors and windows into beautiful furniture pieces with a touch of history. Turn doors into kitchen tables, nightstands, room dividers, headboards and coffee tables. Repurpose windows into picture frames or a chalkboard calendar.

  • Mason Jars -- Convert Mason jars into fun, functional home accessories. From wall-mounted bathroom storage to patio lanterns.
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Home Owners There is Still Time Left! February Maintenance Guide

February Maintenance Guide

This is a great month to get your home projects done!



    tools and construction equipment in toolbox

February may be a shorter month than the others but it’s still a great time of year to get your home projects done. In fact, there are many projects that are perfect to do in winter month of February. Despite snow or icy weather, your balcony garden or back yard gardening something to think about this month. You may not be able to dig in the dirt or plant, but most regions host their annual home and garden shows to give people ideas for the spring. It’s also a great time of year to purchase seeds and supplies for your summer vegetable or fruit containers.
Inside the home you may be craving some change that is more in line with the upcoming season. Try a new color of paint for your walls or purchase new bed linens for a quick update. Budget friendly projects like spray painting tired old frames, shelving or storage boxes are another great way to insert a new interior design scheme without spending a lot of money. Organization is also a great project to focus on this month. Be realistic and start with one room or area at a time. When you reorganize you may find the need to do some minor repair work so call in a handyman or contractor to fix up that area once and for all.
Here are some other great projects to get done this month.
  • Perform monthly smoke alarm test. Holding down the button tests the actual sound, but a more accurate test is to mimic the alarm’s ability to detect smoke. Read more about smoke alarms.
  • Deep clean appliances. This is a great month to do some quick appliance maintenance like:
    • Washing machine: Clean rubber gaskets and seals with plain vinegar on a cloth. Do a clothes-free cycle with hot water, vinegar and baking soda. Leave washing machine door open for it to dry completely. Check connection points behind the machine to ensure the hoses are in good shape.
    • Dishwasher: Use plain vinegar on a dry cloth and wipe the edges of the machine that tend to stay dirty. Remove the filter and clean it to remove stuck on food. Sprinkle the inside with baking soda until you’re ready for your next load.
    • Refrigerator: Remove food and wipe down all surfaces with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. This is a great time to throw out old leftovers and check the expiration dates of condiments. The freezer can also get a quick clean. Use a vacuum to suck up small objects like coffee grounds. Empty ice bins and add a fresh box of baking soda to remove odors.
  • Keep lawn clear of twigs, branches and other heavy objects. Don’t trample on frozen blades. Read these tips for winter lawn care.
  • Maintain flower beds and prune shrubs as needed
  • Get rid of heavy, wet snow on the roof and melt the ice on your sidewalk. Not sure what melting products to use? Here are some tips.

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Three ways to ease your fears about making a move when Buying a home / house

Three ways to ease your fears about making a move


With low inventory in many markets throughout the country, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one. This can be a real problem, but if you are seeking to sell—whether to upgrade or find a new neighborhood—there are a few ways to combat the low inventory.
Look to buy first In most markets it is a real mistake to put your home up for sale before you start looking for your new property. Identify the geographic area where you are interested in buying. Even if you don't see anything on Zillow, it doesn't mean you can't or won't find the right home.
Think outside the box Be proactive! Keep in mind that there are probably many people like you who want to make a move but are afraid as well. Have your real estate agent send a letter to the neighborhoods in the geographic areas where you want to live. The letter should be heartfelt and personal while announcing that you are ready to buy a home in that neighborhood. You could find a home to buy that may not even be currently listed or for sale.
Protect yourself legally Each state varies in how the purchase process is conducted. Talk to your real estate professional about adding a clause in the purchase contract for the home you are selling that will enable you to not sell the home if you cannot find a suitable home to buy.





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Friday, February 19, 2016

Calling In A Professional. Realtor, Real Estate Agent, Should We?

Calling In A Professional


Renovating your home can be a stressful and expensive endeavor. How much should you spend? Who should you trust? Who’s the best contractor/architect/designer/etc. in town? If you find yourself asking these questions as you consider a renovation, you may want to consider a renovation coach.
Expert opinions Renovation coaches are a recent trend in home remodeling. Think of it as a project manager for your home renovation—someone who is great at working with contractors and vendors, and at keeping things running smoothly and moving forward as your renovation progresses.
Worth the investment? Renovation coaches can handle projects of any size, and can be involved as much or as little as you like. They’re especially useful for managing bigger projects that involve several vendors and contractors, but they can also be helpful in simply recommending the best and most reputable companies for your specific project. If you don’t know who to hire to remodel your kitchen or basement, a renovation coach can be a huge asset.
Finding the right coach There’s currently no national directory or association for renovation coaches, but it’s a fast-growing profession and chances are there’s a great one in your area. Take to the internet to find some coaches in your area—Houzz and Google are a good start. Vet several candidates and reach out to past clients to find the coach that can help you get the most out of your renovation.




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