Entries Tagged 'Aesthetics' ↓
September 15th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Basement, Countertops, Curb Appeal, Handy Man, House Value, Kitchen, Landscape, Outside, Yard
If you’re trying to sell your home in today’s market, you may be faced with a lowball appraisal that could threaten a loan. Even the nicest houses are being downgraded, and if your area has had a lot of foreclosures, getting a good appraisal may be next to impossible. However, there are some great techniques that you can employ that can affect your appraisal value by more than 15%.
First, it is important to know where to start in your home. If you have a basement that is not yet finished, you may think that adding some rooms and living space down there will help your appraisal. In actuality, it is the above ground living space that is worth more, so you will want to focus your efforts on the first floor.
While painting, cleaning and generally keeping the house tidy can affect an appraisal, it won’t do much good if you’re looking for a big jump in the amount. What you need to do on the inside of your home is work on bringing in appliances and fixtures that are valuable, both in perception and in use. For example, adding a marble countertop to your kitchen will add more value than covering an old one with contact paper (and yes, that is pretty common.)
Likewise, completely redoing and remodeling your kitchen to include brand new stainless steel appliances will also bump your appraisal up. When you’re looking at the interior of your home, the focus needs to be on items that matter, such as those mentioned above. However, the interior is secondary to the exterior when it comes to a high appraisal value.
By focusing on the exterior of your property you can see a huge improvement in the overall appraisal amount. Landscaping alone can be responsible for a low or a high appraisal, depending on how it is done. According to a Gallup poll, landscaping can increase the overall value of a home by 7 to 15%. Let’s say your home is worth $250,000. The right landscaping has the potential to change that to $375,000.
One tree can be worth anywhere from $1000 to $10,000, once it is mature. If you think about how little it takes to plant one tree, that is very impressive. So, your first focus should be on the yard area and your overall landscaping. Hiring a professional company can help, but most of these tasks can be completed on your own.
How your house looks will also have a big impact on the appraisal value. If it has been a few years since you painted, or your yard is full of junk, this will result in a lower appraisal. Your goal is to make your house look like a million bucks from the street, and this will help you get a higher appraisal. In addition, by focusing on that curb appeal, you’ll be much more likely to sell the home for the full amount that you need.
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September 11th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Create, Curb Appeal, Deck, Handy Man, House Value, Kitchen, Landscape, Outside, Yard
If you are looking for new ways to increase the overall value of your home, there are numerous projects that you can tackle on your own. Whether you are an experienced DIY’er, or just starting out, these projects are fun and add more than just monetary value to your home.
1. Go Green.
Installing energy efficient appliances is perhaps the easiest way to increase the value of your home. Look for the Energy Star label since you may be eligible for special cash back rewards. These new appliances are remarkably different from older models and many of the new refrigerators will use about the same amount of energy as a light bulb.
There are many other ways to go green with your home. Try installing a new “green” flooring system, such as bamboo or cork. These floors will add beauty to your home and you’ll feel good about your choice. You can also install energy efficient windows and more to your home to save on your energy bills.
2. Landscape Your Yard.
One of the best ways to installing increase your curb appeal is by landscaping your yard. Whether it’s a single shade tree or an elaborate garden, landscaping gives you the opportunity to have fun and improve your yard. Anyone can landscape, and with the right tools, you’ll get professional results.
3. Refresh Your Kitchen.
The kitchen is the heart of your home and for many DIY’ers, this is the place to start. From replacing cabinet doors, to adding new fixtures, there are many ways that you can make that old kitchen look brand new. If you’ve got the budget, you can tear out your old cabinets and completely overhaul the space.
Today’s kitchens are more efficient and easier to keep up, thanks to new materials and designs that make the most out of the space in your kitchen.
4. Add a Room.
Whether it’s a brand new addition, or a new way to use an old space, there are plenty of ways that you can get more out of your home and make it worth more money. Building on to your home is a great way to save money and get more space, without having to purchase a new house. Your new addition can even be something as simple as a converted garage or basement.
5. Add a Deck, or Screen in a Porch.
Looking to take advantage of outdoor space? Adding on a deck or a patio gives you a whole other room and plenty of chances for fun. Anyone with basic building experience can make a deck, and this is a great addition to any home.
A screened in porch can also be very useful, especially as a three season room. If you’re not quite ready to build on, but you still need some extra space, this is a great solution and it’s easy to do!
These are just a few ways that you can add to the value of your home and get more use out of it.
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September 4th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Clean, Deck, Flooring, Outside, Seal/Stain, Yard
Adding a deck can be a great way to increase the overall value of your home, but taking care of it is a whole other matter. Unless you purchased pre-sealed wood, you are going to have to take the time to maintain your deck, or your investment will quickly go to pieces. Here are some great tips on how to weatherproof your deck and make it easier to maintain.
Whether your deck is brand new or aged, these tips can make a big difference in the amount of work you do throughout the year on your deck. They will require a weekend, or maybe more time depending on your schedule, to complete. However, once you are done, you should not have to do much to your deck throughout the rest of the year, besides washing it occasionally.
Let’s get started!
1. Power wash the entire deck.
This is a vital step and will impact the finished results. Take the time to make sure that the deck is really clean, even in between the boards. A power washer will make short work of this chore, but you can also do the same thing with a hose and a pressure sprayer.
2. Sand the whole surface.
After the deck is completely dry, it’s time to sand down any damage, imperfections or snags. A power sander is recommended for this task, and will save you a lot of time and effort. Do at least one pass on all of the boards and make sure that they are completely smooth.
3. Sweep the deck.
Once you’re done power sanding, there will be some detritus left behind so it’s now time to completely sweep away all of your shavings. Take the time to make sure you get it all to avoid common cosmetic issues that we’ll talk about in our next step.
4. To seal or stain?
This step will depend on your personal preference. If the wood is already the right color or in good shape, sealing it should be sufficient. If not, you may need to stain it first. This can take up to 3 to 4 coats, depending on the depth and intensity of the desired finished color. Decide which method is right for you, and then double check to make sure that all of the shavings are gone.
Failing to do this will cause bubbles in the finish and may impact the overall effectiveness of your weatherization preparation. Make sure that your family knows they cannot walk on the deck until this process is completely done. It may take up to two coats of sealant, depending on the brand and how bad your wood is.
5. Make a note of the date.
You will probably need to redo this in about five years, so make sure you mark down in your home improvement journal when you finished weatherproofing the deck. By keeping your maintenance up to date, you can be assured that your deck will beautify your home for many years to come.
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September 2nd, 2008 — Aesthetics, Bathroom, Clean, Handy Man, House Paint, Storage, Walls
Most of us go to the bathroom to freshen up, but there are a few easy tips you can use to freshen up the entire room. If your bathroom is getting a little boring, or you’re just sick of how it looks, these tips will help you save money and help transform your bathroom into a calm oasis.
1. Start small.
Sometimes it is the little things that really make a difference. Put all of your typical bathroom clutter away and purchase a few small baskets. Roll up some hand towels or washcloths and place them in the basket. Purchase some scented soaps or bath marbles and fill the other baskets with these. Place the baskets around the room for a spa treatment. Your bathroom will immediately feel bigger and more inviting.
2. Increase the use of your space.
You may not be able to increase the actual space in your bathroom, but you can increase the amount of usable space. First, let’s talk about bathrooms without any linen closets or storage areas. It can be pretty frustrating to try to store all of the stuff you need every day without dealing with clutter. The best solution is to get either an over-the-door organizer, or a sturdy cabinet that will fit behind the toilet area.
These are terrific space savers and will help you get organized in no time at all. We mentioned the cabinet for the toilet area should be sturdy and this is vital. Many people make the mistake of just slapping a cabinet into this area and fail to secure it properly. Their reward is a knock on the head when they sit down or jostle the cabinet.
If you’re going to use this type of cabinet, install a loop on the back of the cabinet. Now, on the wall where the cabinet will be resting, install a hook. When you put the cabinet up, hook the loop. Just make sure that it is sturdy enough to hold the entire cabinet. Even a common hook and catch for a door will work for this, if it is strong enough.
3. Move the hamper.
If you’re dealing with a very small space, adding a hamper will only hamper your movements. Try placing this in your bedroom or even the laundry room. Make the trip to it with your dirty clothes as necessary. While hampers are great organizational tools, they can get in the way.
4. Make it neutral.
If all else fails and you’ve removed everything you can, adding a little light paint and light flooring will make the room feel a lot bigger. You won’t feel as cramped. Adding the right lighting can also be of great assistance for making this small space seem bigger. Experiment with a few options until you find the right lighting for your bathroom.
We may not spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, but the time we do spend should be relaxing. These tips will help you get more use out of your space and help you feel a lot less cramped.
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September 1st, 2008 — Aesthetics, Handy Man, Project, Windows
If you’re dealing with a lot of windows in your home and you are worried about keeping it cool inside, one of the best solutions is interior shutters. They will cost more than drapes, but they are easier to clean and much more permanent. The look of interior shutters can be customized to your individual preference and once they are installed, they can greatly reduce the amount of energy you are using to heat or cool your home. Here are some tips on how to install your own interior window shutters.
First, you will need to decide whether you want to hang the shutters on the inside or outside of the window. Remember, windows are generally not very plumb, and inside installation can be very tricky. It is usually best to err on the side of caution and plan to install the shutters on the outside of the window casing. This is much easier and will make the window look a little bit bigger.
To install your shutters this way, you will need to have a selection of wood strips that are the same height as your windows and thick enough to allow you to attach the shutters and close them properly. The strips of wood will be attached next to the window casing, completely flush with the window. You will only need to worry about putting them alongside the windows and not on the top or bottom.
These strips can be drilled in, but before you start, it is vital to make sure that you will not be hitting an wiring before you drill. If necessary, consult an electrician to determine the location of any wiring. If you have outlets underneath your windows, you will need to be even more cautious. Regardless of where your outlets are placed, it may be a good idea to turn off the electricity before you start your installation.
Once your wood strips have been installed, you can then add the hinges for your shutters. Attach each shutter and make sure it is plumb and level. Add the second shutter and repeat the process. Make sure you can easily shut and open them before moving on to the next window. If you haven’t already finished painting them, or if they need touching up after installation, paint or stain them and you’ll be all done.
Interior shutters come in a variety of finishes and designs that will add value to your home. While louvered shutters are popular, do keep in mind that they can be very hard to clean as well as paint. If you’re looking for a simple solution, a flat shutter or one with a raised design may be best. However, for air flow louvered shutters are still the best, since you can keep them shut and still benefit from a breeze.
If you’re looking for an easy way to change the look of a room or you are simply tired of drapes and having to clean them, interior shutters may be the perfect answer.
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August 26th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Design, Flooring, Handy Man, Wood Floors, concrete
If you are considering installing new flooring for your home, now is the time to consider reducing your carbon imprint. There are many new choices for flooring that are not only eco-friendly but also beautiful, economical and long lasting. Let’s go over some of the most popular choices for green flooring that are currently on the market.
Bamboo –
This is one of the most popular forms of flooring and it is incredibly green. Bamboo grows quickly and does not need to be replanted. It is not as hard as some woods, however, bamboo floors are usually quite durable. They add a unique look to your home’s flooring system and you can find this flooring in many finishes and colors.
Concrete –
A lot of new homes feature poured concrete floors, especially in the kitchen. While they are very hard and a little expensive, you can’t ask for a more durable and eco-friendly floor. You can have it cast in patterns, stamped with designs and even stained to the perfect color. Adding throw rugs is recommended, especially for rooms where you will be doing a lot of standing. When it comes to cleaning, concrete floors are probably the easiest to maintain and they should last for many years to come.
Cork –
This is a nice soft flooring that will actually feel warm under you feet. It is quite popular and although cork comes from the bark of the tree, it is a renewable resource. Cork trees reproduce bark within a few years of having it removed and the removal process does not harm the tree. This is a great solution for areas that have a lot of foot traffic, since cork is pretty durable when it is installed correctly.
Cork flooring is highly recommended for those that are allergic to mold or other common allergens. The flooring is resistant to moisture and will actually repel insects. You can find this flooring in natural colors or you can have it dyed to match the color of your choice.
Linoleum –
You wouldn’t think of linoleum as being a green flooring, but it actually is. It is actually made up of several natural ingredients, and when removed, it does not take up a lot of space in a landfill, since it will easily degrade. This is probably the most cost effective eco-friendly flooring that you can find and it is incredibly easy to maintain. You can find linoleum in just about any color or pattern and installing it is also very easy.
Last but not least, if you already have wood floors, you may want to consider refinishing them before ripping them out. You can add rugs made of natural materials to hide trouble spots and you’ll be adding to the value of your home since natural wood floors are always preferable to many home buyers. It’s a great link to the past and if you already have them, you should try to get as much use out of them as possible.
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August 20th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Design, Handy Man, Outside, Stucco, Walls
If your home is starting to look a little run down, or you just don’t want to go through the expense of painting it again, you may want to consider purchasing siding for your home. There are many benefits to using siding and it can be virtually maintenance free if you pick the right kind. Here is a brief guide to the newest materials that are available for home siding.
1. Brick and Stone Look Siding –
This is one of the most popular new types of siding on the market. It gives the impression of a more expensive façade, but it is much more durable and easy to maintain. You’ll have a wide variety of color choices and this is much easier to install than traditional brick or stone. Most will last around twenty five years without any maintenance, beyond occasional cleaning.
2. Cedar Siding –
If you have always wanted the look of a log cabin on your home, you can now get it easily with cedar siding. These are actually more of a wooden siding and they will need a little extra care to keep them looking good. They come in a variety of different colors. You may need to stain them from time to time to keep them looking fresh. We do not recommend this type of siding for those that live in areas that get a lot of rain or wind, since this can degrade the siding.
3. Stucco Siding –
Synthetic stucco has been pretty popular through the years, but it is not quite as durable as the real thing. It is much easier to install however and many people prefer the luck of stucco on the exterior of their home. Maintenance is usually quite minimal and it will require an occasional cleaning to look fresh.
4. Cement Siding –
This is one of the newest forms of siding on the market and it is incredibly popular. It is actually made up of cement fibers and can be constructed to resemble a variety of different looks, such as natural stone, wood or even regular siding. Care is virtually nil and you’ll be able to enjoy it for decades. The best part is, this siding is both fire and termite proof, making it a natural choice for those that live near forests or out in the country where there are more risks for either problem.
5. Vinyl Siding –
The old standby is still going strong, thanks to its durability and the wide color selection. Vinyl siding is the most economical option for many homeowners and it will last for at least 25 years or more. It may not be the newest material out there, but it still has it uses.
6. Seamless Steel Siding –
This siding looks fantastic and is perfect for those that live in areas where the climate can change dramatically from time to time. Steel siding will not shrink or expand once it is installed and is pretty impervious to weather. It will cost more than vinyl siding, but it is incredibly durable and comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
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August 14th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Curb Appeal, Design, Handy Man, Landscape, Outside, Yard
As summer gets started, you’re most likely getting a little sick of mowing that lawn and keeping everything looking great. In some areas of the country, water shortages have made watering almost impossible and it doesn’t take long for your lawn to resemble the Sahara or worse. However, there are many ways that you can take care of your lawn the easy way and ensure that it will add to the value of your property.
1. Only water at dusk or dawn.
Watering during the hottest times of the day usually doesn’t work very well. You’re dealing with evaporation, water is at its peak use in most cities and you may actually be boiling your yard if the temperatures are high enough. Grass really doesn’t need that much water to survive, but what it does need is smart watering. Stick to times of the day when it is cooler and shadier. If you have very hot afternoons, a refreshing drink at sundown will be just what your lawn needs. Giving it a little morning boost can also help. There’s no need to water for hours either. Just thirty minutes of smart watering twice a day can make a big difference.
2. Consider adding smart plantings and features.
If you are really sick of trying to take care of your lawn, or the grass is looking a bit crispy, it may be time to start rethinking your entire landscaping. Many people are switching to desert gardens, which utilize hearty plants and a lot of rocks. The rocks help hold in the moisture and the plants don’t need as much water to survive and keep looking pretty. As a bonus, you won’t have to mow as much, which will save on gas. If you live in an area where water rationing is standard, this is a great time to make the switch.
3. Pay attention to the temperatures before you mow.
If you cut your grass down when it’s hot enough to fry an egg, you’re going to probably kill your lawn unless it is incredibly tough. Remember, you are “cutting” the grass, which means that you are injuring it to some degree. Try to mow when it is cooler and still a little moist out. This will help give your lawn time to “heal” before it gets hot out again.
4. Use eco-friendly fertilizer.
If you’ve got kids or pets, it’s very important to use a fertilizer that will not harm them or your lawn. There are some really great alternatives out there that won’t poison your groundwater or your kids. Read the instructions carefully to get the best results.
5. Remember, there’s always next year.
If your lawn is too far gone, don’t despair. Mulch it, till it, re-landscape it. You can always try to get it right next year. Perfect lawns can take a lot of work, but with the right tools and the right mindset, you can get the job done.
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August 13th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Design, Flooring, Handy Man, House Paint, Light Fixtures, Wallpaper, Walls
If you’re living in a glorified shoebox, it can be pretty depressing after awhile. Not all of us can afford the best apartments or houses and chances are you’re dealing with at least one room that is little more than a closet. While you may not be able to knock down a few walls, there are a few techniques that you can use to make that space feel and look a lot bigger.
1. Use light colors.
Light paint really does make a difference, but don’t stop there. Stick to very pale, neutral colors with furniture and floor coverings as well. This can make a tiny room look quite large when utilized correctly. Think as pale as possible and limit any bright colors to throw pillows or small pictures. Light drapes or window coverings will also help make the room seem bigger.
2. Downsize your decorating.
A small room with a really big couch is going to feel that much smaller. Use a loveseat instead or a double sized chair. The same is true with pictures. Keep your big pictures to the big rooms and use smaller pictures in your smaller rooms. Resist the urge to overdo! Remember, one small painting in the middle of the wall will not only pull the eye, but it will make the space around it seem bigger.
3. Draw the eyes upward.
Although borders are a bit passé, they can be very useful when you’re dealing with a narrow room that has higher ceilings. This trick will not work however if you have low ceilings, it will just make them seem that much lower. In this case, paint the ceiling a very bright white. It will give the illusion that it is taller and that there is more overall space.
4. Use the right kind of lighting.
When light is properly used in a room, it makes it seem bigger. Keep lamps to the perimeter of the room and make sure that they have light shades to minimize shadows. Use your ceiling lights instead to once again draw the eye upward and illuminate the entire space.
5. Make use of the flooring.
Let’s say that you have a very square room that is quite small. In this case, you would want to run your flooring vertically, either with tile or wood. Wood floors are a great choice for a small room. You won’t be spending much money and they have the effect of elongating or widening a room when placed in the right direction. Before you make it permanent, lay down a few boards in the room and see if it makes it feel bigger or smaller. When using throw rugs over your wood floors, go a little bit smaller so that the space on the floor looks bigger.
6. Don’t over accessorize.
A room with clutter instantly feels small. Keep the knick-knacks to a minimum in a small room and use shelves when necessary. Your goal is to create an almost Spartan space, that will feel much more open and airy.
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August 11th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Cheap Alternative, Curb Appeal, Design, Handy Man, Outside, Yard
As our summers get hotter and water gets a lot scarcer, it’s becoming more important than ever to plant trees and flowers that can take the heat. If you want your yard to look great all through the summer, you’ll need to get smart about your plantings and find the best varieties for your area. The best place to start is your local nursery, but here are some great trees and plants that are wonderfully drought resistant.
Scotch Pines are a great landscaping choice that not only look great, but they are incredibly hardy. They’ll be able to withstand hot summers as well as cold winters and they need a minimum amount of water to survive. These trees also grow incredibly quickly and can provide a great wind break or natural fence for your property. They usually reach between 25 and 35 feet in height and are a great addition to any property.
Cedar Trees also work well, but there is a downside. These trees are actually pretty thirsty, but do well in hot conditions. This is due to the fact that suck an amazing amount of water out of the ground. If you’ve got a lot of plants around your cedar trees, they are going to suffer from this. In addition, grassy areas around cedar trees can get a bit parched due to this trees thirsty ways. If you’re going to use cedar trees, make sure that your other plants are far enough away so that they don’t suffer too.
There are several varieties of roses that are drought resistant as well as blight resistant. Ask your nursery if they supply any of the known varieties, or you can also purchase them online. These roses usually have the upside of being able to withstand winters without being protected, so they are well worth the extra money.
Perhaps the prettiest drought resistant tree is the Russian Olive. This is a terrific shade tree and can enhance any yard. Surprisingly, despite its size, it is one of the few trees that does not need a large amount of water. It is also not picky about the soil it’s in and can thrive just about anywhere. They grow to about 25 feet in height and also attract birds throughout the year.
If all else fails, consider trying a desert garden complete with cacti and rocks. It’s a lot cheaper in the long run and it should be able to survive even in the most water deprived areas. After all, if they can make it in Death Valley, they should be able to take the heat in your yard.
If you’re still finding it difficult to keep your lawn and trees alive, consider recycling water. You can reuse rain water, or even in extreme cases, your bath water if you do not use a lot of scented soaps. It’s a little odd, but if you’re facing an extreme water shortage, it is in an option if you don’t mind carting water around.
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