home improvement Archives - Preferred Properties of Texas Home & Ranch Properties Stephenville

Hot Outdoor Trends For Spring/Summer

March 24, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

It is never too late to plan and shop for outdoor living spaces of your dreams.

These trends may be worth considering before they sell out.

Even before fall’s cooler nights, backyard fire pits had sold out by the end of last year. They were bought by people who wanted to extend their outdoor time. A fire pit can be purchased now to enjoy your backyard in the spring and into the autumn.

Outdoor kitchens will be very popular this year as people want to do all they can outside. A DIY kitchen is possible for as little as $2,000.

The outdoor kitchen can be outfitted with everything from barbecues to natural gas to charcoal, in addition to cabinets. You can choose from traditional black or vibrant colours, as well as stainless steel in various sizes and shapes that will suit your backyard. You might also consider the “connected barbecue”, which allows you to control the temperature directly from your smartphone.

Last summer, above-ground pools were sold out. Get one for your kids today. You can also find smaller inground pools that are a bit larger than a whirlpool bathtub for adults. These are great for cooling off and sitting down.

You will need a shed to store your pool-related items. Aluminum sheds are great for tools. But if you need a shed that can also double as an office or cabana in the summer, consider wood sheds that have double doors.

Be sure to consider the functionality of furniture as well as its design. Look for furniture with hidden storage or sectionals that incorporate tables into their designs for small spaces. Wide armrests make it easy to place a glass of wine, or an iPad on a comfortable seat. A coffee table can be raised to a comfortable height, so you don’t need additional chairs or a table.

Privacy screens and privacy kits make products that are both functional and beautiful. Privacy is also achieved by garden walls. This vertical trend includes trellises, metal grids and plants grown on them. Vertical garden walls are decorative and save space.

Decorative and edible plants were very popular during the pandemic. To meet the demand, many stores have ordered plenty of seed packets and plants.

There are many options for fountains and waterfalls. You can choose from large, standalone versions or smaller designs that fit on tabletops. The soothing sound of water can drown out any unwanted noises and create a Zen-like atmosphere in the room.

Outdoor lighting is available to help you stay outdoors after dark and create a mood. Outdoor lighting is now possible with the availability of LED lights in a variety of colours, which are popular among teenagers. You can also find adult-friendly versions, which can be used in planters or under the bar counter. You can also find lights on strings and garden lights that will laminate the edges of the path, as well as an umbrella with integrated lighting.

A front porch adds additional outdoor space. You can dress it up by adding curtains to the sides. This will allow you privacy, and also make it suitable for single seating or sectionals.

You can personalize your space by adding style, colour, and accessories. Enjoy it as you see fit.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/1041454-hot-outdoor-living-products-for-this-spring

Homeowners Can Benefit Financially and Emotionally by Remodeling Outdoor Features

March 22, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Most Realtors (92%) recommend that sellers improve curb appeal before selling their home. The largest percentage of Realtors ^(r), suggested that sellers improve the curb appeal of their home before listing it for sale. These were also the most popular projects for which landscape professionals have seen increased demand in the past year. These and other findings are based on a report by the National Association of Realtors and National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Many homeowners have made their backyards their own, creating oases filled with plants, trees, and pools. If the homeowner wants to sell, these outdoor features can be embraced by him or her.

Landscape professionals were most in demand for outdoor projects such as an overall landscape update (61%), maintenance (58%), and a new patio (55%). They saw less demand for a wood deck (15%) or an in-ground swimming pool (25%) as well as tree care (29%).

It is not surprising that most Realtors ^(r/) and homeowners place high importance on a yard’s curb appeal. Green spaces and healthy outdoor living can improve the quality of life, enhance home value, make communities more attractive, and help people’s mental as well as physical health.

To-Do List For Selling Your House This Spring

March 17, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Make It Inviting

Open blinds or curtains to let the light in
Check light bulbs and replace as needed
Take down personal photos or items
Fix anything that’s broken
Give every room a clear purpose

Show It’s Cared For

Clean your vents and baseboards
Vacuum, mop and sweep floors
Declutter throughout
Organize countertops, cabinets and closets
Touchup any scuffs on the wall

Boost Curb Appeal

Power wash outdoor surfaces
Clean the windows (inside and out)
Tidy up the landscaping
freshen up your entry
sweep patios, decks and walkways

Connect with one of our real estate agents at Preferred Properties of Texas so you have advice on what you may want to do to get your house ready to sell this season.

Original Blog:https://www.mountainroserealty.co/blog/checklist-for-selling-your-house-this-spring/

Things You Can Do To Help Winterize Your Vacant Home

December 22, 2022 by chorton Leave a Comment

There are several things you can do to winterize your home if you’re a snowbird heading south for winter. You can protect your home against theft and water damage while you’re away.

Winterization is the preparation of a property for winter. These preventative measures should be taken in the fall to avoid winter weather. Preventing damage from bursting pipes or other property and home issues can help you avoid them.

Protect Your Home from Appearing Empty:

Forward your mail and stop newspaper delivery. Ask a friend to come pick up any items left at your house.
Arrange to have snow removed after storms.
To discourage prowlers, set timers for motion-sensitive interior and exterior lights. They will come on at different times.

Protect your home from thieves by taking steps:

Verify that alarm systems have been activated and are in good working order.
Security-type hinges and deadbolt locks can be used to secure external doors and windows. Slide locks, or equivalent security locks, can be installed on sliding glass doors.
You can store valuables you don’t want with you in a safe box or another secure location.
Avoid sharing your travel plans or vacation photos on social media. Then potential thieves could use this information to find out when your house is vacant.

You can help prevent water damage by turning off your water supply:

It could be very dangerous if a pipe bursts, or leaks while you’re away. If you are going to be away for a long time, it is worth completely shutting off the water supply. Your heating professional can help you determine whether it is safe to shut off your water supply if your home is heated with an older steam heating system. If your home is protected from a fire sprinkler system you should not shut off the water supply.
After you have shut off your water supply, drain the pipes and open the faucets to drain the water. Flush your toilet to remove any remaining water from the tank or bowl. To prevent water from freezing, you can pour antifreeze into the bowls and tanks of your toilets.
To complete these steps, you may want to hire a licensed plumber. A plumber can confirm that the pipes are fully drain by blowing compressed air through them.

Keep your home and plumbing warm:

You can keep your pipes warm by running the furnace if you don’t want to drain them.
To keep the interior of your floor and walls, which are likely to contain the water pipes, above freezing, set the temperature at 55 degrees F or higher. The ability to keep cabinet doors and rooms open can help heat circulate and warm pipes.
To avoid water leaks and broken hoses, turn off washing machines and dishwashers when you’re not using them.
If your boiler is not connected to the heat source, turn off the water supply and heat supply to hot water heaters.
To prevent freezing water damage, shut off outdoor faucets and drain them.
Install a low temperature and water flow sensor on your main water supply line. This sensor can be connected to your alarm system or smart phone.
Wrap water piping with UL-Listed heat tap and insulate if it is exposed to unheated areas like garages, crawl spaces, or attics. Use only thermostatically-controlled heat tape if your water piping is plastic and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Do routine winter maintenance before you leave:

Heating system maintenance
Preventive maintenance is a good idea before you heat your home this winter. This will help prolong the life of your heating system and detect potential problems.
Before the cold weather hits, have your heating system checked and serviced by licensed professionals. Before you leave, make sure to fill your fuel tanks and set up periodic fuel deliveries if necessary. While you’re gone, have someone monitor your fuel and heat levels.
Keep the electrical supply on if you need it to run your heating system. A licensed electrician can inspect the main electrical panel, wiring, and outlets of your home to ensure that electrical service is not interrupted while you are away. Replace or repair any defect.
A licensed contractor should inspect and service your boiler or furnace at least once per year, preferably before heating season starts.
For forced hot air systems, clean or replace the furnace filter.
At least once per year, have your chimney inspected and serviced annually by a licensed contractor. Make sure to have creosote buildup from chimneys that serve woodstoves or fireplaces removed.
Keep your fuel tanks topped up and watch for low levels during winter.
Your heat should not be lower than 55 degrees because the temperature in the walls where the water pipes are located is cooler than the living areas. To maintain an even temperature, open doors to unoccupied rooms and keep the temperature at the same level throughout the house.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining your pellet or wood-burning stoves.

Insulation maintenance:

Are you sure your insulation is ready to protect you against the cold? It is important to inspect your insulation as it provides protection against winter’s cold winds and freezing temperatures. Do not forget to have your insulation and weather stripping updated before the cold season begins.
Insulate the attic with additional insulation to prevent ice damming. Heat can heat the roof if it escapes too much. It can also cause ice dams that can lead to water damage and roof collapse.
Weather stripping can be added around doors and windows to protect against heat loss and drafts.
If necessary, remove screens from windows and replace them with storm windows.

Winter Safety Measures:

These are additional safety precautions that you can take to prepare for winter.
Remove dead branches and trim trees so that they don’t damage your home or injure anyone if they fall due to ice, snow, or wind.
To ensure melting snow drains properly, keep gutters clean of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Make sure that the downspouts drain water away from your foundation.
To make them more safe in the snow and ice, repair steps and handrails.
To ensure that they work properly, check smoke detectors, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors.
Before you leave, unplug any unnecessary appliances such as your microwave and stove.

Equipment and Supplies Key:

You might be more prepared for the first snowstorm of the year than you realize. Make sure to stock up on key equipment such as snow blowers or generators before they are needed.
You should always have snow shovels, a roof rake and snow plows on hand. Make sure you have ice melting compound on hand to melt the ice on walkways.
Get your snow blower or generator serviced.
Fuel for snow blowers or generators should be kept in approved safety containers. Keep away from flame-producing devices and heat. Fuel should not be stored in the basement.

Reduce the attraction of pests to your home:

To discourage potential new residents from moving in, make sure you clean your house thoroughly.
To prevent mildew, clean, defrost, and unplug fridges and freezers. Wipe them dry, and leave doors propped open. Clean the oven.
Check your home for any openings that could be used by animals to get in. You should also make sure that your fireplace flue is sealed, as squirrels, birds, and bats can get in through this opening.
To ensure that there are no serious deficiencies, check weather stripping, insulation, and exterior doors and Windows. These openings can be accessed by water and insects.
A chimney service should inspect your chimneys and clean them if needed. To prevent infestation, install chimney guard screen-caps.

Prepare for Emergencies:

Notify the police about the vacant property and give emergency numbers.
Smoke detectors should be installed on every floor. They should be connected to a continuously monitored fire alarm system, so that emergency personnel can be notified immediately.
Storm shutters can be installed in coastal or higher wind-exposed areas to secure windows. You may also consider other mitigation measures such as marine plywood 5/8 inch.
You can ask a friend, relative or neighbor to watch your home and be there in an emergency. Allow them to inspect your home and monitor the electrical, water, and heating systems.
When it is cold, ask them to inspect the roof’s edge for ice dams. Also look for any leaks. If repairs or service are needed, make sure they have your contact information.

Get the insurance coverage you need. Protect your home while you are away from it, no matter how long or short. To ensure you are covered for any unexpected events while you’re away, contact your Travelers agent or independent agent.

Original Blog: https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/safety/snowbirds-winterize-your-vacant-home

Kitchen Flooring Options, Find The Best Kitchen Flooring For You.

December 16, 2022 by chorton Leave a Comment

There are many factors that go into choosing the right kitchen floor. How often do you cook? Are you more comfortable with an open floor plan or a closed-off one? Which is the most durable?

Hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for those who want timeless appeal and unmatched warmth. Hardwood flooring will give you a great return on your investment, should you ever decide to sell your house. Another benefit: Hardwood works well in living and kitchen areas, creating a warm, cohesive look.

There are two options for hardwood flooring: engineered or solid wood planks. Engineered wood is made up of a veneer of wood, backed with layers of plywood. This flooring is a better choice for kitchens, as it provides dimensional stability. This protects the flooring against movement due to temperature and humidity changes, which can be a problem in kitchens.

Sheet vinyl, also known as resilient flooring, is the most popular type of flooring. This cushiness is great for those who cook often. It also makes it more comfortable on the feet and reduces muscle fatigue. Sheet vinyl is also more flexible if you or a loved one are prone to dropping things. There will be less damage. Sheet vinyl flooring can be cleaned quickly and easily. It is completely waterproof and stain-proof.

However, this choice comes with its own set of disadvantages. You may find seams depending on the layout and size of your kitchen. Vinyl flooring is 12 feet wide. You will have seams if your kitchen is larger than 12 feet. They can leak moisture into the subfloor, trapping dirt and causing them to not be bonded properly.
Sheet vinyl is easy to clean. Sheet vinyl is easy to maintain. You might prefer a cushioned vinyl flooring with foam backing. The extra cushioning can make it difficult to keep seams bonded for long periods of time. You could also end up with trapped dirt and moisture if your seams split.

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that can be used as a flooring tile. It is fired at high temperatures to produce a hard and stain-resistant tile, which resists moisture. It can even be used outside in almost any climate because it is so strong. Porcelain tile can be purchased unglazed or glazed, just like other ceramic tiles. Unglazed porcelain tiles take on the clay color, giving them a natural earthy tone.

Glazed tiles, on the other hand can be made in any color and mimic the texture and look of real stone for a fraction of the cost.

The Americans with Disabilities Act certifies that porcelain tiles are slip-resistant. The designation should be clearly displayed on packaging materials or product information.

Cork is made of tree bark, which is harvested every 8-10 years. It is also sustainable. It is produced in countries that regulate harvesting to guarantee future supply.

There are some plus points. Cork’s compressible and waterproof cellular structure makes them a comfortable, water-resistant option. It comes in 12-inch-by-12-inch tiles and one-foot-by-three-foot planks, each with a unique grain pattern of swirls and speckles. It is slip-resistant due to its naturally textured surface.

Cork flooring does require maintenance. To protect against scratches and keep moisture out of the joints between tiles, cork flooring should be sealed every three to four year. Natural wax and polyurethane are good sealers. To keep it green, choose water-based polyurethane which is nontoxic and has low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels.

Original Blog: https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/kitchen/kitchen-flooring-ideas/

Prioritizing The Most Important Pieces To Spend More Money On

May 29, 2021 by chorton Leave a Comment

There is no denying that everyone would like to make their money stretch so far as possible. If it comes to some significant purchases or jobs that you wish to do into your house, obviously we wish to obtain the best bargain. But, there are a number of things that may actually wind up costing you more cash down the street if you opt to take the cheap route.

Furniture. Whether or not you own or lease your house, purchasing furniture ought to be regarded as an investment. It is very important to read testimonials about the standard of the structure and the cloth. Poorly constructed furniture might not be durable, that is important especially in the event that you have kids or pets. It is 1 thing to modify furniture since your taste in decor design varies, it is another to need to purchase new since it did not last. Normally, a couch should continue about 7-15 decades, based on the cloth, and more for leather.

Mattress and Bed Frame. This one should go without saying, and you have probably heard it earlier, but you invest more than one third your life sleeping. Obtaining an excellent nighttime sleep may affect your health and well-being, and like a couch, an excellent mattress may last up to a decade! If comfort is important to you, you need to prioritize spending a premium quantity of money on a mattress and high-quality mattress frame.

Couch. Like your mattress, this is something that you’ll end up using very frequently. If you are big on entertaining, obtaining a comfortable, great location to sit should be significant for you.

Dining Table and Chairs. Finally, a hardy, high heeled dining table and chair set can go quite a distance. And of course, classic tables and seats seldom go out of fashion, so locating a pair you adore — even if it is a steep price — could be well worth the investment.

Paint. Bargain paint is much thinner and more watery. Regardless of what roller or brush you use, it’ll streak, not give good coverage. In the long run, you might wind up using more paint to finish your painting project and consequently spending additional cash. Apart from the policy, since the consistency, purchase paint won’t hold up to normal wear and tear. Greater quality paints often include a built-in primer and their technologies can provide 1 coat coverage. At the end a greater quality paint can cost you less time and money to finish your job.

Contractors. Making the choice to perform a home improvement project isn’t a decision that is made lightly. It is an investment in your house and can affect the value in the future. Selecting the proper contractor to deal with the occupation is the next most important decision you are going to create on your undertaking. Request recommendations, but also do your own research to learn how this builder is seen concerning the quality of the workmanship.

If you are considering doing any significant developments or reworking the footprint of your house, you’re going to require a builder that knows the significance of pulling licenses, and next building code. Again, the shortage of quality might wind up costing you more money down the road if something must be repaired or replaced.

Bathroom & Kitchen. The 2 spaces on your home that will provide you the maximum return for your investment, but are also the 2 spaces that you do not wish to take any shortcuts. Picking classic and quality goods are significant since both of these rooms set at the very best work. The goods will need to not just look great, but you should be able to withstand a great deal of usage.

Finding a fantastic deal applies to a few things, not everything you choose to use your hard earned cash to buy. Taking short cuts or picking lesser quality services or products, could wind up costing you more in the long term. Make the most of coupons, sales, or promotions if making important purchases or doing some other jobs, but no matter what you do, do not sell yourself short.