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Ways to Take Your Curb Appeal to The Next Level

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You can add curb appeal to your house with these simple upgrades that you can complete in one day, a weekend or a month. From replacing your mailbox to refreshing your garden, there are many options. If your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression, everyone (including potential homebuyers) will want to see what’s inside.

Replace Old Hardware

House Numbers, an entry door lockset and a wall mounted mailbox are just a few of the elements that can enhance your home’s curb appeal. If they are outdated or dirty, it may not be the look you want. The most effective way to use these elements is as a cohesive group, rather than as individual pieces. The oil-bronze finish is best for traditional houses while the brushed nickel finishes are better suited to more contemporary homes.

Install Window Boxes

Window boxes are a quick and easy way to add color and charm to the curb appeal of your home. For a more traditional look, choose boxes made of copper or iron. Choose painted wood to give your display a cottage look. You can mix and match plants and flowers depending on the color scheme of your home and whether or not you receive full sun.

Paint the Front Door

The front entrance of your home is the main focus for curb appeal.  Give your front door a new look with paint or a wood door. Use metal polish to clean off any dirty spots on the knob and door fixtures. Choose a wreath, swag or flag that matches your home’s style.

Create Perfect Symmetry

It’s easy to arrange a symmetrical layout. Light fixtures and accents on the front door can be arranged in a symmetrical way to create welcoming entrances, and increase curb appeal. Lantern-style wall sconces guide guests safely to the front door. They can also coordinate with the hardware and urns.

Dress Up Your Porch with Seating

You can use a bench or small chair on the porch as a place to rest or remove dirty shoes. You can also increase curb appeal by adding comfortable outdoor seating. This will encourage people to interact with their neighbors and take part in street activities.

Install Outdoor Lighting

Low-voltage landscaping lighting can have a significant impact on the curb appeal of your home, while also improving safety and security. Accent lighting can be used to highlight trees, the house or a path. Plan to use a variety fixtures and lighting styles for the best landscaping lighting. Install solar lights if you can’t use fixtures that require wiring. Solar outdoor lights are easy to install and affordable.

Do a Mailbox Makeover

Mailboxes are a great way to express your personality and complement the house. Choose a style that complements your home trimmings if your mailbox is attached. If your mailbox is closer to the road you can surround it with beautiful flowering gardens . This will instantly make your yard look more inviting and approachable. Consider painting your mailbox and post in a color that matches your home, or adding vinyl decals with your address.

Add Shutters or Accent Trim

Shutters, trim and other decorative elements can add beauty and curb appeal. Exterior shutters are available in wood or aluminum, as well as composite, fiberglass, and vinyl. Trim details can be made durable and low-maintenance using composite materials such as PVC or polyurethane.

Replace Gutters and Downspouts

It’s likely that your gutter system is old and in need of maintenance . Peeling paint, rust marks, drooping gutters and other issues indicate that repair or upgrading is required. Replace the old gutters with new ones.

You can save money by installing your own vinyl gutter system. They are known to crack and become brittle in cold weather. Copper systems are more expensive, but they have a beautiful curb appeal and a look of quality.

Add Arbors or Fence Panels

The curb appeal and garden of your home will be enhanced by arbors, garden gates and short sections of decorative fencing panels. These simple additions will provide a beautiful backdrop for your garden. Kits are easy to assemble or come in prefabricated sections you can connect. Paint or stain the items in colors that match your home.

Add Outdoor Art

Add some whimsy to your yard by incorporating artwork that is resistant to the weather. Select pieces that compliment your home’s exterior and natural color palette. Outdoor art can include metal cutouts and sculptures. Birdbaths are a great option, and feature nice colorful designs. The gurgling sound of water sculptures can be soothing on hot days and help to cool you down. Place water fountains in an area with good visibility and hearing.

Upgrade Railings

If not maintained properly, porch and stoop railings will deteriorate very quickly. If your railings have reached their peak, replace them with quality wood or metal components and increase curb appeal. The color, size, design, detail, and material should all be compatible with your home’s primary features. Porch railings are a key component of the exterior aesthetic of a house, and help to enhance its style.

Renew Paint, Siding, and Trim

A new exterior update, such as paint, siding or trim, can instantly transform the appearance of a house. Maintaining exterior surfaces is the best way to maintain your home’s curb appeal. A home’s curb appeal can be negatively affected by visible defects such as cracked or decayed material. This will turn off potential buyers. After repairing the weaknesses, add color to trim or shingles.

Dress Up the Driveway

You can upgrade or clean up your driveway if it is cracked, stained or has plants growing on the surface. Then, you can dress up the driveway by applying a stain to the concrete. Add stone, pavers, or bricks to the side of your driveway to make it wider. This will give you more space to park or move around. Setting off a driveway by creating a clear, crisp transition between the paved and non-paved surfaces will enhance curb appeal.

Build a Walkway

A well-designed pathway can make your home more inviting and warm. Replace a concrete path with a stone or a brick curved pathway to make a dramatic difference. Apply a colored concrete resurfacer and then border it with bricks or stones. Brick paving adds a classic, traditional look to any landscape.

Original Blog: https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/ways-to-add-curb-appeal/

Hot Outdoor Trends For Spring/Summer

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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

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

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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/

A Kitchen Clean Up Pays Off When Selling Your Home

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A kitchen remodel is a great way to sell a house. To make your kitchen more appealing to potential buyers, you don’t need to remodel it. You can make a few small changes to your kitchen and get it sold for more money if you have a great space.

While some people prefer to throw out every appliance they have used in the past week, others will need to clean their counters. Selling a home or kitchen that is not used every day is a major mistake. It is important to remember that the way you sell or show a house will not reflect how you live there. It may seem like an inconvenience, but it can make your home more valuable.

The more empty your counter top is, the better. A few subtle touches can bring your kitchen to life. You should leave enough space for potential buyers to place their belongings in your kitchen.

Consider removing any pots or pans that hang low from ceilings or walls and patching the holes. If the rack isn’t necessary, or if it is decorative that doesn’t block view or hangs too low, you can remove it and create more space.

It sounds so obvious and simple. Many sellers fail to notice this and their counter tops end up sticky or stained. It takes a little effort to remove wine stains or watermarks and make your kitchen look cleaner.

A rolling butcher block island is a great option for those who don’t have enough space to install an island in their kitchen. It will give your kitchen a more sophisticated look and provide additional work space. You may also want to offer some freshly baked cookies along with your flyers for open house.

You might consider adding some pendant lights to your recessed lighting. These lights can give your space a totally different look that can be very attractive.

You can update your home by installing affordable flooring. It doesn’t cost a lot to get the best flooring. However, it is important that your home does not look outdated.

Fresh herbs in simple containers are a beautiful way to add beauty and charm to your home.

The appliances can be sold “as-is“, but a dishwasher that is not working is an issue. Buyers will likely want to pay more or have the appliance replaced.

Even if buyers don’t like cooking, the kitchen is a key area of a home. It is important to make your home stand out by improving it before you sell your home.

 

 

Original Blog:  https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1015362-20180223-selling-your-home-a-kitchen-clean-pays-off?rtmpage=

Is A Barndominium Right For You?

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Before building a barndominium, here are some things to remember

Many people are now trying to do their own DIY remodels or builds, thanks to the popularity of farmhouses and shows like Fixer Upper and Home Town. Barndos require special planning and are just as important as any other type of project.

Check paint to see if it is in good condition.

It is important to inspect any previous paint jobs before you start renovating an old barn. This is because barns often use exterior paint, which can make it dangerous for living spaces.

Be prepared for unexpected costs.

Barndos can be cheaper and more quickly constructed than traditional homes, but you’ll still need some features if your barndominium will be used as a home. It is easy to overlook things like plumbing, HVAC, siding, permits, and so on.

Employ licensed professionals.

Although it may appear that a barndo project is something you can do yourself, there are many critical elements that require professional intervention. Barndominiums, which are non-living spaces that are being converted, often require complex electrical work. A good selection of windows and doors is another important element that many people don’t consider. You will need to choose the best windows and doors to make your space comfortable.

You can check the laws and permits in your area.

Each place has its own rules. However, any construction project or remodel will need a permit to ensure that everything meets code. Realtor.com recommends that you budget $400-$2,000 for permit costs. These permits are not enough. Most barns will require a sprinkler system. Make sure you factor this in to your budget and timeline.

Consider losing certain creature comforts.

Although barndominiums are beautiful and functional spaces, they can also be stunning and inspiring. However, if you spend more time looking at the lifestyle of barndos on Pinterest than browsing decor ideas, you might be surprised. Barndominiums can be one-story units and feel louder than traditional homes. They are also more suitable for rural areas. You can accept all these characteristics and proceed with the barndominium process.

Barndominiums can make a great living space for those who have some land, or an existing barn that can easily be renovated. Don’t rush to build a barndominium. It is not as large as traditional homes, and there are many things you need to take into consideration.

 

Original Blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/building-a-barndominium/

There Are Many Signs That The Home You’re Buying Will Have A High Resale Value

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Although it may seem premature to consider selling your home before you actually buy it, it is important to remember that a house can be an investment. In an ideal world, investments would make money and not lose it.

When house hunting, resale values should be considered. It shouldn’t be the only thing that you consider when buying a house. If you want 20 acres or lakefront access, should be your priority. You will be happier if you can predict the future appeal of the house you are buying and the surrounding area it is located. You might even be richer.

Buyers will save a lot of money by considering resale values. They won’t have to spend a lot on renovations and updates. A high resale price is not a guarantee.

Because of the effect of the local market and economic factors, it is difficult to ensure that a home will retain its full value.

When house hunting, pay attention to the surroundings. Is it easy to get around the neighborhood? Is it possible to walk to the grocery store without having to stop for snacks? Are there nearby restaurants for those evenings you just cannot?

You won’t get a high return on your home if it isn’t well-developed or has poor infrastructure.

A home purchase is a study of contrasts. You need a beautiful kitchen and good delivery options. Five bedrooms is the minimum requirement. You also need a decent hotel nearby. Your mother-in-law will not be staying with you. You want everything to be bustling, but not in your backyard.

There are buyers, and maybe even you, who love to live in the middle all the action. Be aware that your future buyers may not be as keen to buy the bungalow right next to your favorite watering hole.

Many people view return on investment as the sum of simple calculations: Will your home sell for less than what you paid?

The inspector will give you an overview of the health of your home. However, it is important to pay attention to the roof, foundation, HVAC system, windows and doors. You should also pay attention to electrical and plumbing. Any problem with one of these systems could lead to a costly repair that can take a chunk out of your paycheck.

 

To read more click on original blog: https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/home-youre-buying-good-resale-value/

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