Sue Martin Team
Displaying blog entries 51-60 of 164
Short video showing mis-matched yard sale table and chairs transformed for less than $100 completed in one afternoon. Enjoy!
Source: HGTV.com
By Elyse Umlauf-Garneau
With demand rising for green home features, it’s no surprise that home stagers are starting to style sustainably to help prospective buyers see green when they’re shopping for property.
“Thus far, I haven’t seen a house sell just because it is green,” comments Michelle Minch, of Pasadena, Calif.-based Moving Mountains Design and Staging. “However, I think a house with green credentials could help tip an on-the-fence buyer in favor of a home.”
And though it’s beneficial to convey the impression that a home is environmentally friendly, it’s more important to address the substantive issues that affect overall performance.
Here are eight staging tips to make your listings stand out:
1. Verify environmental friendliness: Conduct an energy audit of a home and outline the green changes and upgrades that have been made as a result of the audit’s findings. That can include basic changes, such as new caulking, insulation and lighting packages. It also can entail more substantial upgrades, such as new appliances with the Energy Star® label and the installation of a tankless water heater or an efficient HVAC system. Show prospects the potential savings and long-term benefits of all the green modifications that have been made.
2. Highlight green features: Offer buyers a checklist of a property’s green features, along with the benefits that each offers. Norma Lehmeier Hartie of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.-based Harmonious Environments and an interior designer specializing in green staging and feng shui has developed a chart for staged homes that details everything from CFLs to solar panels.
And Minch suggests creating a notebook made of recycled paper or bamboo or something with a green image on its cover that illustrates a home’s green aspects. Her books include notes about energy efficient appliances, water filtration systems, bamboo floors, and so forth. She also includes documentation, such as information from the paint store or the paint company’s website, about the low toxicity of the paint used or proof that the floor covering is made of sustainable wood.
3. Incorporate green products: Any cleaning supplies in cabinets should be green, and food on display in pantries should be labeled organic, if possible, according to Minch.
4. Include a recycling center: The aesthetics of recycling bins have evolved beyond basic blue, so it’s possible to make separating bins a sleek design element in a house.
5. Eliminate odor: That freshly cleaned pine smell that comes from commercial cleaners or that new paint smell often signals air that is teeming with unhealthy chemicals. It’s why Lehmeier Hartie aims for an odor-neutral environment. She suggests using green cleaning products and avoiding any items, such as vinyl shower curtain liners that emit an aroma.
6. Go natural: Use living, not silk or plastic, plants. They have a more natural look and can improve indoor air quality. For a list of plants that can filter out toxins, click here.
7. Upgrade sustainably: Lehmeier Hartie routinely suggests green, efficient replacements to homeowners who are considering upgrades. She comments, “If carpet should be replaced, I recommend renewable wood flooring, for example.” The same goes for curtains, bathroom fixtures and so forth.
8. Enhance curb appeal: Don’t neglect the outdoor space. If homeowners are revamping the exterior, suggest swapping a lush lawn that demands huge resources for something more eco-friendly, such as vegetable gardens or native grasses. For more on lawn alternatives, see www.lawnreform.org. Plants, shrubs and vines that are native to a given area can thrive well without excessive watering or additives and they require less maintenance. Play up other green outdoor features, like composting bins and rainwater barrels. And chemical additives sitting in the garden shed are a no-no.
Source: RISMedia/Lowe’s
Enjoy these kitchen remodel ideas from HGTV!
Source: HGTV.com
By Jaclyn Banash
It's a constant battle: Small versus big. Less or more? There are arguments to support both sides.
Having just downsized to the smallest apartment I have ever lived in, I was intrigued by the idea of small being the new big. The challenge of storage and saving space is usually the No. 1 problem for most small-home dwellers. Organization is key, as is making the space work for your lifestyle.
I have been racking my brain for months over how to make my new 656-square-foot apartment work best for me. I have found some great new ideas to integrate with some of my old tricks of the trade.
Creative use of furniture is essential in small spaces or even in larger spaces that might need to be multifunctional. Take, for instance, a guest bedroom that doubles as an office. Instead of crowding the room on a daily basis with a bed that only gets used a few times a year, why not use a sleeper sofa or a chair and a half with a twin sleeper sofa? This will free so much space for day-to-day activities in the office.
A daybed is another good-looking piece of furniture that multitasks. A daybed is a great way to divide a large space, but in a small space, if positioned against the wall, it doubles as a sofa with pillows across the back and an extra sleeping spot when the pillows are removed.
Lots of furniture pieces are known for their great multipurpose and space-saving qualities. The ever-popular pouf, for example, can double as an ottoman, become a small table for books, computers and drinks to rest upon or even turn into extra seating.
Nesting tables also provide options for tiny spaces because they are small and easily moved. Storage ottomans are an obvious choice for doubling as a bench or coffee table that can house toys, blankets and extra bedding.
In dining room/eating areas, a custom-built bench/banquette with storage underneath is a great option for tight spaces. If your budget does not allow for custom, then good-looking storage boxes fit nicely under most pre-made banquettes. If you are not looking for more storage but are just short on space, a breakfast nook can be created with a small table and stools that can tuck underneath when not in use.
Simply by pushing a dining table against a wall or window you can save at least three feet. All you have to do is pull the table out for dinner parties. And don't forget, an old or unattractive table can always be put to use and instantly jazzed up with a custom table skirt in a fabulous fabric. Voila, another spot for hidden storage!
One of my recent favorite small-space solutions is installing built-in top-to-bottom mirrors on the inset of closet doors. How brilliant! No longer are you taking up precious wall space in the room with a floor-length mirror.
As for the actual layout and decoration of a small space, conflicting theories abound. Some say not to fill a small room with over-scaled furniture, as it eats up the space and feels cramped. Others say big furniture makes a small room seem grander.
I gravitate toward the middle. In general, I stay away from large, overstuffed furniture and do find that too many small pieces can feel cluttered. But I need enough seating for entertaining and recently purchased a set of Lucite folding chairs (clear furniture is another small-space trick) that can be stowed when not in use.
I have never subscribed to pure minimalism, although I admire those who can. I find it almost impossible to not surround myself with lovely items that I find along my travels, antiquing or shopping. The key is rigorous editing. I have seen many small, successful spaces that have a plethora of mementos or objets d'art.
But once you get to a certain point, it becomes necessary to do the practice of one thing in, one thing out. After all, no matter what size your space is, you need the room to enjoy it.
(c) 2010, The Kansas City Star.
Source: RISMedia/Lowe’s
After location, good lighting is the thing buyers want most in a house. Here are some simple ideas for improving the brightness in your home.
Source: HGTV
By Paige Tepping
Now that summer is a distant memory, and the fall temperatures are continuing to get cooler, homeowners across the country are thinking ahead and preparing their homes for the Winter weather that will be here before we know it.
True Value offers the following steps homeowners can take now to ensure their family’s comfort as the cold weather approaches in addition to keeping their heating bills from going through the roof.
Check for and seal foundation cracks
Look for any cracks or openings in your foundation, exterior walls and around pipes, and be sure to seal them with exterior caulk or foam insulation. Clear away leaves and other debris from the foundation to make sure you haven’t overlooked any cracks. Check the roof for problems such as broken tiles and shingles that could become a larger issue when snow comes. Clean out gutters and downspouts and make sure they’re working properly.
Inspect the chimney and fireplace
For safety reasons, you should examine your chimney each fall. Make sure it is clear of any bird or animal nests. Check to see that the flue opens and closes fully and that it can be locked in either position. You should also check to see if the chimney drafts properly by lighting a small fire and watching the smoke rise up and out. If you find that there is an obstruction, clean your chimney using special rods and brushes designed for this purpose. If your fireplace leaks air, you can cut a piece of fiberglass insulation and place it behind the fireplace doors. Just remember to remove it before building a fire. Additionally, check the brick in the fireplace for any open mortar joints. Have any open joints repaired immediately as fire can spread through open joints into the wall.
Install storm windows
Windows are a common culprit of wintertime heat loss. If you have single-pane windows, remove screens and install double- or triple-pane storm windows before winter comes. Be sure to pull down both the top and bottom storm windows to help prevent heat loss.
Check the furnace
Check the condition of your furnace in late fall. Turn off the electricity and gas, and then use a wet/dry vacuum to clean the entire burner area. Clean the thermocouple with a cloth and use a precision duster with compressed air to clean the pilot light. Replace any disposable air filters and clean washable ones with mild detergent and water. Clean fan blades with a brush and lubricate the fan shaft. If the motor has oiling ports, apply a few drops of heavy-duty electric motor oil. Be sure not to over-oil your furnace and never use automotive motor oil or 3-in-1 household oil.
Winterize your water heater
Because water heaters can be inefficient, it is important to insulate your hot water tank with a water heater blanket. Also, check the water temperature of your water heater. A good energy-efficient temperature is around 120 degrees. It's never a good idea to turn off your water heater completely if you will be away from home for an extended period of time. Instead, turn the water heater's thermostat to the "vacation" setting or a similar low setting. The pilot light will remain lit, maintaining a slightly warm water temperature within the unit until you return.
Insulate exposed piping
Using a pipe insulation kit to add insulation around accessible water pipes will save you energy, lower your heating bills and prevent pipes from freezing during the winter months. Look for water pipes that pass through spaces where cold drafts are likely, such as crawl spaces, garages and attics. Check the pipe leading directly from the hot water heater and don't ignore hot water lines. Though slower to freeze, they are more likely to burst than cold-water lines. Make sure the pipe insulation kit you choose includes adhesive tape or contact cement for sealing. The most common pipe insulation is a tubular foam sleeve slit lengthwise. Tubes without slits are designed for installation over new piping, but they can easily be slit with a sharp utility knife. Open the pipe insulation along the slit, press it onto the pipe, and seal it with adhesive tape or contact cement to prevent summertime condensation.
Additional ways to warm your home
There are more easy ways to make and keep your home warm in the winter. By simply reversing the spin of your ceiling fans and setting them on low speed, you'll send warm air down into your living space. In winter, your fans should spin in a counter-clockwise direction. Most fans have a small switch to set the spin direction. If yours doesn't, you may want to upgrade to a new energy-efficient ceiling fan. Using your ceiling fans to circulate warm air in the winter saves money and keeps your furnace from having to work as hard.
Keeping blinds and curtains open on sunny days will naturally warm up any room. Closing them at night will help keep the heat in and the chill out. Save costs and concentrate warmth in your home by only heating rooms you use. If your heating system has vents, close the ones in unused areas of your home. Use a humidifier—just adding moisture to the air will make your home feel warmer. And as an added bonus, humidifiers also cut down on carpet shocks from dry static electricity.
Source: RISMedia/Lowe’s
Bi-fold Door Headboard
A unique use for an old bi-fold door. HGTV shows us how to turn it into a stylish headboard. Enjoy!
By Greta Guest
Jodie Mekled is looking forward to cheap utility bills this winter.
The retail worker from Sterling Heights, Mich., could pay as little as $40 a month for natural gas thanks to energy-efficient home improvements made through Habitat for Humanity.
The nonprofit group recently completed a rehab on a foreclosed home in Sterling Heights that Mekled will close on and move into this month with her two sons. She was living with her parents when she found out about the city's Neighborhood Stabilization Program and applied.
The 900-square-foot home has achieved LEED certification, which measures how well a house performs in eight areas including water efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality and innovation. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
It's the first LEED-certified home the Macomb County, Mich., Habitat for Humanity has built.
The home features bamboo flooring on the first floor, spray cellulose to insulate the walls, recycled paper countertops, bamboo cabinets in the kitchen, a solar tube in the kitchen ceiling that reflects light from the sun and moon into the home and low-flow plumbing.
"I love the bathroom. I love my kitchen," said Mekled, 41, who helped retrofit the home through hundreds of volunteer hours. The bathroom features recycled glass tile and porcelain tiles.
Brandon McCullough, field operations manager for Macomb County Habitat for Humanity, said less-expensive energy upgrades are becoming more common. Such improvements include added insulation, rain barrels and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
McCullough said the three-bedroom, one-bath home was in bad shape. It had to be stripped down to the studs.
"It's cool because you take a blighted house in the neighborhood and make it into something cool," McCullough said.
Features such as the solar tube installed in the kitchen ceiling help reduce the electric bill without costing much. The tube retails for $160. A tankless hot water heater cost about $565 for the unit and $500 to $1,000 to install. It reduces energy use by not having to constantly heat a tank of water.
The rain barrels collect about 300 gallons of water from the roof that is then used to water the landscaping. The 55-gallon drums were purchased online and then fitted with spigots from Lowe's, McCullough said.
While new homebuilding has slowed, some builders continue to have success in green building, said Rich Kogelschatz, owner of Heartland Builders in Rockford, Mich. He has been building energy-efficient homes since 2002 and builds six to nine a year.
"I can tell you that my customers want it and are coming to me for it," he said.
Using an energy-efficient feature like an insulated foundation costs about $1,000 to $1,500, he said. Adding an energy recovery ventilator is about $1,500. It brings fresh air into a house, which is important when it is sealed tightly.
He said energy-efficient windows and appliances are almost standard today for most builders. But features such as a geothermal system are more expensive, ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 and are in just half of the homes Kogelschatz builds.
Geothermal heat pumps collect natural heat from the earth through a series of pipes called a loop. Fluid circulates through the loop and carries the heat to the house.
The system pays for itself within five years based on average utility bills.
"Our customers ask for it, so it isn't a tough sale," Kogelschatz said.
WHAT QUALIFIES
Federal tax credits for buying an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home are available. Here are some examples of what's covered by the various credits. For more information, go to www.energystar.gov.
The tax credit gives you 30% of the cost up to $1,500 for:
The credit expires Dec. 31 and applies only to existing homes and principal residences.
A tax credit of 30% with no upper limit is for:
The credit expires Dec. 31, 2016, and applies to new and existing homes. Principal residences and second homes qualify, but not rental properties.
(c) 2010, Detroit Free Press.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Source: RISMedia Lowe’s
Starting with a budget as small as $50, these great bathroom upgrades are sure to be a big hit in your home!
Source: www.HGTV.com
How much should you plan to tip your housecleaner, child-care provider or hairdresser this holiday season? The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a nationally representative survey earlier this year—when memories of holiday tips were fresh—to find out.
Despite the recession, respondents who did tip spent at about the same rate as in years past. The highest median tip was $35, for the category of cleaning people, with a few service providers receiving thank-yous as high as $500. If you plan on offering gifts of thanks this holiday season, take these tips from Consumer Reports:
• Give cash equal to the value of one session or a week's wage to self-employed or lower-wage earners.
• Gift cards can be useful for tipping mail carriers. They aren't supposed to accept cash, but can accept gift cards valued at $20 or less that can't be exchanged for cash. Otherwise, you might want to avoid gift cards because of their fees.
• Be sure that food gifts won't trigger an allergic reaction or violate dietary restrictions.
• If you're keeping to a tight budget and can't afford to tip this year, consider writing a heartfelt note of thanks instead.
Source: RISMedia/Lowe's
Displaying blog entries 51-60 of 164
