Blessings Realty | Colorado Springs and Monument Realtor
Changing minds about Realtors
Homeowners are enjoying their property’s outdoor space more during the pandemic, and house hunters are paying particular attention to outdoor features as they evaluate homes to purchase. Landscape design firm Tilly Design predicts the top trends for outdoor space in 2021.
Keep your home warm and toasty this Winter by following these simple expert tips!
Every homeowner should start their Winter by tackling the “oh so fun” task of checking their home for leaks. Leaks can not only drain your pocket of money, but also drain your home of precious heat.
The U.S. Department of Energy (energy.gov) knows how important it is for homeowners to stay warm and to save money. This is why they offer up prime tips for what and where to inspect. Let’s start on the outside of your home.
• All exterior corners
• Outdoor water faucets
• Where siding and chimneys meet
• Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.
• Electrical outlets
• Switch plates
• Door and window frames
• Electrical and gas service entrances
• Baseboards
• Weather stripping around doors
• Fireplace dampers
• Attic hatches
• Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.
• Cable TV and phone lines
• Where dryer vents pass through walls
• Vents and fans.
After filling gaps and repairing cracks, it’s time to consider upgrading your insulation. Insulation is literally your defense against cold air and Winter elements. Old homes are notorious for their meager amounts of insulation. Many of today’s products were simply not available at the time of the home’s construction. If you have an old home, especially one that has not been updated or been subject to today’s building codes, it’s time to see where improvements can be made.
Several options are available. If you’re a green-minded homeowner, then be sure to check out the latest advances in recycle paper, cellulose, and denim insulations. Yes, you can insulation your home with “old jeans”!
Recycled denim insulation is VOC and formaldehyde free, as well as 100% recyclable. Cellulose is made from at least 75 percent post-consumer recycled content (newspaper) and takes as much as thirty percent less energy to make than traditional insulation. Cellulose also has no effect on indoor air quality.
Be sure to research the best “R” value of insulation for your area. The “R” value is a measure of thermal resistance and there will be a recommended amount from the Department of Energy for your particular zone.
Article originally published at https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/26963-homeowners-advice-toasty-tips-for-winter.
Most real estate professionals agree that a home’s kitchen and bathroom are two of the biggest selling points for homebuyers. However, even if you’re not planning to sell your home in the near future, you should want your bathroom to be as cozy and accommodating as possible since most people spend considerable time in that room each day.
To add value to your home, or just make it more attractive and useful, here are several upgrades to consider:
Have an expert check your bathroom plumbing to ensure it remains in good condition. Repair any leaks in the water lines and remove evidence of mold or mildew. Fix a dripping faucet and replace worn or rusty hardware in your shower, tub, or sink. Additionally, remove hard water stains in the toilet bowl or grunge around the base.
You may want to repair or replace fixtures that appear dated or that show wear, such as a chipped bathtub finish or cracked counter. Also, consider adding a bidet for convenience.
Outdated lighting fixtures can make a room look unstylish and boring. If the electric isn’t up to code, that issue should be handled immediately to ensure safety while using bathroom appliances like a blow dryer or electric shaver. Install recessed lighting or wall sconces to coordinate with the rest of your home decor. Also, dress up any windows with bamboo shades or a cheerful valance—and let the sunlight in when possible.
A bathroom floor that’s cracked or showing signs of age can be replaced affordably by utilizing newer water-resistant floor tile or linoleum. Choose a style that meshes with your bathroom’s color scheme and blends with the rest of your home. New flooring can immediately brighten up a bathroom to make it feel more welcoming and updated.
You may want to paint or add wallpaper to just one wall to bring some personality to your bathroom. Add a couple plants that will thrive on the moisture and help reduce the risk of mold. A wall shelf for decorative vases, flowers, or linens adds storage to make the bathroom more functional. Additionally, hang framed wall art to go with a themed shower curtain as focal points of interest. And a bath mat or throw rug can add a spot of color to bring everything together.
It won’t require much time or money to get your bathroom in top condition. You can continue to enjoy it indefinitely or be assured that if you decide to sell your home, the updated bathroom might just help to clinch a sale.
Article originally published at http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/bathroom-impact-value-home/.
