SW WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE ONLINE ~ HOME TIPS provided by the Council of Residential Specialists

Southwest Washington Real Estate Online

HOME TIPS

provided by the Council of Residential Specialists

According to Case Design Remodeling Inc., here are a few of the biggest trends to watch in 2007:

Faucets. Personalized design is aimed at providing homeowners with a relaxing environment while they bathe or shower.
Concrete and glass countertops. Concrete can take any shape, a plus for designers, and it is not as costly as some other natural stone materials. Glass - in all shapes, colors, thicknesses and textures - is also showing up in ultra-modern kitchen designs.
Shower seating. Inspired by upscale spas, seats in showers have become one of the latest trends in master bathrooms.
Outdoor kitchens. Whether built from the ground up or on an existing patio, outdoor kitchens boost resale value and offer limitless possibilities.
Energy-efficient materials and appliances. Windows and doors, washing machines, dishwashers, ranges and refrigerators feature sleek designs, innovation and all the latest amenities to help homeowners become more energy- and resource-efficient and save money.

GOT MOLD?

There's no way to sugarcoat it: Mold is an unwelcome guest in any home.

And like your unpredictable cousin Harry, it can show up without warning, even in the cleanest abodes. Mold is a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air. It can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and a temperature of between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The most common type of mold, called mildew, is easy to spot. It's the black stuff you see in the grout lines in your shower, on damp walls and outdoors on the surface of deck boards and painted siding, especially in damp and shady areas. To test for mildew, dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew. If the area remains dark, it's probably just dirt.

Besides being unsightly, mold can cause health problems, including hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. More seriously, mold can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.

To get rid of minor mold and mildew infestations, disinfect the area with a mild bleach and water solution, then seal with several coats of a primer/sealer and repaint with washable paint. Improving the ventilation in damp areas of your home, such as the bathroom, will tend to minimize mold problems. For more extensive mold infestations, contact a professional who can help you determine the best way to deal with it.

Landscaping Can Increase Your Home’s Value

A home with neat, attractive landscaping can make a positive impression on prospective buyers and entice them to see the interior of the house. Studies show that landscaping improves the value of your home, and homeowners can sometimes reap as much as a 100 percent to 200 percent return on their landscaping investment. By comparison, a redecorated bathroom returns only 75 percent.

When starting a landscaping project, experts suggest the following tips:

Develop a plan. Determine how much time and money you have for your improvements. Then plan to do one activity each month.

Appeal to the senses. Color can attract potential home buyers and result in a quicker sale. Plant flowers along your driveway or repaint the exterior of your home. Choose a color scheme that sets your home apart from others in your neighborhood.

Add pathways and lighting. Winding or staggered pathways from the street to the front door are popular. Use stones or small flowers as a border along the path and low-voltage lighting in the yard for visual appeal.

Choose plants with care. Ask gardening experts in your area what plants are most appropriate for your climate. Plants spaced too close together or are labor-intensive can deter potential buyers.

Explore options. Use gardening and home design software to experiment with different looks before spending money on landscaping services.

FLIP the SWITCH

Rising energy prices are hurting everyone these days. But experts suggest that a few simple, inexpensive changes can lower your energy bills and help the environment.

Create your own custom lighting with dimmer switches. Dim a room by 50 percent and you will use 40 percent less electricity and extend the bulb’s life by as much as 20 percent.
Replace old light switches with occupancy sensors, which turn the lights on automatically when someone enters the room and shuts them off when the room is vacated. Occupancy sensors are especially beneficial in garages, laundry rooms or other areas where a light may be left on accidentally.
Outdoor motion detectors, which activate floodlights when someone approaches, provide additional security at night.
When you don’t want to leave lights on longer than you need to, timers and night lights are convenient, inexpensive alternatives. Timers also are useful for shutting down heat lamps, exhaust fans and pool filters when they are not being used.

But experts agree that the single most important energy-saving change you can make is one your father reminded you to do: turn off the lights when you leave a room.

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