Category Archives: Home Maintenance

The Quick and Easy Way to Clean a Microwave

“It’s always a chore to clean the inside of a Microwave, if you haven’t taken some preventive measures. Good ideas on removing stubborn messes.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Whether popping popcorn, reheating pizza slices, softening butter or melting chocolate, your microwave does heavy-duty work day in and day out. And that also means heavy-duty grime and food odors. Over time, all that exploded food mess can make your microwave less efficient. The good news is that we have a fast and easy way to get your microwave back to just-out-of-the-box clean, or almost there.

Gentry Construction, Inc.

Start with a little prevention. Your first line of defense is to prevent the problem in the first place, according to Evelyn Carpenter at the Whirlpool Institute of Home Science. Covering what you’re microwaving goes a long way toward preventing most spots and splatters.

Janet Paik

Wipe it clean on a daily basis. Carpenter also suggests cleaning the inside of your microwave as part of your daily kitchen routine. Using a soft cloth, sponge or paper towel, wipe down the inside ceiling, floor, sides and tray. This removes any spatters that might have escaped containment before they have a chance to harden.

Janet Paik

Steam-clean the stubborn stains. If the splatters are caked on, try steam before you apply elbow grease. Using a microwave-safe container, heat about 1 cup of water on high for two to three minutes. Let it sit for up to five minutes, then carefully remove the water (it will be hot) and the turntable. Wipe down all the surfaces with a soft cloth, sponge or paper towel.

Janet Paik

You can remove odors and disinfect during this process as well, according to Meg Roberts, president of the housekeeping service Molly Maid. Start by adding half a fresh lemon to your cup of water while it’s heating up. The lemon half will be hot when removed, but once it cools down a bit, run it through the garbage disposal to freshen that as well.

Follow up by using white vinegar as a natural disinfectant. Dip a microfiber cloth in a 50-50 water-vinegar solution, wring it out until it is slightly damp and use it to wipe down the surfaces.

In most cases, this will be enough to leave your microwave’s interior sparkling. If there are still some splatters, just repeat the process.

Shabby-chic Style Kitchen Shabby Chic-inspirerad Kök

Finishing up. Clean the turntable you removed earlier. Almost all turntables are dishwasher-safe, but if you’re not sure about yours or you doubt your microwave could be out of commission for the length of a dishwasher run, you can clean it with warm water and dish soap.

Wipe the rubber gaskets with a damp cloth too. A damp cloth is also a good choice for wiping down the glass door, but if the door is very greasy, use a 50-50 water-and-white-vinegar solution or glass cleaner. For a polished look, wipe everything dry with a soft, dry cloth.

Michelle Drenckhahn

Finally, wipe down the outer surfaces, including the instrument panel, with a soft, damp cloth. If things are particularly greasy or covered in fingerprints, go over them again with the water-vinegar solution.You can dry the surface with a soft cloth for an even more polished look.

Carpenter recommends steam-cleaning the microwave’s interior once every week or so, but this method works even if you go longer between cleanings. And if you’re vacuuming your refrigerator vents, do your microwave vents at the same time. Your microwave will appreciate it.

Selling Your House Next Spring? 5 Fall Projects to Do Now

“Getting your house ready to sell takes planning and time, if you want to sell it quickly and get top dollar for it.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Originally appearing on HouseLogic, by Jennifer Nelson

Planning on selling your home in the spring? Good news — that leaves plenty of time to tackle all sorts of projects this fall that will help you snag top dollar when the tulips start blooming. Take an objective look around your home from a buyer’s perspective. What would stop you from making an offer? What do you need to do to put your home’s best face forward?

Here are some fall projects to jump on now in order for your home to be in tip-top shape for a spring sale:

1. Update Your Curb Appeal

Landscapers planting in a front yard Image: Laurin Lindsey, Landscape Designer

“Curb appeal is important,” says Steve Modica, sales associate and property manager at HomeXpress Realty Inc. in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla. “Make sure the bushes are all trimmed. Re-mulch or replace stone walkways and paths. Remove any dead plants and trees, and aerate your lawn so it will be lush come spring. Pressure wash the driveway, the front walk, and the exterior of your home. If need be, have the exterior of the house painted and, at the very least, apply a fresh coat of paint on the front door.

2. Get a Home Inspection

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® says 77% of homebuyers have an inspection done before completing a home purchase. To avoid nasty surprises once you’re in the process of selling your home, have your own inspection done and make any repairs over the winter months before you list the home. Homebuyers often use flaws and needed repairs to negotiate a lower price.

3. Replace Flooring and Paint Walls

Determine if your carpets need replacing or just a deep, professional cleaning. If they need to go, consider if hardwood or another flooring material might be more appealing to buyers.

You’ll also want to inspect interior rooms for dirty or scuffed walls that need a fresh coat of paint. “Paint the whole wall, don’t just do touch-up repair work, because it never looks as good,” says Modica. Also, if you have eccentric or loud wall colors, now is the perfect time to update to a more neutral palette. Stagers recommend beiges, light grays, and off-whites.

4. Tackle the Basement, Attic, and Garage

Between the studs garage shelving Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

Often overlooked, these storage meccas can become a catch-all for junk. Use cool, fall weather as an excuse to get down and dirty in these hot spots and organize them from top to bottom. Install shelving, pegboards for tools, and hanging brackets for bicycles and other large sporting equipment. Your goal is to pitch the junk, sell what you no longer need, and categorize the rest.

“Donate or recycle clothes and bedding you don’t use anymore in order to free up storage space in your closets, basement, and garage,” says Amy Bly, a home stager at Great Impressions Home Staging in Montville, N.J. These areas should look roomy, well-organized, and clean.

Related: Garage Storage Ideas Under $50

5. Consult a Stager

Buyers need to picture themselves living in the house, and they may have trouble doing that if all your personal effects are on display. In order to accomplish that, a professional stager can create a plan for you that you can spend the winter months implementing. Bly spends about two hours walking through a property assessing curb appeal, interior flow, closets, bookcases, media cabinets, flooring, and more.

“I give homeowners a multi-page, room-by-room form they can use to take notes on my recommendations,” says Bly. She typically recommends things like neutralizing out-of-date decor, removing old furnishings and carpeting, and updating light fixtures. She also suggests the type of shower curtains, towels, bedding, and pillows to display for an upscale look.

Getting a jump on these fall projects will give you a leg up on selling in the spring. Today’s buyers are savvier than ever before, especially millennial first-time homebuyers who may have searched homes online for months prior to getting in the field. More than just listing your home in the spring, you want to make it’s as perfect as possible. That means everything works and looks immaculate, and there are no glaring issues that will turn off buyers. When you’re ready, have a friend or relative drop by for a tour and point out anything you may have overlooked.

10 Strategies for Keeping Surfaces Clutter-Free

“Most of us have at least one place that ‘stuff’ just gets piled up on. Time to clean up and organize.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

The Dining table, kitchen counters, coffee table, nightstands — flat surfaces certainly have a way of attracting clutter. But the piled-high stuff makes it a hassle to use those surfaces — to prepare a meal, eat a meal or kick up your feet for movie night. It also makes it harder to find things and just plain looks awful. Still, we keep on piling because it seems easier than putting things where they’re actually meant to go. To have long-term success in keeping the flat surfaces in your home clutter-free, you need to find places for your things that are just as easy and obvious to use as a table. If you’re tired of clearing off the surfaces in your house again and again, only to have them redisappear under piles of who knows what, these 10 strategies should help.

KASIA ORWAT home design

1. Have a not-flat place for each thing you come home with. When you walk in the door, the natural impulse is to drop everything you’re carrying on the nearest available flat surface. The next time you arrive home, pause and pay attention to what you’re holding: shopping bags, a coat, a bundle of mail, perhaps keys and a phone? Decide where you will put each of these items from now on. Hooks are faster to use than hangers, so if you tend to dump your coat on a chair, choose a hook.

Paper items can be a real problem, so be sure to have a recycling bin near the front door, as well as some sort of quick sorting system for handling important documents. (But keep the categories very broad, or you won’t be as likely to use the system.) If smaller, random items are a problem, consider hanging tote bags on hooks. They’re easy to dump things into and very flexible — you can change their contents as needed, from library books and school projects to dry cleaning.

Liv By Design Interiors

2. Keep tool storage off counters. Kitchen counters can become cluttered so easily, and if your kitchen is short on prep space, this can be a real problem when it’s time to cook. One way to take some of the load off your counters is by using wall space to store cooking tools instead. A pegboard, metal rail with S-hooks or floating shelves can all be put to work to store utensils, spices and knives, within reach but out of the way. And if the entrance to your home is through the kitchen, add a few wall hooks and sorters for your keys and mail as well.

CHACOL, Inc.

3. Reserve counter space for daily necessities. Small appliances hardly feel small when they’re taking up all of your available kitchen counter space. Limit that real estate to small appliances you use every single day without fail, and store everything else in cupboards.

One caveat: To make it more likely you’ll put said appliances away when you’re done with them, they shouldn’t take too much effort to lift. In my house, this means our microwave (which we mostly use for melting butter and reheating dinners) is in the laundry room, so while we do have to walk a few extra steps to get to it, it can stay plugged in all the time without taking up valuable counter space. Another option would be to put less-frequently used small appliances on a rolling cart tucked into a closet or corner, and wheel the cart out to plug them in.

Greenwood’s Home

4. Keep your dining table set. A neatly set table has a clear purpose, and that makes cluttering it up less of a temptation. In the evening after dinner, clean off the table and set out some breakfast things — this not only helps encourage a clutter-free table, it makes for a smoother routine in the morning. After breakfast, take a moment to set out a few fresh placemats and cutlery for dinner, and your table will be a much less tempting spot to toss your stuff when you get home in the evening. If you have curious cats who are likely to walk all over your lovely table setting while you’re out, you can set out candles or flowers and perhaps a stack of dishes with a napkin laid across the top to protect it from prying paws.

A. Peltier Interiors

5. Be mindful of multipurpose spaces. Combo spaces, like a dining room-home office, can be the trickiest to keep tidy. Easy, obvious and specific storage is the key to making a space like this function well. Ideally, the storage is so simple and clear that anyone (not just the person who set up the system) can quickly put things away. Labeled wall-mounted files like the ones shown here are a good option for home offices. If you have a craft space combo, consider a closed cabinet filled with labeled clear containers.

Andrew Snow Photography

6. Try a tilted desk. Can’t seem to keep the paper piles off your desk? It may be verging on the absurd (and it won’t work for a desktop computer), but a desk that tilts, like the drafting table shown here, can quickly break a piling habit. Of course, if you want to keep the piles from simply migrating over to the next available flat surface, you’ll need to pair a tilted desk with a paper organizing system that’s as easy to maintain as your piles were. Try labeled stacking trays or a set of shallow drawers of the sort artists use to store paper and finished works.

Organized Living

7. Designate a bin for your ‘worn-once’ clothes. Flat surfaces in the bedroom (the bed, floor, dresser top and chair) tend to become receptacles for articles of clothing you’ve worn once but plan to wear again before laundering. (Sweaters often fall into this category.) Rather than dump these items onto the nearest surface, give them a home. An open-top basket or bin is a good solution because tossing the item there is just as easy as tossing it on a chair. If you have a closet system, clear out one basket or drawer to use for this purpose; otherwise, a second laundry basket can corral the items.

Caroline McCredie

8. Downsize your bedside. Do you prize your sleep? If so, it’s in your best interest to create as restful an environment as possible around your bed — and a cluttered nightstand will not help. Instead of attempting to make room for every possible item you might want on your nightstand, consider using a petite table that fits only the truly essential. If you love to read in bed, choose one book. If you like to journal, place your journal and a nice pen there. Perhaps add a glass of water and a candle, and that’s it.

Holly Marder

9. Avoid clutter catchalls. A tray or basket on the coffee table or counter to hold clutter might seem like a smart idea — until it’s full and overflowing onto the surface around it. Remember that clutter attracts more clutter, so when a group of random little items (hair ties, loose change, buttons, pens) ends up in one spot, you’re far more likely to add other (larger) random items (stack of mail, shopping bag, pile of dry cleaning) to it. A better practice is to create a spot for each type of item — for instance, a jar for coins, a cup for pens, a hook for keys, a tray for mail, and a drawer organizer with little slots for small items like hair ties and stamps. It then becomes easy and satisfying to drop things into their individual containers.

J+STUDIO

10. Create a no-clutter zone, one surface at a time. It’s apparently a law of nature that clutter attracts clutter. So while it might seem like no big deal to set that one bill/hairbrush/shopping bag on the table, the problem is that that one item will now act like a great big magnet, tempting you (and others) to dump more items there.

Creating a no-clutter zone isn’t easy, but it can be highly effective. Clear everything from one surface (for example, the coffee table) and focus on vigilantly protecting it from becoming another clutter problem area. It’s easier to have one goal than many, so stick to clearing one surface at a time until you feel it’s second nature. As a visual learner, I find it helps to visualize the table physically repelling clutter, like a giant trampoline that clutter simply bounces off of when you try to set it down. A little silly, sure, but it works!

Originally published on HOUZZ, by Laura Gaskill

It’s Time to Clean Your Gutters

“If your gutters are open, be sure to keep a close eye on your gutters during the Fall and into the Winter, once the leaves start falling. And then as soon as you can budget for some gutter guards to keep leaves out next year.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

As Autumn’s last leaves fall, cleaning rain gutters should rise to the top of the to-do list. Skip the chore, and you’re asking for problems that include falling gutters, flooding and a cracked foundation. Here’s how to clean your gutters before those issues appear.

John Linam Jr, Architect, PLLC

The Risks of Not Cleaning

Rain gutters and downspouts are designed to channel rainwater away from the home and its foundation. If they’re blocked with leaves, dirt and other debris, they can lead to:

Falling gutters. When gutters are overloaded with debris, water or subsequent ice, they can pull away from the house and fall.
Flooding. Water that’s prevented from flowing properly down the spout may spill over the sides, drain toward a basement or foundation and increase the risk of basement flooding.
Cracked foundation. Cracks may form if water spills over the sides of clogged rain gutters, seeps into the foundation and freezes.
Wood rot. Ice dams occur when water freezes inside clogged gutters. The ice can push against the roof and walls, and increase the threat of mildew or rot.
Staining. Water that spills over the sides of clogged gutters can discolor exterior siding.

Stonewood, LLC

When to Clean

“Rain gutters are essentially the last thing people think about — until they have a problem,” says Michael Marceaux, owner of Mr. Gutter in Orange, California. When it comes to scheduling gutter maintenance, Marceaux says it depends on the house. “It would be a very good idea to clean the gutters once a year,” he says. Homes sitting beneath a lot of trees that continually drop leaves, pine needles, pine cones and other debris, for example, may need more frequent attention.

Marceaux recommends taking action early, before rains start in earnest and professionals get too busy to tackle your project quickly. If you’re doing the task yourself, check the weather forecast, says Ben Stillwell, a home improvement specialist for Lowe’s. It’s easier to clean gutters if the debris is dry.

Blue Ridge Landscaping

Save Photo

Tools for the Task

As with any household chore, a little preparation goes a long way. Gather the tools you’ll need before you begin:

Sturdy ladder (extension ladder for second story)
Tarp
Buckets with S-hooks or handled plastic bags
Safety goggles or glasses
Work gloves (optional latex gloves for layering under work gloves)
Trowel or handled scoop
Garden hose with spray nozzle (optional telescoping garden hose attachment with gutter-cleaning nozzle)
Screwdriver to remove and reattach downspout if it runs underground
Optional plumber’s snake for stubborn downspout clogs

JAMES DIXON ARCHITECT PC

Safety First

Although the task of cleaning rooftop gutters is simple, the chore can quickly turn dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s best to hire a professional. Here’s what Lowe’s recommends:

A sturdy ladder planted firmly on level ground is step one. “Use a stepladder whenever possible on solid, level ground and don’t climb above the second-to-last step,” Stillwell says. “For two-story homes, you might have to use an extension ladder.”
When climbing the ladder, avoid carrying tools like trowels or anything sharp inside pockets. In the worst-case scenario — a fall — you don’t want to land on the wrong end of a screwdriver. Instead, put the tools in a bucket or handled plastic bag, carry it up the ladder and hook it to the top with an S-hook or something similar.
Wear sturdy shoes.
Use safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from loose dirt and debris. Don’t get caught standing on a high ladder without being able to see.
Avoid working near power lines that may hang near your rooftop so there’s no possibility of electric shock from coming into contact with live wires. If your roof is near power lines, consider hiring a professional.

Facelifts Home Improvement

How to Clean Gutters

Although there are several variations on the process, Stillwell breaks the task into the following steps:

1. Position the ladder near a downspout and spread a tarp under the section of gutter to be cleaned.

2. Hook a bucket of tools and an empty bucket to the top of the ladder. With gloved hands and a trowel, remove large debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) and dump it into the empty bucket. Work your way toward toward the opposite end, away from the downspout.

3. To clean out the remaining dirt and small debris, climb the ladder with a hose equipped with a spray nozzle. Once you’re positioned at the end of the gutter opposite the downspout, open the nozzle and flush out the gutter. The water and small debris should drain down the spout at the other end.

4. If the water doesn’t drain easily, check the downspout strainer, located at the top of the spout, for clogs and rinse off if necessary.

5. If a clogged downspout is the problem, however, you’ll work from the bottom of the spout at ground level. “If the downspout runs underground, remove it from the pipe as needed,” Stillwell says.

6. Once you’re able to access the spout, insert the hose, with the spray nozzle set to full pressure, up into the spout. After the hose is in place, turn on the water. The stream should dislodge the blockage. If it doesn’t, Stillwell suggests inserting a plumber’s snake tool into the spout (again from the bottom) to dislodge the blockage.

7. Reattach or tighten any pieces that were removed or loosened while working on the downspout.

8. Using the hose and nozzle attachment again, flush out the gutters a final time, working from the opposite end away from the downspout.

Peabody Architects

Cleaning Variations

Although the basic premise of cleaning rain gutters remains the same, there are a couple of variations on the theme:

Instead of dumping the debris into a bucket, use handled plastic bags. Fill them and let them fall to the tarp for gathering up later.

And rather than climb a ladder with a hose to flush out the gutters, consider investing in a telescoping hose attachment designed specifically for gutter cleaning. This attachment has a hooked nozzle on top that directs the water into the gutter and flushes out the trough while allowing the user to remain on the ground. It’s a great tool for DIY types.

BRESLIN RIDYARD FADERO ARCHITECTS

How to Choose an Expert

If working on ladders or climbing up several stories doesn’t sound like a task for you, it’s time to call in the pros. To find a good company, Marceaux advises looking for an experienced business that is fully licensed, bonded and insured. “When a company says that they are licensed, don’t just take their word for it,” he says. Instead, look up the company on your state’s licensing board for contractors. Make sure the provider’s license is current.

Barna Log Homes Of PA

Last but Not Least …

Once the work has been done, Marceaux says don’t forget to grab your umbrella on the next rainy day and inspect your gutters and spouts. “Go out and look at your downspouts,” he says. “You should be able to see the water coming out [the bottom] or hear it going through the downspout into the ground drain below. It’s going to be pretty obvious if the downspout isn’t working. … The water will be running over the top of the gutter. Gutters are like anything. You’ve got to maintain them and keep them clean.”

Originally published on HOUZZ, by Bonnie McCarthy

11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

“Create an environment that welcomes ‘you’ home everyday, while not breaking the bank doing it.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Originally published on HouseLogic, by Cara Greenberg

First impressions count — not just for your friends, relatives, and the UPS guy, but for yourself. Whether it’s on an urban stoop or a Victorian front porch, your front door and the area leading up to it should extend a warm welcome to all comers — and needn’t cost a bundle.
Here’s what you can do to make welcoming happen on the cheap.

1. Clear the way for curb appeal. The path to your front door should be at least 3 feet wide so people can walk shoulder-to-shoulder, with an unobstructed view and no stumbling hazards. So get out those loppers and cut back any overhanging branches or encroaching shrubs.

2. Light the route. Landscape lighting makes it easy to get around at night. Solar-powered LED lights you can just stick in the ground, requiring no wiring, are suprisingly inexpensive. We found 8 packs for under $60 online.

3. Go glossy. Borrow inspiration from London’s lovely row houses, whose owners assert their individuality by painting their doors in high-gloss colors. The reflective sheen of a royal blue, deep green, crimson, or whatever color you like will ensure your house stands out from the pack.

4. Pretty up the view. A door with lots of glass is a plus for letting light into the front hall — but if you also want privacy and a bit of decor, check out decorative window film. It’s removable and re-positionable, and comes in innumerable styles and motifs. Pricing depends on size and design; many available for under $30.

A way to get the look of stained glass without doing custom work or buying a whole new door: Mount a decorative panel on the inside of the door behind an existing glass insert, $92 for an Arts and Crafts-style panel 20-inches-high by 11-inches-wide.

5. Replace door hardware. While you’re at it, polish up the handle on the big front door. Or better yet, replace it with a shiny new brass lockset with a secure deadbolt. Available for about $60.

6. Please knock. Doorbells may be the norm, but a hefty knocker is a classic that will never run out of battery life, and another opportunity to express yourself (whatever your favorite animal or insect is, there’s a door-knocker in its image).

7. Ever-greenery. Boxwoods are always tidy-looking, the definition of easy upkeep. A pair on either side of the door is traditional, but a singleton is good, too. About $25 at garden centers. In cold climates, make sure pots are frost-proof (polyethylene urns and boxes mimic terracotta and wood to perfection).

8. Numbers game. Is your house number clearly visible? That’s of prime importance if you want your guests to arrive and your pizza to be hot. Stick-on vinyl numbers in a variety of fonts make it easy, starting at about $4 per digit.

9. Foot traffic. A hardworking mat for wiping muddy feet is a must. A thick coir mat can be had at the hardware store for less than $20. Even fancier varieties can be found well under $50.

10. Go for the glow. Fumbling for keys in the dark isn’t fun. Consider doubling up on porch lights with a pair of lanterns, one on each side of the door, for symmetry and twice the illumination. Many mounted lights are available well under $100.

11. Snail mail. Mailboxes run the gamut from kitschy roadside novelties masquerading as dogs, fish, or what-have-you to sober black lockboxes mounted alongside the front door. Whichever way you go, make sure yours is standing or hanging straight, with a secure closure, and no dings or dents. The mail carrier will thank you.

3 Ways to Bring the Heat to Outdoor Living Spaces

“Extend your outdoor living into the fall and winter with some heat.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and heat lamps can extend the seasonal enjoyment of your deck, porch or patio by providing warmth and an inviting ambiance that pulls guests and family members outside well after the mercury drops. But it’s important to understand the benefits and costs. Here’s what to know as winter begins to encroach on your outdoor living space.

Prideaux Design

Fire Pits

Typically less expensive than fireplaces, fire pits can also summon guests with the promise of lovely ambient heat. There are portable, prefabricated options readily available, as well as built-in custom design options in a wide range of styles and costs.

Portable wood fire pit. This is your simplest, least expensive option. Run down to your hardware store or jump on the Internet, and for as little as $100, you’ve got a fire pit. Pick up some firewood, throw the unit out on the deck and voilà, it’s s’mores time!

This is a low-cost, and thus low-risk, option. But with all wood-burning units, local wood-burning ordinances need to be followed, which can sometimes result in spare-the-air, no-burn days, during which your fire pit may not be legally usable. Also, you will need to stay stocked with firewood, but the portable, wood-burning fire pit provides authentic heat at a low cost, and its ease of installation simply cannot be matched.

Dennis Mayer, Photographer

Portable gas fire pit. The rooftop deck seen here becomes an evening oasis, and a simple propane flame is the critical component of the transformation. Portable fire pits burning propane gas, like wood-burning varieties, are extremely common and relatively low-cost. They burn clean, reliable heat (as long as you keep the accompanying propane tank full) and can be placed practically anywhere.

Rolling Landscapes Inc.

Built-in wood-burning fire pit. A well-constructed wood-burning fire pit is the traditional go-to heating element to keep everyone toasty on a cold night. There is something about that rolling crackle as the fire consumes real wood logs right under your nose that draws children and adults to its authentic flame.

A wood-burning fire pit usually takes less time to plan for and can be significantly less expensive to build than a built-in gas fire pit. In some cases you may not need a permit for a wood-burning fire pit, and since no gas line is required, there are often more location options available.

The construction of a wood-burning fire pit can likely be completed within one week.

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Built-in gas fire pit. This is the option for you if you’re looking for a simple, reliable, custom design to fit the look of your landscaping with the year-round benefit of natural gas.

Having a party? Why bother with stoking a fire, and why should people get smoke in their eyes? Flip a switch just before the doorbell rings, and the fire will be sure to burn high and true.

There is not much of a downside to this option, except, of course, that the cost of a natural-gas fire pit typically runs well over $6,000, depending on the proximity to available gas; the gas ring and log features selected; and the design characteristics of your fire pit. You will always need to get a permit for a built-in gas fire pit, and that can be a time-consuming and somewhat costly proposition.

A built-in custom gas fire pit will likely take about two weeks to construct, once the permit approval process is complete.

austin outdoor design

An advantage of the built-in gas fire pit is the variety of design possibilities available. Most of the modern, sleek fire pits you see in landscape photos are of the natural-gas-burning variety.

See how to make a stacked-stone fire pit

Lori Smyth Design

Outdoor Fireplaces

Usually built-in and more expensive than fire pits, fireplaces can offer a grand focal point that can be the central feature of your yard. They are more visible than fire pits and take a little more time to construct.

Nothing is more inviting outdoors than the warm glow of a fireplace beyond a windowpane. This is the ultimate visual feature, as it is more visible than a fire pit, and can provide both a grand statement and cozy intimacy.

Fireplaces are typically more expensive than fire pits due to their size, which can result in substantially higher foundation and masonry costs.

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Wood-burning fireplace. Once it gets going, there truly is nothing else exactly like a roaring wood fire in a masonry fireplace. But as is the case with all wood-burning fires, one needs to consider possible spare-the-air days when wood fireplaces aren’t legally usable. These restrictions affect many of the most populated regions of the U.S. and around the world.

A built-in wood-burning fireplace is likely to run around $10,000, though size, materials and geographic region can substantially impact the final cost. In some jurisdictions, the approval process for an exterior wood-burning fireplace is simpler than for gas, so it may be easier to plan and begin the construction of your wood-burning fireplace.

A wood-burning fireplace usually takes about two weeks to construct.

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Built-in gas fireplace. The gas fireplace shown here uses a gas appliance, which is typically less expensive than an exterior, true masonry fireplace with a gas log set. The downside to a gas appliance is that it does not offer quite the same authentic look as a true masonry fireplace, but the reliable heat output can be fantastic, it usually costs slightly less and, when properly installed within a nice surround, it is an inviting element with a more reliable heat output than some masonry gas fireplace designs.

See more of this outdoor space

Earth Art Landscape

The fireplace shown here is a simple masonry-type design with a gas log set. It has a more authentic look than an appliance but may not provide the same heat output.

Board and Vellum

Heat Lamps

There are simple portable propane lamps readily available at a relatively low cost, and built-in gas and electric lamps that are less conspicuous while radiating a warm glowing heat from above.

Electric. The great thing about built-in electric heat lamps is that they can be installed flush to a ceiling, so they are hardly noticeable except on those cold nights when they make themselves felt. They provide extremely reliable, very strong heat output, and can be used to create more warm and usable outdoor space than can be achieved with other options.

You can expect to pay a minimum of about $2,000 per lamp, including electrical installation, although this cost can vary depending on the manufacturer and installation details. A permit is always required, and there are very specific design clearances that must be maintained.

Matt Clawson

Gas heat lamp. Gas heat lamps are not typically as slim as their electric counterparts, but they give off superior heat output at greater efficiencies.

In the space here, we used a gas heat lamp with a traditional-style fitting for an authentic Tuscan-style home.

The cost of gas lamps is similar to but typically slightly higher than,electric, because gas costs more to provide than electricity in most locations. A permit is required for installation.

High Def Technologies

Portable gas heat lamp. This is the reliable old standby in gas lamps. Its portable nature makes it incredibly convenient, and these lamps are relatively inexpensive.

The downside is they take up space, and as is the case for portable gas fire pits, their propane tanks need to be periodically refilled.

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

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All things considered, there is only one cure for the cold, and that is heat. While the smoky aroma of real wood burning and crackling away stirs up nostalgic memories and warm feelings in many, there are advantages to the gas and electric sources noted here, such as ease of use, reliability and environmental cleanliness.

By Matt Clawson, originally published on HOUZZ

9 Tips for Setting Up a Home Office

“Trying to set up an effective Home Office can be tough. Location, Lighting, Supplies, Organization, all go into the planning process.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Who’s the best boss ever? You are, of course.

If you plan to begin your own business soon or have already experienced the joys of self-employment, you need a dedicated place to work. You look and feel more professional and you’ll be more productive in your own space. It’s also a great way to separate work and home life.

(Credit: gpointstudio/Shutterstock)

We’ve broken down the steps you need to take to create the most efficient and comfortable workspace.

1. Decide on a Location

Converting an extra bedroom into an office makes the most sense, but never locate your business in the room you sleep in. Experts say that’s a sure way to encourage insomnia. If all the rooms are in use, try a large closet or as a last resort, a quiet corner of the dining room, kitchen or recreation room. Look for a place with some degree of privacy, a good source of natural light and a low noise level.

(Credit: Qiwen/Shutterstock)

2. Make a List of Work Tasks

This itemization helps you determine the furniture you need – a desk and chair for sure – but will clients meet here, as well, and need their own sitting space? If you generate paperwork, you’ll require files and file cabinets. Do you need storage space for the products you sell?

(Credit: pics721/Shutterstock)

3. Organize the Space

Place your furniture and equipment by frequency of use. Computers and printers used everyday should be close together and within easy reach. Also, have a designated space for papers or bills that need processing immediately. Put office supplies like pens, pencils and paperclips in small containers or on trays on top of your desk.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

4. Remember Your Health

An ergonomic chair makes sitting a little less fatiguing. Place your computer so the top of the screen is at eye level and your feet rest flat on the floor. Add a foot pad if you’re short.

(Credit: Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock)

5. Lights and More Lights

If you can, move your desk close to a window to absorb more of that natural light. You still need lamps because the overhead light won’t shed enough brightness on your work area. Add table lamps and floor lamps until you have what you works best. When the sky turns gray for most of the day like it does in the Pacific Northwest, you might invest in alamp especially designed for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

(Credit: MR. INTERIOR/Shutterstock)

6. Add a Planning Zone

Enhance the room with a recliner, comfortable chair and ottoman or even a sofa if you have the square footage. Getting away from your desk spurs your creativity, solves problems and lets you power nap.

(Credit: MR. INTERIOR/Shutterstock)

7. Personalize Your Space

Hang family photos, favorite works of art or certificates of accomplishment. Bring in house plants. They improve your health by purifying the air and helping you breathe better. Burn a scented candle made of essential oils to help you handle certain tasks. Lemon advances clear thinking, lavender calms and peppermint boosts energy.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

8. Stock Up on Supplies

Nothing makes you lose your train of thought or focus like having to run to the office supply store for something. Keep a backup supply of what you use regularly like copy paper, envelopes, pens, staples, stamps and ink cartridges.

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

9. Change the Paint

To refresh your home office, change the colors of the walls. Choose green for a balanced and restful room, orange for an energetic feel or purple if you need to frequently call on your creativity.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

Originally Published on Pro.com

When Should You Replace Your Garbage Disposal?

“We take them for granted, since we use them every day. Then when they stop working like normal, how do you know whether it’s time to repair, or replace?”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Appliances don’t last forever, but sometimes it’s hard to know when to replace one instead of repairing it. With garbage disposals, there are some distinct signs that may give you clues about what to do.

You might consider replacing your kitchen garbage disposal if you notice any of these situations.
It clogs frequently. If you are taking care of your disposal by:

• Always running water during use and for at least 20 seconds after use

• Only disposing of food items approved by your manufacturer

• Cutting up items into small pieces and feeding them in slowly; yet your unit still clogs often, it may be time for a new disposal

Frequent clogs also may signal that you require a larger disposal capacity for your needs, so look into installing a bigger model.
You have to press the reset button a lot. It’s not unusual to have to push the reset button after a clog or after you’ve put large amounts through the disposal, but frequent resetting could mean that the motor is failing and the unit needs replacing.
You can’t get rid of odors. If you’ve tried to freshen your disposal by cleaning it with ice cubes, baking soda and vinegar, citrus peels, and a sink full of dish soap yet odors still linger, the smell may be trapped in the drain lines or in the unit itself. Sometimes the only way to eliminate the smell is to replace the unit.
The blades have become dull. When you notice that food takes a long time to grind or you are getting frequent clogs, it may mean that the blades are no longer sharp enough and you need a new unit.
You have a leak that can’t be easily fixed. While some leaks, such as those in drain or dishwasher lines, have simple fixes like tightening connections or replacing O-rings, other leaks are more complicated and costly. If you have a leak in the sink flange or in other parts of the unit, it may be more cost effective to install a new unit than to repair the old one.
You’re replacing your kitchen sink or dishwasher. While it certainly isn’t always necessary to replace your disposal just because you’re getting a new sink or updating your kitchen appliances, it may be a good time to do so, especially if your unit is over ten years old. Since you already have professionals on the site, it may be more cost efficient and convenient to go ahead and replace an older unit instead of waiting for it to fail at a future date.
Repair costs meet or exceed the replacement cost. Do the math and see if repairing the disposal is going to cost as much or more than getting a new unit.

Originally published on AmericanHomeShield.com

Powder Room Vanity Styles With Personality

“Coming up with ‘different’ ideas for a powder room can be challenging. Get some ideas on how to make that small space as unique as any other space in the home.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

From traditional to contemporary, approaches to the powder room vanity allow for lots of creativity. And because of the modest scale, this is a place where you can indulge in higher-end materials and design solutions that might be too much for the budget in larger rooms. Let these 11 delightful examples of beautifully combined colors, shapes and details inspire your own powder room project.

Marie Meko, Allied ASID

Richly Toned Traditional

Vanity: 36 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 35 inches high

Everything in this space is richly expressed in dark, intimate tones. The extraordinary Trumeau mirror by E.J. Victor, the integrated picture frame and the sumptuous tile flooring make the room particularly interesting.

A dark-stained wood cabinet from Hooker Furniture has been converted to a vanity,making a lavatory out of a beautiful piece of furniture. (The cabinet is no longer available, according to the designer, but the company is continuously coming out with new designs.) The oval white porcelain sink undermounts to a black solid-surface countertop and backsplash, and its two-lever handle faucet is in oil-rubbed bronze.

The branch detail in the wallpaper reflects the detail of the unique towel bar. Finishing things off are two metal-shaded sconces with brass details, mounted at 60 to 66 inches above the floor.

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.

Asian-Influenced Transitional

Vanity: Approximately 32 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 34 inches high

The nearly black wallpaper with sheen gives this small space drama and highlights the detail in the vanity cabinet, detail that’s further emphasized by the coordinating trim of the mirror and the finish on the sconces. The diagonal cabinet face detail repeats in the travertine tiles set at 45 degrees. The scheme is otherwise simple, with a single-lever faucet on a solid countertop with an oval undermount sink.

Design By Lisa

Neutral-Toned Traditional

Vanity: 30 inches wide by 22 inches deep by 35 inches high

Though this room employs a conservative color scheme, the detail in the finishes makes an unforgettable impression. The painted vanity cabinet is custom, though similar types are available from a variety of sources. An onyx countertop, called Delicato, the Zoffany Cordoba wallpaper and the quarter-sawn white oak flooring make the space luxurious. The sink is a porcelain rectangular undermount.

The mirror was custom-made, the designer says, but the key is its beveled edge, which achieves a finished look without the need for a frame. Brushed nickel hardware is equally elegant. The small Hudson Valley Lighting chandelier, mounted to the center of the ceiling, adds lots of charm. Notice that the crystal cabinet pulls match the doorknob, which completes the detailing in this space.

Shannon Ggem ASID

Boldly Colorful Traditional

Vanity: 37 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 37 inches high

This powder room quickly transports you to a vacation spot all on its own. The Thibaut wallpaper adds dimension and boldness, and the handpainted distressed cabinet from Cole + Co. gives the space an unexpected rustic twist. The luscious taupe-colored marble countertop, sometimes called Athens gray, holds an undermount oval sink. The silver-framed oval mirror coordinates with the playful Currey & Co. sconces, which in turn mimic the swirls in the wallpaper.

Mahoney Architects & Interiors

Rounding It Out

Vanity: Approximately 26 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 32 inches high

Rounded fixtures and furnishings can make smaller spaces function more smoothly and give the illusion of a larger space. This 3-foot-wide powder room could easily be overwhelmed by a large, square cabinet, but this rounded solution, along with the wainscot, nicely details the space. The 2-inch hexagonal floor tiles allude to traditional mosaics found in older homes, but the size gives them a fresh feeling.

Notice that the sink type serves as a countertop as well, eliminating the need for a separate piece of material. The mirror frame, custom-made for this project, matches the cabinet material and finish. Similar premanufactured configurations are available from many sources.

Kathryn Long, ASID

Wallpaper Focus

Vanity: Approximately 25 inches wide by 19 inches deep by 32 inches high

As with the previous example, you can find vanity configurations that have the sink integrated into the cabinet design, like this one. Some come with a faucet already installed. Their detailing gives the look of a piece of furniture rather than a traditional cabinet with a toe kick.

A custom decoupage wall treatment sets this room apart. A local artist installed a collection of maps, menus, articles and pictures collected by the owner as part of a trip to Italy, and the theme is enhanced by the candle sconces. The room is otherwise quite simple.

Key Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room

kelly mcguill home

Open It Up

Vanity: 31.5 inches wide by 18.75 inches deep by 34 inches high

This vanity, the Weathered Oak Single Console Sink from Restoration Hardware, is available in seven wood finishes, depending on your location. Once again, the sink acts as the countertop. The mirrored cabinet is also from RH but doesn’t currently show up on its website, though there are similar options. The wainscot paneling adds greatly to the theme of the space. The ceramic floor tiles resemble brick and are laid in a running bond pattern.

Peter S. Balsam Associates

Contemporary Curves

Vanity: 20⅝ inches wide by 21 inches deep by 34 inches high

This Camber petite vanity by Kohler is available in several finishes, but the sink, called the Camber drop-in, is a separate product and must be bought specifically for use with this configuration. This solution may be a great fit if you have a really tight space and the circular shape fits your design.

With the mosaic tile seen here, this will be a more expensive scheme than most. You will also need to purchase a faucet; the one shown here is in a satin nickel finish. The sink is available in three versions. The first has no opening for the plumbing, meaning you would use it with a wall-mounted faucet. The other two have openings for the plumbing fixtures, either a single-handle faucet or the two-handle type seen here.

josh wynne construction

Custom Creations

Vanity: Approximately 26 inches wide by 18 inches deep by 30 inches high

If you know a very good carpenter, you may be able to create your own custom design, as has been done here. This contractor custom-fabricated the concrete countertop and placed a vessel sink atop it, with the bronze faucet set at an angle. Varying sizes of Porcelanosa tiles line the wall, and a coordinated mosaic tile covers the floor. The mirror, found at an estate sale, floats on the chartreuse-painted wall above the tile wainscot.

Bill Fry Construction – Wm. H. Fry Const. Co.

Contemporary Lines

Vanity: Approximately 30 inches wide by 22 inches deep by 34 inches high

This semi-custom solution uses a Kohler product, or similar, for the sink. The contractor custom-built the base to complete the vanity. Ann Sacks Clodagh shield tiles line the back wall, adding dimension, shade and shadow to the scheme. The teardrop pendant provides lighting, and a framed beveled mirror, also custom, completes the contemporary theme.

David Heide Design Studio

When in Doubt, Float

Vanity: 30 inches wide by 21⅜ inches deep by 19 inches high (mounted about 14 inches above the floor)

This Kohler product, called Traverse, requires a selection of the cabinet, sink and faucet. With the hexagonal multicolored mosaic wall tile, this is also going to be a more expensive solution. The floor tiles are a rectangular shape about 6 inches wide and 24 inches long, laid in the running bond pattern. The dramatic internally lit round chrome mirror suits the modern design. This scheme could easily be replicated in less expensive finishes.

By Steven Randel, originally published on HOUZZ

Design Your Closet for the Real World

“Tired of digging through your closet to find things? Get organized and speed up the morning process.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

A poorly designed closet costs the same to build as a well-designed closet. It’s how you design and use the space that makes the difference. If you’re starting with a clean slate, this guide will help you decide what to build, what to store and how to get the most out of every inch of space.

Clever Closet Company

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Only build what you need. Decide how big or small you need your closet to be before you start on the design. It’s tempting to see a big, blank wall and sacrifice it to a closet without considering what the contents will be.

By building your closet based only on how much hanging space you need, even a small bedroom can retain a feeling of spaciousness, with room for a large bed, a desk and maybe more. You can also end up spending less than half the money you would if you opted for a full-wall closet.

Clever Closet Company

Get organized. If you want to maximize space, group clothes of a similar size together — don’t waste an inch. If you have a group of similar items that amounts to at least 20 inches in width when hung together, it’s worth giving them a separate section.

Clever Closet Company

By being that specific, in this closet I have managed to squeeze in an extra drawer between the double hanging sections, as well as some handy shelves.

Tip: Hang the top rod high enough so you have enough space between the bottom of the hanging clothes and the second rod underneath.

Clever Closet Company

Focus on ergonomics. Nobody wants to crawl on the floor to find their summer shorts, and who can be bothered bending down to put bags or scarves on a shelf at knee height? Design your space more ergonomically and you’ll notice things are far easier to find. It will also be much easier to keep your closet tidy.

Positioning shelves above the hanging space is a smart move ergonomically, and making your shelves just 14 inches deep ensures you won’t lose things at the back. Space the shelves only 10 inches apart and things won’t migrate to the never-never. You can stack right to the top of the shelf because there’s no need to reach to the back. Do it this way and you’ll hardly ever need to reorganize your wardrobe — things have nowhere to go.

Tip: Shelf widths at 12-inch increments are best because folded clothes average 12 inches across and 14 inches deep.

Ardesia Design

Skip the drawers. Drawers add significantly to the price of a built-in closet, restrict the layout and waste space. Be resourceful with your space instead. If you already have a dresser or bedside tables in the room, perhaps that’s all you need for underwear and socks. Sweaters and T-shirts are best placed on open shelves where you can see them easily.

Clever Closet Company

Add storage elsewhere. When you have a small space, the trick is using every bit of storage fully. I often achieve this by not having anything but hung clothes in the closet. There’s little point in storing folded clothes on deep closet shelves — it ends up a mess. Instead, use deep space for hanging clothes, then put folded clothes and shoes elsewhere.

In my son’s room, seen here, we have deep drawers under the bed for shoes and sports gear. This is great because he can just dump them in and then open the drawers and see them easily when he needs them (although apparently not as easily as he can see them on the floor!). This is a much better option than storing the items at the bottom of a closet or under the bed.

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Design 13

Get smart with your shoes. If space is tight, storing all your shoes in the closet may not be possible. If you can fit them in, however, aim to stash them on shelves at mid-height so you can see them.

Whether you choose regular shelves, slide-out shelves or drawers, there’s no need to give shoes too much room to move — they’re usually only 12 inches deep and will fit into some pretty tight places.

This drawer method allows you to use the full depth of the closet, and makes shoes easy to see and access.

Clever Closet Company

If you can’t fit shoes in the closet, a shallow, purpose-built cabinet is a good alternative.

Clever Closet Company

Don’t waste your money on ‘clever’ accessory storage. Storage devices for accessories can be useful, but be selective. If a gadget involves more than one action to perform its role, you’ll probably grow tired of it. I find most closet accessories are a waste of money and space in a small closet.

What does work well are racks for belts, ties and scarves, which slide in and out. Or if you don’t mind things flapping on the back of a hinged door, you can install racks there.

Clever Closet Company

Go for flexibility. The great thing about this closet is that the hanging rods insert into the same holes as the shelf supports, so you can switch them around as needed. In summer, you could use rods to hang blouses, and in winter swap in shelves to hold sweaters. Store the off-season gear out of the way on the top shelf.

FormFunctionNT

Don’t forget to make use of the rest of the house. Your bedroom closet doesn’t have to bear the brunt of your your life’s clutter. Store as much as possible in the utility areas of your home to save on the cost of a built-in closet.

A shelving system such as this stores just as much as a standard built-in closet and for a fraction of the price. I installed something similar to this in my laundry rather than putting a built-in closet into a temporary bedroom for my daughter. Now that my daughter has left home, I have excellent versatile storage in the laundry room. The system is easily adjustable, so I can use it for anything and add shelves if needed.

Originaly published on HOUZZ, by Sally Hart

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Category Archives: Home Maintenance

The Quick and Easy Way to Clean a Microwave

Selling Your House Next Spring? 5 Fall Projects to Do Now

10 Strategies for Keeping Surfaces Clutter-Free

It’s Time to Clean Your Gutters

11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

3 Ways to Bring the Heat to Outdoor Living Spaces

9 Tips for Setting Up a Home Office

1. Decide on a Location

2. Make a List of Work Tasks

3. Organize the Space

4. Remember Your Health

5. Lights and More Lights

6. Add a Planning Zone

7. Personalize Your Space

8. Stock Up on Supplies

9. Change the Paint

When Should You Replace Your Garbage Disposal?

Powder Room Vanity Styles With Personality

Design Your Closet for the Real World

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1. Decide on a Location

2. Make a List of Work Tasks

3. Organize the Space

4. Remember Your Health

5. Lights and More Lights

6. Add a Planning Zone

7. Personalize Your Space

8. Stock Up on Supplies

9. Change the Paint

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