“2020 has been a tough year for everyone. We’ve all experienced some level and type of loss during the past 9 months. Here’s an article on how to cope with those feelings of loss.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Tag Archives: Home Maintenance
9 Mood-Lifting Ideas for a Cozier Home This Winter
“Winter is here, the days are shorter and we all spend more time indoors. Don’t let the season get you down. There a several things you can do to help you make it through the Winter doldrums.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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9 Mood-Lifting Ideas For a Cozier Home This Winter
Try cleaning your light fixtures. Amazing how much brighter things look. Read
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© Copyright 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Ideas for Turning a Room into an At-Home Office
“Now more than ever people are looking for ways to create a new office space in their home. Here are just a few ideas to check out.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Originally published by American Home Shield
The COVID-19 pandemic turned many professionals into remote workers. Use these tips to create a functional home office.
The COVID-19 pandemic turned a lot of professionals into remote workers, and it looks like many of us are going to stay that way for a while. Some companies are discovering that a remote workforce is more productive and cost effective, and lots of employees are discovering that working from home isn’t so bad.
If your work from home situation is starting to look like it might be more permanent than it initially seemed, then it’s time to stop working at the kitchen table. You need a home office. Ideally, you have a spare room you can dedicate to your work, but if not, an attic, basement or even a large closet can be converted into a perfectly suitable home office. Here are some tips to turn whatever room you have available into a home office.
Use as Much, or as Little, Space as You Have
A spare bedroom is the best location for a home office — it’s out of the way, has a door you can close, should have several outlets and probably has windows for natural light. It might even have a ceiling fan and a closet for extra storage. If you’re using your spare bedroom as a guest bedroom, you don’t have to sacrifice that — your spare room can be a home office most of the time and a guest bedroom as needed. If the room is small, install a Murphy bed and use a floating console desk, rather than a clunky piece of furniture.
An attic or basement can also work, particularly if you need a larger space for more than one person to work from home. But you don’t need a whole spare bedroom or a spacious attic to create a private, dedicated home office space. Many large closets can accommodate slim-profile desks or floating desks, with floating shelves above for storage. When you’re done with work for the day, simply shut the door.
Don’t Sacrifice Ergonomics
One of the most common tips for working from home is that you shouldn’t ignore ergonomics. When choosing a space for a home office, make sure you have room for a properly sized desk (at least 29 inches tall), and a comfortable, adjustable-height office chair, preferably one with casters, adjustable armrests and an adjustable seat pan tilt. If you splurge on one item in your home office, it should be the chair — you’re going to be spending a lot of time in it, after all. A chair without the proper support could cause pain and repetitive stress injuries.
Of course, sitting all the time isn’t good for you, either. A standing desk is a good option, and they’re available at a range of price points. A desk that easily converts from sitting to standing offers the best of both worlds.
Consider Who Will Be Using the Space — And How
Are you the only person who will be working from home, or do you have a spouse who also needs a home office? You might choose a desk large enough to accommodate two people, although you’ll need a room with double the space — like an attic or finished basement, or even a garage.
Consider how much time you’ll be spending in your home office, too. Do you work long hours? If so, you’ll want a larger desk and a more comfortable chair, then.
Shed Some Light on the Situation
Indirect light is important in any office setting. Natural light is best, if you have a space that offers it, but you should use curtains or blinds to diffuse it and arrange your desk so that natural light sources don’t cause a glare on your screen. Install an overhead light fixture or add lamps that aren’t directly in your line of sight or right behind you to provide any additional light you might need.
Adjust Your Internet Speed
If you’re going to be working from home, you need to make sure that your internet is fast and reliable. Obviously, there will most likely be an additional cost to increase your internet speed. If that’s the case, it’s worth checking with your employer to see if they will cover the difference or the entirety of the charge. And while you might think your current bandwidth can do the job, remember that if you have multiple people working from home and children doing schoolwork, your normal internet speed probably won’t hold up.
Install More Outlets
No matter what space you choose for your new home office, you’re probably going to need more electrical outlets. You might also need a hardwired Ethernet connection and other data cabling for your equipment. Take the time now to install the outlets and data cabling infrastructure your new home office needs, so your work hours can pass smoothly and with minimal interruptions.
10 Things You Gotta Do Before Winter Sets In
“The weather’s getting colder and the leaves are changing so it must be time to prepare for your home for Winter. Check out this list of ‘To Do’s’ that you don’t want to forget.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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A Fall Checklist of 10 Things You Gotta Do Before Winter Sets In
Such as look for roof leaks before the first winter snow. Preventative maintenance is key. Read
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© Copyright 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Get Ready for Fall With a Touch of Nature at Your Door
“It’s that time of year, when we begin to retreat indoors, as the weather gets a little cooler. But as the temperatures drop the colors change. See how to take advantage of this right at your front door.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Caring for Houseplants Through the Winter Months
“Did you know that you should treat your indoor plants differently during the winter months, than the rest of the year? Read on to learn more!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Originally Published by American Home Shield
Whether you have hanging plants in front of every window or a small cactus on the mantel, houseplants are a great addition to your home decor. Their green leaves and beautiful blooms bring a touch of the outdoors into your living space, and they can really brighten up your home and mood during the dreary, bleak winter months. Additionally, some potted plants that you may keep outside on the patio or deck during the summer won’t survive cold winter temps and need to be brought inside.
But caring for your houseplants during the winter is a little different from caring for them during the summer. Plants go dormant during the winter, when shorter days, drier air and cooler temperatures make them vulnerable. Nurse your plants through the cold months with these tips for indoor plant care in the winter.
Get Your Houseplants Ready
If you really want your houseplants to thrive during the colder months, you need to make sure they’re optimally healthy before the seasons change. Give each plant the care it needs to thrive during the warmer months, and set them up for winter success with a last boost of fertilizer before temperatures drop.
Water Less Frequently
Most plants enter a dormant phase during the winter, but you might not notice it. For many species, it just means they stop growing. Some, like cyclamen, will wither up and dry out, appearing as if they have died. And it’s normal for some plants, like ficus, to drop some of their leaves as they prepare to conserve resources in the winter.
Since your plants aren’t actively growing in the winter, they need less water. Overwatering in the winter can lead to root rot. Most plants need watering only when the soil is dry to an inch or two below the surface and just before it starts to shrink back from the sides of the pot. Don’t water more if plants drop leaves in the winter — remember, that’s normal. Stay vigilant for signs of overwatering, which include yellowing leaves, insects and mold on the soil. When you do water plants, make sure the water is about the same temperature as the room, so you don’t shock the roots.
Boost Humidity
Plants prefer humidity levels of about 50 percent, but the combination of dry winter air and home heating can leave indoor humidity levels as low as 10 percent. Add a humidifier to the room where you keep your plants to compensate, or move them into the kitchen or bath. If you can’t do either, place plants in a tray of water, but use stones to elevate the pots above the water’s surface. That way, they won’t get too much water, but they’ll get humidity as the water in the tray evaporates.
Group Plants Together
Plants breathe through their leaves, releasing water vapor from their pores in a process known as transpiring. Grouping plants together in your home allows them to share moisture with one another, further counteracting the drying effects of winter air and central heating.
Protect Plants from Drafts and Heat
Plants like to say warm — most thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. While plants need sunlight to thrive, you should keep them away from drafty windows and exterior doorways. Cutting down on drafts from leaky windows keeps your plants healthy, and it cuts your heating costs. If you can’t afford to replace or reseal your windows, there are other solutions, like installing storm windows or window insulation film. On especially cold nights, move plants away from windows and replace them in the morning.
Cold temperatures can harm plants, but it’s not a good idea to let them get too hot, either. Keep plants away from radiators, heating vents, ovens, fireplaces and space heaters. Brown tips on plants like monstera can indicate overheating. If you have succulents or cacti, it’s especially important to keep them cool — not cold — in the winter. It helps them bloom in the spring.
Make Sure They’re Getting Enough Sunlight
Shorter days mean plants get less sunlight, so put them in south- and west-facing windows to maximize sun exposure. If you have more plants than windows, consider investing in a grow lamp or simply replace bulbs in nearby light fixtures with full-spectrum ones.
Plants also tend to get dusty indoors, so you’ll need to keep the leaves clean. Dust them gently with a wet cloth about once a month or put them in the shower and give them a quick rinse. Again, use water that’s the same temperature as the room to avoid shock. Dust on leaves can clog your plants’ pores, suffocating them.
Hold the Fertilizer
Most plants don’t need fertilizer in the winter because they’re not actively growing. There are exceptions, however. Philodendron, for example, needs liquid fertilizer every six to eight weeks year round. Make sure you research the winter fertilizer needs of your specific plants before withholding it.
Let Them Rest
Because they’re not actively growing during the winter months, most plants can’t summon the resources to recover from trimming, transplanting or repotting during this time. Let your plants rest during the winter. Wait until spring to repot or propagate.
Even though they’re protected from the worst of winter weather, indoor plants are still vulnerable during this time of year. Take care to give your plant babies what they need to survive the winter months, and they’ll repay you by bouncing back come spring.
11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100
“Be proud and feel good every time you come home, by using one of these helpful tips on improving your front entrance.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100
Wouldn’t it be nice to approach your home’s entrance with a grin instead of a grimace? Take our tips for beating a clear, safe, and stylish path to your front door. Read
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© Copyright 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
9 No-Sweat Hacks to Deep Clean the Cruddiest Things
“Ever wondered how to get different things clean, that just seemed too hard, or too dirty? Well, here are some answers!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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9 No-Sweat Hacks to Deep Clean the Cruddiest Things
Like using a drill on your tub (why didn’t we think of it sooner?!) Read
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© Copyright 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Most Common Appliance Breakdown: A Look at the Numbers
“We always recommend a Home Warranty to our clients, and here are just some of the reasons why.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Originally published by American Home Shield
According to Consumer Reports, here are some of the most common appliance problems and repairs with data to support the results.
As a homeowner, you depend on your appliances to run smoothly so you can get through life with minimal disruptions. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and that goes double for appliances. Refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, dishwashers and other appliances have limited lifespans, and when they break down, you need to get them fixed right away.
A home warranty can help you cover the costs of unexpected appliance breakdowns. When you choose a home warranty from American Home Shield®, your covered home systems and appliances are taken care of, no matter how old they are. Duplicate appliances — like that second refrigerator in your garage — are covered too.
Any appliance can break down, but some do so more often than others. The Survey Research team at Consumer Reports has collected breakdown data on more than 381,000 appliances purchased between 2008 and 2018. Here are some of the most common appliance breakdowns reported by consumers.
Ranges
According to Consumer Reports, 6 percent of homeowners report problems with gas burners or cooktop elements not lighting or heating up, and the same number report problems with the oven not heating up. On gas ranges, it’s usually the ignition system that breaks. Problems with gas burners are also common.
On both electric and gas ranges, the oven temperature sensor (which collects temperature information to help regulate the oven’s temperature) or the oven bake element (which heats the oven) is most likely to break. Often, the ignition system for gas burners gets clogged with food debris and can be cleaned out with soap and warm water.
Refrigerators
If you have a refrigerator with an ice or water dispenser, you probably enjoy getting fresh, cold water and ice on demand — but you’re probably not so excited to learn that your water and ice maker is the most likely part of your refrigerator to break, with 17 percent of Consumer Reports members complaining about a dispenser that stops working. 13 percent complain of an ice maker that no longer makes ice. 7 percent report a buildup of ice in the refrigerator, while 6 percent report water leakage, and 5 percent say the refrigerator isn’t cooling. The ice maker, evaporator fan motor and thermostat are common culprits of breakdowns.
Dishwashers
Have you ever opened up your dishwasher after a cycle and realized that your dishes still aren’t clean? 11 percent of those surveyed noted that their dishwasher has stopped cleaning dishes properly, while 9 percent said that it is no longer drying properly, and 7 percent said that it’s no longer draining properly. As with range burner problems, some dishwasher problems can be fixed at home by cleaning out the filter or sprayer arms.
However, if you do need a new part for your dishwasher, it’ll most likely be the inlet valve, which lets water flow into your dishwasher; the wash arm, which sprays the dish racks with water; the drain pump, which empties your dishwasher of dirty water; or the circulation pump, which is responsible for spraying water forcefully out of the wash arm to clean your dishes.
Washers and Dryers
Front-loading washing machines are popular these days, but 14 percent of customers surveyed about their washing machines complained of mold around the front-loading door. You can clean your front-loading washing machine by running a hot cycle with baking soda and vinegar and drying out the inside of the drum, as well as the door and door seals, with a clean, dry cloth afterward. Prevent the recurrence of mold by drying your door seals after each load, and repeat the vinegar wash monthly.
Moldy doors aren’t the only problem washing machine owners reported. Among owners of both top-loading and front-loading models, 6 percent complained that the drum had stopped spinning correctly or at all. 5 percent reported that the washing machine no longer drained properly — if this happens to you, you may be able to drain it yourself after unclogging the drain hose. 4 percent of those surveyed reported a faulty control panel and 3 percent reported water leaking from the machine.
Things that might break on your washing machine include the door or lid switch, which keeps the drum from spinning when the door is open. The drain pump and tub bearings are also common causes of washing machine breakdowns. The most expensive problem to fix, however, is a faulty control panel, Consumer Reports says.
10 percent of those surveyed complained of a dryer not drying their clothes completely. You may be able to fix this yourself by cleaning the lint trap or cleaning out your dryer vent. 7 percent reported faulty drum rollers, motors or belts. Things that tend to break on dryers include the thermal fuse, which keeps the dryer from overheating. A faulty heating element is also common, as is a faulty drum seal.
Built-In Microwaves
Microwaves make preparing meals a snap, but not when they break down. 5 percent of consumers surveyed reported a broken control panel, while 4 percent reported either excessive noise, an inability to heat up food sufficiently, or a broken door that wouldn’t lock or close. 2 percent complained about a turntable not turning or an exhaust fan not working.
You might be able to fix a broken microwave door yourself by checking YouTube videos relevant to your model. A stalled-out turntable may be the result of food debris stuck in the mechanism or underneath the rollers. You may be able to fix a broken microwave control panel yourself by taking it apart and checking the ribbon cable connection.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed by the Numbers — Stay Covered
Don’t let common appliance breakdowns leave you scrambling to cope. A home warranty from American Home Shield can help you keep your covered appliances in good working order without sacrificing your budget or your sanity.
The Best Time of Year to Buy Things for Your Home
“Most of us wait for the ‘Best Sale’ to go shopping for certain items for our home. If you’d like to know when typically the ‘Best Month’ to go shopping for those deals, read on…”
DC Metro Realty Team – Denise Buck & Ed Johnson
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The Best Time of Year to Buy Things for Your Home
When to look for sales on mattresses, appliances, tools, furnishings, and materials. Read
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Copyright 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®