Tag Archives: Home Repairs

7 Repairs That Add Value to Your Home

“Whether you are preparing to sell your home, or just doing regular maintenance, these repairs will not only increase the value of your home, but help it retain it’s value over time.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team

While purchasing a house may mostly be about having a place to call “home,” it can also be seen as a lifetime investment. Making a few repairs—and even some cost-effective renovations—can not only skyrocket your home’s value, but can make it a more enjoyable place to live. We tapped into our network of Pros to uncover seven of the most valuable repairs you can make for the long term, whether or not you plan to sell in the future.

1. Fix Up the Exterior

As the saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, whether it’s with your new neighbor or a future buyer. Repairing any broken doors, damaged screens, or cracks in your front walk can really make a difference. You might want to consider having your siding pressure-washed, your trim repainted, or your landscaping spruced up.

(Credit: EpicStockMedia/Shutterstock)

2. Repair the Roof

Having a roof over your head is a moot point if that roof is in need of repair. A roofing contractor can make quick work of damaged or missing shingles, clogged gutters and detached flashing. While you’re at it, schedule a chimney cleaning—when’s the last time you had your flue inspected and swept? (Hint: You ought to have this done once a year.)

(Credit: Ruta Saulyte-Laurinaviciene/Shutterstock)

3. Address Plumbing Issues

If the roof doesn’t leak, neither should the plumbing. Hire a plumber to fix those slow drains, dripping faucets and poorly functioning water heater. Keep in mind that you may benefit most from installing a completely new water heater, especially if yours is 10 to 15 years old or more.

(Credit: Chalermchai Chamnanyon/Shutterstock)

4. Improve Interior Walls

If you’re looking to sell your home, you want a potential buyer to be able to visualize living in your home. And while you might love your unique color scheme (we don’t judge), you may want to consider painting your walls a more neutral palette. Ask your painter to patch any holes and sand down the walls while they’re at it to get the best effect.

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

5. Replace the Flooring

Do you have scratched or buckling hardwood floors, outdated vinyl tiles from the 1970s, or carpet so dirty you can’t remember the original color? One of the fastest and easiest ways to reinvigorate your home is to replace the flooring. With so many options today—stain-resistant carpet, wood-look vinyl flooring, eco-friendly bamboo or cork—you’re sure to find a floor that you and future owners will love.

(Credit: photobank.ch/Shutterstock)

6. Renovate the Kitchen

You’ve probably heard it before: The kitchen sells the home. This adage is absolutely true, so if you’re looking for a larger renovation, start with the kitchen. New appliances, refaced cabinetry and stone countertops are a few of the most popular kitchen modifications that will help increase the value of your home.

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

7. Update the Bathrooms

If your bathrooms look like they belong in the 1980s, it’s time for an update. You can go as low- or high-budget as you like, so talk to your contractor about where to spend your renovation budget to get the biggest impact. New fixtures and updated tile could be all it takes to bring your bathroom into the 21st century.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services — especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

8 Cheap & Easy Ways to Update Your Bathroom

“When we list a home, we usually do at least some of these. Buyers are always impressed with updated, clean, fresh bathrooms. However, DON’T do #7! It looks great at first, but just doesn’t hold up.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team

Of all the rooms in your home, the bathroom may be the most frequently visited. With all that use, it’s easy for your bathroom to become a victim of wear and tear, but keeping it up to date can be done quickly and affordably. Here are nine easy ways.

1. Paint Your Walls

A fresh coat of paint in a modern color can liven up any room, especially your bathroom, and is an easy DIY. You can make a bold statement with a vivid and rich color or keep with a crisp pastel or neutral color for a clean, bright feel.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

2. Replace the Mirror

This may be the easiest fix for your bathroom. With an abundance of mirrors on the market, have fun choosing one that reflects not just you but your personality. Place multiple small mirrors together in a collage or use an oversize ornate one. The best part is that you can switch the mirror as often as you like.

(Credit: Ioana Davies (Drutu)/Shutterstock)

3. Replace Your Grout

Grout grows dull so slowly that it can be hard to notice it change. But over time it dirties and loses its appeal. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, replacing your grout can give your counter, bath or shower a new lease on life without completely redoing the room.

(Credit: CSImagemakers/Shutterstock)

4. Switch the Lights

If you look around your bathroom and think to yourself that it needs to be brighter, or that the light fixtures don’t quite fit in, you can change them out as quick as anything. Brass wall sconces are a fun and modern take on vanity lights, and a dainty chandelier will upgrade any bathroom lighting fixture.

[ Click to find the right contractor for your lighting project now.]

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

5. Install a Vanity

Stores like Home Depot have wonderful prefabricated vanities that you can install yourself. Not only do they add sophistication and completely change the look of a bathroom, but they also add storage.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

6. Refinish Your Tub

Refinishing your bathtub is much easier and cheaper than replacing it altogether. You can buy all the tools separately or in a convenient kit if you want to do it yourself, but since this takes a little bit of skill to get an absolutely smooth finish, we’d recommend bringing in a professional.

[ Time to update your bathroom? Click to find the right contractor for the project now.]

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

7. Replace the Toilet Seat

Skip the terry cloth or faux fur covers your great-aunt used to spruce up the porcelain throne. Instead, replace the seat all together. If you have a screwdriver, you can easily replace the lid and seat to make it look like new.

(Credit: Thanaphat Somwangsakul/Shutterstock)

8. New Plumbing Fixtures

While this upgrade can fall into the more expensive range, an elegant, quality plumbing fixture will enliven your bathroom for years. Show off your personal style with brushed nickel, a farmhouse-style faucet or vintage-inspired fixtures that will last.

(Credit: Gyorgy Barna/Shutterstock)

9. Add Texture to Walls

If your walls look flat and boring, consider adding paneling like wainscot or beadboard. You can apply it to all of your walls or just one as an accent point. Paneling a wall adds dimension to your bathroom.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services — especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

5 Things to Consider about Wood Floors

“Often our Buyers and Sellers will ask us what type of hardwoods are best to install. The answer like most things is ‘It depends’. Different rooms have different uses and can require different woods. Floors can also set the tone for the room, so you need to give it some thought. Read these tips for some things to think about before making the final decision.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Homeowners evaluating new flooring owe it to themselves to consider the benefits and beauty of wood. Wood floors are comfortable, durable and surprisingly affordable, and nothing quite compares to the character and warmth they bring to every room in the house. While there are a myriad of choices available, not every type of wood flooring is suitable for every application. If you are shopping for a wood floor, here are five things to keep in mind.

Type of Wood Flooring
There are primarily two types of wood flooring products—solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Solid wood flooring is milled from solid wood logs, and is joined with a traditional tongue and groove along both the long and short edges. Solid wood is available prefinished or unfinished, in strips and planks ranging in thickness from 5/16″ to 3/4″. Strips are 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″ wide and planks are 3″ to 8″ wide.

Engineered wood flooring is comprised of multiple layers of plywood and composite material, and topped with a layer of solid hardwood. Engineered wood flooring comes in thicknesses ranging from 3/8″ to 3/4″ and from 3″ up to 10″ wide; the hardwood layer on top ranges in thickness from .6 millimeters to 4 millimeters.

While both types offer the same beauty of real hardwood, the primary difference between solid hardwood and engineered flooring is in the floor’s composition. “Since solid wood flooring is subject to expand and contract relative to a home’s humidity it needs to be installed on the ground floor or above grade,” explains Bill Schlegel, Chief Merchandising Officer for Lumber Liquidators. “Engineered flooring, which is more stable due to its multi-ply construction, can be installed on all levels of the home,” adds Schlegel, “making it perfect for basements and bathrooms where dampness and moisture can be issues.”

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Choice of Wood Species
There are many different woods used in flooring, but some are harder and therefore more durable than others. “Day to day wear and tear is what concerns most people when shopping for a wood floor,” says Schlegel, “and the benchmark for hardness in the U.S. is Red Oak.” While Red and White Oak are the most common domestic wood floors, Hickory and Maple (harder than oak) and Walnut (softer) are also popular choices. Top selling exotic woods such as Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Koa and Cumaru are among the hardest species available. “Naturally, the harder the wood, the better it will be for wear and installation in high-traffic areas of the home,” Schlegel notes.

Grain, Color and Appearance
Because wood flooring comes in so many different species, styles and finishes, it is fairly easy to select a floor to match any room décor. If you have a country-style interior, wide plank floors with highly defined wood grains and a distressed appearance will be a good fit. For Colonial homes, consider wide, random plank width flooring in Oak and Maple. For traditional interiors, hardwood flooring in widths of 2-1/4″ to 3-1/4″ in Oak, Maple or Walnut, or parquet flooring, will be smart choices. Virtually any type of wood can be used in a contemporary setting, depending on what stain or finish is used—for example pewter, dark charcoal or whitewash finishes can transform any wood species into a modern masterpiece.

Casa de Colour Select Pewter Maple Hardwood Flooring

Casa de Colour Select Pewter Maple 10032461-crop

Type of Finish
The finish is the real determining factor in the overall appearance of a wood floor. The same wood species will look completely different finished in a clear gloss, versus a distressed, hand-scraped or wire-brush finish. “There are different gloss levels and finishing techniques that change the overall look of the wood floor,” Schlegel notes. “Our Bellawood solid and engineered wood flooring in a mid to high gloss looks completely different in a low gloss matte finish,” explains Schlegel; the latter imitating the look of an oil-rubbed European finish, but without the constant care and maintenance. Distressed, hand-scraped or wire-brush finishes will also be something to consider when shopping for a wood floor.

Flooring is sold either “unfinished” or “pre-finished.” Unfinished floors are sanded and finished on-site, which provides for a consistent seal and prevents dirt and moisture from penetrating the seams between boards (floors typically receive one to three coats of sealant). Pre-finished flooring is factory-applied in a controlled setting, and typically receives seven to eight coats of sealant. “I definitely recommend pre-finished flooring, because it ensures a superior and consistent finish, and comes with a warranty,” Schlegel asserts. “All Bellawood pre-finished flooring comes with a 100-year, transferable warranty, which can be a selling point to future buyers—since the warranty transfers to the new owner.”

Cost and Installation
The cost of wood flooring depends on the type, the wood species and the finish. Typically, solid prefinished wood flooring runs from $2.49 to $12.69 per square foot. Prices on engineered prefinished wood flooring range from $1.69 to $8.79. The average cost of installation usually runs about half as much as the flooring but depends on the type of flooring and installation for your home.

Both solid wood and engineered wood flooring are installed by nailing, stapling or gluing planks to a subfloor. There are, however, a variety of new “click” engineered products available that can be installed easily and “floated” above the subfloor.

“Installation can definitely be an expensive proposition, especially with unfinished flooring,” says Schlegel, “but competent DIYers can save money by doing the job themselves and purchasing prefinished flooring.” Lumber Liquidators offers all of the tools and materials that a homeowner would need to install a wood floor. He adds, “I recommend saving money on installation and buying a better floor.” This article is sponsored on behalf of Lumber Liquidators. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

7 Ideas to Help You Use Your Outdoor Space

“When done right, you can expand your current living area. You’ve probably got a backyard, or a deck, and you’re just not sure what to do with it. Take a look and get some ideas that can work for you!”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

When your mom told you to turn off the TV and play outdoors already, she knew what she was talking about. Hanging outside is good for our mental and physical well-being.

As adults, having an outdoor retreat adds an economic component: Upwards of 80% of homebuyers said patios and front porches are “essential” or “desirable,” according to the “What Buyers Really Want” survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

So how come when we move into our dream home, we hardly ever use our decks, porches, and patios?

An anthropological UCLA study, described in the book “Life at Home in the Twenty-First Century,” blames our fascination with digital devices — tablets, computers, televisions, games — for keeping us cooped up. The UCLA research participants spent less than half an hour each week in their outdoor space. And these were Californians.

So this summer let’s make a pledge to pay more than lip service to outdoor living so we can be happier, create lasting memories, and generally take advantage of what home has to offer.

1. Go Overboard on Comfy

Comfy outdoor seating on a home patio
Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

When you step into your outdoor space, your first sensation should be ‘ahhhh’. If you’re not feeling it, then your space is likely lacking the comfy factor. Comfy is easy to achieve and can be as low cost as you want. Start simple with a cushion or two or even a throw. Some other simple strategies:

Make sure your outdoor seating is as cushy as your indoor furniture. Today’s outdoor cushions aren’t the plastic-y, sweat-inducing pillows of the past. Plus, they can handle a downpour and spring back once they dry.

Lay down outdoor rugs so you’re just as comfortable barefoot as you are inside.

Give yourself some privacy. Create natural screens with shrubs, bushes, or even bamboo reeds. Or install prefab screens from your local home improvement store.

2. Create a Broadband Paradise

Our devices and electronics have conspired to keep us on lock down. Since we’re not about to chuck our digital toys, boot up your outdoor space so you can keep texting, posting to Instagram, and watching cat videos.

Wireless outdoor Wi-Fi antennas provide an extra boost so you can stay connected.

A solar USB charging station keeps your gizmos powered.

Wireless speakers make it easy to bring your music outdoors, and mask a noisy neighborhood.

An all-weather outdoor TV lets you stay outside for the big game.

3. Blur the Line Between Indoors and Out

Creating a seamless transition between your home’s interior and exterior isn’t as simple or low cost as adding comfort, but it’s the most dramatic and effective way to enhance your enjoyment of the space. Plus, it can increase your home’s value.

The most straightforward, cost-effective solution: Replace a standard door opening with sliding or glass French doors.

Use the same weatherproof flooring, such as stone tile or scored concrete, outside as well as in the room leading to your backyard oasis.

4. Light the Way

Solar pathway lights Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

When the sun goes down, don’t be left groping for your wine glass. Outdoor lighting dresses up your home’s marketability and appeal (exterior lighting is buyers’ most wanted outdoor feature, according to the NAHB study), makes it safer, and lets you spend more time outside.

Use uplighting to highlight trees, architectural details, or other focal points.

Add sconces or pendant lights to make evening entertaining, grilling, and reading easier.

Illuminate walkways, rails, and steps with landscape solar lights.

Hang fairy or string lights to set an enchanting tone.

5. Make Your Mark

Pavers in a home's yard Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

Let your style dominate your backyard space.

Paint a faux rug with your favorite colors.

Create a path made with colored glass, brick, or other interesting found materials.

Craft a one-of-kind outdoor chandelier.

Build a pizza oven, custom seating, or other feature you crave.

Add personal décor that makes you happy.

In fact, make your outdoor retreat an ongoing project where you can hone your DIY skills.

6. Don’t Give Anyone an Excuse to Stay Inside

Outdoor space with kid-friendly playhouse and DIY chalkboard Image: Tasya Demers from My House and Home

Your outdoor space will magnetically draw family and friends if it has features they find appealing.

A fire pit is a proven winner. Food and fire have brought humans together since the dawn of time.

Give wee ones the gift of magical thinking with an outdoor playhouse.

Add whimsy with a chalkboard fence that both kids and fun-loving adults will enjoy.

Add a doggie window in your fence to entertain Spot. Installing a dog run may even boost your home’s value. FYI: It’s been said that pets are one of the top reasons why people buy houses.

7. Rebuff the Elements

Canopy over a home deck
Image: LizMarieBlog.com

Hot sun, rain, wind gusts, and bugs are the archenemy of good times. Here are tips and strategies to help you throw shade on Mother Nature:

Install an awning, canopy, or pergola. It’ll make it easier to read your Kindle or iPad and keep you dry during a summer shower. Look for products with polycarbonate panels, which block UV rays, too.

Rig glass fence windscreens to the keep your BBQ fires burning.

Screen in your porch or deck against bugs. But screening will be for naught if you forget the slats between wood planks. Cover the floor with outdoor carpet or staple screening to the underside of floorboards.

By Deirdre Sullivan, Originally appearing on HouseLogic

9 Ways to Spice up Your Kitchen!

“Tired of your current kitchen? These ideas are different from what most of us think of. Everything from accent colors to mixing cabinet styles. Take a look and get inspired!”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Freestanding cupboards, mix-and-match colors, contrasting textures, individual drawer pulls — kitchens can be as creative as their owners. If sleek, clean-cut units don’t get you excited, take inspiration from these nine ways to get a more varied look in the kitchen.

1. Mix cabinet styles. This kitchen’s cabinets are all the same trendy gray, but they sidestep predictable symmetry because two pieces are different styles. They work together, but their drawers have different depths and storage options. A rail for pots and pans creates more variety.

Glenvale Kitchens

2. Feature a key piece. To keep things interesting in a kitchen with matching cabinets, add a standout storage unit. It could be a plate rack or a bright or weathered dresser. It will break up the rigidity of a single-finish kitchen and let your personality shine through.

Redesign London Limited

3. Work in an island. For impact in a large kitchen, an island needs to be a “hero” piece that can carry the space. This weathered central island doesn’t conform to any norms. Along with the industrial storage on wheels, it adds just the right amount of character.

Compass and Rose

4. Try an urban loft style. A strong dose of industrial style livens up this slim kitchen. Wood, metal, gray paint and ceramic surfaces mix easily, thanks to similar tones. Then there are the contrasts: Bare bricks are mirrored by glossy metro tiles, waist-level units by a taller cabinet. Matching kitchen pieces in this space could have looked too uniform; these look freed up and innovative.

The Freestanding kitchen company

5. Go two-tone. A blend of two shades — palest green and natural bare timber — brings a breath of fresh air to this kitchen. Tongue and groove cabinets and two types of handles are extra custom twists.

Hill Farm Furniture Ltd

6. Compare and contrast. A creative kitchen doesn’t have to be off-the-charts unusual. Simply combining two tones, two surfaces and two heights does the job. Carefully crafted finishes give the space a quality feel.

Blakes London

7. Cast it in monochromes. The dark-on-light color scheme here adds visual interest, and the contrast of raw, waxy timber and smooth marble creates a look that’s unique.

Mad About Your House

8. Add your own handles. This kitchen works its magic with off-the-shelf Ikea units with tactile leather handles. They handles are eye catching and pleasant to hold — significant, when you consider how often they’ll be used. Open shelving on top combines with a stainless steel countertop that wouldn’t be out of place in a chef’s kitchen.

Aura Construction

9. Pare it back. This converted industrial warehouse is a dramatic space, so the designer wisely didn’t try to make the kitchen steal the show. Zinc-colored doors inside pale frames, metallic tones and a pared-back 1960s vibe for the furnishings help this kitchen work in its setting — proof that statements don’t always have to be shouts.

By Jo Leveers, Houzz contributor

10 Ways to Check Your Homes Curb Appeal

“We always love articles on Curb Appeal because they help everyone. Even if you’re not preparing to sell your home, here are several simple ways to see if you have an opportunity to improve your homes First Impression.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team

Getting your property ready for sale can be a complicated affair. Simply cleaning your home isn’t enough—you may also need to make a few improvements to the exterior. To pique the interest of prospective buyers, it’s important to make your home look impressive from the street; in order words, you should improve its “curb appeal.” Here are ten questions to help determine if your home has curb appeal before you put it on the market.

1. Can the House Be Seen From the Street?

Prospective buyers who see and admire your home are more likely to go inside, and those who go inside are more likely to make offers. For said buyers to come in the door, they first have to see where they’re going. Take a look at your property from the street—can you clearly see the architectural details? If not, you may need to prune trees, shrubs, and other impediments so buyers can get a better look.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

2. Do Your Neighbors Help or Hurt You?

Since the curb in front of your home extends around your whole block, you could say that your neighborhood plays a role in your property’s curb appeal. Even if you make your home’s exterior as elegant as possible, prospective buyers may be turned off by the other homes on the block. If the other properties in your neighborhood are looking a little shabby, consider making friends with the homeowners and asking them nicely to dress up the neighborhood a bit. You might also offer to assist with small improvements or enlist the help of a local home improvement professional.

(Credit: rSnapshotPhotos/Shutterstock)

3. Does Your House Feel Private?

Even if you live in a fabulous neighborhood, you probably want a little privacy every now and again. Privacy is especially important for neighborhood newcomers, who will need some time adjusting to their neighbors. To make your home more appealing to prospective buyers, consider adding new fences, a row of arborvitae, or other privacy measures. A home with ample privacy will help buyers feel safer and more secure.

(Credit: romakoma/Shutterstock)

4. Would Someone Want to Come Inside?

When prospective buyers are thinking about touring the inside of your home, you can bet that they’re looking at the front door. A good-looking front door should beckon buyers to come inside and make them think about what their future houseguests will see. If your front door is in sorry shape, you might think about restaining it, repainting it, or replacing it altogether. If you don’t want to replace the whole door, you might just replace the hardware (door knob, lock, hinges, and knocker). An attractive wreath can also make your front door look more appealing.

(Credit: David Papazian/Shutterstock)

5. How Does Your Garage Door Look?

The garage door takes up a large portion of the average home’s façade. If this is true for your property, you’ll need to make sure your garage door looks presentable. A shabby-looking garage door may reflect poorly on the rest of your property, causing potential buyers to look elsewhere. Replacing or painting your garage door is one of the most cost-effective ways to prepare your home for resale and catch the eyes of passersby. Also, replacing your garage door is a great opportunity to ensure that it better matches your home’s other architectural features.

(Credit: karamysh/Shutterstock)

6. Is Your Hardscaping Intact?

An attractive home front should appear orderly and well-constructed. Hardscaping—which refers to the use of brick, concrete, and natural stone—is a big part of curb appeal. Your driveway, walkway, flower beds and other aspects of hardscaping should be clean and devoid of cracks. Your hardscaping should also complement the landscaping and home siding so potential buyers experience positive feelings when looking at your property.

(Credit: karamysh/Shutterstock)

7. How Does Your Garden Grow?

Good landscaping can help give your property more personality. You might consider adding some fertilizer to the grass and planting a few flowers in your yard before putting your property on the market. If your yard looks a little bare, consider filling the space with a tree or shrub. One quick and affordable solution is to place a few potted plants near your front door. Since the front door is one of the first places that potential buyers look, giving it some life is definitely a good way to go.

(Credit: fotocraft/Shutterstock)

8. Are You Clean or Cluttered?

The key to attracting buyers is to make your home look its absolute best. Removing clutter from the front lawn is important for giving prospective buyers a good look at the yard and for encouraging a positive first impression. To make your property sparkle, you might also consider power washing your home’s siding and walkway.

(Credit: Michael Courtney/Shutterstock)

9. What Color is Your Home?

Generally speaking, prospective homeowners are most attracted to neutral colors. If your home is currently a vibrant, bold color, you might consider repainting it so that it’s more attractive to a wider pool of potential homeowners. Grey, beige, light blue, off white, and light brown are some of the most popular colors for homes. Be sure to consider your landscaping, hardscaping, and the other homes in your neighborhood when selecting a new color.

(Credit: Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock)

10. Do You Love Your Home?

Every homeowner wants to know that they’re buying a home that’s in good condition. If a potential buyer sees that your roof, windows, and gutters are in good shape, he or she will assume that the rest of your home is well maintained. The better your home looks, the less maintenance the new owners will have to perform after moving in. The roof is an especially important aspect of your home’s exterior, as it’s vital for keeping the elements out and costs thousands of dollars to replace.

(Credit: g-stockstudio/Shutterstock)

Originally appearing on Yahoo Homes By Pro.com

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services — especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

9 Easy Ways to Clean & Maintain Wood Floors

“Wood floors look great, but do you know how to keep them looking great? All it really takes is the knowledge of a few tips on cleaning and maintenance.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

(Credit: pics721/Shutterstock)

Your floors bear the brunt of daily life – dogs, kids, cleats, muddy boots, wet footprints and more coming through your home. Your floors reveal the truth about what goes on at home through the scrape of the chair across the floor, by moving furniture or the glittery mess from a craft project.

Whether you’ve installed new flooring or are refinishing the ones you inherited, they can last for years with the proper care. Follow these nine steps for cleaning and caring for your wood floors for a lifetime of warmth, character and beauty.

1. Floor Finish

Determine what kind of finish your floor has. Not sure? To do a quick assessment on your own by rubbing your finger across the floor:

• If you don’t see a smudge (as with most new flooring), the floor is surface sealed, usually with polyurethane, urethane or polyacrylic

• If you see a smudge, the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal, like shellac, varnish or lacquer, and then waxed

(Credit: somchai rakin/Shutterstock)

2. Surface Dirt

Sweep, vacuum or sweep your floor regularly (even daily) to remove surface dirt.

(Credit: Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock)

3. Spills and Stains

Clean up spills immediately. If it’s something sticky, use a lightly dampened cloth or rag to wipe up the sticky residue. If it’s something that stains, use a product specifically formulated for this.

(Credit: Sascha Burkard/Shutterstock)

4. Cleaning Solution

The best cleaners are those recommended by your floor’s manufacturer. Otherwise, try using a quarter cup of a pH neutral, gentle soap like dishwashing soap or Murphy’s Oil Soap in a bucket of warm water. Be sure to wring out the mop until it’s barely damp and change the water as it gets dirty. Once you’re done, rinse the floor with a barely damp mop and clean water. Note: Too much water on any wood floor may warp the wood.

(Credit: vvoe/Shutterstock)

5. Upkeep

If your floor has a polyurethane finish, upkeep is simple. Simply vacuum or sweep, then clean with a lightly damp mop. If your floor has a seal with a wax top coat, vacuum and use a dust-mop regularly, and buff to keep your floors shining.

(Credit: OSORIOartist/Shutterstock)

6. Shine Through

If your floor starts to lose its shine, then you’ll want to recoat the surface with surface finish, but never use a wax on a floor that has a surface finish. Also, do not use furniture spray on a wood floor. You’ll end up with a floor as slippery as a skating rink! Depending on the traffic on your floors, you may need to do this every 5-7 years.

(Credit: Irina Mos/Shutterstock)

7. Wax On

When buffing no longer restores the shine, you may need to rewax. Apply a cleaner and paste, or liquid wax made specifically for wood flooring. After application, let the floor dry, then buff to a shine. Paste wax takes a bit more effort to apply, but it provides more protection for your floor. Liquid wax makes the job easier, but leaves a thinner coat. Thankfully, you should only have to do this twice a year.

(Credit: Stokkete/Shutterstock)

8. Prevention

To prevent scratches, put felt pads under chair and table legs, and use doormats on the outside of your entrances and just inside your doors to help catch dirt and sand before it can get tracked in. If you’ve got pets, make sure their nails are clipped short so they won’t scratch the floor.

(Credit: BW Folsom/Shutterstock)

9. Resist Humidity

You may notice cracks in your floors during the winter, when the air can be dry, but these should fill in when the humidity rises in the summer. Your best bet is to keep the relative humidity in your home between 35% and 55%.

(Credit: Vinogradov Illya/Shutterstock)

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services — especially research on contractor fees and qualifications

Originally posted on Yahoo! Homes by: Spaces Contributor

Make Your Concrete Patio Beautiful

“You’ve got a nice backyard, but you’ve also got a concrete patio outback that is plain and boring and you really don’t know what to do with it. Several of these ideas are very simple enhancements that can be used to transform a concrete patio. With just a little planning and creativity you can create a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Removing concrete can be expensive, because it has to be broken up (labor cost) and then hauled away (disposal fee). Instead of starting entirely from scratch, try to work with what you’ve got on hand to change how your concrete patio looks.

If your patio simply can’t be refurbished because it is severely cracked or is not sloped well for drainage, learn how to tear down a concrete patio.

Tile & Stone Pro

1. Refinish the surface. Shown here is a concrete patio and walkway in the process of receiving an acid-wash stain. There are multiple ways to refinish a concrete surface through stains, scoring and additional paving. Stains can be a DIY project if you are handy at home improvement. Scoring and adding pavers should be done by a professional.

The surface treatments here are for concrete that has already been fully cured.

Stain: Stains for concrete work by breaking into the surface of the paving and altering the color and/or texture. Essentially, they weaken the surface and require a sealant over the stain so that the paving doesn’t degrade.
Scoring pattern: Scoring patterns are made simply by cutting into the concrete about ¼ inch. The cuts make a pattern across the paving that give the field of concrete a visual rhythm. Popular scoring patterns include grids, diamonds and repeating lines.
Paving veneer: It is possible to add pavers over your existing concrete, so long as the finished height of the paving does not pose any hazards with drainage or walking. The construction detail uses the concrete as a foundation, and the pavers are mortared to the concrete base. Pay attention to how the paving’s added thickness affects the edges of your patio so that all of your stairs and walkways match up at the proper height.

A safety note about finishes: When choosing a stain or sealant, you want to maintain a nonslip surface outdoors. Therefore, most interior concrete finishes are not suitable for a landscape patio, because they become too slippery after a rain. If you are going the DIY route with stains and finishes, be sure to use only what’s formulated for outdoor use.

Mary Prince Photography

2. Add walls. Creating a low wall around a patio changes the space into its own contained outdoor room. It’s a different feeling from a wide-open patio. In the space seen here, the patio feels more like a lookout to the lower terrain in the background. The wall, which looks to be a veneer over concrete, acts as an intermediate visual frame between the private patio space and the exposed landscape beyond.

Don’t want to commit to building a wall? Try a trellis with vines or an outdoor screen to create an enclosure and privacy.

Hart Wright Architects, AIA

3. Change the light. This patio is framed by a stunning house and a gorgeous landscape, but look at how the concrete patio comes to life as dappled shade dances on the surface.

Think about how you can change the natural light, or add downcast lights to give your patio a different character at night. Create shade to make a patio that’s blinded by full sun feel more inviting. Brighten a dark, gloomy patio by bringing in more natural light or adding low-glow lights for nighttime.

Huettl Landscape Architecture

4. Frame it out with a pergola. Similar to changing the space with a wall, a pergola or another overhead structure can help to enclose the space. People enjoy being in nooks that feel cozy and private.

Look at your patio and see how it can be framed overhead. This will also work to your advantage in changing the natural light. An overhead trellis creates its own pattern of light and offers the opportunity to support flowering vines, lights, a ceiling fan, speakers for music and more.

Leslie Glazier @ Properties

5. Change the edge. The edge of this precast concrete paver patio has been cut to be curvy. Concrete that’s in good shape and has no major cracks can be cut with a circular saw to change the edge. This means that you would have just a portion of it removed to create a different geometry. A changed edge, combined with a new type of planting, like added flower beds or new trees, will make the concrete patio feel like a new space.

Goforth Gill Architects

Bonus: Add friends and family. What’s so special about the patio pictured here? It has a few basic elements: a grid scoring pattern, a low seat wall and a minimalist sunken fire pit. Other than that, it has some really basic movable outdoor furniture and a nice view.

A great outdoor patio is a place for people to gather and spend time in. So, the simplest tweak is to bring out the lawn chairs and the grill and have a party. You’ll love your patio then.

By Falon Muhalic, Houzz Contributor, Landscape architect

Originally appearing in HOUZZ

Before & After Curb Appeal

“It’s the perfect time of the year to take on any number of outdoor projects that can really make a difference in your homes Curb Appeal. Here are 8 projects that are fairly simple, but have big impacts.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Photo: charmingzebra.com

1. Paint Your Front Door

The front door makes a big impression—it’s the first and last thing visitors see. Painting your door is a quick and low-cost way to instantly boost curb appeal. Whether you go with a stately classic like black or a bright pop of color like yellow or red, a fresh coat of paint will instantly spiff up a tired exterior.

2. Make Your Porch an Outdoor Room

Photo: abeautifulmess.com

Sometimes all you need to do is add decorative elements to transform a space from blah to beautiful. This front porch becomes a bona fide extra room in warm weather, thanks to the addition of a rug, outdoor furniture, throw pillows, and plants.

3. Update Your Address

Photo: balancinghome.com

Add a little art to the front of your home with a DIY house number upgrade. This graphically assertive sign required just a board and a little paint that was already on hand, along with some stencils for the numbers. The results are bold—the pizza delivery guy will never miss this house again.

4. Hide Your Electrical Box

Photo: loveoffamilyandhome.net

Practical components like utility boxes and gas meters are a necessary evil, but do they have to be so ugly? Actually… no. Camouflage your service points by painting them with exterior paint in a shade that matches your siding. They may not completely disappear, but they will definitely blend in, improving the overall look of your home.

5. Lay Out the Landscaping

Photo: loveoffamilyandhome.net

Creating a small, modestly planted landscaping bed will make the side of your house look tidy and and add color your home’s exterior. Recreate the cheerful transformation with some inexpensive edging, weed barrier, mulch, and plants.

6. Hang New Shutters

Photo: livethehomelife.com

Fresh, new shutters can almost instantly enhance your home’s curb appeal. Swapping these weary, boring white eyesores for some new board-and-batten cedar shutters made a huge impact on this facade.

RELATED: 10 Easy Curb Appeal Updates

7. Perk Up Your Pathway

Photo: zenshmen.blogspot.com

A modern pathway makeover doesn’t have to be expensive or require professional labor. This walk was installed right on top of the old concrete path. The project can be completed in a half day, using simple tools and supplies from a big-box hardware store. The result is a sensational improvement that makes the house even more welcoming.

8. Upgrade Your Mailbox

Photo: beneathmyheart.net

The mailbox may not seem like a big contributor to curb appeal, and it’s often just an afterthought in home construction. This makeover is so much easier than it looks, accomplished by simply fitting a cast-stone surround over a 4×4 post.

Originally Appearing on Yahoo Makers – by Jennifer Noonan

How safe is your Deck? Check it Now!

“It’s that time of year when we begin to use our decks again. But what happened to it during the winter months? Did moisture create cracks or mold? Have beams warped or started to sag? It doesn’t take long to check out the basics to give yourself peace of mind.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team

Aging deck structures, harsh storms, high temperatures, and a lack of routine maintenance can increase the risk of a deck injury.

There are more than 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years or older, according to the North American Deck & Railing Association, and hundreds of reported deck accidents occur annually.

Check your deck by following these seven deck safety inspection tips from outdoor living company Archadeck:

Boards: Check deck boards for rot, softness, or major cracking.

Every Connection: Inspect every hardware connection on the deck. Look for screws and/or nails backing out, red rust, and other signs of corrosion on metal connectors that can weaken the integrity of the deck.

Structure: Look at the posts, beams, and joists that provide the structural framework of the deck. Is there any noticeable sagging between supports?

Attachments: Most deck failures occur at the attachment site to the home. Ensure that the deck is properly attached to the house with bolts (not nails) and proper flashing for water protection.

Foundation/Footings: The foundation and footings support the weight, or load, on a deck and the columns that bear on them. Look for sinking or a noticeable sag.

Exits: Check deck’s exit areas, usually stairs. Are the stair stringers, treads, and risers ok? Do the stairs require a handrail? Is there adequate lighting to safely use the exits at night?

Rails: Look at rail posts and railing sections to make sure that they aren’t loose or wobbly. All pickets/balusters should be fastened securely and spaced no more than four inches apart.

Source: Archadeck, Originally Appearing on Houselogic

1. Fix Up the Exterior

2. Repair the Roof

3. Address Plumbing Issues

4. Improve Interior Walls

5. Replace the Flooring

6. Renovate the Kitchen

7. Update the Bathrooms

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1. Paint Your Walls

2. Replace the Mirror

3. Replace Your Grout

4. Switch the Lights

5. Install a Vanity

6. Refinish Your Tub

7. Replace the Toilet Seat

8. New Plumbing Fixtures

9. Add Texture to Walls

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1. Can the House Be Seen From the Street?

2. Do Your Neighbors Help or Hurt You?

3. Does Your House Feel Private?

4. Would Someone Want to Come Inside?

5. How Does Your Garage Door Look?

6. Is Your Hardscaping Intact?

7. How Does Your Garden Grow?

8. Are You Clean or Cluttered?

9. What Color is Your Home?

10. Do You Love Your Home?

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1. Floor Finish

2. Surface Dirt

3. Spills and Stains

4. Cleaning Solution

5. Upkeep

6. Shine Through

7. Wax On

8. Prevention

9. Resist Humidity

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