Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Current Trends
We are constantly reading about current trends in remodeling...going green, energy efficiency, universal design, granite counters and more. At Case we are continually learning the new trends from the professional's perspective (NARI, NAHB etc.). We would like to take a moment to discover what Boise's local trends and interests are, from the consumers perspective. What most interests you. If you are planning on or just dreaming about remodeling your home, what is it that you want to do most???
Monday, April 13, 2009
Preparing your home for spring
What a fall and winter Boise has gone through! The greenbelt is slowly casting off the brown coat it bore during the cold months and beginning to clothe itself in the enriching colors and uplifting fragrances so many of our local residents treasure. Our parks are again starting to bustle with children’s playful giggles, workers’ lunch breaks, and team sports. Spring time getaway’s are almost over and many summer vacation calendars are already filling up. We’re even starting to hear some more positive news in the local media. Although times are still hard for many, spring is the perfect time to start sprucing up your home so you can enjoy this summer worry-free. We would like to help you prepare your home for the summer. Bill has given me a few indoor and outdoor tips to pass along to you. Please send us a message if you have any other springtime home maintenance questions. We want to share our expertise with you.
Interior:
HVAC. It’s a good idea to have your air system serviced once a year or as recommended by your manufacturer. Cleaning and vacuuming baseboard heaters and draining radiators are recommended. Make sure you clean and replace all dirty air filters and inspect your home’s heating ducts and vents to solidify any leaky joints or connections to provide maximum efficiency. Leaks force your air conditioner to work harder, raising your energy cost. A clean air filter system also means healthier breathing, something everyone desires. A home repair specialist can pinpoint problems in the home and provide recommendations on how to fix them and at the same time give you helpful tips for the future.
Crown Molding. Crown molding adds a handsome architectural detail that gives a room substance. The look of the molding reinforces charm and transforms spaces with simple walls into elegant and sophisticated decor. If your home is traditional in design, molding changes a nondescript surface into a focal point and sets your house apart while increasing its perceived value.
New Paint. Painting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to enhance the appearance of a room. Whether you are moving into a new home that needs some pizzazz or creating a new look in an old room, a splash of color on your walls can take them from dull to dynamic. Why not enrich your indoor living with the beautiful colors nature is once again embracing outside.
Flooring. Floors are one of the most important elements in giving a home its unique character. Popular hardwood flooring such as oak, hickory and cherry wood are very durable and extremely attractive. If you are not a fan of hardwood, you may prefer the all natural tiles made of stone, ceramic and porcelain. They look exceptionally good and do not require a lot of ongoing maintenance.
New Lighting. New lighting ties each of the elements together by highlighting visual size, height, depth and color. Your lighting scheme will greatly depend on your room size, wall colors and available natural light. In addition to these simple changes, replacing lighting and electrical outlet plates also adds to the overall atmosphere of any room.
Exterior:
Exterior inspection. Survey siding, brick, stucco, paint and trim for signs of potential problems.
New Paint. Painting the trim, shutters, and the front door add character to your house while taking years off of its appearance.
Exterior Wash. An ordinary garden hose and a mild detergent are perfect for washing the exterior of your home. Be cautious when using a power washer, especially on siding. Power washers are often powerful enough to force water under siding where it will encourage mildew and wood rot.
Clean Gutters. Storms are notorious for clogging roof gutters with fallen leaves, pine needles and sticks and we’ve had plenty of wind this winter. A high-pressure hose, combined with some old fashion elbow grease will remove the clogs. Installation of gutter guards can help prevent any future clogs.
Roof Inspection. Look for signs of age such as curling, shrinking, broken or missing shingles. It’s easier and more affordable to improve an aging roof than interior damage caused by one.
Replace your Front Door. You can give your home’s entrance an instant lift by choosing custom colors, handsome woods or cut-glass storm doors. Modern advancements in carpentry and window technology have provided us with an abundance of options.
Inspect Window and Door Screens. Inspect screens for holes and tears. You can purchase a screen repair kit from your local hardware store. This is inexpensive and very simple. I had to replace my back slider screen last year. If I can do it (someone that calls the Phillips a plus and Flathead a minus) then most anyone can. Remove storm doors (if possible) and inspect the caulking around the window frame. Bad caulking can lead to air and water leakage.
Add accessories. Brass knockers, outside lighting and mailboxes are small investments that make your house look great. Solar lights for the yard are popping up in more of the neighborhood yards each spring.
Spruce up the grounds. Trim the shrubs and cut the grass so doors and windows aren't hidden. Make sure the yard is kept.
Now that winter is behind us and summer is approaching it’s time to shed those layers, clean away the dirt and open the windows to let some fresh spring air inside. We hope it will freshen up your homes and your lives. Have a great spring!
Interior:
HVAC. It’s a good idea to have your air system serviced once a year or as recommended by your manufacturer. Cleaning and vacuuming baseboard heaters and draining radiators are recommended. Make sure you clean and replace all dirty air filters and inspect your home’s heating ducts and vents to solidify any leaky joints or connections to provide maximum efficiency. Leaks force your air conditioner to work harder, raising your energy cost. A clean air filter system also means healthier breathing, something everyone desires. A home repair specialist can pinpoint problems in the home and provide recommendations on how to fix them and at the same time give you helpful tips for the future.
Crown Molding. Crown molding adds a handsome architectural detail that gives a room substance. The look of the molding reinforces charm and transforms spaces with simple walls into elegant and sophisticated decor. If your home is traditional in design, molding changes a nondescript surface into a focal point and sets your house apart while increasing its perceived value.
New Paint. Painting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to enhance the appearance of a room. Whether you are moving into a new home that needs some pizzazz or creating a new look in an old room, a splash of color on your walls can take them from dull to dynamic. Why not enrich your indoor living with the beautiful colors nature is once again embracing outside.
Flooring. Floors are one of the most important elements in giving a home its unique character. Popular hardwood flooring such as oak, hickory and cherry wood are very durable and extremely attractive. If you are not a fan of hardwood, you may prefer the all natural tiles made of stone, ceramic and porcelain. They look exceptionally good and do not require a lot of ongoing maintenance.
New Lighting. New lighting ties each of the elements together by highlighting visual size, height, depth and color. Your lighting scheme will greatly depend on your room size, wall colors and available natural light. In addition to these simple changes, replacing lighting and electrical outlet plates also adds to the overall atmosphere of any room.
Exterior:
Exterior inspection. Survey siding, brick, stucco, paint and trim for signs of potential problems.
New Paint. Painting the trim, shutters, and the front door add character to your house while taking years off of its appearance.
Exterior Wash. An ordinary garden hose and a mild detergent are perfect for washing the exterior of your home. Be cautious when using a power washer, especially on siding. Power washers are often powerful enough to force water under siding where it will encourage mildew and wood rot.
Clean Gutters. Storms are notorious for clogging roof gutters with fallen leaves, pine needles and sticks and we’ve had plenty of wind this winter. A high-pressure hose, combined with some old fashion elbow grease will remove the clogs. Installation of gutter guards can help prevent any future clogs.
Roof Inspection. Look for signs of age such as curling, shrinking, broken or missing shingles. It’s easier and more affordable to improve an aging roof than interior damage caused by one.
Replace your Front Door. You can give your home’s entrance an instant lift by choosing custom colors, handsome woods or cut-glass storm doors. Modern advancements in carpentry and window technology have provided us with an abundance of options.
Inspect Window and Door Screens. Inspect screens for holes and tears. You can purchase a screen repair kit from your local hardware store. This is inexpensive and very simple. I had to replace my back slider screen last year. If I can do it (someone that calls the Phillips a plus and Flathead a minus) then most anyone can. Remove storm doors (if possible) and inspect the caulking around the window frame. Bad caulking can lead to air and water leakage.
Add accessories. Brass knockers, outside lighting and mailboxes are small investments that make your house look great. Solar lights for the yard are popping up in more of the neighborhood yards each spring.
Spruce up the grounds. Trim the shrubs and cut the grass so doors and windows aren't hidden. Make sure the yard is kept.
Now that winter is behind us and summer is approaching it’s time to shed those layers, clean away the dirt and open the windows to let some fresh spring air inside. We hope it will freshen up your homes and your lives. Have a great spring!
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