My favorite TV station is HGTV (surprised?) and second favorite is any station that hosts "This Old House". I really respect the opinion of Sandra Rinomato (see below). She has strong common sense and good ethics. Below is an article featuring her advice, from Rismedia.
10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell
[1]RISMEDIA,
March 19, 2010—(MCT)—Want to sell your home? Get out the bucket, mop
and Mr. Clean. The key to making a positive first impression is simple,
said Sandra Rinomato, host of HGTV’s popular “Property Virgins” show.
“Get it clean, clean, clean,” said Rinomato. “If your house isn’t
clean, it instantly sends up negative thoughts that the home is not
well maintained. If your house is spotless, you’re ahead of the game,”
she said.
But don’t stop there, advised Rinomato. To increase your chances of
making a sale, “stage” the house to make it as attractive as possible.
Until recently, “Staging meant pulling out all the stops—setting the
dining table with your best china and crystal, arranging flowers,
lighting candles,” she said. “Now we take the minimalist approach.
Basically, you want to strip the house to its bare essentials,
depersonalize it so potential buyers can superimpose themselves and
their lifestyle on the house.”
Rinomato offered the following tips for staging a home:
1. Visit model homes and examine shelter magazines for inexpensive
decorating ideas. Always keep in mind you are not decorating for
yourself but for the general public.
2. Start with the outside. Give the house a fresh coat of paint, add
shiny hardware to the front door and plant a few flowers to send a
subliminal message the house is loved and well cared for.
3. Declutter every room to make it look larger. Get rid of family
pictures, trophies and knickknacks. Closets and drawers should be no
more than 30% full.
4. Invest in eco-friendly but bright lights. Open the drapes or
remove them completely. “Light, bright rooms give the impression this
is a happy place—and everyone wants to move into a happy place,” said
Rinomato.
5. Feature only a few pieces of furniture with mainstream appeal. Pull pieces away from walls to make rooms look bigger.
6. Make sure a room’s primary use is obvious. A bedroom should look like a bedroom, not an office, hobby center or gym.
7. Bedrooms and kitchens are difficult to stage because they are in
daily use, but make the effort. Clear everything off the counters and
nightstands, roll up the rugs and hide the laundry hamper. Buff the
cabinets with car wax and clean under the sinks. Invest in pristine
white bed linens and towels.
8. Minimize the “pet effect.” Remove food bowls and litter boxes to the utility room. Deodorize thoroughly.
9. Organize the utility room and garage. Hang up the bicycles, roll
up the hose. Renting a storage locker is worth the cost if it helps you
sell faster and for a higher price.
10. Once your house is staged, invite your friends or Realtor over and walk them through to get an objective opinion.
(c) 2010, The Orlando Sentinel (Fla.).
Posted By susanne On March 18, 2010 @ 3:50 pm In Homeowner's Toolkit, How to Sell Your Home, Real Estate, Today's Marketplace, Today's Top Story, Today's Top Story - Consumer |
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Economy Forces Changes in Thinking about Retirement Homes
[1]RISMEDIA,
January 30, 2010—(MCT)—If your idea of a dream retirement home is a
luxury contemporary overlooking a championship golf course in the
desert, you better be prepared for some mighty small block parties:
When it comes to retirement living, golf courses are out.
And Arizona and Florida aren’t the only retirement-relocation hot
spots these days. In fact, North and South Carolina now top the
preferences of baby boomers who will be retiring in the next decade,
according to a survey to be released from home builder Del Webb. “How
times have changed when it comes to the golf course,” said
Paul Cardis, chief executive of AVID Ratings Co., a survey research
firm. His recommendation to builders: Eliminate it. Bike paths and
walking trails are the new greens and fairways.
Blame it all on the economy. The recession has taken its toll not
only on nest eggs but also on the traditional concept of a retirement
home. That’s the message that attendees at the International Builders
Show received in a number of presentations and seminars.
Downsizing is a trend that is taking hold among all housing
consumers, but it is particularly evident among the 55-plus crowd that
includes the older baby boomers. And that downsizing includes housing
aspirations in retirement. While “warmer climate” was the reigning
factor in choosing where to retire in the first boomer survey Del Webb
conducted in 1996, today “cost of living” is the most important
consideration on where to locate. Although Florida, Arizona and
California remain Top 10 retirement destinations, the trend is giving
other states a chance to draw even more retirees.
Despite the broadening of potential destinations, baby boomers’
desire to move in retirement has remained relatively stable over the
years. Between 30-40% plan to move to a new home in retirement, about
the same as in 1996, and half of those plan on moving to a new state.
What older buyers want in homes
What kind of houses will be in demand among those 55 and older?
According to a consumer survey conducted by the National Association of
Home Builders, the most important design features that 55-plus buyers
want in their homes center on the practical:
-Washers and dryers in their units
-Storage space
-Windows that open easily
-Garage-door openers
-Easy-to-use thermostats
-First-floor master bedrooms
-Private patios
-Porches
-Attached garages
-Bigger bathrooms
A lot of the more popular features in new homes these days don’t appeal all that much to older buyers:
-Island work areas
-Separate showers
-Private toilet compartments
-Sun rooms
-Woodburning fireplaces
-Exercise rooms
But a number of items that home buyers don’t find to be of much interest are much more popular with older buyers:
-Bathroom aids such as grab bars
-Kitchen aids
-Light home-repair services
-Outdoor maintenance services
-An entrance without steps
-Accessible public transportation
-Wider doorways
-Nonslip flooring
Among technology features, older home buyers tend to act like
younger buyers when it comes to the basics: Both groups have a
preference for security systems, energy management, structured wiring
and lighting controls. But older buyers had little use for home
theaters, distributed audio or home automation, more-expensive items
that younger buyers do like. “These older buyers are frugal, probably
on a fixed income and so expensive tech items are not that big on their
lists,” said Rose Quint, the NAHB assistant vice president for survey
research.
The emphasis on services related to home and community is an
important one that cuts across many age groups, said John Migliaccio,
director of research at MetLife’s Mature Market Institute, which
surveys consumers and builders on retirement issues. “Very telling is
that the younger group of mature consumers reported enthusiastically
that they want services like home maintenance and repair as part of
their next home purchase, along with services usually connected to
older householders, such as housekeeping, onsite health care and
transportation,” he said.
According to Migliaccio, all of those items were ranked higher than
the desire for social activities by this group—a surprise given that
social activities and amenities have been thought to be valued highly
by this group. He said the data support an emerging trend among
builders to look for ways to partner with providers of such services to
the residents of their active adult/lifestyle communities.
Migliaccio also predicted that universal design—which includes
features such as wider hallways, lever-handled doors, roll-in showers
and no-stair entries—will catch on as baby boomers watch their own
parents age. “The boomers are going to see their own parents age
without it and they won’t like what they see,” he said.
The 55-plus age group represents 38% of all U.S. households and is
projected to rise every year to be almost 45% of households by 2019.
And that group has high homeownership rates: while the U.S. as a whole
has about a 67% ownership rate, those 55 to 74 own homes at an 80%
clip. “Most buyers in this market are looking for an easy-living
lifestyle. They would like easy access to services that will free up
their time from maintenance both inside and outside their homes,” said
Mike McGowan, a 50-plus builder from Binghamton, N.Y. and chairman of
the National Association of Home Builder’s 50-Plus Housing Council.
“This data tells builders that the homes they build for older active
adults will remain attractive to the consumers who will be entering
that market for the foreseeable future.”
[1]RISMEDIA,
December 31, 2009—(MCT)-Much like returning from a vacation, putting
away the holiday decor just isn’t as fun as getting it all out. The
following pointers from a trio of organizational experts can keep the
seasonal clutter safely out of your way—and even make next November
easier.
Pare down. “Don’t be afraid to get rid of the stuff
you don’t like,” says Darcy Munzer, owner of Organize4U in
Independence, Mo. “If you don’t love it, get rid of it.” If it’s
broken, it doesn’t work or you haven’t used it, toss it, but donate
what’s in good condition.
Consider the sentimental value. The half-melted
choirboy candles have always been on the mantel at Christmas, says Mary
Ellen Vincent, owner of OrganizeMe in Kansas City, “because they remind
me every year of my mom.” For some items, though, you may be able to
snap a picture to preserve the memory, Vincent says.
Take inventory. How many wreaths do you own?
Strings of lights? Before you can organize and store, you need to be
aware of how much of everything you have, says Noelle Micek, a San
Francisco-based expert in residential organization and design.
Keep track. Munzer writes everything down,
including special Christmas recipes and the gifts she buys throughout
the year, in a notebook that she keeps in her home office.
Choose your storage space, and measure it. Most
people will store holiday decor in the basement, attic, garage, storage
shed or even under the bed. Just make sure it’s out of the way; you
don’t want to fight those bargain rolls of wrapping paper for the next
11 months. “Let the space you have limit what you own and keep,”
Vincent advises. Know the dimensions of your storage space, Micek
recommends, so any containers you buy will fit.
Keep it together. Store all the Christmas
items—ornaments, cookie cutters and everything in between—in one spot,
if possible. The exception: Keep certain heirloom items, linens and
high-risk breakables in a temperature-controlled environment in the
main part of the house.
Up and away. Holiday dishes can go in that hard-to-reach cabinet above the fridge.
Color code your containers. Use see-through plastic containers with the same color lids for each holiday, Micek suggests.
Label. Never put a box away without a label. Write
on the sides with a black marker, or list the contents on a 3-by-5-inch
card or color-coded construction paper. “You don’t want to look through
50 plain white boxes to find the four with ornaments,” Munzer says.
Number your boxes. Number them in the order they
should be opened. “You want the tree stand and skirt before you get the
lights and ornaments,” Micek says.
Choose the right containers. Buy the best quality
containers you can afford. You’ll protect against water damage,
accidental breakage and even pests such as mice. Shop around to find
what fits your needs. Cardboard can be recycled, but plastic offers a
better defense against moisture and pests.
(c) 2009, The Kansas City Star.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
This good bit of advice comes from Home Warranty of America's monthly newsletter!With the fall and winter months upon us, now is the time to do some routine maintenance around your home to prepare for the changing weather ahead. Taking the time to do some work now may save on some major expenses later. Some of these tasks can be performed by you, and some may need to be done by a professional.
Outside your home
1. Clear debris out of window wells, gutters, downspouts, and storm drains. 2. Remove garden hoses from spouts. Drain and store for the winter. Wrap spouts in insulation. 3. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems. 4. Check windows, doors, and siding for holes and cracks. Caulk as necessary. 5. Check weather stripping on windows and doors for fit and condition. Replace as necessary. 6. Inspect all soffit vents and other venting systems to make sure they're clear of debris. 7. Check painted surfaces for paint failure, water damage, or mildew. Repair or repaint if needed. 8. Check caulking where two different materials meet, where wood siding joins the foundation wall, at inside corners, and where the window and door trim meets the siding. 9. Check for broken or cracked glass and damaged screens or storm windows. Check for loose putty around glass panes. Repair glass if necessary. 10. Insulate outdoor faucets, pipes in unheated garages, and pipes in crawl spaces with materials such as rags or newspapers.
Read more Inside your Home:
1. Have a heating professional check your heating system every year. Replace your furnace filter. 2. Woodburning stove connector pipes and chimneys should be inspected by a certified chimney sweep at least annually. 3. Make sure you have proper insulation in both your attic and basement. While checking your insulation, if you see any dark, dirty spots, it may indicate you have air leaks coming into your home. 4. Remove hair from drains in sinks, tubs, and showers. 5. Test all smoke alarms. Replace batteries as necessary. 6. Check your home around windows and doors for air leaks. An easy way to check for leaks is to move a lighter around the window or door frame and see if the flame moves with a breeze. If you find a leak, you can caulk it or you may have to replace the wood frame. Repairing these leaks can save you money on your energy bill during the cold months. 7. Check for water leaks on the ceiling. Repair if needed. 8. Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs. 9. Protect your home from frozen pipes. How to do this. 10. Test your emergency generator.
Fall maintenance is important because it helps make homes more energy efficient during the winter months, and will safeguard homes against potential seasonal 'disasters' such as leaking roofs or home fires caused by neglected chimneys. Here are ten tips to a safer, warmer winter.
TIP #1 -- Check the heating system. Check the filter, pilot light and burners in a system fueled by gas or oil. Fireplaces, boilers, water heaters, space heaters and wood burning stoves should also be serviced every year. Have the specialist inspecting your unit show you how to change the filter and then you should change it at least once every 2 months. Clean ducts in the heating system. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold air returns. Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants. Ducts should be professionally cleaned about every three years.
TIP #2 -- Have the chimney inspected by a qualified chimney professional. Chimneys should be checked and cleaned, if necessary, on an annual basis. If you are using a wood stove this season, be sure that the stovepipe was installed correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations and local codes. If there is any doubt, a building inspector or fire official can determine whether the system is properly installed. If you have a chimney that will not be used, consider having it sealed shut.
TIP #3 -- Test fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and vacuum out the dust. Batteries should be checked every six months to ensure that they're working.
TIP #4 -- Remove excess leaves and damaged branches from trees surrounding the house. Dead branches have the potential to break and fall, ruining roofs, decks, or vehicles and the possibly causing injuries to people.
TIP #5 -- Maintain gutters. Remove all debris that can slow or impede the ability of water to drain effectively from the roof. Trapped water can be destructive not only to the gutters themselves but to the adjoining roof as well. Make sure gutter water drains away from your home.
TIP #6 -- Inspect the roof. Look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing at joints with siding, vents and flues, as well as damaged mortar around the chimney.
TIP #7 -- Inspect exterior walls, doors and windows. Check walls and window sills for damage such as cracks, gaps, loose or crumbling mortar, along with splitting and decaying wood. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors, which helps keep the home weather tight and lower heating bills. Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges. Repair or replace any cracked windows.
TIP #8 -- Maintain steps and handrails. Repair broken steps and secure loose banisters and handrails. Broken steps can cause a dangerous fall. Similarly, a person slipping will grab a handrail for support.
TIP #9 -- Inspect the attic and basement or crawlspace. Insulate voids in the attic - the entire attic floor above a living space should be insulated with at least six inches of insulation, except around electrical fixtures such as recessed lights that aren't rated for contact with insulation. Damp basements and crawl spaces can become mold and mildew problems. Watch for leaks from your water heater, plumbing system and seeping rain water from the roof. Locate and maintain a clear access to your main water shut off valve. If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate it.
TIP #10 -- Shut down sprinkler systems and outside faucets. Homeowners can shut down outside faucets, however weatherizing the underground sprinkler system is best performed by industry professionals who will flush the system before the cold sets in, preventing cracked pipes.
Lowe's has an awesome websdite that is continually updated to reflect current trends and materials. This is a great article on Kitchens and Baths. Whoever wrote this article was a little Sassy! I like her (his?) style!
So what's the silver bullet—the thing that every new tenant will be looking for this year? Is stainless steel still the leading trend? Granite countertops? Hardwood floors? It turns out when it comes to amenities, the more modern they are, the more attractive they are to prospective residents.
More bang for your client's buck When the housing bubble burst last year, it opened up the supply of higher-end, luxury properties. “All these condos downtown are now luxury rentals,” says Nathan Brown, property manager and broker with Chicago-based Triview Property Management. Because of this, new renters have been clamoring for upgrades on their apartments.
“They are more likely to come in and say, ‘I want this, because I don't have it now,’” Brown says.
Brown adds that potential residents will often come into his office with a list of amenities they're hoping for—everything from a fitness room and doorman to a washer and dryer unit and hardwood floors. And lately, he's been surprised by how they've managed to get everything on that list.
“Clients are able to get a lot more for their money,” he said. “The going theme for 2009 is more bang for your buck.” Vintage loses its luster As new and modern properties come on the market, older “vintage” properties see their potential shrinking without updated interiors. Maurice Ortiz, the marketing director of Chicago-based agency, Apartment People, says the majority [of people] are looking for hardwood floors, stainless steel and granite. “In general, everyone is looking for a new or updated kitchen and bathroom. Not many people are looking for carpeting anymore,” he adds
Which is not to say people aren't interested in living in vintage buildings. But more often than not, that interest is solely directed at what's on the outside of the property. “People like a vintage exterior,” Ortiz said. “If there's a modern interior.”
The easiest way to show off that modern interior is to start with your kitchens and bathrooms. “Everyone looks at your kitchens and bathrooms first,” Ortiz said, so if you can't completely overhaul the apartment, those two rooms are the best places to start.
After that, Ortiz says the next logical step is to get rid of the carpet and install some hardwood floors. This can be expensive, but it can help add value to the property and attract more tenants in the long run.
“Hardwood floors are definitely more expensive,” he said, “but they're easier to maintain and they last longer [than carpeting].”
Make it look new The secret to staying competitive in this recession is to recognize that people are looking to pay less for more. As the news keeps reporting home prices falling, more and more potential residents will be sniffing out deals on higher end amenities.
But before you break your own budget trying to keep up with the latest in luxury amenities, remember what will be most useful. A multi-unit building could become more attractive with an exercise room, but if it's a waste of space in a smaller building with three or four apartments.
A washer and dryer in the apartment is a huge draw for prospective tenants, Ortiz says. But they come at a steep cost. For those with a smaller budget, attractive amenities begin with the bathroom and kitchen. Even if it's not the latest appliances, starting small can be a big help.
“You don't have to put in granite and stainless,” Ortiz said, “but at least make it look remodeled.”
Overall, both Ortiz and Brown said that people tend to think positively of a place if they're aware of any recent improvements.
“[People] are looking at the overall feel of the place,” Brown said. “Even if it only feels like it's been recently redone. Sometimes even that is enough.”
What to do next In order to compete, it is necessary to keep up with the current and popular trends in amenities. You can find out more through classes with the National Property Management Association (NPMA) or any local property management association. But don't forget your most valuable resource—your current and potential tenants. When showing the property for potential residents, have them fill out a quick survey beforehand about what kind of amenities they are most attracted too. You can also hand out a similar survey to current residents when it comes time to renew their leases.
The bottom line is this: The more modern the amenities and the newer the property looks, the easier it is to find people who want to call the place their home.
Has your energy bill got you hot under the collar? The best way to
reduce your air conditioning bills this summer is to reduce heat in
your home.
Reserve
heat-generating activities such as cooking, washing or drying clothes,
and running the dishwasher until late evening or early morning, when it
is cooler outside.
Install mini-blinds or solar film on your windows to cut down on the heat from the sun.
Switch over to compact fluorescent light bulbs - not only do they use less energy, but they produce very little heat.
Set
the thermostat a few degrees higher - most people can be comfortable
with a setting of 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit; plus, you'll save 7 to 10
percent of your cooling costs for each degree above 78!
Try
using a ceiling fan or portable fan to supplement your air
conditioning. A fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler and
only costs pennies per hour to operate.
I PULLED THIS INFORMATION FROM THE FHA WEBSITE -- I have a client who wants to add on a garage. It will increae the value of the home, and she will feel much safer.
SF Rehabilitation Loan Program (203k) Funds for Handyman-Specials and Fixer-Uppers
The purchase of a house that needs repair is often a catch-22 situation, because the bank won't lend the money to buy the house until the repairs are complete, and the repairs can't be done until the house has been purchased.
HUD's 203(k) program can help you overcome this obstacle by enabling you to purchase or refinance a property plus the cost of making the repairs and improvements in one mortgage. The FHA-insured 203(k) loan is provided through approved lenders nationwide and is available to persons wanting to occupy the home.
The downpayment requirement for an owner-occupant (or a nonprofit organization or government agency) is approximately 3.5% of the acquisition and repair costs of the property.
The 203(k) loan includes the following steps:
* A potential homebuyer locates a fixer-upper and executes a sales contract after doing a feasibility analysis of the property with his/her real estate professional. The contract should state that the buyer is seeking a 203(k) loan and that the contract is contingent on loan approval based on additional required repairs by the FHA or the lender. * The homebuyer then selects an FHA-approved 203(k) lender and arranges for a detailed proposal showing the scope of work to be done, including a detailed cost estimate on each repair or improvement of the project. * The appraisal is performed to determine the value of the property after renovation. * If the borrower passes the lender's credit-worthiness test, the loan closes for an amount that will cover the purchase or refinance cost of the property, the remodeling costs and the allowable closing costs. The amount of the loan will also include a contingency reserve of 10% to 20% of the total remodeling costs and is used to cover any extra work not included in the original proposal. * At closing, the seller of the property is paid off and the remaining funds are put in an escrow account to pay for the repairs and improvements during the rehabilitation period. * The mortgage payments and remodeling begin after the loan closes. The borrower can decide to have up to six mortgage payments (PITI) put into the cost of rehabilitation if the property is not going to be occupied during construction, but it cannot exceed the length of time it is estimated to complete the rehab. * Escrowed funds are released to the contractor during construction through a series of draw requests for completed work. To ensure completion of the job, 10% of each draw is held back; this money is paid after the lender determines there will be no liens on the property.
RISMEDIA,
June 29, 2009-(MCT)-Let’s talk about cleaning more than just your
chairs, if we may, since summer has arrived, and it’s time to play
outdoors. To clean woven furniture, you’ll need to get into and around
those intricate weaves. And that requires a variety of brushes - a new,
rather than used, toothbrush (stiffer bristles); a small paintbrush
with bristles cut down by half, to make them stiffer but not sharper;
and a bristle brush with medium bristles.
Some experts recommend sharpening a dowel to pick out bits of dirt
and debris, but the best tools are already sharpened - try the wooden
skewers used to make shish kebab.
After you have gotten the gunk and grime out of the weaves, vacuum a
wicker piece thoroughly. Then, wash it using minimal amounts of a
solution that is two tablespoons of ammonia to two gallons of water.
Clean in sections from top to bottom, then dry the wicker quickly to
prevent it from warping. Lay the piece on a clean canvas drop cloth;
tip it so the tighter weaves are on top and the looser on the bottom,
so the moisture runs down and away quickly. Keep the weaves straight,
so they don’t shrink.
If mere cleaning isn’t enough, sand and repaint (following the
manufacturer’s suggestions). Depending on the piece, spray paint may
give better coverage in less time.
For regular aluminum chairs, grab a plastic scrub brush and
dishwashing detergent at full strength and then scrub, scrub, scrub.
Rinse thoroughly, then let dry.
For coated-aluminum pieces, experts also recommend full-strength
dishwashing detergent, but using a sponge instead. Rinse completely,
dry with a soft cloth, and then rub on car wax to polish, avoiding the
fabric. If you get wax on the fabric, clean it quickly. Buff the metal
after it dries.
Take a look at your old plastic furniture. Is it worth keeping
another year? If the chairs cost $2 each 10 years ago, you can find
sturdier and nicer ones for about the same price today. But if you opt
to keep them, wash the pieces with three tablespoons of powdered
laundry detergent (or oxygenated bleach such as OxiClean) mixed in a
gallon of warm water. A scrub brush will work, but avoid stiff bristle
brushes, which can scratch or gouge the plastic surface. Let the
solution soak in for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then dry.
Check the label for the manufacturer’s suggestions. If cushions or
seat webbing are washable, use warm, soapy water or a foam cleaner.
Apply with a sponge, rinse and dry quickly.
Wrought-iron furniture tends to rust, which is why it should always
be covered if left outside in winter. If corrosion has already begun,
use a wire brush on the metal lightly, to remove the rust but not the
paint. Naval jelly, available at home centers and hardware stores, also
can dissolve rust; some products become a primer that lets you apply
protective paint in 24 hours. Rust stains can be removed with fine
steel wool dipped in kerosene. Wear protective gloves and safety
glasses and apply in the open, away from fire. To get into the joints,
disassemble the furniture.
Got a mildewed patio umbrella? Open it and lay it on its side, then
clean with oxygenated bleach in warm water - though you should check
the manufacturer’s care suggestions (chlorine bleach will fade
acrylics). Use a soft-bristle brush on one section at a time; rinse
with clean water and let dry.
“The greatest discovery of my generation...is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.”
-- William James
Home Maintenance Tip -
Your washer and dryer are designed to be simple to maintain, and there
are a few things you can do that will prolong the life of the machines
and reduce service calls.
Avoid overloading the washer - an overloaded washer strains the motor and transmission, shortening their lives.
Once
a month, remove and clean intake screens where water-supply hoses enter
the washing machine, and check water-supply hoses for splits, cracks,
or bulges.
Once a year, disconnect your dryer from the vent
hose and wall, and thoroughly vacuum and clean the lint pipe to improve
your drying efficiency and remove potentially flammable lint buildup.
Once a year disconnect the washer and dryer to clean underneath and check for any small leaks or hidden maintenance problems.
I don't think this applies only to first-time homeowners--it's great advice for anyone furnishing new digs! Elaine
By Nancy A. Herrick
Home prices have moderated, interest rates are reasonable, supply is abundant-and then there’s that $8,000 tax credit. Yes, it’s a great time to buy your first house.
If you do, you’ll have to furnish it, and that can be a challenge, especially if you have put much of your disposable income into a down payment. But you’re a grown-up now, and your first real home is no place for that grungy old futon or bookcases constructed with bricks and boards. It deserves better.
So what’s the best way to go about furnishing your new home? We’ve asked a variety of experts for their ideas on what to do after your offer has been accepted. Here are their ideas:
“Before you get carried away, take some time to determine what you have, what you need and what you want,” says Milwaukee-area interior designer Susan Michalek of Desumi Design Inc. “Deal with what you need first. That should be your highest priority.”
Wanda M. Colon, a designer who can be seen as host of TLC’s “Home Made Simple” and HGTV’s “24-Hour Design,” suggests that any assessment should include the amount of money you have to spend.
“It’s easy to overspend or make impulse purchases if you don’t have a budget,” she says. If you watch what you spend and stay within your limits, “as a bonus you might have money left over to purchase some extra goodies.”
Evaluate each room, says interior designer Jane Klein of Fox Point, Wis., and figure out how you plan to live in the house, considering: “Where you will spend most of your time, what you will do in each room? Will you want a table in the family room for work space, for example, or a comfortable chair and good lighting in the bedroom for relaxing and reading?
“Also think about the size of each room and the appropriate scale for the furniture,” Klein says. “You might fall in love with a sectional, but the reality is that it might not fit in a small room.”
Gary Steinhafel, president of Steinhafels Furniture, with six locations in Wisconsin, agrees.
“Not long ago, manufacturers were producing furniture designed to fill oversize great rooms,” he says. “Now many manufacturers are offering furniture on a smaller scale than ever for smaller homes and for people who are downsizing. Be aware that there are choices and figure out what works best for your home.”
Go Shopping, But Leave the Plastic Behind
Your early shopping trips should be a way to gather ideas, not furniture. As you walk up and down the store aisles and view furniture groupings, pay attention to colors, furniture styles, wood choices and more.
If you’re shopping with your significant other, have some discussions about what you like and don’t like, and what you think works well together and with the style of your home.
“You don’t have to choose strictly contemporary or strictly traditional,” Steinhafel says. “More likely the choice will be made based on whether you are going for a casual or more formal look.”
But remember that while an “eclectic” look works, that doesn’t mean anything goes. There should be some continuity or unifying elements so that the result isn’t a hodgepodge.
Colon suggests that you visit a variety of stores to see what’s available.
“Don’t buy everything in one place,” she says. “This allows you to compare styles and prices.”
It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and to learn what goes into a quality piece of furniture.
As you peruse what’s available, take pictures of what you like, Klein says. “If you think it might work, take a picture, at stores, consignment shops, wherever you go. Then look at the pictures when you get home to remind you of the choices and to see which pieces work together.”
Get to Work
It’s easier to paint a house when it’s empty and to refinish or replace flooring or knock down walls when you’re not living there. So if there’s work to be done, allow time for that after closing but before you move in.
“The biggest change you can make for a minimal amount of money is with color on the walls,” Michalek says. “Buy good quality paint with no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and if you do the job right you won’t have to paint again for a while.”
The colors you choose should coordinate with what you plan to buy and what you already have, of course, so take along strips of paint samples from the paint store or home center. Often furniture stores will allow you to take a fabric sample or sleeve cap home to help match colors. Make sure to look at them in a variety of lighting situations and at different times of the day to get a true idea of how well the colors coordinate.
Make Major Purchases
At minimum you will need: a good mattress and box spring and a bed or headboard to give the room a polished look; a quality sofa and chairs; a console unit for the television; and a table and chairs for dining (either for the kitchen or dining room).
Bette Kahn, spokeswoman for Crate & Barrel and CB2 stores, says microfibers are a good fabric choice for sofas because they’re so durable.
“They take cleaning or washing well and never show wear,” she says. “If you’re getting another fabric, make sure it’s fabric-protected. Solid colors are classic, but not as interesting as tweeds with small touches of color.”
She suggests going with neutrals for big pieces, “but if that’s too basic, they can always be made more interesting with pops of color through pillows, which can be changed.”
Steinhafel is a fan of leather for sofas.
“It wears three times longer, and prices have come down significantly because the tanning process is more sophisticated,” he says. “There’s a ton of variety in color, but shades of brown are very popular. It’s the new neutral and works well with other colors and with wood floors.”
“Make sure the frame of your sofa or chairs is high quality,” says Kahn, adding that if the piece wears out or looks outdated, it can be slip-covered or reupholstered if necessary.
If you buy high-quality pieces, you can build a room around them for years to come.
Fill in Creatively
After you’ve found the big pieces that serve as the foundation for a room, it’s time to fill in with smaller pieces. This is where you can have some fun, save money and add a touch of personal style.
Consignment stores, estate sales, resale shops and even Grandma’s attic are great places to find furniture, especially if you’re willing to fix it up.
For example, if you’ve purchased a bed but need a dresser or two, you might be able to find used pieces with similar lines. You can refinish or paint the dressers to match (assuming they aren’t valuable antiques, in which case the original finish should be preserved) and change the hardware for a coordinated look.
In the dining room, a horizontal dresser also can work as a server; the drawers can hold flatware and table linens. Antique chairs, even if they’re mismatched, add interest around a dining room table.
An odd-shaped table can find a new home in the corner of a living room or a foyer; add an oversize vase for visual interest. Don’t be afraid to rough up the surface and paint it so that it coordinates with the colors you’ve chosen in the room.
“America tends to be wasteful and often will replace a perfectly good piece with something that’s new,” Michalek says. “But you can find all kinds of new uses for older pieces of furniture that are built well.”
Area rugs, artwork and accent pieces are fun to shop for and also add personality to a room.
“Sometimes people spend a lot of time shopping for the big pieces but don’t do much to make the space their own,” Klein says. “A piece of art can do that, or an art furniture piece. They don’t have to be expensive but can wind up being a special focal point for a room.”
Be Patient
It probably took awhile to find the right house. It stands to reason it won’t be furnished in a week, a month or perhaps even a year.
“Many purchases can be put off, especially the decorative pieces,” Kahn says. “Besides, you’ll have more fun collecting those as you go through life.”
Colon warns first-time homeowners to take their time. “Don’t impulse-buy and end up feeling stuck because you acted too hastily,” she says.
Klein says: “Give yourself a little time. When you make a decision, use your head and your heart. Look at different options, ask lots of questions.
Of our 39 years of marriage, 19 of those years were spent in California. We became very fluent in "Quake-ese" and I became so quake-savvy that I'd grab the kids and run to cover even when a large truck passed and shook the house! No apologies for that--I was just being careful.
Here is a link to an excellent earthquake site, based upon the city of San Fancisco. Check it out--you'll have fun, maybe even grin, and learn too!
Rethinking Remodeling: Homeowners Want More Bang for Their Home-Improvement Buck
Fewer homeowners may be starting complete kitchen remodels, but they’re still replacing countertops and re-facing cabinets. They’re also investing in improvements to make their homes more energy-efficient, according to a recent home remodeling and repair report by ServiceMagic.com. Others are splurging on hot tubs and home theaters after realizing that they may be in their homes for some years to come-and want to make them as comfortable as possible.
“People are not going bigger and better, but improving what they have more cost effectively,” said Craig Smith, CEO of ServiceMagic, a website that connects homeowners to prescreened contractors. For instance, instead of buying new furniture, they’re repairing what they have. Or they’re deep cleaning the carpet in lieu of replacing it.
All for good reason: Money is tight, lending standards strict and in a sluggish housing market you might not recoup as much of your remodeling investment at resale.
Home improvement spending is expected to decline 12% in 2009, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Lower financing costs may be starting to stabilize the downturn in existing home sales, but “they have not been enough to offset rising unemployment and falling consumer confidence and encourage homeowners to undertake major home improvement projects,” said Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center.
It’s much different than the days when home-equity lending was plentiful. Before doing anything, homeowners are carefully considering how they should spend their money.
In the days of easy credit, “there was a feeling of ‘we can’t go wrong, let’s just get started,’” said Bill Judson, an architect with HartmanBaldwin Design/Build, based in Claremont, Calif. “Now, it’s harder to get money, in terms of credit, and homeowners are taking it a little slower and educating themselves a little more.”
Meanwhile, those who do upgrade may be in for a bargain: Costs of materials, including lumber and copper, have dropped somewhat, Judson said. The biggest price cut has been related to lower labor costs as surviving contractors struggle to compete, he added.
The kitchen and bathroom are traditionally rooms where remodeling pays off. Some homeowners are still going through with full remodels these days, said Kimberly Sweet, editor of Kitchens.com. But they aren’t the norm. “A lot of people are making do with what they have, or maybe choosing to spruce up a few things and not do a full remodel,” Sweet said.
Nationally, the volume of countertop project requests rose 39% in the first quarter of 2009, compared with the first quarter of 2008, while major kitchen remodels are down 19%, according to ServiceMagic’s most recent Home Remodeling and Repair Index/Survey. The data comes from the company’s service requests; the site received 4.2 million requests from homeowners in 2008. Service requests for bathroom remodels were down 10% in the first quarter of this year, according to the report.
At the recent Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, affordable remodeling products included liquid stainless steel to refinish appliances and do-it-yourself backsplashes, Sweet said. Re-facing or painting cabinets and updating cabinet hardware have always been an option to remodel on a budget. For replacements, there are improved cabinet options in thermofoil, she said. Consumers still gravitate toward granite countertops, but other less expensive-yet still attractive-countertop materials are available, Sweet added. For those considering resale values, it might be best to go for minor fix-ups. “Doing all the high end may not get you the return you were looking for before,” Sweet continued. “You don’t want to be the most expensive house on the block in this market.”
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value report, replacement projects that improve curb appeal-including siding, windows and decks-are some of your best bets for recouping money at resale.
Upgrading windows can make a home more energy-efficient. ServiceMagic has seen more interest in projects including insulation and solar-panel installation, which cut energy bills and are likely eligible for government tax credits, according to the company’s report.
And some homeowners are investing in home energy audits, for a comprehensive view of what can be done to increase efficiency, said Smith. The cost: Between $300 and $500. “But people will pay that because the insight provided can save them a lot of money down the road.” An audit can help homeowners prioritize projects.
Most home improvement projects may be practical these days, but some splurges are also becoming popular as market conditions force people to stay in a home longer than previously planned and as the economy has them spending more time entertaining at home. As a result, some homeowners are buying hot tubs, spas and saunas, as well as TVs and other home theater components, Smith said.
Compared to large-scale remodeling projects, “hot tubs are not a massive out-of-pocket expense,” Smith said. And “with the prices of flat-screen TVs coming down and the whole ’staycation’ phenomenon,” updated media rooms also have appeal, he added.
(c) 2009, MarketWatch.com Inc. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
I learned this the hard way - I once killed a refrigerator...
COOL TIPS FOR THE FRIDGE!
You want to keep your refrigerator running smoothly, so that during the heat of the summer you have plenty of cool drinks ready to enjoy!
1. Is your refrigerator door shutting tightly? To test it, close the refrigerator door on a dollar bill at various places along the door, and pull lightly. If you can pull the bill out, you may need to adjust your door or replace the gasket. Doing so will save energy, reduce your utility bill, and lengthen the life of the compressor.
2. To keep your refrigerator operating efficiently and cooling properly, it is very important to clean the condenser coils at least twice a year. The purpose of these coils, which are generally located at the bottom of the refrigerator (behind the kick plate), is to disperse heat from inside the refrigerator out into the room with the aid of a fan.
To clean the coils, first unplug the refrigerator or turn off it's circuit breaker. Next, remove the cover panel beneath the door to reveal the coils. With a long, narrow nozzle on your vacuum, clean out all of the dust and debris. You can also buy a special long-handled brush that looks somewhat like a bottlebrush for this job. The last step is to replace the cover, and restore the electricity. Remember, cleaning the condenser coils at least twice a year is the best way to lengthen the life of your refrigerator.
GO GREEN? IT SEEMS THAT TWO YEARS AGO MOST OF US HADN'T HEARD THE TERM--NOW WE HEAR IT EVERYWHERE WE TURN... I THINK MANY OF US, LIKE KERMIT THE FROG, HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GREEN!!
Eco-Friendly Gardening Tips Help Gardeners ‘Go Green’
By Charlyne Varkonyi SchaubPrint Article Print Article
garden-webRISMEDIA, May 20, 2009-(MCT)-Kermit the Frog liked to say, “It’s not easy being green.” Little did he know that one day many of us would agree with him. Being “green” or eco-friendly is politically correct. Recycling. Low- or no-VOC paints. Hybrid cars. And, finally, making sure your thumb really is the new green.
But how can you become an eco-gardener? Do natural pest controls really work?
Carol Whitaker, owner of Pink Shovel Landscapes in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is dedicated to creating naturescapes and teaching home gardeners about green gardening.
“Just because your landscape has green plants in it, doesn’t mean it’s green,” said Whitaker.
“Green means sustainability, creating and maintaining a landscape which conserves and preserves our energy, our water, our natural resources, our environment and our way of life, and promoting an environment that will endure and provide into the future.”
Here is what Whitaker had to say about green gardening:
Q: What are the worst things a gardener can do? A: People often plant too deeply, and the plant goes into stress, deteriorates and dies. This is especially true with trees. Plant shrubs and trees at the same depth as they were in the pot. Second is the overuse of chemicals that can go into soil and end up in storm-water drains and our water supplies.
Q: What are the best things a gardener can do to be green? A: One of the best things you can do is plant a tree canopy in the front and back yards. Shade trees are more important than palm trees because they supply oxygen, prevent storm-water runoff, reduce air-conditioning costs and provide shelter for wildlife. People just don’t plant enough shade trees.
Q: What is the biggest trap for items that appear to be green but aren’t? A: One of my biggest pet peeves is everyone says to use recycled mulch. But people don’t read the labels and realize how the product was made. Some of these mulches can actually hurt the environment. Red mulch is a prime example. Everyone loves it because it is pretty, but scientists have found it can have unsafe levels of arsenic and formaldehyde.
Q: How do you control pests in a green way? A: I use dishwasher soap with water or, if it is really pesky, I use vegetable oil. It’s a topical, but doesn’t kill continually. Even with poisons you have to repeat treatment every 7 to 14 days. Use 1 or 2 teaspoons of dishwasher soap per gallon of water.
Q: How do you avoid chemical fertilizers? A: One of the best preventive measures is to increase the quality of your soil. You can amend it with composted manure. This makes for healthy plants and roots that are more resistant to disease and you will be less likely to need to use fertilizers.
Whitaker’s best green tips
1. Plant more canopy trees. 2. Amend soil with composted cow manure. 3. Use organic mulches. Do not use rubber mulch. It doesn’t break down and doesn’t contribute to the quality of soil. 4. Plant the right plant in right place. Group them by their water needs and whether they need sun or shade. Don’t plant tall growers under power lines. 5. Plant more natives and include as many as you can. 6. Avoid overuse of chemicals.
Wallpaper Makes a Comeback- Feed Your Inspiration with Today’s Top Styles By Mary Beth Breckenridge
After years on the decorative outs, wallcoverings are back in style. They’ve shed their dowdy association with teddy bears and tiny country prints and re-emerged in fresh, attention-getting forms.
Wallpaper’s return has followed a decline in the popularity of faux finishes, noted Stacy Senior Allan, marketing director for wallpaper maker Thibaut Inc. Maybe one too many badly sponged walls convinced us to leave the wall decorating to the experts.
But like faux finishes, wallpaper adds a dimension that a plain coat of paint can’t, Allan noted. Especially in rooms without a lot of soft surfaces - dining rooms and bathrooms, for example - wallpaper adds softness and a layering effect, she said.
We talked to some leaders in the industry to find out the latest trends in wallpaper, and here’s what’s hot:
Tradition with a twist Ages-old motifs are still around, but in oversized forms and surprising colors. ”Everything has gone large-scale,” said Paula Berberian, creative services manager for Brewster Wallcovering Co. Familiar designs such as damask and Jacobean prints are being blown up into bold proportions and rendered in unexpected hues or metallics.
The result is a less stuffy look that can work even in modern settings. It can be busy, though, so Lilly Sosic of the Brunschwig & Fils showroom in Beachwood’s Ohio Design Centre said wallpapers with oversized graphics might be best for areas where people don’t spend a lot of time - a powder room, for instance, or a foyer.
Or cover just one wall, suggested Gina Shaw, vice president of product development for York Wallcoverings. Not only is creating a feature wall a returning trend among designers, but it’s also a less costly way to bring interest to a room, noted her colleague at York, director of marketing LeRue Brown.
Sophisticated finishes Texture adds a third dimension to many of today’s wallpapers. Thibaut’s Allan said improvements in manufacturing technology allow wallpaper to have raised textures and embellishments that weren’t possible earlier.
As a result, many of the new wallpapers enhance rather than dominate a room. ”Wallpaper used to be really ‘pay attention to me,”’ she said. Now it tends to play a supporting yet glamorous role.
Sand and tiny bead accents are popular, as are bits of bling such as crystals and pearls. Metallics are big, too, but don’t be scared away by bad memories of disco-era Mylar. Metallics now are more subtle, often used just for accents.
Eco chic The world is wearing its Earth obsession on its walls. That means grass and leaf designs are popular, as is grass cloth, a classic look that’s making a comeback. It’s made of reeds, bamboo and other natural grasses, Berberian said, so it fits right in with people’s desire to decorate with renewable materials.
Spa blues and greens are strong from a color standpoint, as are other Earth-inspired shades. Brown remains popular, often paired with brighter colors.
’60s flashbacks It’s a mod, mod world, at least for the people who missed the ’60s. The bold geometrics, pop art and bright colors that exemplified that groovy decade are in big demand among younger consumers, and that’s translating to wallpaper design.
Because many of the fans of ’60s design are young enough to be decorating dorm rooms or first apartments - or even their tween or teen bedrooms - the look is strong in lower-priced, repositionable decals. The peel-and-stick decals use an adhesive like the one used in Post-it notes, so they leave no residue when they’re removed.
Handcrafting The renewed interest for handmade goods is apparent in wallpapers, too. Shaw thinks it’s an effect of the uncertain economy, an appreciation for things that are crafted thoughtfully and made to last.
Handmade wallpaper can be pricey, but more mass-produced wallcoverings have the look and feel of hand crafting. Berberian said many have raised inks, which give the illusion of hand-printing. Asian-inspired designs and line drawings or other simple motifs are common, too.
Such wallcoverings often include layered colors and small mistakes that make them appear handcrafted, Allan said.
Global influences Our well-traveled society has shrunk the planet and brought the colors and designs of other cultures to Western walls. African countries and India are particularly strong influences in wallcovering design and in home decor in general, Berberian said.
You’ll see that in paisleys and ikat designs, elongated geometric patterns originally used in fabrics that have the appearance of having been stretched. Animal prints are strong, too, and you can even find wallpaper that resembles faux reptile skins so closely they almost look and feel real.
Just when the world is looking beautiful and you want to be outside, along comes someone with WORK on their mind!
On the other hand, a little WORK to keep your most significant investment (*home*) maintained pays off in the long run! Here's a little note I received from Old Republic Home Protection (home warranty) Company:
Spring has arrived in many parts of the U.S. The ideas below will help you prepare your home for a hassle-free summer.
* Clean showerheads and faucet aerators. * Clean and seal tile grout. * Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. This prevents lint from accumulating and reduces the risk of fire. * Inspect washing machine hoses and replace when they show signs of wear or leakage. * Inspect deck or patio for deterioration and safety hazards. Repair loose boards, protruding nails or other safety issues. * Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher handy and ready for use. * Wash the exterior of your house using ordinary garden hose pressure and a mild detergent. * Caulk exterior joints around all windows and doors. * Change air conditioner filters. * Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimneys.
Wood-destroying
organisms (termites) cause North American homeowners over two billion
dollars in damages each year. Don't be fooled, termites are living and thriving in Utah.
These destructive pests primarily feed on wood, but also damage paper,
books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration
systems. Wood destroying organisms are often referred to as the silent
destroyer because they may be causing damage to your home without you
knowing it. A trained inspector is usually required to identify the
problem, and will be necessary if you do have an infestation. Read on
to learn more about how to protect your home from these common pests.
When should I suspect I have a problem? Homeowners
rarely see termites; they are sneaky insects that hide themselves deep
in wood and soil. Finding signs of termite activity in your yard is
pretty common, but if you see winged termites indoors it almost always
indicates an infestation warranting treatment. The most common areas
where we see termites in Utah county is anywhere along the benches as
well as areas that use to be heavily wooded. For example, Orem use to
be all orchards.
What will a professional look for to determine the extent of the problem?
Inspection and treatment require special skills and technology. A
professional pest controller can help. Professionals will look for
telltale "mud tubes" or shelter tubes, which are solid evidence of
termite activity. They will also look for thin, "bubbled" or distorted
areas of paint on wooden surfaces, especially if these feel cool to the
touch. Finally, professional inspectors will check any wooden building
parts (especially if they are important support structures) that may be
beginning to "sag" unexpectedly.
What are my treatment options?
Treatment options vary considerably with the species of termite,
extent, and degree of infestation. Chemical treatment, in-ground
baiting systems, and fumigation are the most common treatment types.
Federal statues strictly regulate pesticide use and guarantee the
safety of chemicals for termite control when used by qualified
professionals. Regardless of which method or product is selected, it is
important to have an experienced technician treat the problem.
I've gotta admit, some of these are new to me. Some of these are from an article written by Joseph Ferrara October 25th, 2007 in Home Improvement, Home repair, Real Estate Marketing and how to.
Do you know these quick, inexpensive and easy home improvement tips? Most take less than 15 minutes.
1. Get rid of bath tub stains. Mix equal parts of cream of tartar (NOT tartar sauce) and baking soda and combine with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub stain with a cloth. Wait an hour, then rinse off.
2. Clean a crystal chandelier. Mix 1 part vinegar and 3 parts distilled water. Wet a pair of cotton cloth gloves and use them to wipe the crystal pieces (chandelier should be cool). Now replace with dry gloves and wipe off the liquid. Gee, I used to spray them with Windex and just let ‘em drip dry. Oh, well.. live and learn.
3 . Peeling wallpaper fix. We’ve all seen this, usually at the seams. Use a knife or plastic spatula to spread wallpaper paste on a piece of white writing paper. Slip the writing paper under the peeled piece and press the wallpaper against the wall, slipping out the writing paper as you do so. Smooth with a cloth to remove any air bubbles. Now that wood paneling wall paper looks like the real thing.
4. Cleaning dirty decanters. Fill decanter halfway with hot water. Add a few drops of dishwasher liquid, 2 tablespoons white vinegar and a cup of uncooked rice. Swirl it all around to remove the residue. Pour out and rinse with hot water. Air-dry. My mother-in-law taught me that using dishwasher detergent could remove stains on glass, too. Or just toss that dirty old thing away.
5. Unstick sliding windows. Spray silicone spray lubricant (WD-40 or similar) on a cloth and apply to the rails. Works on metal, plastic and wood. Slick.
6. Remove linoleum scuff marks. Rub the scuff with toothpaste and wipe with cloth or use an eraser. You can also spray WD-40 on the scuff mark. Just make sure you degrease the area to prevent a slip and fall case filed against you. After removing the scuff, ask yourself why you still have linoleum.
7. Remove paste on bath decals. You know the ones in the shower stall or bath, often in the shape of flowers. Spray on WD-40 to loosen the sides. Then getter under there with a spatula or use your credit card (thankful you didn’t have to pay someone). The good thing about the credit card--NO INTEREST!
8. Silence squeaky doors. Simply apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the hinge. Wait til after Halloween.
9. Fix a jammed garbage disposal. Do not use a chemical drain cleaner (or your hands). I have been successful just turning a broom handle in the drain, BUT it will put some gouges in the handle. Your first resort, however, should be pushing the red reset button at the bottom of the unit.
10. The green way to unclog a drain. Save the Liquid Plumber expense– just add vinegar and baking soda and cover for 15 minutes. The baking soda and vinegar will have a chemical reaction and blow up your sink, unclogging it. Just kidding. The clog will dissolve. Rinse with hot water. Repeat if necessary.
11. Mildrew and junk in a shower door or window runner. Hydrogen peroxide will start a fizz reaction and bring the dirt up, then clean with a toothbrush or a Q tip, rinse.
Instead of using chemical drain cleaners to clear a tub or sink
stoppage, pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of salt down the drain,
and then follow with 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it sit 15 - 20
minutes, then follow with a pot of boiling water.
My husband's parents used a similar system in their home, and never had drain problems. Since the home was older, I was especially impressed!
To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and odor free, try this:
Fill an ice cube tray with a mixture of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water. Once
the cubes are frozen, place 2 - 3 cubes down the disposal a week for
about a month. This will not only sharpen the blades, but also keep
your disposal clean and odor-free at the same time! (Grinding lemon
peels in your disposer will also work well for odors).
LEARNING EXPERIENCE...We have had bad experiences with potato and carrot peelings going into the disposal, then plugging up our drainage lines. I now peel the potato onto a paper towel in the bottom of the sink, then scoop it up-- peelings and all--and it goes into the trash. Another idea: Scoop it into the compost pile! My children learned through sad experiences that disposals do NOT like banana peels! (That was a mess...) I have also earned that popcorn kernels, pieces of plastic or metal, can freeze up the disposal. *Ouch!*
[1]RISMEDIA,
March 19, 2010—(MCT)—Want to sell your home? Get out the bucket, mop
and Mr. Clean. The key to making a positive first impression is simple,
said Sandra Rinomato, host of HGTV’s popular “Property Virgins” show.
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