My New Blog

FINISHING UP THE BASEMENT

When considering the finish work of your basement, keep in mind that a dry basement is far more important than the lighting or flooring. If the basement has leaks or moisture issues, it is best to consult a professional. Not only can the integrity of the foundation be at stake, the growth of mold can be a healthy and safety issue. When that is all taken care of, then consider the walls, flooring and lighting. Try to stay in the same basic style and quality that you have throughout the house. If it is possible to add a bathroom, this will add to the appeal and functionality of the basement. Most home owners overlook the potential of the basement. The area can be transformed into a home theatre, a game room, or a home office or library. If the current use of your basement is storage; sort through all those boxes. If the area is big enough a portion can still be used for storage and the remainder as living space. With the addition of a room divider you won’t even have to look at all the stored items. Put your imagination to work!

HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

The following information was provided by www.energystar.gov. When in doubt consult a professional.

Maintenance Checklist

Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. Keep your cooling and heating system at peak performance by having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors get busy once summer and winter come, so it's best to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall. To remember, you might plan the check-ups around the time changes in the spring and fall.

A typical maintenance check-up should include the following.

Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.

Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.

Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.

Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.

Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.

Cooling Specific

Clean evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce the system's ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.

Check your central air conditioner's refrigerant level and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.

Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow for greater comfort levels. Airflow problems can reduce your system's efficiency by up to 15 percent.

Heating Specific

Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.

Actions To Do Yourself

Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.

In this addition to my Home Improvement blog, I am going to touch on Windows and Landscaping.

WINDOWS

Replacing older windows could have a direct effect on your energy bills. Some single pane windows will leak in cold air, causing your heating bill to skyrocket. In a time when everyone is trying to save money, this would be an improvement that can pay off in the long run. Paying off not only when the home sells, but for monthly heating cost.

In the event that you can add a pane to existing frames, you are in luck because it is considerably less expensive than replacing the whole window. But, if you are in need of replacing with all new insulated vinyl, be prepared to have a large amount of money go into the project.

Heavy curtains will help ward off the cold some during those long winter months. There is also a plastic sheet available at most hardware stores that can be temporarily installed to cut the heat loss.

If condensation is an issue, you may want to look into a dehumidifier. It acts like a filter and pulls moisture out of the air in your house. It will cut back on water running down the windows, messy puddles and mold growth. The dehumidifiers are usually adjustable to percentage of moisture in the air and it may take a while to get the right setting for you and your home.

LANDSCAPING

The first thing potential buyers see if the front of your house. It is said that it takes 8 seconds for home seekers to make a decision about your home. This time of year the main concern is to keep drives and sidewalks clear of snow and ice. But, as we dream of the warmer months, remember to plan for gardens and lawn maintenance.

Perennials are plants and flowers that come back every year. In Alaska, some perennials that do well are Tiger Lilies, Irises, and Delphinium. They are also easily kept through the summer. Remember to try to keep weeds to a minimum and gardens watered on a daily basis. Planting trees and shrubs can be an attractive addition also. It is best to consult your local greenhouse for types of trees that thrive in your area. Many nurseries have a fall half price sale which gives you more buying power for transforming your yard.

Lawn care is essential. Keeping the grass cut and lush adds curb appeal to any home. If you are having a hard time keeping it green, a visit to a home improvement store may be your best bet. Fertilizers can be very different from brand to brand. You may need help choosing one that is formulated for you area.

In my next addition I will cover Basements and heating Systems. Any questions or comments are greatly appreciated.

This addition to Home Improvements , I am going to go over Kitchens and Bathrooms. These are the 2 rooms that buyers tend to look at with the most critical eye. Probably because these areas of the home are the hardest to update.

KITCHEN: Buyers will be thankful someone else took on the project. In an average size family home the kitchen is the focal point of the house, therefore should be remodeled with great care. Appliances should be of good quality. If you are able to purchase new ones, look for function and style. Stainless steel or white are the safest route in picking colors. If new appliances are not in your budget, clean the existing ones and make any repairs needed. You can coat them with an electrostatic paint to get a fresh finish. If the counters and cabinets are in need of repair or replacing, be careful not to mix high end appliances with low end counters. Even out the quality so it doesn’t appear that you are skimping on one or the other. Bold countertop colors can be a huge turn off for buyers, go neutral and be careful that the work done is done well.

BATHROOM: When looking to renovate a bathroom avoid anything trendy. Choosing classic styles and colors will appeal to buyers of any taste. Updating the counters and fixtures provide the most solid returns. There is no need to get too fancy when picking the new fixtures. New fixtures can be less expensive but should be in a style that is very versatile. You can repair or paint a tub or sink if the color is straight out of 1970, but you may consider calling a professional if you are uncomfortable making the change yourself. Replacing a sink is easy enough, but sometimes replacing a bathtub can be near impossible. Check what you are willing to do and spend and stick with that budget.

In the next addition of this blog, I will cover windows and landscaping. Check back soon for updates!

Many home owners want to make the most of the homes they currently own and ask me what improvements will yield them the best return. You can’t please all the buyers all of the time, but you can do some improvements that will appeal to the majority of them.

Here are some ideas that may just make the difference between deal and no deal:

PAINT: Interior or exterior, paint will add a fresh face to your home. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you are capable of completing the task. Unfinished work leads to questions from buyers about the condition of the home. Was there a problem with the house and the owners are making repairs? Are they hiding something? If you choose to have the work professionally done, you expect to pay about $3,000-$7,000 interior and up to $7,000 or more for exterior. If you are worried about picking the right colors, neutral is the safest bet. Dark colors can make a room look smaller, while lighter colors can appear to add space.

OUTSIDE SPACES: Decks and porches should be maintained annually. A front porch is the first thing a potential buyer will see when they visit your home. A poorly maintained entrance will give a first impression that may lead them to think you aren’t into maintenance. Decking that shows signs of rot should be repaired. Not only for cosmetic appearance but for safety issues as well. A deck is a place to entertain and enjoy the outdoors. Making a transition from the indoors to the outdoors makes your home feel as though you are offering optional living space.

In the next addition to this blog I will cover more home improvements that will help you enjoy your home and in the future make a difference in selling your home. Keep checking back for the next installment!

Thanksgiving always has been a special holiday for my family. The anticipation of turkey and dressing and chocolate pie, for me, is almost too overwhelming. 9 years ago I took this holiday and spiced things up a bit and gave birth to my second child.Bless my Mom for bringing a chocolate pie to the hospital so I wouldn't miss out.

I would like to take this chance to Thank all of you for everything you are in my life. That is what Thanksgiving is all about, being thankful. So, be you a friend, a client, a family member, or all of the above:Thank You.

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Leaves are turning new colors, night is cooler and darker, and winter is just around the corner. It is time to start thinking about getting all the garden tools put away and dragging out the snow blower. But getting ready for winter isn't just about what is going on outside, there is plenty to prepare inside your home. In the long run this maintenance will save you money and keep you warm and happy through the long winter months.

Here is a simple checklist to get you started:

 Check the attic, walls and basement for adequate insulation.

Feel around electrical outlets and switch-plates for cold air, add insulation where necessary.

Look around doors and windows for gaps and potential places where warm air can escape.

Caulk or apply weather-stripping around problem draft areas.

Consider replacing windows with energy efficient double-paned windows.

Clean gutters and downspouts in mid-fall and double-check them before winter.

Have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles and loose gutters.

Replace the filter in your furnace.

Have a heating/cooling expert look at your furnace if you are unsure of its efficiency.

Have chimneys and woodstoves cleaned early in the season.

Test the flue for each fireplace for a tight seal when closed.

Close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather.

Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water.

Consider installing an overhang above the entrance to your home to make steps safer.

Buy a snow shovel and other winter supplies before the messy weather hits.

Keep extra water and canned food in storage just in case.

I am happy to announce that the official APOV website is up and running.Visit us at www.apointofviewrealestate.com  

I am still working on all the little things so bare with me. Suggestions and comments welcome.If you would like to know more about any information on our sight, please let me know.