My New Blog

Getting Rid of Dangerous Mold

Building a deck remains one of those perennial favorite projects. A well-built deck definitely adds to the enjoyment of your home, while also adding resale value. With a few carpentry skills and tools, the construction of a basic -- or even not so basic -- deck is something that's well within the reach of most do-it-yourselfers. And there's something about that combination of fresh air and fresh sawdust that's irresistible!

Every deck, no matter the size, style or complexity, consists of two basic components -- the underframing (including the foundation) and the decking. If the deck sits up off the ground very much, you can add two additional components as well -- a railing and a set of stairs.

As with any home improvement project, construction begins on paper. Whether you do the design yourself or enlist the aid of a designer, lumberyard or home center, the design needs to incorporate all of the structural elements such as the size and layout of the support piers and framing lumber. If your deck will have stairs and a railing, that design should be included as well.

FOUNDATION AND UNDERFRAMING
This is the structure that supports and braces the load of the deck and its occupants, and while it's rarely seen, it's actually the most important part of the entire structure. Due to its location, where it's in close proximity to the ground and also subject to water runoff from the deck above, pressure-treated lumber is typically the best choice for this part of the project.

Typically, construction of the deck begins with the layout, digging, and pouring of the concrete piers or footings that will support the deck. Smaller decks can often utilize precast pier blocks, while larger decks may require piers that are sunk into the ground to a depth below the frost line. Galvanized steel brackets imbedded in the concrete provide a convenient and stable attachment point for the transition from the concrete to the faming lumber.

If the deck is attached to the house, the next step is installation of the ledger. The ledger provides an attachment to the house, and serves as the starting point for the deck framing. A ledger is typically made of the same size and type of material as the deck framing, and it's important that it be securely bolted to the house's structural framing.

It's also important that the ledger be level and at the correct height, depending on where the finished deck will be in relation to the house. For example, if you will be stepping out a door and directly onto the deck, the ledger should be located at a distance below the door that is equal to the thickness of the decking material you'll be using.

Using the ledger as a reference point, the rest of the framing takes off from there. Using string lines, a laser level or other means to establish their location in relation to the ledger, the support girders are installed next. The girders are supported by posts attached to the piers, and are installed perpendicular to the direction of the joists.

The final underframing step is the installation of the joists. These are installed perpendicular to the direction that the decking boards will run, and rest on top of the girders. They are also attached to the ledger at one end. Since the decking is typically installed parallel to the house, that means that the joists would be perpendicular to the house, intersecting the ledger at a 90-degree angle. Galvanized steel joist hangers are the most common method for attachment and support of the ends of the joists where they meet the ledger. Depending on the size of the deck, blocking and/or bracing may be required as well.

If your deck is freestanding and is not attached to the house, the overall construction process is pretty much the same. However, since a freestanding deck lacks the rigidity of the house to anchor one side, it often requires some additional bracing to stabilize the framing.

DECKING
With the basic framing complete, you can now move on to the installation of the deck boards, which are laid perpendicular to the joists. The most common attachment method is to screw down through the board into the joist below -- don't use nails, which have more of a tendency to work loose as the framing dries out. If you would prefer not to see the screw heads, there are several different methods of concealed fastener installation -- check with your designer or a local lumberyard for options that will work best for your particular deck design.

For the best appearance, use the longest boards possible so that you can eliminate some of the end-to-end joints. For example, on a 16-foot deck it's preferable to use 16-foot boards instead of two 8-foot boards. If the deck is large enough that joints are required, stagger them between successive rows by a minimum of two joists. For example, a 24-foot deck might start with a row of two 12-foot boards, followed by a row made up of three 8-foot boards. This will look better and be a little more stable than a row with one 10-foot and one 14-foot board.

Bianchina, Paul. "Backyard Deck a Perfect DIY Project." Yahoo! Real Estate. 25 July 2008 <http://realestate.yahoo.com/info/experts/backyard-deck-a-perfect-diy-project;_ylt=AnMD7pwfYV719pG2YvdJEBPT4JF4>.

Everyone loves a nice-looking yard, but dragging those hoses and sprinklers around to keep everything watered can be a real chore -- especially when you add in the different watering cycles required by some communities and the adjustments that are often necessitated by seasonal weather changes.

If you're thinking about an easier way to get the lawn and flowers watered, it might be time to consider a sprinkler timer. There are sizes and styles that will work with anything from a complex underground system to a simple hose and sprinkler, in both electric and battery-operated models.

HOSE TIMERS
If you typically use a hose and sprinkler and are simply looking to be able to turn it on and off at preset times, a battery-powered hose timer will do the trick very nicely. Hose timers consist of a small control box with a female fitting above it that screws directly to an exterior faucet, and have a male fitting below the control box that the hose is attached to. A 9-volt battery provides the necessary power to activate the controls, so no electrical wiring is needed.

The typical hose timer has a small LCD display panel and simple controls that allow you to set the day and time, as well as the desired watering times. Most will allow you to set the duration of the watering time in one-, five- or 15-minute increments, typically up to 12 hours in length. Some of the lesser expensive models will repeat that watering sequence every day, but the better models work on a seven-day calendar schedule that allow you to set which days of the week you want to water -- a real plus if you live in a community that restricts outdoor watering to certain days.

Hose timers allow a manual override of the program, which lets you use the hose in the same manner as just turning on the faucet. Better models will have a program override as well, which let's you shut the timer off during periods of rain without affecting the program in its memory.

Hose timers are very easy to install and can typically be programmed in just minutes. They are also waterproof, so they can be attached to any outside faucet whether it's sheltered from the weather or not. There are also dual-hose timers that allow you to operate two different hoses on two different cycles from the same faucet.

ELECTRIC TIMERS
If you have underground sprinklers that you are currently turning on and off manually, or if you're considering installing a sprinkler system, an electric sprinkler control timer is the way to go. They are a little more complicated than the simple hose timer, but really allow you to get the most from your system in terms of convenience and watering efficiency.

Electric timers utilize 120-volt power to run the timer circuits, and low-voltage power to operate the sprinklers themselves. The timer is connected to the sprinkler system by wires, not hoses or pipes, so it can be placed in a remote location for easier installation and access. Most are housed in weatherproof enclosures, so they can be mounted outdoors if desired.

Most of today's electric sprinkler timers utilize an LCD display and electronic circuitry for programming and operation. Each timer is capable of operating a certain number of individual sets of sprinklers -- called stations -- and the timer you select should have enough stations to handle your current sprinkler layout plus a couple of extra for future expansion. Electric timers that employ a rotating mechanical timer wheel instead of electronic circuits are also readily available.

The timer is first programmed with the current day and time, as well as the date -- electronic timers will automatically compensate for the number of days in the month. Then, each station is programmed individually for what days it will come on and how long it will come on, as well as a watering "budget" that lets you increase or decrease the amount of water being used by a specific station. Most timers allow for multiple start times each day as well.

All of these controls give you tremendous flexibility. For example, you may have several stations programmed to come on every third day for one hour to water an established lawn, while another station comes on every day for 20 minutes to water specific garden areas, and yet another set of stations come on three times a day for 10 minutes each time to properly water that patch of new lawn that's just getting established.

Better electric timers offer standby modes for rainy days, so you can skip watering without affecting the clock or the program, as well as battery backups to hold the program in memory in the event of a power outage.

Bianchina, Paul. "Put Lawn Upkeep on Autopilot." Yahoo! Real Estate. 11 July 2008. 18 July 2008 <http://realestate.yahoo.com/info/experts/put-lawn-upkeep-on-autopilot;_ylt=AsOaZlF1vqhUvALjMs8WuG_V4JF4>.

     A day when we remember those heroes who have suffered and perished so that we can live and stay secure. Those souls who were just like us in everyway, except that when we did everything for ourselves or for people we knew, they fought for us, whom they didn't even know. Memorial Day... it's time to observe a moment of silence for the fallen heroes, feel proud and pay tribute to their sacrifices. Celebrate the tradition of freedom, courage and dedication as you salute all the heroes, their patriotism and the Red Blue 'n White flag.

Sincerely,                                                                                                                                         Karen

Sometimes we get so busy with day to day activities that our home can slow spiral out of control. Sometimes clutter can be so aggravating, so here are some excellent tips from HGTV.com. Enjoy! 

Organizing expert Pam Hix offers tips for getting your home in order, simplifying storage and clearing up clutter.

• The first problem that usually needs to be addressed when decluttering the home is the "Too Much Stuff" syndrome. Organizing your belongings will be easier if you have less of them. Don't be afraid to get rid of things from time to time. Consider having a yard sale.

• Have a box of markers and stickers handy to label prices as you go.

• Begin the de-cluttering process slowly. Start with a drawer or a shelf. Take each item out, asking yourself the following series of questions:

  Does this add value to my life?
  When was the last time I used it?
  Do I have duplicates of this item?
  Does it need to be repaired? Is it worth repairing?
  Could someone else use it, or is it junk?
  If I am going to keep it, does it belong here?

• As you go through this process in a room have handy a number of boxes labeled with the following:

  Donations/Giveaway
  Consignment (Lots of money can be made from your old junk.)
  Repair
  Doesn't belong here
  Trash
  Undecided

• Immediately after you have finished, take the repair and donation boxes out to the car and be sure to place them in the front seat, not the trunk where they could languish for quite some time.

• Decluttering is an ongoing process, so make it easier by following the "In and Out" rule. Each time you bring in something new, force yourself to get rid of something old.

Hicks, Pam. "Clearing Up Clutter." HGTV. Organization Consultant, Everything's Together Organizing Services. 23 May 2008 <http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_organizing_garage/article/0,,HGTV_3135_1394891,00.html>.

Des Plaines, Ill. (April 2, 2008) - Most of the time it takes the trained eye of a professional home inspector to identify defects or potential hazards within a home.  On some occasions, however, certain maintenance issues are easy to spot.  Each year, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) releases unusual home inspection discoveries from the field.  This year, to remind consumers that April is National Home Inspection Month, the Society is sharing some of its most unusual, yet obvious, finds.

The photos below were submitted by ASHI Certified Inspectors and published in ASHI's publication, the ASHI Reporter.  Photos appear monthly in ASHI's "Postcards from the Field" section.

"Some of the most unusual discoveries I've made as a home inspector have happened while I was inspecting dark crawl spaces, attics and roofs," said Brion Grant, 2008 ASHI president. "From time to time, though, I spot some pretty unusual and potentially dangerous issues simply by walking into a room."

Shocking Discoveries

Electrical outlets come in all shapes and sizes, but even John Fryer, an ASHI Certified Inspector from Oakland, Calif., was stumped by this unique contraption. While Silicon Valley (the site of this finding) is lauded as a premier location for creative minds and innovation, this improvised design is more dangerous than ingenious.

Speaking of dangerous electrical situations, take a look at this photo.  ASHI Certified Inspector Matt Fisher of Bloomington, Ind., discovered an electrical outlet inside the shower of this newly remodeled bathroom.  He also pointed out that the toilet paper dispenser is inside the tub, too.

"When I look at this picture, I can't help but wonder what was going through the contractor's head when he installed that outlet," said a puzzled Grant. "The outlet doesn't even have a ground fault circuit interrupter. Sometimes a shower is all you need to jump start your morning ... but this seems extreme."

It All Falls Down

ASHI's founder, Ron Passaro of Bethel, Conn., advised the owner of this home to take caution when walking out this door.   Watch out, that first step can be a little tricky. 

Each year, ASHI emphasizes the importance of winterizing outdoor faucets as part of an ongoing winter maintenance regimen.  While inspecting this home in Hopedale, Mass., however, ASHI Certified Inspector Ron Cook concluded that this homeowner did not heed the Society's advice.
    

When Enough is Too Much

The owner of this home in Bartlett, Tenn., does not appear to believe in the expression "all things in moderation."  There are six hoses connected to the faucet shown here.  ASHI Certified Inspector Brandon Dyles said the homeowner was hoping it would pass as a "sprinkler system."

The images above are a few examples of the real life discoveries ASHI Certified Inspectors have uncovered over the last year.  By working with a home inspector, homeowners can identify potentially dangerous fixes that might compromise the structure and integrity of their home and pose immediate and long term safety risks to its inhabitants.  While most homeowners only consider home inspections when buying or selling a home, home safety inspections are the perfect way for a concerned relative to keep a loved one, such as an aging parent, safe.

Elwell, John. "This Year's Most Unusual Findings by ASHI Home Inspectors." Florida Real Estate Blog. 08 May 2008. 16 May 2008 <http://pascoflrealestate.typepad.com/john_elwell_realtor/>.

Hello There!

Here's an article I found at HGTV Online. There are quite a few tips, but it is definiately worth the read. Enjoy!

Grimy bathroom walls are a major red flag to buyers.

Here is an easy way to get rid of surface mold: Mix a spray bottle with one part water and one part bleach. Just spray it on the wall, and watch the mold disappear. Give it a fresh coat of paint, and your grimy bathroom will go from red-flag to red-hot.

Don't replace a yucky shower door — just scour it.

A grimy glass shower door can really wash out your sale. Instead of replacing it, clean it with a mixture of one part muriatic acid and about 10 parts water. Scrub with steel wool. After wiping it down, reinstall the door, and you'll have a shower that'll help you clean up at the open house.

Avoid dated tile by painting.

Bathrooms sell houses, but dated tile in a bathroom doesn't. A low-cost alternative to replacing the tile is to use paint. First coat the tiles with a high-adhesion primer. Next, brush on a special ceramic epoxy covering. For a fraction of the cost of new tile, you will have an up-to-date bathroom that brings in big bucks.

Pedestal sinks are a big hit with buyers.

They show off square footage in small bathrooms beautifully. First, your old vanity has to go. Next, just hook up your new sink, and your bathroom will have dramatic appeal that brings in big bucks. Plus, buyers will see how much floor space your bathroom has.

A master bedroom should appeal to both sexes.

When you are selling, your master bedroom should appeal to buyers of both sexes. Get rid of features that seem too gender-specific. Paint the walls a neutral color, and choose bedding that matches. Then accessorize with items that complement the overall color scheme.

Do you have an overpowering brick fireplace that sticks out like a sore thumb?

Here's an easy way to tone it down with paint. Use a rag or brush to rub a light coat of paint on the bricks, one at a time. This will give them a new tone without covering them completely. And, if you use a paint color that matches the walls, your fireplace will go from sticking out to standing out.

Updating an old fireplace screen is a cheap (and quick) fix.

After removing the screen and wiping it down to get rid of the dust, mask off the windows so you won't get paint on them. Then, using a can of heat-resistant spray paint, give the screen a facelift. Hold the can about 18 inches away, and use long, even strokes. For less than $5, you will have a fireplace screen that'll keep your sale from going up in smoke.

Turn an unattractive fireplace into a selling feature.

Need to turn an unattractive fireplace into a selling feature? First, that dated brass screen has got to go. Next, give the fireplace a good cleaning, scrubbing it with soap and water. Then, using a stone color-enhancer, polish the bricks to make them shine. In no time you will have a fireplace that will turn your house into the hottest property on the block.

Stain dated kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them.

Dated kitchen cabinets can be a big turnoff to potential buyers. Instead of paying big bucks to replace them, just stain them. First, apply the stain in even strokes, going with the grain of the wood. Add some stylish new hardware, and your kitchen will have the up-to-date look that buyers love, for less than $200.

Stainless-steel appliances are definitely in with buyers.

Instead of buying a new dishwasher, here is a low-cost way to reface an old one: First, remove the front panels, and clean them. Next, apply a stainless-steel stick-on covering, and cut it to size. For just $20 your dishwasher will go from outdated to ultra-modern.

Fill existing hardware holes instead of making new, unsightly ones.

Removing old kitchen hardware can leave your cabinets with stripped out holes. Here is a trick to reusing the existing ones.
First, dip a toothpick in glue and place it in the stripped hole. Cut off the excess piece. Once the glue dries, you'll be ready to put in the new hardware that buyers love.

Save money on granite countertops.

Granite countertops are a huge selling feature, but they can be expensive. Here are a few ways to save on this investment:
First, do the demo yourself. Also, ask the vendor for remnants from previous projects. And remember, any money you spend will definitely be returned in the value these beautiful counters add to your kitchen.

New kitchen appliances bring high returns from sellers.

Studies show that new kitchen appliances bring high returns from sellers, so get rid of old appliances that make the rest of the kitchen look dated. Once you install the new equipment, it will scream "new kitchen," and you will see that spending a little money will make you even more.

Need to dress up a window but don't want to shell out big bucks for window treatments?

Here's a trick: use place mats. First, apply a hook-and-loop fastener to the place mats and attach them in a row to a basic curtain rod. Now that the place mats are attached to the curtain rods, pin them together at the bottom, and you'll have a stylish valance that only costs about $12.

Adding drama to old hardwood flooring is easier than you might think.

First, isolate damaged boards, cut them out, and replace them with new pieces. Rent a sander from a local hardware store, and give the floor a good sanding. The last step is to stain the boards with a rich color, and watch your floor go from drab to dramatic in no time.

Buyers love built-in bookshelves.

There's a fine line between filling them with clutter and staging them to sell. The trick is to arrange neutral items in clusters. Make sure that no single accessory stands out too much. That way, you'll show off your attractive built-ins, and not your personal belongings.

Curb appeal is vital to attracting buyers.

Here is how to stop traffic using color. First, with two tones of paint, add a faux finish to any corner keystones. Next, bring out the color of walkway pavers using a stone sealer. Plant flowers in bloom, and you'll have buyers swarming like bees to your front door.

A nice outdoor deck can be a big selling feature, but an old one is a major liability.

To give your outdoor space new life, first sand the wood. Cover it with a light-colored stain instead of paint to give it a rustic, grainy look. Furnish it for entertaining, and watch your open house turn into a party.

Breathe new life into a worn red brick patio.

Do you have a red brick patio surface that needs to be freshened up? Here is an easy way to give it new life with paint. First, roll a light coat of paint onto the bricks. Next, lightly spray them with water and then dab them before they dry to give them an outdoor look. When you are done, you will have a patio that looks fresh and reels in buyers.

Staging rooms to show off their true potential is essential when selling your home.

Clear out clutter or other personal items that will distract buyers. Paint the walls a neutral tone, and furnish the space to show off how functional it is. When buyers come through and imagine themselves there, you can bet an offer isn't far behind.

A shabby wood-panel wall is not a strong selling point.

Instead of ripping it out, cover it up. Use wood filler to carefully fill in all the cracks between the panels. Then, use a sponge to wipe away the excess filler. Once it's dry, paint the room. You'll see an unattractive wall go from standing out to blending in.

Use tape outlines on the floor instead of actually moving furniture around.

Rearranging a room to stage it for your open house? Here is a tip to save time and effort: Instead of lugging the heavy furniture around the room to see what feels best, put outlines on the floor with painters tape. Arrange the room according to your outlines, and save your energy for counting offers.

Vinyl tile is an inexpensive way to update your home.

Laying vinyl tile is an inexpensive way to update your home, but there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. You need to avoid laying patterns that look too perfect. Instead, make sure to switch up the direction and placement of the tiles to mix the tones. That way, you end up with a floor that has a natural feel.

Let the sun shine in.

Buyers love light and airy living rooms, but dark and dingy isn't on their list. Open up your window shades to let some light in. Cheat some sunshine with a light-colored paint and lots of artificial lighting. You can never have too many lamps. Last, arrange the space with lightly colored furniture, and you'll have a living room that brightens your chances of a sale.

Stage rooms with one purpose so buyers will know what it is.

Potential buyers are confused by extra rooms that have a mishmash of uses. To avoid this problem, first clear away clutter and excess furniture. Paint the walls a neutral tone and then furnish the room with a desk to stage it as a home office in which buyers will want to get down to business.

Unpleasant pet odors can make a bad first impression on buyers.

We all love our pets, but unpleasant pet odors can make a bad first impression on buyers. Be sure to get rid of old carpet that can trap offensive smells. Replace it with fresh new carpet in a neutral color. Plus, if you paint the walls to match, your living room will look bigger. It'll go from designed to smell to designed to sell.

Pack up unnecessary items and furniture before you show the house.

An overpacked living room is a red flag to buyers that your home lacks storage space. Pack up unneccesary items and furniture and move it your garage or a nearby storage facility. Clear the way for a sale by letting buyers see your square footage, not your personal belongings.

Storage space sells!

Potential buyers love homes that have lots of storage space. Since they will open your closets, it's a good idea to clear out unnecessary clutter, and organize your shelves to show off how much storage you really have. Plus, it gives you a chance to start packing, as you will definitely be moving once buyers see all that closet space.

Create a nice flow in your rooms.

Buyers are attracted to homes that have a good flow. You can create circulation by replacing square or rectangular dining tables with round ones. Cutting the corners adds room to this maneuver and creates a spinoff effect that adds flow to your home — cash flow, that is.

Create a better flow in the house by starting with the floor.

Want to create better flow in your house? Start with the floor. Join two rooms together by using the most cost-efficient material in the book: vinyl tile. First, use a snap-line to create a center point between the two rooms. Next, the fun part — peel and stick the new vinyl tile down, and watch your kitchen and dining room go from old to sold!

Laporta, Lisa. "At Home: 30 Can't-Miss Staging Tips." HGTV May-June 2008: 1-3. 9 May 2008 <http://http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_real_estate_selling/article/0,1801,HGTV_3165_5313563,00.html>.

       Good Day!

        Choosing a Realtor is a very important decision that should not be taken lightly. So to get you started on the right path, I've compiled 10 great questions to ask a potential realtor. Enjoy!    

1. How long have you worked in real estate, and how long have you been licensed?

2. Are you a REALTOR®? What professional designations do you have, and what special skill sets do they certify?

3. Do you work alone, or do you have an assistant or support staff to handle different parts of the transaction?

4. How often will we be in touch during the searching and buying process? Can I look at homes without you?

5. What makes you stand out among your peers? Are there past clients who will serve as references for you?

6. If I am not satisfied with your performance, can I terminate our agreement?

7. Will you act as a buyer-broker or do you represent the seller?

8. How will you get paid? May I have that in writing?

9. How many homes have you found for buyers in the past six months?

10. How many other buyers are you currently working with?

When remodeling, working with what you already have is one of the most eco-friendly things you can do. "Our desire for new, new, new, and to consume, consume, consume leads to our fast depletion of resources," says Lili Wright, a Philadelphia-based interior designer. "We make the best use of things in their creative reuse."

Roberts, Gretchen. "Reduce, Reuse, Rethink." Natural Home May-June 2008: 1-3. 9 May 2008 <http://http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/2008-05-01/reduce-reuse-rethink.aspx>.