Home Appeal - Lancaster County - Summer 2020

home appeal Lancaster County | Summer 2020

home | garden | renovation

Exterior Improvements Power Washing Driveway Repairs Sheds Essential Garden Tools Growing Tomatoes

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It’s What’s on the Outside That Counts: Exterior Renovations Can Improve Home Value Renovating a home to improve its value can be a smart investment. Interior improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths, offer good return on investment, but there are also plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted “wow” factor.

Landscaping Abundant and well-planned landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal.

According to the landscaping company Lawn Starter, 71% of prospective home buyers say a home’s curb appeal is an important factor in their buying decisions. As buyers use the internet to look for their dream homes, there’s no denying a beautifully landscaped, nicely photographed property can entice buyers to click and read more about a house.

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home appeal | summer 2020 | lancaster county

Address Insects and Minor Repairs Improving home value may come down to fixing areas of the home that can negatively affect its appeal to buyers. Hire an inspector to look at key components of the house and recommend what needs to be fixed. This way, these problem areas are discovered before home buyers come in and do their own inspections. Termite infestations, deteriorating roofs, and hidden water leaks are some things that might need fixing.

Utilize different lights, such as a bright light by the entry, uplighting in trees and shrubs for drama, a light-lined path to the door to improve visibility, and motion-detection lights to improve the security of the property.

Improve the Entryway The front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior. Invest in a new door or paint the existing door a striking color to add appeal.

Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2019� indicated changing an entry door to a steel replacement can offer 74.9% return on investment (ROI). Such a door provides visual appeal and added security - things buyers look for. In addition to upgrading the front door, make sure that the entryway has a level walkway, steps that are in good repair, accents that are free from rust or tarnish, and decorative plants.

Outdoor Lighting Outdoor lighting can add to the ambiance of a property and serve as a security feature.

Fresh Paint or New Siding A fresh coat of paint or new (or cleaned) siding can instantly give homes a facelift. Neutral, warm, and inviting colors tend to have the widest appeal. Adding manufactured stone veneer to the home can offer a 94.9% ROI, says Remodeling. And, investing in a garage door replacement offers the highest ROI of all exterior projects listed on the “Cost vs. Value Report 2019.� This improvement returns 97.5% when selling.

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Power washing, also known as pressure washing, utilizes a high-velocity water spray to remove dirt and residue. It is frequently used on vinyl siding, concrete, and sometimes wood decks to treat mildew and other growth that accumulates over time.

Power washing can be a great way to remove grime without having to scrub by hand. But it requires a delicate touch. Sometimes it is best to leave the job to professionals, but homeowners willing to give it a go can try their hand at the task, as various stores rent power washers.

The home improvement website ImproveNet says that, until very recently, pressure washers were almost exclusively commercial machines sold to professionals or rented to do-it-yourselfers. Lately, manufacturers have targeted homeowners by offering lightweight options.

For those who see power washing as a routine venture, purchasing a unit may be worth the investment. Most units will connect to a standard garden hose.

It is important to exercise caution when operating a power washing machine. The high-velocity spray can tear through skin. It is key to get a feel for the washer and try less pressure first to get a handle on the magnitude of the tool.

Don safety gear prior to using a pressure washer. Gloves, eye protection, and ear protection can be handy. Choose old clothing and expect to get wet. Never point a power washer hose at anyone, and do not attempt to rinse feet or hands in the spray.

The renovation resource The Family Handyman suggests starting with a widedegree nozzle to test out the spray on the surface that needs to be cleaned. A 15- or 25degree nozzle is usually the wand used for general cleaning and paint stripping without damaging the surface of the home. Experiment

with optimal distance of the washer wand to get the desired cleaning effects without causing any damage.

Work using a horizontal and slightly downward angle to avoid driving water up under the siding of a home.

Avoid spraying any electric wires or components on the home. Also, try not to spray upward, and angle the spray away from doors, windows, and vents.

Some washers have reservoirs that will hold a detergent solution. Choose the right detergent for the job. Keep in mind that cleansers containing bleach can damage surrounding plants, so they may need to be covered while the washing takes place.

Avoid the use of ladders when operating a power washer. The push-back from the wand can cause falls. Instead, opt for an extension wand to address the upper reaches of a home.

Power washing a home is an effective way to remove stubborn grime and refresh the look of a home’s exterior.

don’t forget the driveway:

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE TIPS

sphalt and concrete driveways are common throughout suburban neighborhoods. They are as much a part of a home as lawns, decks, and other exterior elements. And, like these other components, driveways need to be cared for and maintained to retain their appearance and function.

Even the most durable driveways can suffer from cracks and pits over time. As cracks form, they pave the way for more deterioration if they are not addressed. Water infiltration can break down the integrity of the driveway during freeze and thaw periods, and any little hole or crack can promote weed growth. Driveway repair can be a do-it-yourself project, but homeowners should pay attention to the details to ensure the job is done right. Sometimes, it may be best to call in the professionals.

asphalt

The home improvement resource The Family Handyman says it is key to first repair cracks and pits in an asphalt driveway before planning to topcoat it, which should generally be done every year or so to maintain its appearance and durability. A variety of topcoat products are available at various price points. Experts recommend investing in a quality product that will not shrink and crack. One option is a melt-in material that is similar to products used by highway crews; this product also will require use of a propane torch. Caulk-style crack repair products may not require as many tools, and they are typically much easier to apply. They may not last as long, however. Homeowners should weigh the pros and cons of each before beginning.

The experts at Popular Mechanics say that there also are other asphalt patch mixes available at home supply retailers. Serious holes, rather than cracks, can be addressed with a coarse-aggregate filler commonly referred to as cold patch.

After cracks and holes are filled, use a sealer to lock everything in place and create a smooth topcoat appearance. Homeowners should speak with a store employee if they are unsure which product is needed for their application.

concrete

The process is similar with concrete driveways, yet the products differ. Small driveway cracks can be repaired by scrubbing out the crack to remove debris and then filling it using a mortar repair compound, suggests the repair advice site Home Guides. Larger cracks and potholes should be cleaned. Once that is done, homeowners can apply a painted-in bonder to the crack or hole, followed by a dry concrete patching product mixed with water. The material can be worked into the damaged area with a trowel and then leveled using a wood board.

Afterward, a liquid concrete sealer can be applied to help prevent future cracks and holes.

Homeowners who are hesitant to fix their driveways can contact masons or asphalt specialists to perform the job. Keeping up on driveway repair can prolong the life of the surface and help delay a complete driveway replacement for several years.

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Shedding Some Light On A Helpful Backyard Addition

S

heds can be an asset. By using them to store gear typically used outdoors, homeowners can create storage space in the garage, basement, or other areas of the home that have become gathering spots for such miscellaneous items.

Sheds are ideal for housing mowers, tools, and even pool-care equipment. But a shed can be put to other uses as well, such as being a key spot to engage in hobbies or even serving as a child’s clubhouse.

Various factors should be considered before building or buying a shed. A storage shed can be a significant investment. Once placed, sheds may remain in their dedicated spots for years to come. That means careful thought should go into the planning process.

1. Check local building codes first. Before accumulating building materials or ordering a shed, be sure to know the ins and outs of shed codes. The codes may impact the shed’s placement, construction, and size, as well as the materials used and numerous other factors. It is much easier to amend plans beforehand than to face the hassle and expense after learning that things were done incorrectly.

2. Choose placement wisely. Spend several days assessing the yard and thinking about the uses for the shed. If a shed will be used to store pool floats and chemicals, it should be located close enough to the pool to be convenient. Look at the lay of the land. If there is a soggy patch of land that can turn swampy

under the shed’s foundation, that is a poor location choice. If access to electricity is needed, placing it far away from the house could necessitate running expensive wiring.

3. Consider the design. Just because a shed is for storage does not mean aesthetics should be overlooked. Choose a shed style that complements the home. Homeowners may want to match certain architectural features, like arched doorways or dormers. The design may also relate to practicality. For instance, storing a riding mower inside may necessitate dual doors that open widely.

4. Invest in quality materials. Spending a little more and using quality materials can ensure the shed lasts long enough to be cost-effective. The right materials will be resistant to splitting, cracking, decay, and insect damage.

5. Prepare the site well. A proper foundation for the shed is almost as important as the shed itself. The shed cannot simply be dropped on the lawn and left as is, as it can sink or be prone to structural issues if it is placed on a weak base.

6. Blend the structure into the environment.

Surround the shed with shrubs or plants so that it blends into the yard and complements the space.

7. Deck out the interior. Use storage tools to maximize floor, wall, and even rafter space for storage. Plan where items will be kept and customize the storage options around those locations.

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Garden Essentials For Beginners

Tools To Help Cultivate A Green Thumb

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hese eight helpful items will serve as a solid foundation for beginning gardeners:

1. Gloves: Your hands will be working hard, so it pays to protect them from calluses, blisters, splinters, insects, and dirt. Look for water-resistant gloves that are also breathable.

2. Hand pruners: Hand pruners are essential for cutting branches, cleaning up shrubs, dead-heading flowers, and various other tasks. Choose ergonomic, no-slip handles that will make work easier. Rust-resistant, nonstick blades also are handy.

3. Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow can transport gear to garden beds or tote dirt, leaves, rocks, and other materials around the landscape. A good wheelbarrow is strong but light enough to maneuver when full.

4. Loppers: Long-handled loppers will fit the bill for thick branches. The long handles provide leverage to cut through branches an inch or more in diameter.

5. Hand trowel: A hand trowel is a handy tool that lets you dig holes or unearth weeds.

While shopping for a trowel, also consider getting a hand-held garden fork, which can aerate soil and cut through roots.

6. Hose/watering can: Keeping gardens hydrated is part of ensuring their health. That makes a hose and a watering can two invaluable tools to have around. Invest in a lightweight, expandable hose if storage space is at a premium. An adjustable nozzle will enable you to customize the water flow as needed. A watering can is an easy way to tote water to hard-to-reach pots and containers.

7. Garden kneeler: Gardeners often bend and kneel while working in the soil. That puts pressure on the back and knees. To reduce aches and pains, invest in a comfortable garden kneeler with memory foam or one made from shock-absorbing material.

8. Garden hoe: Garden hoes garden hoe can be used along

Experts at local garden about other tools that can be

till soil, remove weeds, and perform many other tasks. A with a full-size shovel, trowel, and garden rake. centers, nurseries, and greenhouses can offer suggestions added to the mix.

S

licing into the first tomato of the season is a much anticipated moment for gardeners. Tomatoes are among the most popular fruit or vegetable plants grown in home gardens. Much of that popularity may be credited to the fact that red, ripe tomatoes have a delicious, juicy flavor that serves as the basis for all sorts of recipes. And since tomatoes can just as easily be grown in a full backyard garden or in a container on a patio or balcony, tomatoes appeal to gardeners regardless of their living situations.

While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, they are prone to certain problems and pests. Knowledge of what to expect when planting tomatoes and how to start off on the right footing can help produce a season’s worth of delicious bounty. · Wait until after the last average frost date. Tomatoes can be grown from seeds outdoors in warm areas, but tomato gardeners often find success starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Ready-to-plant tomato seedlings can also be purchased at nurseries and garden centers. Gradually introduce seedlings to the elements for a few hours each day, increasing the duration of time outside. Then they can be transplanted outdoors when temperatures are consistently over 60 F. · Choose a sunny spot. Tomatoes love to soak up sunlight.

Place the plants in a sunny spot so they can thrive. · Space out plants. The experts at Better Homes and Gardens say to leave anywhere from 24 to 48 inches between plants to accommodate for growth and ensure the plants will not get stunted. · Plant deeply. Tomatoes tend to root along their stems. If transplants are long and lean, dig a trench and lay the stem sideways in the dirt, and then bend the top of the plant upward.

Snip off the lower branches and cover with soil up to the first set of leaves. This will produce extra root growth and stronger, more vital plants. · Give the plants support. Tomato cages or stakes can help keep the leaves and fruit from touching the ground, which can cause rot and eventually death to the tomato plant. · Lay down a layer of mulch. Tomatoes grow best when the soil is consistently moist. Mulch can help retain moisture from watering and rain. Mulch also will help prevent soil and soilborne diseases from splashing on the leaves and plants when it rains.

While you amend the soil, make sure that it drains well and is slightly acidic. · Prune away suckers. Tomatoes produce “suckers,” which are leaves that shoot out from the main stem. Removing these leaves promotes air circulation and keeps the plant’s energy focused on growing fruit.

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