Fall Home Improvement 2018

2018

FALL HOME

IMPROVEMENT

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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

The Northern Virginia Daily

The Northern Virginia Daily

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

3

Questions to ask before embracing DIY

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ome improvement projects are as popular as ever. In its 2017 True Cost Survey, the home improvement site HomeAdvisor found that, between February 2016 and February 2017, homeowners spent an average of just over $5,000 on home projects. That marked a nearly $1,900 increase from the year prior, indicating that homeowners are increasingly opening their wallets to transform their homes.

room, that residents of the home use each day. Novice DIYers should be especially honest with themselves about the time they have available to work on the project, as such homeowners are bound to experience a few time-consuming missteps along the way.

Can I afford it?

While DIY might seem more affordable than hiring a contractor, that’s not necessarily true. Novice DIYers In addition to spending money to may need to buy or rent tools, costs improve their homes, many homethat can add up. Contractors alowners are spending their time on ready have the tools necessary to projects as well. While DIY projects begin and complete projects, so the can provide a sense of fulfillment cost savings of DIY might not be as and personal attachment to one’s significant as homeowners think. home, prospective do-it-yourselfers Before going the DIY route, homeshould ask themselves some quesowners should solicit estimates tions before picking up their hamfrom contractors, comparing the esmers and getting to work. timates to how much a project will Do I have any physical limitations? cost if homeowners do it themselves.

No matter how much home improvement television shows may Can I go it alone? simplify projects, prospective DIYMany home improvement projects ers should know that such underrequire more than one set of hands, takings are typically very difficult and it’s risky and even foolish for and oftentimes physically demandfirst-time DIYers to assume they can ing. Homeowners with existing begin a project and see it through to health conditions or other physical completion entirely on their own. limitations may not be capable of Homeowners whose spouses, partperforming certain tasks or may ners, friends, or relatives are willing need to take frequent breaks, which to chip in may think that’s enough. can delay projects.

However, the DIY skills of those who Do I have the time? volunteer may be a mystery until the project begins. Novice DIYers Many home improvement projects should enlist the help of a friend or require a significant amount of time family member with home improveto complete. Homeowners whose ment experience. If no such person time is already stretched thin with is available, it may be wise to hire a commitments to work and/or famcontractor instead. ily may not be able to complete projects within a reasonable Home improvement projects may amount of time. That’s fine if work- seem simple on television. But ing on a part of the home that won’t prospective do-it-yourselfers must affect daily life, but can prove stress- make honest assessments of their ful or problematic if the project is in skills, time and budgets before taking on a DIY project. a room, such as a kitchen or bath-

Looking to make Improvements?

Want to see the most return on your Investment?

Before making home improvements, talk to an expert to see which improvements will give you the highest return. I see 100’s of homes each year and clients are always asking which improvements would be better for them to make before putting their home on the market. Put my experience to work for you!

Lorie W. Crabill 540-335-9020 Associate Broker ABR, SFR, GRI, SRS www.loriecrabill.com 111 E. King Street, lcrabill@sagerrealestate.com Strasburg, VA 22657 Follow me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/shenvalleyhomes Lic. in VA & WV

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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

The Northern Virginia Daily

Basement remodeling tips A

Homeowners may have to consider the installation of a dehumidifier and run venting through the basement to allow for proper climate control. If a basement takes on water, either through the walls or a concrete slab, a professional waterproofing company can come in and fix these issues so they will not damThe latest “Cost vs. Value” report from Remodeling magazine says the age drywall and flooring afterwards. average basement remodel can cost The presence of insects and pests around $61,000 with a 70.3 percent also must be addressed. Exterminarecoup rate. In addition, HGTV says tors can help homeowners figure out architects and contractors indicate which insects are in their basements the cost of redoing a basement is and how to make the space less hosroughly one-third to one-half less pitable to these unwelcome guests than the price of putting an addition so that the room will become comon a home. fortable for human occupants.

Before remodeling a basement, Space is often at a premium in basehomeowners should think about ments, which may contain HVAC how they want to use the space. units, water heaters, filtration deHomeowners also must focus on vices, ductwork, pipes, and the other some potential obstacles in a baseappliances. Qualified contractors ment that will need to be addressed can suggest solutions for cordoning so that the area can be as functional off appliances and camouflaging as possible. pipes and wires so they won’t detract

basement remodeling project can add valuable and usable space to a home. For many years, homeowners overlooked the potential of a basement remodel, perhaps thinking it would not be a smart return on investment. But that’s no longer the case.

owners also may want to wrap pipes can help brighten the room. Small basement windows can be replaced before drywall is installed to quiet with larger ones to add more light as noisy drainage pipes. well.

Uneven basement flooring will need Homeowners can mimic built-ins to be smoothed out and flattened and architectural details from elsebefore carpeting or tile can be laid down. A self-leveling underlayment where in the home so the basement can be applied to fill in gullies, while is aesthetically cohesive and doesn’t seem like an addition. Bookcases and larger crack and holes will need to shelving can add valuable storage be patched. space as well. Decorate the basement Once the structure of the basement with bright, neutral colors so they is addressed, then the design work make the space feel more inviting. can begin. Many professionals adBasements can be chilly and damp. from the finished product. However, vise against drop ceilings, which can With some effort and financial investment, basements can be as building access panels into the detake away from ceiling height and That means moisture issues and sign will make it easier to service or look cheap. Basements can be dark, beautiful and functional as other heating and cooling needs must be addressed prior to any construction. repair features as necessary. Home- so the addition of plenty of lighting rooms in a home.

The Northern Virginia Daily

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

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BEASLEY REALTY 146 South Main Street, Woodstock, VA 22664 540-459-2123 • www.ERABeasley.com

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H-04 Great New Price! For this Spacious Cape Cod (3846 Sq Ft) on 15.84 acres with 5/6 bdrms, 3 full baths, Master bdrm suite on 1st floor, eat in kitchen, lrg family rm w/ fpl, lrg rear deck, 2nd bdrm on 1st floor, 2nd floor has 4 spacious bdrms, large open game/play rm, full bath, large finished bonus rm over the 3 car garage. Mountain views, barn for horses, well fenced, stream and plenty of pasture. $565,000

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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

The Northern Virginia Daily

Autumn is prime time to tend lawns and gardens A

utumn is gardening season. That statement may not seem right to those who think of the spring as the peak time to care for lawns and gardens. However, autumn is an ideal time to get into the garden and ensure that flowers, trees and garden beds will over-winter successfully.

A number of things make autumn a prime gardening season. The cooler days of fall enable gardeners to spend ample time outdoors without the threat of blazing heat. In addition, soil harbors a lot of residual warmth in autumn. Also, the colder temperatures haven’t yet arrived in autumn, nor have the leaves completely fallen, making fall a prime time to assess what’s already in the landscape, what needs pruning back and where to address planting for next year.

Gardening enthusiasts can focus their attention on these areas this fall.

Pamper perennials. As annuals and perennials start to fall back, mark the spots where perennials are located so they can be easily identified later on. This way, when planning spots for spring bulbs or other spring layouts for next year, perennials won’t be overlooked or covered over.

Prune shrubs. Look at shrubs and trees and cut out dead or diseased wood.

Clean up borders. Weed and tidy up borders and lawn edging.

Install pavers or rock wall. Embrace the cooler temperatures to work on labor-intensive projects, such as putting in a garden bed, retaining wall or walkway.

Prune hedges. Tidy up hedges, as look beautiful in pots, if planted, maintained and winterized, they can they won’t be growing much more this year.

Plant spring bulbs. Get tulips and bloom every fall.

Clean and store equipment. other spring bulbs ready for planting Fertilize the lawn. Fertilizing in Remove spent summer veggies. so they’ll burst with color next year.

Clean, sharpen and oil all equipautumn helps ensure grass will stay Take out vegetable garden plants ment, storing lawn and garden tools healthy throughout the winter.

Dig up herbs. Relocate herbs like that have already bloomed and properly so they are ready for spring parsley or basil to indoor gardens. borne fruit. Tidy up vegetable garand not lying out all winter.

Add mulch and compost to the dens and start to sow cooler weather Otherwise, strip all leaves and freeze garden. Replenish spent soil with Autumn may not seem like gardenplants, such as onions, garlic, beans, for storage during winter. mulch and compost so garden beds ing season, but there are plenty of and sweet peas.

Consider mums. Chrysanthemum will be revitalized for spring plantlawn and garden tasks to tend to ing.

Rake and compost. Rake the plants are perennials. While they during this time of year. leaves and gather grass clippings to add to the compost pile.

The Northern Virginia Daily

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

Protect your home (and more) from winter’s freeze F

reezing temperatures may be good for ice skating or building snowmen, but sub-freezing temperatures can be dangerous for the average person and his or her home.

Cold weather often leaves people scurrying to do whatever is necessary to safeguard themselves from the big chill. But it’s important homeowners also protect their homes in cold weather.

Plumbing Plumbing and pipes may be vulnerable to cold weather. Frozen pipes may burst and cause substantial damage to a home, potentially causing flooding and structural damage.

Homeowners should disconnect and drain garden hoses before winter arrives. Water to outdoor hose bibs should be turned off, though the valves on these outdoor faucets should be left open to drain. Also, outdoor faucets can be covered with insulating foam covers.

Service HVAC systems It’s important to ensure that heating systems are working properly prior to the cold-weather season. It may only take hours for the interior of a home to reach dangerously low temperatures without adequate heat. Homeowners should schedule annual checkups of furnaces and hot water heaters. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, install a clean air filter and make sure all thermostats are working properly.

Have fuel ready Homeowners who heat their homes with oil, wood or coal should make sure they have plenty of fuel on hand in advance of winter. Shortages can occur, and it may take some time for new fuel to arrive in the midst of a cold snap.

As a precaution, homeowners can rely on portable space heaters to fill in the heating gaps during freezing temperatures. Exercise extreme caution with these devices, turning them off when leaving the room and The Red Cross says pipes that freeze remembering to avoid overloading most frequently include pipes in un- outlets. heated areas, such as basements, atProtect outside tics, garages, and crawl spaces.

Close vents to the outside in areas like attics and basements to limit the amount of cold air that gets indoors. Think about insulating unheated areas, as well as using pipe sleeves, heat tape or wraps on exposed pipes.

By opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, homeowners can allow warm air from a home to reach pipes under the sink. During extreme freezes, keep cold water dripping from a sink to prevent pipes from freezing.

Drain birdbaths, clean out downspouts and remove water from other items where water can freeze and cause damage. Inspect roofing prior to the snowy season, but stay off roofs during freezing weather.

Remove snow shovels and other winter gear from storage and make sure the items are easily accessible during snowstorms.

Winter’s bite can be severe. Homeowners can protect themselves and their properties when the freeze sets in.

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The Northern Virginia Daily

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

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Caring for kitchen countertops

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itchen remodels are a popular home improvement project that help homeowners recoup large percentages of their initial investments at resale. A kitchen remodel can invigorate a home and make the most popular room in the house more functional.

ite, marble, laminate, and tile countertops require different types of maintenance.

Quartz

Engineered quartz countertops are popular. Quartz countertops are nearly maintenance-free and resistant to stains, scratches and even According to HomeAdvisor, a homeheat. Quartz will not need to be improvement informational guide, sealed like natural stone and can be homeowners spend an average of cleaned using just a damp cloth with $22,000 on kitchen remodels. Howa mild, nonabrasive soap. ever, lavish projects can cost more Granite than $50,000. Protecting such investments is important and requires Polished or honed granite counterthat homeowners understand how tops offer a high-end look that adds to properly maintain kitchen feainstant value to a kitchen. Natural tures so they have the longest life variations in granite give each possible. This includes the new kitchen a custom look. To keep grancountertops that make the kitchen ite countertops clean, avoid abrasive look complete. cleansers that can scratch, and opt Countertops come in various mate- for warm, soapy water instead.

Stains are possible, but can be remerials, not all of which should be treated the same way. Quartz, gran- died with a baking soda paste left to

sit for a couple of hours, advises Angie’s List. Wipe up oils, acids and soda promptly to avoid stains, and follow advised sealing routines.

Marble Marble is a natural stone that is porous and will need to be resealed periodically. Because marble has high levels of the mineral calcite, it can be reactive when acids come in contact with it, and etch marks may appear. Promptly wipe away tomato juice, lemon juice, perfume, or toothpaste. Marble is softer than granite and will wear at a faster rate.

Avoid scratching and exercise caution when using knives or sharp objects around marble.

Laminate is less resistant to damage than other materials and will need a gentle touch. FormicaÂŽ says to never use abrasive cleansers, scouring pads or steel wool when cleaning laminate countertops. For tough stains, an all-purpose cleaner should suffice when applied with a nylon-bristled brush. Test any cleanser in a discreet area first.

Tile

Laminate

Cleaning tile countertops requires getting into crevices along the grout lines. A toothbrush and a mildewfighting cleaner or bleach diluted with water is advised. Also, unglazed tiles need to be sealed yearly. Some soap may leave residue, which can be removed with a solution of vinegar and water.

One of the more budget-friendly materials, laminate countertops can be fabricated to mimic the look of natural stone, wood or even quartz.

Check with the manufacturer or installer of the countertops to learn more about the ways to clean and maintain new counters.

The Northern Virginia Daily

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

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The Northern Virginia Daily

Essentials for a DIY spa bathroom

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elaxing at a spa each week may be a luxury reserved for celebrities and socialites. For many people, a day spa is a treat enjoyed on special occasions or while on vacation. However, home bathrooms can be designed to provide the same types of amenities offered at day spas right in the comfort of one’s home.

These types of tubs, as well as corner tubs, can offer deep-seated luxury by way of a relaxing and restorative soak. Pair with scented bath bombs or salts for a true spa experience.

Steam shower: Steam showers are self-enclosed units that feature generators that deliver steam through steam heads. The steam fills the space and can help a person unwind before a refreshing The American Psychological Association says shower or bath. According to the retailer Modern that money, work and the future of the country are particularly strong stressors today. Eighty per- BathroomÂŽ, modern steam showers come with cent of workers feel stress on the job and learning digital controls, which makes it easy for users to how to manage stress is a top concern, according activate the shower, adjust the length of time that the shower will operate and adjust temperature to the American Institute of Stress. Creating a Zen-like retreat at home can help alleviate stress controls. Extra features like music, mood lighting and aromatherapy can be included as well. and improve health.

Heated floors: Heated floors provide the utmost in comfort when stepping out of the bath or shower. They can warm the room and make using the space more comfortable in cold weather.

Soaker bathtub: There’s something to be said about a luxurious soak in a tub. Tubs come in different sizes and shapes, like the highly recognizable clawfoot tub and other freestanding units.

Vessel sinks: A vessel sink typically features a bowl or basin that looks like it was placed on top of the vanity. Vessel sinks can elevate the ambiance in spa bathrooms.

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Homeowners whose renovation plans include turning a bathroom into a spa oasis will need to choose which features they desire most. These suggestions can spur on more ideas to create the ideal retreat.

Plush towels and robes: In addition to fixtures and other functional components of the bath, linens are key. Soft-spun Egyptian or Turkish cotton towels and robes are a must-have luxury for the full spa experience.

Comfortable seat: A bench or chair nestled by a bathroom window is the perfect spot for pedicures or catching up on some light reading.

Natural light: Skylights or privacy-ensuring windows are a must to create a relaxing space close to nature.

A spa bathroom at home is within reach. With a few touches, any bathroom can be transformed into a luxurious oasis.

The Northern Virginia Daily

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT 2018

The Northern Virginia Daily