Whether you own a home or are looking to buy or sell one, here are some useful tips, ideas and advice. When you’re ready to make your move, give me a call or drop me a line. Real estate is up and running!
We don't all have green thumbs, which is why we appreciate the bounty of produce, flowers and plants available at our local markets. Make plans to visit one of these soon!
With the accent on durability in home décor, hardwoods, stone and tile floors are more popular than ever, but these materials can also be cold and noisy. One of the best ways to warm up a room is to use a fine quality rug to set the mood for your room.
Rugs enhance contemporary, transitional or traditional interior designs. The key is choosing a rug that’s the right size for the room. Experts advise that a rug should be large enough to accommodate the front feet of sofas and chairs. Allow two feet behind dining room chairs. A fine rug should be two to three feet smaller than the total area of the room for balance.
If you want a rug to wear well and hold its value, purchase a hand-made piece. The thicker the pile, as created by the number of knots per square inch, the more comfortable it will be to walk upon and the easier it will be to clean up spills. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, camel-hair or silk wear better than synthetics. Vegetable dyes soften the wool over time, giving a distinct patina to the rug.
Choose your rug before other furnishings and you’ll find the whole room easier to coordinate. Select a detailed rug for high traffic areas, and then calm it with neutral furniture. For patterned furniture or wallpapered walls, invest in a quieter rug. Pick up colors from the rug in paint or accessories. You’ll love the way your room grows a personality, and you can take it all with you if you move!
HOMEOWNERS’ ADVICE
How to prevent damage from water leaks
Sooner or later, you’re bound to experience a water leak somewhere in your home. The usual culprits are shower pans, hot water heaters, washing machines and clogged plumbing – any of which can cause water damage. This article caught my eye because I have had leaks from both a shower pan and a dead water heater!
Quickanddirtytips.com recommends finding the source of the leak and shutting off the water to it. Every drain and water-using appliance has a shut-off valve, so you need to know where and how to access it. In the worst case, you’ll have to go outside to your main water supply and shut off the water to the whole house.
Minimize water damage by removing as much water as possible by mopping and blotting the saturated area. If you have a friend who owns a shop-vac or you’re able to rent one, use it to drink up as much water as possible.
Remove at-risk valuables and furniture with fabric or wood from the room, if possible. Wipe down cabinets and other furniture that have gotten wet. Place aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpet. Gather as many electric fans as possible to direct airflow toward damp spots. Open doors and windows to let in fresh air.
Call your homeowner’s insurance and tell them the problem, what the damage may be, such as soaked carpet or hardwood floors, and what you’ve done to minimize it. They may refer you to a technician who specializes in remediating water damage. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold growth can occur within 48 hours of saturation, so act quickly.
MI Lic #: 6501149935 5839 Oakland Dr.
Portage, MI 49024
