June, 2019 - SkirtingBoards.com®

How to Patch a Spotty Lawn in No Time

June 18, 2019 by admin

Finding yourself with a spotty lawn can feel like one of the most irritating parts of homeownership. The rest of your lawn may be lush and green, but sometimes you can end up with ugly, brown, dead patches.

A number of different problems can cause a spotty lawn. If you have a pet that uses just one part of the yard most frequently as a bathroom spot, that’s a sure way to kill the grass. Heavy foot traffic can damage your lawn, too. Other causes include heat and drought and damage from grubs and animal digging. Luckily, it’s a fairly easy process to patch a spotty lawn.

If you need to patch a spotty lawn, it only takes part of an afternoon to source the materials you need and plant the patches. Though you’ll have to arrange for days to weeks of consistent watering. It’s also not too expensive, but prices vary based on how much ground you have to cover. Grass seed itself can run around $10 for a 3-pound bag. You can find grass seed starter fertilizer for around $20, which often covers around 5,000 square feet. You can also find grass seed/fertilizer mixes at around $20 for about a 12-pound bag.

Dead patches in your lawn can be unsightly and disrupt the whole look of your yard. Image: SingjaiStock/Shutterstock

Patching Up That Spotty Lawn

In order to patch a spotty lawn, you will need:

A tape measure
A metal rake (bow-style rakes work well)
Either the grass seed and fertilizer or grass seed/fertilizer mix (many will tell you how many square feet they cover)
Chopped straw or leaves
A way to water the area, like a hose or sprinkler

The steps to patch a spotty lawn are:

Start by measuring the area that you need to reseed. You can take a rough measurement using a tape measure.
Buy seed and fertilizer based on the square foot measurement of the patches.
A few days before you seed, make sure to water the lawn so it’s visibly wet. Let the lawn dry before you add the seeds. This will help make the soil more inviting to seed germination.
To patch a spotty lawn, clear the area you need to reseed. There may be dead grass or other debris that you will need to scrape away using the metal rake. Rake so that just the soil remains, making sure to get the teeth of the rake into the soil to fully loosen any dead grass.
Pick up and clear away any clumps of dead grass or other debris.
Fully loosen the top two or three inches of the soil using the rake. Use even pressure and long strokes. The seeds need loose soil in order to take root.
Scatter the seed or seed/fertilizer mix over the loose soil. There’s no need to plant the grass seed like other seeds. You can patch a spotty lawn by keeping the seeds on the top of the soil.
If fertilizer wasn’t mixed in with your grass seed, add a thin, even layer of fertilizer over the seeds and surrounding soil.
Then add a light layer of straw or chopped leaves. That will prevent the seeds and fertilizer from washing away, drying out or being eaten by animals.
Finish by watering enough so that the area is visibly wet, but not pooling. Keep the soil moist. You may need to water a couple of times per day — or more if your area is dry.
The seeds can sprout anywhere between a few days and a month, depending on type and climate. Keep the area well-watered after sprouting.

And remember, when you patch a spotty lawn, pick a grass seed that does well with your local climate. Some grass seeds have labels for cold climates, for instance.

The post How to Patch a Spotty Lawn in No Time appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Create the Ultimate Game Room

June 17, 2019 by admin

It’s nearly everyone’s dream: the ultimate game room. Whether you’re into classic pool hall games, retro arcade cabinets, card games or the latest in video games, you can’t beat having a place to go in your own home where the only thing to think about is having fun.

Also, the beauty of a game room is that one can fit in almost anywhere. If you have a spare bedroom, an unused den, a corner of the basement or even space above a garage, you can fit in a game room. And if you’re thinking about building a home, a game room is easy to work into a floor plan. So below we’ll cover how to design the perfect game room around your individual interests.

You can plan for multiple game types. Image: krsmanovic/Shutterstock

Assess What Types of Games You Want to Include

The first step is, of course, deciding on what games you want to have. The photo above shows how you can have more than one type of activity. Combining a pool table with table tennis is a very common game room idea. Foosball is also common. And there’s the classic standby of professional card tables.

You might also find other smaller games to include, like a dart board on the wall. Small-scale games are great both as additions to larger game rooms or when floor space is a concern.

You can also elect for modern video games, classic arcade cabinets or pinball machines. And a less common idea could be indoor bocce ball or shuffleboard courts.

Gaming additions like this foosball table can fit almost anywhere. Image: zhu difeng/Shutterstock

Think About Combining the Game Room with Other Areas

As mentioned above, you might be surprised to learn what you can make into a game room. An example is the gaming addition to the spacious modern home in the photo above. If you have some extra space just off of a living room, you can add something like a foosball table or a corner with arcade cabinets.

This is also a great idea for small space homes, where turning areas into multifunctional spaces can help save room. Some other ideas might be adding a dart board into a den, setting up a pool table next to a home bar area or placing table tennis in a converted loft area.

Remember to create ambiance in your game room by choosing appropriate themes. Image: Richman21/Shutterstock

Pick a Theme

Another aspect to keep in mind is picking a design theme. Some game rooms go minimalistic and simply have the game tables with little to adorn the room. That can be its own modern style. However, other game rooms go for a whole design theme, right down to the building materials. An example is the photo above, where the foosball table and pool table are part of an industrial bar theme.

Based on the games you choose, you could go a number of different directions. You could make the area look like a classic arcade if you choose video games or pinball machines, with retro posters featuring classic games on the walls. Or you could go with a classic billiard room full of rich textures and elegant lighting fixtures. These are just a couple of examples. The area should reflect your tastes and interests first and foremost.

Make sure your game room is well-organized around a focal game or two. Image: Stelmakh Oxana/Shutterstock

Organize Your Game Room

When it comes to planning a game room, there is one key design principle to keep in mind. The game room itself should be designed around the largest game or two, which serve as your focal point. The photo above shows how the pool table is in the center of the room and draws the eye. A large wall hanging sits next to the pool table, with lighting fixtures above the table. A sitting area is also off to the side.

Everything in the room is arranged out from the largest game in the room. For other game styles, the focal point might be a big screen television if it’s a video game room or a set of pinball machines along the wall.

The post How to Create the Ultimate Game Room appeared first on Freshome.com.

Here’s How Much It Costs to Sell Your Home in 2019

June 17, 2019 by admin

Zillow, the real estate database, just released a report showing the hidden costs of selling. So how much does it cost you to sell your house in 2019? Get ready to spend about $21,000. Don’t balk at the cost yet, though. Some of that cost goes toward home improvements and Zillow found that “sellers who make improvements to their homes are more likely to sell for more than their asking price than those who don’t.”

When you’re selling your house, here’s where your money will go:

A large portion of the selling cost goes to closing costs after your home is sold. Image: wutzkohphoto/Shutterstock

Closing Costs, $14,281 on average

The bulk of the expense in selling your house is the closing costs, which include real agent commissions, sales taxes and state transfer taxes. This figure is an average. The actual amount is a percentage based on the home’s sale price and can vary widely. Here’s a list of average closing costs throughout the U.S. from greatest to least:

San Jose, CA: $76,015

New York, NY: $28,090

Denver, CO: $24,443

Austin, TX: $18,522

Las Vegas, NV: $18,163

Philadelphia, PA: $16,296

Phoenix, AZ: $15,924

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX: $14,580

Tampa, FL: $14,291

Atlanta, GA: $13,286

Houston, TX: $12,342

Cleveland, OH: $9,046

The one positive of this expense is that it doesn’t come out of your pocket upfront. It’s usually deducted from the home sale’s proceeds.

Your house only has one shot to make a first impression, so make it a good one. Image: Artazum/Shutterstock

Home Improvements To Get The Home Ready For Sale, $6,570 on average

This amount is the average for sellers who hire professionals for their home updates. For those who wonder how much it costs to sell your house and want all the details, here is the $6,570 in home improvements, broken down by category:

Exterior painting: $2,600
Home staging: $1,805
Interior painting: $1,245
Local moving to the new home: $475
Full-service lawn care: $145
Carpet cleaning: $140
House cleaning: $160

Based on these projects, it looks like curb appeal plays a big role in successfully selling your home. If your time and budget are limited, it’s probably best to focus on presenting a clean, crisp home that is nicely but neutrally furnished to appeal to most buyers.

Home improvement costs will vary by market. The report found that sellers in Sacramento spent about $7,800 compared to Phoenix home sellers, who could spend around $4,000 for the same projects. And DIY curb appeal projects may help a home seller save money.

Sellers that make some upgrades before listing their house are more likely to sell their home successfully (and for more money). Image: Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock

If you’re selling this year, get started on updating your house now. Spruce up your garden and lawn, plant new flowers and freshen up the space both inside and outside with paint. As you get closer to listing your house, start decluttering and storing your personal items so that your house shows best. Don’t forget about the details like clean carpets, walls and windows.

The post Here’s How Much It Costs to Sell Your Home in 2019 appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Choose the Right Porch Lighting for Your Home

June 16, 2019 by admin

Improve your home’s curb appeal with new porch lighting. Image: David Papazian/Shutterstock

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Porch lighting is an important part of your home’s curb appeal, but it provides much more than just a pretty accent for your front door. The right outdoor lighting can enhance security, safety and even save you money on your utility bill.

Porch Lighting Goals

There are many practical reasons to update your porch lighting, but your porch’s appearance matters, too. Most porch lighting updates are done for aesthetic reasons when a fixture has become dated or worn. The good news is that you can choose new porch lights that not only address the practical issues like security, but also give your home a stylish boost. Once you have identified your new goals for lighting your porch, you can shop for the right fixtures. Depending upon your goal, there is a specific type of fixture to meet your needs.

Knowing what your goals are for the porch is your first step. Those goals can include:

Replace Outdated Light Fixtures: Updating your lighting is all about shopping and finding a new style that you love.
Increase Security With Ample Lighting: Look for fixtures with features like motion detectors or automatic light sensors.
Illuminate Dark Corners and Steps: Step lights or stake lighting adjacent to your steps can be a stylish solution.
Increase Energy Efficiency: Lighting fixtures and bulbs have come a long way in energy efficiency. If you leave your porch light on all night, it’s important to choose the right one.
Add Additional Fixtures to Enhance Your Porch: A large porch may benefit from more than one light source.

Outdoor lighting enhances the beauty of any home. Image: karamysh/Shutterstock

Lighting Beyond Your Front Door

Standard porch lighting for most homes traditionally consisted of one porch sconce adjacent to the front door, as porches became more of a pass-through spot than a place to linger. But today, porches are again becoming a place to entertain and relax. And the lighting needs have changed accordingly.

To find the right lighting balance for your porch, think of it as another room in your home. You’ll want to create layers of lighting on your porch, just as you would your living room. Here are the best spots for enhancing your porch lighting:

A Second Sconce Next to Your Front Door: This balances the lighting and frames your front door.
Overhead Porch Lighting: Not all porch structures can accommodate an overhead light. If it’s possible, a ceiling light fixture can add charm to your front porch.
Garage Carriage Lights: Balance the lighting of your entire home and garage with two to three light fixtures framing the garage doors.
Path Lighting: Solar or battery-powered path lighting helps to lead your guests safely to your porch.

New lighting creates a welcoming porch. Image: David Papazian/Shutterstock

How to Shop for Porch Lighting

Now that you have assessed your needs and created a goal for your porch lighting, it’s time to shop. Here are simple outdoor fixture shopping tips:

Measure Before You Shop: Have all the fixture sizes you’ll need written down. If you’re shopping online or in a store, these measurements will help you choose the right fixture size.
Consult an Expert: If you’re adding a new hard-wired fixture, you may need help from a pro.
Watch the Usage Ratings: Be sure that you’re choosing fixtures that are designed for outdoor use. It’s easy to fall in love with a fixture, only to find out it’s indoor-use only.
Consider a Dark Sky Fixture: Many retailers now offer outdoor lighting that helps to reduce light pollution. These dark sky fixtures control the direction of light to minimize glare while reducing light trespass and skyglow.

The post How to Choose the Right Porch Lighting for Your Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

HGTV’s Andy Williams: Celebrate Father’s Day With the Perfect Man Cave

June 16, 2019 by admin

Andy and Ashley Williams, hosts of HGTV’s Flip or Flop Fort Worth. Image courtesy of Almond Board of California.

Father’s Day is a perfect time to celebrate that special dad who works so hard and always puts family first. What better way to show your appreciation than to start thinking about creating a space that he can call his own: a man cave? This may entail transforming your basement, renovating your garage or even creating usable space in your attic.

Andy Williams of HGTV’s Flip or Flop Fort Worth gave Freshome several great tips to help us all design the perfect man cave.

Expect the man cave to be loud during sporting events. Image: Jon Feingersh Photography/Shutterstock

Creating a sports-themed man cave

When Williams conceptualizes and creates a man cave, he takes the same approach as purchasing a custom suit or a set of golf clubs. “There are so many great options and so many things that you can do, but the first thing you have to do is understand the ‘man’ in the cave,” Williams says.

For a sports-themed design, you should start with the history of the cave owner. “If he has trophies or personal memorabilia, it is nice to have a corner or shadow box that pays tribute to his glory days.”

The next part of the theme is generally affiliations: what college did he attend or what are his favorite local teams?

A sports theme can also be stylish. Image: Hoxton/Tom Murphy/Getty Images

“I often advise not to go overboard in this area because we still want it to be classy and more about the cave owner rather than being a shrine,” Williams says. And that’s why he likes universal sports ideas. “Whether you opt for some of the cool trends in pool tables, a dartboard setup, a poker table or chess boards, this aspect of the cave shows versatility and more of the renaissance man approach, if that is what you like.”

A man cave for a Renaissance man. Image: Hemul75/Getty Images

Man caves for men who aren’t sports fans

Of course, the man cave doesn’t have to incorporate a sports theme. “For some, this area may serve as part home office and part hobby area. It can also be part workshop and part lounge.” Williams says there is no better place for him to keep his collection of music or his home library than in the place where he takes his respite and can be focused on the things he enjoys. “More and more, we see man caves that reflect the intellect and style of the individual, rather than their allegiance to a sports team.”

A man cave that simply revolves around entertainment is another good choice, “especially for those spaces that are external to the home,” Williams explains. “There can be a lot of versatility built in so that the former external garage has movie projection capabilities both inside the structure and externally for an outdoor movie night.”

A tastefully-designed man cave. Image: Eric Audras/GettyImages

Making sure the man cave doesn’t look like a frat house

A man cave is not a dormitory or a fraternity house. To avoid this feel, Williams says the space should define who the cave owner is today and who that person is becoming – not who he used to be. “For me, that goes all the way down to the beverages and snacks that I keep on hand. For example, instead of a bowl of candy and soda, I always have an abundant supply of healthy choices, like nuts and bottles of sparkling water.” Williams says he doesn’t plan on crashing or passing out in his cave. Instead, he goes there to be his best, be alert, share ideas and invite deep conversations.

You can’t go wrong with wood and leather. Image: archideaphoto/Getty Images

Materials to use in a man cave

“Again, this is a very personal choice. But, usually, we start with what exists and merge — if possible — with the vision.” Williams says it’s almost always a good idea to use wood. Your colors choices are important since they can affect your emotions. “I prefer lighter colors to brighten the room and allow for smoother lighting.” He also recommends stone and split-face rock for accents, especially when there is a fireplace. “Flooring is also important based on what will be going on in the room. Instead of carpet, I prefer to use area rugs and provide different textures and looks.”

Include space for entertaining friends. Image: Hemul75/Getty Images

Furnishings to use in a man cave

To truly relax in the man cave and avoid having to go back and forth, Williams recommends furnishing the space as though the cave owner would spend a couple of uninterrupted days in there. “Having a refrigerator is a key element. Also, provided the space is large enough, it’s good to have at least a few ‘refuel’ stations with snacks and beverages.” And from a signature design perspective, Williams says there should be at least one furnishing that is a conversation piece.

A man cave should reflect the cave owner’s taste and style. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Final tips

A man cave is the perfect place to use one of those cool roll-up garage doors or maybe a sliding, stackable glass door. However, the most important element is the cave owner’s personality. “Designing a personal space is, in many ways, creating a portrait of the cave owner,” Williams says. “It allows you to create something that is in all ways a representation of him and what matters the most to him.”

The post HGTV’s Andy Williams: Celebrate Father’s Day With the Perfect Man Cave appeared first on Freshome.com.

Exclusive! The Most Popular Benjamin Moore Colors Across the US

June 16, 2019 by admin

No two individuals are alike. Similarly, each region in the U.S. has distinct styles in fashion, food and music. “These traditions and trademarks permeate all elements of the region’s culture, including into the homes of its residents,” Hannah Yeo, Color & Design Expert at Benjamin Moore, tells Freshome.

In fact, Yeo says Benjamin Moore has been able to spot a geographic design trend in how colors are being used. These are the most popular paint hues in eight cities across the U.S.

Benjamin Moore: Simply White. All images courtesy of Benjamin Moore.

Los Angeles

“Lighter colors are favored in the interior of the home across the nation and Los Angeles leads this trend,” Yeo says. As a hub for great design, she says white becomes an essential color in this area. “From warm pinkish white to the palest blue — or even the combination of whites — the soft nuances of whites enhance LA homes.”

On the home’s exterior, Yeo says homeowners often use richer colors to add curb appeal. In the photo above, you’ll see a top pick: Simply White. It’s a clean, crisp, multi-purpose white. Simply White is a favorite for ceilings, trim and walls. Iceberg, Swiss Coffee, and Revere Pewter are some of the other popular colors in the area.

Benjamin Moore: Black HC-190

San Diego

With over 39 million residents, California is the most populous state in the U.S. Although San Diego is only 120 miles away from Los Angeles, the state is so large that it could be considered a separate region. And San Diego also has a different color palette. While Los Angeles embraces shades of white, San Diego leans toward the most stylish color of every year: black.

“San Diego isn’t afraid of color,” Yeo says. “Dark, neutral colors, like black, are balanced with light yellows, blues and pinks.” Black HC-190 is part of the Historical Collection inspired by America’s historic landmarks and works well in traditional and contemporary spaces. Other popular colors in this area include Eagle Rock, Sidewalk Gray, Butterfly Kisses and Love & Happiness.

Benjamin Moore: Van Cortland Blue

Denver

“In Denver, nature-inspired hues such as blues, greens and cool neutrals complement the surrounding landscape,” Yeo says. Van Courtland Blue is a decorative old-world blue that also works well in contemporary spaces. Plus, it mimics the city’s mountainous views. Other popular colors in this part of the country include Kendall Charcoal, Pale Oak, Decorator’s White and Silver Marlin.

Benjamin Moore: Balboa Mist

Chicago

“From off whites to light grays, soft neutrals dominate Chicago,” Yeo says. “Blues with gray undertones are fresh additions to the soft, neutral palette.” Balboa Mist, a part of the Classic Color Collection, is a timeless, elegant color that is always a favorite among consumers and professionals in the Windy City. Other popular colors include Edgecomb Gray, Sea Haze, Gray Owl and Beach Glass.

If you’re selling your home, take a note from Chicago. Soft, neutral colors are recommended by many realtors when your home is on the market.

Benjamin Moore: Toronto Blue door

Miami

“Florida also has a distinct color palette,” Yeo says. “Due to the warm temperature, cool whites are often used on the exterior of the home to keep the heat away. Bright blue accents are used to bring a nice breeze indoors.” Toronto Blue is a bold, saturated hue that excites and inspires, adding pops of color. Mountain Peak White, Collingwood, Evening Blue and Pale Oak are other popular colors in this area of the U.S.

Benjamin Moore: Shaker Beige

Philadelphia

“Philadelphia’s palette is comforting yet sophisticated,” Yeo says. “From cool grays to warm neutrals, these versatile hues provide a soothing backdrop to any space.” Shaker Beige is an inviting mid-toned tan with a beachy vibe. Other popular colors in Philadelphia include Stonington Gray, Pleasant Pink, Buckland Blue and Woodlawn Blue.

Benjamin Moore: Caliente door

Dallas

“Red, white and blue colors best represent Dallas,” Yeo says. “Off-whites and pale neutrals provide a soft backdrop for bold reds and blues to pop.” Caliente is a vibrant, charismatic shade of red — radiant, strong and full of energy. Other popular colors in this part of the country include Bermuda Turquoise, Icicle, Chantilly Lace and Iron Mountain.

Benjamin Moore: Raccoon Fur

Nashville

“Nashville also embraces colors from the Benjamin Moore Historical Collection, which was inspired by 18^th– and 19th-century architecture,” Yeo says. “Neutrals and blues feel calm and composed for an updated traditional look.” Raccoon Fur is a pure gray color that can be used in a variety of color combinations. Other popular colors in Nashville include Manchester Tan, Palladian Blue, Wickham Gray and Shaker Beige.

Benjamin Moore: Touch of Pink and Sunlit Coral

Tips for homeowners trying to choose paint colors

Selecting colors for your home can be overwhelming, but Yeo provides a few tricks to make the process easier.

“First, start by finding a point of inspiration. This can be anything from a favorite fabric to the colors in your kitchen countertops,” Yeo says. “Even a color drawn from a piece of wall art, a page torn out of a magazine or a picture found online can be a great source of inspiration.” This can be a helpful first step in narrowing down the color choices you consider.

Benjamin Moore: Hale Navy

“Once you’ve figured out which general color families appeal to you, set your focus on that portion of the display at the store or that section of the fan deck,” she explains. “Within each color family, you will see a wide range of colors, so go with your instincts. Chances are you will be drawn to a few colors that will help you narrow down the choices.”

Yeo also recommends thinking about the existing dominant color in your space. “This can help you to further narrow down your selection,” she says. “For example, if you have cherry wood kitchen cabinets, you should consider that in making your color choice.”

Benjamin Moore: Beach Glass

Before making a final selection, Yeo recommends buying a pint sample to fully understand how the color will look in your home. “Remember that the light in the store will be different from the light in your home,” she says. “So the best way to make an informed decision is by painting a sample in the room where you’ll be using the color.”

Be sure to view the sample during the day to determine if you like it. Also, consider the different types of paint sheen — flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and gloss — to ensure you pick the right finish for your project.

The post Exclusive! The Most Popular Benjamin Moore Colors Across the US appeared first on Freshome.com.

What to Do About a Clogged Toilet, Sink & Other Common Plumbing Issues

June 16, 2019 by admin

Is there anything worse than a clogged toilet? First, there’s the sheer panic as you pray it doesn’t spill over onto your floor. Then, there’s the frustration of attempting to successfully plunge it. And all of this doesn’t even take into account the potential for embarrassment. Fortunately, if you’re dealing with this situation, we’ve got two pieces of good news. First, you’re not alone. Second, we’ve got tips and tricks to help you out.

Protect your sparkling bathroom by neatly handling your plumbing issues with this guide. Image: Astronaut Images/Getty Images

Fast stats on common plumbing issues

Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company, recently commissioned a study about this exact situation — and all the other plumbing challenges homeowners and renters face. Here are some quick facts and figures the study uncovered:

Nearly one in five homeowners deals with a clogged toilet on a regular basis
15 percent of homeowners have recently spent time fixing a backed up drain
Almost one in ten regularly deals with a clogged sink
6 percent have low water pressure
4 percent have garbage disposal troubles

Sound familiar? Whatever plumbing issue is plaguing you, you want to get it dealt with as quickly as possible. And fear not! If you’re one of the 46 percent of people who’ve turned to the internet for support, we’re here to help. We talked with Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get some expert guidance for you.

How to fix a clogged toilet

First things first, step away from the handle! Continuing to try to flush your toilet when it’s clogged will just leave you with a mess all over your bathroom floor.

Instead, grab your trusty plunger. Oh, wait, not that one. James Doyle, President of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, gave us a crash course in plungers. And taught us that not all are created equal. The most common plunger type is a sink plunger, which is a simple flat rubber cup attached to a handle. Your toilet needs something extra.

Toilet plungers have a soft rubber flange running along the inside of the plunger cup, which makes them much more effective at plunging your toilet. “With the flange plunger’s universal design, it can also be used on sink and toilet clogs,” Doyle points out. “But don’t use the same plunger on both surfaces! Keep one plunger strictly for the toilet and another one for flat surfaces.”

You need a plunger designed to fit well inside your toilet bowl. Image: bymuratdeniz/Getty Images

How to properly plunge, as explained by a pro

Ready to get plunging? Once you’re armed with your flanged plunger, Doyle offers step-by-step guidance for optimal results:

“Take your plunger (make sure you have a good connection with the plunger and the toilet) and begin the plunging motion with a good amount of force behind it. The goal is to push the blockage through.
“Be quick and repetitive with the plunging motion and keep your eye out for movement in the toilet, which means the blockage is being pushed through.
“Make sure the water is draining before you try to flush the toilet. Never pour a chemical drain cleaner down your toilet; harsh chemicals can irritate your skin and eyes or cause damage to your plumbing pipes.
“If you can’t repair a clogged toilet on your own, contact a professional plumber for assistance.”

With the right tool and the right action, you’ll have that toilet cleared in no time at all.

Plumbing issues can arise pretty much anywhere in your bathroom. Image: dit26978/Getty Images

Fixing other common household plumbing issues

Unfortunately, Mr. Rooter Plumbing’s survey revealed that a clogged toilet is far from the only plumbing issue you could face. Fortunately, they offer other tips and tricks you can use.

Clearing a backed up drain or clogged pipe

Whether you’ve got a drain that’s moving slowly or it’s completely clogged, a simple household item could be the solution. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends taking a wire coat hanger and straightening it, then creating a small hook with one end. Use that hook to fish down into your drain and pull up any hair or other buildup, clearing your pipes.

If your fishing expedition doesn’t yield results, Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends a natural but effective way to reach further into your pipes. Mix 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of vinegar and pour it down your drain (be prepared to move quickly, because this mixture will foam — and fast). Let it sit as long as you can. An hour works, but overnight is best. The fizzing action will help break up any gunk in your pipes, allowing water to run freely through them.

Still stumped? Keep reading for more guidance on clearing your drains.

Your sink’s aerator can be screwed off to making it easy to clean. Image: PAVEL IARUNICHEV/Getty Images

Restoring water pressure to a sink

Fix your sink’s low water pressure in minutes. Simply screw off the aerator, the little cap at the end of the nozzle that prevents your sink from splashing. Clean it out, screw it back on and voilà! You should have improved water pressure.

Fixing a clogged garbage disposal

It’s tempting to run a chemical pipe cleaner through your garbage disposal, but it will likely be ineffective and can hurt the disposal itself. Instead, take the garbage disposal off and visually inspect it. You can do this by simply unscrewing it from the base of your sink. Don’t forget to disconnect it from power when you do to keep your hands safe!

Once you’ve located your issue, safely remove it, reattach the garbage disposal and test it to confirm you’ve found — and resolved — the issue.

See, being your own plumber doesn’t have to be a huge headache or mess. That said, don’t be afraid to call in the pros for support. If the above tips don’t do the trick, getting a hand from a professional can save you a lot of hassle.

The post What to Do About a Clogged Toilet, Sink & Other Common Plumbing Issues appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Allergy-Proof Your HVAC System

June 14, 2019 by admin

Allergies and asthma are a growing problem. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says, “More than 26 million people in the US have asthma, and allergic asthma is the most common type, affecting around 60% of people with asthma.” Improving your home’s air quality can reduce common symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. Start by updating your HVAC for allergy relief.

The main culprits that lead to asthma and allergies in your home include dust mites, pollen, pet dander and cockroach droppings. Your HVAC system is designed to filter these allergens (and more), but if it’s not optimized properly, it may be blowing the allergens around. Here are 4 reasons everyone should update their HVAC for allergy relief, even if you don’t personally suffer from asthma or hay fever:

An HVAC inspection and maintenance includes cleaning or replacing air filters and searching for trouble areas where mold and mildew are growing. Image: Charles Knowles/Shutterstock

1. Your HVAC System Can Be Hiding Mildew And Mold

Mildew and mold thrive off dark and damp places. And an improperly maintained HVAC system may be collecting condensation and humidity in hidden zones. Turn your contaminated AC or heating on and you may inadvertently blow the mildew and mold into the room.

HVAC allergy fix: Schedule an annual maintenance visit with a licensed professional to make sure your system is working properly. Make sure the HVAC maintenance visit includes having all ductwork cleaned and changing the air filters. In humid zones, installing a dehumidifier can keep humidity levels in check. A good humidity level is around 40%.

hvac for allergies and best hepa filters

Here’s what your HVAC air filter may look like if you don’t regularly clean or replace it. Image: Steve Heap/Shutterstock

2. Your HVAC Filter May Be Making Your Allergies Worse

HVAC filters are meant to capture debris. But if you don’t clean or replace them regularly, they could become overloaded with allergens and blow allergens like dander, pollen and dust mites back throughout the home.

HVAC allergy fix: Clean or replace your HVAC filters every two to three months. Better yet, upgrade to a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. Filters must remove at least 99.97% of contaminants in the air to earn a HEPA rating. Choose a HEPA filter with a MERV rating of at least 10. MERV ratings score the quality of the air filtration on a scale from 1 (worst) to 20 (best).

Keeping all windows closed can cause poor air quality inside your home. Get your home’s air circulating! Image: Dmitry Zimin/Shutterstock

3. Your Home’s Air Is Stagnant

Just because the temperature indoors is fine doesn’t mean you shouldn’t run your AC occasionally. Homes nowadays are so well insulated that there’s a side effect: pollutants and contaminants can’t escape.

HVAC allergy fix: Run your HVAC system regularly, even if just for 20 minutes, to circulate air. The AC ventilates your home by pumping in fresh outdoor air and pumping out the stale indoor air. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can schedule your system to run at a time and duration of your choice.

4. Other Types Of Microbes And Bacteria May Be Growing In And Around Your HVAC Unit

Besides mold and mildew, other organisms can thrive in the warm, damp and dark environment of your system. According to abatement.com, fungi, mites and bacteria that thrive there can “produce adverse effects” to one’s health. Air filters made of cotton and cardboard can provide food for these microbes, allowing them to multiply quickly.

HVAC allergy fix: Consider having your HVAC contractor install a UV light near the system’s evaporator, which absorbs the heat drawn from your home and is often the place where microbes thrive. A UV light will kill bacteria and other bio-organisms and curtail the harmful growth in your HVAC unit.

Once you allergy-proof your HVAC system, tackle the rest of your home. Here are some tips on how to have a healthier, greener home:

The Ultimate Guide To Sustainable Furniture

How To Keep Your Clean Eco-Friendly

Dealing With Asthma And Allergy Triggers In Your Home

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5 Ideas for Using Rustic Lighting in the Backyard

June 14, 2019 by admin

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Rustic chic accents were practically made for the backyard, as their bucolic feel fits well with a natural setting. And if you want to add some instant rustic ambiance and class to your backyard, the fastest way to do it is to add outdoor rustic lighting using string lights. Immediately, this may strike you as fairly unclassy. You might picture plastic tiki string lights or out-of-season Christmas lights.
But backyard lights can bring subtle mood lighting and still keep things looking thoroughly rustic chic. You simply need to know the right styles of lights to use, which we’ll cover below.

Rustic exposed bulbs can add plenty of soft light to a backyard. Image: funkyteddy/Shutterstock

Rustic Exposed Bulbs

An instant way to get a rustic chic look is to opt for a classic exposed filament bulb style, like the rustic lighting in the photo above. Old-style bulbs give off something of an antique look. But they still add plenty of ambient lighting, thanks to the softer glow of their light source versus certain LED types.

You can see in the photo above how great classic bulbs look when used as string lighting outdoors. You could easily hang them from trees to juxtapose the natural plant life with the industrial-style light source. They could also look great hanging over eating areas or patios to light up where people socialize.

Combine light styles for plenty of visual interest. Image: Steven Robertson Photo/Shutterstock

Combining Light Types

Another idea for rustic lighting is to go for an exposed bulb style combined with more traditional string lighting. You can see in the photo above how the idea was used to maximum effect by stringing bulbs to the tree. Then, that light source is accented with small string lights around the branches themselves. The whole style leads to an enchanted forest feel.

This idea works best with small string lights in either white or a cool color like green. Bolder colors like multicolor styles, red or orange might look too seasonal, like they belong on a Christmas tree. But white and cool-color lights will give a timeless, clean feel to your outdoor rustic accent lighting.

String light styles fit well with classic items like these birdcages. Image: Amlan Mathur/Shutterstock

Use Rustic Accents

You could also combine your outdoor lighting with other rustic-inspired accent items. An example is the old-style wire birdcages in the photo above. The white string lights around the tree light up the area beautifully. And the lighting on the tree draws attention to the rustic accent of the birdcages hanging nearby.

Another classic idea that fits into rustic chic styles is an old-style lantern. These can either hang next to string lights or be their own light source. Lanterns with rustic lighting in them, like flameless candles, are also popular for outdoor rustic chic styles. These fit well hanging or on table settings as accents.

Hang rustic light sources from plant life for added natural appeal. Image: Oleksandr Kavun/Shutterstock

Combine Natural Elements and Rustic Lighting

Another idea is to combine rustic lighting sources with accents from nature. An example is the hanging globe lights with tea candles in them in the photo above. Candles are great for adding an instant classic appeal and the globe design shows them off well. And hanging those globe lights from a natural garland design is a classy way to bring in the rustic appeal of natural textures.

You could do this in a few different ways. You could go with a natural arch and hang the globe lights from the top, like in the photo. Lights like these could sit within natural wreaths on a table setting. Or you could hang lights like these along the length of a garland.

Something like this would work especially well for an outdoor wedding. And if you have fire hazard concerns, you can always use LED tea lights.

Distressed wood and exposed bulbs give the perfect rustic vibe. Image: Alex Levine Photography/Shutterstock

Hang Rustic Lighting Close to Natural Wood

The photo above shows how great exposed bulbs look when hung along a rustic wood item, like a fence. The old-style bulbs and lightly aged wood combine to look delightfully bucolic and classic. If you can, it can also help to include an accent of plant life nearby to further add to the rustic, natural look.

You can use this idea in a few different ways, as well. For instance, you might hang exposed bulbs like these outside a barn-style shed. Or you might hang string lights over a distressed, reclaimed wood patio table. This idea allows for creativity and personal inspiration.

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Comps 101: How Comparables Can Help You Sell Your Home

June 13, 2019 by admin

So you want to sell your house. You know there are some key things you need to do like stage the interior and work on your curb appeal. You might think, especially if you’re hiring a real estate agent, that everything else is handled. But that leaves out one of the trickiest parts of home selling: pricing your property. How do you do it? Sure, your agent will help, but you want to know you’re not leaving money on the table. You also don’t want to price your home too high and leave it languishing on the market for months. So what do you do? Look at comps.

If you want to list your home to sell, use comps. Image: romakoma/Shutterstock

What are comps?

Comps — or comparables — are the single most effective way to ensure you’re pricing your home to sell while also maximizing your revenue from the sale. Basically, they compare other recently sold or pending homes in your area that are a lot like yours. Knowing what buyers are willing to pay for similar homes clues you in to what you can realistically get for yours.

The key is here is finding comps that are as accurate as possible for your home. The most effective comps score in three key areas:

Location, location, location

The old real estate adage strikes again. You can often get a four-bedroom house in a rural area for the price of a tiny oceanfront condo. Why? Location matters. And that’s especially true for comparables. So if you want to make sure you’re listing your home at the right price, it’s important to price it based on local market activity.

And you want to be as location-specific as possible. Existing boundaries — like school districts and neighborhood lines — are helpful here. The closer your comps are in location to your house, the more accurate they’ll be.

If you’ve got a view of the park, make sure you factor it in. Image: Johner Images/Getty Images

Don’t forget features

Easy, right? Your next door neighbor’s house just sold, so you can use that as a comp, right? Wrong, unless that house also meets a few additional conditions. A good comparable is going to be as similar to your house as possible. Of course, that means the basics like the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms and similar square footage. But don’t forget about other features, either.

Maybe your neighbor has an electrical tower behind their house, while your backyard has panoramic views. They’re definitely not a good comp for you. You’d be better served by looking at the house up the street that has a slightly smaller square footage but a similar view. Other features like upgrades (e.g., granite countertops, walk-in closets), the overall condition of your house, whether you have a pool and how much parking you have are all considerations. At the end of the day, when you’re hunting for comps, it’s better to look for houses that are as much like yours as possible. If that means you have to extend the boundaries of your search, so be it.

Current listing status matters

Okay, so all you have to do is pop on Zillow, Redfin or Trulia and find some for-sale homes that look like yours and are relatively close by, right? Actually, no. Homes currently for sale aren’t a good place to go for comps because they still haven’t sold yet. If you base your comps on the batch of neighbors who think they’re going to be millionaires from selling their two-bedrooms, you’ll be way off.

Instead, look at homes that have closed in the last six months or less. The closer you can get to the present, the better. In fact, if you can find homes with sales pending, that’s ideal.

The best comps are recently sold, similar homes nearby. Image: RikoBest/Shutterstock

Using comps to sell your home

Now you’re ready to price your home competitively. A good benchmark is to find five or six really solid comps. Once you’ve gathered the handful of recently sold or pending homes that are similar to yours and located near you, you’re ready to determine your own home’s selling price. If their prices are all very similar, your work is easy. Price yours just like them.

If most of them are similar but you’ve got one outlier, toss it. Base your list price on the majority.

If they’re all over the place, you’re in a tricky spot. You can either keep looking for comps until a pattern emerges or you can decide what’s important to you. If you want to sell by the end of the summer so you can have your family re-settled before the new school year starts, for example, it might be worth listing on the lower end of the spectrum. If you’ve got tons of time and are feeling patient, list high and see what happens. Either way, you’ll know that you’re making an educated decision based on what’s right for you and your current market activity.

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