DIY Archives - Page 4 of 11 - CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty

Winter is Coming: How to Prep Your Home for Winter

December 3, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Can you feel that chill in the air? When the low temperatures roll in, it’s time to prep your home for winter, ensuring that everything is safe and ready for the cold.

Follow these to help keep a warm, winterized home:

1. Tune up heating systems: Hire a professional to inspect your furnace and heater, making sure it’s clean and in its best condition. This will help make sure that your home is properly heated and that the system isn’t working overtime to keep the house warm. (Boston.com)

2. Caulk windows and doors: To keep your home well insulated, make sure there are no gaps between windows and doors. If there is, use a silicone based caulk to seal it because the material won’t shrink when exposed to harsh weather conditions. (Kiplinger)

3. Turn off exterior faucets: If you have a sprinkler system or outdoor hoses, it’s best to turn those off during the cold weather. If you leave the faucets on and the pipes undrained, they can freeze and eventually burst, causing even more problems and damage to your home exterior. (Womans Day)

4. Check the roof: Santa’s sleigh needs a smooth surface to land on. Reindeer falling off the roof is unacceptable. Get on a ladder, or inspect from the ground, to make sure no shingles are falling off. Also make sure there are no cracks in the roof. If it needs fixing, hire a professional to do the job. (Kiplinger)

5. Prevent ice dams: If your home is prone to icicles and ice dams, you may want to take all precautions to prevent them. An ice dam not only causes meltwater to back up into your home, but can also rip shingles and gutters. To prevent this, seal air leaks, add insulation, and make sure your roof is vented properly. (Kiplinger)

6. Block dormant fireplaces: If your house has a fireplace that you don’t plan on using this winter, make sure to block it off. This will help keep warm air from escaping up the chimney. You don’t need to make a huge project from this; just put a decorative fireplace screen in front of it. (Womans Day)

7. Clean your chimney: If you’re roasting chestnuts on an open fire, make sure the smoke has somewhere to travel. Hire a chimney sweep to get rid of soot before using the fireplace. This precaution prevents carbon monoxide from seeping into your home. No one likes a dirty chimney! (Boston.com)[1]

Preparing your home for the winter cold is essential in keeping your home heated, flood free, and safe. It can even help decrease your energy bills during this high energy time. Take a day to do these projects, and your home will thank you.

How to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays

December 1, 2014 By CENTURY 21

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Not only are the holidays arguably the most cheerful and fun days to experience with your loved ones, they’re also the best time of the year for decorating. Whether you go all out or prefer minimal decorations these tips will get your home into the holiday spirit.

1. Decorate the door: Make a great first impression. Decorate your doorway with garland and hang a wreath from your front door.

2. Christmas lanterns: A lantern is a very elegant and sophisticated piece of decor that will instantly dress up any room. Add candles or flameless candles to brighten any room.

3. Centerpieces: A centerpiece is the focal point of your table. It transforms how guests view your dining room and can really get everyone into the Holiday spirit. Adorning your table with a bouquet of red roses mixed in with some garland, berry sprigs, and candles is a great way to bring the season into your home.

4. Hanging lights: Decorate any sort of hanging, pendant light with garland.

5. Staircases, columns, etc.: Take your love of detail into other parts of your home. Add bows, garland, and string lights to the handrails and columns inside and outside your house. These small decorations will help make your home cozy and give it a very Holiday feel.

6. Coffee Table: Fill glass bowls or cylinders with ornaments. If you’re feeling extra creative spray paint pinecones and add them.

7. Mantelpiece: Your mantelpiece is usually the focal point of your living room, and what better time to draw more attention to it than the holidays? Decorate the mantel with red berries, tree branches, Christmas stockings, and other small holiday touches.

8. The tree: For Christmas it’s all about the tree during the holidays. All families have their own traditions, but you may want to change things up a bit. Add some metallic shimmer, top the tree with bells instead of an angel, and cluster ornaments together. It’ll give a traditional tree a new look.

Decorating your home for the holidays is a fun family activity. Add some cheer to your home!

Recommended Reading:

-5 Ways to Make Your Home Cozy for Fall

-5 Creative DIY Projects You Can Do With Wallpaper

-First Impressions: Door Decor for Fall

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/hTZ2NnaKl4Q/

On the Road Again: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

November 17, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Congratulations! Buying a home is an exciting time for every family. The next step is packing up your current home and moving into your new one. Moving can be overwhelming but, luckily, we have a checklist to help you make your move efficient and organized.

The Ultimate Moving Checklist:

1. Disconnect all utilities: Before you move schedule for your cable, internet, electricity, etc. to be turned off. Call your provider about a month before the move to let them know the date that you want to stop the service.

2. Schedule new utilities: Let there be light! A month before your move, call all your providers to schedule to have your utilities setup.

3. Measure doorways and furniture: Take the extra precaution of measuring all your furniture and doorways in both your new and old home. Inform the movers of the measurements and make sure they have a backup plan in case some pieces can’t fit.

4. Change mailing address: Don’t let your mail get lost in the shuffle. Call your post office five weeks before the big move and let them know of your change in address.

5. Leave a change of address: It’s better to be safe than sorry. Leave a note for the new residents, informing them of your new address. If any stray mail gets through the postal system, they’ll be able to send it your way.

6. Get covered: It seems like a tedious task but it’s important. If you’re moving outside of your current neighborhood, it’s best to call your old pharmacy and transfer all your current prescriptions to a local pharmacy closer to your new home. Tell your doctors that you are moving and ask for referrals and record transfers. If you have children, make sure to register them for school in your new school district.

7. Notify accounts of your move: Whether it’s your newspaper and magazine subscriptions or your credit cards, don’t miss anything. Call all the important companies and providers in your life to give them your new address. Don’t forget to get your homeowners insurance changed to your new address!

8. Tag your furniture for placement: You get to your new home, furniture is all moved in, and it just so happens that everything is in the wrong place. Prevent that by sticking notes on larger pieces of furniture, signifying where they belong in the home.

9. Create a “just in case” kit: If the movers are late or get lost on the way, it’s best to be prepared. Fill a box with cash, a first aid kit, toilet paper, snacks, and any other daily essentials you may need to get yourself through moving day.

10. Get a new driver’s license, voter’s registration, etc.: Changing your address through the postal service and other accounts are important, but don’t forget to take care of personal documents as well. Change your address on your driver’s license, insurance policies, and voter’s registration.

Moving to a new home is the start of a new chapter. Be prepared in all aspects to ensure that you have the best moving experience ever!

Recommended Reading:

-We Asked, You Answered: Advice for First-Time Homeowners

-How to Make a House a Home: Creating Memories

-The 5 Biggest Seller Mistakes

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/gOG7iuqt2Fs/

Things Your Inspector Missed That You Can Still Catch

November 16, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Home inspections are an important part of the home buying process. Before finalizing an offer, hire a home inspector who will check the condition of the home. A home inspector will check things such as the electrical system, roof, and ventilation. Although a home inspector will thoroughly review a home, his or her main concern is the actual house, not the surrounding areas. It is possible that your home inspector may miss problems around the home.

Evaluate these things before you make an offer.

1. Fences and outdoor buildings: Your inspector may skip the outside portion of your house, so make sure you double check the condition of fences and anything else outside the home. If these features are damaged, they can be an expensive hassle to repair. Make sure your fences, sheds are in top shape before you purchase your home. If they aren’t, you can negotiate your offer. (Credit)

2. Roofing: Inspectors don’t usually go on the roof. They inspect from ground level and may miss a lot of problems. Inspectors will take note of missing shingles or panels but if there is a deeper problem, like a leak, it can be more difficult to identify. Consider hiring a roof contractor to go up on the roof and make sure everything is in excellent condition. (Credit)

3. Drains: This is a little problem that can become a major one if it’s not taken care of. Inspectors may overlook the drainage system or go over it quickly, not giving sinks and tubs enough time to show an issue. Fill up your tubs, showers, and sinks to see if there is a drainage problem. This may be a quick fix with a drain clog remover, or you may need to seek a specialist. (Credit)

4. Air conditioning and heating systems: An inspector might not want to run the air conditioning in freezing temperatures or the heat in 90 degree weather, at risk for ruining the system. For this reason, there may be a bigger problem at hand and you won’t know it. Do your own test of the A/C and heat to determine if there is a problem. (Credit)

5. Fireplaces: A fireplace is a common mistake when it comes to home inspections. Home inspectors may glance at a fireplace and chimney but not make it a priority. Light a fire in the fireplace to make sure it’s safe and that the chimney is in working condition. Hire a professional to clean the chimney if needed. (Credit)

If you think that your home inspector may have missed a few issues, look at them yourself and then make the decision to hire a specialist. This will help you ensure that your home is up to code and is the best home for you!

Recommended Reading:

-Home Safety Tips for the Elderly

-Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent

-5 Biggest Seller Mistakes

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/6MKE_Ar-LpA/

From Pullover to Pillow

November 14, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Create cozy fall decor from old favorites in your wardrobe. If you can’t bear to discard favorite old sweaters that are too small, too big, or too worn, recycle them into beautiful felted-wool pillows.

Instructions:

1. Gather several wool sweaters or scarves that you no longer wear. Mix textures and colors for contrast.

2. Wash each color of wool separately in hot—not warm—water. Dry each color separately at the hottest setting. The heat of the dryer will shrink the wool into tight felt that won’t fray, even when you cut it.

3. Using a purchased pillow form as your guide, cut one large square or overlap two rectangles for the pillow’s back. Pin together rectangles, squares, strips, or circles for the front, adding ribbing, buttons, zippers, or pocket details.

4. Sew the pieces together by hand or machine, or bind them to each other with fusible interfacing. Join the front to the back around the edges, and insert the pillow form. Slip-stitch the opening closed, or make holes for coordinating buttons.

This DIY project is fun and easy, plus it is much less expensive than similar store-bought pillows. Now just curl up with a good book or movie and a hot cup of tea.

Recommended Reading:

-5 DIY Projects You Can Do With Wallpaper

-Just DIY It: 5 Natural Cleaning Products

-Done in One Hour: How to Install a Faucet

-Double Agents: New Uses for Everyday Things

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/NL3HYK3ZGSE/

6 Natural Home Decor Ideas

November 11, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Contribution by Andrea Davis, HomeAdvisor

Can’t get enough of the outdoors? If you want more of it in your home without maintaining a jungle, then consider alternatives. Here are some top ideas for homeowners wanting that extra touch:

1. Add natural elements: One of the easiest ways to incorporate the outdoors indoors is literally to add it to your home decor. It might be pebbles, wood, straw, leaves and other pieces in smaller amounts throughout your home. You could also add photographs, paintings and framed pieces of wood or leaves to the walls of your home.

2. Assemble flowers and plants in pots: If you are willing to do the maintenance and manage the upkeep, you can add potted plants to your home. This adds elements of color and natural fragrance to your home. You might avoid real plants if you have severe allergies and do plastic versions to be safe. You should also be aware of any plant varieties that are poisonous to your pets.

3. Install natural flooring: If you have tile, laminate or vinyl floors, you can have a flooring installer replace them with hardwood, cork, bamboo or other natural flooring materials. They feel warmer underneath your feet, and they are organic and biodegradable compared to what might have been in your home before.

4. Make the most of your windows: Your windows are for more than a beautiful view. You can let in natural light by opening them or replacing heavy curtains with light, see-through drapes. You can also let in fresh air and the scents of the outdoors. If you’re worried about pests or debris, install new screens.

5. Use outdoorsy colors: Another option is painting parts of your home with naturally-inspired colors. Some color options include green, blue, yellow and brown. There are also neutral tones like white, tan and beige to evoke cleanliness. Whether you paint an entire room or just a wall, you can complement the room with elements like plants to make it seem more outdoorsy.

6. Consider stenciling: You can also stencil outdoor-related images onto your walls. Maybe it’s trees, leaves, the sun, moon, stars or an entire landscape. You can do random stenciling or theme it by room. The end result will be a design that attracts visitors and complements the outdoor landscape.

Your interior can get closer to the outdoors depending on how much money or time you want to spend bringing the elements indoors. The end result will be a natural, seamless transition from the beautiful landscape outside to the same relaxing feel inside.

Photos courtesy of DesignMine

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/NwJ25Fra6zQ/

Dodge the 7 Most Common DIY Mistakes

November 11, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Armed with a library of how-to books, you’re confident that you can tackle your home’s repairs and remodeling yourself – and pocket the money you’d have spent on professional labor. Hold up. David Dorman of CENTURY 21 Professional Group in Orlando, Florida, says many DIYers make critical mistakes that can decrease their homes’ salability.

Avoid these seven common mistakes:

1. Overestimating your skills: “Some people are handy, and some think they’re handy,” Dorman says. Be honest about your abilities. “Buyers can tell when things aren’t in the proper position, when light sockets aren’t vertical, and laminate flooring is bowed,” he says. “It comes down to quality of work.” If you can’t do it right, you’ll have to pay to have it fixed.

2. Underestimating the value of your time: You may, in theory, be capable of laying new bathroom tile. But between your job demands and the kids’ soccer games, can you really finish the project in a few weeks, or will it stretch over months? Your time may be worth the cost of a pro.

3. Equating dollars spent with value: Good design is critical, especially in kitchen and bath remodels. A $60K kitchen designed by a pro to mesh well with a house will bring a better return than a $60K kitchen that bungles traffic flow and clashes with the style of adjoining areas. “When you’re going down to the studs, get an architect or interior designer involved,” Dorman advises.

4. Neglecting details: “The biggest complaints I hear when I’m showing a remodel come when homeowners have left things half done,” Dorman says. “It doesn’t just fail to add value, it actually subtracts value.”

5. Overlooking permits: Dorman had a seller who fixed her own septic system. When the home inspection revealed that she didn’t have the proper permits, the deal was ruined. A qualified pro will know what is legally required.

6. Missing guarantees: Pros will back their work. That can be essential on big projects like roof repairs. When you DIY, you’re the only one accountable for missteps.

7. Thinking DIY means do it all yourself: Consider hiring professionals to back up your know-how. Tap into the free kitchen and bath design services at home-improvement stores. Many paint stores have color consultants you can use for a small fee. Or hire a plumber on an hourly basis to install new toilets and sinks after you’ve done the demo work— you’ll rest easier knowing the water will flow safely.

Ultimately, the key to success with any project is asking the right questions. Your real estate agent is a great resource. “I have a list of vendors a mile long,” Dorman says. “They don’t get on this list unless I trust them.”

Captions:

Dollar-wise DIY. Changing a “before,” top, to an “after,” left, can bring a great return at resale, but only if it’s quality work. Homeowners with masonry skills could affect the change shown here, but many find it’s cost effective to hire professionals.

Our Featured Expert:

David Dorman CENTURY 21 Professional Group, Inc. Orlando, Florida

PERSONAL PASSION: When closing deals, he’s often humming. A classically trained singer, he sings top 40 and a cappella doo-wop in his spare time.

BEST ADVICE: “Even the worst house will sell—if you price it right. Sometimes sellers just see dollar signs, but they have to realize that the value of proper pricing is golden.”

Recommended Reading:

-5 DIY Projects You Can Do With Wallpaper

-Just DIY It: 5 Natural Cleaning Products

-Done in One Hour: How to Install a Faucet

-Double Agents: New Uses for Everyday Things

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/8u98Mt_tRws/

Let’s Clear the Air: DIY All-Natural Air Fresheners

November 5, 2014 By CENTURY 21

A good-smelling room has more of an impact than you might t. hinkSmell is a catalyst for emotions. According to Rachel Hertz, “The reason why scent is so good at inducing mood is because olfaction has a more direct and immediate connection to the area of the brain that processes emotion than any other sense does.” Additionally, “the effects of aromas are due to our own personal past history with the scents in question, they can be idiosyncratic.” If you have positive memories associated with the smell of cookies or lavender you will feel positive memories when you smell the scent again. Choose some of you favorite scents and use these recipes to make your home smell incredible.

1. Quick Fix Home Deodorizer: For a quick scent change, cut up your favorite fruit, place it in a pot of water, and add in spices and herbs. Allow the water to come to a boil then turn down the heat to let it simmer. This changes the scent in your home while also overpowering any other lingering smells. (Clean My Space)

2. Homemade Room Spray: If you don’t want to release chemicals into the air, opt for making your own room spray. Combine 10-20 drops of an essential oil, three parts water, and one part vodka; mix together in a spray bottle and voila, you have your own, healthy air freshener! (DIY Natural)

3. Scented Wood Blocks: This is a unique and fun way to keep your home smelling great. Gather some small wooden blocks, place them in a container, and spray or paint the blocks with the essential oil of your choice. Pour some extra oil on the blocks, let sit overnight, and then your home will smell fresh and clean! (Northstory)

4. Orange Peel Candles: There’s no need to throw away orange peels, you can create a candle with your favorite fruit. Peel out the orange, making sure to not to remove the inside stem; then, fill with your favorite essential oil and let sit for 45 minutes. Afterwards, light the orange with a candle lighter and you have an all natural, beautifully scented candle for your home. (North Story)

5. Gel Air Freshener: Combine gelatin, food coloring, salt, and essential oils in a mason jar to create a unique and safe gel air freshener. It is inexpensive to make, customizable, and the scent will last for four to six weeks. (Instructables)

6. Homemade Potpourri: Potpourri is staple across many homes. Don’t run out to the store to buy overpriced potpourri. Make your own by drying out flowers, adding essential oils, and allowing the flowers to absorb the oil for a few weeks. (POPSUGAR)

These air fresheners are all natural, customized based upon your preferences, and less expensive than store-bought air fresheners. These DIY projects make perfect scents!

Recommended Reading:

-5 Creative DIY Projects You Can Do With Wallpaper

-3 Things to Do With an Abundance of Autumn Leaves

-Double Agents: New Uses for Everyday Things

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/Y-ibheXPNrU/

How to Turn Your Home Into the Ultimate Haunted House

October 27, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Trick-or-treat! Halloween is around the corner and, besides watching horror movies, the best way to get into true spooky spirit is to decorate. Pick pumpkins for a hint of Halloween spirit, or put in a lot of effort so that you have the spookiest house on the block. WARNING: Even the bravest trick-or-treaters may stay away this year.

1. Pick a theme: You may want to pick a unique theme such as a haunted graveyard or a vampire’s den. Staying within a theme will make it easier to find the right decorations and make your house stand out.

2. Eerie atmosphere: Attack the five senses. Create an eerie feeling in your home by hanging dimmed twinkle lights, setting up a smoke machine, and adding sound effects like screams and ominous music. You’ll spook your guests the moment they walk through the door!

3. Creative, scary props: Mix and match with bigger and smaller props. For the bigger ones, choose something that will bring a spookier feel to the house, like (fake) body parts strewn across the room or hologram wall photos that seem to be staring into your soul. Choose smaller props like (fake) spider webs, a (fake) pool of blood, or even (fake) hanging bats.

4. Dress up: Ask family, friends, and neighbors to help scare your guests. Ask them to dress up as spooky creatures that match your theme.

5. Main attraction: Having a big finish at the end of your haunted house can be the icing on the (poisonous) cake. Set up something big that will give your guests goose bumps, like a haunted laboratory with a monster, or a graveyard scene.

Get ready to scare anyone who is brave enough to enter. You may end up having a lot of leftover candy to eat. The scariest thing in your future may be a trip to the dentist.

Recommended Reading:

-5 Ways to Make Your Home Cozy for Fall

-5 Zombie-Proof Houses Your Family Won’t Be Caught Dead In

-First Impressions: Door Decor For Fall

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/olEvlrBpTbI/

Ask Our Expert: The Art of First Impressions

October 22, 2014 By CENTURY 21

How can my clients add style to their entryways?

-Jan Maness, CENTURY 21 Real Estate Group, Alcoa, Tennessee

While they may only be pass-through spaces, entry halls allow you to show your style while offering a glimpse of what’s to follow.

Here are a few tips:

Establish the Home’s Theme Immediately: If your entry hall is visible to several other spaces, its décor should create a seamless transition from room to room. Meaning, don’t decorate your entry hall as if it were an island.

Flip-flop Paint Trick: Reverse wall and ceiling colors from a visible nearby room into the entryway. But keep the trim color the same for visual continuity.

If You Can’t Build Out, Build Up: Though the footprint may be small, entry wall space is usually significant. So don’t be afraid to merchandise it floor-to-ceiling. Wall mounted shelves and picture ledges can start from 3 feet above the floor to within 2 feet of the ceiling. Framed art can tell your story while a collection of frames adds architecture to the space. Mirrors in interesting frames can help to visually expand smaller entryways.

Think “Hotel Entrance:” A small, round central table offers a place to locate a large vase of flowers, or a great palm tree that jets upward, helping to add a living element and more drama.

Include Fabric: Texture-driven materials from surrounding rooms help to integrate the entryway into the overall home design scheme. Small-upholstered pieces and drapes also help make hollow acoustics more intimate. You can do it!

Christopher Lowell, an interior designer and Emmy Award-winning TV host, is known for doable design advice that nets stunning results.

Recommended Reading:

-Ask Our Expert: First Things First

-Be My Guest: How to Style a Guest Room

-How to Style a Gallery Wall

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/WgTSoBEtWU4/

« Previous Page