Tri-City Area and Real Estate Blog

The Best Time of Year to Buy Things for Your Home

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Brittany Icayan

When to look for sales on mattresses, appliances, tools, furnishings, and materials.

best-time-to-buy-comforter-red-blankets — Image: raw/Getty

Buying stuff can be stressful. Cheap out and you could regret it. Overspend and you’ll cut into your budget. Knowing the best time of year to buy appliances and other household items can lessen the anxiety.

Here’s a list of the best time of year for sales — or download the one-page calendar here.

Furniture: January and July

Blue couch with four patterned pillows and one on the floor — Image: Winter’s Moon

You could save 30% to 60% buying furniture in January and July, as stores try to clear out inventory and make way for new pieces, which manufacturers introduce in February and August.

Floor samples especially often sell for a song, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Storage Essentials: January and August

Two white square baskets full of multi-colored toys on floor — Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic

In August, retailers slash prices and offer free shipping on shelving, organizing systems, baskets, and storage bins, baiting parents who are packing kids off to college or getting organized for a new school year. (No offspring? No problem. Proof of parenthood isn’t required to qualify for deals.)

It happens again in January, when stores roll out more sales — and selection — to help you find a home for all those holiday gifts and meet your organizing goals for the New Year.

Linens and Towels: January

Towels of assorted textures and colors stacked neatly — Image: Micco Caporale for HouseLogic

Department store “white sales” — launched in 1878 — are still a favorite marketing tactic and make January the best time to binge on high-quality bedding and towels. If the exact color or style you’re seeking is out of stock, ask in-store for a rain check, so you can get exactly what you want at the price that can’t be beat.

Major Appliances: January, September, October, and the Holidays

Baby blue stove with stainless steel hood in white kitchen — Image: Big Chill Appliances

The prices on this year’s appliances bottom out when they suddenly become last year’s models. Except for refrigerators (more on that below), you can pick up last year’s models for way less in September, October, and January, when stores are making room for new inventory.

For good deals on this year’s models, wait for Black Friday and the holidays. The season rivals inventory clear-out bargains as the best time of year for sales on appliances. And if you’ve got more than one appliance on the fritz, holidays are often the time to find incentives for buying multiple items.

Mattresses: February and May

A man and boy relaxing on a bare king mattress — Image: Ariana Falerni/Offset

Even the most obscure holiday seems to inspire mattress sale commercials. Annoying, yes, but also a reminder that you should never pay full price for a mattress. The best time of year for sales is February (courtesy of Presidents’ Day) and May (Memorial Day).

Many department stores offer coupons for additional savings on the sale price, while specialty chains — which have the biggest markups — can drop prices 50% or more. But don’t waste your time price shopping: Manufacturers have exclusive deals with retailers for each model, so the only way to find a lower price is to snuggle up to a different mattress.

Refrigerators: May

Woman in workout clothes hugging stainless steel fridge — Image: @larissa_deanne

Unlike other big-ticket appliances, new fridges are released in May. Combine the need for retail turnover with Memorial Day sales, and you get epic savings nearly all month long, making it the best time of year to buy a new refrigerator.

Snow Blowers: March and April

Person in blue parka using snowblower to clear sidewalk path — Image: Chiyacat/Getty

The best time to pick up a low-cost snow blower is exactly when you DON’T need it: in March and April. That time of year, no store wants them taking precious floor space away from spring merch like patio furniture and grills.

Vacuums: April and May

Human and tabby cat watching Roomba on wood floor — Image: Evan Axelson

New vacs debut in June, so last year’s models go on sale in April and May — just in time for spring cleaning.

Roofing: May

Two men work on a gray shingled roof with houses in distance — Image: Eddy Garcia

For the lowest price on materials, buy in May.

But if you’re paying a pro to install a new roof, contractor rates begin their climb April 1 and stay high through fall. So if weather allows for wintertime installation, you could save big.

Gas Grills: July and August

Autumn view of brick and stainless steel outdoor grill — Image: Bruce Saunders Photography and Outdoor Artisan, LLC

Come July 5, there’s still smoke in the air from Fourth of July fireworks, but stores are already moving on to Halloween, with Christmas not far behind. So, they’ll cook up juicy savings on grills and other summer staples in July and August. Sales peak by Labor Day, so you could pick up a new grill and still have time to host one final summer hurrah.

Lawn Mowers: August, September, and May

Tween boy in blue mowing lawn outside light green house — Image: Inti St Clair/Getty

August and September are the perfect time to retire an ailing mower. You’ll find the lowest prices of the year (but also the slimmest selection) as stores replace mowers with snow blowers. Retailers also kick off the season with sales every April. You generally won’t save quite as much, but you’ll have more choices.

Perennials: September

Purple and pink hydrangeas against black fence on white home — Image: Rock & Rose Landscapes

Unlike nonperishable goods, there’s not much retailers can do with last season’s perennials, so September brings savings of 30% to 50% and two-for-one offers on plants like hostas, daylilies, and peonies. And note that independent gardening stores can typically offer deeper discounts than big chains.

Cooler weather also makes this a great time of year to plant. How’s that for a win-win? If you prefer planting in the spring, many nurseries offer 10% to 20% off when you pre-order in February or March.

Power Tools: June and December

Blond woman in gray sweater assembling cabinet with drill — Image: Niamh Scott of @waitandsee.ie

Power tools are a favorite go-to gift for Father’s Day and the holidays, so June and December are the best time to buy tools like cordless drills.

Paint: January, May, July, November, and December

Brown wood desk in front of salmon wall with white door — Image: Britt Herron

Prices for interior and exterior paint bottom out when the mercury (and demand) falls — in November, December, and January, but also when it rises back up, in May and July.

HVAC Equipment: March, April, October, and November

White smart thermostat on textured wall leading into office — Image: Ian Grossman – Austin, TX Realtor®

Just like with snow blowers, the best time to buy furnaces and whole-house air-conditioning systems is when you don’t need them. Prices are lowest during months with moderate temperatures — generally March and April, then October and November.

Many installers also run promotions during these slow seasons to help load their books. They also may be more willing to negotiate a lower price or throw in a free upgrade like a fancy thermostat.

Flooring: December and January

Dining area with herringbone flooring and tiled fireplace — Image: Suzy Broome

From mid-December into January, homeowners tend to take a break from major remodeling projects because of the holidays. Flooring retailers and installers are looking for business, so that gorgeous wide-plank flooring or luscious carpet can be yours for an even more scrumptious price. Happy holidays to you.

“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged appliances, best, buy, deal, furnishings, homeowner, materials, mattresses, month, time, tools | Comments Off

You Only Think It’s True: 10 Myths Costing You Time and Money

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Brittany Icayan

Save your cash for more important things, like, you know, your mortgage.

home maintenance myths that cost money man holding a money bag between a miniature yellow house split in half — Image: PM Images/Getty

You can’t swing a tool belt without hitting a website or TV network offering tips on taking care of your digs. Save money by watering your lawn at night! No, water it in the morning! No, dig it up and replace it with a drought-hardy meadow!

Throw in the info you pick up from well-meaning friends, and there’s a sea of home care truisms out there, some of which can sink your budget.

Myth 1: Stone Countertops Are Indestructible

A cracked gray and pink marble stone countertop — Image: Marble Lite Inc.

Fact: Even rock can be damaged.

Marble, quartz, travertine, soapstone, and limestone can all be stained. Regular household cleaners can dull their surfaces over time. And marble is maddeningly fragile — it’s the prima donna of stone.

Marble is easy to scratch. It’s easy to stain. Here’s the worst part: Mildly acidic substances like soda, coffee, lemon juice, even hard water will eat into marble, creating a cloudy, dull spot in a process known as etching.

“Spill a glass of wine on a marble counter and go to bed without cleaning it. The next morning you’ll have a problem,” says Louwrens Mulder, owner of Superior Stone in Knoxville, Tenn.

And while stone counters won’t crack under a hot pot, such direct heat can discolor quartz or marble, says Mulder. So be nice to your counters, no matter what they’re made of. And note that the best rock for your buck is granite. “It doesn’t stain or scratch. It’s tough because it’s volcanic rock,” Mulder says. Which means it can stand up to all the merlot and barbecue sauce you can spill on it.

Myth 2: Your Smoke Detector’s Test Button Is Foolproof

home maintenance myths that cost money a lit burning match held up to an outdated smoke detector — Image: Maggie Stuart for HouseLogic

Fact: The test button doesn’t tell you what you really need to know.

Yes, check your smoke detector twice a year. But all that test button will tell you is whether the alarm sound is working, not if the sensor that detects smoke is working. Pretty key difference there.

The best way to check your device is with real smoke. Light a long, wooden kitchen match; blow it out; and hold it near the unit. If the smoke sets off the alarm, it’s working. Replace the batteries if the smoke doesn’t set off the alarm. If the smoke detector still doesn’t work after that, you need a new one. And replace those batteries once a year anyway, because dead batteries are the No. 1 reason smoke detectors fail.

Myth 3: Gutter Guards Are Maintenance-Free

Fact: You gotta clean gutter guards, too.

Gutter guards keep out leaves, but small debris like seeds, pine straw, and flower buds will still get through.

Gutter guards can lessen your work, though — sometimes a lot. Instead of shoveling out wheelbarrow loads of leaves and other crap twice a year, you might just need to clean them every two years. But if there are lots of trees in your yard, once a year might be necessary.

Myth 4: A Lemon Is a Great Way to Clean a Disposal

Lemons ready to be added to a disposal — Image: Anne Arntson for HouseLogic

Fact: While wanting to use natural cleaners is admirable, most of them will damage your disposal and pipes over time.

The lemon’s acidic juice will corrode the metal parts of your disposal. The mixture of salt and ice contains metal-eating acid, too. The coffee grounds are abrasive enough to clean the gunk off the blades and make it smell like a cup of Americano, but they’ll accumulate in pipes and clog them.

The best natural cleaner for your disposal is good old baking soda. It’s mildly abrasive, so it will clean the blades. But it’s a base, not an acid, and won’t damage the metal. Best of all, a box with enough baking soda big enough to clean your disposal twice costs about a buck.

Myth 5: Mowing Your Lawn Super Short Means You’ll Mow Less Often

Fact: You might not have to mow as often, but your lawn will look like awful.

Cut that grass under an inch high, and you’ll never have to mow again because your grass will die. Mowing a lawn down to the root — a screwup known as scalping — is like cutting all the leaves off a plant.

Grass blades make and store your lawn’s energy. Removing more than a third of the length of the blade will leave your grass too weak to withstand weeds and pests. It also exposes the roots to the sun, causing the lawn to dry out quickly. Leave one to three inches of grass above the roots to keep your lawn lush.

Myth 6: CFLs Cost Too Much and Are Dangerous

Fact: CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) have come down in price since they first hit the market and don’t contain enough mercury to cause any harm.

You can buy a package now for less than $3. And replacing one incandescent bulb with a CFL will save nearly $40 a year for the life of the bulb in replacement costs alone, says Save on Energy. The major benefits of an Energy Star-rated CFL include using about 75% less energy than a standard incandescent and lasting up to 10 times longer.

And CFLs are a safe option. Using CFLs (and other fluorescent bulbs) instead of incandescent bulbs lowers your exposure to mercury indirectly, because they use less electricity than incandescent bulbs. That means the coal-fired power plants that spew mercury into the air each year won’t have to run as long to keep our houses lit. Fewer toxins, lower power bills. What’s not to love?

Myth 7: A Trendy Kitchen Redo Will Increase My Home’s Value

home maintenance myths that cost money HDR shot of an outdated kitchen with wood paneling and avocado-green counters old appliances and light fixtures — Image: Martin Deja/Getty

Fact: Décor trends come and go as fast as viral videos.

Remember those Tuscan-style kitchens with mustard gold walls, ornate cabinets, and medieval-looking light fixtures that were the must-have of the late ’90s and early aughts?

Today, they’re as dated as flip phones. Instead of remodeling in the latest look, which costs an average $45,000, according the the National Association of REALTORS® “Remodeling Impact Report,” try repainting in on-trend colors, which costs $600 to $1,320, according to FixR. If you do opt for a full remodel, choose elements like Shaker cabinets, wood floors, and subway tile, a timeless style you’ll love 10 years from now.

Myth 8: A Contractor Recommendation from a Friend Is Good Enough

Fact: Good contractors have more than just your buddy to vouch for them.

Your neighbor’s rec is a good start, but talk to a couple of sources before you hire anyone. Check the contractor’s reviews on Angie’s List or other online rating sites.

Ask a local building inspector which contractors meet code on the properties they inspect. Ask the contractor for the names of past clients you can talk to, how many other projects they have going, how long they’ve worked with their subcontractors, and if they routinely do projects the size of yours.

Look at this as a job interview where the contractor is an applicant and you’re the hiring manager. Make them show you they’re the one for the work.

Myth 9: Turning Off Your AC When You Leave Saves Energy

Fact: Turning off the air conditioner when you leave could actually cost you money.

That’s because when you turn it back on, all your savings will be lost as the unit works overtime to cool your hot house. A better way to save on utilities is to turn the thermostat up or down (depending on the season) 5 to 10 degrees when you leave, says home improvement expert Danny Lipford of TodaysHomeowner.com.

And the best option? “Install a programmable thermostat,” he says. Even better, buy one you can control remotely with your smartphone and adjust the temperature before you get home. Because thermostats you have to touch are so 1998.

Myth 10: Permits? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Permits

Fact: You do.

Let’s say your neighbor’s brother-in-law, Cecil, is an electrician. Cecil can rewire your kitchen in a weekend because he won’t inconvenience you with a permit. Should you hire Cecil? No. Building codes protect you. From Cecil. Getting a permit means an inspector will check his work to make sure he didn’t screw up.

Plus, if your house burns down in an electrical fire and your insurance company finds out the work was done without a permit, it won’t cover your loss. Check with your local planning or building department to find out if your project needs a permit. If it does, get one.

“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged clean, cost, maintenance, myths, recommendations, test, time, tips, trends, value | Comments Off

Roofing: Repair or Replace?

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Brittany Icayan

Deciding whether to repair or replace roofing is largely an exercise in timing — you don’t want to reroof too soon and waste money, but you don’t want to wait too long either.

old-roof-repair-replace-white-house-damaged-shingles — Image: MICHELANGELOBOY/Getty

Eventually, all roofs wear out and need to be replaced. In a tight economy, the decision about when to repair it is especially weighty. If you do it too soon, you’ll waste money. But if you wait too long, you’ll end up with leaks and expensive water damage. To get the timing right, you need to know how to assess your roof’s overall condition. That way, you can identify early signs of roof failure.

A new roof was the exterior remodeling project with the highest ROI (tying with a new garage door), according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2022 “Remodeling Impact Report.”® The ROI came in at $12,000, matching the project’s $12,000 average national cost. More than half of the consumers surveyed said they invested in a new roof because they wanted to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials. They were happy with the results, giving the project a joy score of 9.2 out of 10.

Despite those impressive stats, if most of your roof is still in good shape, a spot repair makes sense. But if the roof shows signs of wearing out or is more than 20 years old, replacing it may be the smarter choice.

Be Alert to Early Signs of a Roof Leak

If you check your roof’s condition at least annually, you should be able to plan for necessary repairs. Early signs of trouble include:

Dark areas on ceilings
Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs
Damp spots alongside fireplaces
Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace

From the outside, you can assess your roof’s health by viewing it through binoculars. Warning signs include:

Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing
Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering
Worn areas around chimneys, pipes, and skylights

If you find piles of grit from asphalt roof tiles in the gutters, that’s a bad sign. The granules shield the roof from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Black algae stains are just cosmetic, but masses of moss and lichen could signal decay underneath the roof.

If you’re inspecting on your own and find worrisome signs, get a professional assessment. That’s an especially good idea if the roof is old or there has been a storm with heavy wind or hail. The national average cost is $210. Some roofing companies will do a very basic inspection for free before performing the work. Certified roof professionals from the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association charge based on the market.

When Repairs Make Sense

You can usually repair a leak in a roof that is otherwise sound. The cost might range from $10 if you just need to squirt some roofing mastic into a gap alongside chimney flashing, to $300 to $1,000 to fix a leak in a roof valley. If something sudden and unforeseen, like a windstorm, causes a leak to appear, your homeowner’s insurance will probably cover the repairs. But you’re still responsible for limiting the damage, so put out buckets and try to get a local roofer to spread a tarp while you arrange for repairs. Insurance may not cover problems that stem from a worn-out roof or lack of maintenance.

The Cost of Re-roofing

Stripping off old roofing and starting over typically costs about $4 a square foot for an asphalt roof on a one-story house with no penetrations or valleys. Or, you may be able to leave an existing single layer and add a second layer on top of it. A roof overlay is significantly less expensive and could cost 20% to 40% less than a replacement. This might seem like a smart way to save, but unless you’re so pressed for cash that your only other option is to risk leaks, it’s false economy.

The second layer won’t last as long — only about 15 years rather than the standard 20. And you won’t get new flashing or underlayment or the opportunity to upgrade to features that make a roof stronger. Plus, when you sell, your re-covered roof will look a little lumpy, and potential buyers may interpret the two layers as a sign that other home improvements were also done on the cheap.

Make Sure to Factor in Hidden Costs

When you evaluate bids, don’t just look at the total. A bare-bones estimate might include a single layer of 15-pound building paper under the roofing. However, a better but more expensive bid includes 30-pound paper plus self-stick rubbery material along the eaves to protect against damage from ice dams. Bids might also differ in whether they include the cost of disposing of the old roofing, hourly rates for structural repairs, and gutter-related costs.

Once you settle on a contractor, check whether the company is licensed and insured. Also discuss how the crew will minimize landscaping damage and who will pay for any that occurs. Schedule the roof work during dry weather if possible, so your lawn takes less of a beating. You’ll sleep better, too, if you’re not worrying about rain coming in when the roof is half-done.

Get the Most From a New Roof

A new roof isn’t something most families are thrilled to buy. But getting multiple benefits from it makes it easier to shell out the money. As part of a new roofing project, you can incorporate many features that make your home more environmentally friendly. Some of those may qualify for a federal tax credit to offset the cost, using IRS Form 5965. You can also choose roofing that’s more resistant to fire or damage from wind and hail. And that may qualify you for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged cost, factors, repairs, replace, roof, roofing | Comments Off

How to Update Your Garage Floor

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Brittany Icayan

New garage flooring is an easy fix — pick the right option for how you’ll use the space.

three car garage attached to a home that is well organized with shelves, bicycle racks work area and storage cabinets. There is a flat screen tv on the wall. there are no cars in the garage. — Image: JodiJacobson/Getty

You can make your garage look a lot better by updating just the floors. Yes, garages deserve love, too. And new garage flooring is a relatively simple improvement that can make a big difference in how the space looks and functions. Sure, concrete slab floors are functional, but other garage flooring ideas are more stylish and can boost your home’s overall value.

Choosing the right garage flooring depends on how you intend to use your garage and how it’s built. So, whether you plan to turn your garage into a workspace, a man cave, or an art studio, there’s a garage floor covering designed for that use.

Here are some considerations when you’re choosing garage flooring. We’ll also help you pick the best flooring for your garage makeover by weighing the benefits and costs of popular options like garage floor epoxy, interlocking tiles, paint, and vinyl sheets. Let’s go!

Factors to Consider When Selecting Garage Flooring

Before you choose garage flooring, think about how you intend to use the space, the climate where you live, and your budget.

How You Use Your Garage

What you’re going to do in your garage is the biggest consideration when you’re sifting through garage flooring ideas. If you plan to park your vehicles or repair them in there — you know, use your garage for cars — you’ll want garage flooring tough enough to withstand tire skid marks and oil spills. If you plan on leaving your cars in the driveway and using your garage as an extension of your home — a place to watch movies, shoot pool, or let the kids have sleepovers — you can choose flooring meant for human use. Think carpet or tile.

Or maybe you’re going for an in-between option, where you turn your garage into an art studio or workshop. Define your goals before you start shopping for garage flooring.

Weather Conditions

If your garage isn’t climate controlled and will experience major temperature changes or exposure to moisture, choose tough flooring. Pick a surface that can resist mold, mildew, and cracking caused by extreme temperature swings.

Keep the climate in mind when installing garage flooring, too. Most garage floor installs go better when the materials are warm. So, if you’re installing your flooring in fall or spring, bring the materials inside to warm up overnight before laying the floor.

Floor Conditions

Take a look at the condition of your garage floor right now. If the concrete floor has cracks, stains, or moisture issues, you’ll need to clean and repair it before putting in a new floor. Existing oil and grease stains almost always bleed through a new coat of paint. And no floor material will get rid of moisture coming in through the doors or up through the floor.

The condition of your existing floor will determine the scope of the project and impact your garage flooring options.

Installation and Maintenance Costs

You’re not made of money, so keep your budget in mind as you shop materials and contractors. Get quotes from at least three companies so you can price shop and make the best decision when choosing one to do the work.

Be aware of what the maintenance costs will be on your new garage flooring, too. Flooring that’s cheap to install initially (hello, standard latex floor paint) may cost you more in the long run if it doesn’t last or requires a lot of upkeep.

Best Garage Flooring Options

You can choose between coatings and coverings, paints, stains, carpets, floor mats, or tiles. Here are some pros and cons of popular garage flooring options. 

Garage Floor Concrete Sealer

Concrete sealers can protect your garage floor from weather, oil spills, moisture, and water. The types of floor sealers are penetrating sealers, acrylics, polyurethanes, and epoxies.  

Benefits

These sealers repel moisture and extend the life of concrete garage flooring. They also help your floor resist stains so cleanup is easy when your 14-year-old spills lawnmower oil on the garage floor.

Square Foot Costs

The price of a concrete sealer depends on the type. A basic sealer can cost 15 cents to 25 cents per square foot, while a high-end sealer can run up to $2.50 per square foot.

Garage Floor Epoxy Coating

An epoxy coating is a two-part treatment applied to the top of your garage floor, much like paint. But epoxy coating is tougher than paint because it contains a resin and hardener that combine to form a durable shield for your garage flooring.

Epoxy coating comes in several designs and color options. Some contractors add mica or quartz to give the coating a speckled look or metallic sheen.

Benefits

Since epoxy coating can go on top of your existing garage flooring — assuming the floor’s in good repair — it’s more affordable than tile or vinyl. 

Epoxy can cover minor defects and imperfections in the floor. It also protects your floor from cracking, staining, and moisture damage.

Square Foot Costs

Epoxy flooring ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot.

Garage Floor Concrete Stain

Concrete stain gives your garage flooring an aesthetically pleasing marble effect. It makes the floor look like natural stone instead of poured concrete. It’s a good choice if you plan to use the garage as a living area or a studio. The application process is straightforward, but concrete stain needs to be refreshed regularly to protect your floors and maintain their looks over time. 

Concrete stain is either water-based or acid-based. 

Water-based

Water-based concrete stain comes in more colors and dries quickly. It contains fewer toxic chemicals, so it’s better for you and the planet. You need to use a concrete sealer with a water-based stain to increase its longevity. 

Acid-Based

Acid-based concrete stains create a chemical reaction that will alter the look of your concrete. So, the final appearance can be a bit hard to control. For this reason, applying acid stain to a garage floor isn’t a job for a first-time DIYer. However, acid stain lasts longer than a water-based stain and doesn’t need a sealant. So, while you’ll need to pay a pro to install acid stain, you’ll have less long-term maintenance.

Benefits

Concrete stains are fire resistant and low maintenance. Stained garage floors are durable and long-lasting because the stain penetrates the concrete surface rather than sitting on top of it.

Square Foot Costs

The cost of concrete stain is around $2,000 for a 200-square-foot space — about $10 a square foot.

Garage Floor Paint Coatings

Paint can give your garage floors a protective, attractive finish. It’s a good choice because you can DIY. You don’t need to pay a pro to roll a few coats of paint on your floors.

You can use latex or acrylic paint. 

Latex

Latex paint is water-based and contains a small amount of acrylic resin. It costs less than epoxy or acrylic paint, dries quickly, and doesn’t have harsh fumes. Latex paint won’t offer your floors much protection from weather or stand up to parked cars. So, it’s a good choice for a garage that will be used as a converted living space and won’t be exposed to the elements. 

Acrylic

Acrylic paint is easy to apply and has a higher acrylic resin content, so it’s less likely to crack and chip over time. It’s more durable than latex paint, but it costs more. Acrylic paint also doesn’t fade in sunlight, so colors stay brighter longer. 

Garage Floor Interlocking Flexible Tiles

Interlocking flexible tiles are another flooring option to give a garage a facelift. They’re a good choice for a garage with a concrete slab that’s badly stained or cracked. Tiles are available in hard plastic or polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, and are easy to install. A reasonably handy person could DIY.

Rubber PVC Garage Tiles

These tiles are watertight (not waterproof) and resist mold and mildew.

Plastic Garage Tiles

Plastic garage tiles are made of high-impact polypropylene and come in a range of styles and colors. They allow for air and water drainage underneath, so they’re a good pick for a humid climate. They can withstand the wear and tear of vehicles pulling in and out of your garage. 

Benefits

Installing interlocking is simple. They lock in place, and the job requires minimal tools. If you decide to DIY, you can save money. You can also customize the design for your garage floors with tiles. For example, you can pick different color schemes — like a checkerboard pattern — that will protect your garage floor and give the space some design chops.

Square Foot Costs

Interlocking garage tiles cost $2 per square foot to $20 per square foot, depending on the material’s thickness.

Garage Flooring Mats

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to upgrade a garage is to roll out mats made from rubber or PVC. Like garage tiles, garage floor mats come in different styles and colors, and they can be installed over concrete floors that have minor stains or damage with no prep work. Some mats are like rugs while others are like padded gym mats.

Benefits

Garage floor mats are super easy to install, easy to clean, and durable. You can totally DIY. They also resist oil, chemicals, and stains, so they’ll protect your garage floors. 

Flooring mats warm up a garage a bit by insulating those cold concrete floors, so they’re a good choice if you use your garage as a yoga studio, a workshop or something other than parking space. Garage floor mats can also absorb sound.

Square Foot Costs

Most garage mats cost $3 to $10 per square foot.

Garage Flooring Vinyl Sheet

Vinyl sheet flooring is an economical, durable option for your garage. It resists stains, scuffs, and scratches,k and you can install it easily and quickly.

Benefits

Vinyl sheet flooring resists water, oil, salt, antifreeze, grease, and chemicals. To install it, you just cut it to size with scissors or a knife and roll it out. There’s no need to hire a pro. To clean it, just hose it off.

Square Foot Costs

The square foot cost of sheet vinyl for your garage ranges from $1 to $5. 

Other Garage Remodel Ideas When Your Floor Is Finished

Once your new garage floor covering is in place, you’ll have a solid foundation for making other improvements. How about converting your garage into a living space or home gym? Or  creating a simple garage workshop  where you can do woodworking and art projects?

A finished garage — one that’s been cleaned, glammed up, and organized — makes your home a nicer place to live. And while a finished garage may not add much to an appraisal outright — you have to do a full conversion and hook the garage up to a climate control system to directly impact the appraisal — it does add a wow factor that could impress buyers.

So, whether you opt for a finished garage that’s an attractive and functional indoor-outdoor space, or a fully converted garage that extends your home’s indoor living area, a new garage floor is a good first step.

“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”

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9 Stunning Trees with Colorful Curb Appeal

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Brittany Icayan

These no-fuss knockouts will claim center stage each autumn.

bright leaves of gold orange yellow red and green of a Sugar Maple autumn foliage on the branches and across the green grass along a white picket fence — Image: Adria Photography/Getty

Japanese Maple

vibrant red leaves on the branches and around the trunk of a Japanese Maple in late fall on the front lawn of a split level house with white siding and red brick — ***Acer palmatum***

Height: 15-25 feet
Spread: 20 feet
Zones: 5-8
Fall color: Maroon to orange
Care: Plant in dappled shade so delicate leaves won’t burn in summer; not particular about its soil; keep moisture consistent, especially during dry spells.
Value add: Slow-growing (it won’t outgrow its home); great planted alone or in groups; songbirds, squirrels, and chipmunks love the seeds.

Vine Maple

Height: 15 feet
Spread: 20 feet
Zones: 6-9
Fall color: Yellow, orange, red
Care: Plant in shade (though it will take full sun); keep soil moist; prune often to prevent branches from running wild.
Value add: Unusual arching and twisting branches that provide year-round interest and curb appeal; good for urban gardens and large containers; usually pest- and disease-free.

Viburnum

Height: 6-10 feet
Spread: 6-10 feet
Zones: 5-9
Fall color: Maroon to red-purple
Care: Likes partial shade to full sun; prefers moist loam but grows in a wide range of soil types.
Value add: Versatile tree; good as an accent, foundation, border, or street-side planting; edible (but acidic) blue-purple berries.

Paper Birch

Height: 50-70 feet
Spread: 35 feet
Zones: 2-7
Fall color: Bright yellow
Care: Keep moist and mulched, especially in high heat and low-water conditions.
Value add: Year-round interest from dark red bark on young stems that turns creamy white on mature trunks; tap the trunk in spring for sap you can make into beer, syrup, and vinegar.

Sugar Maple

Height: 60-75 feet
Spread: 40-50 feet
Zones: 3-8
Fall color: Red, orange, gold
Care: Likes fertile, moist, well-draining soil; avoid planting near streets, because it’s salt-sensitive.
Value add: Long-living, up to 500 years; lots of shade from its dense crown; syrup from sap in spring.

Smoketree

Height: 10-15 feet
Spread: 12 feet
Zones: 5-8
Fall color: Magenta and purple
Care: Thrives in diverse, well-draining soil; likes a sunny home best.
Value add: Deer resistant; stunning accent tree or colorful shrub border; unusual wispy pink blooms in spring.

Katsura Tree

Height: 40-60 feet
Spread: 25-60 feet
Zones: 4-8
Fall color: Orange, gold, red
Care: OK, this one needs some special care — protection from wind and hot afternoon rays. But its unusual, open spread of up to 60 feet makes it worth the effort.
Value add: Fallen leaves can smell like cinnamon or burnt sugar — yummy!

Sourwood

Height: 25-30 feet
Spread: 20 feet
Zones: 5-9
Fall color: Scarlet, purple foliage; silvery capsules
Care: Likes acidic and rich soil; keep moist.
Value add: Capsules provide winter interest, too; tree attracts bees that produce prized sourwood honey.

Scarlet Oak

Height: 50-70 feet
Spread: 40-50 feet
Zones: 4-9
Fall color: Bright scarlet
Care: Plant in dry-to-average, well-draining soil; even tolerates sandy conditions. Give it plenty of room to grow.
Value add: Fast growing; grind its acorns to thicken stews; large songbirds and wild turkeys love it.

“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”

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Air-Purifying House Plants

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Brittany Icayan

The most colorful and best-smelling house plants.

Illustration of a woman with air-purifying houseplants — Image: HouseLogic

Many air-purifying house plants put out their own sweet smell while removing the nasty ones that make your nose curl.

But just to clarify, while NASA confirms these plants do tackle toxins, they aren’t a cure-all for our homes here on earth. They’ll remove some toxins, but since our homes aren’t airtight (unlike NASA’s space abodes), they can’t remove everything because the air is constantly changing.

But don’t let that put you off. These air-purifying plants can make a difference in your home with their sweet scents. Here are a few to get you started.

Houseplants to Make Your Home Smell Good infographic — Image: HouseLogic

Air-purifying plants and their scents:

Jasmine has a sweet aroma that can calm you
Lavender is great at making you sleepy
Rosemary can help you focus and work smarter
Sharry Baby Orchid smells like chocolate. Delicious!
Mother-in-Law Tongue turns carbon monoxide into oxygen
Devil’s Ivy, also known as pothos, can cleanse the air of toxic fumes like glue and paint
Mums tackle one of the toughest toxins: cigarette smoke.
Peace Lily can reduce those annoying “new” odors from upholstery and carpet.

“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”

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13 Small (and Affordable) Home Upgrades for Big Impact

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Brittany Icayan

Transform your home into a beautifully designed space — without the spendy price tag.

front exterior trendy home with brick and white siding has large red house numbers painted on black garage door — Image: grandriver/Getty

Home improvement pros and DIYers tout a fresh coat of paint as a favorite among low-cost home upgrades that can make a huge impact. But what else can you do to accessorize and decorate? Sometimes the little things can make a bigger difference than you’d think.

Professionals share the following easy and low-cost home upgrades to add a designer’s touch all around the house. These projects may even help increase your home’s perceived value.

For the Bathroom

white macrame plant hanger with yellow pot holding green plant next to tub and with candles in bathroom — Image: LaperladiLabuan/Getty

1. Frame It

Estimated cost: starting around $100

That edgeless, builder-grade mirror hanging above the bathroom vanity may be prime for an update. Jessica Love, an interior designer with Urbane Design in Austin, Texas, suggests using DIY frame kits, like the ones from MirrorMate. Measure the mirror and choose from numerous frame styles and materials, like wooden walnut or shiny brass. The frame kit includes clips and metal strips to attach to the existing mirror. A once-forgettable mirror instantly looks customized and styled to the space, Love says.

2. Infuse Some Green

Estimated cost: $5 and up

Simply adding greenery can liven up bathroom spaces and soften harsh lines from all the heavy fixtures, designers say. Try a statement plant on the floor, like the vertical sword-shaped leaves of a snake plant or the feathery foliage from a bird’s nest fern. Or you could incorporate smaller plants, like a mini aloe in a white ceramic planter or an iron fern in a rounded marble vase.

Many renovators say they’re incorporating greenery to update their bathrooms for aesthetics, air purification, and odor-fighting abilities, according to the 2022 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, a survey of 2,500-plus remodeling homeowners. Tight on space? Love suggests topping a shelf or vanity counter with an air-purifying indoor plant on a natural tray (for texture) along with a favorite candle.

3. Modernize Hardware

Estimated cost: hardware starting at about $2 apiece, faucets for $200 or less

Just swapping out the faucets and drawer pulls is a small home upgrade that can refresh an outdated bathroom. Try trendy gold or black cabinet pulls or a modern boxy-style faucet. “Mixed metals are trending right now,” Love says. “We’re seeing black with brass and brass with chrome.” Love’s favorite resource for inspiration is Build.com, which features a variety of manufacturers and styles.

4. Soften the Lights

Estimated cost: about $100 or less apiece ($40 to $120 per fixture for installation by an electrician)

Wall sconces can warm up the bathroom lighting, says interior designer Jessica Nelson of Jessica Nelson Design in Seattle. She suggests wall sconces hung on each side of the vanity mirror in a black, brass, or chrome finish. The bulb color’s temperature is important, Nelson adds. “My sweet spot is between 2700K [Kelvin] and 3000K. I do not recommend going any cooler than that,” she says. “2700K is a crisp but warm white, and 3000K is my personal favorite. It’s a really soft warm light.”

For the Bedroom

gray blanket on gray bed with yellow pillow in updated bedroom interior with large wood framed mirror — Image: KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty

5. Add Molding to the Walls

Estimated cost: about $200, including a designer’s input

Installing molding on the walls behind the bed is an impressive home upgrade. Krisztina Bell, founder of No Vacancy Home Staging and Virtually Staging Properties in the Atlanta area, recently used black molding zigzagged across a wall to dress up a white, blank slate behind the bed frame. She says designers and woodworking artists are readily available on sites like Etsy.com (search under “professionally designed custom dimensional accent wall”). They will custom design a 3D digital model of the molding to fit your wall and provide an instruction packet, shopping list, and cutting and installation instructions so you can DIY.

6. Decorate With Mirrors

Estimated cost: $150 to $250

“I love adding a statement wall mirror to a bedroom,” says Channa Alvarez, interior designer and production designer at Living Spaces, a national furniture retailer in La Mirada, Calif. She suggests hanging a new mirror above a nightstand, dresser, chest, or bed. Try a mirror in an unusual shape, like a diamond, hexagon, or square silhouette. “If you’re itching for a redesign but don’t want to spend so much, a mirror is the perfect buy. It’s simple, affordable, and light-enhancing.”

For the Living Room

vintage black poufs in trendy living room with copper brown velvet couch has colorful pillows eclectic decor — Image: KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty

7. Texturize and Accessorize

Estimated cost: $50 to $150 to update a few accessories

“A room can appear one-dimensional when it’s missing texture,” says interior designer Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors in Lake Charles, La. Designers may add texture by incorporating dressers with fluted designs, chunky knit throws, velvet ottomans, or leather accent chairs. You can adapt that idea by scoping out items from other rooms in your house that you can mix in to the living room to add texture and depth. Or shop secondhand stores for small items you can refinish, repurpose, or re-cover. For example, re-covered accent pillows are an affordable way to add texture to your furniture.

“Perhaps the best thing about accent pillows is they’re an easy seasonal item, making your living room feel different without costing as much as a new furniture buy,” Alvarez adds. “Throw pillows are a great and inexpensive way to incorporate new trends or add color to your living room.” Also, functional accents — like a set of three seagrass baskets — can be great for a corner or near a fireplace, Alvarez says. Then, “place throw blankets in them to give the room a cozy, inviting feel.”

8. Wallpaper the Shelves

Estimated cost: about $50 for a small roll

For homeowners who may be too timid to jump on the wallpaper comeback trend, try it in small doses and with less commitment (especially when using a removable peel-and-stick type). Interior designer Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors in Tulsa, Okla., suggests adding wallpaper to the inside back of a bookcase or other shelving unit to dress it up. Recently, she used a jagged, striped gray-and-cream-colored wallpaper behind each shelf on an all-white built-in to add texture, color, and a more custom look.

For the Kitchen

organized kitchen pantry with food items in a variety of glass containers and storage bins — Image: onurdongel/Getty

9. Bring in Some Bling

Estimated cost: starting at $2 apiece for cabinet hardware, $60 to $150 for pendant lighting (extra $40 to $120 per fixture for installation by an electrician)

Don’t let an all-white kitchen become boring, Bell says. “Add industrial or contemporary black hardware and lighting to make a kitchen look more chic. Gold is trendy; or chrome, nickel, brushed silver, and stainless steel hardware and lighting are always safe bets,” she adds. Bell likes sites such as Overstock.com, Wayfair.com, or Amazon.com for affordable, stylish mid-century mod, industrial, or futuristic pendant lighting options.

For example, she used shiny gold canned pendants in an otherwise all-white kitchen to highlight the island. “Even just changing out one main fixture or series of pendants above a kitchen island can change the whole look of a room instantly without having to renovate the entire kitchen,” she says.

10. Dress Up the Pantry

Estimated cost: starting at $1 each for baskets and glass jars

Pantries have emerged as a kitchen favorite, so they’re a good choice for a home upgrade. They’re rated as essential or desirable by at least 80% of home shoppers, according to the National Association of Home Builders “What Home Buyers Really Want” consumer survey. Retailers such as the Container Store, Ikea, and Dollar General offer baskets and glass jars in all shapes and sizes.

“Invest in a label maker and go to town organizing your pantry so everything matches and looks almost decorative or too pretty to take snacks from,” Bell says. “This helps create visual order in the space too.” For example, stow pasta in a glass container, put the packaged bread and other products in shelf-sized baskets, and color coordinate the canned goods.

For Outdoors

11. Accentuate With Flower Boxes

Estimated cost: $150

Boxes filled with flowers along the bottom ledge of your outside windows can enhance your home’s architecture and colors. “Flower boxes have this cozy and charming feel,” says Jackie Mosher, co-founder of Dzinly, a company in Royal Oak, Mich., that helps homeowners and real estate professionals digitally design exteriors. “They can add interest, dimension, and some personality.” Fill them all year-round. Mosher suggests using three different types of flowers (for example, greenery, a taller plant in the center, and a colorful accent flower).

The size, proportion, and positioning of flower boxes are important; don’t overdo it, she adds. Not every window needs one. Maybe it’s just the large picture window or the windows on a second story. To test placement, Mosher suggests duct taping cardboard cutouts to the windows to view the possibilities before drilling any holes.

12. Swap Out Lighting Fixtures

Estimated cost: $200 to $250

Bring in a statement light above the front door for a functional and dramatic home upgrade. A hanging pendant or chandelier on the front porch isn’t just for extra illumination. It can enhance curb appeal, Mosher says. She suggests a fixture that’s about one-third or one-fourth the size of the front door (including the trim) and having it hang about 66 inches from the ground. “So many times, we hang them too high,” she says. “Let your front porch light be the loudest. The lights on the exterior should be your jewelry — your ‘wow.’”

If there’s no place for a pendant, upgrade the lights to the side of the door, such as with boxed lanterns in a black or antique bronze, she suggests. Her favorite site for inspiration: Bevolo.com, which recommends fixtures based on house style (modern, traditional, coastal, etc.).

13. Oversize the House Numbers

Estimated cost: $150 to $200

The home’s address numbers may seem insignificant for the outside design, but Mosher calls them one of her favorite inexpensive home upgrades. Large format, sleek black address numbers can add a modern vibe to a home, she says. “House numbers are like adding a statement watch to your outfit. It pulls it all together.”

The numbers can be in all-black or in colors, like even pink or teal, depending on the home’s style, she says. The placement varies too, from the side of the front door to above the garage or anywhere along the front. “These can become a focal point and add some flair,” she says. Mosher’s favorite site for inspiration for house numbers: Modernhousenumbers.com.

“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this.  Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged buyers, home, home improvements, home value, house, national association of realtors, real estate, realtor, small upgrades, updating your home | Comments Off

4 Things to Do in February to Avoid a Yucky Spring

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Brittany Icayan

A mud-remediation plan. That’s No. 1 on this short list.

image of cell phone reminder tasks for January to do this now with background of a heart stamped in snow — Image: Maggie Stuart for HouseLogic

That dark time when winter just won’t go is like that friend who can’t take a hint to leave.

Give a push with these four easy tasks that’ll help usher in spring.https://www.youtube.com/embed/IKUsLTerzzc?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1HouseLogic

#1 Deep-Clean Your Entryway

Snow. Salt. Boots. Shovels. Your entryway floors, baseboards, rugs, and more have had a rough few months. Give that smallest of rooms some deep cleaning love now, before the salt crust becomes a permanent part of your entryway decor in spring.

#2 Make an Anti-Mud Plan

Rainboots in a mud puddle — Image: Amanda Voelker/Offset

Mud may be the least of your frozen worries now, but it’s a-coming.

Be prepared with a remediation plan. With your yard in its frozen-tundra state, you can easily see the troublesome spots.

Research potential ground cover, like gravel, a rain garden, decorative rocks, or the right grass that’ll soak it up. Then you’ll be ready to execute your anti-mud plan the moment it’s warm enough — and do it in time to keep the mud at bay.

#3 Organize Your Cleaning Closets and Laundry Room

A bright white laundry room with washer and dryer — Image: A. Peltier Interiors Inc., designer | Bethany Nauert Photography, photographer

Before the madness of spring cleaning begins, organize (or even renovate!) your laundry room and clean closets or cupboards.

This will not only breathe new life into these often-ignored areas, but perfectly pampered cleaning stations can seriously rev up your spring cleaning motivation.

#4 Hail a Handyperson

Handyman painting the wall in a house — Image: Kathrin Ziegler/Getty

Spring and summer are peak handyperson seasons. Skip the surge pricing and the agony of waiting for callbacks by hiring someone now. At least for the indoor chores.

Plus, you may be surprised at what outdoor chores can be done.

You’ll be spring-ready before the first flower buds.

“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”

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Minimalist Organization Ideas to Declutter Your Home

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Brittany Icayan

9 minimalist home tips: things you need to start — or stop — doing right now.

Illustration of woman cleaning off her kitchen counters — Image: HouseLogic

A clean, clutter-free home is totally doable. Just follow the minimalist home tips in this infographic:

Infographic of minimalists guide for a clutter-free home — Image: HouseLogic

Minimalist Organization Ideas

It’s really about what you do — or don’t do.

Reduce duplicate items in your house. How many towels do you really need, after all? Allow two per person.
Minimize your storage space. It seems counterintuitive, but when we expand our space, we fill it up. Stop expanding. 🙂
Ignore trends. Focus on quality items that you’ll keep and use for years.
Toss something every time you buy something.
Borrow or rent things, such as tools, that you don’t need on a regular basis.
If you haven’t made the switch to digital records, do it now.
Simply buy less. Skip the BOGO deals.
Don’t use countertops for storage. Have a place for everything.
Declutter your finances, too. Get rid of debt. For example, if you make one, just one, extra house payment a year (make sure you indicate it’s for principal only), you can cut a 30-year mortgage in half.

“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”

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