Last month’s column featured 10 spring-cleaning tips for improving your home’s curb appeal. This month I offer 10 tips for improving the appearance and function of what can easily become the most unsightly room in your home: the garage.
Spring Cleaning: Clean Up Your Curb Appeal Act
Even though the weather of late might make us think otherwise, spring is officially here and with its arrival comes the urge to “spring clean.” But let’s not think only in terms of scrubbing and dusting, but also cleaning up your act in terms of curb appeal.
It has been said that “first impressions last.” So regardless of whether you are selling your home or planning on living in it for years to come, a clean, fresh, cared-for appearance from the street will attract buyers or make coming home at the end of the day a more pleasant experience.
Shed light, not tears: Build a better garden shed
If your lifestyle demands a bit more storage outside of your house and garage, you are in need of either a good purge or a good shed.
Seriously, many homeowners, especially those who want to actually park their cars in their garages, need an additional workshop space or spot for lawn and garden tools and equipment, bicycles, pool and patio paraphernalia, and other outdoor-related possessions. If a metal or vinyl prefab utility shed suits your needs and your budget, any home improvement center will have several from which to choose. But if you are looking to go a more custom route to add character to your outdoor space, please keep reading.Read more »
These kitchen storage solutions can be incorporated into existing space, a remodel or new construction
The hardest- working room in your home often presents the most storage challenges, but also the most storage opportunities.
Be smart about smartifying your home – it can get complicated
Ever since homes started getting smarter, “smart” has referred to rapidly evolving technological options for controlling virtually all of the systems in your home. Who thought, even five years ago, that we would be talking to an inanimate object named Alexa – and she would respond?
At its simplest, a “smart” product is one with an internet connection (in order to receive commands and software updates) that you can control with your phone or tablet or through a central hub (automation controller or bridge). These devices perform at least one of three functions: They sense, process and/or respond.
Exterior Siding and Cladding
Building or remodeling a home is usually based on space needs and aesthetics. One of the most public decisions regarding appearance is surely your choice of siding material. But I encourage you to also consider other factors when choosing this all-important material, especially factors like protection, durability and, realistically, how willing you are to maintain it. Also, if you have a homeowners association, your selection may require its approval. Following are more specific considerations, alphabetized by type of material:
Insulate: over, under and around
Proper insulation for our homes is an important cost, comfort and ecological consideration, regardless of the outdoor temperatures. But we tend to think more about insulation as the mercury starts to drop and frigid winds pick up. If you are building, remodeling or simply thinking of swapping out existing insulation in those areas of your home that are accessible, you will want to keep reading.
Air Conditioning: Creating a healthy and comfortable environment for your home
When we think of air conditioning, we think of cooling our home during our hot, humid summers here in Hampton Roads. It’s interesting to note that cooling has been around in one form or another for thousands of years. Early civilizations such as the Romans and others circulated water from their water sources within the walls of their buildings in addition to several other methods to help cool their buildings. Needless to say, modern air conditioning has been one of the major advances in science and technology that has allowed us to enjoy the comforts of living in our modern world.
Putting the ‘room’ in ‘mudrooms’
The term mudroom is a bit of a misnomer nowadays because, while these hardworking entry spaces see a lot of action, mud is seldom part of the picture.
Entryway tips for putting your best facade forward
An attractive front entrance to your home creates a first impression not unlike a smile: It is welcoming and revealing of what’s inside.
Sometimes, small, DIY-type solutions are all that are needed to spiff up this focal point of your home’s facade, but sometimes a more involved, contractor-driven solution is desired. Here we offer a few tips on both, as well as considerations for the front door itself.
