Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Renovating Your Home

5 Tips for Economically Renovating Your Home



Maybe you want to freshen up your house’s look before the long winters, or a home repair has been long overdue. Irrespective of the reason though, a home renovation plan can be both exciting and exhausting. What’s more, the work can be costly too.
In 2017, homeowners spent an average of $15,000 on house renovations. However, you need to take each step carefully if you’re on a tight budget. Let’s walk you through some simple tips to remodel your home economically:

1. Begin by cleaning up

As soon as the idea of home renovation pops in your mind, you need to hold your horses. This is because any design pointers that come to your brain at this point will be hazy. Thanks to the clutter, you cannot develop a crystal clear idea of what you want.
If you can’t do that, you can’t budget realistically. It details the very purpose of renovating your home reasonably. Therefore, start by cleaning your place thoroughly. Declutter and clear out what you don’t need.
Chances are that cleaning your space and rearranging the furniture can help you redesign your entire house. If your house is in good shape, only cleaning and moving things around can work to give your house a new look. If not, then this DIY project will help you visualize the home remodel that you want.

2. Set a realistic home renovation budget

Business Insider revealed that 61% of us don’t have a budget, but that won’t work if you aim to renovate your house on a shoestring budget. You need a budget, and while you are at it, you need a realistic budget.
This means that if you put yourself in utopia and estimate fairytale costs, you won’t be able to get anywhere with your home renovation plans. Hence, you need a fair estimate of what renovations you want in your house.
For instance, if you plan to spruce up your existing backyard, then you need to research the rough estimate of getting done all that you’ve in your mind. On average, Landscaping Network reports that a budget of $25,000 is typically dedicated to backyard renovation. A good contractor such as Terra Nova Landscaping can help you figure out the costs as per the revamps you want.

3. Decide what you want in advance

Budgeting means there is no room for a change of heart at the last minute. You also don’t get to be picky, saying that a certain color doesn’t look the way you anticipated it to, because such double-mindedness quickly adds to the costs.
The simple way to nip this unwelcome evil in the bud is to plan beforehand. Browse through the internet or flip through interior design magazines to get an idea of what you’re looking for. Turn Pinterest upside down if you have to while rooting around renovation ideas and trends, but do it before you seal the deal with your contractor.
Once you have a blueprint of what you want in your mind, you’ll be better able to map out your budget. Plus, you can save your money from going down the drain by saving yourself from buying things on impulse.

4. Get a black and white paint palette

You know that you need your home remodeled when the color leaches from your walls. Since you’re on a mission to give your house a new look on a tight budget, consider a black and white color palette.
Getting different colored palettes can add to the total cost. To counter that, go for the classic black and white that give your house a sophisticated look. Moreover, you can never go wrong with these colors because they are timeless.
Alternatively, choose a neutral color scheme for your rooms. It is a perfect pick because it offers you a lot of flexibility when it comes to decorating. This makes the neutral color scheme a budget-friendly choice because it allows you to add nearly any décor or accent color.

5. Think smaller home remodeling changes

Another smart tip to refurbish your house on a tight budget is to make small changes. While it’s nice to think of the big picture, it is useless to daydream about a new look for your house if you don’t have the cash to make the dream come true.
In such a case, making small changes can significantly change your house’s look. One way to do this is to renovate your house in sections. For instance, get your kitchen renovated this year and then save up and revamp your bedroom sometime later.
Or, you can make minor changes that make a big impact. For instance, change the hardware on the kitchen cabinets for a refreshed look instead of getting the cabinets replaced altogether. Similarly, change the rugs or curtains in your house for a different look.

Wrap up

Budgeting can be tough but not impossible. You can always stay within the limitations of your wallet by planning, making small changes, spending thoughtfully instead of impulsively, and doing some work yourself.

Northern Colorado Real Estate

PAUL ROSS NEWSLETTER


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Paul
As a current resident in Northern Colorado I am fully aware of the current market trends and what it takes to get a great deal on a listing or get top dollar for your current home. When it comes to getting the job done right, you can count on me.
I have a lot of connections within the Northern Colorado area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask me any questions you might have. This process is all about you and your needs. Real Estate is a big investment and I understand that. One thing you will get with me is a personal relationship, In the end, that goes a long way.
Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.
If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.
Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!
Paul Ross  970-217-3245
RESIDENT REALTY


RESIDENT REALTY





































SOURCE: REALTY TIMES/ WRITTEN BY VALENTINA CESTARI

Friday, September 21, 2018

Get Your Home Ready for Fall

Want to make sure your home is ready for fall? This fall project checklist will help you tackle 10 tasks that will protect your home and save you money.



 1. Repair Your Roof

Small roofing issues can turn into big problems if they’re not fixed ASAP. If your home has a few missing shingles or was subjected to nasty storms over the summer, it’s a good idea to have a pro inspect your roof for any potential problems.



 2. Fall Lawn Maintenance

If you want a green lawn in the summer, you need to properly prep it in the fall. Now is the time to aerate, rake, fertilize, weed and overseed your lawn. If you have underground sprinklers, have them blown out and winterized before the temperatures drop below freezing.


 3. Furnace Tune-Up

Just because your furnace is running smoothly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it tuned up. Having a heating pro take a look will ensure your furnace runs at peak efficiency throughout the winter. Having your furnace tuned is the key to keeping your overall utility costs down.


 4. Upgrade Your Windows

Tired of dealing with condensation, drafts and exorbitant heating bills? Now is the time to upgrade your windows. Besides improving the overall comfort of your home, new windows will also improve its looks and value.


 5. Increase Insulation

If you’re like many homeowners, you probably haven’t given a second thought to your home’s insulation. But neglecting your insulation can prove to be a costly mistake. Insufficient insulation is one of the biggest budget-busters when it comes to your utility bills.


 6. Interior Painting

Whether your interior walls are looking worse for wear or you simply want to change things up a bit, fall is a perfect time for painting.


 7. Carpet Cleaning

Regular cleaning will prolong the lifespan of your carpets. Consider hiring a professional if it has been awhile since your carpets’ last cleaning.


 8. Hire a Handyman

Your house is subjected to a lot of wear and tear throughout the year, which usually results in a few minor repairs. Hire a handyman to tackle any small problems around your home.


 9. Remodel Your Bathroom

Dreaming of remodeling your bathroom? Fall is the best time to finish your project before you have a house full of holiday guests.


 10. Clean Gutters

Fall means lots of debris in your gutters. Removing the leaves and other debris from your gutters will ensure proper water drainage and prevent damage to your roof and other parts of your home.


Northern Colorado Real Estate

PAUL ROSS NEWSLETTER












PaulYou will find a wealth of useful Northern Colorado Real Estate information for home buyers and sellers at my website! Before you buy or sell a home in Northern Colorado, be sure to either contact me or view the current market information here within my website.
 My web site is intended to supply you with the most recent Real Estate market information for Wellington, Fort Collins, Windsor and Loveland and the surrounding areas.
I feature a free, up to date and current NORTHERN COLORADO Real Estate search that will allow you to search just like an agent. There are many places out there to search, the challenge is finding a place that offers current listings like our website. All the data is fed directly from the MLS.
As a current resident in Northern Colorado I am fully aware of the current market trends and what it takes to get a great deal on a listing or get top dollar for your current home. When it comes to getting the job done right, you can count on me.
I have a lot of connections within the Northern Colorado area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask me any questions you might have. This process is all about you and your needs. Real Estate is a big investment and I understand that. One thing you will get with me is a personal relationship, In the end, that goes a long way.
Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.
If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.
Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!
Paul Ross  970-217-3245
RESIDENT REALTY











RESIDENT REALTY







































































































SOURCE: HOMEADVISOR / © Copyright 1999-2018, HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Stay Safe in a Flood

How to Stay Safe in a Flood —and Safeguard Your Home


All eyes are on Hurricane Florence and the ensuing flood this weekend, and if the devastation has you thinking about what you can do to protect yourself should you ever be in the path of a storm—or should you suffer a flood in your home for some other reason—this will help.
Many flood safety tips concentrate on what you can do to prevent one, but the most immediate concern for those who are in the path of rising waters is what to do to remain safe, protect others, and maybe even safeguard their cherished things at that very moment.

The most important tip to Stay Safe in a Flood

The single most important thing to do leading up to any storm in which flooding is a concern is to listen to officials. Heed warnings to evacuate; as we have seen in countless other storms and during the coverage of Hurricane Florence, those who stay behind put themselves, and those who then have to attempt rescues, in danger, and use up resources that are needed elsewhere.

Stock up on food and essential items

Let images of empty bread shelves in the days before a serious storm hits be a warning: The grocery store is going to be ravaged. Be the one to do the ravaging before everyone else gets there so you’re stocked up should roads be impassible and stores be inaccessible for a period of time.
“Once there’s a hurricane warning, don’t wait until the last minute to buy groceries,” said National Flood Experts. “Stock up on non-perishables, water, and basic first aid items. Failing to do this will probably ensure that by the time you get to the store, you’ll be met with empty shelves. While you’re at it, also buy an external battery pack for your cell phone.”

Make your home as safe as possible

Hidden dangers in your house could prove disastrous during a flood. “If a flood is imminent, take the following steps as soon as it’s safe: Shut off electrical, furnace, gas and water, and disconnect appliances if safe,” said The Co-Operators. “Move valuables from the basement to upper floors. Raise large appliances up on wood or cement blocks. If items can’t be raised, consider anchoring them and protecting them with a floodwall or shield.”

Get to higher ground

If you happen to be out on the road when flooding occurs, “get to higher ground,” said Weather.gov. “Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, drainage ditches, canyons, washes etc.”
If you’re at home, go to a second or third story. In some cases, you may need to go even higher to escape the rising tide. During 2017’s historic flooding in Houston, officials made it a point to discourage anyone from entering the attic, and climbing onto the roof instead.
“Officials are advising people to get on the roof of their home to escape extreme flooding inside,” said WeatherNation. “Those trying to escape the floodwater in their homes are instructed not to stay in the attic, because you could become trapped.”

Take your emergency supplies

You don’t want to get stuck on the roof of your home with no emergency supplies and no way to communicate that you’re in danger. As you move to higher ground, bring your emergency stash with you, if you can do so safely. And remember: Don’t risk your life going back for things that can be replaced. According to Esurance, a flood kit should include: “three days’ worth of water (one gallon of water per person, per day), three days’ worth of non-perishable food, a hand-crank radio, which also operates as a flashlight and cell phone charger (these are manually powered and can be purchased at most electronic stores), a flashlight and extra batteries, and a first-aid kit.” You can see the rest of the list here.

Tread lightly

Once the waters recede, the danger isn’t over. In fact, the condition your home is in could be hazardous to your health. “The initial damage caused by a flood is not the only risk. Standing flood waters can also spread infectious diseases, bring chemical hazards, and cause injuries,” said the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “After you return home, if you find that your home was flooded, practice safe cleaning. Remove and throw out drywall and insulation that was contaminated with flood water or sewage. Throw out items that cannot be washed and cleaned with a bleach solution: mattresses, pillows, carpeting, carpet padding, and stuffed toys. Homeowners may want to temporarily store items outside of the home until insurance claims can be filed. Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water.”

PAUL ROSS NEWSLETTER


Sign up here to get on our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter with seasonal home advice & tips!




You will find a wealth of useful Northern Colorado Real Estate information for home buyers and sellers at my website! Before you buy or sell a home in Northern Colorado, be sure to either contact me or view the current market information here within my website.

Paul Ross Northern Colorado Real Estate

My web site is intended to supply you with the most recent Real Estate market information for Wellington, Fort Collins, Windsor and Loveland and the surrounding areas.
I feature a free, up to date and current NORTHERN COLORADO Real Estate search that will allow you to search just like an agent. There are many places out there to search, the challenge is finding a place that offers current listings like our website. All the data is fed directly from the MLS.
As a current resident in Northern Colorado I am fully aware of the current market trends and what it takes to get a great deal on a listing or get top dollar for your current home. When it comes to getting the job done right, you can count on me.
I have a lot of connections within the Northern Colorado area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask me any questions you might have. This process is all about you and your needs. Real Estate is a big investment and I understand that. One thing you will get with me is a personal relationship, In the end, that goes a long way.
Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.
If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.
Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!
Paul Ross  970-217-3245
RESIDENT REALTY


RESIDENT REALTY

















SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI