10 Simple Comforts Every Houseguest Will Adore You For!

November 11, 2017

By: Lisa Rogak

Never underestimate the power of an extra iPhone charger.

You’re expecting houseguests. Fun! You want them to feel welcome, comfortable, and — dare we say it? — maybe even a tad envious of your hosting prowess.

No need to moonlight at hospitality school. We asked Airbnb hosts with tons of great reviews on their cozy bungalows and light-filled island condos for some quick, easy (and cheap!) ideas to turn your guest quarters into a vacation haven. Be careful, though – your guests may not want to leave!

#1 Stock Up on Extra Chargers and Cords:

A dead phone equals getaway misery. Airbnb host Valarie D’Elia sets out a bowl with power strips and cords, outlet converters, and even an iHome speaker. Nothing sets the stage for feeling at home IRL like feeling at home digitally.

And that includes posting your Wi-Fi name and password in the guest room so they don’t have to bug you.

#2 Offer Sample-Size Toiletries in Your Bathroom:

Put your stockpile of Sephora samples and hotel toiletries to good use. Tiny shampoos and lotions arranged in a basket or vintage apothecary jar are as welcoming as they are practical. Guests will be relieved if they forgot their own, but even if they didn’t, they’ll love the luxury of washing their hair on the house.

#3 Raise Your Cleanliness Standards:

When you miss a dust bunny at home, it’s just your own skin flakes and dried up sneezes in your own corner. To guests, it’s disgusting at best and insulting at worst.

So clean it all. Airbnb even tells hosts to scrub the entire bathroom, not once but twice, including the toilet, sink, bath, and floors after every guest.

“We make sure you can smell the cleaner,” says Cheryl Trotta, who rents out her vintage bayside cottage in Warwick, R.I.

#4 Give It Your Personal Touch:

People choose Airbnbs over sterile hotel rooms because, in part, they want an authentic, personal experience.

So give it to them!

Trotta intentionally markets her rental as a family cottage and scatters pictures and family treasures throughout the cottage. Frame a couple of your childhood photos and hang them up alongside some mementos from your own travels.

How else would your guests discover that you were drum major of your high school marching band?

#5 Put a Radio in the Bathroom:

Your guests may like to sing along in the shower, but the real reason for putting some tunes in the bath is to provide them with plenty of, well, privacy. Add an essential oil diffuser — or poo-pourri drops — and you’re in business.

#6 Set Up a DIY Cafe:

If your guests are early birds — or will just want some occasional alone time — put a coffeemaker in their room along with a well-stocked basket of coffee and tea. Maybe even blow their minds with a mini fridge full of snacks.

To pull this off right, ask how they take their coffee in advance, and stock up appropriately.

#7 Designate Drawer and Closet Space Just for Guests:

If your guest room closet could be featured on Storage Wars, it’s time to rethink your stuff strategy.

Consider some serious Marie Kondo-izing — maybe donate your to-be-regifted pile and sell those designer jeans you’ll never fit into again — to make room in the closet and dresser for guest to have plenty of space (and the key word is plenty).

Label a few guest drawers and crack the closet so they can see there’s space to hang their clothes.

#8 Fancy Yourself a Travel Agent:

Give guests a local’s-eye view by filling a basket with menus from nearby restaurants, brochures from local businesses that cater to tourists, and a current issue of your community newspaper. It’s a great way for guests to feel like a local and customize their time in your town.

#9 Hang a Robe – or Two – in the Closet:

Bonding with their host over morning coffee is one of the best parts of staying with friends. But they can miss it completely when they realize they only packed a ratty grandma nightgown or — even worse — NSFW lingerie.

Help your guests feel right at home by hanging a couple of cozy (and freshly laundered), one-size-fits-all robes in the guest-room closet.

Not only can they wear their pajamas to breakfast without feeling self-conscious, but they’re also super-comfy and great to wrap up in after a shower.

#10 Expect the Unexpected with Extra Personal Supplies:

And let your guests know where they are so they won’t feel guilty for bothering you (or worse, go without!). Here’s a list of things that rock-star Airbnb hosts always keep in stock:

•Disposable razors

•Toothbrushes and toothpaste

•First-aid kit

•Towels, pillows, and extra blankets

•Umbrella

•Flashlight

•Replacement light bulbs

Being the perfect host is perfectly achievable. With a little forethought, you’ll start racking up your own stellar reviews from your friends and family. Get ready to be the house everyone vies to visit.

Just Imagine! 10 DIY Room Makeovers to Inspire You to Buy!

November 8, 2017

By: Mandi Gubler

Just a little imagination and a few tools could make that listing your new home.

When you’re dreaming about buying a home, you imagine everything being exactly how you want it from the start. You don’t dream about outdated cabinets, bad flooring, or popcorn ceilings.

So when you actually start looking for a home, finding homes that are less than perfect can be a bit of a reality check. Unless you have a pretty penny to spend on exactly what you want, chances are you’re not going to start out with your dream kitchen. But that’s no reason not to pull the trigger on a new house.

While house hunting, keeping an open mind and imagining what a space could become is key. Sure, it might not be perfect right off the bat, but most aren’t! This is where I come in. I’m your DIY Fairy Godmother — just substitute sawdust for sparkles and a drill for a wand. I’m here to show you what can become of those less-than-ideal spaces with a little hard work and creativity.

Here are a few of my favorites. Keep in mind that all of these spaces are DIY-ed and most have tutorials for everything you see.

Kitchens:

In my opinion, the kitchen is far and away the most important room in the house. It’s where you’ll invest most of your time, and to be honest, most of your money. We’ve all seen what a difference finishes and design details can make in a kitchen. Things like cabinet color and countertop materials are huge.

1. Improved functionality. I’m beyond obsessed with Gwen from The Makerista’s kitchen renovation. It’s like all the hopes and dreams of the world manifest themselves in one perfect space. But it didn’t start out like that. It started out with outdated oak cabinets and a tile countertop.

Gwen completely gutted the space and updated it with new tile that her husband installed, a mirrored backsplash, and trendsetting new cabinets.

2. Dated no more. Blogger Julia’s kitchen was full of oak cabinetry and not much else. Over the course of two years, Julia completely overhauled it using IKEA cabinetry and DIY concrete countertops.

After the renovation, it doesn’t even look like the same house.

You’ve got to see the whole space on Chris Loves Julia. It’s going to blow your mind!

3. Maximized size. Blogger Corey’s kitchen was nothing spectacular. The one thing it had going for it was size. But there were loads of things that were dragging down the style, like that giant wall.

Amazing, right?! The faux brick wall and new flooring are doing wonders! And did you realize the ceilings were that high from the first picture? Check out the entire series on Sawdust2Stitches.

4. Vintage TLC. If you’re lucky enough to find a cottage built in 1938, don’t let a bad kitchen derail you. Vintage homes are full of personality that just can’t be replicated. Sometimes they just need a little TLC. Here’s what the kitchen looked like over the years:

5. Cabinet rescue. Don’t feel bad about falling in love with a house that has a little bit of a beige situation.

Elisha overhauled her kitchen in two months and — wait for it — built her own cabinetry!

She’s obviously a master carpenter. See every tutorial on how to duplicate this for your own home on Pneumatic Addict. But for those of us who are a little less skilled, try repainting your kitchen cabinets.

Living Rooms:

Let’s talk living rooms, shall we? Creating a space that you love is all part of the home-owning process, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to party.

6. Mix of light and dark. Judging by the before shot of this room, there were two requirements for buying this home. A tetanus shot and guts. Loads of guts.

See all of the tutorials for recreating this space in your own home on Vintage Revivals.

7. Layered living. Sometimes you just have to start fresh, which is what Lindsay from The White Buffalo Styling Co. did. If you can’t or don’t want to make the existing situation work, rip it out and start over.

If you can’t or don’t want to make the existing situation work, rip it out and start over.

Bedrooms:

And who can forget about the bedrooms? Um, no one!

8. Tiny changes, big impact. Have you seen this magic from Almost Makes Perfect?

A new paint job and ceiling fan are further proof that you don’t have to spend thousands to make a huge impact.

9.  Bolder and wiser.  Who knows? Maybe you love color and pattern, in which case this might be the master bedroom for you!

Everything from the tumbling block wall, to the sliding barn door and giant rug is DIYed. You can find all of the tutorials on Vintage Revivals.

Laundry Room:

10. From dull to distinctive. Last but not least, let’s talk laundry rooms. Man oh man, they can just suck the life out of you, right?

But with a little love and elbow grease (and tile), you can transform it into something [else].

Updating the flooring and using a sheet of plywood to build the countertop are some of my favorite projects from this space. See the how to on Vintage Revivals.

Feeling inspired yet? Now get out there and find your dream house.

4 Ways to Make Fido Happy in Your New Home!

November 4, 2017

By: Sarah Fogle

Your dog will lurve these features, which will look awesome in your home, too.

Life with pets: They frustrate you, they make things messy, but you can’t help loving them anyway.

After years of DIYing with the world’s greatest sidekick, who likes to be in on the action at all times (even when I’m on a ladder or using an air compressor), I tend to pause whenever I see a cool idea for making Charlie feel more at home among the chaos.

I have a long list of favorite ideas for pet-friendly home features, but these are at the top:

Pet Feeder:

I used to think having a fancy food bowl setup was one of those nice-to-have things that I would get around to making for my pup eventually. But little did I realize, this was one of the more impactful tweaks I made this past year, and it really changed some of the everyday annoyances I’d been dealing with for years.

Charlie had a long-standing habit of constantly flipping over her food bowl before eating, and I hated the way stray bits of food would wind up scattered across my floor in the process. But once I built her a food bowl stand that also fit my design style, it made the house so much cleaner.

It was like boom! She stopped flipping, and I stopped flipping out. I regret so much that I hadn’t done this sooner. There are lots of DIY feeder options out there, including ones that suspend from the wall, ones that include food storage below the bowls, or ones that look like mine — that just look pretty nice in the kitchen.

Outdoor Lounger:

Now that I finally filled in my backyard this past year, I have lots of DIY outdoor projects on my task list. Adding one more: This DIY “dogzebo” from my friend at the “House of Wood” blog! I’m not sure I could get Charlie to sit still long enough to be my model like hers, but I know the perfect corner to add this.

Upgraded Gates:

I used a retractable baby gate when Charlie was a pup. It was useful to help train her, but not all that aesthetically pleasing (nor was the linoleum floor she chewed up when she had to be kept in “puppy jail”).

If I could go back in time, I’d rather have had something that suits my style a little more, like this gorgeous custom-designed gate over at the “Yellow Brick Home” blog. Unfortunately, Charlie’s a little too big to be deterred by a gate anymore, but this would still be a great build for owners with small pets (like my parents’  … maybe next year’s Christmas gift?)

Dog Beds:

Charlie has a bed of some sort in virtually every room of my house. She likes to follow me around no matter where I’m hanging out, and I like to have a place where she can be both comfortable and out of the way.

Still, though: Why do dog beds always have to be so ugly? I like the idea of making them more tied into furniture, such as with an ottoman or side table. That’s pretty much what Mindi from the “MyLove2Create” blog did with an old crib turned dog crate.

That wooden top is perfect for making it look like the rest of the furniture in her home.

Ultimately, it’s important to me to make Charlie feel just as at home in our shared space as I do. While some design choices are made just for me, I’ve learned that taking her needs into account can help us both in the long run — less clutter, fewer messes to clean up, and a house that can still be beautiful while addressing my biggest pain points of dog ownership vs. my design desires.

Win-win is always better, right?

Kitchen Color Schemes: How to Avoid Kitschy Colors!

November 2, 2017

By: Lisa Kahn

The timeless beauty of versatile hues.

The kitchen is the heart of the household, a place where you prepare meals and make memories. So it only makes sense that your kitchen’s color scheme reflects your unique tastes and personality, right?

The answer to that is yes — and no.

Although there may be a special hue that gets your heart thumping, there are many reasons why it makes sense to opt for a neutral palate in your kitchen. Many design professionals agree that using shades like white, beige, or gray as the foundation for your kitchen not only open up a spectrum of colorful possibilities, but enhance the value of your home.

The Never-Regret Factor:

“Timeless colors are perfect, whether for resale or for your dream home,” says Jackie Jordan, Dallas-based director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “Your kitchen won’t suffer from this-looks-like-it-was-done-in-the-90s comments if you opt for a neutral palette.”

“It’s a space where potential buyers envision themselves spending a lot of time,” agrees Sue Pelley, spokesperson for Decorating Den Interiors in Easton, Md. Thus, although you may believe your purple cabinets are divine, others may think they’re dreadful. And that, she says, can be a real barrier to a sale.

The Versatility of Neutrals:

But does going soft and natural mean you have to stifle your inner Van Gogh? Not a chance.

“A neutral kitchen is the perfect canvas to personalize as your tastes change,” says Jordan. “It gives you the opportunity to accessorize with fun rugs, dinnerware — even just a fresh vase of flowers to liven things up.”

“I love being able to change moods with colors, often inspired by the changing seasons,” says Wendy F. Johnson, a certified kitchen and bath designer based in Manchester Village, Vt. “Neutrals can provide the base for a huge range of related or contrasting colors to be used with them, from bright and saturated to peaceful, muted hues.”

Texture also adds enormous impact to a neutral kitchen. A combination of materials from rough to smooth and matte to high gloss creates visual contrast and reflects light differently throughout the day, says Johnson. “For example, you can mix barn wood walls and satin painted drywall, white oak cabinetry with glass insets, lustrous concrete countertops with a stone tile backsplash. These might all be in the same tones, but there is nothing boring here.”

Using Color to Complement Your Kitchen’s Size:

Your kitchen’s square footage is another important factor to consider when choosing a color palette. If the space is small, opt for paler hues for cabinets, walls, and countertops. Shades of white, bone, or cream reflect light and help a tiny kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.

Neutrals are also a great choice for kitchens that open up to other rooms, notes Pelley. “If your kitchen is part of a great room design, remember that any new paint will need to work with the color schemes in those rooms, too.”

Non-Permanent Ways to Add Pops of Color:

Rather than committing to a single color scheme, a neutral kitchen lets you sample the rainbow. One option is to choose coordinating window treatments and chair cushions to liven up the space, says Johnson. An eye-catching poster, multihued area rug, or a collection of pottery displayed on a shelf all add personality to your kitchen and are easy to change when you’re ready for something new.

Paint is another low-cost way to incorporate a pop or two of color into a neutral room. You can grab a brush and paint your kitchen chairs or counter stools, or add a bright hue to the interior of a glass cabinet. Ready for something bigger? Consider rolling a bold shade on a single wall to create lively contrast in an otherwise single-color space.

Top Neutral Color Schemes:

Neutrals may be timeless, but there are some combinations that look especially fresh. “I love warm grays and whites — always have,” says Johnson. “There are so many natural materials available in these tones that mix together beautifully, and all colors look gorgeous against this type of palette.”

Sherwin-Williams’ Jordan also favors white and light grays in a kitchen. “It’s a sleek and modern combination that works perfectly with the ever-popular stainless steel appliances and subway tile.”

When it comes to a big-ticket item like a kitchen, it makes sense to choose a palette that will endure for the long term, says Johnson. “Those of us who thrive in colorful surroundings will groan at this, but even we need some soft, peaceful environments sometimes.”

A Killer Strategy for a Tidy Home When You’re Time-Squished!

October 27, 2017

By: Lisa Rogack

Here’s a surprisingly functional way to achieve a forever-organized home.

You don’t need tons of time to achieve the uncluttered, tidy home of your dreams. You just need a strategy to get there — a really simple one that fits into your life without sucking up hours you can’t spare.

What’s pleasantly surprising about having a strategy is that it can turn daily mundane (and often aggravating) moments into opportunities for organization. Having a strategy is about making every moment count. Everyday moments like…

When you’re waiting for a pot of eggs to boil…

Take those moments of downtime in the kitchen to do a little organizing. Do you really need that melon baller or — heaven forbid — the banana slicer gag gift you received in last year’s Secret Santa exchange?

Jamie Novak, a professional organizer and author of “Keep This Toss That,” says tackling organization incrementally is the way to go. “Seriously small tasks can make a big difference,” she says, keeping you from having to tackle larger, more daunting jobs later.

When you grab that plastic container with no lid (for the umpteenth time)…

Admit it: That $*(#ing lid is never, ever coming back. Instead of tossing that lid-less tub back into your quagmire of plastic parts, permanently banish it, then vow to continue removing every lid or bottom with no mate each time you encounter one (that’s the strategy part). Soon you’ll have a nice tidy cabinet full of matched-up pairs — and it will stay that way if you keep the strategy going.

When you’re brushing your teeth…

Rummage through the medicine cabinet for prescriptions and medications that have expired. And don’t forget that many cosmetics and toiletries also have use-by dates. As for that $20 lipstick you bought that made you look like Cruella de Vil but is still hanging around? Either toss it or move it to the box of stuff where you keep your Halloween costumes.

When you’re breaking down yet another Amazon box…

Don’t do it. Instead, use it as a donation box. As you encounter things you need to toss that are donate-able during your other organizing and decluttering moments, just put them in the box instead. Amazon is working with Give Back Box to allow consumers to use their boxes to donate and ship (for free!) unwanted clothing and household goods to charity.

When your laundry is clean, but there’s that one lone sock…

Toss it. If not in this laundry round, the next one if its mate never arrives. Thank it for its service, and then say goodbye. Same goes for falling-apart-but-matching socks, holey underwear, torn shirts, etc.

When you’re waiting for your hair to soak up conditioner…

Thin the herd of shampoos, body wash, and other products that you used maybe once or twice — 6 months ago! — that are still hogging space in your shower. (Bonus: This will also help keep nasty, yucky mold at bay.)

When you’re watching your sports team play on TV…

Sort through that ginormous stack of junk mail, catalogs, and circulars. Bring a recycling bin with you to the sofa and go through it during commercials or lulls in the game. Toss anything that’s outdated or unnecessary into the recycling bin.

When you’re leaving your house to run errands…

Ask yourself, “What can I take to the car/trash/donate bin/library/give back to a friend?” Professional organizer Laura Bostrom who runs Everyday Order says that also extends to rooms inside the house. “Always carry something with you that belongs in another room.”

When you’re putting fresh sheets on the bed…

Grab a set of sheets from the far reaches of your closet and ask yourself why you’re not putting those on your bed today. Be honest. If the answer is something that won’t ever change — it’s scratchy or worn or you just hate those stupid flowers — then donate or toss.

When you’re deciding what to wear…

Switch out hangers on the clothes you choose to wear. Toss the old hangers, and put new ones (we recommend the thin, felt ones because they take up less room and clothes don’t fall off easily) on the rod to use when the clothes you’re wearing are ready to be hung back up. After a few months, donate everything that’s still on old hangers (and not seasonal must-haves).

When you wake up tomorrow…

Remain tuned to other moments that may offer you a chance to finally rid yourself of an organizational mess that’s been bugging you for some time. It’s a strategy, not a to-do list, that’ll make for perpetually well-organized spaces that will make your home even more enjoyable.

7 ‘Wow-oh-Wow!’ Fall Yard Tips from the Smithsonian’s Gardener!

October 26, 2017

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

What to do NOW to help your lawn survive Winter’s worst.

Everybody thinks spring is the time to work on lawns. In fact, fall is the primo time to give your lawn some TLC.

That’s the overarching advice from Jeff Schneider, the horticulturist in charge of maintaining the gorgeous Smithsonian Gardens in Washington, D.C. So gorgeous, in fact, they’re actually considered ”outdoor museums.”

So he knows what he’s talking about. And he can’t emphasize enough that we’ve been fooled into thinking that spring is when we need to be feeding and nurturing our lawns.

“Fall is the biggest missed opportunity,” Schneider says. “All the money you spend on your lawn, you should spend in the fall.”

His advice on what to do in the fall? These seven things:

#1 Resuscitate Your Grass:

Running barefoot across the cool grass in summer might feel amazing to you — but not to your lawn.

From your lawn’s perspective, “It’s like someone sitting on your chest,” Schneider says, because the pressure of running and walking on your lawn causes it to compact. “It’s hard to breathe.”

The solution is to aerate.

Aerating your lawn punches holes in the turf — you’ve probably seen those weird-looking dirt plugs sitting on grass — which relieves compaction and gives new seeds a safe place to germinate.

You can rent an aeration machine, which is kind of like pushing a mower, and do the job yourself for $40 to $80. But if you’ve got better things to do, you can pay a lawn service to do it for you for about $110 per 5,000 square feet.

#2 Fertilize and Reseed:

Lawns love fall’s coolish weather for stretching out their roots. Help yours do so by filling in its bare spots and spreading around some fertilizer.

“The turf will continue to grow roots through much of December and develop a deep root system before you go into the hard winter months,” Schneider says.

The best part? Come spring, your lawn will be lush and lovely from the get-go. You probably won’t have to do a thing, except start mowing.

BTW: Home-grown fertilizer from your compost pile is a great, almost-free way to fertilize. Spread it lightly over your lawn, so that it can soak into the turf and feed it throughout winter.

#3 Plant a Tree — or Three:

Planting trees in your yard is a great way to boost the value of your home.

Again, fall’s the time to put in the work. The cool nights and warm days in autumn give newly planted trees enough time to send out roots to become established before winter.

If you plant in the spring, you risk heat waves that can seriously stress out your trees before they have the chance to set roots. The exception is broad-leaf evergreens — like hollies — which are vulnerable to winter winds.

#4 Stop Raking Leaves:

NEVER RAKE LEAVES AGAIN. Yes, we did just say that.

Instead of raking and bagging leaves, just mow and shred ‘em. They’ll decompose over winter and feed the lawn.

“If they’re not too thick, I run them over with the mower and leave them in place,” says Schneider. How thick is too thick? “If you still can’t see at least 50% of your turf after you chop them up, rake up the rest.” (OK, so we meant almost never.)

If you do need to rake, run them through a shredder and add to your compost pile. Or just leave them in a corner of the yard and let them decompose over winter into leaf mold, which is a great spring meal for your garden.

#5 Give Tree Branches an Exam:

In fall, when your leaves are all gold and crimson, it’s easy to spot sick or dead branches — they’re the ones with no leaves.

Dead limbs stress trees and can fall on your head (ouch!) or your roof ($!) in a stiff wind.

Mark those branches with ribbons or spray paint so that when all the branches are undressed in winter, you’ll know which ones to hack off to promote regrowth in spring.

BTW: To keep branches in their best shape, spread a ½-inch layer of compost around the trunk out to the canopy line — “The farther the better,” Schneider says — which feeds the tree during winter and helps it leaf out in spring.

#6 Plant Some Stunners:

Just because your trees are barren in fall, doesn’t mean your yard has to look like crap, which wrecks curb appeal.

After the last heat spell of summer, plant cold-weather annuals — pansies, mums, and violas — in the front along the foundation to provide some color and interest throughout fall (and even in winter, if it doesn’t get too cold).

Some will even re-bloom in spring, meaning less work for you.

#7 Set Your Garden Goals:

Fall is a great time to scroll through all the shots of your yard on your Instagram feed and think about what needs work.

Where are the bald spots?

Which plants look great together?

Which plants should be separated at rebirth next spring?

While the successes and failures are fresh in your mind, jot down a to-do list for when the weather warms up. Then look forward to an easier spring than last year because you’ve done most of the prep now. Sweet.

7 Quick-and-Easy Winter Weather Preparations to Do Right Now!

October 21, 2017

By: Alaina Tweddale

A tiny $2 prevention could save big bucks later.

Wintry weather is great at turning up problems you didn’t even know you had. Like that first snowy night in front of your fireplace that you thought was pure bliss — until you noticed a leak in the ceiling corner, which apparently was caused by a lack of insulation How were you supposed to know that?

Here are seven things to do now to avoid costly wintertime mistakes:

#1 Buy a $2 Protector for Your Outdoor Faucet:

The cost if you don’t: Up to $15,000 and a whole lot of grief

It’s amazing what a little frozen water can do damage-wise. An inch of water in your basement can cost up to $15,000 to pump out and dry out. And, yet, it’s so easy to prevent, especially with outdoor faucets, which are the most susceptible to freezing temps.

The simplest thing to do is to remove your garden hose from your outdoor faucet and drain it. Then add a faucet protector to keep cold air from getting into your pipes. They’re really cheap (some are under $2; the more expensive ones are still less than $10). “Get these now,” says Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the “Today’s Homeowner” television and radio shows. “When the weatherman says we’ve got cold coming, they’ll sell out in minutes.”

While you’re at it, make sure any exposed pipes in an unheated basement or garage are insulated, too, or you’ll face the same pricey problem.

Wrap pipes with foam plumbing insulation — before the weather drops. It’s cheap, too, just like the faucet cover (only $1 for six feet of polyethylene insulation). And it’s an easy DIY project, as long as you can reach the pipes.

#2 Add Insulation to Prevent Ice Dams:

The cost if you don’t: $500 — if you’re lucky; a lot more if you’re not.

Those icicles make your home look so picturesque, you just gotta take a few pics. But you better make them quick. Those icicles can literally be a dam problem. (Yes, dam — not the curse word that sounds the same. )

Icicles are a clear sign that you’ve got an ice dam, which is exactly what it sounds like: a buildup of ice on your gutter or roof that prevents melting snow and ice from flowing through your gutters. That’s really bad news because these icy blocks can lead to expensive roofing repairs.

Depending on where you live, expect to pay at least $500 for each ice dam to be steamed off. Leave the ice and you risk long-term damage, which could ultimately cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your roof, depending on what type of shingles you have and the size of the damaged area.

How to prevent them? Insulation. “Ice dams, icicles, and ice buildup on the gutters is a symptom of not enough insulation in the attic,” says Chris Johnson, owner of Navarre True Value and several other stores in the Twin Cities area.

And “you need to have at least 14 inches of insulation in your attic, no matter where you live,” says Lipford. If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need more.

If you don’t have the cash to insulate, heated gutter cables, which run between $50 and $150 each, can be a less expensive alternative when temporarily affixed to areas prone to ice damming, Johnson suggests.

#3 Clean Your Gutters:

The cost if you don’t: You really don’t want to be in a position to find out.

It can be so tempting to skip gutter cleanups as winter nears. It seems like as soon as you clear your gutters, they clog right back up again. So what’s the point?

Well, if it looks like you’re living inside a waterfall when it rains, water is missing your gutter system completely. It’s being directed to your foundation instead. And a water-damaged foundation is never, ever cheap to fix.

A contractor can plug foundation cracks for $1,500 to $3,000, says David Verbofsky, director of training for exterior home products manufacturer Ply Gem. But a worse problem, one that requires a foundation excavation or rebuild, can set you back (gulp) $30,000 or more.

Suddenly, cleaning your gutters a few times each fall doesn’t seem so bad. A pro can do the work for anywhere between $70 and $250, depending on the size of your gutter system.

#4 Seal Up Leaks:

The cost if you don’t: Nights where you never feel warm, despite sky-high heating bills.

“If it were possible to take every crack on the outside of a typical home and drag them together, you’d have the equivalent of a three-by-three window open all the time,” says Lipford. Yikes.

Yet cracks can be easily and inexpensively sealed with a simple tube of caulk, and it’s available in hundreds of colors to match your window panes, outside siding, and even brick. Not sure where to caulk? Look for visible cracks around:

•Window sills

•Baseboards

•Fireplace or dryer vents

•Anywhere something inside pokes a hole to the outside

#5 Program Your Thermostat:

The cost if you don’t: Money you could spend on something else besides heating.

We all know we should, but we seem to have some mental block when it comes to programming our thermostats to align with our schedules. It’s not that hard, and sometimes all it takes is buying a new one that suits you. (Like maybe a Wi-Fi one that’ll give you a little money-saving thrill each time you swipe your app.)

“From a cost-savings perspective, a programmable thermostat is a great investment,” Lipford says — as much as 10% off your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

#6 Get a Furnace Tune-Up:

The cost if you don’t: A furnace that’ll die years before it should — and higher energy bills.

“Forget to service your furnace and you could easily cut five years off the life of your system,” says Lipford, who added that five years is a full third of the typical unit’s life span. New units can cost around $4,000 installed, making the $125 annual maintenance charge a no-brainer.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to replace the furnace filter, which cleans the air in your home, and also keeps your furnace coils cleaner, which can shave up to 15% off your energy bill. Johnson suggests at least every three months, but possibly as often as monthly if you have allergies, pets, or smoke cigarettes at home.

#7 Get a Fireplace Inspection:

The cost if you don’t: Possibly your life — and your home

“A cozy fire is great, but if you don’t maintain your chimney, a fire can cost you thousands of dollars,” says Johnson, not to mention the risk to you and your family.

Schedule your maintenance appointment as early as you can.”If you wait until the busy season, you’ll have a hard time getting them out there, you’ll pay more, and you’ll get a lower quality job,” says Lipford.

Kitchen Remodeling: How Much Does it Cost?

October 18, 2017

Without the right plan in place, kitchen remodels can overwhelm even veteran homeowners. Fortunately, developing a renovation strategy isn’t difficult — just start with your budget! Here’s a look at the primary cost considerations to include in your remodeling plan.

COUNTERTOPS:

Your countertops are your kitchen’s functional centerpiece. Here’s a look at the installation costs associated with each material:

Affordable materials:

• Laminate: $3,000 – $4,000 Laminate is affordable and offers a huge variety colors and designs. Some laminate is vulnerable to chipping, scratching, fading and aging. Replacing old or damaged laminate is cheap and even DIY-able.

Mid-range materials:

• Butcher Block: $1,700 – $3,100 Wooden countertops go well with any design style and offer DIY-friendly installations. Butcher block countertops require regular maintenance and are susceptible to heat and moisture.

• Solid Surface: $2,200 – $5,000 Solid surface countertops mimic the look of more expensive materials at a fraction of the price. Solid surface is also resistant to scratches, burns and water damage.

High-end materials:

• Stainless Steel: $3,000 – $6,000 Stainless steel is the ideal material for hardcore cooks or modern décor. While stainless is practically indestructible, avoiding scratches and smears can be difficult.

• Granite: $3,100 – $4,500 Granite doesn’t require massive amounts of upkeep and when compared to other high-end materials, its costs are reasonable.

• Quartz: $5,900 – $14,000 Silestone or CaesarStone (the brand names typically associated with quartz) are popular alternatives to marble and granite. While quartz is still expensive, it doesn’t require the sealing or constant maintenance that its competitors do.

• Marble: $8,000 – $11,000 Marble is a classic choice for high-end countertops. But, unlike granite, marble is highly susceptible to stains and etching.

CABINETS:

Your cabinets are one of the primary features that will define the aesthetics and functionality of your new kitchen. How much you pay for your new cabinets will depend on their material and fabrication. Here’s a look at the costs associated with each:

Affordable materials:

• Wood Veneer: $1,930 – $13,000 Veneers are strips of wood glued to a plywood or particleboard frame. Wood veneer cabinets aren’t as durable as solid wood, but they do offer similar looks without the additional cost. The construction of veneer cabinets makes them susceptible to humidity and excessive moisture.

Mid-range materials:

• Laminate: $4,000 – $15,000 Laminate construction is similar to veneer fabrication: Laminate sheets are glued to a plywood or particleboard frame. Laminate cabinets come in both high-pressure and low-pressure options. High-pressure laminate is higher quality and longer lasting. Formica and Pionite are sought-after high-end laminate brands. Like wood veneer, excessive moisture can damage laminate cabinets.

High-end materials:

• Wood: $5,000 – $25,000 The durability, looks and longevity of wood cabinets make them the top choice for many homeowners. Here’s a breakdown of popular wood cabinet options according to cost:

Fabrication Costs:

Cabinet fabrication breaks down into three categories. Here’s a look at each:

Affordable:

• Stock: $60 – $200 per square foot. Stock cabinets are pre-fabricated and sold as a ready-to-install unit. Stock construction offers fewer design and layout alternatives, but costs less than semi-custom or custom designs. Quality and measurement issues are sometimes an issue with stock alternatives. Always measure your kitchen before purchasing your cabinets.

Mid-range:

• Semi-custom: $100 – $650 per square foot. Semi-custom cabinets require a larger budget, but offer custom sizing, aesthetics and more design options than stock alternatives. Pre-fabricated elements still exist within with semi-custom cabinets, so it’s important to measure your kitchen before making a purchase.

High-end:

• Custom: $500 – $1,200 per square foot. Custom cabinets are built to meet your exact spatial and design needs. This construction is perfect for homeowners with specific design and functionality needs. Installing custom cabinets is also an ideal solution for oddly shaped kitchens.

Hardware Costs

Cabinet hardware is an important part of creating a seamless look in your new kitchen. Here’s a look at popular hardware materials and their costs per knob:

Cabinet Installation Costs: $1,971 – $7,202

The construction and size of your new cabinets will determine your installation costs. Large, custom or oddly shaped cabinets will take longer to install and require a larger a budget. Pre-fabricated and conventional designs are easier to install and will cost less.

FLOORING:

Your flooring will play a key role in defining the aesthetics and practicality of your kitchen. The price of new kitchen flooring will break down into installation and material costs. Here’s a look at your options.

Flooring Material Costs

The costs of flooring materials vary widely. Here’s a breakdown of popular flooring options according to price:

Affordable materials:

• Vinyl and Linoleum: $2.50 – $3.30 per square foot (vinyl), $3.30 – $4.20 per square foot (linoleum). Vinyl and linoleum hold up relatively well over time and don’t require significant upkeep. But, unlike heavier materials like wood and tile, vinyl and linoleum are more susceptible to cuts, burns and wear. Repairing vinyl is cheap and sometimes even DIY-able. Modern vinyl and linoleum also come in simulated wood, tile and stone designs.

Mid-range materials:

• Ceramic and Porcelain Tile: $1.30 – $7.50 per square foot. Tile is a long-lasting, low-maintenance option that comes in a variety of looks and price points. Tile is vulnerable to cracking, chipping and grout discoloration. Most tile and grout upkeep is simple and even DY-able. Tile is also perfect for creating backsplashes and easy-to-clean walls near sinks or prep areas.

• Natural Stone Tile: $7.50 per square foot. Natural stone’s durability and classic looks make it a popular choice for many homeowners. Stone tiles come in a huge variety of materials, including granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone and quartz. You can repair most minor damage to natural stone with mineral oil and re-polishing. Certain materials like marble will require special care and consideration.

High-end materials:

• Laminate: $5.50 per square foot. Laminate flooring is designed to provide the look of higher-end materials without the extra cost. The composition of laminate also makes it resistant to scratches and dents. Laminate cannot be refinished or stained. A complete replacement is necessary for a new look or to repair major damage.

• Hardwood: $8.00 – $10.00 per square foot. Hardwood flooring is the number-one flooring choice for many homeowners. Wood is durable, long-lasting and able to withstand several refinishes. Most hardwood flooring is susceptible to scratches and moisture. Older homes with shifting foundations can also cause wood flooring to buckle and break apart.

Flooring Installation Costs: $1,524 – $4,241

Installation costs are a major part of your overall flooring budget. How much you spend will depend on the size of your kitchen and the type of flooring you choose. You can DIY your flooring installation to lower costs if you have the experience, but do-it-yourself mistakes can lead to pricey mistakes and repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified pro to handle your flooring installation.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Appliances Installation Costs: $115 – $274. The price of appliance installations varies based on the type and size of the installation. Swapping outdated appliances with newer, similarly sized replacements will require minimal installation time and eliminate the need for major renovations. Moving the location of appliances will require rerouting utilities and moving cabinets and countertops, which will significantly increase your costs.

• Fixture Installations: (lighting) $141 – $711, (plumbing) $154 – $331. No kitchen remodel is complete without new lighting and plumbing fixtures. These installation costs are typically low if you’re replacing existing fixtures. But adding new fixture locations will require moving electrical and plumbing systems, which will increase costs.

• Plumbing and Electrical Lines. Many kitchen remodels require moving water, electricity and gas lines. Be sure to outline any utility relocation in your plans before you begin your remodel. Moving utilities will increase your remodel budget and require the help of a pro.

10 Photos of Hyper-Organized Kitchens That’ll Make You Swoon!

October 14, 2017

By: Lara Edge

Strategies tidy homeowners use (like color) to make things look pretty.

Some people have a special knack for making everything seem so put-together in their kitchen, so prettily organized — without buying expensive things.

How do they do it?

They Put ‘Like’ and ‘Like’ Together:

Like goes with like, whether it’s a similar shape or a similar function. In the case above, it’s both. Lids are together, organized by shape. The bottoms are together, also organized by shape. And see how the colors are grouped? So satisfying.

They Use Color to Help Them Organize:

Green glasses go on top…

Blue plates go on the bottom…

Brown mugs go on the right…

Color makes things pretty. By putting like-colors together, you create a sense of order and a way of mentally picturing where something is.

Plus, it makes a large pantry look put-together.

Like [a] mint green and gold one:

Or [a] black and white one:

Black and white is probably the most flexible color scheme. In the pantry above, the white pulls together the different canister shapes. The black wire baskets tie into the color scheme to help “tidy” the chaos that is supermarket food.

They Use a Grid:

Whether it’s easy to see or not.

They Use Clear, Same-Shape Containers for Staples:

Makes it easy to see what you have, and how much. Time saved.

They Use Consistent Labeling:

Imagine how much messier that drawer would look if the labels and jars were all different shapes, sizes, and colors. (Now only if they were alphabetized…).

But it’s [the] fridge… And [the] freezer drawers.

…that have us swooning.

Shape, function, containers, grid, and the color (wow!). Makes you want to clean out your fridge now.