Dreaming of upgrading your backyard space? You wouldn’t be alone. Recent data from realtors around the country shows that homeowners who added outdoor kitchens to their properties saw an increase of between 100% and 200% on their investments. Real estate professionals say even a simple addition, like an outdoor gas firepit, can yield a 67% return.*
The house must have seemed too clean or quiet, so we got another dog. We already have one dog, a Miniature Pinscher, also known as a Min Pin; at seven, she is well-behaved and neat as a cat, not barky, and never chews things up. Not once in seven years has she ever soiled the carpet.
Unfortunately, in the past year, she went from being a lithe, lively spirit who enjoyed taking long walks to a prematurely aged couch potato who preferred to nap all day and snack on cheese and crackers. First, she gained weight, and then she became stiff. I decided she needed another dog and began combing my local shelter’s website for likely candidates. After a six-month-long search, I found the right one.
Cooler temperatures, the color-changing leaves, and the smell of pumpkin spice, reminds me that fall is knocking at the door. Which means, as the seasons change, so do our day-to-day activities and our home needs. It’s the right time to do seasonal maintenance so your home can keep up with you and run smoothly. Following these maintenance tips below, with a little attention now, can help save you costly repairs and aggravation later.
In the blink of an eye, back-to-school commercials have taken over television which can only mean we have to face the inevitable, summer is coming to an end. While I am certainly no fan of the cold weather, I believe fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. So just like the seasons changing, it’s time to shift gears and start to say “sayonara!” to summer. That means now is when to consider cleaning up and preparing to start seasonal protection and maintenance around your home. Check out some of the following ideas to get you started.
A representative from one of the myriad vacation home rental properties keeps leaving attractive brochures by my front gate. They want to know if we’re interested in turning our home into a vacation rental, even occasionally. I have to admit the lure of additional income is tempting. Many moons ago I had a friend who worked as a location scout for films and high-end catalogs. Telling me how many thousands of dollars a day were paid to people to rent out their houses, she whet my appetite for finding ways to make money off my home without having to work too hard for it. The truth of the matter? If I were ever to put my house on the vacation rental market, I’d have to do a lot to make it work, especially my outdoor space.
Don Freitag joined HomeSquare in 2019 when his family’s company, Homeline, merged with the company. Their shared vision? To transform and elevate the home improvement industry. To accomplish this, they have become a highly-rated, one-call source for discerning homeowners (and businesses). Services range from whole house renovations to routine maintenance and handyman repairs. We recently spoke with Don to hear his professional advice and gain insights on some of his current work and past jobs.
I am a person willing to tackle small home improvement jobs around the house as long as it involves no tools beyond a hammer or a paintbrush. My Number One Rule: I definitely draw the line at taking on anything electrical out of what I consider a not-unreasonable fear of electrocution or electrocuting anyone else.
When we moved into our first house as a married couple, I thought everything was perfect. Prior to completing our purchase, we had a full home inspection and an hour before the actual closing we did a walk through. Everything seemed great. So when a skylight dripped rain onto the hardwood floor during a heavy downpour the first week we moved in, and I began noticing some cabinet doors were askew and the stairs squeaked a lot, I was dismayed.
Ever since I set eyes on the glam coffee table book, “She Sheds: A Room of Your Own ” by Erika Kotite, I’ve coveted an escape place to call my own. Never seen this book? Well, if you’ve got a shed or have ever thought of building a shed, it’s a must-look.
Water is one of the most essential things we need to survive. It’s no wonder so many of us gravitate towards water in one way or another. Water views, lakeside living, scenic ponds, water features, backyard pools. Having water incorporated at your home can help drive resale value and benefit your quality of life. This post is dedicated to all things water! Here are some inspiring ways to add more water to your outdoor space, or make your existing space more enjoyable!