Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Home Maintenance

  • Don’t Let Chores Pile Up: Maintain your house in half the time

    Preventive cleaning was once as popular as the hula hoop and Audrey Hepburn, proving a clean house is the most timeless accessory to a happy home.

     

    A house that needs cleaning is an unwelcomed distraction from living life to its fullest. Piles of dirty laundry or chaos in the living room can dull the day’s accomplishments. Clean homes make it easier to find lost items and allow the mind to relax. Below is a list of preventive tasks that can be accomplished daily or weekly to make sure your home always shines.

     

    Preparation

    Keep microfiber cloths, your favorite cleaners and whatever else you need in buckets or decorative baskets in high traffic areas. With these kits readily available, 10 minutes of spot cleaning can make a difference. Select optimal times for you and family members to dedicate to cleaning. It can be once a day, week or month. To make chores a bit more fun, create a playlist or use this time as an opportunity to completely disconnect.

     

    Kitchen

    The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the most used spaces. Keeping it clean is not impossible when care is given to maintenance. To pass the white glove test, take care of spills and messes as you cook. Rinse pots and pans after use if they cannot be washed right away. Line the stove and oven with tinfoil for quick cleanups. Dust cookbooks and countertop appliances every day just as you do the counters. Additionally, line cabinets with paper to toss out weekly or monthly.

     

    Bedroom

    Your bedroom is a haven for sleep and relaxation. Always make the bed upon waking or shortly afterward. Doing so makes the room look pulled together and starts the day with a sense of accomplishment. Place a hamper where needed and do laundry at least once a week. If cleaning the ceiling fan has gotten away from you, place an old towel directly beneath the fan to keep away dust bunnies. Keep framed art clean by misting a paper towel and wiping the glass rather than directly spraying it to prevent seepage around the edges. Use a lint roller to dust lampshades.

     

    Living room

    Clutter clogs the flow of any room, but it is quite noticeable in the living room. If you have yet to toss out items that do not bring you joy, make it a priority to chuck or donate non-essentials and have a place for everything. Place baskets strategically throughout the room for toys, remotes and whatever else tends to collect. Vacuuming and dusting the living room at least once a week puts an emphasis on picking up stray items. Get into the habit of neatening up at the end of the evening as part of a winding down routine to banish clutter.

     

    Bathroom

    Keeping the bathroom clean requires organization. Having dedicated spots for makeup and grooming tools reduces clutter. Wet wipes under the sink will clean toothpaste and soap splatters on faucets, mirrors and countertops. It is best to leave bar soap in the shower rather than placing it on the sink to avoid messes. Keep a shower cleaner in a caddy nearby for a quick spray of the tile and liner when done bathing. Wipe down the sink after every use. Deep clean the tub and toilet at least once a month to prevent smells and stains.

    Stay on schedule when cleaning your home to always be ready for company and much more. Inspired by the September 1957 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

  • Top 10 tips to get your home ready for baby

    10 Tips for Babyproofing Your House and Getting Ready for Baby

    Whether your due date is right around the corner or your baby has just been born, you’re likely thinking about how to babyproof your home. From the moment a little one enters your house and becomes part of the family, safety is a concern.

    We’ve put together some tips that new parents can take to make their home a place where infants can safely thrive.

    Here are 10 ways to babyproof your home and prepare for baby.

    1. Give your house the safety test

    Babies who simply lie around in bassinets quickly turn into toddlers crawling all over the place. In the kitchen and living room, as well as the bathrooms and bedrooms, there are many things that little ones shouldn’t get into at all.

    Parents might not think that a baby can open a cabinet or drawer.  Kids surprise adults all the time. You never know when the little one will start crawling. Well, before your baby is mobile (which ideally means before birth or during those first few days at home), give your house a safety check.

    According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, cleaning products and medication should be out of sight and locked away. Magnetic locks are popular and easy to install, without pinching fingers as other locks do.

    Lock firearms ammunition separately from guns. Check smoke detectors and install carbon monoxide detectors.

    2. Target high-germ zones

    Even though the baby won’t be able to crawl or walk for a while, you’ll be moving about your house and don’t want to transfer germs to your little one. You might think that doorknobs and light switches are the germiest places that need to be cleaned. However, the real target zones are dish rags, stove knobs, countertops and refrigerator handles.

    The National Sanitation Foundation International notes that these places, along with the kitchen sink, cutting boards and toothbrush holders, are the most germ-infested spaces in a home. This is likely because they’re high-use areas that we don’t think to clean as much.

  • Home Inspection 101: This is What You Need to Know (Plus a Checklist)

    Before you purchase a home, hire an inspector to make sure the structure is sound and there aren’t any defects.

    An inspection helps buyers identify serious issues with a house, condo, townhouse or other type of home. Some lenders require home inspections before they’ll approve closing on a mortgage loan. Professional home inspections aren’t always a required part of a purchase contract; they’re a smart part of buying a home and a property investment.

    Whether or not a loan officer insists on an inspection, getting a home inspected is to your advantage. No one wants to find out there’s something wrong with a property after they’ve signed the papers.

    Here’s what you need to know about home inspection, followed by a handy home inspection checklist:

    Not all home inspections cover the same points

    There will likely be numerous home inspection companies and professionals to choose from when you’re buying a home. As you look for an inspector or consider inspection company referrals, keep in mind that not all inspections cover the same points.

    When inquiring or interviewing inspectors, make sure those you’re thinking of hiring will inspect the inside and outside of the property. Inside, an inspector should look for leaks, fire hazards, the health of the house systems and the life of the water tank. Plumbing and wiring inspection are essential to make sure these systems are up to code. Inspectors should look at a home’s ventilation systems and smoke detectors. If the home has appliances, they should be tested.

    Outside, inspectors should check for cracks in walls and the foundation. Missing siding, damage to the roof and cracked woodwork are all issues that may point to structural problems with a home.

    Most general home inspectors won’t check septic systems or insect damage. These are points that you should hire specialists to address.

    Buyers should choose their own home inspector

    As a buyer, you can certainly negotiate who pays for a home inspection. However, consider that sellers paying for an inspection may want to choose the company themselves.

    It’s in your best interest to choose your own inspector when purchasing a home. This may mean that you’ll have to pay out of pocket for the inspection. This service is not usually included in the fees a lender will roll into a loan.

    The cost for a home inspection is typically a few hundred dollars. If you need in-depth inspection of a property, such as a review by a structural engineer, prepare to pay much more.

    In some states, a home inspector must have a license. If you aren’t sure where to look for a licensed home inspector, your real estate agent should be able to offer a referral. It’s a good idea to verify any inspector’s license to make sure you’re hiring someone qualified.

  • How to Clean Your Pool Easier This Summer

    When the summer season hits, the kitchen is no longer the center of the home. Instead, the pool area is where your loved ones gather to enjoy quality time, delicious foods and splashes of summer fun. However, a dirty pool can quickly ruin what could be the ultimate outdoor living space.  Swimming pool maintenance is essential to getting the most out of the summer season. Implement pool care tips to clean fun in the sun.

    Prevention is Key

    The best tip for cleaning a pool is to keep it from getting dirty. Summer breezes bring all kinds of debris floating in the water. Small reptiles and animals can slip into the water, which is an unpleasant surprise for any swimmer out there. Outdoor elements such as plants, animal droppings and fertilizers are also food for algae, which will only make the pool dirtier. Prevent these elements from landing in the water by:

    • Covering the pool when not in use
    • Removing any mess from outside forces immediately
    • Having a checklist for swimming pool maintenance
    • Make separate lists for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks

    Regularly Monitor Pool Chemicals

    The number one rule to caring for a pool is to monitor pool chemicals. They keep the pool clean and safe for everyone’s enjoyment. Unless you have an automatic or floating chlorinator, you will need to add chlorine daily. Pool chemicals can also interact differently in extreme summer temperatures. Get in the habit of monitoring pool chemicals on a regular basis with these tips:

    • Use a water testing kit to measure the quality and cleanliness of the water
    • Test your pool for pH levels, chlorine and alkalinity on a regular basis
    • pH levels should be between 7.2 to 7.4
    • Chlorine levels should be between 1 ppm to 3 ppm
    • Alkalinity levels should be between 80 to 120
    • Adjust pool chemicals as needed

    Never Underestimate the Filter, Skimmer and Scooper

    You should never skip out on essential pool tools. Always have a working filter, vacuum and scooper on deck. Use them on a regular basis to keep the pool clean from top to bottom. Filters should run approximately eight hours a day, and pool skimmers should be used at least once a day. These two tools will work wonders at keeping everything clean. Any debris missed can be scooped out with a handheld device. To decrease the amount of time you have to dedicate to cleaning your pool, here are some additional tips:

    • Use a pool filter system that has a timer
    • Clean the pool filters regularly to keep it working and cleaning properly
    • Trade in the traditional pool vacuum for a high-quality pool robot to keep the pool cleaner and much quicker

    Despite the best of efforts to keep your pool clean, it will still become dirty. However, with some daily swimming pool maintenance, the less dirty it’ll become. The less time you have to spend cleaning the pool, which equals more time you can spend enjoying it. Now, that’s math worth taking a splash!

  • How to Boost Curb Appeal in the Winter

    Winter elements present a challenge for curb appeal. Unless it’s within the first hours after a fresh blanket of twinkling snow has fallen, cold weather can leave properties barren and debris-ridden. While you won’t be able to get blooms growing in your garden, there are some things you can do to boost your curb appeal this season.

     

    Keep pathways clear

    From the driveway to the front door, the sidewalk to the garage, and areas surrounding the back yard, all pathways should be clear of snow, ice and debris. Cleared pathways also make a home appear cleaner and more well-kept than properties that haven’t seen a shovel. Picking up snow will ensure prospective homebuyers can safely navigate the home and back yard. Always have a shovel on hand and use it before any showing.

    Keep the winter equipment hidden

    Leaving a shovel on the front porch allows homeowners to easily clear a pathway. No matter how practical it is to keep the winter equipment and tools handy, keep these items hidden when trying to increase curb appeal. This is especially true if the items are taking up space on the front porch or can be seen from the road.

    Forbid the snow fort

    If you have little ones in the home, it can be hard to keep them from building a snow fort. While most people will smile at the idea of a child’s creativity, it could prevent interested parties from seeing the home as a blank canvas for their family. Keep the front lawn clear of snow forts and snowmen. The same rule should also be applied to holiday decorations. While an inflatable Santa Claus may seem like a great way to bring attention to your home, it can be more of a distraction than anything else.

     Keep the exterior lights bright

    Potential homebuyers often drive past homes for sale to check them out prior to investing their time at a showing. If the exterior lights aren’t on, they will drive right by without thinking twice. It is important that the outdoor lighting shines brightly and is in working condition at all times. One flickering bulb or dimmed light can make a home appear unkempt.

     

    Make your home appealing this winter with these tips for stellar curb appeal.

     

  • Top 5 Fixes to Sell Your Home

    No one wants to spend money on a home they aren’t going to be living in, so when it comes time to prep your house for the market, you may wonder what kind of fixes will bring the most value to your home without breaking the bank. Consider making these five fixes to help your property sell.

    Top 5 Fixes to Sell Your Home - bhgrelife.com1. Paint the walls

    A bucket of paint doesn’t have to break the bank, and can make a world of difference. Tone down any vibrant wall colors and spruce up the other walls with a fresh coat of neutral paint. Avoid any tones that are intense and dark to ensure that your home appeals to the widest range of people.

  • Professional vs. DIY: How to Choose

    When it comes to repairs and projects within your home, Pinterest boards make it look easy. However, there are some things that you should hire a professional for and others that you can handle on your own, which leads to the inevitable debate: Professional vs. DIY? If you aren’t very handy, crafty, or creative, this dilemma can often be solved with one answer – hire a professional. However, even natural do-it-yourself kinds of people find themselves wondering which route is the best. Here are some things to consider that can help you find the perfect option for all of your projects.

    Professional vs. DIY: How to Choose - bhgrelife.com1. Evaluate Your Skills

    Before starting any home improvements or repairs, the first thing you need to consider is your skills. You may have all the willpower in the world, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that a job will be done properly. You also want to ask yourself if you have the energy and time to take on the project. If not, hiring a professional can get the job done well and in a timely manner. However, if you have the skills required, will enjoy the task, and have time to do it, then some do-it-yourself action may be the better option.

  • 5 Basics of Home Maintenance to Make an Old Home Feel Like New

    New homes are fresh and sparkling, but over time, they begin to show their age. If you want to keep your home feeling like new as each year passes, it’s important to keep up with proper maintenance tasks. Here are a few budget-friendly and DIY ideas to keep your home in fresh condition year after year.

    5 Basics of Home Maintenance to Make an Old Home Feel Like New - bhgrelife.com1. Regular Cleaning

    Normal cleaning tasks like sweeping, mopping, and dusting are important, but to really keep your home looking shiny and new, it’s important to remember deep cleaning tasks, as well.

    Steam clean your carpets at least once a quarter, and don’t forget to vacuum and steam your furniture at the same time. When you dust, reach for areas like ceiling fans, wall corners, and the inside of cabinets. Thorough deep cleaning on a regular basis makes all the difference when you’re trying to keep your home looking fresh.

  • Installing and Maintaining an Energy-Efficient Pool

    An energy-efficient pool can save you money on your electric bill while increasing your home’s value and fun factor! Although designing and installing energy-saving renovations for your pool may seem complex, it can be a straightforward process. Following simple tips, like heating your pool only when you’re ready to swim, can decrease the amount of energy it uses.

    Installing and Maintaining an Energy-Efficient Pool - bhgrelife.comSkip the Heater During the Heat

    During the dog days of summer when the heat is almost too much for outdoor activities, there’s no need to use a heater. Plus the heat will evaporate the water decreasing the chlorine levels and increasing the costs and supplies needed to keep your pool in working condition. To reduce evaporation rates, a pool cover is a good investment. It will prevent most of the evaporation, and keep your pool free of debris while controlling the water temperature.

     

     

     

  • Inexpensive Ways to Make Your Home Green

    It’s nearly impossible to escape the constant message that we need to take better care of our planet, but many people become overwhelmed with the multitude of ways presented to “go green”. Although it might not seem like it, small actions do benefit the environment, and starting with a minor change is a step in the right direction. Below are some easy and inexpensive ways to make your home green.

    Change Your Eating Habits

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    Small changes in your eating habits can reduce the amount of waste you produce and can also lessen demands on energy consumption.

    • Buy foods in bulk to reduce packaging that eventually makes its way to landfills.
    • Buy locally-sourced meats and vegetables. Supporting local farmers in your community reduces fuel consumption and pollution since food does not have to be transported as far.
    • Drink water from reusable bottles instead of disposable plastic bottles.

     

     

     

     

     

    Reduce Energy Consumption

    It’s easier than you might think to make your home more energy efficient. You can do lots of easy, inexpensive things that will add up to big reductions in energy consumption.

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    • Keep your refrigerator away from direct sunlight or the stove. Exposure to heat from the sun or your stove makes the fridge’s compressor work overtime.
    • Use the dishwasher. It might be surprising to learn that washing a full load of dishes in the dishwasher is more energy efficient than washing them by hand, especially if you have an Energy Star dishwasher.
    • Change your air filter at least every three months. A clogged filter reduces air flow which causes your heating and air conditioning system to use more energy.
    • Install a programmable thermostat and program it to reduce heating and cooling when you’re away from home.
    • Clean the lint trap to increase your dryer’s efficiency by as much as 30 percent.