Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Get Your Home Organized!!!
What good is having a stylish kitchen or an entertainment room, if household items are all over? Somehow clothes don't quite make it to the laundry, and packed garages have forced us to park in the drive. Yet these things are an easy fix with the right storage systems. Proper organizing and simple remodeling can help. Consider the areas of your home that need the most organizing help -- those with storage issues and also those that are the most visible. Certain rooms should stand out immediately in your mind. Highly visible rooms usually seen or used for entertaining purposes include the kitchen, family/living rooms, bathroom and dining room. Some houses have a laundry or mud room located near the kitchen, so this might need to be addressed. Also, look at your foyer and the closet space available for guests' coats. Kitchen OrganizingStarting with the kitchen: Evaluate how much clutter can be eliminated by clever storage designs. Are your appliances sitting out and taking up counter space? Do food items take up cabinet space? Does everyone in the house use the kitchen as a convenient place to throw personal belongings? Maybe a storage rack can provide the perfect space to put appliances that aren't being used or extra food. A wooden rack could be painted or stained to match your color scheme. A rolling cart with shelves or drawers offers family members space to stash personal items. These often can be found in basic, neutral colors that will blend nicely. Organizing Family and Living RoomsThinking of organizing family and living rooms can provoke anxiety for many people. With all of the entertainment technology available, people tend to fill these rooms with VCRs, televisions, stereos, speakers, and all forms of media to go with each: videotapes, CDs, cassettes, etc. Quite a bit of clutter can accumulate. Fortunately, the need to organize all of this has been recognized and there is a wide variety of options available to consumers. Attractive entertainment centers of all shapes and colors are available to conceal your electronics. Since entertaining guests can include listening to music or watching videos, having your CDs and videos organized will help you significantly when the time comes. There are hundreds of options for storing these popular forms of media. CD towers, shelves, drawers all serve the purpose and come in varying styles. Bathroom OrganizingWhichever bathroom is most easily accessible for guests is the one that will need the most help. A person's bathroom tells you a lot about them. Besides having it clean, it should be neat and orderly. Since bathrooms are typically very small rooms, the slightest disorganization can clutter it. Shelves and cabinets make this task easy. Towels, soaps, toiletries, and even decorations can be placed on shelves to make the bathroom appealing to everyone. Dining Room OrganizingFor more formal occasions, people like to use their dining rooms. Beautiful corner cabinets provide excellent storage and display for fine china and fragile items. There shouldn't be too much clutter in this room. If there is, it should be cleared out and stored elsewhere. Buying ordinary storage containers for this room will take away from the formality and ruin the atmosphere. Laundry Room OrganizingIf a laundry room isn't closed off from any of these areas or is located in or around any of these rooms, look at it with a critical eye. Chances are it will appear unattractive and messy. Storage bins that come in fun colors can be stacked to hold just about everything. This is also a good place to put some extra bins for children's toys. Before guests arrive, toys can be stashed away out of sight with minimal effort. Add a coat rack or hooks for extra jackets that may be strewn throughout the house. After putting everything in a proper place in attractive containers, your main rooms for entertaining should look terrific and much improved. Guests will appreciate visiting your well-kept home and perhaps you'll inspire them to do the same.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Avoiding intruders
Top Home Security Risks
Avoiding weak links that welcome intruders.
By Tom Kraeutler, AOL Home Improvement Editor
At the reported rate of one burglary every 15 seconds, national risk for household break-ins is very real, no matter where you live. And though "unlawful entry" may conjure up dramatic scenarios including crowbars and shattered glass, it's actually the little things you overlook that extend a welcome to intruders.
Tom Kraeutler is AOL's Home Improvement Editor and host of 'The Money Pit,' a nationally syndicated home improvement radio show.
A home's security is only as good as its most vulnerable point of entry, and with so many details and distractions in your home care routine, it can be easy to miss an opportunity that a burglar won't. To protect your family and preserve your home sweet home, do your own security check against these weak links.WANDERING KEYS -- The idea of handing your house key to a burglar may seem ridiculous, but that's exactly what you could be doing every time you send a spare floating among family, friends and service personnel. The key holders themselves may be trustworthy, but you can't control the paths they may cross and the situations in which your key may be exposed to the risk of duplication. So be smart about issuing spares, and take care when you're carrying your master set through everyday routines, such as valet drop-offs and auto shop visits. Finally, don't ever hide spare keys in "secret" places outside your home, because smart snoops know which flowerpots to look under.SCHLOCK LOCKS -- A door with a handle lock is an easy mark for a crook armed with finesse and a plastic credit card, so install quality deadbolts at all entries. The best bet is one offering keyed access on the outside and a thumb latch on the inside, providing exterior protection and a quick-response release in the event that the home's residents need to make an emergency exit. New styles of deadbolts, like Master Lock's NightWatch, feature a locking mechanism that actually locks out duplicate keys when activated. If a contractor, housekeeper or next-door neighbor has regular access to your house keys, consider installing such a deadbolt to ensure that they can only access your home when invited.
DOORWAY DOWNFALLS -- In the end, a lock's effectiveness depends on the strength of the door in which it's installed, so make adjustments for a more selective welcome. The weakest part of a door is usually the area around the lock, especially in wood doors, so adding a decorative and affordable door reinforcement plate is one way to make the area more secure. Better yet, consider replacing your front entry with a fiberglass door, which mimics the look of wood but is far stronger and more energy efficient. Fiberglass doors like those from Therma-Tru also feature multi-point locks utilizing bank-vault-style pins to prevent the door from being kicked in.
SLIPPING SLIDERS -- Sliding patio doors have the inherent security disadvantages of less-sophisticated locks and location at the rear of a home, and what's more, the older models can actually be lifted right off their tracks and away for a grand intruder entry and exit. To prevent such dramatics, consider equipping your older doors with specially made "patio bars" that prevent them from sliding back in their tracks even when their locks have been damaged.NO PEEKING -- You can't always see an intruder coming, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep an eye out for the unusual. Extend your view by installing a wide-angle (200-degree) peephole that allows you to take in your entire entryway at a glance.WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY -- Open, unattended windows give intruders a tempting view and an easy way into a home. Adorn yours with window dressings and shades that discourage prying eyes, do a double-check to make sure all units are closed and locked before you leave home on even the shortest errand, and enhance security with supplementary keyless locks. Security bars may be installed over small, ground-level windows situated in low-traffic areas, but only if they're fitted with quick-release mechanisms that allow them to be opened from the inside in an emergency.SHADOW PLAY -- A network of shadowy hiding places around your home's exterior is just what an intruder hopes for, so be sure to illuminate and eliminate all possibilities. One of the most effective ways to do this is by installing motion-detector spotlights, which have built-in sensors that switch on the lights as soon as movement is detected nearby.NATURAL CAMOUFLAGE -- Tall trees and dense shrubbery can wind up being accessories to crime as well as to your landscaping. So keep front hedges and bushes cut low and trees pruned, especially around windows and entryways where burglars may perch before breaking and entering.
Avoiding weak links that welcome intruders.
By Tom Kraeutler, AOL Home Improvement Editor
At the reported rate of one burglary every 15 seconds, national risk for household break-ins is very real, no matter where you live. And though "unlawful entry" may conjure up dramatic scenarios including crowbars and shattered glass, it's actually the little things you overlook that extend a welcome to intruders.
Tom Kraeutler is AOL's Home Improvement Editor and host of 'The Money Pit,' a nationally syndicated home improvement radio show.
A home's security is only as good as its most vulnerable point of entry, and with so many details and distractions in your home care routine, it can be easy to miss an opportunity that a burglar won't. To protect your family and preserve your home sweet home, do your own security check against these weak links.WANDERING KEYS -- The idea of handing your house key to a burglar may seem ridiculous, but that's exactly what you could be doing every time you send a spare floating among family, friends and service personnel. The key holders themselves may be trustworthy, but you can't control the paths they may cross and the situations in which your key may be exposed to the risk of duplication. So be smart about issuing spares, and take care when you're carrying your master set through everyday routines, such as valet drop-offs and auto shop visits. Finally, don't ever hide spare keys in "secret" places outside your home, because smart snoops know which flowerpots to look under.SCHLOCK LOCKS -- A door with a handle lock is an easy mark for a crook armed with finesse and a plastic credit card, so install quality deadbolts at all entries. The best bet is one offering keyed access on the outside and a thumb latch on the inside, providing exterior protection and a quick-response release in the event that the home's residents need to make an emergency exit. New styles of deadbolts, like Master Lock's NightWatch, feature a locking mechanism that actually locks out duplicate keys when activated. If a contractor, housekeeper or next-door neighbor has regular access to your house keys, consider installing such a deadbolt to ensure that they can only access your home when invited.
DOORWAY DOWNFALLS -- In the end, a lock's effectiveness depends on the strength of the door in which it's installed, so make adjustments for a more selective welcome. The weakest part of a door is usually the area around the lock, especially in wood doors, so adding a decorative and affordable door reinforcement plate is one way to make the area more secure. Better yet, consider replacing your front entry with a fiberglass door, which mimics the look of wood but is far stronger and more energy efficient. Fiberglass doors like those from Therma-Tru also feature multi-point locks utilizing bank-vault-style pins to prevent the door from being kicked in.
SLIPPING SLIDERS -- Sliding patio doors have the inherent security disadvantages of less-sophisticated locks and location at the rear of a home, and what's more, the older models can actually be lifted right off their tracks and away for a grand intruder entry and exit. To prevent such dramatics, consider equipping your older doors with specially made "patio bars" that prevent them from sliding back in their tracks even when their locks have been damaged.NO PEEKING -- You can't always see an intruder coming, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep an eye out for the unusual. Extend your view by installing a wide-angle (200-degree) peephole that allows you to take in your entire entryway at a glance.WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY -- Open, unattended windows give intruders a tempting view and an easy way into a home. Adorn yours with window dressings and shades that discourage prying eyes, do a double-check to make sure all units are closed and locked before you leave home on even the shortest errand, and enhance security with supplementary keyless locks. Security bars may be installed over small, ground-level windows situated in low-traffic areas, but only if they're fitted with quick-release mechanisms that allow them to be opened from the inside in an emergency.SHADOW PLAY -- A network of shadowy hiding places around your home's exterior is just what an intruder hopes for, so be sure to illuminate and eliminate all possibilities. One of the most effective ways to do this is by installing motion-detector spotlights, which have built-in sensors that switch on the lights as soon as movement is detected nearby.NATURAL CAMOUFLAGE -- Tall trees and dense shrubbery can wind up being accessories to crime as well as to your landscaping. So keep front hedges and bushes cut low and trees pruned, especially around windows and entryways where burglars may perch before breaking and entering.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Home Improvement Scams.....
6 sleazy home improvement scams
By Alana Klein • Bankrate.com
It's time for less talk and more action.
Like most homeowners, you probably spent the winter months talking about the various home improvements you'd like to make. Now that spring is here, it's time to act on those remodeling impulses. After all, spring is a time of renewal, change and new beginnings.
Unfortunately, it's also a time when crooked contractors come out of the woodwork to prey on innocent homeowners. "Some are actual scam artists, while others are just incompetent or unethical," says Ellis Levinson, a consumer reporter and author of the book "Hiring Contractors Without Going Through Hell."
The good news is you can protect yourself against these scams. In fact, many scams are easy to detect if you take the time to become an educated, savvy consumer. "Compare prices, call references, and research the project you're undertaking in advance," says Bruce Johnson, author of "50 Simple Ways to Save your House." It seems simple but many people find this process overwhelming.
Levinson calls it emotional laziness. "It's amazing to me how much time people will put into buying a TV because it's fun. But when it comes to remodeling a kitchen, people have no time. They see it as drudgery," Levinson says. Ultimately, he says, doing the research to protect yourself is much easier than paying for the consequences.
To help you differentiate a scam from the real deal, Bankrate has compiled a list of the most common remodeling scams. Beware of the following key phrases, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Key phrases to beware of:
•
"I just happen to be working in your neighborhood."
•
"I have materials left over from another job."
•
"I need the cash up front."
•
"I have a special offer that's good for today only."
•
"I can help you finance the project."
•
"I want to use your home as a model."
"I just happen to be working in your neighborhood."You'll hear this when contractors appear at your home unsolicited to inform you they noticed some problems with your home's (insert: chimney, driveway, windows, plumbing, etc.) while working on a neighboring home. For example, the contractor might say he or she was on the roof of your neighbor's home and noticed missing shingles on your roof. This may be the case -- but often no repair is needed.
-- Posted: April 4, 2007
Page 1 2 3 4
By Alana Klein • Bankrate.com
It's time for less talk and more action.
Like most homeowners, you probably spent the winter months talking about the various home improvements you'd like to make. Now that spring is here, it's time to act on those remodeling impulses. After all, spring is a time of renewal, change and new beginnings.
Unfortunately, it's also a time when crooked contractors come out of the woodwork to prey on innocent homeowners. "Some are actual scam artists, while others are just incompetent or unethical," says Ellis Levinson, a consumer reporter and author of the book "Hiring Contractors Without Going Through Hell."
The good news is you can protect yourself against these scams. In fact, many scams are easy to detect if you take the time to become an educated, savvy consumer. "Compare prices, call references, and research the project you're undertaking in advance," says Bruce Johnson, author of "50 Simple Ways to Save your House." It seems simple but many people find this process overwhelming.
Levinson calls it emotional laziness. "It's amazing to me how much time people will put into buying a TV because it's fun. But when it comes to remodeling a kitchen, people have no time. They see it as drudgery," Levinson says. Ultimately, he says, doing the research to protect yourself is much easier than paying for the consequences.
To help you differentiate a scam from the real deal, Bankrate has compiled a list of the most common remodeling scams. Beware of the following key phrases, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Key phrases to beware of:
•
"I just happen to be working in your neighborhood."
•
"I have materials left over from another job."
•
"I need the cash up front."
•
"I have a special offer that's good for today only."
•
"I can help you finance the project."
•
"I want to use your home as a model."
"I just happen to be working in your neighborhood."You'll hear this when contractors appear at your home unsolicited to inform you they noticed some problems with your home's (insert: chimney, driveway, windows, plumbing, etc.) while working on a neighboring home. For example, the contractor might say he or she was on the roof of your neighbor's home and noticed missing shingles on your roof. This may be the case -- but often no repair is needed.
-- Posted: April 4, 2007
Page 1 2 3 4
Friday, June 15, 2007
Buyer's Best Friend
Rick Williams, AOL
A Home Inspector Is a Buyer's Best Friend
When buying a home, few items on the checklist are as important as the home inspection. It could help you avoid costly repairs, such as a leaky roof, bad plumbling or shoddy wiring.But first, how do you know if your future home is getting a thorough inspection? We've asked a veteran home inspector to outline the key areas.
More Tips and Inside Stories
Before and After Photos
An Agent's 11 Pointers
Foreclosure Buying Tips
A Home Inspector Is a Buyer's Best Friend
When buying a home, few items on the checklist are as important as the home inspection. It could help you avoid costly repairs, such as a leaky roof, bad plumbling or shoddy wiring.But first, how do you know if your future home is getting a thorough inspection? We've asked a veteran home inspector to outline the key areas.
More Tips and Inside Stories
Before and After Photos
An Agent's 11 Pointers
Foreclosure Buying Tips
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Model Home Presentation Key
Dressed to Sell: Model Home Presentation Key
Dressed to Sell: With Houses Lingering on the Market, Builders Outfit Their Model Homes
"Back during the boom years, when people would camp overnight to buy into a new community, the model home lost some of its impact as a selling tool. Like Winchester, some builders did not even decorate their models. Others used the models only to market their upgrades. Now that the pace of sales has slowed, however, builders and interior designers say the model home has become more important than ever in marketing an entire community."
This says it all. There's also a neat chart that compares the number of bedrooms homes have by county. Some of the highest percentages are in well-to-do suburbs in places like Atlanta, Salt Lake City and the District of Columbia.
Dressed to Sell: With Houses Lingering on the Market, Builders Outfit Their Model Homes
"Back during the boom years, when people would camp overnight to buy into a new community, the model home lost some of its impact as a selling tool. Like Winchester, some builders did not even decorate their models. Others used the models only to market their upgrades. Now that the pace of sales has slowed, however, builders and interior designers say the model home has become more important than ever in marketing an entire community."
This says it all. There's also a neat chart that compares the number of bedrooms homes have by county. Some of the highest percentages are in well-to-do suburbs in places like Atlanta, Salt Lake City and the District of Columbia.
What type of home buyer are you?
what type of home buyer are you?
First-Time Home Buyer
Nervous? It's only natural. Get tools and info to help you figure out what you need and what you can afford.
Get started
Buyer and Seller
Juggling buying and selling can be tricky for experienced home owners and first-timers. Get help figuring out what works best for you.
Helpful resources
Renter
The right place can quickly turn into the wrong place. Search for a roommate, print out checklists for your walkthrough and learn how to get your deposit back.
Learn more
Real Estate Investor
No one ever got rich without risking something, but it's not rocket science either. Learn from other investors and get started.
Start searching
Vacation Home Buyer
Everyone dreams of fun in the sand or the snow with their family and friends. But some people bite off more than they can chew, and make their dream a nightmare.
Start Smart
First-Time Home Buyer
Nervous? It's only natural. Get tools and info to help you figure out what you need and what you can afford.
Get started
Buyer and Seller
Juggling buying and selling can be tricky for experienced home owners and first-timers. Get help figuring out what works best for you.
Helpful resources
Renter
The right place can quickly turn into the wrong place. Search for a roommate, print out checklists for your walkthrough and learn how to get your deposit back.
Learn more
Real Estate Investor
No one ever got rich without risking something, but it's not rocket science either. Learn from other investors and get started.
Start searching
Vacation Home Buyer
Everyone dreams of fun in the sand or the snow with their family and friends. But some people bite off more than they can chew, and make their dream a nightmare.
Start Smart
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