Home Maintenance

Landscaping to Increase Property Value

About a month ago, I was interviewed for the Lowe's for Pros website on landscaping ideas to improve the market value and salability of a home. Below is the text of the article and here is the link:http://www.lowesforpros.com/landscaping-to-increase-property-value   Landscaping to Increase Property Value   By: Jake FowlerIssue Date: October 2009   For homeowners, curb appeal is...

Cost vs. Value 2008 – The Replacement Projects

In the final installment of cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at two replacement projects that most owners of 20+ year old homes will be looking at. Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Window Replacement   Project Description:  Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl replacement windows. Wrap existing exterior trim as required to match. Do...

Cost vs. Value 2008 – Additions

Thinking of adding on to your abode?  In this week’s cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at three popular additions that can make your home much more enjoyable! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Family Room Addition   Project Description:  In a style appropriate to the existing house, add a 16-by-25-foot room on a crawl space foundation with vinyl siding and...

Cost vs. Value 2008 – Bathrooms

Thinking of remodeling your home?  In this week’s cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the bathroom. This is another area that has a dramatic impact on a home’s desirability and salability! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area Bathroom Addition   Project Description:  Add a full 6-by-8-foot bath over a crawl space with poured concrete walls. Include cultured-marble...

Cost vs. Value 2008 – The Kitchen

Thinking of remodeling your home?  In this week’s cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most dramatic changes made to enhance a home’s value and general appeal. After all, isn't that where most good parties are! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Minor Kitchen Remodel   Project Description: In a functional but...

Is your home a “Green” house? Some tips for green living…

Buy Used: Whether you’ve just moved to a new home or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items, rather than buying them new.  Check out garage sales and thrift stores for clothing and other everyday items. Use your creativity in gift giving (http://www.newdream.org/holiday/giftideastaff.php), including making...

Spring Garden Care

Spring is in the air. Now is the time to tend to your gardens to make sure they are wonderful when summer arrives!  Here is a garden care checklist: AprilPull winter mulch off gradually as plants show signs of new growth.Feed and prune roses.Divide and transplant summer blooming perennials.Plant tender bulbs & tubers (gladiola, lilies & dahlias).Prune winter Jasmine after flowering.Remove all...

Cost vs. Value 2007 – The Replacement Projects

In the final installment of cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at two replacement projects that most owners of 20+ year old homes will be looking at. Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Window Replacement   Project Description:  Replace ten 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl replacement windows. Wrap the exterior trim as required to match. Don't disturb...

Cost vs. Value 2007 – Additions

Thinking of adding on to your abode?  In this weeks cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at three popular additions that can make your home much more enjoyable! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Family Room Addition   Project Description:  In a style and location appropriate to the house, add a 16-by-25-foot room on a crawlspace foundation with wood siding and...

Cost vs. Value 2007 – Bathrooms

Thinking of remodeling your home?  In this weeks cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the bathroom. This is another area that has a dramatic impact on a homes desirability and saleability! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area Bathroom Remodel   Project Description:  Update an existing 5-by-7 foot. Replace all fixtures to include standard-sized tub with ceramic tile...

Cost vs. Value 2007 – The Kitchen

Thinking of remodeling your home?  In this weeks cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most dramatic changes made to enhance a homes value and general appeal. Afterall, isn't that where most good parties are! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Minor Kitchen Remodel   Project Description: In a functional but dated...

How to care for your septic system

Septic SystemsBy: Tony MeierEastside Realtor You just bought your dream home!  A fantastic two story on a nice piece of land. You were told that it had a septic system when you bought it, you also had it inspected (right!), now how do you maintain this thing? This question comes frequently and unless you have had septic system before, you may have no idea what to do to keep your system in optimum...

It’s Super Bowl Weekend and I’m thinking Fire Safety!

It is Super Bowl weekend. Our house, like millions others will be busy with the festivities. The smell of chili, salsa, beer & chips... all ground into the carpet no less! Good times! :-) In addition to the fun, we will be doing something else this weekend. Certainely not as exciting, but definitely more important!  We will be changing out all the batteries in our smoke detectors.  This is...