Remodeling Magazine has released its 2010-2011 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. This annual report takes 35 popular remodeling projects and compares the cost to the value the projects retain at resale. Although the unstable economy has affected the construction industry as well as home values across the country, one thing has remained consistent according to the study. “Replacement projects have historically outperformed full-service remodeling projects, primarily because they are lower-cost projects that are perceived as essential to regular home maintenance.”
Exterior projects that result in increased curb appeal lead the pack, with entry door and garage door replacements recouping up to 102.1% and 83.9% respectively. Replacing windows was another high-return home project, showing a return of 81.5% in the Phoenix area. Another top exterior project that adds appeal and value is the addition of a wood deck. This relatively inexpensive project tied for fourth place in the cost to value analysis with minor kitchen remodeling. Minor kitchen remodeling is a significant expenditure at an average of $21,695 nationally, but shows the importance to homeowners of investing in a comparatively inexpensive “face lift” to keep this essential part of the house up-to-date and aesthetically pleasing to potential buyers.
Return on project investment is also dependent on the current real estate trends and values in your neighborhood. That said, keeping a well-maintained house and investing in updated features that are in line with comparable properties will allow you to enjoy your home and keep it in top form for potential resale.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Get Your Irrigation Set for Spring
Spring is the perfect time to inspect your drip irrigation system and sprinklers for any potential problems, as well as resetting your irrigation timer from the less frequent watering winter watering schedule. Even a yard that is primarily native desert plants will need water throughout the spring and summer. Most plants grow most actively in warmer weather, so you are likely starting to see new growth. Couple the growth with rising evaporation rates as temperatures rise, and more water is required. Some local municipalities offer free workshops on how to program your irrigation timer and maximize landscape watering efficiency.
Check your timer to make sure it is working properly when you reset it. Run through each of the valves’ settings and make sure each valve comes on when it should. When valves start to deteriorate you may have a situation where a valve will remain running. Once you determine which valve is running, it will most likely have to be replaced. You might also notice that there is a puddle or consistent wet spot around a sprinkler head. This is again the sign of a worn out valve that probably needs to be replaced due to leaking.
Check to see that sprinkler heads are popping up properly and to an appropriate height. Most can be adjusted per manufacturer’s instructions to spray in the right direction and the right distance. Also check your drip emitters on various plants. These emitters can clog with mineral deposits, or sustain damage from sun and general wear and tear. They are inexpensive to replace after snipping off the old emitter.
It’s not uncommon to develop splits in old, brittle irrigation lines over time. You may see water bubbling up in a certain spot. Turn your system off while you carefully dig to see where the leak is and how extensive the damage is. Be careful not to further damage the line when you are digging! Most leaks are easy to repair with inexpensive materials from your local hardware store.
Check your timer to make sure it is working properly when you reset it. Run through each of the valves’ settings and make sure each valve comes on when it should. When valves start to deteriorate you may have a situation where a valve will remain running. Once you determine which valve is running, it will most likely have to be replaced. You might also notice that there is a puddle or consistent wet spot around a sprinkler head. This is again the sign of a worn out valve that probably needs to be replaced due to leaking.
Check to see that sprinkler heads are popping up properly and to an appropriate height. Most can be adjusted per manufacturer’s instructions to spray in the right direction and the right distance. Also check your drip emitters on various plants. These emitters can clog with mineral deposits, or sustain damage from sun and general wear and tear. They are inexpensive to replace after snipping off the old emitter.
It’s not uncommon to develop splits in old, brittle irrigation lines over time. You may see water bubbling up in a certain spot. Turn your system off while you carefully dig to see where the leak is and how extensive the damage is. Be careful not to further damage the line when you are digging! Most leaks are easy to repair with inexpensive materials from your local hardware store.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Check Your Flat Roof Before Summer Hits
This is a great time to check your flat roof for signs of wear and tear. Most of us don’t give much thought to the roofs over our covered porches, but they should be checked and maintained along with the rest of the house. You might not be aware of what type of surface is on your flat roof – is it asphalt, rubber, coated with polyurethane foam? If you’ve got a sturdy ladder and a little time, why not check it out?
It’s a good idea to clean up the flat roof first, sweeping off any leaves and debris that will just rot up there. Also check for branches that are overhanging and might scrape the roof, causing damage. Next, check the flashing for cracked caulking. You can usually remove old caulking easily and replace it yourself, but if you find bigger cracks or splits you will probably want to have a professional look at your roof. Small worn spots or punctures can sometimes be easily patched.
If moisture has gotten in between the decking and the roofing material, you may see blisters. Look for any areas where there is fading, discoloration or other signs of pooled water. If you have concerns about any areas of your flat roof, call Trades Unlimited at (480) 483-1775.
It’s a good idea to clean up the flat roof first, sweeping off any leaves and debris that will just rot up there. Also check for branches that are overhanging and might scrape the roof, causing damage. Next, check the flashing for cracked caulking. You can usually remove old caulking easily and replace it yourself, but if you find bigger cracks or splits you will probably want to have a professional look at your roof. Small worn spots or punctures can sometimes be easily patched.
If moisture has gotten in between the decking and the roofing material, you may see blisters. Look for any areas where there is fading, discoloration or other signs of pooled water. If you have concerns about any areas of your flat roof, call Trades Unlimited at (480) 483-1775.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Spring Weed Control
If you’ve got grass in your yard, it may be dormant and brown, or if you’ve overseeded for the winter you may still be enjoying a lush green lawn. Either way, your lawn will look better this summer if you start your weed control program now. Spring is the best time for weed control, according to Turfgrass Specialist David M. Kopec of University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Summer annuals that we consider weeds like crabgrass, stinkgrass, foxtails and broadleaf weeds germinate in the spring at our low elevation.
To protect your turf from a weed invasion, you can apply one of the pre-emergence herbicides that are sold as granules or powders. They can also be found in “weed and feed” type products. It’s important to read the label and make sure that your turf is tolerant of whatever herbicides are in the product you choose. As a general guideline, the recommended time for application in the Phoenix area is around February 25 – March 5th. It’s important to time your application correctly with your irrigation so that the product soaks into the turf and does its job!
You can also use chemical pre-emergence herbicides on broadleaf weeds, and you can use products designed for weeds in your gravel areas. Most homeowners are familiar with killing existing weeds with products like Round-Up or other herbicides applied directly to the plant. If you’d rather not use potentially harmful chemicals, you can also get creative with your weed control by using salt granules or a propane torch to kill your weeds. Of course, if you’re not that adventurous, there are natural weed-killers available too. Whatever method you choose, start now before the weeds take you by surprise!
To protect your turf from a weed invasion, you can apply one of the pre-emergence herbicides that are sold as granules or powders. They can also be found in “weed and feed” type products. It’s important to read the label and make sure that your turf is tolerant of whatever herbicides are in the product you choose. As a general guideline, the recommended time for application in the Phoenix area is around February 25 – March 5th. It’s important to time your application correctly with your irrigation so that the product soaks into the turf and does its job!
You can also use chemical pre-emergence herbicides on broadleaf weeds, and you can use products designed for weeds in your gravel areas. Most homeowners are familiar with killing existing weeds with products like Round-Up or other herbicides applied directly to the plant. If you’d rather not use potentially harmful chemicals, you can also get creative with your weed control by using salt granules or a propane torch to kill your weeds. Of course, if you’re not that adventurous, there are natural weed-killers available too. Whatever method you choose, start now before the weeds take you by surprise!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Phoenix Roof Rat Facts and Prevention
This is the time of year when citrus trees are loaded with fruit and roof rats become more visible. Roof rats generally live a minimum of 4 feet off of the ground, and travel through trees, along tops of walls, power lines and roofs. While continued testing has shown that roof rats don’t carry disease, they can be a hazard to your home.
An opening as small as the size of a nickel can give roof rats access to your home, where they can chew through wood, plastic, aluminum siding, sheet rock and soft metals. Often the rats enter homes through the attic and then travel down pipes and gnaw through drywall to get into kitchens, laundry rooms or garages.
Signs of roof rats on your property include hollowed-out citrus fruits, droppings, evidence of chewing near the roof eaves or wire covers, the sound of scratching or gnawing and actual sightings of the rats (most likely twilight or at night).
The first step in preventing roof rats from taking up residence with you and your family is to remove their food source. Roof rats enjoy citrus fruits because they provide both food and water. They will also eat pet food, bird seed and queen palm fruit in the summer. Water sources include fountains, irrigation, pet water dishes, condensation drip lines and leaky faucets or sprinkler heads.
Use stucco diamond mesh to seal vents and holes around the house – on the roof and near appliances and under sinks. Caulk all cracks as well. You can also use the services of a licensed professional to bait or trap roof rats.
An opening as small as the size of a nickel can give roof rats access to your home, where they can chew through wood, plastic, aluminum siding, sheet rock and soft metals. Often the rats enter homes through the attic and then travel down pipes and gnaw through drywall to get into kitchens, laundry rooms or garages.
Signs of roof rats on your property include hollowed-out citrus fruits, droppings, evidence of chewing near the roof eaves or wire covers, the sound of scratching or gnawing and actual sightings of the rats (most likely twilight or at night).
The first step in preventing roof rats from taking up residence with you and your family is to remove their food source. Roof rats enjoy citrus fruits because they provide both food and water. They will also eat pet food, bird seed and queen palm fruit in the summer. Water sources include fountains, irrigation, pet water dishes, condensation drip lines and leaky faucets or sprinkler heads.
Use stucco diamond mesh to seal vents and holes around the house – on the roof and near appliances and under sinks. Caulk all cracks as well. You can also use the services of a licensed professional to bait or trap roof rats.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Why replace your window when you can repair it?
If you continue to ignore your foggy dual pane windows or sliding glass doors because you know how expensive it’s going to be to replace them, one glass company in the Valley is providing a cost-effective solution. Left unaddressed, the water vapor between the glass panes will keep reappearing and drying, leaving a calcium buildup that will certainly ruin your view. The clouding in between the panes is caused by “solar pumping” which simply means that the heat of the sun causes expansion, putting pressure on your seal, and when temperatures cool, negative pressure results. This push and pull can cause breaches that allow air carrying moisture to pass in and out of the seal.
Window & Glass Pros have come up with a proven technique to simply remove the moisture, repair the seal and replace the glass. So, in addition to saving your windows and doors, you may also save up to 70% over replacing them. You are also saving some wear and tear on the environment.
Why add your perfectly good window glass to the almost 12 million tons of glass that Americans put into municipal waste every year? By repairing the seal and restoring your dual pane windows and doors, you extend the life of your windows at a significant savings to you, and you aren’t taxing the environment unnecessarily. You’ll also have windows and sliders that provide better R-value for insulating your home, and could potentially cut down on your energy costs. Even the smallest measures toward creating an energy efficient home can add up to potentially significant savings.
Window & Glass Pros have come up with a proven technique to simply remove the moisture, repair the seal and replace the glass. So, in addition to saving your windows and doors, you may also save up to 70% over replacing them. You are also saving some wear and tear on the environment.
Why add your perfectly good window glass to the almost 12 million tons of glass that Americans put into municipal waste every year? By repairing the seal and restoring your dual pane windows and doors, you extend the life of your windows at a significant savings to you, and you aren’t taxing the environment unnecessarily. You’ll also have windows and sliders that provide better R-value for insulating your home, and could potentially cut down on your energy costs. Even the smallest measures toward creating an energy efficient home can add up to potentially significant savings.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Outdoor Lighting – Make the Most of Your Property
Arizona offers up some of the most dramatic landscapes anywhere, with everything from lush tropical plantings to towering saguaros and spectacular stone water features. Many of us should get a great deal of enjoyment out of our home landscapes at night, when the family is home and temperatures are pleasant. Here are some ways to improve the outdoor lighting in your landscape, to bring out your property’s potential.
Look around your landscape for highlights that you want to feature. You can choose to up-light or down-light various plants and trees. Consider the height of plantings, trees and hardscape features when you are choosing your outdoor lighting fixtures, as well as placement. Will you be spotlighting something from a distance, or incorporating low-profile fixtures into your planting areas?
Pathways, patios and other outdoor living areas should have appropriate lighting. You’ll need to provide enough light for people to get around and see where they’re going, without overdoing it and creating glare.
When you are designing your lighting plan, don’t forget the house itself. Many homes feature unique architectural elements and beautiful exterior finishes that can be highlighted, as well as providing general lighting for entryways, driveways, etc. Lighting your home can create an elegant and inviting look that increases curb appeal. Your exterior lighting is also an important security consideration. A dark property can not only be dangerous, but allows easier access for intruders.
There are a wide variety of outdoor fixtures to choose from, as well as outdoor lighting designers who can help you create the most effective ways to enhance your property with outdoor lighting.
Look around your landscape for highlights that you want to feature. You can choose to up-light or down-light various plants and trees. Consider the height of plantings, trees and hardscape features when you are choosing your outdoor lighting fixtures, as well as placement. Will you be spotlighting something from a distance, or incorporating low-profile fixtures into your planting areas?
Pathways, patios and other outdoor living areas should have appropriate lighting. You’ll need to provide enough light for people to get around and see where they’re going, without overdoing it and creating glare.
When you are designing your lighting plan, don’t forget the house itself. Many homes feature unique architectural elements and beautiful exterior finishes that can be highlighted, as well as providing general lighting for entryways, driveways, etc. Lighting your home can create an elegant and inviting look that increases curb appeal. Your exterior lighting is also an important security consideration. A dark property can not only be dangerous, but allows easier access for intruders.
There are a wide variety of outdoor fixtures to choose from, as well as outdoor lighting designers who can help you create the most effective ways to enhance your property with outdoor lighting.
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