Section 14
HOMEPRIDE in Your Property
SPRING Has Sprung!
Time to spruce up and clean up what Winter left
in its wake! Here's some IN and
OUT "MUST
DO's":
IN - MUST DO'S!
- Clean out that Wood-Burning heating stove
and/or Fireplace. After disposing of ash residue, check &
clean thoroughly for safe non-use during summer months.
- Thoroughly dust wall & ceilings with
long-handled duster.
- Clean all window dressings.
- Carpets needs special cleaning attention.
- Attempt to make this the time of year you
polish all woodwork, including flooring. You'll find your wood
retains its luster over the years and any cracking or peeling
is minimized.
- Replace all furnace filters to be off to
a fresh Spring start and cleaner interior air when the air-conditioner
starts being used.
- Floor and/or wall registers are items often
overlooked. A thorough cleaning does not take that long and
prevents deterioration.
- Wash all windows…IN and OUT.
- Remove the Winter build-up of dust from
all ceiling fans.
OUT - MUST DO'S!
- Remove debris from any central air-conditioning
unit; cleaning your condenser coils will extend the life of
the system.
- Make certain that your gutters are free
from obstruction(s).
- Dispose of branches
and any other debris which would interfere the mowing of your
property.
- Replace any shingles which are loose or
missing.
- Test your exterior water supply as well
as hoses. Replace if defective.
- Vents and exhaust fans need to be inspected
and cleaned.
- Inspect outside of home and patch and paint
as needed.
- Inspect and test for any mechanical problems
with your lawn mower; oil your tools.
- DO NOT miss the opportunity to take advantage
of some of the great deck or patio floor conditioners which
have been developed over the last several years. You'll find
that giving your deck the attention it needs will keep it serving
you well for years…due to exposure to the elements, it
really needs this Tender Loving Care.
Home Repairs that are MUST
Do's!
Home ownership brings a wake-up call to Mid-Southerners…you
don't call the maintenance staff to do your home repairs…you
have to call upon yourself!
As fixing it yourself or knowing who to call
to get it fixed requires an understanding of the priority order
of the repair items that are brought to your attention. Repairs
done before they become mandatory will keep your money in your
pocket! Here's a 3 PRIORITY checklist to keep in mind:
- DOES THE PROBLEM
JEOPARDIZE THE SAFETY OF YOU & YOUR FAMILY?
- For example, is there a lock that provides
security a bit too loose? Tighten or replace it! Loose electrical
or non-grounded wiring inside just waiting for your toddler
to find it? This is definitely a FIX
IT or GET IT FIXED NOW!
- IS THE PROBLEM
POSSIBLY A SYMPTOM OF A LARGER ISSUE?
- For example, is that leaky faucet an
isolated problem, or could the service pipes be damaged?
Got an electrical short in a certain area? How do you know
it doesn't indicate a larger problem? Again, this is a priority!
FIX IT or GET IT FIXED NOW!
- DOES THE PROBLEM
INDICATE THAT IT MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT YOU OR YOUR HOME IF REPAIR
IS DELAYED?
- Does your air conditioner run constantly
in the heat of the summer months, yet it never seems that
your home is cool enough? You not only may have need for
system repair; your budget may be impacted by the energy
it takes to have your system on longer than necessary. Do
you dread a rainstorm as it darkens further those ceiling
areas? A foundation problem? FIX
IT or GET IT FIXED NOW!
Many high-cost repairs can be avoided by monitoring
the functions of many items in your home as a standard course
of awareness and taking action before minor problems develop into
devastating outcomes. Being alert and attentive to minor repairs
can save you significant dollars throughout the years.
Move or Improve?
Think you've outgrown your home? Think again.
Many a home owner before you who has sold and
moved primarily for more living space, has had a rude awakening
upon completing the tally of the costs: moving, real estate commissions,
possible repairs prior to sale, and closing costs, to name a few.
Calculating necessary major appliance & furniture purchases
for the new home needs to be included in you cost itemization.
Ask yourself these questions before you list
your property:
- Is my home expandable without looking
"added-on?"
- Is my home in solid condition?
- Are the major systems in my home (central
heating, air conditioning, etc.) in good working order?
- Would I not be "overbuilding"
for the neighborhood?
If the answer is "YES" to all of the
above, consider securing estimates from local contractors and
crunch your numbers. You may be pleasantly surprised that your
current property is where you still want to call home! Read on
to get some tips on Remodeling.
Remodeling: Fun or Frenzy?
We've all heard the stories of friends and colleagues
who have gone through the Remodeling adventure; however, the short-term
frenzy it may have created most likely resulted in more living
space and a sense of pride and accomplishment.
If you're considering remodeling, here's some
hints and what to anticipate in the process:
- Be aware that kitchens and additional bathrooms,
as well as garage construction increase resale value in your
property.
- If you decide to cash-out in a home improvement
loan, add the closing costs to your master budget.
- Budget for an architect or contractor to
help you put your ideas into a workable plan…get the
vision on paper. Finalize your budget and adhere to it.
They do this for a living. Inquire about cost-containment advice…you
may be surprised and pleased with their recommendations, which
would not sacrifice the quality of your project.
- Be aware that there are many time-sensitive
issues in remodeling: building permits, construction staffing,
and product delivery arriving at varying times.
- Before the project begins, get all the players
together: architect, contractor, and subcontractors. Communicate.
Communicate. Communicate. Make certain all are reading from
the same page; develop a method of communication to keep all
players "in the loop."
- Make certain you have adequate storage for
large, bulky products or supplies.
- Have "Touch Base" meetings…even
if briefly. This keeps the process on a steady course.
- If your project is major, rent the following
portables: fence to contain the project and materials, toilet,
and at least one industrial trash container which can handle
the residue once work begins.
- Finally, get in an adventurous spirit!
Pretend your camping out inside in that makeshift kitchen…Just
imagine the culinary delights you can concoct once it's done!
Feng Shui??
WHAT?? Read on…
How do the Chinese terms "chi"
and "sha" relate to harmony in your home? There has
been considerable reference to these Chinese definitions of energy
in relationship to homes over the last decade, and we have researched
this concept and found it quite remarkable in its concept. Some
of our observations are here for your information and enjoyment.
This isn't all that mystifying, as we can all
recall entering a particular home and feeling comfortable and
content in the pleasant atmosphere there. Whether planned or not,
there was some "Feng Shui" that was going on.
The basic idea is that there are two primary
energy flows: "chi" (positive energy) and "sha"
(negative energy) which can be developed in a floor plan and/or
in the location and placement of furnishings and décor
throughout the home. One schooled in this practice would say that
the "chi" energy had balanced, peaceful "flow";
whereas, the "sha" was subdued by "chi"
being predominant.
Career specialties abound today, and Feng Shui
is a discipline in which there are practitioners of this ancient
art of Placement. Although we Westerners may not take the Eastern
beliefs inherent in to Feng Shui to heart, we have all sensed
the tranquil calm in a home with harmony to it.
In Feng Shui, every corner area of a home signifies
one of the following:
- Self-awareness or self-knowledge;
Relationships with others;
Those who are benefactors; and
Wealth (not necessarily money!)
The front entry to your home represents the
entry to your life and your relationship with that which is outside
of you/your home. All practitioners' analyses begin with this
entry concept. Isn't it interesting that so few of us enter
our homes through the front, obvious entrance? Hmmm…could
there be something to this?
Upon entering, there should not be anything
which would initially detract from the flow of energy one would
desire. In other words, good Feng Shui allows the evolving of
the experience visually to you as you move through the home, and
creates an atmosphere for the slow, fluid development of an even
greater awareness of the harmonious home which is representative
of you.
The following are some of the more predominant
priorities of practitioners:
- Your place of rest (master bedroom) would
be well within and out of visibility of the initial entry to
the structure.
- Work for any duration of time within the
home should never be with one's back to the front door (entry
to the outside world).
- Panoramic views upon entry to the home detracts
from the easy flow from room to room.
- Upon arrival at your home, an essential
is to view only one entry, your front door. A garage door in
view conflicts with the access point to your home.
- Orthodox followers never have a stair access
visible at the front door. They say the energy flow is negatively
impacted.
Some homes have stairs at the front door; some
have lovely views upon entry. Don't despair. The flow of
colors, your wall décor, and "chi" placement
of furniture can overcome many obstacles. You'll be pleasantly
surprised how much information regarding this art, which to many
is a way of life, is available on the internet. Search away at
your heart's content and you may find as we have, that it's an
excellent parallel lesson in life itself being lived to the full!
HELPFUL
SITES & RESOURCES
www.homefair.com
www.bhg.com
www.homedepot.com
Epubliceye.com
has a Listing and Rating System
of Online shops with a HOME & GARDEN page!
They categorize all kinds of information!
www.epubliceye.com/fl/companies
DoItYourself.com is referred to as
"The World's Most Visited Home Building and Home Decorating
Site"
www.doityourself.com
