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October 2018 - Hoeting Realtors

Buyers Aren’t Spooked by Haunted Houses

With inventories so tight, many consumers say they’re even willing to live in a haunted house.

Thirty-three percent of more than 1,000 consumers recently surveyed say they’re willing to live in a haunted house, and another 25 percent said they’d consider it, according to a newly released survey by realtor.com®.

“Haunted houses are a popular attraction this time of year, but we wanted to see how many people would actually live in one,” says Sarah Staley, a housing expert who commented on the study’s findings. “What we found may be a sign of today’s tight housing market, or for many living in a haunted house doesn’t have to be a deal breaker.”

Further, 47 percent of respondents said they’d live in a home where someone has died, and 27 percent additional respondents said they’d at least consider it, according to the survey.

Still, 40 percent of consumers said they’d need a price reduction in order to choose a haunted home over a non-haunted home. Also, a good neighborhood, extra square footage, and more bedrooms would convince them too, according to the survey. On the other hand, 42 percent of respondents insist they aren’t open to the idea of buying a haunted home, even for those extra perks.

For some consumers, living in a haunted house may not be considered a stretch because they claim they’ve already lived in one. For example, 28 percent of respondents said they have lived in a haunted house, and another 14 percent think they may have. They say their house was haunted because of strange noises, odd feelings in certain rooms, and even some reports of objects moving or disappearing.

Source: realtor.com®

 

One Day Backyard Ideas and DIY Projects

Creative gardening tips, ideas, & DIY projects

Most of us are really busy, and if we end up spending several weekends in a row having to work on backyard ideas & projects, they tend to not get finished. I like simple, and fast for most of the DIY projects I do…probably because, if you ask Steve, I have an issue with patience. And procrastination. But that’s another post. 🙂 In any case, the first thing I want to do in the garden each year is all those projects that sounded so perfect at the end of last season! So let’s jump right in and find some great DIY one day backyard ideas that are perfect for beginner DIY’ers, and give us all quick gratification. And who doesn’t love that in the garden?

 

 

One Day Backyard Ideas & DIY Projects

 

I Spy DIY‘ must know how much we love a vertical garden! This is an amazing DIY project for a small backyard or a patio space. You can use it to grow edibles that are easy to access from the kitchen, or just to bring your love of plants into your outdoor living area. Jenni also shows you how to make these simple paint markers as well. Tons of other backyard ideas at their site, so spend some time looking around there!

 

We have the perfect backyard idea for you! From ‘A Beautiful Mess‘,  build a fire pit in an afternoon! Here is another fire pit tutorial. Or, make a DIY tabletop fire bowl for a small garden space. These are the kind of outdoor projects that make your family time more memorable. Totally worth a little elbow grease!

 

From ‘Sarah Hearts‘, you have to check out this DIY patio idea. This is simple, eye-catching, fast, and budget friendly. (And, it looks fun!) Go check out her how-to’s for this backyard project. So much better than chalk drawings in the street. 🙂

 

Use this DIY backyard idea from ‘Love Grows Wild‘ to create privacy, or just add some beauty to your outdoor space. This DIY trellis planter has a complete tutorial, is a simple one day project, and requires just a few tools and supplies.

 

Need some outdoor furniture? This DIY project has complete plans and instructions. Build this stone top table from ‘Family Handyman‘ and make your backyard a little more special than it was before!

 

Now if you are looking for a backyard idea or DIY project to fit a larger group, try this DIY picnic table from ‘Dunn Lumber‘. See this petite woman building this outdoor table? You don’t have to be big to hold a saw and a drill.

 

 

Make this DIY AC unit cover with this tutorial from ‘Taryn Whiteaker‘. This is a simple backyard idea that can take a yard that was unfriendly and turn it into an area you can use as a mini patio or play space. No more embarrassing ugliness showing!

 

Love this backyard idea from ‘Shelstring Blog‘. This DIY project is a wooden bench made from logs, lumber… and a few well learned lessons! Read their tutorial, this would be amazing in a shade garden for quiet summer afternoons. Or fall afternoons. Winter mornings. Or…

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This easy outdoor project can change the whole look of a yard. Add a garden walkway in one afternoon! Want ideas? See our post on DIY Walkways & Paths! This tutorial is from ‘ZenSchmen‘.

One Day Backyard Ideas & DIY Projects

 

This is one of our original projects, and still one of my fav DIY garden projects we’ve done so far… It’s come along way since this photo was taken, so Ill try to update this season with all the plants filled in. But if you are looking for something simple and more contemporary, try our DIY Project: Contemporary Garden Water Feature – Less than $30.

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Also from here at ‘TGG’, try this outdoor project! DIY concrete garden globes are easy, fun to make and look great anywhere in your yard. We give you a concrete recipe (four, actually!) to make different textured globes as well.

 

Finally, we love this cobblestone path from Home is Where They Love You. Made with a form and pre mixed concrete, this is a budget DIY project as well!

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Thank you for reading our post on One Day Backyard Ideas & DIY Projects! We know you will also enjoy our posts on 12 Inspiring Backyard Lighting Ideas and How to Build a Backyard Playhouse!

Note: This post has been refreshed with updated projects.

Image Credits: ZenShmen, I Spy DIY, A Beautiful Mess, Sarah Hearts, Love Grows Wild, Family Handyman, Dunn Lumber, Taryn Whiteaker, Shelstring Blog, Home is Where They Love You

Your Home’s Fall Checklist

from Better Homes and Garden Oct 2018

Your Home’s Fall Checklist

It’s time to prepare your home to withstand winter’s frosty bite.

Fall is the perfect time to take care of the little things that can make a big difference for you and your home. Most of the tasks listed below are well with-in the average person’s ability. But even if you choose to have a professional handle them, it’s worth the expense. You’ll save money—and maybe even your life. We’ll walk you through cleanup for gutters, roofs, fireplaces, and more.

More Fall Fix-Ups for Your Home

Get Your Mind in the Gutters

Your roof’s drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your house’s exterior and foundation walls. That’s why it is so important to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and to water in your basement. They are also more prone to rust and corrosion. Before the leaves fly this fall, have your gutters cleaned, then covered with mesh guards to keep debris from returning.

How to Care for Gutters

Button Up Your Overcoat

A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like a coat left unbuttoned. Gaps in caulk and weather-stripping can account for a 10% of your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Weather-stripping is easily the most cost-effective way to rein in heating and cooling costs. This humble material also reduces drafts and keeps your home more comfortable year-round. Because weather stripping can deteriorate over time, it is important to inspect it periodically.

If you suspect a problem with weather stripping, you have several options for checking. Close a door or window on a strip of paper; if the paper slides easily, your weatherstripping isn’t doing its job. Or, close the door or window and hold a lighted candle near the frame. (Don’t let the flame get near anything flammable!) If the flame flickers at any spot along the frame, you have an air leak.

While you’re at it, also check for missing or damaged caulk around windows, doors, and entry points for electrical, cable, phone, gas, and so. Seal any gaps with a suitable caulk.

Get on Top of Roof Problems

Few homeowner problems are more vexing than a leaky roof. Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming. Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.

Start by inspecting your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars if necessary. Check ridge shingles for cracks and wind damage. Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles. Look in your gutters for large accumulations of granules, a sign that your roof is losing its coating; expect problems soon. Finally, make sure your gutters are flowing freely.

Editor’s Tip: Roof-mounted television antennas, even if they aren’t in use, may have guy wires holding them in place. Look for loose or missing guy wires. If you see some, and your antenna is no longer being used, consider having it removed altogether.

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Chill Out

If you live in an area with freezing weather, take steps to ensure that outside faucets (also called sill cocks) and inground irrigation systems don’t freeze and burst.

Close any shut-off valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line. (There may be a small cap on the faucet you can loosen to facilitate this draining.) If you don’t have shut-off valves, and your faucets are not “freezeproof ” types, you may benefit from styrofoam faucet covers sold at home centers.

To freezeproof an inground irrigation system, follow the manufacturer’s procedure for draining it and protecting it from winter damage.

Freshen Your Filter

Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise be deposited on your furniture, woodwork, and so on. Clogged filters make it harded to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and can serious increase your utility bills. A simple monthly cleaning is all it takes to keep these filters breathing free and clear.

Disposable filters can be vaccumed once before replacement. Foam filters can also be vaccumed, but they don’t need to be replaced unless they are damaged. Use a soft brush on a vacuum cleaner. If the filter is metal or electrostatic, remove and wash it with a firm water spray.

Give Your Furnace a Physical

Once a year, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected by a professional. To avoid the last-minute rush, consider scheduling this task in early fall, before the heating season begins.

Here are signs that you should have an inspection performed sooner:

Noisy Belts: Unusual screeches or whines may be a signal that belts connected to the blower motor are worn or damaged.

Poor Performance: A heating system that doesn’t seem to work as well as it once did could be a sign of various problems. Your heating ducts might be blocked, the burners might be misadjusted, or the blower motor could be on its last legs. One check you should be sure to conduct: Make sure your furnace filter is clean.

Erratic Behavior: This could be caused by a faulty thermostat or a misadjusted furnace.

Gather ‘Round the Hearth

Even if you use your fireplace only occasionally, you should check it annually for damage and hazards.

Inspect Your Flue for Creosote: Creosote is a flammable by-product of burning wood. If it accumulates in a flue or chimney, the result can be a devastating fire. Have your chimney inspected annually for creosote buildup. If you use a fireplace or wood stove frequently, have the flue inspected after each cord of wood burned.

For most people, the best option is to have your entire chimney system inspected by a chimney sweep. Once you know what to look for, you can perform the inspection by shining a bright flashlight up the flue, looking for any deposits approaching 1/8 inch thick. These deposits should be cleaned by an experienced chimney sweep.

Look for Flue Blockages: Birds love to nest at the top of an unprotected flue. A chimney cap can prevent this from happening. If you don’t have a cap, look up the flu to ensure that there are no obstructions.

Exercise the Damper: The damper is the metal plate that opens and closes the flu just above the firebox. Move it to the open and closed positions to ensure that it is working properly.

Check Your Chimney for Damage: Make certain that the flue cap (the screen or baffle covering the top of the chimney) is in place. Inspect brick chimneys for loose or broken joints. If access is a problem, use binoculars.

Festive Fall Mantel Ideas

Keep the Humidifier Humming

You may know that bone dry winter air is bad for your health, but did you also know it can make fine wood more prone to cracking? You and your home will feel more comfortable if you keep your central humidifier in tip-top shape during the months it is running.

First, inspect the plates or pads, and if necessary, clean them in a strong laundry detergent solution. Rinse and scrape off mineral deposits with a wire brush or steel wool.

Head-off Gas Problems

Keeping a gas heater in good shape is both a safety and a cost issue. An improperly maintained heater can spew poisons into the air of your home, or it may simply be costing you more to operate. Have a professional check these devices annually. There are also some maintenance items you should address.

First, shut off the heater. Then check the air-shutter openings and exhaust vents for dirt and dust. If they are dirty, vacuum the air passages to the burner and clean the burner of lint and dirt. Follow the manufacturer’s advice for any other needed maintenance.

Keep Wood Fires Burning Brightly

Woodburning stoves are a great way to add atmosphere and warmth to your home. But regular inspections are needed to ensure that these devices don’t become a safety hazard. Here’s how to check them.

Inspect Stovepipes: Cracks in stovepipes attached to wood stoves can release toxic fumes into your home. Throughout the heating season, you should check for corrosion, holes, or loose joints. Clean the stovepipe, and then look for signs of deterioration or looseness. Replace stovepipe if necessary.

Look for Corrosion and Cracks: Check for signs of rust or cracking in the stove’s body or legs.

Check Safety Features: Make sure that any required wall protection is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and that the unit sits on an approved floor material. If you have young children, be sure to fence off the stove when it is in operation.

Walk the Walks

Damaged walkways, drives, and steps are a hazard year round, but their dangers are compounded when the weather turns icy. Fixing problems in the fall is also critical to preventing little problems from becoming expensive headaches.

Look for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps. Check for disintegration of asphalt, or washed-out materials on loose-fill paths. Most small jobs are well within the ability of a do-it-yourselver, but save major repairs for experienced hands.

Review Safety Features

At least once a year, do a top-to-bottom review of your home’s safety features. This is also a good time to get the family together for a review of your fire evacuation plan. Here’s how to do this:

Smoke and CO Detectors: Replace the batteries in each smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. Test the detectors by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit. If you haven’t already, install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.

Fire Extinguishers: Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating on the label). At a minimum, keep one near the kitchen; having one per floor isn’t a bad idea. Annually, check the indicator on the pressure gauge to make sure the extinguisher is charged. Make certain that the lock pin is intact and firmly in place, and check that the discharge nozzle is not clogged. Clean the extinguisher and check it for dents, scratches, and corrosion. Replace if the damage seems severe. Note: Fire extinguishers that are more than six years old should be replaced. Mark the date of purchase on the new unit with a permanent marker.

Fire Escape Plans: Every bedroom, including basement bedrooms, should have two exit paths. Make sure windows aren’t blocked by furniture or other items. Ideally, each upper-floor bedroom should have a rope ladder near the window for emergency exits. Review what to do in case of fire, and arrange a safe meeting place for everyone away from the house.

General Cleanup: Rid your home of accumulations of old newspapers and leftover hazardous household chemicals. (Check with your state or local Environmental Protection Agency about the proper way to discard dangerous chemicals.) Store flammable materials and poisons in approved, clearly labeled containers. Keep a clear space around heaters, furnaces, and other heat-producing appliances.