Posted: July 03, 2023 by Coldwell Banker Heritage Social Home maintenance is an essential part of owning a property. Regular upkeep can help prevent expensive repairs, ensure the safety of your family, and increase the value of your home. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of home maintenance and why regular upkeep is essential. Prevent … Continue reading The Importance of Home Maintenance: Why Regular Upkeep is Essential

With the holidays right around the corner, you may be facing the challenge of getting your home ready for your friends and family. While getting your home ready for guests can be a daunting task, we’ve pulled together a list … Continue reading →

Apple picking, pumpkin patches, beautiful scenes — it’s no wonder that fall is a fan favorite! Temperatures start to cool off and you start looking forward to the upcoming holidays. While it is easy to get distracted with all of the fun fall festivities, it is also the perfect time to work on some of those home improvement projects you’ve been putting off.Not sure where to start? See below for some projects you can tackle this season.Clean The GuttersWhile it may not be an enjoyable task, it is important to ensure your gutters are clean. Gutters are in place to direct water away from your home, and with leaves coming down, there is a high chance for clogs. Having clogged gutters may not seem like a big deal, but if the water can’t be diverted, it can lead to water damage to your roof and the exterior of your home, as well as put you at risk for flooding. In addition, remove any debris that is on your roof so they don’t find their way to the gutters and cause a clog during the next storm.When cleaning your gutters, remember to take precautions to prevent risk of injury. Use a ladder that is sturdy, and have someone stabilize the bottom of the ladder. If you are unable to find a helper, be sure to let someone know you are using a ladder and cleaning the gutters. Also, wear shoes with rubber soles to help prevent you from slipping off of the ladder, and to reduce the risk of slipping and falling if you need to walk on the roof during the cleaning. Wear thick gloves to keep your hands protected from any rotting debris and contaminated water that is sitting in your gutters, and wear eye protection!Not a fan of cleaning your gutters year after year? Consider installing gutter guards to help protect against any blockages, or hire a professional to tackle the task.Roof MaintenanceKeep your home warm and dry during the colder months by taking the time to ensure you have a solid roof. By inspecting your roof, or having a professional do it, you can stay on top of any issues before it gets worse. Check to make sure you don’t have any leaks that have developed, and replace shingles that are missing, curling, or cracked. Regular maintenance of your roof will help prolong its life.Break Out the PaintFall is a great time to get those painting projects done! Because many fall days don’t drop below freezing, it is the perfect time for putting a fresh coat of paint on your front door and to the exterior of your home. Don’t forget to power wash your home to clean it of any dirt, mold, and mildew before painting.In addition, now that you longer have to deal with the summer heat, it is also a great time to paint the interior of your home because your can open the windows to air out the room. You would be surprised what a difference it makes to just paint the trim!Window Care or ReplacementWindows that are not functioning to their fullest ability can have a severe impact on your monthly energy bills, so it is important to take the time to inspect your windows. Check the sealant and caulk to ensure water and insects cannot get in, and that you don’t feel a draft on those windy days. Additionally, take a look at the weather stripping and make sure it is still in tact – this will seal any air leaks.If you notice condensation or frost on your windows, or notice any damage, it might be time to call a professional because you may be in need of new windows. Continue reading →

Looking for some fun without a crowd? Bring the experience of being a the movies home with you with an outdoor movie theatre! Skip the lines, get the best seats, and best of all - have your favorite snacks! Here are our tips for helping you make this dream a reality.The Scene, Screen & ProjectorTo set the scene, you need to determine which screen and projector will work best for your particular situation. One thing to consider is the location of electrical outlets and the space you will have. Depending on how far your screen will be from the projector, you will want to keep this space in mind when choosing an appropriate screen size and a projector that will project the adequate distanceTo find the optimum distance for your space, you will need to measure the size of your screen diagonally and divide that size by .84. For example, a 100-inch projector screen requires an optimal viewing distance of 119 inches or 3m from the screen (Projector Screen 2021). Additionally, the size of the space will determine the appropriate throw distance. Common throw distances are Long Throw, Short Throw, and Ultra-Short throw. Larger spaces will allow for a greater throw distance. When choosing a projector, you will also want to consider the types of content you may be projecting. For instance, if you plan to stream content, you will want to choose a projector with smart features or that allows you to connect a smart tv device like Chromecast, or in the case of sports, you may want to ensure they have the ability to add the ESPN streaming app. If you plan to use for gaming, you may also want to consider the potential for input lag. Lastly, you want to consider whether standard or high-definition is more your style.Don't forget the snacks! As we hinted above, one of the reasons we love being able to have the movies at home is the freedom and affordable price tag of our own snacks. While you can obviously pick any snack to your hearts desire, some snacks are better movie snacks than others. Our suggestion for the ideal snacks for your movie night? Choose something that doesn't get your hands too messy, can snack on throughout the entire movie, and doesn't have loud packaging. Since you can, it wouldn't hurt to add a nutritious option also!SOURCES:https://www.techradar.com/news/short-throw-vs-long-throw-vs-ultra-short-throw-projector https://www.projectorscreen.com/projector-screen-calculators https://www.customht.com.au/blogs/home-theatre/calculating-the-ideal-screen-size-from-your-seating-position  Continue reading →

Mother’s Day will be here before you know it! Are you trying to find a fun gift for mom this year? Consider the gift of a she-shed! Moms everywhere are turning their ordinary backyard sheds into a private space to escape to and get away from the world. Check out the tips below to help guide you in create that perfect space for mom.Find The SpaceThe first and most obvious step is to either obtain a pre-made shed or build one yourself if you don’t already have one in the backyard you plan on using for the project. In addition, it isn’t often required but it is a good idea to check to see if you need a building permit before you begin. That would inform you on whether there are any size restrictions or if there are any other regulations you need to follow.Make A ListBefore you get too ahead of yourself with decorating, make a list of everything that needs to be completed. Do you need electricity? If you are using a pre-existing shed, is the structure in good shape? Are there any repairs that are needed? Do you need new flooring? By making a thorough list of everything that needs completed, you can ensure that mom’s new space is usable and, most important, safe. As an bonus tip, don’t forget to get a smoke detector for this space!Define A PurposeAn important step in creating that perfect space for mom is to determine what she is going to use that space for. Whether it is for crafting, exercising, gardening, a home office, or somewhere just to relax, the best she-sheds are designed with a specific purpose in mind. Once you have that determined, you can run with your ideas and get creative!Add Some ColorWhether you are starting from scratch or converting a backyard shed, you would be surprised how big of a difference one coat of paint can make on a space! Consider an accent wall or a fun colors to bring that space to life. Or, maybe even add a fun wallpaper to create a unique and bold space.Time To DecorateLet the fun begin! If you don’t have any spare furniture or decor to put in the she-shed, consider searching flea markets, antique shops, thrift stores and yard sales to obtain some inexpensive items that will make the space feel comfortable and complete. Be sure to get cozy furniture and fun textiles to make the space feel inviting, and be sure to fill the room with items that relate back to the purpose of the space.Finishing TouchesBefore you reveal your latest project to your mom, take some time to make the outside look just as amazing as the inside does – first impressions are important after all! Consider painting the exterior of the shed to her favorite color or to something that suits her personality. Plant some fresh flowers, hang some string lights or lanterns, and maybe even add a cute outdoor sitting area to finish it off.And there you have it, the perfect she-shed for mom! Now that you are done creating this perfect space, it is time for the big reveal! There is no doubt that she will be surprised and appreciative of all the work you put into her gift – this will be a Mother's Day she is sure to remember! Continue reading →

When marketing a home, sellers want it to be as quick and easy as possible. However, it takes more than luck to make this happen. It requires some work to get your home sold in an efficient manner. To get your home ready for sale, below are a few things to keep in mind. Disassociate from HouseLeaving your home, especially if you’ve been there for a long time, can certainly be an emotional process. While its difficult, you want to detach yourself as best you can so buyers can picture themselves living in the home. Pack up personal photographs, knick-knacks, and any other clutter that might distract buyers. Present them with a clean, impersonal environment so they can picture their own photos on the furniture. DeclutterOver the years, people can collect an astonishing quantity of things in their home. They may be keeping hold of these items because of personal attachment, an intention to fix it in the future, or the desire to pass it on to others. However, if the items have not been used in many years and don’t have a definable memory, you probably don’t need it. Aim to discard items as responsibly and usefully as possible by donating new and gently used items to charities or other non-profits. Organize Closets and CabinetsWhen touring a home, buyers will wonder about the space within and whether it will suit their needs and belongings. They will be curious about any closed door, drawer, or storage area. It’s vital to make sure these are organized before potential homebuyers look through them. When they see everything all organized and efficient, it expresses that you take care of your possessions and likely took good care of the house, throughout the years, as well. Consider Renting a Storage UnitHomes tend to show better with less furniture. Remove any pieces that block or hamper walking paths and walkways. You can put these items in storage along with any distracting art, to make the home look bigger and cleaner. You want to leave just enough furniture to showcase the room and express its purpose and potential. Make Minor RepairsRepairs can make or break a sale. When potential homebuyers tour a property, their eyes can zero in on any items that are in need of repair or refurbishing. You want your home to be memorable in their mind, but you don’t want to make a bad impression that stays with them. To avoid this, replace any burned out light bulbs or repaint any areas that are chipping off. Think About Curb AppealYou want to make the exterior of your home just as appealing as the inside. A sale can be lost if the buyer won’t even get out of the car to look at the interior. Make the area look welcome and inviting with fresh paint on doors, a floral element like a potted plant or a wreath, and make sure to fill any cracks on the pavement. To finish off, take a moment to linger in doorways and picture how the home could look to buyers. Examine how the furniture is arranged and make sure everything is appealing. You want the home to look like a clean and beautiful but also serve as an open slate for buyers so they can imagine themselves living there with their own possessions.   

Do you have an extra room in your home and aren't sure what to do with it? Check out these fun and innovative ways to turn that spare room onto a useful space for you and your family.Guest Room:Using a spare room as a guest bedroom is one of the most common ways to utilize an extra room in your home, but it is also a very practical solution. If you frequently have overnight guests, it would be convenient to already have a room set aside so your guests don’t have to pay to stay at a hotel for one or two nights.Home Office:Whether you are in need of somewhere to work from home or a quiet place to pay bills and take care of paperwork, turning that spare room into an office will surely provide you with the perfect space to get your adulting done. Invest in a desk with lots of storage space and a cabinet or two to help you stay organized.Movie Theater:If you and your family like to sit back, relax and watch a movie together, a home theater sounds like a perfect fit for that spare room. Grab some comfy seating, maybe even a few beanbag chairs, a large TV or a projector, and a popcorn station, and you are set to go!Hobby Room:Do you have a passion for art? How about music? Do you have a large collection of something that needs somewhere to be displayed? If so, dedicating a space where you can enjoy your hobby is a great idea. It is easy to acquire a lot of items and materials that relate back to a hobby or collection. Why not dedicate a room to that hobby and keep it tidy behind closed doors? Home Gym:If you are trying to get in shape but don’t have time to go to the gym, converting your spare room into a home gym is perfect. Just grab some weights, a yoga mat, and a treadmill or a stationary bike, and voila! If you want to spruce up the room, try adding a mirror and a TV.Lounge:If you need a sweet hangout spot for when you entertain guests, then turn your spare room into a lounge! Add some cozy furniture, a cool light fixture and a pool table, and you have yourself a cozy entertainment space. And don’t forget the fully-stocked minibar! Closet:Have you outgrown the closet in your bedroom and need somewhere to store your ever-growing wardrobe? Turn that extra space into a walk-in closet! Add a few clothing racks, a large mirror, and plenty of drawers and shelves, and now you have the perfect place to get ready for work, school or a night on the town.

According to recent survey conducted by LightStream, despite the ongoing pandemic, 73% of homeowners are planning to renovate this year. This seems to stem from the fact that isolation has made American’s take a much-needed closer look at their home. Fall is actually the perfect time to tackle some badly needed home projects before winter comes blowing in. If you’re one of the many homeowners who are planning to update their home, below are a few key things to focus on. Home Heating and Air SystemsIf a furnace is 10-15 years old or takes longer to kick on than usual, it’s probably time for a replacement. Pay close attention to the SEER rating and look for efficient fuels such as natural gas which can help save you money in the long run. While you’re preparing the furnace for the season, don’t forget to take care of the trusty AC that just got you through the summer months. Clean and cover your outdoor air conditioning units to help prevent any damage from rain or snow. Note, this does not apply if you have a heat pump model that is designed to switch to heating mode when the weather gets cold. GuttersThe gutters are essential throughout fall and winter so it’s best to take good care of them. Clean them out while it is still somewhat warm outside. Regular maintenance will prevent gutters from overflowing with rain, leaves, or snow which can damage your roof over time. WindowsIn the winter months, do you often feel a chill when sitting next to certain windows or notice condensation on the glass panes? Likely these issues can be fixed if you upgrade to multiple paned windows. If you have single pane windows in your home, you would do well to replace them. These older types of windows are poor insulators and replacing them with double panes will help to trap more heat in the home. Roof and ShinglesThe roof may have a rough winter ahead of it and to avoid undue stress and damage, you’ll want to make sure the roof is in tip top condition to help it resist the wind, rain, and snow that is likely coming its way. Before it gets too cold, you want to replace any missing shingles or other damaged areas. InsultationCheck on your weatherstripping around any doors and/or windows. These little strips are meant to seal openings and gaps to prevent drafts throughout your home. However they can wear down a bit over time. If you notice any faded weatherstripping, don’t hesitate to replace it. You may be losing a lot of heat through those pesky gaps. If you have an attic, you’ll also want to check for any air leaks up there. These can be sealed off with foam insulation which will help to keep your home warm over the coming winter. Don’t close off any vents though as you’ll need those open and unobstructed to get rid of any humid air hanging around the home.  FireplaceIs there anything more relaxing than a cozy spot by the fireplace on a winter day? If you’re planning on spending some time in front of the fire this season, take the time now to thoroughly clean it out and check the state of the chimney. You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of firewood. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, they will also benefit from an inspection before the snow starts to fall. ExteriorsTo ensure a beautiful lawn come springtime, there are several important projects its best to start in the fall. Raking leaves seems like an obvious one but this will also aerate your lawn and prevent it from becoming suffocated. To go a step further, consider fertilizing and winterizing trees, grass, and bushes so your greenery enters winter properly nourished. Fall also offers some days that are warm enough to still get some exterior painting in. A touch up can help prolong the life of a home’s siding and trim. Any surface that is likely to get covered in snow should also receive a fresh coat of paint or sealer. This is something that is best to be done sooner rather than later as many paints aren’t recommended for use in temperatures below 45 degrees.Sources: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/13-best-home-improvement-projects-to-tackle-this-fall/ss-BB18Nqe2https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/maintenance-repair/fall-home-projects/?slide=slide_e2181708-dd55-422a-a81a-1fbea4ccc722#slide_e2181708-dd55-422a-a81a-1fbea4ccc722 https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/15-best-projects-to-do-in-fall/