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Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 237

Keeping Cool Without Turning Down the AC

Wednesday, August 10, 2022
by Scott Darling


Let’s face it:  Heat waves can drain the energy from our bodies, but it can also drain the money right out of our bank accounts when the energy bill comes due.  Turning the thermostat down seems logical, but not always the best thing to do to cool the house off.  Here are some practical things we can do to help our AC keep the home comfortable: 

 

  • - Keeping shades drawn in rooms where the sun comes streaming in is a great first defense on staying cool inside.  Doing this simple thing can lower the inside temps 30%! 
     

  • - When you’re away, program the thermostat to 80°, and then down to 75° once you are home.  No need to cool an unoccupied house, and leaving it off completely causes not only heat, but humidity, to build up. If those settings seem warm, give it a week, and you’ll find that your body acclimates to the warmer temperatures! 
     

  • - Utilizing fans is an inexpensive way to help stay cool; your ceiling fan should be turning counterclockwise (find the direction toggle switch near the fan speed chain), and floor fans should blow towards you at a comfortable speed. 
          

  • - Planting large shrubbery and plants with heavy foliage on the sunny sides of the house not only makes the landscaping attractive, the plants help block the heat, making the outside cooler, thus, the inside will stay cooler. 
     

  • - Permanent awnings and shutters are easy ways to block sun, as are retractable curtain awnings.  
     

  • - Allowing all interior doors to stay open will help the air circulate fully and helps keep hot spots from forming.  Leave air registers open, even in unoccupied rooms, to avoid putting a strain on ductwork over time. 
     

  • - Using a dehumidifier will, obviously, reduce the moisture in the air, making the house feel cooler. 
     

  • - Time your clothes-drying and dishwashing for nighttime hours and keep the house cooler in the daytime and save on your electric bill. Most energy companies have off-peak consumption hours at night and early mornings. 
     

  • - Cooking will heat up the kitchen, so learn how to cook plan your cooking early or later in the day and make use of a toaster oven creates less heat than turning the oven on. 

 

One of the best things you can do to help your unit running well and keeping things cool is maintenance!  Have a pro come and service it, change filters when they are visibly dirty, make sure the evaporator drain can run freely, and keep the air flowing nicely around the unit.   

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: koruarchitects.co.uk

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Protecting Smart Home Devices

Friday, August 5, 2022
by Scott Darling

Having a smart home is becoming more affordable every year, and using automated devices is so convenient! However, many homeowners simply plug everything in and connect it to the home network, but this can be a mistake. Security should be a priority when buying anything for a smart home. Keep your smart devices secure with these tips:  
 

  • Expert Michael Horowitz suggests purchasing your modem/wireless router instead of leasing it from your internet provider. Ownership of the equipment allows more freedom to change settings and passwords and update the firmware. 
     

  • If leased equipment is already in place, use the router’s IP address, (most are found on a label on the router itself), and change the name of the router, the wifi connection, and create new passwords for both.  
     

  • Two- or multi-factor authentication is the next important step. Use a password keeper to create strong passwords and keep those passwords safe but accessible to you. 
     

  • Setting up a home network on your own can be intimidating, so hire a pro or ask a friend who has the know-how to help you. Having a home network will keep your “internet of things” connected separately, thus, less vulnerable to hacking or spying. Another benefit is if one device becomes infected with a virus, home computers and other devices that us a different network will not “catch” anything and remain safe from irreparable damage. 
     

  • Changing the router’s firewall settings is one way to add security from hacking, but purchasing a separate firewall is almost like having a double wall between your home’s network security and the bad guys! 
     

  • Privacy is a must: configure all “listening” devices to limit the data they record and share.  

  • Enable automatic updates on all devices during setup. If that is not an option, set a reminder to check for firmware updates at least once per week. 
     

Finally, when you upgrade to any new devices, reset the setting of the old ones to factory default. Thus, if you sell or give away any of those items, your custom settings are not available to the new owners. You hold the keys to the security of your home’s smart devices and going through the process of good security setup may take some time, but the effort is worth it! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: entrepreneur.com

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Park the Car in the Garage!

Tuesday, July 26, 2022
by Scott Darling

Do you actually park your car in the garage?  A survey from PRN News found that only 1 in 4 Americans keep their car in the garage when they’re at home!  The rest use it for storage, extra workspace, and, sometimes, junk.  Spend some extra time and a little money to get organized and get more use from this large space! 

 

- Hang folding outdoor chairs from wall hooks or strong nails to get them out of the way.  Plastic chairs can be stacked and placed in a corner. 
 

- Create off-the-floor storage space by adding shelves, and put lightweight items in clear plastic storage totes, and place them on the shelves. 
 

- Have the kids’ sports balls taken over the floor?  Use bungee cords to get them out of the way!   
 

- Use plastic window planter inserts for storage, mounting them on a wall with a washer/bolt combination for strength.  Store smaller miscellaneous items in the planters--gardening hand tools, spray paint cans, or paint brushes. 
 

- If your garage has visible studs, use that space to hang items by placing a tension rod in between the studs.  Hang spray bottles by their nozzles, add hooks to store garden tools, or attach small plastic baskets with shower curtain hooks for storing small items. 
 

- A worktable can take up a lot of space if you’re not using it all the time, so creating a fold-away table is perfect for the hobbyist.  Crafted Workshop shows us how to build one for about $35. 
 

- An unused filing cabinet can be turned into garden tool storage by removing the drawers, standing the cabinet on its back, and use the empty drawer spaces to stand tools in.  
 

- Toy bins with rope handles are sturdy enough to store garden hoses, extension cords, and actual outdoor toys, and the bins can hang via their rope handles on large nails or hangers. 
 

- Wood pallets can be put to so many uses, and the garage is no exception.  Attach them to the walls, add nails or hooks and hang items, or create shelving with them. 
 

- Keep small hardware and machine parts handy in jars with screw-on lids.  Make them even more convenient by attaching them to the undersides of shelving!  Instructables shows you how to DIY this project. 

 

Home centers have units and other materials to create hanging storage on the ceiling, as well as storage cabinets for things that need to be locked up or out of the kids’ reach.  However, you choose to tidy up your space, your hard work will pay off because you just might end up with room to park the car!

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: garagejournal.com

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Short-Term Fixes for Urgent Home Repairs

Tuesday, June 7, 2022
by Scott Darling

Things happen, and it seems that they usually happen on weekends or after normal working hours. What do you do until a professional makes a service call? Find the temporary solution to many emergency needs here: 

 

  • Leaky roof:  Search for the leaking area in the attic while it is raining and call a roofing company or handyman as soon as possible. Cover the area with a heavy-duty tarp, using nails to keep it in place.  
     

  • Broken window: Wearing work gloves and safety glasses, remove any broken glass pieces. Use heavy-duty plastic and weather-proof tape to cover the hole or cover the window completely, sealing it well to keep out rain or cold. 
     

  • Leaking water pipe: Turn the water off at your water main. Stop small leaks with epoxy putty. Do not allow pipes to continue to leak or think the putty will hold forever. Have a plumber address the issues. 
     

  • Water heater leak: The first thing that should be done is to turn off the water heater breaker or gas flow, then turn off the cold-water flow to the heater. Call your plumber immediately, then start cleaning up with towels or a wet/dry vacuum. If water has flooded the room, take photos before cleaning up, and call your insurance company. 
     

  • Clogged drain: Using a plunger for clogs is better and safer than using store-bought drain cleaners. This video from Ask This Old House shows homeowners the proper way to clear drains. If none of those solutions work, calling a plumber is in order, as a backed-up drain will eventually burst and create a much larger mess. 
     

  • Gas leak: Whenever you smell sulfur or the “rotten egg” odor, it is usually a gas leak. Get out of your home, turn the gas off outside by turning the valve control to a perpendicular position, and call your utility company immediately. Do not go back into the home until the leak has been checked and repaired. 

 

Keep in mind that these are temporary repairs! Neglecting to make repairs can cause extensive and costly damage to your home. The plumber's bill for a leaking water pipe is much less expensive than replacing rotting floors. Taking care of emergencies as quickly as possible protects your investment and saves money in the end. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

Photo credit: fenwickhomeservices.com

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Using Your Credit Card Wisely

Friday, June 3, 2022
by Scott Darling

There are a multitude of enticements when it comes to choosing and using a credit card. Companies advertise rewards points, cashback on purchases, and airline miles, to name a few. Having a credit card can also have drawbacks if you are not responsible with that piece of plastic. Keep yourself in check with these tips: 

 

  • Add extra to your minimum payment each month if you cannot pay the entire balance off each time. Compounding interest will increase the remaining balance as well having a negative impact on your credit.  
     

  • Make payments by the due date, because late fees plus interest on the balance will max the credit card limit, and it could take decades to pay it off. Set up an auto-pay plan or mail your payment one week before the due date. 
     

  • Rewards seem like a great reward, but in the end, interest costs add up to more than any rewards points earned. 
     

  • Interest on a cash advance begins as soon as the money is in your hand. Cash advances are loans and treated as such. Beware of “convenience” checks your card company offers, as they are cash advances in disguise. 
     

  • Protect your credit rating and your wallet by staying within your credit card spending limit. Maxing out the card or over-spending just a little will cost a hefty over-balance fee, as well as affect the credit utilization ratio. 
     

  • Keep your contact information current with the company, and check all correspondence from them, whether it be via snail mail or electronic communication. You do not want to miss important announcements, fraudulent activity alerts, or changes in your minimum payment due.  
     

  • If you are paying for everyday purchases with a credit card, it is time to get your finances under control. Using your credit card at the grocery store or to pay utility bills will help in an urgent situation, but only if you can pay the full balance at the end of the month.  

 

Two more things to keep in mind when using a credit card: the balance should be less than 30% of the credit limit, and monthly payments should be manageable for you. Credit cards should not be utilized as an extension of your income, but as tools to help build credit or keep your score in good standing.  

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

Photo credit: AAA

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Spring Maintenance Check List for Your Home

Friday, May 13, 2022
by Scott Darling

Spring cleaning has likely already become underway in your household.  What you may not have given much thought however is spring maintenance for your home.   There are several things that folks generally check around their homes before the winter months but there are also a few things you need to check in the early spring months.  Below is a spring maintenance check list for your home. 

  

  1. Springtime means it is time to start mowing your lawn again.  If your lawn mower has been outside all winter due to lack of storage space you may need to do a bit of maintenance on it before you get it going.  Sharpening the blade is always a good idea before a new season so that you get a nice clean cut on the grass.  It’s also a good idea to check the oil on your lawn mower before beginning to use it for the warm season.  
     

  2. Spring is a great time to check your house for worn paint areas such as your shutters.  If you find worn or chipped paint on your house what better time to fix that than in the typically perfect weather of spring.   
     

  3. Be sure to check your crawl space vents for any debris that may have accumulated there over the winter months.  Also you want to keep your eye out for any animals such as snakes or rodents that may have made their home in your crawl space over the last few months.  Get rid of anything that doesn’t belong and repair anything that may be broken such as the vent covers. 
          

  1. Get your flower beds and any garden areas ready by cleaning out any debris that may have accumulated and trimming back any old growth.  It is also a good time to add mulch to your flower beds and fertilizer to your garden.  
     

The above list of spring maintenance ideas is just a start in the right direction.  There is certainly much more that you need to do in and around your house before the summer time approaches.  Once you get started with these, you will likely find and think of more things that need to be done.   

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

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Home Buying Made Easy

Tuesday, April 26, 2022
by Scott Darling


If you are currently in the market for buying a house, then you are likely already aware of just how difficult it can sometimes be.  There are many stressors throughout the process that can make the home buying process seem anything but easy.  Below are a few ways that home buying can be made a bit easier if you do your part to put them into action.  

 

  1.  The first and most important thing you need to do before looking for a home to buy is to find an agent.  The reason this part is the most important is because buying a home is a huge financial obligation and you want to choose the right person to help you with such a big decision in your life.  A good way to find an excellent Realtor is to talk with your friends and family members that you trust to see whom they have used in the past.  Once they give you a few suggestions, you can meet each one and see which one best matches your personality wishes.  You will be spending quite a bit of time with this person so you want to make sure that you get along beautifully with them. 
          

  1. The next step in home buying made easy  is to find a lender.  Many times you can find out from your Realtor about what lenders they tend to use or who they think can be the best match for you and your particular situation.  If your Realtor doesn’t lead you to the best match, again you can talk to your friends and family for suggestions.   
     

  1. You then need to make sure your credit is as clean as it can possibly be.  Lenders can many times give you a bit of guidance in this area so that you can get approved for a loan.   
     

  1. It is important that you get pre approved for a loan before you go out searching for the home of your dreams.  The lender that you choose will help you to know exactly how much of a house you can comfortably afford before you get your heart set on one.  
     

  1. Lastly, figure out exactly what you are looking for in a house.  Make a list of your wants and desires in order of their importance.  This will help to guide you in your home buying adventure and will help avoid wasting precious time.  
     

These are just a few ideas on how to make the home buying process a bit easier.  Once you do your part to put all of these in motion you will be well on your way to finding the home of your dreams.   

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: Connor Homes

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7 Budget-Friendly Bathroom Redo Tips

Monday, March 21, 2022
by Scott Darling


 

According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average bathroom remodel costs about $10,000! When yours is crying out for help but the money for a complete overhaul is not in the budget, there are plenty of options that are easy on the wallet. Find some inexpensive inspiration in the following tips: 

 

  • - Something as simple as updating your light fixture can be a huge improvement. Whether you buy brand new at your local home store or a good-as-new used piece, this is an easy DIY. Call a reputable electrician if you choose to add lighting or move the current connection. 
     

  • - Add style to a plain mounted mirror with a frame! Framing kits come with everything you need for this quick update and are available at home centers and online for less than $100. 
     

  • - Old linoleum that is in good condition can be covered with adhesive-backed vinyl tile or painted with porch paint. Create a custom look by using a stencil. Supplies may cost a bit more than other paint jobs, but it beats the expense of replacing the flooring. 
     

  • - Are the walls covered in thirty-year-old wallpaper? The easiest fix for that is to paint over it! Benjamin MooreⓇ suggests you start by sealing any peeling spots with adhesive and applying clear caulking where wallpaper meets the ceiling or the floor. Save time by using paint with built-in primer, and paint as you would any other wall surface. 
     

  • - A new faucet is a quick way to update the sink. Confident do-it-yourselfers can switch the old with the new with help from this step-by-step video how-to for faucet installation from Home Depot. 

  • The most inexpensive update for the cabinet would be paint and new hardware. Even laminate countertops can be painted or tiled for a fresh look. 
     

  • - If your budget is tight, just the purchase of a new shower curtain, window treatment, inexpensive framed prints, and one nice coordinating towel set can make a huge improvement to a dated bathroom. 

 

Having several remodeling jobs on the to-do list usually means beginning with the most affordable projects. Making budget-friendly bathroom updates will help ease the urgency of needing a full renovation. Save yourself stress and money by holding out just a little longer, and when it’s time, you’ll have the perfect bathroom! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: Simple Made Pretty 

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Spring Cleaning Tips!

Wednesday, March 9, 2022
by Scott Darling

It is almost that time of year again--time to throw the windows open and start washing, scrubbing, sweeping almost every room in our homes. Deep cleaning some items is necessary not only for the sake of cleanliness, but to keep our homes looking great. Add these to your list: 

 

  • - Your kitchen cabinets/pantry should be emptied and wiped down, and while you are at it, check your spices! McCormickⓇ reports that whole spices last 3-4 years, 2-3 years for ground spices, and herbs have a shorter life of 1-3 years.  Check their expiration dates and toss or keep. 
     

  • - If you do not regularly clean your oven because of the fumes, mix enough baking soda and water to create a paste. Cover the interior with the paste and allow to sit overnight. Use a plastic scraper to remove the paste and grime, and wipe with a damp cloth. 
     

  • - Carefully move the kitchen appliances and sweep or vacuum the dust bunnies and dirt, then mop with a hot water/vinegar combination to wipe away build-up dirt and grime. 
     

  • - Bathroom exhaust fans can collect dust like ceiling fans, so give them a good cleaning to keep the humid air from causing mold or mildew to grow.  Today’s Homeowner has step-by-step instructions for getting your fan clean and running efficiently. 
     

  • - While the bathroom is getting its spring clean, place hairbrushes and combs in the sink and get them clean. Makeup brushes should be soaked, given a lather, then rinsed in cool water and allow to air-dry. 
     

  • - Vacuum both sides of mattresses and prop them in the sunlight for a few hours if possible.  The sun’s rays freshen them, and sunlight can help kill some germs. When you replace them on the beds, make sure the mattress is flipped and rotated from its original position. 
     

  • - Walls collect dust and dirt as well! Remove dust and cobwebs with an extended duster, then use a flathead mop to wipe away dirt. Different wall treatments require different cleaning methods to protect them and bring them back to almost new. 
     

  • - Curtains and blinds collect a lot of dust but are usually washable, so check the manufacturer’s information before you toss them in the washer or clean them.   
     

  • - Once your deep clean is complete, take care to wash or clean brooms, mop heads, and dusters, as this simple move will help your home stay fresher as you do your regular cleaning. 
     

Never consider spring cleaning a monumental task! Spread it out over a few days or weekends, making lists to stay organized and the job will not overwhelm you.  Getting the entire family involved will help things go faster, too!  Once everything is gleaming, you can enjoy the coming months more, knowing your home is clean, and the job is done for another year. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: Everyday Cheapskate

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7 Easy and Affordable Home Improvements

Friday, March 4, 2022
by Scott Darling

It is not necessary to completely overhaul every bathroom in your home, remodel the kitchen. or put down new flooring to give your tired home a boost. Small, affordable improvements can get big results. 

 

  • - Decluttering every space in your home is probably the first place to start.  Getting organized is one of the best and simplest ways to improve your home’s look. Selling items on social media marketplaces or having a yard sale will also put money in your pockets for an added benefit! 
     

  • - A quick and easy fix-up for your interior is paint! Not only is it inexpensive, but it is also an easy DIY when you tackle one room per weekend. 
     

  • - After painting, why not add some crown molding? Purchase plaster-coated foam molding that can be cut with a handsaw and put into place with joint compound. 
     

  • - Spruce up your mudroom, kitchen, or bathroom floors with self-stick tiles. This type of vinyl flooring comes in many styles and colors, and you can create a pattern for some added style. 
     

  • - Simple kitchen updates can make a big difference: a countertop makeover, new hardware for cabinets and drawer pulls, peel-and-stick backsplash installation, or new paint on the cabinetry. 
     

  • - While costing a bit more, if your bathroom needs a boost, ready-made sink cabinetry,  prefab tub/shower kits, or tub refinishing kits can be purchased at a local home store or online for thousands less than hiring a pro.  
     

  • - If a total exterior paint job is not in the budget, give the house a thorough pressure-washing and paint the shutters and front door. Brightening the landscaping with fresh mulch and seasonal annuals in containers are other dollar-saving ways to give the outside an update. 

 

Homeownership can be expensive, but your desire to make updates do not have to be.  If you are thinking of putting your house on the market soon, even the smallest improvements can make your home “show” better and sell faster.  Add some sweat equity, follow directions exactly, and many jobs can be done on your own.  Either way, you will benefit from the fresh, new look! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: This Old House 

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