Consider Cold Weather Plumbing Issues (iron art knob)

By Admin on November 27th, 2007

Be sure you know how to locate and turn off water shut-off valve is located in case of your pipes freeze in cold weather. If this occurs it is best to call a plumber who offers thawing service rather than risking a burst pipe.

Home Interior Decorating Tips - Get More for Less

Homeowners are looking for more cost-effective ways to improve the appearance, real estate market value, and usability of their homes. This is also true when it comes to home interior decorating.

One great way to cut costs is by recycling. Most people put emphasis on recycling things such as plastic containers, paper, and cans. But there are benefits to be realized by homeowners who also recycle wood products and other materials when they remodel, refurbish, or update the interior design of their home.

Recycle Wood to Increase Eye Appeal of Interior Design

Even if you don?t ordinarily decorate your home using second hand furniture or antiques, mixing old with the new can create a stunning effect. It can also save a great deal of money. All it takes is a sharp eye for a bargain and a little creativity.

For instance, a visit to a second hand shop could turn up used cabinet doors. By fitting mirrors behind one of the cabinets where panels would normally go, a rustic focal point with style and class can be created. Stress and refinish the wood before inserting the mirrors. Or cover with antique parchment paint in a soft pastel shade.

This charming mirror, reminiscent of country cottage days, is perfect for a vanity, as a backdrop to plants or an interior water feature. Or in a bedroom decorated with feminine charm.

Another interior decorating tip is to capture the beauty of naturally aged wood in custom designed furniture. Salvaged slabs of thick wood such as Douglas fir, cedar, oak, and pine make marvelous ?one of a kind? counters, tables, stools, and shelves.

Other ways to Recycle Material

A second hand store, yard sale, or even the attic is a great place to find other items that can be refurbished or simply cleaned up a bit, to compliment your interior room d?cor. An old antique bell makes an interesting, quaint replacement for a door bell. And old fashioned milk cans, favorite farming icons of days gone by, add a special touch of nostalgia and country charm to a room.

Try painting the can cream, cinnamon, spruce, soft buttercup yellow, or another color that compliments room color scheme. A cluster of hand-painted flowers (daisies, sunflowers, pansies, or cottage roses), herbs, or vines would add just the right touch.

This would make an enchanting umbrella stand near the front door. On a porch or patio it makes a lovely holder for plant pots that fit snuggly at the top of the can. Old-time favorites such as morning glories, sweet peas, jasmine, English ivy, or nasturtiums would be gorgeous trailing down over the sides.

Recycle and Save

Old dry sinks, cabinets, and counters capture simple elegance when refurbished and used as bathroom vanities, night stands, and hall tables. Vintage light fixtures, doorknobs, hinges, and strike plates can also add a distinctive touch, while saving money.

Millions of tons of construction and demolition materials are discarded yearly. Homeowners who recycle wood and other materials when they redecorate not only save thousands of dollars. They reduce waste and help protect overuse of natural resources.

Why not call on the services of a licensed professional the next time you get ready to redecorate? Not only will they have terrific ideas for ways to incorporate recyclable materials into your home interior decorating plans. They most likely have resources you don?t have for acquiring the items. And, at a very affordable price!

Valli & Valli Fusital INOX Stainless Steel Door Pull - P5401-35

Valli & Valli Fusital INOX Stainless Steel Door Pull - P5401-35

(By:-Valli & Valli, Valli and Valli) Center-to-Center 13-11/16 in Overall Length 15-1/8 in

Retail: $ 0.00    Your Price: $212.16   Buy/More Info

Ten Ways to Sell Your House Fast

Sometimes selling your house can be a devastating experience.

If your house sits on the market for a long time, I would venture to say with conviction that your stress level will be at an extremely uncomfortable level.

With just a bit of planning, however, your house can say, “Buy me!” to buyers, and before you know it, you’ll be looking back on a smooth, pleasantly quick selling experience.

Here’s 10 simple ways to do just that:

1. De-Clutter

Yes, some buyers are themselves clutter-bugs. But, paradoxically, they want to buy a house that is definitely uncluttered. One, they can see the “bones” of the house better. Two, an uncluttered house gives a message of being cared for. So rent a storage unit if you have to, pack away many of your belongings, give away, donate - whatever. Get rid of clutter.

2. Eliminate Cracks

Cracks anywhere spell a dead sale to most buyers. Search out and fix all cracks. Walls, ceilings, foundations, driveways, chimneys, fireplaces, tiles - wherever - hunt them down and get rid of them.

3. Add Color

No, I don’t mean blue walls or red carpet. In fact, if you have blue walls, you might seriously consider painting them that popular neutral shade you hear about. We all vary so much in our color likes and dislikes - let the new buyers add their own.

But I do mean flowers. Inside and out, flowers and plants add a feeling of relaxation and graciousness even to non-gardeners.

4. Mirror Magic

Mirrors truly do work magic in opening up and adding light to rooms. Especially small rooms can benefit from a nicely placed mirror.

5. Add a Room

You might be thinking I’m crazy. Who wants to spend that kind of money when they’re just preparing their house to sell? But some extra rooms are easily created just by buying a floor to ceiling room divider. If you have a fairly large living room, you can put in a room divider and presto! You now have a family room to boot!

6. Build More Storage

One of the biggest complaints Realtors hear from buyers is, “There’s not enough storage.” Look around your rooms and see if you can add some shelf units. Does your kitchen have an unused corner where a pantry would fit? If you have a basement, adding some storage could be a simple task.

7. New Knobs

New knobs on kitchen and bathroom cabinets are a quick way to spruce things up.

8. Kill that Odor

Nothing turns buyers away quicker than unpleasant smells. And you can bet that unpleasant odors are usually also unhealthy odors. So be savvy to how your house smells and do what it takes to make your house and grounds smell fresh and clean.

9. Property Information

Create a packet of information about your property and place it where buyers can easily see it. Corners, property lines, appliance manuals, neighborhood information, schools, shopping etc. Help prospective buyers become familiar and knowledgeable about your property and neighborhood, and they’ll start feeling as though they belong there.

10. Set the Stage

Visit some model homes in the area and take some hints on how they are decorated. The professionals who prepare the model homes know what to do to make them inviting and get the buying juice flowing

There you have 10 simple hints and techniques that can help your house sell quickly.

About the Author

? Jeanina Bartling is a published author of inspirational articles and stories for adults and children. A retired California Realtor, she has now written How to Decorate Your House to Sell Fast and for Top Dollar, available at www.besure-sellhousefast.com

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