Date Archives: June 2020

Summer is a popular time for kitchen remodeling projects. And with good reason! The long summer days mean you don't have to worry about limited daylight hours. Plus, if you're replacing your stove, the grill is just steps away. 

But no matter when you plan to remodel your kitchen, you'll want to keep these considerations in mind. 

A New Look Requires A Broad View 

What the finest Richmond homes for sale have in common is a consistent style. The changes you want to make to the kitchen should harmonize with the architecture of the rest of the house and any elements of the kitchen that you don't plan to change. If your living room is full of sleek leather and glass, a farmhouse kitchen will seem jarring. And if you plan to keep your mid-century style refrigerator, a dishwasher in a brushed chrome finish would create the wrong sort of contrast. 

Money Matters

The quotes and estimates you are offered may differ from season to season. The time it takes to complete a project and the availability of professionals changes throughout the year. If you got an estimate in the winter and you'd like to start your remodeling project now, ask the contractor what changes the weather might make in the budget. 

If you're just getting started with your remodeling plans, you can start by seeking estimates and making funding decisions after, or you can budget a specific amount before seeking estimates. The former offers the advantage of knowing what your dream kitchen will cost. The latter helps you stay within specific financial guidelines. Your kitchen remodeling plans may go through some revision, so you may try both approaches before settling on a final budget and plans. 

Something Bold Or Something New?

Some kitchen remodeling projects are all about the aesthetics. New cabinet fronts and appliances to match can make a world of difference for your home. But other remodeling projects are more about bringing your home up to date. Especially if your home was built prior to the mid-20th century, talk to an electrician about the wiring and a plumber about the water lines that newer appliances may need to work to the best of their capability. Their advice will help you save time and money during the remodeling process. 

Also, keep in mind your goals for the kitchen remodel. Are you remodeling to make your home more appealing to potential buyers? Or are you looking to make your kitchen more comfortable for your family? If you are planning on listing your home, keep in mind certain kitchen features that you like might do little to peak a buyer's interest. But if you are wanting to stay in your current home for some time, you can customize this space as much as you and your family want. 

Summer is a great time to update your kitchen, but any time of year is a perfect time to make your house more enjoyable to live in. Our real estate agents will be happy to talk with you about what a remodel could do for your kitchen. Contact us sometime soon.  

A new home is the perfect blank canvas for creating the life you envision. Before you can turn your new home into your dream space, you need to ensure that you're starting with a clean canvas. Though most home sellers clean their homes before they move out, our real estate agents still recommend cleaning prior to unpacking.

Follow these tips for deep cleaning your new space.

1. Gather Your Supplies
   Before you get started cleaning, take a few moments to gather everything you'll need for the job. You may want to pack your cleaning gear in a separate moving box so that you know where it is and can easily access it. Here's what you should have on hand:

• • A vacuum cleaner with a wand attachment (and an extension if possible)
  • Cleaning rags
  • Broom
  • Mop and mop bucket
  • Your preferred cleaning products

2. Start at the Top of Your New Home
   Even if the floors in your new home look like they need the most attention, you should clean your new digs from top to bottom. This will ensure that dust and dirt don't fall onto your floors after you've already cleaned them. Begin by dusting the ceiling fans and light fixtures. Dust around the perimeter of each room for cobwebs. Don't forget the tops of your cabinets and appliances! A vacuum cleaner attachment with an extension is one option for cleaning these high-up spots. Or, depending on the design of your home, a ladder may be necessary. Then, dust the windows, any window coverings, and any built-in units or shelves. Your vacuum cleaner attachment is super handy for getting into these spaces. Tackle your cabinets, counters, and baseboards before moving onto the floors. Check that you clean the interior portion of your cabinets so you have a clean spot to house your belongings. If there are any areas with leftover odors from the previous homeowners, mix a solution that consists of half vinegar and half warm water. Use a wet rag to wipe down the offending surfaces with the solution. Should you spot any areas with set-on gunk, you can let the solution sit for a few minutes.

3. Change the Home's Air Filter
   A clean air filter is essential for providing your new property with clean air. In most homes, the air filter should be changed every 3 to 6 months. When you change the filter, make sure you dust the grates surrounded your filter. You can do so with a damp cloth. 

4. Consider Steam Cleaning Your Floors
   While vacuuming or sweeping your floors will remove the dirt, dust, hair, and other debris, these tasks won't remove all the allergens. Consider cleaning your carpets and floors with a steam cleaner. You can often rent a steam cleaner at your local grocery store. Make sure you let your carpets dry before bringing your furniture inside. There are also steam cleaners available for hard surface floors, like laminate and tile. Some steam cleaners even have a brush attachment that you can use to thoroughly clean the grout. 

Want to start looking at Richmond homes for sale that are ready for you to move in? Contact us today to get started!

National Weed Your Garden Day is set for June 13, and as far as we're concerned, it's a great opportunity to focus on the topic of controlling weeds. If you're looking around at Richmond homes for sale and imagining your new garden, you'll need to know about weeds and how to keep them away from your plants.

What's a Weed?

One person's weed can be another person's wildflower, but in general, we look at weeds as invasive plants that muscle in and threaten to take over from cultivated species. So a weed can be anything from crabgrass to a humble dandelion (much beloved by honeybees, but a horror in lawns). Other objectionable plants in our region are chickweed (another lawn invader), ailanthus (the so-called "tree of heaven" is anything but!), and the dreaded Chinese privet and multiflora rose, two invasive shrubs. There are hundreds more, but why not start with the 10 or 20 Most Wanted in our region and have at them? Your local horticultural extension service can advise you. 

For ridding your garden of these unwanted visitors, follow these tips.

1. Spray Them
   Many gardeners swear by chemical herbicides such as glyphosates and pre-emergents sprayed to control weeds. But sometimes, these miracle chemicals don't seem to work. It can be these chemicals are applied at the wrong time to prevent seed germination or to inhibit the enzyme in the weed that keeps it growing. Follow directions on the bottle for the best results. However, many gardeners these days have weaned themselves from chemical spraying and prefer other methods, as the chemicals may cause health problems and persist in soil. 
   
   
2. Dig Them
   For best results, wait till you've had a drenching rain; weeds come up easier than when you dig or pull them. Stage a big weed-pulling session, making certain to get the roots. You'll find a multitude of recommendations in garden lore for the right kind of tool, ranging from a steak knife or a kitchen fork to a spade, digging fork, or a stand-up weed grabber. 
   
   
3. Block Them
   One of the best ways to control weeds is to block them so they can't get sunlight. Cover control areas with newspaper and then at least 2 inches of mulch. Keep replenishing it as the season wears on. You can also use plastic sheeting, but this can collect dirt and start sprouting weeds. 
   
   
4. Top Them
   This is simply the practice of cutting off weed flowers before they produce seeds.
   
   
5. Crowd Them Out.
   Known in some gardening circles as intensive gardening, planting cultivated plants close together can block the sun and starve weeds out.

Looking for more home maintenance tips? Our real estate agents can help. Contact us today.

As the days get longer and the weather starts to warm up, spending more time outdoors becomes increasingly appealing. That appeal can fade a little, however, if you have a patio that doesn't suit your summer plans. If you're looking to sell, your outdoor space can be an introduction to your home's style. Our real estate agents appreciate a home that is welcoming at first sight, and potential buyers will as well. The spring is the perfect time to evaluate your patio and consider the following for your perfect summer outdoor space. 

1. Come Into Focus 
   If you have a garden that you're proud of, a patio can provide the best area to sit and admire it. If you entertain friends, having a space to socialize might be your best bet. Decide what activities your patio should be focused around, and that will help you decide what comes next. 
2. A Porch of A Different Color 
   Your patio can take a significant departure from the color schemes of your house and should respond to the different lighting offered by outdoor spaces. You might want muted hues to avoid competing with the natural beauty in your backyard or appreciate the chance to use the bolder shades in a setting that they won't overpower. 
3. A New Light
   Summer nights are short, but barbecues often run late. A string of lights can mimic the fireflies and add a romantic touch. A fire pit can also provide warmth for cooler nights. Citronella candles serve a practical purpose, and in a lantern or candelabra they will stand out among the Richmond homes for sale. 
4. Have A Seat 
   Your seating will make up the largest pieces of furniture on your patio, and will largely define the look of the space. Wicker is lightweight, durable, and a perennial favorite. Steel-framed outdoor furniture offers a sleek look when paired with outdoor cushions and a coffee table to match. Adirondack chairs are a comfortable classic that suits a casual, easy elegance. 
5. Cut A Rug
   Outdoor rugs are coming into their own in terms of style. Use one to tie together contrasting colors of furniture and establish a space for outdoor entertaining. 
6. An Obvious Plant
   If you don't have a garden, or if your green thumb will not be restrained, use the surfaces of your patio for plants. Hang planters and place small pots on tables, or place larger pots in corners. Remember that patios often have a lot of shade, so your sun-loving flowers and herbs should be placed accordingly. 
7. It's Art
   Your patio probably isn't the spot for delicate or pricey works, but in a durable frame, a sketch or watercolor will bring your love of art into a space where you can appreciate it and fresh air. 

Your summer patio offers as many options for entertaining and private enjoyment as any room in your house. Make the most of your summer and your summer patio this year. If you have any questions about what the summer might mean for your home, contact us today.