SEASONAL SENSE
Color Your World
Are your rooms looking blah? Tired of the same old, same old? Sounds like you might need some fresh paint to brighten things up! Winter is a great time for interior painting. Whether you hire a professional or make this a DIY project, these tips will help you get results you’ll love.
- Test sample colors in the room. The best way is to paint sample swatches onto the walls or on poster board. You’ll see how the appearance will shift as the light changes throughout the day and when room lighting is turned on at night. Sample cans cost only a few dollars each and are well worth the small investment.
- Choose paints labeled low- or no-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) to benefit indoor air quality. These paints also have minimal to no wet paint odor.
- Sheen or shine? Higher gloss paints are easy to wipe clean and are good for trim, cabinets, doors and other areas that handle heavy traffic. Choose a lower sheen such as eggshell or satin for a softer look in bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms.
- Don’t forget the ceiling. A fresh coat of paint on a dingy ceiling can make the room look instantly fresher and cleaner.
Start with one room at a time, or make it a longer-term project and tackle several. Either way, you’ll enjoy your new look sooner if you start right now!
SAFE AT HOME
Radon: What You Need To Know
Colorless and odorless, radon gas seeps into homes from underground. Elevated levels of radon can be dangerous to your family’s health. Here are the facts:
- Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer after smoking.
- Radon can cause cancers in pets, too.
- An estimated 1 in 15 homes in the US and Canada has an elevated level of radon.
- Any type of home can have a radon problem – old or new, drafty or snug, with or without a basement.
The only way to know if a home has excessive levels of radon is by testing. Your Pillar To Post Home Inspector conducts the test with continuous monitoring technology, then reports on results and recommends steps to reduce excessive radon levels if found.
For peace of mind, schedule your radon inspection today.
HOME TRENDS
Is A Curbless Shower On Your Wish List?
Sleek, streamlined, stylish. What’s not to like about a curbless shower? If you’re considering a bath remodel that includes a curbless shower, also known as a zero-threshold shower, here are some considerations to keep in mind as you plan:
Proper installation is key. If the shower pan slope is insufficient or it isn’t installed correctly, you will end up with water all over your bathroom floor. Hire a pro who has extensive experience with installing these showers.
Door or no door? Some homeowners skip the shower door to keep the space visually open. Besides helping to keep the water where it belongs, a door will also keep you warmer in the shower – something to think about for those cold winter mornings.
What kind of door is best? If you decide to go with a door or partition, clear glass will keep the streamlined look you love, while etched or frosted glass provides some privacy.
Allow enough space. Curbless showers need to be larger than typical showers so the water can be contained in the splash zone. You may need to expand the shower square footage to accommodate this.
Can I use the same tile everywhere? A curbless shower is a great opportunity for creative design with shower wall materials and floor tiles. It’s important that the shower floor material has enough traction to be safe in a wet environment, so be sure to choose appropriately in consultation with a pro.
A qualified professional will have the knowledge and experience to create a curbless shower you adore.
HOME SMARTS
Are You In The Know? Take Our Quiz!
- True or False: Your home has asbestos! You should definitely have it removed ASAP.
- How is a pre-listing home inspection different from a buyer’s inspection?
- A pre-listing inspection takes less time.
- A pre-listing inspection doesn’t include photos.
- A buyer’s inspection costs more.
- None of the above.
- True or False:Water quality can be affected by fixtures and pipes within your home.
- Which of these issues is the one most commonly found in older homes?
- Serious foundation cracks
- Energy inefficiency
- Bad wiring
- No garage
ANSWERS:
- False. Asbestos poses a health risk if the materials are crumbling or damaged. If asbestos-containing material is in good condition, it may be best to leave it alone. Consult a professional for advice.
- D. A Pillar To Post Home Inspection provides the same comprehensive evaluation and written report whether the home is about to go on the market, or if a prospective buyer requests an inspection.
- True! Even if the water delivered to the home is perfectly fine, conditions such as old galvanized pipes and lead solder can diminish water quality. Water quality testing will help determine if the water in your home is affected.
- B. Old windows, insufficient insulation and drafts are the main culprits affecting energy efficiency in older homes. Addressing these issues will help make the home more comfortable and will save energy, too.
TOOLS YOU CAN USE
Repairs And Upgrades: How Much?
Your clients will certainly ask about upgrades and recommended repairs when buying or selling a home. And their number one question will usually be “How much will that cost?”
With the latest edition of our Cost Guide you’ll have loads of information at your fingertips. It includes cost ranges for hundreds of systems and components, from roofing and flooring to water heaters and windows. It also provides guidelines for the life expectancy of systems and major appliances.
Ask your local Pillar To Post Home Inspector for complimentary copies or download it at pillartopost.com/costguide.
CLEAN LIVING
Keeping Inspiration Close At Hand
They go by various names: vision boards, mood boards, inspiration boards. No matter what you call it, creating one (or more!) is a great way to focus on goals, dreams, and improving your everyday life.
- A vision board is a way of bringing together and organizing things that inspire you – photos, favorite quotes, drawings, colors, fashion, you name it.
- The idea is that if you have a visual reference to your inspirations, you’re more likely to act on reaching your goal.
- Whether you put items on a cork board or go online for templates, make sure it’s something you’ll see every day. Remember, out of sight, out of mind!
- Keep your vision board focused on how you want to feel. It isn’t about making a wish list of things you want to buy or have (you can do that in other ways!).
- Having more than one board could work well for you. For example, one board could focus on your career, another on fitness or other interests.
- Above all, remember that this is about what YOU want.
There are many online resources available for getting started and learning how to use your vision board effectively, so do check around. Have fun, be inspired, and enjoy the journey!
Experience the Pillar To Post difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!