Articles to Share – Page 14 – The Real Estate Beat

Which Architectural Style for Your Home?

Wikipedia lists more than 110 architectural styles. That’s an overwhelming number when you are deciding on the right style for you and your family. In fact, if you’re like most people, you’ll probably find several diverse styles appealing. To narrow the list of architectural styles that appeal to you the most, you can use criteria that help assure that the style you choose is both suitable and practical for your needs. Here are a few considerations:

Climate and Environment

Architectural styles are often associated with specific parts of the country. While it may seem merely a matter of taste, often there are underlying reasons why specific styles are more common in particular areas. For instance, European architectural styles such as Tudor or French Eclectic are often characterized by smaller windows and built with materials such as stone and brick that offer greater insulation. These styles are more popular in areas such as the east coast where temperatures can drop very low, as these homes need less energy to make living areas comfortable. However, these building materials, while suited for colder temperatures, are less desirable in areas with substantial seismic activity such as California, where more flexible building materials such as wood and stucco are more practical. These materials lend themselves well to such styles as Craftsman and Mediterranean architecture. So it can be important to consider where you live when choosing an architectural style for your home.

Lifestyle

When choosing the architectural style for your home you also need to take your lifestyle into account. Take, for example, the difference between the common courtyards of Spanish design, providing a safe utopian sanctuary from the outside world, and the wrap-around porches common in such styles as Farmhouse and Victorian homes. One, seemingly, was designed to thwart visitors while the other awaits and observes the outside world, welcoming it in. Other lifestyle aspects that can be influenced by architectural styles include the formal dining areas common in most European styles versus the more informal, “great room” eating areas and breakfast nooks common in contemporary architecture.

Personal Preferences

It’s not uncommon to have an instant “gut reaction” to specific design styles. While it is important to pay attention to those instincts, taking time to think about whether the specific aspects of the style align with your preferences can help you decide if you can live with the style of house you are considering. For example, the many small details and patterns found in Victorian style homes are qualities to admire, but many people prefer less detailed, more relaxed styles such as Craftsman or Contemporary architecture. Also, some styles have distinctive color palettes associated with them, such as Southwestern and Spanish architectural styles. Taking the extra time to consider these elements when choosing the architectural style for your home can help you select the style that suits you and your family the best. It can also help you understand how you might combine the best parts of your favorite styles to create a living environment tha

I read this article at: HERE

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Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Is Artificial Grass Right for You?

Artificial grass has come a long way since AstroTurf first hit the playing fields (and maybe your grandmother’s patio). With the ongoing drought in the West, the new, improved artificial grass is becoming more and more popular for sunny, low-rainfall areas, as well as with pet owners, and people who are just tired of lawn maintenance. Today’s synthetic grass is colored and textured to look like various grass types, so you can likely get a look very similar to what you could grow naturally. It is not without its drawbacks, however. Artificial grass is not cheap. Installed costs can run from $10 to $20 per square foot. Compared to natural grass, it can take up to seven to eight years to recoup the initial cost of artificial turf. It isn’t easy to install either, so it might not be the best DIY project.

Best Uses for Artificial Grass

Artificial turf is a good solution if you have an area where grass simply won’t grow because conditions are shady or wet. Artificial grass is a popular option with dog owners for pet runs, or if you have multiple dogs that are wearing out your natural lawn. Artificial greenery is also a great option for places like a small patio or outside space. It also works great for defined shapes within a yard where real grass edges can be tough to mow and keep weed-free.

Pros:

No need to water your lawn
No weeding or mowing
No need for fertilizers or pesticides
Looks very similar to natural grass: soft, even, and green
Does not get muddy or rutted (and keeps your house cleaner)

Cons:

Expensive
Needs to be cleaned off with water and sanitizing agents (more frequently if you have dogs)
Not easily recycled
Heats up in direct sun
Banned by some homeowners associations and municipalities

The Bottom Line

If you love the look of green grass and plan to be in your house for a while then it’s worth considering an artificial lawn. For pet owners it can be a great solution, but remember it can’t absorb and break down pet urine, so it will require washing (which does take water). Although it’s not maintenance-free, it certainly requires less maintenance than real grass. Remember to check with your city or HOA about their rules for artificial grass.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Does Your Home Need a New Coat of Paint?

It’s often during the winter our homes take a beating and we notice it needs a little TLC. Great time to plan ahead….

Does Your Home Need a New Coat of Paint?

It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to update the look of your home. Not only will new paint look better and increase the value of your home, it will also protect you home and save you from costly repairs down the road. Here are some things to consider before you set out to paint your home.

The Best Time to Paint Outdoors

This really depends on where you live, but you’ll want to paint when temperatures are moderate and the weather isn’t too hot or cold. In some areas, fall is a great time to paint, but in other areas it might be too cold at night. The best temperatures for painting outside are typically between 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but many new paints will cure in temperatures as low as 35 degrees F.

DIY or Hire a Pro

Even if you’re used to tackling interior painting projects, painting the outside of your house is a big job. When you factor in your time, tools, and material, it might be worth the cost to hire a pro. Here are some things to help you decide:

Your house type and features – A one-story ranch house is relatively easy to paint, while a two-story Victorian is a big challenge. Similarly, a house on a hill or slope will be a trickier task.
The condition of your exterior – Is there blistering or peeling paint? Do you have siding problems like wood rot? If so, prep work can be up to half the job. Don’t like prep work and just like to paint? Consider hiring a pro to do the prep for you.
Tools and materials – Do you need special ladders or scaffolding? A pressure washer or paint sprayer? Price out the cost of renting or purchasing what you need – including paint – and then compare this to the cost of hiring a pro.

When in doubt, get a couple of bids from different painting pros.

What Will it Cost?

Determining what painting your home will cost involves many factors: home size, number of stories, exterior condition, and more. According to homeadvisor.com, the national average cost for hiring a pro to paint a single story house is about $2,800. Angie’s List reports a higher average of $3,700. If you’re doing the job yourself, make sure you factor in the tools and equipment you’ll need to purchase (or rent) as well as the cost of the paint. Good exterior paint can cost from about $30 to $70 per gallon. It’s worth the money to buy good paint, as cheaper paints often mean you have to repaint sooner. If you’re using a painting contractor, make sure you specify the paint you want to use when you get a bid.

Choosing the Right Color

And last, but by no means least, you need to choose the right color for your home. First, consider the style of your home and the character of your neighborhood. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb, but you don’t want to look just like every house on the street either. As you’re thinking of possible colors, don’t forget to consider existing colors on or around your home, like the roof, stone, or brick, and landscaping. Also make sure you paint a swatch on the front of your home and look at the color at different times of day. Finally, many paint manufactures have online tools and apps to help you visualize and explore different paint options for your home.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Get Your Fireplace Ready for Winter

There’s nothing quite like the crackling warmth of a fire on a chilly evening. All that comforting coziness, however, eventually adds up to a pile of ashes and soot deposits in your fireplace that needs to be removed. Fires also cause soot and creosote to build up on the walls lining your chimney. Both soot and creosote are flammable and dangerous, and creosote buildup is the leading cause of chimney fires, so it is important to have your chimney periodically cleaned. If you use your fireplace regularly, chimney pros and The National Fire Protection Association suggest having your chimney inspected once per year.

Cleaning Your Fireplace

While cleaning your chimney is typically a job best left to the pros, here are some tips for cleaning your fireplace.

Let it cool. Wait 24-48 hours after your last fire before attempting cleanup.
Use a wet/dry vacuum to easily suck up the ashes. Don’t have a wet/dry vacuum? Try sprinkling cold ashes with used coffee grinds to keep down the dust before you gently scoop and sweep out the fireplace.
To remove soot stains from bricks and stone there are a number of homemade cleaners, all which require a bit of time and scrubbing to work. You can also try a special hearth cleaner. If your fireplace bricks are more than 50 years old, skip the cleansers and just use water.
If regular glass cleaner (or vinegar and water) won’t get heavy soot off fireplace glass, try a special hearth glass cleaner. Don’t mind using a bit more elbow grease? Scrub your fireplace glass with newspaper, water, and a little ash. If stubborn stains remain, you can use a razor blade to scrape the glass clean.

Fireplace Tips

To keep the build-up of creosote at a minimum, only burn well-seasoned (dried) firewood. Green wood is not only difficult to start and keep burning, it creates a smoky fire and increases soot and creosote build-up.
Sprinkle your fireplace ash on your garden beds and rake into the soil lightly (skip the ash on acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and azaleas). You can also add ash to your compost pile.
Schedule chimney cleaning in the spring and you’ll likely get faster (and maybe even cheaper) service.

Tired of the Hassle?

Love a good fire, but tired of the hassle of stacking firewood and cleaning ashes? Consider a gas fireplace insert. Flip a switch and presto! You have instant fire with no work and no smoke. Today’s gas inserts are an efficient, low-maintenance option to warm your house.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Rainy or “Rainy” Day Home Tasks You Can Do in Your PJs

Rainy days often equal lazy days. It’s all too easy to find yourself in your pajamas all day, watching old movies and not getting a thing done. Here are a few things you can check off your home to-do list that you can do without getting out of your PJs. Here’s how to break your cabin-fever funk in each room without breaking a sweat.

1. Kitchen

Clean out the fridge

Can you confidently say you have no expired food or condiments in your fridge? If you haven’t done so in a while, go through your fridge and throw away any expired or spoiled items, or unwanted leftovers. Make a list of what you throw away so you can be sure to pick up those items up next time you’re at the grocery store.

Disinfect the sink

Did you know your kitchen sink usually has more germs than your toilet? There are typically more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the drain alone. Use a solution of about 1 tablespoon of bleach mixed with warm water to kill most of the germs lingering. If there is an odor coming from your drain, squeeze lemon juice into it, and then throw the lemon into the disposal and grind away.

2. Bathroom

Fix uneven fixtures

If you have a sagging towel rack or uneven toilet paper holder, now is the time to fix it. Unscrew the fixture and look for the culprit. Most likely it’s a cheap plastic drywall anchor or screw that wasn’t screwed in correctly. A few minutes can fix that eyesore you’ve been looking at since you moved in.

Clean the mirror

If you take a second and look at your bathroom mirror, you may be shocked at what you see. Take a few minutes and some window washing spray to make your mirror shine.

3. Bedroom

Clean out your closet

Who couldn’t use a little more closet space? Instead of looking at a full closet remodel, make a donation bag of clothes you haven’t worn in a while. A great way to easily decipher the clothes you wear from the ones you don’t is to turn all of your hangers backwards. When you wear something from your closet, turn that hanger forwards. After six months, whichever hangers are still backwards are the clothes that you don’t wear. Tada!

Clean out “that” drawer

Everyone has a drawer in their bedroom that they don’t open either because it’s a mess or because it’s so full that it won’t budge. Whether it’s a drawer of junk in your nightstand or an overstuffed dresser drawer, use this rainy day to finally go through it and discard the things you don’t want. If you can’t remember the last time you went through that drawer, throw everything in it away – you obviously haven’t needed anything in there in a while.

Everyone’s home could use a little TLC, whether that is some simple organization or disinfection of overlooked areas. The trick to turning your rainy lazy day into a productive PJ day is to look for the little things around your house that you’ve been putting off for a while and just do them. You’ll feel much better about staying in your pajamas all day if you do.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Winter To-Do Checklist

Winter is quickly approaching and for many of us that means rain here in the Bay Area but our investment properties in Tahoe need anntention. So do those heavy jackets to deal with freezing temps, wind, snow, and ice. Pull up those rain boots becuase it is important to winterize your home for the months ahead. Use this handy checklist and be ready for whatever old man winter has in store for you. But don’t forget to take time to enjoy the many fun things that make wintertime so special.

I read this article at: Here

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

12 Ways to Make Your Home Healthier

Your home affects your health. In fact, research shows that when your surroundings are appealing to you, they are more healing to you as well. So when you make improvements to your home’s environment, those changes improve your well-being and affect your frame of mind, immune system, and physical health in beneficial ways. Here are a dozen simple, positive changes to make to and in your home that can improve your health and quality of life.

6 Steps to a Better Home Atmosphere

Let this stat sink in before you read on: according to the EPA, “the average American spends 93% of their life indoors.” On its face, that’s a scary stat, and while it’s likely that percentage will vary for you, your home will be where you spend most of your time. So it makes sense to do everything possible then to make your home your sanctuary, right? Here’s what can help:

Reduce clutter. Start simple by keeping your home’s entryway clutter-free. Just a regular upkeep of the front porch and the area when you step inside the front door can improve how you feel about coming home and being at home.Next, add a morning pickup routine of items like shoes, backpacks (get the kids involved), and bags. When you return later, you’ll feel a welcome sense of harmony rather than disarray.
Finally, if needed, create new storage areas, so you and your family have enough space to have everything in its place. This declutter checklist has more great ideas for making your home clutter-free.
Bring the outside in. Greening up your home with plants can freshen the air, remove certain toxins from the air, and enhance feelings of calm and happiness. These five houseplants that help provide all of those benefits.
Enhance indoor lighting. Adding more natural daylight in your home, which we need, can improve mood and even help regulate biological rhythms. It is recommended that the lighting in your home, whether artificial or natural, reach a minimum of 1,000 lux to provide healthful benefits.
Change your color. Did you know that colors can either perk you up or weigh you down? Color is powerful. It can affect how you feel, alter your mood, and impact your health. Do a quick internet search for advice on the effects of color, so you choose paint for walls and ceilings in your home that best suits you but also helps you feel content.
Create retreat space. A peaceful retreat space should be clutter-free and ideally include some natural plants and lighting. Add a few special items or personal decor to the space, comfortable seating and pillows, treasured pieces on walls, and so on. Include candles or essentials oils, and find ways to reduce noise or add subtle white noise to make the retreat meditative and quiet.
Get a pet. Having a pet can benefit your health. Studies show that pets can, for example, relieve stress and lower blood pressure.

6 Changes at Home to Improve Physical Health

Here’s another stunning EPA stat from a recent study. It found that “concentrations of some [indoor] pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.” Removing toxins and other pollutants from inside your home can keep you healthier. So it makes sense to do everything possible then to avoid an indoor environment in your home that makes you sick, right? Here’s what can help

Use air purifier. These products may be expensive, but they can be very effective at cleaning inside air of dust, pollen, mold, and more. Shop around for the most highly rated air purifier. Can’t buy one just yet? Simply opening windows in your home on a regular/frequent basis, weather permitting, can help freshen stale indoor air.
Denounce chemicals. Use natural cleaners, like vinegar, for many household cleaning chores.
Vacuum often. It is recommended that you vacuum once per week at a minimum to control dust mites, and reduce allergens.
Choose candles wisely. Many candles contain chemicals that can be toxic. Worse still, some wicks actually contain metal. Netiher ingredient is a healthy idea to burn inside your home. Choose beeswax or vegetable-based candles with all-cotton wicks.
Use glass not plastic. Invest in glass containers for storing food and leftovers to reduce the potential for plastic to leech into foods from plastic containers. Use stainless steel water bottles. And eliminate plastic straws from your life. Use stainless steel or paper straws instead.
Make use of exhaust fans. The exhaust fan in your bathroom is your friend — use it for showering and bathing every time!

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Holiday Hosting: Big Crowd, Small Space

Planning a holiday gathering? Wondering how you’ll pile a big crowd of friends or family into a small space, without hitting the eggnog early and often? Relax. Take the time to plan your space, don’t over-decorate, keep the food simple, and get organized. Here are a few tips to help.

Clean and declutter ahead of time

Thoroughly clean the fridge and freezer. Recycle old magazines, put away mail and paperwork, and any unnecessary knickknacks or items that take up floor or counter space. Put away countertop appliances you won’t be using. Focus on deep cleaning bathrooms and kitchen, and vacuuming carpets and upholstery. If you’re crunched for time, and you can afford to have your house cleaned, do it. Even if it’s up to a week before, things will still feel fresh, and you’ll just have to touch up and wipe down kitchen and bathrooms before the party.

Rearrange furnishings if needed for seating

You’ll want to make the most of the space you have available. If you’re renting or bringing in chairs, benches, tables, or TV trays, you may need to rearrange (or remove) some things. Set up chairs and tables to make conversation areas. If you don’t have a dining area large enough for all your guests, just be sure you have enough chairs for people to sit when they eat, and a surface nearby to set their drinks. Most folks are comfortable sitting on a couch, or on a folding chair by a coffee table, or even standing at the counter to eat. Be sure you have a practical spot for any elderly guests.

Make-ahead menu

Whether it’s a holiday cocktail party, brunch, or mega Christmas day event with all the in-laws, the key to pulling off a great menu is organization and simplicity. Make as many dishes ahead of time as you can. You can freeze many baked goods like cookies and quick breads weeks ahead, and casseroles days ahead. Make your dips and prep your veggies at least a day ahead. If guests have offered to bring something, take them up on it. If not, and you are comfortable asking, request that they bring things like appetizers and desserts. Appetizers can take up a lot of refrigerator space, and both can take you a lot of time to make. Plus, it’s always nice to enjoy someone else’s cooking! Be sure to ask your guests to bring dishes that are ready to eat so they won’t be prepping, cooking, and cleaning up during the party.

Strategic serving

Map out where you’ll put all of the food and beverages, including what your guests bring. The night before, I set out my platters, trays, and bowls with sticky notes. It saves time on party day and ensures I won’t forget the dip that is hiding behind the milk in the fridge. To save counter space, think vertical where you can — tiered serving trays are a great space saver. Use recyclable paper or plastic plates to keep dishes from piling up and to save on clean up time. With a large group, I sometimes rent plates and silverware. After dinner I just rinse and set them aside in the garage, which means less mess and more time with my guests. If you’re short on refrigerator space, ice chests are the answer. For parties, I keep two on my deck: one for soda and water and the other for wine and beer. My aunt always makes a wonderful, fresh, HUGE salad for Christmas dinner. She brings an ice chest packed with a salad bowl, tongs, salad ingredients, and dressing. We set it outside on the porch or deck, out of the way until needed. It saves me a ton of space in my fridge and it’s easy for her to put the salad together just before dinner.

Crowd management

Everyone wants to be in the kitchen, which generally is the worst place when you’re trying to get food cooked or served. The crowding is worse if it’s a small kitchen. Set up food and beverage stations outside of the kitchen area. Place appetizers on coffee tables, ottoman trays, or any visible surface with easy access and away from the kitchen. Repurpose items if needed. Maybe a desk gets a tablecloth and becomes a dessert station, or clear out a couple of bookcase shelves to house spirits, wine, and glasses for a bar station. If you have the luxury of a bit of outdoor space, and weather permits, think about renting a small party tent or awning. Add some heaters and you’ve got additional space for gathering.

Creating a festive mood

When space is at a premium, keep items like large flower arrangements or centerpieces to a minimum. Get your holiday flair from festive door wreaths, colorful dishes and serving platters, holiday napkins, twinkle lights on windows, candles (battery operated) on sills or mantle, and garland on stair rails. Decorations should help set the mood, not get in the way. Don’t forget music, but keep the volume soft. Lastly, lighting is very important. If you have overhead lighting with dimmers, adjust to soft lighting. If your lamps are too bright, switch out to softer, lower watt bulbs. Battery-operated candles or strands of twinkle lights will add to the holiday sparkle.

A place for everything

When the crowd descends at my Christmas gathering, the first thing that happens is everyone has “stuff” to unload. Items such as holiday gifts, hostess gifts, food for now, food for later, platters and serving tools, coats and purses, ice chests, play pens, and so on all need an assigned place. Be sure you have areas cleared and designated ahead of time for the “stuff” so you can direct your guests to the drop-off spot. This also helps prevents the bottleneck that can happen when guests arrive at the same time.

Enjoy yourself

People love to help, so don’t be afraid to ask. Remember, you are not a caterer or Martha Stewart. A good host takes time to enjoy time with guests and doesn’t sweat the small stuff. If, even with the best planning and organization, your casserole bubbles over in the oven and smokes out your kitchen, temporarily forcing your guests outside for air, laugh it off. It will make a great story for years to come. Cheers!

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Indoor Weekend Projects

It’s that time of year when we spend the most time inside our homes. So why not use some of that time improving your home? Not only will it boost your mood, it’ll add value to your home. Here are some projects that you can do over the weekend.

Getting Rid of Junk

Removing clutter is a great way to make your home feel more open. Plus, having all the junk removed from your house will help spark some home improvement and decorating ideas.

Installing Shelves or Hooks

Shelves helps keep small items–decorative or otherwise–off counters and tabletops. Installing hooks around the house is another way of keeping items such as keys, towels, and jackets off flat surfaces.

Changing Light Fixtures

One way to brighten up a room is to install a new light fixture. One that fits the intended decor of the room. Ceiling fans are an especially nice addition because they can push warm air down in the winter and cool off a room in the summer. Another way to improve the lighting of the room is to install a dimmer switch.

Changing Blinds and Adding Curtains

Fresh new blinds make a room look sharp while curtains add a bit of softness. The two combined provide an effective sound and light barrier whenever needed.

Re-caulking a Bathroom

Re-caulking will make your bathroom feel cleaner and brighter while preventing mildew, mold, and water damage.

Changing a Faucet

Simply replacing a faucet can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom.

Changing a Showerhead

Updating a showerhead can save you money on your water bill and improve your overall shower experience. This is especially true if you switch from a single-function showerhead to a multifunction showerhead.

Changing Hardware on Doors and Cabinets

New hinges and handles can make cabinets pop and an updated doorknob can complete the look of a room.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Pre-Holiday Oven and Stove Maintenance

It’s a holiday morning and you get up before everyone else to start cooking in peace. You preheat your oven and start prepping your turkey. Then, “BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!” Followed by smoke and hastily awoken judgmental in-laws. “How could you have burned something already?” they demand. Although it’s noon somewhere, it’s too soon to crack open the wine. Luckily, this kind of stress can be easily avoided with a little pre-holiday oven and stove maintenance.

Oven

Determine if your oven door has a tight seal and that its hinges are strong

Loose seals or weak hinges on your oven door can lead to heat loss resulting in foods taking longer to cook or cooking unevenly. To check your oven, make sure it’s off and completely cool.

Open the oven door and locate the gasket that goes around the perimeter. Feel around for any warped, torn, or broken areas. Keep these areas in mind for the next step.
Heat your oven, and then place something that sizzles in the hot oven. Since oven seals are meant to hold in heat and sound, check the perimeter of your oven door paying particular attention to any suspected problem areas you found. If you hear crackling or feel more heat in the problem areas, this may mean your oven’s seal isn’t working well and may need replacement. Finally, push against the door and see if that reduces the heat and sound. If it does, this could indicate that your oven door’s hinges aren’t strong.

Check your oven’s internal light bulbs

If you find that at least one of the bulbs is burnt out, you can remove the bulb to determine replacement type, or refer to your owner’s manual for that information. Most oven bulbs are a universal 40 watt appliance bulb. Note: Do not turn on your oven light if there isn’t a light bulb in there.

Cleaning the inside of your oven

Self-Cleaning Ovens

Self-cleaning ovens work by raising the temperature inside the oven to a very high temperature for about two to four hours. This turns all the debris in the oven to ash. If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, refer to your owner’s manual for instructions. Do not clean the inside of a self-cleaning oven by any other method unless approved by the manufacturer or owners manual. If using the self-cleaning feature, use it a few days before you start your holiday cooking. This process can make your house smell and possibly set of your smoke alarms.

Non-Self-Cleaning Ovens

Most standard oven cleaners will get the job done. A more natural way of cleaning your oven is to use baking soda and vinegar. First, make sure that everything in the oven is removed, including the oven racks. Then, in a bowl, make a paste by combining baking soda and water. Use an abrasive pad to rub the paste all over the inside of the oven. Gently spray vinegar over the pasted surface and allow to fizz. This will loosen the debris, so you can scrub it all away.

Stove

Clean or replace all vent filters over your stove

Metal-mesh grease filters can either be washed by hand with dish soap or can be placed in the dishwasher. If they’re made out of charcoal or paper, they should be replaced.

Clean the knobs

Use a damp rag with a little dish detergent. Replace the knobs if you’re no longer able to read what they say.

Cleaning the cooktop

Make sure you only use cleaning products appropriate for your cooktop material. Use with a soft, slightly moistened washcloth. Do not pour the product directly on the surface. Below are a couple of examples of home remedies: For a glass top stove, spray some white vinegar on a damp washcloth to remove any grease and debris. Then, lightly cover the surface with baking soda. Once that’s done, cover the entire cooktop with a warm damp towel. Let sit for about 15 minutes, then gently scrub removing all the baking soda. You can go over the stove again with the white vinegar for finishing. To clean stove grates and drip pans, use gallon-size plastic zipper storage bags and ammonia. For each bag, fill halfway with ammonia and add one or two grates or one drip pan. Thoroughly seal the bag. Let sit overnight or 8-12 hours. Rinse away the baked-on grime the next day. Whew! Now, you have a beautiful oven and stove that are a lot more likely to perform without incident for the holidays and days to come!

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

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