#schupanitz

[int0design]

georgianadesign: Liz Schupanitz Designs, kitchen & bath... https://georgianadesign.tumblr.com/post/612049584362045440

[georgianadesign]

Liz Schupanitz Designs, kitchen & bath designers, Plymouth, MN. Andrea Rugg photo.

[jeremystrele]

How to Unpack After a Move (Without Driving Yourself Crazy in the Process)

You’ve probably heard lots of advice on how to pack before moving. But what about advice on how to unpack after a move? This process is just as stressful and, if the number of people who are still living out of boxes months after moving in is any testament, just as difficult to slog through.

With that in mind, we’ve got some advice for you on how to unpack after a move. Read on to learn more about how to tackle this task strategically. If you follow our advice, you should be on track to become fully settled in less than two weeks after move-in day.

Put your boxes in the right rooms from the get-go. Image: Christina Byers Design

Distribute your boxes strategically

Move-in days are crazy. You’ll probably feel rushed to try and empty your truck or van as fast as possible. It can be tempting to just throw all of your moving boxes in a pile close to the door and sort them out later. However, we’d strongly advise against this. Instead, we recommend taking the time to put your boxes into the rooms where they belong from the get-go.

This is where any labeling system you created while packing for the move will come in handy. Ideally, every box will be clearly marked with the room in which it belongs. (If not, it should be marked with some sort of explanation of its contents.) Save yourself the trouble of having to sort through everything twice and bring each box into the correct room directly from the car. This way, your unpacking can get off to an organized start.

Clean before you start to unpack from a move. Image: Liz Schupanitz Designs

Clean before anything else

In real estate parlance, properties need to be “broom clean” before a new buyer or tenant moves in. Essentially, this phrase means free from any visible dirt. However, as any person who’s completed a move recently knows, there’s rarely time in the midst of it all to make sure that your whole home has gotten a deep clean.

With that in mind, you’re going to want to do some cleaning of your own before you start to unpack after a move. We suggest keeping a selection of cleaning essentials – things like paper towels, all-purpose cleaners, and a broom – accessible as you unload your car or truck. That way, it can be one of the first things that you unpack.

Unpack one room at a time. Image: DESIGNS! – Susan Hoffman Interior Designs

Unpack rooms by importance

When it’s finally time to unpack, you’ll want to do so in an orderly fashion. We recommend unpacking room-by-room, in order of importance. This means unpacking the whole room at one time, rather than just grabbing the essentials and leaving the rest for later. Yes, it’s a bigger task upfront, but you’re less likely to have boxes of non-essential items laying around long after you’ve settled in.

In terms of the order in which you unpack, you’ll want to start with your bedrooms first. After the move, you’ll likely be exhausted and want to head to bed fairly early. This way, your bed will be waiting for you. Next, you should tackle the kitchen, followed by your main living space.

After that, you can move on to lesser-used spaces like your dining room, guest bedroom, and formal living area. Last but not least, you can tackle any supplemental storage areas like a basement or garage.

Donate any unused items after you’ve settled in. Image: California Closets – DC Metro

Declutter once more

In unpacking, there’s one golden rule to follow: Everything has its place. This means that for each item you take out of the box, you should have a rough idea of where you want to put it in your new home. And you should put it in its place immediately. Any items that you’re unsure about should go back in the box.

After you’ve been in your home for a while – let’s say two weeks, to be safe – it’s time to take a long, hard look at any items that you still have left in boxes. Ask yourself: Do you really need these items? Do they truly have a place in your new home? Have you missed using them on a daily basis?

If the answer to the majority of these questions is no, think about either donating the items or throwing them away. Now is the time to declutter even further. There’s no sense in having half-empty moving boxes laying around forever. Nor is there sense in storing items that you likely won’t use again. Your best bet is to give them to someone who can use them.

Do you have any other tips for how to unpack after a move?

The post How to Unpack After a Move (Without Driving Yourself Crazy in the Process) appeared first on Freshome.com.

[owensrhodes]

How to Unpack After a Move (Without Driving Yourself Crazy in the Process)

You’ve probably heard lots of advice on how to pack before moving. But what about advice on how to unpack after a move? This process is just as stressful and, if the number of people who are still living out of boxes months after moving in is any testament, just as difficult to slog through.

With that in mind, we’ve got some advice for you on how to unpack after a move. Read on to learn more about how to tackle this task strategically. If you follow our advice, you should be on track to become fully settled in less than two weeks after move-in day.

Put your boxes in the right rooms from the get-go. Image: Christina Byers Design

Distribute your boxes strategically

Move-in days are crazy. You’ll probably feel rushed to try and empty your truck or van as fast as possible. It can be tempting to just throw all of your moving boxes in a pile close to the door and sort them out later. However, we’d strongly advise against this. Instead, we recommend taking the time to put your boxes into the rooms where they belong from the get-go.

This is where any labeling system you created while packing for the move will come in handy. Ideally, every box will be clearly marked with the room in which it belongs. (If not, it should be marked with some sort of explanation of its contents.) Save yourself the trouble of having to sort through everything twice and bring each box into the correct room directly from the car. This way, your unpacking can get off to an organized start.

Clean before you start to unpack from a move. Image: Liz Schupanitz Designs

Clean before anything else

In real estate parlance, properties need to be “broom clean” before a new buyer or tenant moves in. Essentially, this phrase means free from any visible dirt. However, as any person who’s completed a move recently knows, there’s rarely time in the midst of it all to make sure that your whole home has gotten a deep clean.

With that in mind, you’re going to want to do some cleaning of your own before you start to unpack after a move. We suggest keeping a selection of cleaning essentials – things like paper towels, all-purpose cleaners, and a broom – accessible as you unload your car or truck. That way, it can be one of the first things that you unpack.

Unpack one room at a time. Image: DESIGNS! – Susan Hoffman Interior Designs

Unpack rooms by importance

When it’s finally time to unpack, you’ll want to do so in an orderly fashion. We recommend unpacking room-by-room, in order of importance. This means unpacking the whole room at one time, rather than just grabbing the essentials and leaving the rest for later. Yes, it’s a bigger task upfront, but you’re less likely to have boxes of non-essential items laying around long after you’ve settled in.

In terms of the order in which you unpack, you’ll want to start with your bedrooms first. After the move, you’ll likely be exhausted and want to head to bed fairly early. This way, your bed will be waiting for you. Next, you should tackle the kitchen, followed by your main living space.

After that, you can move on to lesser-used spaces like your dining room, guest bedroom, and formal living area. Last but not least, you can tackle any supplemental storage areas like a basement or garage.

Donate any unused items after you’ve settled in. Image: California Closets – DC Metro

Declutter once more

In unpacking, there’s one golden rule to follow: Everything has its place. This means that for each item you take out of the box, you should have a rough idea of where you want to put it in your new home. And you should put it in its place immediately. Any items that you’re unsure about should go back in the box.

After you’ve been in your home for a while – let’s say two weeks, to be safe – it’s time to take a long, hard look at any items that you still have left in boxes. Ask yourself: Do you really need these items? Do they truly have a place in your new home? Have you missed using them on a daily basis?

If the answer to the majority of these questions is no, think about either donating the items or throwing them away. Now is the time to declutter even further. There’s no sense in having half-empty moving boxes laying around forever. Nor is there sense in storing items that you likely won’t use again. Your best bet is to give them to someone who can use them.

Do you have any other tips for how to unpack after a move?

The post How to Unpack After a Move (Without Driving Yourself Crazy in the Process) appeared first on Freshome.com.

[jovialsoulinfluencer]

How to Unpack After a Move (Without Driving Yourself Crazy in the Process)

You’ve probably heard lots of advice on how to pack before moving. But what about advice on how to unpack after a move? This process is just as stressful and, if the number of people who are still living out of boxes months after moving in is any testament, just as difficult to slog through.

With that in mind, we’ve got some advice for you on how to unpack after a move. Read on to learn more about how to tackle this task strategically. If you follow our advice, you should be on track to become fully settled in less than two weeks after move-in day.

Put your boxes in the right rooms from the get-go. Image: Christina Byers Design

Distribute your boxes strategically

Move-in days are crazy. You’ll probably feel rushed to try and empty your truck or van as fast as possible. It can be tempting to just throw all of your moving boxes in a pile close to the door and sort them out later. However, we’d strongly advise against this. Instead, we recommend taking the time to put your boxes into the rooms where they belong from the get-go.

This is where any labeling system you created while packing for the move will come in handy. Ideally, every box will be clearly marked with the room in which it belongs. (If not, it should be marked with some sort of explanation of its contents.) Save yourself the trouble of having to sort through everything twice and bring each box into the correct room directly from the car. This way, your unpacking can get off to an organized start.

Clean before you start to unpack from a move. Image: Liz Schupanitz Designs

Clean before anything else

In real estate parlance, properties need to be “broom clean” before a new buyer or tenant moves in. Essentially, this phrase means free from any visible dirt. However, as any person who’s completed a move recently knows, there’s rarely time in the midst of it all to make sure that your whole home has gotten a deep clean.

With that in mind, you’re going to want to do some cleaning of your own before you start to unpack after a move. We suggest keeping a selection of cleaning essentials – things like paper towels, all-purpose cleaners, and a broom – accessible as you unload your car or truck. That way, it can be one of the first things that you unpack.

Unpack one room at a time. Image: DESIGNS! – Susan Hoffman Interior Designs

Unpack rooms by importance

When it’s finally time to unpack, you’ll want to do so in an orderly fashion. We recommend unpacking room-by-room, in order of importance. This means unpacking the whole room at one time, rather than just grabbing the essentials and leaving the rest for later. Yes, it’s a bigger task upfront, but you’re less likely to have boxes of non-essential items laying around long after you’ve settled in.

In terms of the order in which you unpack, you’ll want to start with your bedrooms first. After the move, you’ll likely be exhausted and want to head to bed fairly early. This way, your bed will be waiting for you. Next, you should tackle the kitchen, followed by your main living space.

After that, you can move on to lesser-used spaces like your dining room, guest bedroom, and formal living area. Last but not least, you can tackle any supplemental storage areas like a basement or garage.

Donate any unused items after you’ve settled in. Image: California Closets – DC Metro

Declutter once more

In unpacking, there’s one golden rule to follow: Everything has its place. This means that for each item you take out of the box, you should have a rough idea of where you want to put it in your new home. And you should put it in its place immediately. Any items that you’re unsure about should go back in the box.

After you’ve been in your home for a while – let’s say two weeks, to be safe – it’s time to take a long, hard look at any items that you still have left in boxes. Ask yourself: Do you really need these items? Do they truly have a place in your new home? Have you missed using them on a daily basis?

If the answer to the majority of these questions is no, think about either donating the items or throwing them away. Now is the time to declutter even further. There’s no sense in having half-empty moving boxes laying around forever. Nor is there sense in storing items that you likely won’t use again. Your best bet is to give them to someone who can use them.

Do you have any other tips for how to unpack after a move?

The post How to Unpack After a Move (Without Driving Yourself Crazy in the Process) appeared first on Freshome.com.

from https://freshome.com/unpack-after-a-move/ via How to Unpack After a Move (Without Driving Yourself Crazy in the Process)

[edmondmoller]

Buying a House… Pests Not Included

New Post has been published on https://womanshealthwithmegan.com/buying-a-house-pests-not-included

Buying a House… Pests Not Included

Most homebuyers have a laundry list of “must-have” items before signing on the dotted line, ranging from hardwood floors to stainless steel appliances to open floorplans. But there’s one thing they don’t want in a new house: pests.

And for good reason. According to Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association, “Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year – a cost that is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance.”

Pests aren’t just unsightly; they also cause costly property damage. Image: DeForest Architects

These particular insects are insidious – Mannes tells Freshome that termites chew through wood, flooring and wallpaper without being detected by the human eye. “Termites are known as ‘silent destroyers’ because they can compromise the structural stability of a home without anyone even knowing until the damage is severe,” she explains.

However, termites aren’t the only pests that potential buyers should be concerned about. We’ve got some tips on which insects and critters to look for, where to find them and how you should proceed upon discovering that your dream home has unwanted occupants.

Warning signs inside the home

Check near doors and windowsills for evidence of termites. Image: Liz Schupanitz Designs

Termite wings and droppings

According to Mannes, homebuyers should keep an eye out for typical warning signs of a termite infestation when house-hunting. “These including the presence of swarmers, or young, female and winged termites.” Swarmers tend to invade houses in the spring, and they are drawn to light.

Mannes says that often the first visible sign of termites is the presence of these swarmers’ wings. Swarmers typically discard wings close to doors and windowsills. “Damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped is a third sign, since termites like to get inside wood and eat it.” Frass and droppings are also evidence of termites; Mannes explains that drywood termites leave droppings that look like pellets. (Note: You might also find frass and wood damage outside of the house.)

Carpenter ants create internal damage in wood. Image: Leslie Goodwin Photography

Wood fragments from carpenter ants

“In addition to termites, carpenter ants are another pest that can quickly tunnel through wood without any external signs of damage,” Mannes warns. So, how can you distinguish between carpenter ants and other ant species? “Carpenter ants are larger than most ant species, ranging in size from one-quarter inch up to three-quarters of an inch,” she says. “They are black or red in color.”

Even if you don’t see the ants, Mannes says you might notice sawdust and wood fragments around the home. “Severely damaged wood will have small openings like little windows,” she explains. “Carpenter ants will cause round, smooth holes in wood.”

Dripping pipes in kitchens and bathrooms attract roaches. Image: TRG Architects

Roach-friendly leaking pipes

While damage by termites and carpenter ants is your primary concern, you should also be on the lookout for other types of pests. According to Orkin entomologist Glen Ramsey, it’s important to look under the sink and around the pipes in the kitchen and bathrooms to ensure that everything is sealed tightly. He tells Freshome that dripping pipes are a water source for roaches. And when you’re inspecting the kitchen, look for small black spots, which might be cockroach droppings.

Inspect baseboards and sockets for signs of bed bugs. Image: Beth Dotolo

Bed bug stains

No one wants bed bugs. Ramsey warns that tiny brown stains on the wall directly under or around sockets and baseboards could be a sign that bed bugs have taken up residence. In addition, mold, fungus or wood decay may indicate moisture in the walls; this could be a sign that there are several pest problems in the home.

Warning signs outside of the home

Windowsills and exterior paint are places to look for termites or beetles. Image: Patrick Square LLC

Bubbling paint from termites

Now that we’ve covered interior warning signs, what are the exterior red flags? Ramsey says that bubbling or cracked paint, along with mud tubes, are clues that termites or wood-boring beetles are present. What’s a mud tube, exactly? Mannes explains that it’s exactly what it sounds like: a tube or tunnel made of mud. She says that subterranean termites use mud tubes to travel from underground to above-ground areas.

Sunken or soft windowsills are other indications of water damage or termites. “Also, if wood decks or railings have holes in them, this could indicate that carpenter bees have been drilling,” Ramsey adds.

Inspect trees on your property to make sure branches aren’t touching your house. Image: Locati Architects

Nests in chimneys or trees

Don’t forget to inspect the chimney, since the presence of a nest might mean that birds or wasps have made themselves at home. Ramsey adds that an assortment of pests and critters, from ants and smoky-brown cockroaches to rats and squirrels, tend to nest in trees. Depending on the location of the trees and branches, you might want to cut back some of the branches so they’re not a bridge to the attic.

In addition, Ramsey recommends inspecting the home lawn drainage to make sure that water slopes away from, instead of toward, the home. Termites and mosquitoes gravitate toward the latter.

Newer homes need inspection just as much as older homes. Image: JB Architecture Group

Newer vs. older homes

Don’t assume that pests are only a problem in older homes. Ramsey says that new homes should be pre-treated. That said, if the house was constructed during a rainy season, it’s possible that moisture is trapped inside. With an older home, he recommends replacing the weather stripping throughout.

If the house has been vacant for a while – whether it’s old or new – Ramsey advises homebuyers to check basements, attics, garages and sheds for pests.

Call a professional for a thorough inspection of a home you’re seriously considering. Image: Kolbe Gallery

DIY inspection for pests?

Homebuyers can perform an initial inspection when viewing the property. However, both Mannes and Ramsey recommend using professionals if it’s a home you’re seriously considering. “A wood-destroying insect inspection is conducted by a licensed pest control professional,” Mannes explains. “They will probe the home from the attic or crawlspace to the basement for telltale signs of wood-destroying insects and conditions conducive to an infestation – and then issue a report and estimate if any problems are found.”

Do you have any tips for finding and eliminating pests in the home? We’d love to hear them in the comments.

The post Buying a House… Pests Not Included appeared first on Freshome.com.

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Buying a House… Pests Not Included https://ift.tt/2JgJJpa

Most homebuyers have a laundry list of “must-have” items before signing on the dotted line, ranging from hardwood floors to stainless steel appliances to open floorplans. But there’s one thing they don’t want in a new house: pests.

And for good reason. According to Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association, “Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year – a cost that is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance.”

Pests aren’t just unsightly; they also cause costly property damage. Image: DeForest Architects

These particular insects are insidious – Mannes tells Freshome that termites chew through wood, flooring and wallpaper without being detected by the human eye. “Termites are known as ‘silent destroyers’ because they can compromise the structural stability of a home without anyone even knowing until the damage is severe,” she explains.

However, termites aren’t the only pests that potential buyers should be concerned about. We’ve got some tips on which insects and critters to look for, where to find them and how you should proceed upon discovering that your dream home has unwanted occupants.

Warning signs inside the home

Check near doors and windowsills for evidence of termites. Image: Liz Schupanitz Designs

Termite wings and droppings

According to Mannes, homebuyers should keep an eye out for typical warning signs of a termite infestation when house-hunting. “These including the presence of swarmers, or young, female and winged termites.” Swarmers tend to invade houses in the spring, and they are drawn to light.

Mannes says that often the first visible sign of termites is the presence of these swarmers’ wings. Swarmers typically discard wings close to doors and windowsills. “Damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped is a third sign, since termites like to get inside wood and eat it.” Frass and droppings are also evidence of termites; Mannes explains that drywood termites leave droppings that look like pellets. (Note: You might also find frass and wood damage outside of the house.)

Carpenter ants create internal damage in wood. Image: Leslie Goodwin Photography

Wood fragments from carpenter ants

“In addition to termites, carpenter ants are another pest that can quickly tunnel through wood without any external signs of damage,” Mannes warns. So, how can you distinguish between carpenter ants and other ant species? “Carpenter ants are larger than most ant species, ranging in size from one-quarter inch up to three-quarters of an inch,” she says. “They are black or red in color.”

Even if you don’t see the ants, Mannes says you might notice sawdust and wood fragments around the home. “Severely damaged wood will have small openings like little windows,” she explains. “Carpenter ants will cause round, smooth holes in wood.”

Dripping pipes in kitchens and bathrooms attract roaches. Image: TRG Architects

Roach-friendly leaking pipes

While damage by termites and carpenter ants is your primary concern, you should also be on the lookout for other types of pests. According to Orkin entomologist Glen Ramsey, it’s important to look under the sink and around the pipes in the kitchen and bathrooms to ensure that everything is sealed tightly. He tells Freshome that dripping pipes are a water source for roaches. And when you’re inspecting the kitchen, look for small black spots, which might be cockroach droppings.

Inspect baseboards and sockets for signs of bed bugs. Image: Beth Dotolo

Bed bug stains

No one wants bed bugs. Ramsey warns that tiny brown stains on the wall directly under or around sockets and baseboards could be a sign that bed bugs have taken up residence. In addition, mold, fungus or wood decay may indicate moisture in the walls; this could be a sign that there are several pest problems in the home.

Warning signs outside of the home

Windowsills and exterior paint are places to look for termites or beetles. Image: Patrick Square LLC

Bubbling paint from termites

Now that we’ve covered interior warning signs, what are the exterior red flags? Ramsey says that bubbling or cracked paint, along with mud tubes, are clues that termites or wood-boring beetles are present. What’s a mud tube, exactly? Mannes explains that it’s exactly what it sounds like: a tube or tunnel made of mud. She says that subterranean termites use mud tubes to travel from underground to above-ground areas.

Sunken or soft windowsills are other indications of water damage or termites. “Also, if wood decks or railings have holes in them, this could indicate that carpenter bees have been drilling,” Ramsey adds.

Inspect trees on your property to make sure branches aren’t touching your house. Image: Locati Architects

Nests in chimneys or trees

Don’t forget to inspect the chimney, since the presence of a nest might mean that birds or wasps have made themselves at home. Ramsey adds that an assortment of pests and critters, from ants and smoky-brown cockroaches to rats and squirrels, tend to nest in trees. Depending on the location of the trees and branches, you might want to cut back some of the branches so they’re not a bridge to the attic.

In addition, Ramsey recommends inspecting the home lawn drainage to make sure that water slopes away from, instead of toward, the home. Termites and mosquitoes gravitate toward the latter.

Newer homes need inspection just as much as older homes. Image: JB Architecture Group

Newer vs. older homes

Don’t assume that pests are only a problem in older homes. Ramsey says that new homes should be pre-treated. That said, if the house was constructed during a rainy season, it’s possible that moisture is trapped inside. With an older home, he recommends replacing the weather stripping throughout.

If the house has been vacant for a while – whether it’s old or new – Ramsey advises homebuyers to check basements, attics, garages and sheds for pests.

Call a professional for a thorough inspection of a home you’re seriously considering. Image: Kolbe Gallery

DIY inspection for pests?

Homebuyers can perform an initial inspection when viewing the property. However, both Mannes and Ramsey recommend using professionals if it’s a home you’re seriously considering. “A wood-destroying insect inspection is conducted by a licensed pest control professional,” Mannes explains. “They will probe the home from the attic or crawlspace to the basement for telltale signs of wood-destroying insects and conditions conducive to an infestation – and then issue a report and estimate if any problems are found.”

Do you have any tips for finding and eliminating pests in the home? We’d love to hear them in the comments.

The post Buying a House… Pests Not Included appeared first on Freshome.com.

Terri Williams

[writersroad]

kitchen trends Liz Schupanitz white kitchen painted in Benjamin Moore Simply White

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#BagoesTeakFurniture Simply White Kitchen Cabinets (Benjamin Moore) | Liz Schupanitz Designs visit us also https://goo.gl/Vr6ud9

[furniyeyo]

#BagoesTeakFurniture Simply White Kitchen Cabinets (Benjamin Moore) | Liz Schupanitz Designs, visit us https://goo.gl/Vr6ud9

[teakmanufacturer-blog]

BagoesTeak.com #BagoesTeakFurniture Simply White Kitchen Cabinets (Benjamin Moore) | Liz Schupanitz Designs Comfortable and sexy furniture, visit us also https://goo.gl/Vr6ud9

[int0design]

georgianadesign: Liz Schupanitz Designs, kitchen & bath... https://georgianadesign.tumblr.com/post/187828463118

[georgianadesign]

Liz Schupanitz Designs, kitchen & bath designers, Plymouth, MN. Andrea Rugg photo.

[jeremystrele]

Buying a House… Pests Not Included

Most homebuyers have a laundry list of “must-have” items before signing on the dotted line, ranging from hardwood floors to stainless steel appliances to open floorplans. But there’s one thing they don’t want in a new house: pests.

And for good reason. According to Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association, “Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year – a cost that is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance.”

Pests aren’t just unsightly; they also cause costly property damage. Image: DeForest Architects

These particular insects are insidious – Mannes tells Freshome that termites chew through wood, flooring and wallpaper without being detected by the human eye. “Termites are known as ‘silent destroyers’ because they can compromise the structural stability of a home without anyone even knowing until the damage is severe,” she explains.

However, termites aren’t the only pests that potential buyers should be concerned about. We’ve got some tips on which insects and critters to look for, where to find them and how you should proceed upon discovering that your dream home has unwanted occupants.

Warning signs inside the home

Check near doors and windowsills for evidence of termites. Image: Liz Schupanitz Designs

Termite wings and droppings

According to Mannes, homebuyers should keep an eye out for typical warning signs of a termite infestation when house-hunting. “These including the presence of swarmers, or young, female and winged termites.” Swarmers tend to invade houses in the spring, and they are drawn to light.

Mannes says that often the first visible sign of termites is the presence of these swarmers’ wings. Swarmers typically discard wings close to doors and windowsills. “Damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped is a third sign, since termites like to get inside wood and eat it.” Frass and droppings are also evidence of termites; Mannes explains that drywood termites leave droppings that look like pellets. (Note: You might also find frass and wood damage outside of the house.)

Carpenter ants create internal damage in wood. Image: Leslie Goodwin Photography

Wood fragments from carpenter ants

“In addition to termites, carpenter ants are another pest that can quickly tunnel through wood without any external signs of damage,” Mannes warns. So, how can you distinguish between carpenter ants and other ant species? “Carpenter ants are larger than most ant species, ranging in size from one-quarter inch up to three-quarters of an inch,” she says. “They are black or red in color.”

Even if you don’t see the ants, Mannes says you might notice sawdust and wood fragments around the home. “Severely damaged wood will have small openings like little windows,” she explains. “Carpenter ants will cause round, smooth holes in wood.”

Dripping pipes in kitchens and bathrooms attract roaches. Image: TRG Architects

Roach-friendly leaking pipes

While damage by termites and carpenter ants is your primary concern, you should also be on the lookout for other types of pests. According to Orkin entomologist Glen Ramsey, it’s important to look under the sink and around the pipes in the kitchen and bathrooms to ensure that everything is sealed tightly. He tells Freshome that dripping pipes are a water source for roaches. And when you’re inspecting the kitchen, look for small black spots, which might be cockroach droppings.

Inspect baseboards and sockets for signs of bed bugs. Image: Beth Dotolo

Bed bug stains

No one wants bed bugs. Ramsey warns that tiny brown stains on the wall directly under or around sockets and baseboards could be a sign that bed bugs have taken up residence. In addition, mold, fungus or wood decay may indicate moisture in the walls; this could be a sign that there are several pest problems in the home.

Warning signs outside of the home

Windowsills and exterior paint are places to look for termites or beetles. Image: Patrick Square LLC

Bubbling paint from termites

Now that we’ve covered interior warning signs, what are the exterior red flags? Ramsey says that bubbling or cracked paint, along with mud tubes, are clues that termites or wood-boring beetles are present. What’s a mud tube, exactly? Mannes explains that it’s exactly what it sounds like: a tube or tunnel made of mud. She says that subterranean termites use mud tubes to travel from underground to above-ground areas.

Sunken or soft windowsills are other indications of water damage or termites. “Also, if wood decks or railings have holes in them, this could indicate that carpenter bees have been drilling,” Ramsey adds.

Inspect trees on your property to make sure branches aren’t touching your house. Image: Locati Architects

Nests in chimneys or trees

Don’t forget to inspect the chimney, since the presence of a nest might mean that birds or wasps have made themselves at home. Ramsey adds that an assortment of pests and critters, from ants and smoky-brown cockroaches to rats and squirrels, tend to nest in trees. Depending on the location of the trees and branches, you might want to cut back some of the branches so they’re not a bridge to the attic.

In addition, Ramsey recommends inspecting the home lawn drainage to make sure that water slopes away from, instead of toward, the home. Termites and mosquitoes gravitate toward the latter.

Newer homes need inspection just as much as older homes. Image: JB Architecture Group

Newer vs. older homes

Don’t assume that pests are only a problem in older homes. Ramsey says that new homes should be pre-treated. That said, if the house was constructed during a rainy season, it’s possible that moisture is trapped inside. With an older home, he recommends replacing the weather stripping throughout.

If the house has been vacant for a while – whether it’s old or new – Ramsey advises homebuyers to check basements, attics, garages and sheds for pests.

Call a professional for a thorough inspection of a home you’re seriously considering. Image: Kolbe Gallery

DIY inspection for pests?

Homebuyers can perform an initial inspection when viewing the property. However, both Mannes and Ramsey recommend using professionals if it’s a home you’re seriously considering. “A wood-destroying insect inspection is conducted by a licensed pest control professional,” Mannes explains. “They will probe the home from the attic or crawlspace to the basement for telltale signs of wood-destroying insects and conditions conducive to an infestation – and then issue a report and estimate if any problems are found.”

Do you have any tips for finding and eliminating pests in the home? We’d love to hear them in the comments.

The post Buying a House… Pests Not Included appeared first on Freshome.com.

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Check Out These 4 Easy Kitchen Upgrades You Can Do in a Weekend

Does your kitchen need a new look? Our kitchen upgrades are just what you need. Image: Caesarstone

Head’s up, homeowners: A recent survey by Remodeling Magazine shared some unexpected news about popular home improvements. It found that kitchen remodels are not garnering the same return on investment they used to. With that in mind, we suggest that rather than spending your money on totally redo-ing the space, selecting a few, smart kitchen upgrades might be a better bet.

As far as which projects make sense, we’ve got you covered. Below is a list of four upgrades that can be completed in a weekend or less. Read them over and tackle them one by one. By the time you’re done, your kitchen will have a totally new look for a fraction of the cost.

Get trendy with some brightly painted cabinets. Image: J NORD WOLFE General Contracting Inc.

Paint your kitchen cabinets

Has it been a little while since your kitchen has been updated? Is the finish on your cabinets a “blast from the past”? Are you starting to notice a few nicks and chips? If so, it may be time to freshen up the cabinets with a new coat of paint. While neutral shades are always in, consider taking things a step further and embracing 2018’s bold, two-toned cabinet trend.

The key to pulling this project off fast is organization. At the start, label your doors and drawers with corresponding numbers, so you know exactly where they belong. Then, remove them, clean them to remove any grime, sand off the current finish, and wrap up with a few coats each of fast-drying primer and paint.

Brighten things up with different hardware. Image: Liz Schupanitz Designs

Change out the hardware

If painting the cabinets is too big of a job to tackle at the moment, give your existing ones a refresh by swapping out the hardware. Focus on choosing a modern finish and shape for the new set. While an argument can be made that gold is making a comeback, you really can’t go wrong with a minimalistic option in either chrome or brushed nickel.

Effort-wise, this job is fairly simple. After you purchased your new hardware, remove the old ones with a screwdriver. Judge if the existing holes in your cabinets will work with the placement of your new pick and fill any unnecessary ones with matching putty. Then, drill new holes, as needed, before screwing the new hardware in place.

Layer in a few pendant lights. Image: Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA)

Add pendant lighting

We’ve talked before about the importance of layering lighting, but it’s especially important in a kitchen. When working with knives, you need to see exactly what you’re doing, and adding a few pendant lights in the mix is a functional and stylish way to make that happen.

Most pendant lights come with mounting kits that allow them to easily take the place of existing fixtures. Start the process by turning off the appropriate breaker. Then, unscrew the covering on your existing fixture and disconnect the wires before removing the fixture itself. Next, follow the instructions that come with the mounting kit for your new pendant light to secure it properly.

Refresh your look with a new backsplash. Image: Laurie Battersby

Create a new backsplash

Your backsplash is arguably the biggest style statement in your kitchen. This element of your design is a bit more aesthetically focused than functional, so you have the opportunity to get more creative here. With that in mind, if it’s been a while since you’ve redone your kitchen, it may be time to refresh your backsplash and, fortunately, you don’t need to hire a contractor to pull it off.

These days, peel-and-stick kits can be purchased at any home improvement store. The key to this project is planning. Measure the area you’ll be transforming before you go shopping, so you purchase the correct amount of product. When you get home, lay out the pieces before you start working with your adhesive, so you have an idea of any adjustments that need to be made for them to fit correctly.

Use these kitchen upgrades to give your interiors a makeover. Image: Orchid Newton ltd

Trends are showing that, in 2018, full kitchen remodels may not be the way to go. Rather, it may make more financial sense to invest in a few kitchen upgrades that will give your existing space a new look. With that in mind, we’ve hooked you up with four easy upgrades that only take a weekend to pull off. Keep them in mind for when you’re ready to give your space a new look.

What do you think about these easy kitchen upgrades? Will you be adding them to your to-do list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

The post Check Out These 4 Easy Kitchen Upgrades You Can Do in a Weekend appeared first on Freshome.com.

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Check Out These 4 Easy Kitchen Upgrades You Can Do in a Weekend

Does your kitchen need a new look? Our kitchen upgrades are just what you need. Image: Caesarstone

Head’s up, homeowners: A recent survey by Remodeling Magazine shared some unexpected news about popular home improvements. It found that kitchen remodels are not garnering the same return on investment they used to. With that in mind, we suggest that rather than spending your money on totally redo-ing the space, selecting a few, smart kitchen upgrades might be a better bet.

As far as which projects make sense, we’ve got you covered. Below is a list of four upgrades that can be completed in a weekend or less. Read them over and tackle them one by one. By the time you’re done, your kitchen will have a totally new look for a fraction of the cost.

Get trendy with some brightly painted cabinets. Image: J NORD WOLFE General Contracting Inc.

Paint your kitchen cabinets

Has it been a little while since your kitchen has been updated? Is the finish on your cabinets a “blast from the past”? Are you starting to notice a few nicks and chips? If so, it may be time to freshen up the cabinets with a new coat of paint. While neutral shades are always in, consider taking things a step further and embracing 2018’s bold, two-toned cabinet trend.

The key to pulling this project off fast is organization. At the start, label your doors and drawers with corresponding numbers, so you know exactly where they belong. Then, remove them, clean them to remove any grime, sand off the current finish, and wrap up with a few coats each of fast-drying primer and paint.

Brighten things up with different hardware. Image: Liz Schupanitz Designs

Change out the hardware

If painting the cabinets is too big of a job to tackle at the moment, give your existing ones a refresh by swapping out the hardware. Focus on choosing a modern finish and shape for the new set. While an argument can be made that gold is making a comeback, you really can’t go wrong with a minimalistic option in either chrome or brushed nickel.

Effort-wise, this job is fairly simple. After you purchased your new hardware, remove the old ones with a screwdriver. Judge if the existing holes in your cabinets will work with the placement of your new pick and fill any unnecessary ones with matching putty. Then, drill new holes, as needed, before screwing the new hardware in place.

Layer in a few pendant lights. Image: Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA)

Add pendant lighting

We’ve talked before about the importance of layering lighting, but it’s especially important in a kitchen. When working with knives, you need to see exactly what you’re doing, and adding a few pendant lights in the mix is a functional and stylish way to make that happen.

Most pendant lights come with mounting kits that allow them to easily take the place of existing fixtures. Start the process by turning off the appropriate breaker. Then, unscrew the covering on your existing fixture and disconnect the wires before removing the fixture itself. Next, follow the instructions that come with the mounting kit for your new pendant light to secure it properly.

Refresh your look with a new backsplash. Image: Laurie Battersby

Create a new backsplash

Your backsplash is arguably the biggest style statement in your kitchen. This element of your design is a bit more aesthetically focused than functional, so you have the opportunity to get more creative here. With that in mind, if it’s been a while since you’ve redone your kitchen, it may be time to refresh your backsplash and, fortunately, you don’t need to hire a contractor to pull it off.

These days, peel-and-stick kits can be purchased at any home improvement store. The key to this project is planning. Measure the area you’ll be transforming before you go shopping, so you purchase the correct amount of product. When you get home, lay out the pieces before you start working with your adhesive, so you have an idea of any adjustments that need to be made for them to fit correctly.

Use these kitchen upgrades to give your interiors a makeover. Image: Orchid Newton ltd

Trends are showing that, in 2018, full kitchen remodels may not be the way to go. Rather, it may make more financial sense to invest in a few kitchen upgrades that will give your existing space a new look. With that in mind, we’ve hooked you up with four easy upgrades that only take a weekend to pull off. Keep them in mind for when you’re ready to give your space a new look.

What do you think about these easy kitchen upgrades? Will you be adding them to your to-do list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

The post Check Out These 4 Easy Kitchen Upgrades You Can Do in a Weekend appeared first on Freshome.com.

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