November 2021 | Jeff Howard's Las Vegas Area Real Estate blog

Patio Heaters Are Great to Warm Up the Winter

I think we can all agree that having a patio gives you a great place to hang out and enjoy the outdoors while you’re at home. Then the winter months come ( luckily in Las Vegas not for long), dropping temperatures that often makes your patio all but uninhabitable. Cooler weather doesn’t have to be the end of your time enjoying your patio, there are many options available that can extend your time, including patio heaters.

Patio heaters are different from other outdoor heating options like fire pits. Since they are designed to spread heat out over a larger area, a patio heater could be the ideal solution to keep your patio area usable for the winter months in Southern Nevada. If you think that one of these heaters might be the perfect addition to your outdoor space, here are a few things to consider to help make sure that you pick the perfect one.

How Patio Heaters Work

Patio heaters are designed to radiate heat outward, spreading heat over a larger area than you’d cover with a fire pit or other heat source that doesn’t have a cap or other barrier preventing heat from escaping upward. The amount of heat coverage provided by these heaters are different depending on the type of heater, its size, and where it’s located on your patio. Some patio heaters include chimneys or other exhaust pipes to vent potentially harmful gases generated as their fuel burns, preventing those gases from being diverted outward by the same caps that redirect the heat.

The type of heater really depends on your needs. You can find small patio heaters that can sit on top of a table or other surface, as well as larger free-standing units that sit on the patio floor itself. Most heaters include controls similar to what you see on indoor heaters, allowing you to change the amount of heat produced. This lets you adjust your heater for use when you just need to knock off a little chill or when you need to produce more heat on colder nights.

Patio Heater Types

There are a variety of types of patio heaters; the most common varieties are electric, propane, natural gas, and wood-burning heaters. Here is a little information on each type:

Electric heaters are similar to some of the space heaters you might have used indoors, offering benefits such as portability and heat production without creating fuel exhaust. Unfortunately, these heaters are not as energy efficient as other types, and often do not produce as much heat.

Propane heaters connect to the same kind of tank like you would use with a propane grill. They produce more heat than many electric heaters and are still relatively portable, though they should not be used in covered or enclosed areas.

Natural gas heaters are the most energy-efficient and convenient patio heaters, connecting to your home’s existing natural gas line so that you don’t have to swap out tanks or perform other maintenance. These heaters are not portable at all, and need to be professionally installed to ensure that there are no gas leaks.

Wood-burning heaters are the cheapest patio heaters to operate, but they also require more cleaning and maintenance. They also require more work to light and put out and can be fire hazards if left unattended.

Choosing a Patio Heater

Picking the right heater for your patio area depends a lot on how your patio is laid out and whether portability and maintenance are major concerns for you. Electric and propane heaters are best for those who want to be able to move their heater around easily, and wood-burning heaters are a good option for those who want a heater that operates cheaply and don’t mind emptying out ash and coals to keep the heater clean.

Natural gas heaters are the best options for homes where there’s already a gas line installed, and you don’t mind having a permanent heating option in place. They do require professional installation. If you need to find a professional installer, please contact me, Your Realtor for Life, and I will recommend a reputable firm.

Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? Do you want 3 cash offers? We can help you with all of that… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff

How To Know if You Need a Handyperson or a Specialist

Everything in your home that has been getting on your nerves from that squeaky door to the leaky faucet, and you’ have decided to get all these little annoyances fixed all at once. Hiring a handyperson service is a great way to cross everything off this to-do list in a hurry.

Even if you have a reliable handyperson on speed-dial, you might not be sure if you should hire them or a licensed trade specialist for the work. How can you tell the difference? You also should you find out if your handy person is licensed or unlicensed. An unlicensed handyman can only do up to $500 worth of repairs total including parts and labor.

First you should ask your handyperson if they’re capable of handling all the items on your list. An honest pro should be able to give a clear answer. You can also research local regulations and find out what needs a license. Several cities have their licensing requirements online, or staff who will be happy to answer specific questions.

Licensing requirements vary significantly by state, but generally speaking, small jobs like fixing leaky faucets or replacing a light switch don’t require a license. However, anything that gets into the guts of the pipes or wiring most likely needs a license.

Large jobs that involve multiple workers and/or significant investment, such as a remodel or addition, usually require a licensed general contractor to oversee.

The following are types of jobs you can usually hire a handyperson to take care of:

— Replacing small electrical components, such as thermostats, light switches and outlets

— Repairing drywall

— Fixing leaks

— Hanging shelving

— Hanging doors

— Repairing woodwork

— Replacing window glass

— Wiring home theater components

And here is a list of examples some jobs that commonly require a licensed specialist:

— Adding a stairway

— Installing a new roof

— Installing a fireplace or wood stove

— Building a raised deck

— Installing or replacing certain plumbing fixtures such as water heaters

— Major remodeling

— Putting in new windows

— Building a retaining wall to block soil or erosion

— Any work requiring the repair or modification of the existing electrical, plumbing or gas systems

These are a few additional tips:

Some handy services do carry specialty licensing or have particular trades on staff, so don’t hesitate to ask if they have a plumber or electrician available for licensed work!

Whether you hire a handy service or specialty contractor, make sure they carry liability insurance and acquire whatever permits are required for the job.

Most handy service companies charge by the hour, and often their jobs take much less time than that. To get the most out of your handyperson’s time, prepare a list in advance of all the small jobs you’d like them to cover in one visit. The person you hire to fix some drywall and mount a TV might also be able to repair a leak or hang a light fixture while they’re already at your house. They’ll get more done for you and will appreciate your respect for their time.

Make sure you know ahead of time who’ll be responsible for supplying materials. If you have specific materials you’d like to be used for your project, you’ll save time by purchasing them in advance and not have to be charged for the handyperson’s time to pick them up.

As your Realtor for life, you can always call me if you need help with getting a handyperson or finding a licensed contractor for bigger jobs.

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff

Two Plays for the end of the Year at the Little Theatre

I am so thrilled that community theatre has come back to Las Vegas. It was certainly missed. There are two shows coming to the Las Vegas Little Theatre; one in November and one in December. The following is information about how to get tickets for these performances

info@LVLT.org or call 702-363-7996. The theatre is located at 3920 Schiff Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89103

There will also be a roster of shows for 2022. I’ll be sure to keep you posted when each show will be performed.

Dino, Judy, Frank & Babs A Tribute November 6 – 21, 2021

Produced in association with Jade Production Starring Jay Joseph & Joy Demain in a musical tribute to the greats singing all of your favorites! This production features a live band onstage.

Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand features some of your favorite songs made popular by these ICONIC Super Stars. Memories trickle through the music and help us remember The Way We Were, magically, as if touched by Witchcraft. After all, Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime and Happy Days remembered just make us Smile and send us Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Feeling Good we’ll be In the Mood for Love. And Love Will Keep Us Warm, sharing Friendship, always knowing they each did it their own My Way.

Live performances:

Friday, Nov 5, 12 & 19 @ 8pm

Saturday, Nov 13 @ 2pm

Saturday, Nov 6, 13 & 20 @ 8pm and
Sunday, Nov 7, 14 & 21 @ 2pm

All Seats $30

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol by Tom Mula December 3-19, 2021

An interesting twist on the classic Dicken’s tale told from the perspective of Scrooge’s business partner Jacob Marley. This fun and innovative production is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

“Scrooge? I have to redeem old Scrooge? The one man I knew who was worse than I was? Impossible!”

So begins the real story behind Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—the story of Jacob Marley’s heroic behind-the-scenes efforts to save old Scrooge’s soul—and in the process, save his own. Aided by a Bogle, a malicious little hell-sprite with an agenda of his own, their hilarious journey takes them from the Jaws of Death to the Mouth of Hell—and beyond! This irreverent, funny, and ultimately, deeply moving story retells Dickens’ classic with warmth and infectious zest. This thrilling performance is sure to become a holiday classic for generations to come!

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol played for two seasons at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. The show was nominated for four Joseph Jefferson Awards, and received an After Dark Award and the Goodman School of Drama’s Cunningham Prize for Playwriting. The play has since been performed to rave reviews and standing ovations in theatres across the country, including: Cincinnati Shakespeare, American Stage Festival, Delaware Rep, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Stages Repertory in Houston, North Coast Rep, Third Avenue Playhouse, Sage Theatre Group, and the 1894 Opera House. For seven seasons, it has been broadcast nationally on NPR.

Live performances:

Friday, Dec 3, 10 & 17 @ 8pm

Saturday, Dec 11 @ 2pm

Saturday, Dec 4, 11 & 18 @ 8pm and
Sunday, Dec 5, 12 & 19 @ 2pm

All Seats $30.

Maybe I’ll see you there?

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff

Want to spruce up the look of your bathroom? Try a New Faucet

I spoke with a few friends and my immediate family members and one of the things that everyone agreed upon – bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in the house. Unfortunately they tend to get a bit less attention than other rooms when it comes to how they look.

If you find yourself worrying that you have a less-than-beautiful bathroom, you’re in luck; the bathroom is one of the rooms in your home where a simple change can make a big difference in the overall look. In fact, something as simple as changing your faucet can have a major impact on how you and your guests view your bathroom. Naturally , it’s important that you choose the right faucet. Remember your aim is to make a positive change to the look of your bathroom. If you’re not sure what sort of faucet to purchase that will make a positive impact on your bathroom, here are a couple of things to keep in mind while you’re shopping.

Faucet Style Considerations

Before going faucet shopping, take a few photos of the bathroom. Pictures of towel racks, wall colors, and other features of your bathroom to help with your comparison of what style faucet will work with the already established look in this room.

The major thing to consider when choosing a new faucet for your bathroom is the style of the faucet. You might think that one faucet is pretty much the same as any other, however there are a wide range of styles to choose from.

When shopping for a new faucet, think about the color of the faucet, the finish, and even the shape that would work best in your bathroom. Many bathroom faucets are silver or chrome in color, but there are a wide range of metallic shades available and quite a few that offer splashes of other colors as well. Some faucets are taller than others, and some are very blocky and square while others are rounded and smooth..

Faucet Functionality

Functionality is often overlooked when shopping for a new faucet. Many people just buy a faucet that functions the same as their previous one. There are several different functional options available in bathroom faucets, and they can impact the overall look of your bathroom as well. Some faucets have a single handle while others have separate handles for hot and cold water. Some have water-saving features, some are designed to mount through a single hole, and some mount to the wall or are otherwise specialized for standing vessel sinks. Each of these different types brings with it specific quirks of installation.

Some faucets may take functionality changes even further than this. You may consider touch-sensitive faucets that you can turn on and off with a tap of your hand, or faucets that have attached soap dispensers built directly into the sink counter. Other functional features may be available as well, and they will affect not only how you use the faucet but also how it looks as well.

Installing a New Faucet

Once you’ve picked out a faucet, installing it can be a decent DIY project for the weekend. In most cases, faucet installation is fairly straightforward; you remove the old faucet, put the new faucet in its place, then tighten the mounting hardware and reattach the water lines.

If you’re making significant changes to the style of faucet in your bathroom or adding new features like a built-in soap dispenser or handles that are separate from the main faucet body, there might be a bit more work involved. You may need someone to drill a new hole in the counter or make other changes in the way that your faucet mounts to the sink. You also just may want to make sure that everything’s installed properly to avoid leaks. Don’t be afraid to call in a the right tradesman. Reach out to me, Jeff Howard, your Realtor for life. I have a list of great people you can contact that will make sure the job is done right.

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff