Owning your own home has so many benefits when compared to renting. Some benefits are intangible and some are very tangible. Below are some things to consider on the road to homeownership.
Tax advantages: you probably know the mortgage interest deduction has essentially been eliminated for many, but taxpayers who have additional itemized deductions may still be able to take advantage of it. And property taxes are still deductible within limits. Homeowners who sell can also take advantage of the capital gain exclusion, up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a married couple, provided they’ve lived in their home for two of the past five years.
Equity loans: the rates on home equity loans are typically much lower than credit card rates (and often the interest is deductible). The ability to take out an equity loan is still a definite benefit to homeownership.
Leverage: Where else can you obtain appreciation on 100% of an investment when you have only paid for a small percentage of it? Imagine you’re deciding between financing a home and placing $20,000 in the bank. Banks may return 2% interest on your investment (2% × $20,000 = $400 per year). But if you use $20,000 as a down payment on a $400,000 home, and housing prices rise just 2%, you’ve just increased your return by $8,000 (2% × $400,000). Doesn’t that sound better?
Stability: In addition to stable housing payments (principal and interest on a fixed-rate mortgage remains the same amount for the life of the loan), you will not have to worry about being asked to leave by a landlord who decides to convert apartments to condos, for instance. Or the current landlord sells to a new landlord who wants to move his mother in at the end of your lease. It’s a fact that homeowners tend to remain in place longer than renters. So it’s possible to build relationships with neighbors and feel the appreciation of community as well.
Hedge against inflation: The principal and interest of a fixed-rate mortgage don’t change over 30 years, and your real estate taxes, homeowners insurance and homeowners association dues typically increase slower rental price increases, and a 4% to 6% rent increase per year isn’t unheard of in a normal market. (Of course many renters have seen much sharper increases recently.)
Pride of ownership: this has been a part of the American Dream forever. Owning one’s own home and maintaining and improving it provides a feeling of security, a built-in savings plan (equity), and a sense of success. Real estate you own can be passed on to your heirs; your rental can’t. Plus pets aren’t an issue (as long as you follow local codes). Have you ever had trouble getting a rental that would accept Fifi? It happens!
Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? Do you want a guaranteed cash offer? 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
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.
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
As I wrote about a few weeks ago, in June, Governor Steve Sisolak signed into law a measure that would require nearly a third of all of Southern Nevada’s grass to be removed by the end of 2026. The Southern Nevada Water Authority has estimated the measure will save 10 percent of the area’s allocation of water from the Colorado River — about 30,000 acre-feet. Click here for the link to the post http://www.jeffhoward.net/index.php/2021/07/01/nevada-enacts-ban-on-non-functional-grass/
The law is in response to the drought and water shortage occurring throughout the Southwest and is driving more homeowners to consider artificial turf, which is much more eco-friendly than a natural lawn. Growing and caring for grass requires regular watering and fertilizing that can produce a negative impact on the environment. Installing artificial grass or desert landscaping can conserve water and reduce the carbon footprint.
If you don’t want to have desert landscaping, eco-friendly lawns may be the way to go.
Elizabeth Mullally, general manager at Las Vegas Artificial Lawns, said homeowners are making the change to artificial turf. “I’ve been doing this for 15 years and have never seen anything quite like it,” she said. “We have always been busy, but what is going on now is just unreal with what people are doing to their homes. Usually, I’m booked two weeks in advance. Right now, we’re booked through the end of August.
But it makes sense because this is a home improvement project where SNWA pays you to get rid of grass. You can keep your trees, flowers and bushes but convert the grass, which is a drain on water resources.”
The SNWA will rebate $3 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with desert landscaping up to the first 10,000 square feet converted per property, per year. Beyond the first 10,000 feet, the authority will provide a rebate of $1.50 per square foot. The maximum award for any property in a fiscal year is $500,000. Over the years, the Water Smart Landscapes rebate program has upgraded about 200 million square feet of lawn to water-efficient landscaping, saving billions of gallons of water.
Mullally stated, “Some prefer a more manicured look like it was just mowed, while others want the yard to look lush like it needs to be mowed in the next couple of days.”
“When we consult with a customer, we have in-depth conversations to determine which of our 12 products best fits their needs. You don’t need high traffic turf in the front yard, but it’s altogether different in the backyard.” Among the features of the artificial grass installed by Las Vegas Artificial Lawns is its fiber heat reduction technology that lowers surface temperature, evaporative cooling infills, soy-based BioCel coating that replaces petroleum components, antimicrobials infused in the backing to help mitigate pet odors, and nylon products that will not melt from reflective lighting off windows.
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
I recently read an article in Investopedia entitled “5 Signs a Reverse Mortgage Is a Bad Idea” and I thought I might learn something new about reverse mortgages. All I saw was a “glass half full” explanation of them. Let’s be honest, every financial tool is not perfect for every situation, and if you are over 62, you may be considering a reverse mortgage, so let me tell you what I think about them. Then, read other opinions and decide for yourself.
What is a reverse mortgage? Let’s start with what is a mortgage? (just in case). If you are clear what a mortgage is, skip to the next paragraph. A Mortgage (called a Deed of Trust in some states) is a loan, secured by real estate, and they were really made popular after the Great Depression when the time to repay was stretched from 5 years to 30 years. That’s right, many years ago, if you could not pay off your house in 5 years you couldn’t buy one, and the Federal Government stepped in to create the 30 year mortgage in order to increase homeownership. When you buy a home, most people borrow most of the money and the repayment is usually spread out over 30 years. We won’t get too deep into amortized interest here, so suffice it to say that for the first several years, most of your payment goes to pay interest, and a small portion goes to pay down the amount you need to repay (principal). Usually, your real estate taxes and homeowner’s insurance are also bundled into that payment. You also might pay a fee called Mortgage Insurance, which is essentially an insurance policy in case you can’t pay your mortgage and they need to begin collection proceedings. Yes, they can take your home away if you do not pay your mortgage (that’s fair, right?).
So, what is a reverse mortgage? Well, it’s a mortgage that works in reverse… With a mortgage, you start with a high balance, and pay it down. If you stay in mortgage for the full 30 year term and never make extra payments, at the end of the term, you no longer owe a mortgage payment (you still owe real estate taxes and homeowner’s insurance). In a reverse mortgage, you start with a low loan balance (as low as zero if you have paid your house off already) and your balance increases as you receive money. You must start with at least 50% equity, so if your home is worth $400,000 and you owe less than $200,000, you have enough equity. You could also use a reverse mortgage to buy a $400,000 home with a $200,000 down payment and, because the house is going to pay you, you do not need to have good credit or income.
What? Why would I receive money from my house? That sounds like a scam to me!
Based on my conversations with people, there are 4 primary reasons people don’t get a reverse mortgage when they should, and the above reason is
#1. People think it must be a scam, so let me explain why a bank would send you money. Remember, the loan is secured by real estate, and banks are just investors who are in business to make money by loaning it out. And if you remember that you must be 62 or older to obtain a reverse mortgage, then you’ll realize that you are closer to the end of your life than the beginning, and reverse mortgage is only valid while you are alive and living in the home. When you die, the bank loan must be paid off. The 2 most common ways this happens is that your heirs pay off the loan by getting a new mortgage, or they sell the property. If there is any money left over after selling it, the heirs get to keep it. However (and this is pretty cool) if there is not enough money from the sale to pay off the loan, your heirs do not owe the difference. Now you can see, it makes business sense for a bank to offer a reverse mortgage.
#2 (THIS IS FALSE) People think the bank will eventually foreclose on me and kick me out! As long as you are alive and living in the home, the bank cannot take it away from you. The worst thing they can do is stop sending you money if they have sent you the maximum they originally agreed upon, and very often, by the time they have sent you that amount of money, the home has gone up substantially in value, however it is possible that you stop receiving money. In fact, if you really beat the odds and live to a healthy 150 years old, the bank will just have to wait until you die (or voluntarily move), in order to get the mortgage paid back. Of course, interest will continue to accrue, but remember, your heirs do not owe the difference if the sale does not bring in enough to pay what is owed.
What if you are still alive and want to move? Just like any home you own with a mortgage, sell the home, pay off the mortgage, and move. No problem. Which brings me to reason
#3. There are high upfront fees to get a reverse mortgage. Now these high fees, spread out over many years, seem reasonable to me. And let’s be honest, when I die, I can’t take the rest of the money with me, so personally, I am ok with spending that money today to not have a house payment in my later years and create some additional income. Which brings me to reason
#4 If you get reverse mortgage, you are spending your children’s inheritance (or at least some of it). This is a true statement! The more you spend while you’re alive, the less your heirs will receive when you are gone. So here is how I view this; when you’re gone, (depending on what you believe) you will not get to watch them spend it anyway, so if you want them to enjoy your money, why not have them enjoy it with you? Get the reverse mortgage and use the money to spend your last years creating wonderful memories with the ones you love! Also, as a parent, I believe it is my job to teach my children the life skills they need to surpass my accomplishments, not to just leave them a pile of money when I am gone.
Closing thoughts:
I am not 62 yet, and at some point, after I turn 62, I fully intend to get a reverse mortgage. I have paid into my home for years and I will feel good when it pays me back.
To be clear, there are legitimate reverse mortgages and there are certainly reverse mortgage scams out there too, so if you want to talk to a reputable reverse mortgage lender, just let me know and I will be happy to recommend someone, after all I’m Jeff Howard – you’re Realtor for life.
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
I would think most people know what a bug zapper is, however, I recently talked to a guy who had never heard of one. There’s also a chance that you’ve never actually used one in real life and have just seen them used in an ad or cartoon or a TV show. Bug zappers have sort of become a part of pop culture, usually indicating that a character lives in a very rural setting and more often than not comes from the poorer side of the tracks. So let’s get rid of that mental image right now. Bug zappers are actually very useful tools that can make your home and yard a bit more comfortable when bugs that bite are out looking for a nibble in the heat of summer or even for those annoying flies that just won’t go away.
How Bug Zappers Work –While the “zap” in the name gives away a large part of how bug zappers work, the system is a bit more complex than just tossing out some voltage and killing wayward bugs. Inside the average bug zapper is an ultraviolet light source, which depending on the model of the zapper could be a light bulb, a fluorescent light tube or even UV LEDs. It’s this light source that attracts insects to the device, causing them to fly in between a grid of wires in hopes of reaching the light within. This is where the zap comes in; the grid contains electrified wires that provide a small shock to any insects that fly inside. This kills them and causing them to drop onto a removable tray for easy cleanup.
Keep in mind that this is just a general description of how they work, and different models may have additional features such as scent or pheromone cartridges designed to attract specific types of insects. There also may be some differences in design between bug zappers intended for indoor use and those designed to use outside. Some small units may even be battery powered or built into the form factor of a flyswatter to make killing specific insect pests easier.
Placing Bug Zappers –For stationary bug zappers, there are two main types: Indoor units and outdoor units. Indoor bug zappers are typically only needed in residential homes if you have problems with bugs in certain areas (such as flies in the kitchen or flying bugs coming in through sliding doors in the summer.) If that’s the case, a bug zapper can be placed around the area where you have the largest problem or near the most obvious entry point.
Outdoor bug zappers are much more commonly used by homeowners, especially during the summer when everyone wants to spend time outdoors. The best locations to place bug zappers outdoors are typically around the edges of the area where you plan to spend time, such as the outskirts of a pool or play area, so that insects will be drawn to the zappers instead of the people within that perimeter. It can also be beneficial to place a bug zapper near outdoor tables where you’ll be serving food, just so long as it’s far enough away that wayward zapped bugs won’t fall out and land on the table. Garden hangers and shepherd’s hooks can be used to hold up the bug zapper units wherever you place them.
Personally, I am a big fan of the tennis racket looking zappers… those don’t attract the bugs, you have to “hunt” them, so it’s more like a game with those!
Bug Zapper Safety –Since bug zappers use electricity, keep in mind that you’re likely going to need extension cords to provide them with the juice they need. This means that you’ll need cords that are rated for outdoor use, as well as a grounded outdoor outlet to plug them into. It’s also important that the zappers are mounted in such a way that pets or children aren’t going to grab them; even though bug zappers don’t provide enough of a zap to be dangerous to people or pets, it could still hurt or startle them.
Using a bug zapper can be beneficial around the house, though it’s important to remember that not all bugs will be attracted to one. For other insect pests, calling in an exterminator or other pest removal pro can be a good idea. If you are having a insect problem that a bug zapper will not help with, contact me – Jeff Howard, your Realtor for life – and I can give you a recommendation for great bug people that can solve your problem.
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
We all love living in Las Vegas even during the hot summer months and keeping your home cool during the hot summer months can be an expensive prospect. This is especially true if you have large windows or rooms that have multiple windows that let sunlight in. While it’s great to have natural light during the day, it can work against your AC by heating up the air in those rooms at the same time you’re pumping cool air throughout the house. This can lead to your air conditioning running almost constantly throughout the day, and in some cases may even prompt an expensive HVAC upgrade if your current unit can’t keep up with the summer heat to your liking.
Various types of window coverings will help cut down your cooling costs during the summer without having to spend potentially thousands of dollars on a more powerful air conditioning solution. Window coverings can make a big difference in how much heat is added to your home through your windows. Not only does this have the potential to cut your cooling costs significantly, but it can enhance the overall style of your home as well.
Curtains, blinds, and other internal window coverings can have a significant impact on how much heat you gain from the sun during the summer. Medium to dark-colored curtains and drapes, especially those with white backings, block sunlight and heat gain significantly and can also help to hold heat in during the cold winter months. Blinds and rolling shades also offer some protection against heat gain, though their effectiveness depends on a number of factors including color, material, and reflectiveness.
Regardless of the covering type you choose, they are typically most effective when closed on south or west-facing windows, since these are the most likely to get direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. However, closing the curtains or blinds on any window receiving direct sunlight can have at least some beneficial effect.
One of the big problems with using coverings such as curtains and shades to prevent heat gain during the summer is that they block light and visibility as well as heat. If you still want to be able to see through your windows and enjoy some natural sunlight while preventing heat gain, a low-E window film might be a better option to meet your needs.
Low-E films are mildly tinted plastic films that have reflective particles of metal or metal oxide in them, reflecting UV rays while still allowing for some natural light and visibility. Because the UV rays are reflected back out into the outside, they are not able to heat up the air inside of your home. While the effectiveness of low-E films can vary depending on the manufacturer, thickness of the film, and how well they are installed, it’s estimated that some low-E films can reduce summer heat gain from sunlight by as much as 70 percent or more.
There are a variety of other upgrades you can make to your home that will also help to block UV rays and prevent unwanted heat gain during the summer. Functional exterior shutters that can be closed during the heat of the day can make a significant difference in solar heat gain, blocking the sunlight from actually reaching your windows in the first place. Awnings installed over windows can also block some light and heat, while still allowing for some visibility. Exterior solar screens are also an option, blocking UV rays and increasing your energy efficiency while preserving some light and visibility as well.
How do you find qualified window covering companies? Or what if you just want an interior designer to help you make it all look great? Just ask me for recommendations, after all I’m Jeff Howard – you’re Realtor for life.
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
Close your eyes a feel the rush of cool air coming from your air conditioning system. Now imagine that cool air turning lukewarm, or worse, won’t kick on at all? Oh no it may be time to get that ailing HVAC system replaced.
Talking to an HVAC professional about an air conditioning replacement can be intimidating. There’s a lot to know, and it’s probably not going to be cheap. But considering that a typical air conditioning unit lasts 10 to 15 years, what you invest today will help pay for itself in the longer term. That being said, it’s still important to know what to ask and the pitfalls to watch for. The following should be your checklist.
Always Ask About Licensing and Insurance
Before you so much as let someone start to quote your HVAC job, ask about their licensing and insurance status. Not only will this save you a ton of time by weeding out anyone who isn’t actually a practicing professional, you’ll avoid issues that can arise if, for example, your HVAC is installed without a permit, or there’s a jobsite accident without proper coverage. HVAC installers should always be licensed according to your state and local guidelines.
Your installer should also carry the proper insurance policies. For example, a comprehensive policy will protect you should there be damage to your property as a result of a mistake made during the installation. And Workers Compensation insurance can also help by protecting you from being held liable should your HVAC workers have an accident on the job. Be aware that small shops don’t always carry Workers Compensation because of rules on who can be insured, so if your installer doesn’t carry Workers Compensation, be sure to get a liability waiver.
Your HVAC Estimate
As far as the estimate itself is concerned, there are several questions you should ask right up front. These questions and their answers should also be included on the estimate itself, as it serves as a sort of informal contract on the job you’re having done. Make sure you’ve hit these points:
What’s the brand and SEER rating of the unit that will be installed? (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in Watt-Hours. It may also be called a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.) If you’re having both your furnace and air conditioner replaced, ask about the fuel type and efficiency of the furnace, as well. If you’ve got a standard heating and air conditioning system, this is your opportunity to switch to something a bit more energy efficient, like a heat pump, so be sure to ask if there are other options that can use your existing ductwork.
What size is the unit that will be installed? Make sure to note the size of the unit you’re having removed and how well it worked during its service. A single like-for-like replacement unit should be the same size if the performance was good, or should be adjusted slightly depending on your actual needs. Note that you will need a matching A-coil if you change air conditioner sizes without changing your furnace, too.
Will you need ductwork? Ductwork can usually be reused, but as it gets older it can develop damage, come apart, or rust through, depending on the materials and conditions it’s subjected to. If any amount of ductwork is being replaced, make sure to have this noted and broken out in the estimate, because ductwork costs can add up fast. On the other hand, this is also a great time to add additional registers or cold air returns in older homes to help improve efficiency.
What other things will be done while they’re working? HVAC companies do more than just install heating and air conditioning units. They can remove old furnaces left behind in crawl spaces, clean your ductwork, install smart thermometers, or provide you with electrostatic filters, just to name a few. If any of this work is being done, have it included in the estimate and later ensure it was completed as promised.
Is there a warranty? Most importantly, make sure you have all the details on any warranties offered. Most HVAC systems will come with warranties on the individual parts, as well as a separate warranty on labor. This information can be extremely useful should your air conditioner need unexpected repairs, like a replacement control board or compressor.
How Do You Find Qualified HVAC People? Well of course you ask me to recommend a couple of companies, after all I’m Jeff Howard – you’re Realtor for life.
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
Barn doors in an apartment or a modern home – outrageously wonderful! They are so versatile and can be used in every room in different ways.
They are one of the most sought-after features for homes of all styles. Whether you want an attention-grabbing entry, a space-saving solution, or an attractive way to divide rooms, there’s a sliding barn door appropriate for your home.
Here is a great idea for small apartments. A very savvy apartment dweller used a set of sliding barn doors to separate the bedroom from the living space in her New York City apartment. When opened they cover two hidden closets.
In an open-concept home, large sliding barn doors can be used to create a little privacy as needed, without permanently closing off the rooms. High windows on the door design allow for light to pass between the rooms. What you need to find is an interior rolling barn-door hardware kit – the kits are sold in most hardware stores and Home Depot and Lowes.
Inside the kitchen of an older home the owners replaced old swinging doors to the pantry with a set of sliding barn doors. They included the hardware to add even more character. If you have a narrow kitchen, with a fully loaded grid of open shelves and cabinets, they can disappear behind a sliding barn door.
In a small space where every single inch counts, sliding barn doors come in handy. A well installed sliding barn door offers great space economy for whatever room you use it in. Of course, you need to have enough adjacent wall space for the barn door to slide over when it is opened. But this is often preferable to similarly space-saving pocket doors that require much more work to install or remove.
A friend of mine installed a one in front of her stairs, to reduce the noise coming from downstairs (her stairs were enclosed on both sides).
Another advantage of sliding barn doors is their support system. Sliding barn doors use a track for movement. The entire weight of the door is therefore distributed along the length of the track. This allows for the installation of heavier-than-usual doors without affecting stability of ease of movement. For places that need more security but are limited in space, a heavy sliding barn door would work just fine.
One small disadvantage of sliding barn doors is that they may not close as quietly as traditional doors. But a good contractor should be able to install it in such a way that noise is reduced to a minimum.
There is also, of course, the aesthetics side of the sliding barn door craze. Some sliding barn doors have this rustic outdoorsy feel that creates a stunning contrast when indoors. This contrast is especially noticeable when styled in a worn, rustic design that makes it seem like it was taken right from the barn outside and installed inside.
Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? We can help you with that, safely… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com
When you and your friends walk into your kitchen, the first thing everyone sees is the countertop. And they can make a big difference in how your kitchen looks overall. If you are thinking about refreshing the look of the kitchen, updating your countertops is a great way to revitalize the look. There are several materials used in modern countertops that will help your kitchen stand out. Here are just a few options to consider if you really want to give things a modern look.
Soapstone Stone surfaces have long been a favorite material for kitchen countertops, but soapstone has come into its own in recent years. It’s heat and stain resistant like granite, non-porous (and thus liquid resistant), and has a softer texture than you’ll find with many stone surfaces. Just be careful, there are two different materials that are sometimes called soapstone; one of these is talc, this surface will not be what you want. The soapstone that you want to get is steatite, which fortunately is much more common when shopping for countertop materials.
Leathered Granite Granite has been probably the most popular counter surface for years. It has always had the drawback of being a porous material, meaning you have to be careful with spills. Leathered granite solves this problem while giving the classic stone a modern update as well. The surface of the granite is slightly roughed by diamond-tipped brushes, enhancing the stone’s natural color while cutting back on some of the shine and closing those infamous pores. The end result is a durable stone countertop with a unique look and a slight texture that really does feel similar to leather.
Engineered Quartz Like granite, quartz has been used as a countertop material for years. What’s the deal with engineered quartz? Unlike traditional quartz countertops, these are made with ground quartz mixed with resins to create a very hard and natural-looking surface. Colors can be added to create tints to match a wide range of decorating styles. Engineered quartz resists staining, corrosion, and damage from most cleaners. Just keep in mind that, like natural quartz, these countertops can still be damaged by heat.
Solid-Surface Acrylics There are a few different brands of solid-surface acrylic countertops available, notably including Corian and Swanstone. These countertops mix acrylics with resin to create a stain-resistant surface that’s available in a wide range of colors, and that can be sanded to repair scratches or other small bits of damage. More importantly, the man-made nature of these countertops means that they can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of your home. Their main drawback is that they tend to be vulnerable to heat damage, given that they are made of plastic.
Concrete Over the last several years, concrete countertops have become very popular in modern kitchens. They can be made on-site to ensure that they match your unique kitchen perfectly, and their dense nature means your countertops can take a beating without suffering much damage. Textures, acid-stained colors, and more can be added to the countertops during the creation process, and additives or sealants can significantly reduce the porosity of the concrete itself. These countertops do occasionally have issues with cracking, though modern methods have reduced this significantly. Even when they do crack, however, most concrete countertops can be repaired on-site.
Your kitchen would look new and refreshed with any of these suggestions. Go ahead, try one!
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
Don’t you just love an invigorating shower? Well then it may be time to consider a renovation to an expanded shower or a remodel of the entire bathroom.
One of the biggest trends in the last few years is to eliminate the tub and have a nice size walk-in shower. You can have a bench and shelves for shampoo and body wash.
Then there are the options of shower heads. The rain head is very popular, or you can have a normal showerhead, body spray hand held, plus you can combine two or three. The groupings are endless (well not really endless, you know what I mean).
The entire process for the shower replacement takes about three weeks. Most of the work is done off premises and then the ripping out of the tub and installation in your master bathroom should take about two days.
Now you are ready to put in a freestanding tub and I know that the claw foot tubs are quite popular. If you are going to replace the sinks experts suggest going with rectangular sinks as they look more modern and are larger.
Renovating the master bathroom is a good investment. When you want to sell your home it adds money to the asking price, as long as the style is broadly appealing.
There are many companies that remodel bathrooms from just the shower to a total makeover. Feel free to call me – Jeff “Vegas” Howard, your Realtor for life as I have a list of professional and reputable firms for you to consider.
Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? We can help you with that, safely… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com
