Finding and Fixing Possible Dangers at Home

Your home should be your haven.  Sometimes, though, things can happen, and it may not be quite as safe as you’d like.  Let’s look at some possible dangers in your home and find out how to fix them.

 

          - Unfortunately, fire is a very real danger.  Every day things like burning candles, cooking, and using appliances can cause fires.  One of the main appliances that starts fires is the dryer.  Keep your lint screen collector clean, even washing it in warm water and mild detergent every month, and use a lint collecting brush to clean down into the lint trap vent.  Once a year, unplug the dryer, remove the back and carefully vacuum any lint that has settled in the back around the motor and wiring. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are imperative to have. 

          - Check and maintain areas of your home that are possible fall risks.  Make certain handrails are secure, steps are free of debris, and that brick or concrete steps aren’t crumbling, and wooden steps are sturdy and free of rot.  Secure area rugs with non-skid tape and keep bathroom floors dry by using easily washed bath mats outside the tub when bathing. 

          - Older homes can have lead paint under layers of newer paint.  If you plan on removing paint from woodwork, and your home was built before 1978, purchase a lead-testing kit at your local home center or hardware store. In the case of a positive test, find a specialist that will remove the lead paint safely.  Find more information at epa.gov/lead or call 800-424-LEAD. 

          - Speaking of older homes, have an inspector look at the plumbing for lead or polybutylene (PB) pipes.  Lead is obviously not safe to use for drinking water, and polybutylene pipes can rupture. 

          - While not all molds are extremely dangerous, many people suffer from allergies to molds.  Most feared is black mold, though there are different types of black mold.  As soon as you see mold anywhere, clean it up using non-ammonia cleaner and water, or bleach on hard surfaces like your bathroom.  If the mold continues to grow, it would be best to call a pro who can look for the cause and make repairs. 

          - Asbestos is only a dangerous substance if it’s disturbed.  If you notice deterioration in an area that you know is made of asbestos, or you’re getting ready to remodel, seek a local professional that can safely remove the offending material. 

 

This isn’t a financial subject, but it’s best to have an emergency savings for things like this that can come up, and you won’t have to worry so much about paying for the repairs when it comes to that.  Correcting problems as soon as you find them is best for you and your family’s health and well-being.  Home safe home is a home sweet home.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue TopTeam and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

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Your Home's Character

New builds usually contain virtually identical finishes, and older homes reflect the former owners.  How do you make your new place your own?  By adding character.  Most people know their general style, but don’t know what they can do to a house to make it “theirs.”  Check out these ideas to get you started:  

Outside 

• - Is your brick home looking dated?  Paint it!  It would probably be best to hire a pro for this job, but whether you decide to pay someone or DIY, houzz.com offers some excellent information and tips on painting your exterior brick. 

• - Adding a porch to your front entryway can really add character.  If a full porch isn’t in your budget, consider the addition of a portico that matches the style of the home.  It wouldn’t only add style, it would be great for keeping you out of the weather when you’re fumbling with the keys and a handful of grocery bags. 
• - Landscaping is important for style and character, so if your home’s front is bare of plants, or there’s some shrubbery that’s out of control, head to your local nursery.  Purchase plants that are native to your area for easy care and good growth.   
• - Getting rid of the cookie-cutter concrete walkway and adding stone or brick can be a back-breaking job, but so worth it when it’s done.  If that’s out of the budget, investigate painting or staining the concrete. 
• - Shutters seems so ordinary but changing out old for new or simply painting them a different color can make a big difference in the look of your home. 

 

Inside 

• - Crown molding can make such a huge difference in the interior of any room.  It comes in all styles, is easy to install and paint, and comes in plaster-coated polystyrene foam that is light and less expensive than wood. 
• - Light fixtures are a cheap and easy way to add style.  Use a different one in each room--there’s no rule that says every fixture must match!  Check out tag sales or your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for deals on used or vintage styles. 
• - Getting rid of hollow core doors and installing new doors can be expensive.  With some paint, trim or simple boards, you can revamp them to look like custom doors.  Shlage has several styles that are inexpensive, easy DIY’s. 
• - Add trim to doorways and windows, or baseboards and wainscoting to the walls. Not only does it add to the custom-look of your home, these can help hide minor flaws. 

• - Builders-grade countertops are fine and serve the purpose, but if you want to put some character in the kitchen without replacing countertops, try resurfacing them.  Kits are available at most home centers, and The Spruce has a helpful list of different kits, prices, and where to purchase them.  

There are many ways to add character, charm and style to your home without a complete overhaul.  Start in the room that will be most affordable and start saving for the one that will cost you the most.  It won’t take long for your home to look like you’ve been there for years, because it will reflect you and all that you love. 

 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
 

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
 

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
 

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Photo credit: http://beckiowens.com

Budget Bathroom Updates

You love your new home--everything about it.  Well, almost everything.  Your bathroom decor is stuck in 1983 with its gingko leaf-etched shower doors, mauve and Colonial blue wallpaper complete with coordinating border, and ornamented brass fixtures.  If a complete overhaul isn’t in your budget just yet, there are plenty of options that are easy on the wallet.  Check out these tips for inspiration! 

 

• - Paint over the wallpaper!  Benjamin MooreⓇ suggests you start by sealing any peeling spots with adhesive, applying clear caulking around the room where the wallpaper meets the ceiling and floor, then priming the wallpaper with an oil-based primer.  Using your choice of latex interior paint, paint as you would any other wall surface.   
• - Switching out the dated sink fixtures is as simple as finding the correct pieces to go into the configuration for the existing fixture in a style you like.  Once you’ve made your decision, confident do-it-yourselfers can switch them out themselves, and Home Depot shares this step-by-step video how-to for sink faucet installation. 
• - Updating your light fixture can be a huge improvement, and the choices are almost endless at local home stores.  Changing the location of the light, or adding wall sconces may require a call to a reputable electrician, so don’t forget to budget those extra costs. 

• - Ugly linoleum can be covered with adhesive-backed vinyl tile or painted with porch paint, and if you’re feeling creative, you can have a custom look like this striped floor from 1915 House. Supplies may cost a bit more than other paint jobs, but it beats the expense of replacing the flooring. 
• - Replacing the cabinet can be expensive between the new cabinet and labor, so the best way to improve it is to paint it and add new hardware.  Countertops, depending on what material they are, can be painted or even tiled for a fresh look. 
• - Add style to a plain mounted mirror with a frame! Framing kits come with everything you need for this quick update, and are available at home centers and online for less than $100. 
• - If your budget is tight, just the purchase of a new shower curtain, window treatment, inexpensive framed prints, and one nice coordinating towel set can make a huge improvement to your dated bathroom.   

 

According to homeadvisor.com, the average bathroom remodel costs about $10,000.  If your new home needs updates, choose what you’ll do first according to your budget.  Tiding over with a few inexpensive updates to your bathroom will ease the anxiety of getting it done sooner, because it will be more pleasing to the eye.  Save yourself some stress and money by holding out just a little longer, and when it’s time, you’ll have the perfect bathroom! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
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Photo credit: HGTV.com