Daily Happenings, Real Estate

10 Home Things to Know

Lora Knows...

You’ve just gotten the keys to your new home. You already know when you’ll have your first dinner party, what you’ll do for flowers in the garden, and where you’re going to hang that perfect picture.

However, you should also take some time to meet your new home home and find out how it all works. Your ability to learn about your home will keep you from getting caught off guard should a problem come up. The quicker you can solve an issue can be the difference between an oops moment and an insurance claim.

Water Shut Off Valve
In a plumbing emergency, you’ll want to know how to quickly find this valve and turn it off; burst pipes and major leaks will require a speedy response to prevent damage to your house. Check for it in the basement first or near your hot water tank if you don’t have a basement.

Gas Shut Off Valve
If your appliances are supplied by natural gas, it’s crucial that you know where your main gas supply is located. In a single-family house, you can usually find it on the side or back of the house, by the gas meter.

Electrical Panel
Take a bit of time and label your circuits according to the room they are attached to in your home. This will save you energy and frustration should an outlet in your home stop working, you can go to the panel and try to reset that breaker before calling an electrician.

Appliances
Look over your various appliances and their manuals to make sure they’re in good shape and you know how to use them, especially if you are inheriting appliances as they may need servicing sooner. For your refrigerator, ensure the condenser coils are clean and free of dust. Dishwashers often have a filter at the bottom that should be cleaned regularly. You should also empty your dryer lint trap after every load. You should also have the vent from the dryer to the outside of your home cleaned out annually, for safety.

Light Fixtures
Whether it is recessed lighting, an entry hall chandelier, oven light or your sconces – having extra bulbs on hand is always a great idea. Take a minute and look around and make a list of bulbs you need. Have a place in your home to store the bulbs and replace as needed.

Smoke Detectors
The National Fire Protection Association suggests placing a smoke alarm inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of your home. Make sure to install them at least ten feet from a cooking appliance to reduce the possibility of a false alarm when you get a little overzealous with your cooking. If smoke alarms are already installed in your home, check their expiration dates and test them to confirm they are working properly. Do they have a battery? Make sure you have these on hand, nothing is more annoying that that beep every 20 seconds when the battery needs replaced.

Fireplace
When the temperature drops and the nights get chilly, there is nothing like a cozy fire to snuggle up in front of. But cozy can quickly turn to a smoke fest if proper precautions are not taken. If it’s been over a year since your fireplace’s last inspection, schedule one to check that everything is in working order. Also, learn how to open and close the flue to make sure the smoke goes up and out the chimney properly.

Buried Utilities
Whether it is water lines, electricity, cable or something else – it is important to know where you can dig and cannot dig. There is a service, in most states, that will come out and mark these utilities for you, at no charge, simply by calling 811.

Property Lines
Do not think that your local GIS will show you the accurate property lines. They have a disclaimer on their site stating it isn’t 100% accurate. The truly know where your property ends and your neighbors yard begins is by getting a survey. Having a survey done during your purchase also gives an additional layer to your title insurance.

Cooking, Entertainment, Holidays

Decorate Holiday Cookies

Lora Knows...

Nothing says the holidays are coming like spending a a day listening to music and baking treats. Here are some great tips for decorating sugar cookie with flood icing.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Wilton® Color Flow Mix (or a brand you like)
  • ¼ cup + 1 teaspoon water
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

Materials

  • Piping bags
  • Decorating couplers
  • Wilton® icing tips size 2, 3, or 4 (or a brand you like)
  • Rubber bands
  • Gel food coloring, colors of your choosing
  • Tip covers
  • Squeeze bottles with covers

To Prep

  1. Prepare your piping bags with the couplers. Cut off a small tip of the bag, and remove the ring from the base of the coupler. Put the coupler base inside of the bag, and attach the desired tip size (2, 3, or 4) to the outside of the bag. Secure with the ring to lock the bag in place, and repeat with the remaining couplers and bags.

To Make Icing

  1. Make the icing by beating all ingredients in stand mixer on low speed for about 5 minutes.
  2. If using white, place some of the plain icing into one of the piping bags, and secure with a rubber band to maintain the consistency.
  3. Take another small amount of white icing, dilute it slightly with small amounts of water until it flows easily, and place into squeeze bottles. (Tip: Make sure to keep icing covered with a damp cloth or paper towel to avoid crusting throughout the decorating process.)
  4. For colored icing, separate the remaining white icing into different bowls, and add gel food coloring. Add water in 1/2 teaspoon increments until thin enough to spread easily.
  5. Add the thinner, colored icing into squeeze bottles.

To Decorate

  1. Make sure the cookies are cooled before you begin decorating, and then start outlining your cookies with chosen color from the piping bag.
  2. Next, take the thinned icing from the squeeze bottles and squeeze into the inside of the cookie. Using a toothpick, spread around to make icing even. Allow the first layer to dry a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Once dry, add any additional designs on top of the first layer, using the same technique, or drawing on with the piping bag. Allow all new layers to harden overnight. (Tip: Always keep the piping bags covered when not in use.)

Real Estate, Style

Renovating – Have a Plan

Lora Knows...

Home renovations can be complex and challenging. Proper preparation is crucial for a successful project. Here are three key steps you should take during the preparation process to increase the likelihood of a successful home renovation:

  1. Define Your Goals and Budget:
  • Start by clearly defining your renovation goals. What do you want to achieve with this project? Whether it’s adding space, modernizing a room, or improving energy efficiency, having a clear vision is essential.
  • Determine your budget. Establish a realistic budget that takes into account all costs, including materials, labor, permits, and contingencies for unexpected expenses. It’s essential to have a financial plan in place to avoid overspending.
  1. Plan and Design Carefully:
  • Work with a professional architect or designer to create detailed plans for your renovation. They can help you make the most of your space, choose materials, and create a timeline for the project.
  • Obtain any necessary permits. Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need permits from your local government. Ensure you have all the required paperwork in order before you begin construction to avoid potential delays and fines.
  • Create a project timeline. Develop a realistic schedule that outlines the order of tasks, from demolition to finishing touches. This will help you and your contractors stay on track.
  1. Choose Reliable Contractors and Suppliers:
  • Research and hire experienced, licensed contractors. Get recommendations, check references, and request multiple quotes. A trustworthy contractor is essential for the success of your renovation.
  • Select high-quality materials and products. The materials you choose will impact the durability and aesthetics of your project. Invest in reliable, long-lasting products that align with your budget.
  • Communicate effectively with your contractors. Maintain open and clear communication throughout the project. Discuss any changes or concerns promptly to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

In addition to these three key steps, it’s important to be flexible and expect the unexpected during the renovation process. Delays, unforeseen issues, and design changes can occur. Having a contingency plan and some extra funds set aside for such situations is advisable.

Overall, a well-thought-out plan and careful preparation are key to a successful home renovation. When you take the time to define your goals, create detailed plans, and work with reliable professionals, you increase the chances of achieving the results you desire while staying within your budget and timeline.