Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2024-05-13T15:01:00

(BPT) – May is National Home Improvement Month! As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to breathe new life into your living space, whether you’re looking to revamp your kitchen, upgrade your landscaping, or tackle that long-overdue bathroom renovation.

To get you started, here are some ideas from the pros at Neighborly’s trusted network of local home service brands, including Mr. Rooter, Mr. Electric, Aire Serv, Mr. Appliance, Mosquito Joe, Precision Garage Door Service and Molly Maid.

Invest in sustainable features. Updating your bathroom? Investing in eco-friendly upgrades like a tankless water heater or water-conserving toilet is good for the environment. It can lead to a higher return on investment when you decide it’s time to move.

Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans get the air moving in your home, and are a decorative addition to any room. Look for styles that complement your decor, and even add a dramatic flair.

Declutter. Take a look around your bedroom, living room or family room. Too much clutter? Decluttering your home can seem like a daunting task, but Molly Maid says it boils down to this: take note of what the room is supposed to be used for and remove anything that doesn’t pertain to that use. A pro tip to make it even easier: designate bins for items to keep, donate, sell or discard. Just toss the items in the appropriate bin and you’ll be halfway there.

Inspect your dryer for allergens. When you hear the word “allergies,” it’s easy to think of the more common allergens like pollen and dust, but there are several hidden allergens in homes that can cause a host of health issues. Inspect your dryer vents for mold, lint or animal droppings, and call Dryer Vent Wizard to remove dangerous foreign objects. And while you’re at it, organize your laundry room with new shelving or a hanging rod.

Switch to an HVAC zoning system. This allows you to regulate the temperature levels throughout different areas of your home to help keep every nook and cranny comfortable. Aire Serv also helps reduce energy consumption by allowing you to adjust temperatures in your home according to use.

Install kitchen ventilation. Properly ventilating your cooktop can help improve the overall air quality in your home and add a decorative, even dramatic, touch to the space.

Install crown molding. The best way to elevate your living space and make your ceiling appear higher is by installing crown molding. Not only is crown molding classic and timeless, but it also draws the eye upward. This will make the rooms in your home seem bigger than they are.

Replace your garage door. A new garage door can significantly increase your home’s value and curb appeal. Choosing an experienced, highly-rated company like Precision Garage Door Service can save money in the long term and give you peace of mind that your garage door is functioning optimally.

Landscape with retaining walls. Retaining walls help manage a sloping landscape and add character and beauty to your property. Transform your yard and property by using retaining walls to add terraces filled with flowers, herbs, vegetable gardens, or even small fruit trees.

Keep pests at bay. Invest in an outdoor mosquito control service if you’re looking for a powerful solution to handle a mosquito problem for outdoor areas. A company like Mosquito Joe can clear your yard of biting bugs and allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces again — itch-free!

Paint your front door. This is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to give your home a dramatic pop in curb appeal. A company like Five Star Painting can give your front door and home a new, updated look with a new coat of paint, making it stand out.

Install new windows. Windows can set the tone for your home’s aesthetic and enhance your living space’s comfort. Choosing the right window for your home comes down to thinking about where you live, where the window would go, and your goals. Glass Doctor offers homeowners full-service window repair, replacement and installation.

Need help with any of these projects? Neighborly’s trusted network of local home service brands is dedicated to connecting you with reliable and skilled professionals in your area. When it comes to repairing, maintaining or enhancing your home, Neighborly is here to give your home the makeover it deserves. Visit neighborly.com or download the Neighborly App today to explore their services and connect with a local Neighborly pro.

2024-05-13T06:01:01

(BPT) – Over the past few years, more and more American families have opted for multigenerational living arrangements. A survey by Generations United found that 26% of American adults live in multigenerational households.

With so many people under one roof, it can be hard to make space for everyone to live their lives without stepping on anyone’s toes, literally and figuratively. Luckily, a new trend may make living with family more feasible and economical: accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

ADUs — also known as in-law suites or granny flats — are affordable detached living spaces, usually 600-1,200 square feet, that allow families to live close together. They’re especially useful for supporting aging parents or housing younger adults just starting out in life.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, almost anything can be an ADU with the right setup, such as detached garage-style conversions or those attached to main homes in basements or separate units.

Because ADUs tend to be small compared to other housing alternatives, space is at a premium. ADU owners will need to downsize their possessions to live in one comfortably, especially their appliances.

When you think of household appliances, refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry machines are probably the first things that come to mind. However, one appliance that you can’t live without and that can take up a considerable amount of space is your water heater.

A conventional tank water heater in a residential area can vary in size. Still, even a 1-2 person household needs at least a 30-gallon tank. As you can imagine, a tank that large takes up a considerable amount of space indoors.

You may be able to install a water heater outdoors, but you may not have enough space on your land to do so. Also, if you live in a colder climate, your water heater must work much harder to heat water, driving up your electricity bill.

Tankless water heaters: A space-saving solution

You don’t have to give up space to have hot water in an ADU. A technology that efficiently heats water with minimal space already exists, and it’s the perfect fit for small dwellings.

Unlike traditional water heaters with large tanks, tankless water heaters save valuable square footage in an ADU. They’re typically wall-hung, requiring zero footprint. In milder climates, tankless water heaters can be mounted outside the home on an exterior wall.

How small are tankless water heaters? Noritz sells a unit that is about the size of a carry-on suitcase. The company also offers wall-mounting brackets that provide easy installation and flexibility in placement. Units can slide from left to right, allowing installers to adjust post-installation while freeing up valuable floor space.

A world of benefits

Space isn’t the only thing you’ll save with a tankless water heater. You’ll also save on energy. Conventional tank water heaters store 30-80 gallons of water and continuously heat it, using energy 24/7 year-round. It would be like leaving the stove’s pilot light on all the time to keep it warm for when you decide to cook.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand. Because the heater does not store water, it flash heats water on demand. If you’ve ever used a Keurig to make coffee, then you’ve seen flash heating at work. As soon as the demand for hot water stops, the burners turn off, and no more energy is used.

This “on-demand” heating reduces energy consumption by eliminating standby heat loss, resulting in potential energy savings and lower utility bills in the long run. ADU homeowners can save up to 40% on their utility bills over the life of the tankless unit.

Additionally, local gas and utility rebates help offset the upfront cost of tankless water heaters. These rebates are provided by local governments or utility companies to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient appliances like tankless water heaters. Coupled with the potential savings from on-demand heating, these rebates offer significant utility bill reductions for ADU homeowners.

Convenience is another benefit. A tank water heater can run out of hot water, and when it does, you’ll have to wait until the tank refills and reheats. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters provide a continuous hot water supply at the desired temperature, so you’ll never have to worry about running out. No more arguments between family members about using up all the hot water!

When choosing between tank or tankless, you should also consider durability. A typical tank water heater lasts 10-12 years on average. Over time, mineral sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, decreasing efficiency as it ages. When a key part breaks, you have to replace the entire unit. And if the tank fails, it does so in a dramatic fashion. Nearly three of every four water heaters fail due to a tank bursting or leaking 30 to 80 gallons of rusty water — depending on tank size — in your finished basement, attic or garage.

When you install or replace a tankless water heater, you’re investing in an appliance built to last a quarter of a century. Tankless water heaters are equipped with technology to prevent sediment buildup and corrosion, while their modular parts are easily replaceable, thereby extending the water heater’s life. If you choose a model like one from the Noritz EZ series, you’ll get the industry’s only 25-year warranty. You can rest easy knowing your ADU will have hot water for years to come.

Whether you’re planning on adding an ADU to your home or have an ADU water heater that needs replacing, consider ditching your tank water heater for tankless technology fit for small dwellings. To learn more about installing or replacing a conventional water heater with a tankless version in your ADU, visit Noritz.com.

2024-05-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Following historical trends, spring and summer months represent an active time of year for the housing market. For sellers in 2023, homes listed in the first two weeks of June sold for 2.3% more, a $7,700 increase on a typical U.S. home, according to new Zillow data*. This should come as welcomed news for those homeowners who are considering selling their home and have the luxury of timing the market.

But before listing your home — and well in advance of staging photos for online real estate sites — experts suggest evaluating your home’s curb appeal and other cosmetic features that can help attract potential buyers. Consider this: The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics reports that excellent curb appeal alone can raise your home’s value by as much as 7% and many Realtors will tell you the same.

With the right tools and a bit of creativity, even new DIYers can undertake home improvement projects designed to enhance aesthetic appeal and add value to their living spaces. One such versatile tool that can help you achieve significant upgrades without spending a fortune is the rotary tool. Capable of tackling a wide array of projects with its ability to cut, carve, engrave, polish and beyond, the rotary tool opens a world of creative possibilities for enhancing your home’s aesthetics and functionality. To help homeowners unleash their DIY creativity, Dremel^®, the creator of the high-speed rotary tool, shares five tips and project ideas:

Tidy up flooring. Over time, the grout in between tile can be susceptible to buildup — whether it’s grime, mold or mildew — causing it to look dull or dirty. While cleaning it by hand can be a tedious, time-consuming task, enlisting the help of a solution and tool will have you knocking that item off your to-do list in no time. Start with a bathroom cleanser to clean any grout stains, followed by a rotary tool to quickly and easily remove the dirty or missing old grout. Top it off by regrouting where needed and from there, you’re well on your way to impressing prospective buyers.

Refinish outdoor furniture and fixtures. Can you see rust on your outdoor railings, lawn furniture, mailbox, doorknobs, hinges or other metal outdoor features? Are they discolored, weathered or worn? With the Dremel 8250 Cordless Rotary Tool, you can grind away rust in small, detailed sections, then sand or buff the surface before painting using one of the many compatible Dremel accessories. A key benefit is that the tool is cordless, allowing you to ditch the outlet and move wherever you need to address projects across the yard.

Stand out from the others. A home with custom shelves can be an effective, easy way to add appeal and differentiate your house from the ones around you. Express your creativity while incorporating sleek added storage with a shelf, effectively concealing clutter and optimizing space. Simply grab your favorite rotary tool and get started! From cutting wood to routing, the various rotary attachments on the market make this tool the right one for the job. For project inspiration, see here.

Customize the look of your home. In preparation for selling your new home, the 7350 Cordless Rotary Tool from Dremel is ready to help you elevate your space and infuse some personality. This lightweight tool is a go-to, whether it’s engraving your home address into your wooden mailbox, or adding the address number to the perimeter of your home. As the brand’s lowest priced rotary tool in the corded and cordless line-up, the 7350 is an approachable introductory tool for new and pro users to execute home improvement projects.

Leave them floored. Flooring can be a challenge to maintain, especially if you have little ones or pets running around. Looking to paint or refurbish? Make sure you start with an even base. With a sanding accessory on your rotary tool, you can easily smooth dents and gouges or sand splinters in wood flooring to create a prepared foundation to work off of before painting or sealing and save yourself time and money by avoiding replacing the floors completely.

Increasing your home’s curb and cosmetic appeal doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or require a pro’s help. With the right tools, you can help DIY your way to a higher asking price and a quicker sale! For more ideas about DIY projects, visit Dremel’s project site at https://www.dremel.com/us/en/projects/project-plans.

*Zillow: March 7, 2024; “Homes Listed for Sale in Early June Sell for $7,700 More”

2024-05-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – In the ever-changing landscape of urban and suburban living, mixed-use developments have emerged as an example of smart communities. Blending convenience, sustainability, and a vibrant social experience, these communities are poised to evolve with the way people live and are a smarter option when compared to single-use real estate.

“Building in a community involves thinking about how your project can build up that community to be an extraordinary place people want to visit and stay,” explains Jean Paul Wardy, CEO and founder of CenterCal Properties. “It’s about creating a dynamic environment that is not only appealing when the project launches but remains relevant and compelling over time.”

Wardy notes that creating successful mixed-use properties involves paying attention to details around diversity, engagement, experiences and sustainability.

Ensuring diversity of amenities and multiple points of engagement

Shopping centers are no longer just a collection of stores; rather, they are a collection of experiences. For example, at Totem Lake in Kirkland, Washington, visitors can shop, but they also have an array of dining, entertainment, fitness and social opportunities. The center also offers residential and office space. This concentration of diverse uses places residents, workers and visitors in an attractive, active and energetic environment.

To encourage guests to return time and again, managers of these developments are taking a more active role in engaging guests, instead of leaving tenants to do the heavy lifting. From integrating interactive electronic directories to personalized offers from retailers, these added engagement points help guests feel seen and heard, which builds connections and relationships.

Instilling modern retail experiences that complement digital

E-commerce continues to grow and thrive, and yet brick-and-mortar shops remain critical to the customer experience. “Mixed-use developments serve as a conduit to the modern approach to retail,” says Wardy. “Customers may want the convenience of online ordering, but they also want to see, feel and try products and the ease of stepping into a shop to return or exchange items.”

Developers of smart projects are astute in curating their retail assortments to ensure visitors have access to brands that balance their online and in-store experiences. By making smart property technology and apps available, these managers help their tenants enhance customer experiences.

Incorporating sustainability promotes wellness — for properties and people

Beyond using sustainable materials and methods in the construction process, mixed-use developments can incorporate less obvious measures that promote sustainability. These developments may take a compact approach, which can help preserve land, and some projects integrate green spaces — which typically include vegetation, water features or park-like open areas — to retain natural beauty and add interest to designs. Those green spaces, like the Village Green at Bridgeport Village in Tigard, Oregon, can serve double duty for gatherings, attracting families whose children want to burn off energy or fitness enthusiasts interested in meeting up for a morning yoga session.

By incorporating a host of amenities in one place, mixed-use designs help reduce overall car trips and CO2 emissions, as guests can park once and walk to shops, eateries, salons, theaters and more. Plus, properties that are designed with flexibility in mind may introduce elements that promote a healthier environment as they become practical, from solar panels for capturing energy to housing honeybees for promoting ecosystem biodiversity.

Listening to communities

“Developers must be intentional about every project and consider how its location, features, designs and amenities can contribute to a community’s long-term vitality,” Wardy sums up. “The most successful projects build not only what the community wants and needs now, but they remain open to accommodating the possibilities of the future.”

2024-05-03T14:27:00

(BPT) – Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular, and an estimated 10.6 million U.S. households — from city dwellers to rural residents — own poultry. However, many of these backyard bird owners are not aware of the threat avian influenza viruses pose to their flock. These respiratory diseases are easily spread by migratory birds and wild waterfowl populations. The U.S. is now experiencing the largest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in our country’s history, and this extremely contagious form of the disease is deadly to our domestic birds. The good news is that having the right safety and protective measures in place can help protect backyard chickens and pet birds. Here are four tips all bird owners should know to help defend their flock:

#1: Understand the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza

Some necessary potty talk here: HPAI can be carried in the poop and slobber of wild birds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that a gram of poop from a human can contain over 1 trillion germs, so it’s possible one gram of poop from a wild goose can also hold about 1 trillion germs (gross)! These wild waterfowl and migratory birds can carry the disease without showing any symptoms so if they interact with your birds, drink from your outdoor and poultry water source or poop in your backyard, your flock could be at extreme risk for HPAI. That’s why biosecurity is critical for all bird owners, big and small.

Biosecurity refers to everything people do to keep diseases — and the viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms that cause disease — away from birds, property and people. Biosecurity contains two major categories:

• Structural biosecurity: measures used in the physical construction and maintenance of coops, pens, poultry houses, family farms, commercial farms and other facilities.
• Operational biosecurity: practices, procedures, policies that are consistently followed by people.

Easy things like washing hands between different pens and houses, as well as changing clothing and shoes, can help keep pathogen transfer among wild and domestic bird populations to a minimum. Be sure not to move or reuse items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected — such as cardboard egg flats. For extra measure, you could also make sure vehicles, tractors, tools and equipment are cleaned and disinfected, before entering or exiting your flock’s territory. In addition, conduct regular checks of your birds’ housing, feed and water structures for needed repairs. Always make sure to use a clean water source that wild birds cannot drink from.

There are many types of bird breeds that are great to add to your collection. However, adding birds to your flock that are of different ages, species or from unknown sources may cause problems. Only purchase or source poultry from National Poultry Improvement Plan-certified breeders, hatcheries and dealers. Always try to keep new purchases separate from your current flock for at least 30 days until you are sure that the new purchases are healthy. Be careful of mixing geese and ducks with your chickens and turkeys, as waterfowl can sometimes carry diseases that will severely affect chickens and turkeys.

Every backyard flock owner plays a vital role in keeping our nation’s poultry healthy. By using proper biosecurity practices and staying vigilant, every owner can do their part to defend our flocks against deadly disease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has many resources available for both commercial poultry producers and backyard bird owners through their Defend the Flock Program, including links to toolkits containing biosecurity checklists, videos and more.

2024-05-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – You’ve just bought your new house — congratulations! As you start moving in, this is the perfect time to set up all the smart home products that can benefit your family’s safety, security and comfort. Getting these products in place can help you have greater peace of mind as you get used to your new home and neighborhood. And even if you’ve lived in the same home for years, these smart home upgrades are well worth the effort.

Here are ways you can optimize technology to make your home feel more safe and secure.

Replace standard locks with smart locks

Unless you’re moving into a new build, one of the first things you’ll want to do is change all your door locks. Consider installing smart locks instead, which allow you to create and control passcodes and remotely control locks with an app — so you won’t ever worry that you forgot to lock the door on the way out, or that family members will be locked out if they misplace their key.

Get peace of mind deliveries are safe

To help protect against porch pirates and weather damage, Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery is a convenient, secure way to receive Amazon packages. Plus, it’s exclusive for Prime members. In-Garage Delivery lets you receive Amazon packages inside your garage, so anything you’re buying for your new home can be safely delivered, whether you’re home or away. The service works with the majority of smart garages, so you may already have what you need to get started. If not, it’s really simple to set up, and you can even do it before you move in. Then, just select In-Garage Delivery at checkout. Amazon Key will take care of the rest.

Monitor your home while you’re away

You can set up motion alerts to notify you when there’s any activity around your home with a Ring Video Doorbell or outdoor security cameras. Ring devices are controlled through the Ring app, where you can see what’s happening live on the other end of your Ring device and choose to use Two-Way Talk as needed to chat with someone on your property.

Add outdoor lighting for a safer property

Outdoor lighting adds more than just aesthetics to your home — installing motion-activated smart lighting can help light up dark areas or blind spots, deterring unwanted visitors and making your home more secure. With Ring’s Smart Lighting and a Ring Bridge, you can control the lights from the Ring app and link them to your Ring doorbells and cameras so if one of your smart lights detects motion, it can trigger your camera or doorbell to record.

Test and upgrade smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing smoke detectors at least once a month and replacing batteries once or twice a year, so make sure to set calendar reminders. For added peace of mind, consider replacing standard detectors with Wi-Fi enabled smart smoke detectors, which give you real-time notifications to your smartphone if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected — which is especially important if you’re not at home.

Increase comfort and save money with a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats make it far easier not only to program times when you want to reduce heat or cooling (such as when nobody’s home), but they can even sense when your house is empty to switch to energy-saving mode. This can save energy and money over time. You can also adjust temperatures right from your smartphone, so you’ll never forget to adjust the thermostat when you head out on vacation — and you can make changes as needed wherever you are. Even better, you can start warming up (or cooling down) the house when you’re on your way home again, so you’ll be comfortable the moment you arrive.

Putting these smart features in place before or shortly after you move into your new house will help you feel confident that you and your family will be able to relax and enjoy your new environment, so everyone will feel right at home.

2024-05-02T16:01:02

(BPT) – With rising energy costs and an increasing awareness of homeowners’ environmental impact, creating a greener home isn’t just a trend — it’s a responsible choice for both your wallet and the earth. In fact, homeowners who implemented energy-saving systems and products in their home saved 8%-16% on heating and cooling bills through high use of the scheduling feature on the Honeywell Home T5 and T6 thermostats in a 2019 study in Indiana and Ohio. Whether you’re motivated by reducing your carbon footprint or simply looking to cut down on utility bills, transforming your home into a “green” home may be more achievable than you think with just a few helpful tips.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

One of the easiest and most effective ways to save energy is by installing a smart thermostat. With its programmable features, thermostats like the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat allow you to easily set and adjust the temperature during different parts of the day, decreasing the need for constant heating and cooling when you aren’t at home. The U.S. Department of Energy explains that by simply turning your thermostat down 7°-10°F from its normal setting for eight hours a day, you can save as much as 10% on heating and cooling costs a year. Depending on where they live, users can also connect their T9 Smart Thermostat to their utility company to reduce energy use when needed and earn rewards, maximizing energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

Add Insulation

By acting as a barrier against heat transfer and helping to seal cracks, insulation helps optimize heating or cooling investment, leading to lower energy consumption and decreased energy bills. You can supplement existing insulation or add new layers to many areas of your home, but be sure to research what the right type, quality and depth is first. If needed, you can rent an insulation blower from your local hardware store or reach out to your local contractor for help.

Detect and Address Water Leaks

While often overlooked, water leaks can also waste resources. Leaky faucets, pipes or appliances waste heated and treated water, and large leaks can cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and water usage. Regularly inspect your plumbing fixtures and appliances for signs of leaks, such as damp spots, mold growth or unusually high water bills. Consider utilizing smart leak detection devices, such as the First Alert L1 WiFi Water Leak and Freeze Detector, that monitor temperatures and can alert you of leaks in real time via your smartphone. Adding one of these detectors may also save you money on homeowner’s insurance as insurance providers value proactive and protective measures.

Prioritize Air Quality with Proper Filtration

Improving indoor air quality can also contribute to energy efficiency. Invest in high-quality air filters for your HVAC system to trap dust, pollen and other airborne particles effectively. And don’t forget that regular maintenance of your HVAC system ensures optimal airflow and energy performance. For example, replacing a clogged, dirty air filter with a clean one can lower an air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5%-15%. Cleaner, fresher air not only enhances current comfort but also reduces the strain on your heating and cooling equipment, prolonging its lifespan and saving cost and energy in the long run.

Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

When it comes to household appliances, opt for energy-efficient models that bear the ENERGY STAR^® label. These appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and can significantly reduce your energy consumption. From refrigerators and washing machines to thermostats and water heaters, there’s a wide range of ENERGY STAR-certified appliances available to suit your needs.

To learn more about how you can save energy in your home, visit Honeywellhome.com.

2024-05-01T10:23:00

(BPT) – From adding a touch of dimension on ceilings to making a bold statement on accent walls, texture is playing a larger role in home décor. The use of visual texture can help elevate a home’s elegance and style in a way that paint and wallpaper can’t. One of the ways homeowners can do this is with spray texture. Spray texture is an accessible and versatile material that can transform bland walls and ceilings into captivating focal points. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, spray texture also serves a practical purpose by concealing imperfections left behind during drywall finishing, making it an asset for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

What is spray texture?

Spray texture is a material applied to walls or ceilings to create a textured surface. It typically comes as a pre-mixed or ready-to-use substance in pressurized cans or sprayers. There are three common textures found in houses today: Orange Peel, Knockdown and Popcorn. Easily paintable, spray texture can be combined with the latest trends in wall and ceiling colors to help redefine any living space.

Is the popularity of spray texture growing in homes?

While texture is a popular design element all over the U.S., textured walls and ceilings tend to be more prevalent in the southern and particularly western states in the U.S., as textured surfaces complement the desert-inspired aesthetics and rustic decor often found in these regions. In fact, 50% of the spray texture market is in the west, and 29% is in the south.

Why would you use spray texture?

Texture is often added to interior drywall surfaces to add visual interest and aesthetic appeal, but it can also be used as part of the finishing process to hide any drywall imperfections from the installation process. Achieving flawless smooth surfaces can be challenging, and any mistakes made during the drywall finishing process become readily apparent. This is where wall and ceiling texture comes in. For DIY enthusiasts grappling with the intricacies of drywall finishing, texture can be a lifesaver. Handheld spray cans of spray texture, like the ones from DAP, provide a quick and easy way to apply and repair texture.

Where do you use spray texture in the home?

Spray texture can be used in various areas of the home to add visual interest to walls and ceilings. Some common areas where spray texture is applied include accent walls in living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms to add depth and character to the space. It can also be used to help disguise uneven surfaces and add warmth to basement spaces, making them feel more inviting and comfortable. Overall, spray texture can be used throughout the home to enhance its aesthetic appeal and create a more dynamic and visually appealing environment.

How do you apply spray texture?

When applying spray texture, it’s important to start by choosing the right product for your needs. First, determine what type of texture you want to apply or repair — orange peel, knockdown or popcorn. Most people are familiar with popcorn, but orange peel texture resembles the surface of an orange with small, slightly raised bumps while knockdown texture features a smooth surface with intermittent flattened areas created by knocking down the texture while wet. After choosing the type of texture, look for user-friendly features such as an adjustable nozzle that also provides the ability to select the level of texture, like the line from DAP. When using DAP’s 2in1 spray textures, start by shaking the can for at least one full minute after hearing the marble, unlock the can, then adjust the 60-degree nozzle to the angle you need. Next, twist the nozzle to your desired level of texture whether fine, medium or heavy. Once shaken, you’re ready to spray! All of DAP’s water-based formulas are paint ready in just 30 minutes, and oil-based formulas are paint ready in five.

Best Practices (or Do’s & Don’ts) for Great Texture Results

• Shake can for at least 1 minute after hearing marble. Do not stop shaking just because you can hear the marble, and do not stop shaking even if you think the contents are mixed — the one minute is important!
• Shake the can during use to keep pressure consistency
• Spray at least 12 inches away from the wall — if you spray too close, texture could be runny and texture may not be as defined as desired
• Spray should be applied in short, intermittent bursts with random patterns such as circular sprays, up and down as well as left to right — it’s important to vary the spray motion with a combination of the patterns — do NOT spray in rows and do not spray in a continuous manner
• If using knockdown — be sure putty knife is parallel to the wall and NOT perpendicular — a perpendicular knife will remove the texture

For more information about spray texture and additional DIY tips, visit DAP.com.

2024-05-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Buying a home may not be the wisest idea in today’s housing market. If you bought or refinanced your home in early 2022, you likely were able to take advantage of a low interest rate and lower your monthly payments. However, if you’re considering selling your current abode and finding your forever home now, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has nearly doubled over the last two years.

You don’t have to compromise your dreams. With some planning, you can turn your house into your forever home without breaking the bank.

For example, you may consider adding a laundry room, bathroom or outdoor kitchen. Not only do these renovations make your home more enjoyable, but they can also add value to your home. According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners would recover 75% of the cost of a kitchen renovation and 71% of a bathroom renovation in their home’s increased value.

Of course, adding, renovating or moving a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room has its challenges. A common roadblock you may face during remodeling is plumbing limitations.

Plumbing challenges

If you want to add a new bathroom or kitchen, you may find the space doesn’t have below-floor draining. According to Tom McGuire, a seasoned plumbing professional and owner of McGuire Group LLC, adding below-floor drainage for sinks, showers, tubs and toilets can cost a pretty penny.

When adding a laundry room to a 50-year-old home, McGuire estimated that installing new conventional plumbing drainage would require him to rip up and replace his hardwood floors. That process, he estimates, would have cost at least $5,000, plus an additional $6,000 to cut the concrete beneath and run new piping.

Similarly, homeowners must consider the lack of conventional plumbing lines when installing a kitchen, indoors or outdoors. When New Jersey residents Katie and Patrick Comer wanted to add a wet bar with a sink to their finished basement, they found their home’s plumbing limited their options.

Because the basement floor was below the home’s existing sewer line, wastewater from the bar sink would have to be discharged vertically into the home’s plumbing drainage. In order to connect the below-floor line to the closest sewer access, the project would have to be outsourced to a contractor, increasing costs significantly.

DIY couple Amber and Trey Masciarelli encountered similar problems when adding a bathroom to their basement. With cost- and time-savings in mind, the Masciarellis had to decide if the conventional route of breaking through the basement’s concrete floor to install drainage fit into their remodeling plan or if they’d have to give up the project.

An affordable alternative to traditional plumbing

When conventional below-floor plumbing hinders homeowners’ forever home plans, it’s time to consider alternatives. What is the best, most affordable solution to these potential problems? Above-floor plumbing.

Unlike below-floor plumbing, above-floor plumbing pumps waste and water up and out to the nearest sewer line. During McGuire’s remodel project, he chose a Saniflo gray water drain pump to handle drainage from his home’s washing machine. This solution allowed him to avoid cutting up the hardwood floor and concrete and easily install a new line to the local sewer line.

In the Comers’ project, Katie’s father and brother helped the couple with a Saniflo heavy-duty gray water drain pump. The simple, compact solution didn’t take up a lot of space in the basement and solved their drainage problems. “Bringing the vision of my dream basement to life has been a wonderful experience,” said Katie Comer. “Not only is the bar fully functional, but it’s also aesthetically pleasing, and we didn’t have to break the bank to make our vision a reality.”

The Masciarellis were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to install the Sanibest Pro. They completed the installation in just two days. “When you first look at the unit, it can be intimidating,” explains Amber. “But we watched the online videos, read the instructions and started dry-fitting components. We soon realized how easy it is to install.”

Choose the best products for your dream home renovations

If you plan to use above-floor plumbing to add a kitchen, laundry room or bathroom to your home, pick durable, affordable and reliable products like Saniflo Drain Pumps and Macerators and Grinders.

If you’re planning kitchen and bathroom projects, you’ll want a rugged, affordable and easy-to-install solution like the Saniswift Pro.

With Saniflo’s above-floor plumbing technology, you can decide where a new kitchen or laundry room will go. The Saniswift Pro’s pump design offers quick installation in hard-to-reach, below-sink spaces.

You’re no longer limited to locations where downhill drainage or gravity evacuates waste. The pump also does not need to be near the main waste pipe as it can discharge waste up to 14 feet vertically and/or 140 feet horizontally. Also, the Saniswift Pro is engineered to extend the pump’s overall lifecycle while eliminating unwanted odors. Servicing can be done without disconnecting any piping to the unit.

When tackling a full or half bathroom installation, the heavy-duty Sanibest Pro is an excellent, adaptable solution. The grinder pump combines a rear-discharge toilet with a 1-horsepower pump system usually situated on the floor.

Designed for bathrooms frequently used by visitors and full-time home residents, the system can provide drainage for a complete bathroom, including a toilet, sink, and tub or shower. The wastewater from the toilet drains into the pump unit, which incorporates a powerful clog-fighting grinder system to quickly reduce the incoming effluent before discharging it to a sewer or septic system.

Not only is the Sanibest Pro a great alternative to traditional bathroom plumbing, but it’s also a great replacement for an existing macerator. When Scott Wright was searching for an above-ground grinder pump toilet to replace his loud and inefficient macerator, he knew he needed a heavy-duty model that could handle frequent usage.

Wright eventually settled on the Sanibest Pro and was excited when it solved his noise and flooding issues. “It flushes better, it cleans the bowl better, and it’s not as bulky as the previous unit. The other day, even my son noticed it’s much quieter than the one we had before.”

Don’t let below-ground plumbing hold you back from turning your house into your forever home. To learn more about how above-floor plumbing can help you add a kitchen, bath or laundry room to your current space, visit Saniflo.com.

2024-05-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Healthy, natural turfgrass is more than just a pleasing addition to your yard and home’s curb appeal. Natural turfgrass is among the most resilient plant materials and provides many benefits that can improve your quality of life and the environment. There are countless turfgrass species and cultivars that are adapted to different climates and uses, and researchers from universities and companies like ScottsMiracle-Gro are driving innovation in this area as the environment and consumer needs continue to shift.

“Natural turfgrass is often misunderstood,” says Dr. Kelly Kopp, Extension Water Conservation and Turfgrass Specialist at Utah State University. “Misconceptions and misinformation have given it a bad reputation in some circles. But the truth is that natural turfgrass has the potential to foster a healthier environment and provides a multitude of benefits to the individual, local communities, and the planet.”

The benefits of natural turfgrass

According to Dr. Kopp, natural turfgrass can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainability. As a groundcover, it prevents soil erosion, slows the flow of stormwater, filters nutrients out of stormwater, and improves soil structure. Like all living plants, it also absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, trapping carbon underground and reducing atmospheric concentrations. It is also proven to lower atmospheric temperatures, which are increasing in certain areas known as urban heat islands.

Ecosystems also benefit from natural turfgrass. It provides a habitat for wildlife, from bees to birds to bugs, while also supporting the growth of native species of plants.

Growing natural turfgrass helps create a more resilient environment, too. During a storm, the roots stabilize soil, slowing water runoff and preventing erosion. They also act as natural water filters, keeping contaminants from entering local water systems. Dr. Matthew Koch, Director of Biotechnology, Genetics, and Grass Seed at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, explains that diverse varieties of natural turfgrass species are even more beneficial for rainwater absorption than one species alone. Dr. Koch explains, “Different natural turfgrass species have different root structures. Some are deeper and more extensive, while others are shallower. The diversity of roots helps to improve soil structure which reduces erosion and enhances water absorption.”

Along with the many ecological and environmental benefits, natural turfgrass is also beneficial for mental health and well-being. According to Scotts’ The Benefits of Lawn report, natural grasses and other ornamental plants can reduce noise levels by 20-30%,[1] creating a tranquil environment, which is especially helpful in loud, urban areas, and allows for outdoor play and recreation. Studies have also shown that spending time in natural environments can reduce cortisol levels, which are associated with stress.

Cultivating sponge cities with natural turfgrass

Natural turfgrass has an important role to play in cities, says Dr. Kopp, especially in large urban areas prone to storms.

Many urban areas face challenges when excessive rainfall overwhelms inadequate stormwater management systems. During a heavy storm, rain cannot infiltrate the concrete and asphalt that dominate traditional urban areas, and this causes flooding. Instead of building more impervious surfaces, Dr. Kopp says cities should utilize the water retention and infiltration properties that natural turfgrass provides by increasing its use in green spaces and cultivating “sponge cities.”

The idea behind sponge cities is fairly simple: increase green spaces using natural turfgrass and other plants, replacing impervious concrete and asphalt where possible, to reduce flooding. By increasing green spaces in cities and large urban areas with trees, plants, natural turfgrass and other green infrastructure, the landscape is better equipped to absorb rainfall and filter water efficiently. Similarly to the way grass prevents soil erosion during storms on your lawn, natural turfgrass and other green elements can reduce the burden on stormwater runoff systems and mitigate flooding. In fact, lawns can balance out 100% of runoff from roofs, drives, and streets that are connected to storm sewers and convey stormwater directly to streams or lakes (see Footnote 1).

Combating urban heat islands

Flooding isn’t the only challenge cities face that natural turfgrass can help solve. Because concrete and asphalt materials can’t absorb and release water efficiently, they can’t cool the environment. In fact, these impermeable materials retain a great amount of heat. Combined with high population densities, cities with large impervious areas can easily turn into heat islands.

Urban heat islands occur when cities experience warmer temperatures than nearby rural areas, which tend to be less developed and have more green space. In turn, those green spaces hold less heat and have grasses, trees, shrubs, and other natural features that keep the area cooler than nearby cities. According to Climate Central’s Hot Zones: Urban Heat Islands report, trees and vegetation, alone or in combination with shading, can help reduce peak summer temperatures by 2–9°F (1–5°C) in an urban area.[2]

Adding natural turfgrass can help reduce city temperature, preventing the urban heat island effect. Dr. Kopp explains that when natural turfgrass absorbs water through its roots, it moves through the plant becoming water vapor that is then released into the air through grass leaves, naturally cooling the environment. Whether in parks, greenways, or lawns, more natural turfgrass in urban landscapes can keep the environment cooler and reduce heat-related risks.

Transform your landscape for the better

From promoting sustainability and biodiversity to mitigating flooding and combating urban heat islands, natural turfgrass has much to offer.

Scotts, a leader in lawn care for more than a century and a half, leverages scientific research and qualified experts to educate and inform the public about the benefits of natural turfgrass while continuously innovating its products to adapt to the changing environment and homeowners’ needs.

To learn more about the power of natural turfgrass and how you can transform your landscape for the better, visit Scotts.com.