Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2018-04-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – The backyard. It’s your oasis. Your happy place. Your second living room. It’s the place to go not only for “me” time — but quality time with friends and family.

This National Barbecue Month, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association wants to help you make your backyard the best backyard it can be.

Think sheds. No, not your grandparents’ tattered shed filled with a dusty mower and 30-year-old paint brushes. We’re talking highly personalized sheds. Intimate covered spaces that keep the sun’s rays out but bring the summer in.

Outdoor sheds come in all shapes and sizes and can be personalized to fit within all types of lifestyles. From fun-filled tapsheds where friends gather for a margarita and grilled salmon to an intimate she shed stocked with wine and cheese or even a hobby shed for the family to play board games while munching on braised ribs and root beer, sheds can do it all.

Building a personalized shed can be a daunting task. Consider these five tips to help you create your ideal outdoor oasis just in time for summer:

1. Have a plan: Are you starting from scratch or cleaning out an existing old shed? What’s the theme? What’s the budget? What’s the goal? How much room do you have to work with? Before you start building your shed, make sure you have a plan in place. You may be eager to jump right in but it’s much easier to follow a well-laid plan than to make decisions on the fly.

2. Stick to a theme: A craft shed, a relaxation shed, a party shed — there are so many options when it comes to creating your perfect shed. Choose one theme and tailor all decisions around your theme of choice. For example, if you decide to go with a relaxation shed, choose calming colors and peaceful decorations.

3. Utilize your resources: Your shed is a part of your outdoor space and you should utilize all the free beauty that nature has to offer when it comes to decorating your shed. Build your shed under your favorite tree to offer natural shade or decorate your shed with dried flowers or vines.

4. Less is more: When designing an outdoor shed, it is easy to go overboard. Remember to keep it simple and that you want to have enough room to entertain guests and to hang out in your shed. Keeping things minimal will also ensure you stay within your budget.

5. Remember the exterior: One easy way to customize your shed is with a coat of paint. Choose a paint color that goes with your theme. Then invite friends and family over for a day of painting fun in the sun.

For more tips on making the most of your backyard, visit www.hpba.org.

2018-04-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – The federal government considers floods the nation’s most common natural disaster. They strike every state and leave homeowners with huge repair costs. Why? Because typical homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.

Those policies may provide protection for water damage when it comes through a hole in the roof or from wind-driven rain. But coverage doesn’t extend to damage caused by water from a storm-swollen river, torrential rainfall or other flood-inducing conditions.

Homeowners are required to purchase flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage and live in a high-risk flood area as identified by the National Flood Insurance Program.

For others, though, it’s optional.

With premiums starting as low as $171 a year for a home and its contents, it’s coverage homeowners should highly consider.

“Floods can occur anywhere,” says Corise Morrison, executive director of residual markets for USAA. “Low risk does not mean no risk.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes flood-risk ratings for areas based on hydrologic studies and other data. In high-risk areas, a 1 in 4 chance of flooding exists over a 30-year mortgage. In moderate- to low-risk zones, the chance of flooding is reduced but still present.

More than 20 percent of the NFIP’s claims come from people with property outside of high-risk areas, according to federal estimates.

USAA sells and services coverage under the NFIP. The program’s maximum coverage is $250,000 for a home and $100,000 for its contents, but USAA can refer members to a broker if additional coverage is needed. The program also provides coverage to condo owners and renters.

Homeowners can assess their risk for natural disasters plus get tips on how to minimize them and protect their personal property with USAA’s Property Risk Assessment Tool.

But don’t wait until an extreme storm is approaching to act. Normally, flood coverage won’t begin until 30 days after purchase.

Get a quote for flood insurance at USAA.com.

2018-04-13T13:11:01

(BPT) – The real estate market is heating up, and if you’re planning to sell your home in the future, you want it to sell quickly and for as high of a price as possible. By taking proactive action now, you can make a few strategic home improvements that can help you achieve both your goals.

To boost your home sale and reduce time on the market, consider these top home improvement ideas to catch buyers’ eyes.

Garage door: When potential buyers visit your property, you want to make the best first impression before they even come inside. That’s why it’s wise to replace your garage door. It takes up a significant amount of exterior visual real estate and helps define the home’s aesthetic. What’s more, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value report, a garage door replacement recoups an astonishing 98.3 percent of cost upon resale.

Bathroom addition: More bathrooms typically mean you can charge more for your home. Think you’re limited based on existing construction? Think again. With Saniflo, you can add a complete bathroom where no drainage existed before thanks to above-floor plumbing features like a macerating toilet and drain pumps. The Saniaccess3 is a smart choice for full baths, and the Saniaccess2 is ideal for powder rooms.

Kitchen upgrade: A complete kitchen remodel is costly, but a few smart upgrades can make the heart of the home shine. Consider replacing worn laminate countertops and updating hardware for a fresh look. For extra ‘wow factor,’ add an island and use Saniflo Sanivite technology to add a sink to the space for additional functionality. Learn more at go.saniflo.com.

Fresh flooring: You don’t have to replace all your flooring, but focal areas like the kitchen or family room, as well as areas that tend to experience higher wear, such as the entryway, can benefit from a new floor. Forget expensive tile or hardwood replacements. Vinyl wood flooring looks incredibly similar to real wood, and modern luxury vinyl tile mimics the gorgeous look of stone or ceramic tile but is more durable and affordable. You may be able to simply add new flooring on top of old, making it a much easier DIY project.

Neutral paint: Don’t ever underestimate the value of a fresh coat of paint throughout your home. Walls get dingy and colors get dated. Repaint rooms with modern, neutral tones. As much as you love plum, buyers may not, so stick with whites, creams and grays whenever possible. Visit your local paint store and you’ll see there are many neutral options to add excitement to interior spaces. Don’t forget the ceiling, too! A fresh coat of white can do wonders.

These five projects will enhance your listing so you get more attention and book more showings. You may even start a bidding war with enough interest, and that can really drive up the price. Take action now and these home improvement efforts are sure to make an impact.

2018-04-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to buying new locks for your home, it’s not one size fits all. Before you buy new hardware, be sure to ask yourself these three important questions.

2018-01-29T12:01:00

Opossums (commonly referred to as “possums”) typically adapt to cold temperatures. However, if given the opportunity, it is possible for opossums to venture indoors. Leaving uncontained food, such as garbage, pet food or bird seed, outside your home may attract them. As part of an intimidation display opossums will show their teeth and hiss. They will also play dead as part of their defensive strategy. If you do encounter one in your home, close all doors to adjacent rooms and call a pest-management professional to assist.

Multicolored Asian lady beetles were first imported into North America as early as 1916 and can be beneficial to help control pests. However, unlike the native ladybug, multicolored Asian lady beetles seek refuge inside during colder months. Generally measuring 7 mm long and 5.5 mm wide as adults, they don’t inflict serious damage but do emit an unpleasant foul-smelling odor when disturbed. These beetles also bite, which can be painful and cause reactions for some. Seal up small cracks in your home to prevent infestations.

During the harsh winter months, mice and rats enjoy a warm home. Homeowner watch-outs include: easily accessible food (including open trash can lids), cracks and holes on the exterior of the home. A strong deterrent to mice and rats is to reduce food scraps. Inspect the exterior of your home and repair any holes larger than a dime, clean regularly, make sure trash lids are tight and ensure all food is put away and sealed.

The notion that spiders crawl into your home in the winter is actually a common myth. The reality is, most common household spiders found in your home during the winter months have actually lived there all year long. Outdoor spiders develop their own overwintering strategies that may include antifreeze proteins (AFPs) and finding shelter in rock or wood piles where they go through a slowdown state called diapause. The exception is the Brown Recluse Spider. These spiders seek clutter and dark, underused spaces in your home. The best method to help avoid spiders is to consistently vacuum and keep all spaces clutter-free.

(BPT) –

2018-02-12T16:49:00

(BPT) – February is the season of flowers, chocolates and new relationship statuses. Like us, there are many love bugs that are “in a relationship, but it’s complicated.” Different bug species across the planet engage in peculiar behaviors to satisfy both hunger and reproductive needs — with qualities that sound less than desirable to humans. Terminix is excited to share the buggiest, most bizarre mating-ritual behaviors that will make you think twice the next time you say, “She wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

1. Praying mantis: Love bites

Praying mantises are known for their expert predatory skills. However, mantis females have earned quite the reputation for their occasional odd and cannibalistic mating behavior. Sometimes females will selectively bite the heads off of their male mating partners, devouring them for nourishment — talk about risky business.

2. Bed bugs: More than butterflies in your stomach

We’ve all heard the phrase, “having a strong stomach.” Well, bedbugs take this concept to the next level. Mating is no game for the common household male bed bug, who will literally stab his reproductive organ into the abdomen of his female mate for reproduction. Somehow, female bed bugs have adapted to recover from this traumatic behavior if the male stabs the right side of her body correctly. As if these itchy pests weren’t bad enough already!

3. Fireflies: Fool me once …

Catching fireflies is a staple of American summer pastimes. The pretty, flickering light that fireflies generate is more than just a show for us, it’s actually a communication tool. The light is a signal for fireflies, saying, “Here I am.” Some females play hard to get by mimicking the light signal of another type of male firefly species to lure him over. The catch? She has no intention of mating but rather is looking for a tasty meal!

4. Black widow: Dangerous love

It’s no shocker that this fierce spider made the “don’t date” list. Although the black widow spider’s bite is rarely fatal to humans, it can be a long and painful experience. Some species of black widows earned their name for their likelihood of killing their male counterparts when mating. A male must position himself between the female’s pincers for successful intercourse, oftentimes resulting in death afterwards. Some call it tough love.

5. Bees: Hail to the drama queen

You would think that bee romance would be as sweet as honey, but unfortunately for male bees, any sort of “love” is very short-lived. The queen bee is the mother of the colony and plays a specific role in laying eggs for the growth and sustenance of the colony. Male bees play the sad but important role of hero parents by sacrificing themselves for reproduction, dying shortly after mating.

2018-02-28T09:01:00

(BPT) – Frigid temperatures, freezing rain and heavy snow can have a crippling effect on much of the country each winter. However, with spring right around the corner, many of those winter problems will disappear as quickly as the snow thaws and the temperatures rise, with one significant exception — concrete. Concrete is like a rigid sponge that snow and other precipitation penetrates, freezes, expands and eventually thaws with those repeated cycles causing unsightly cracking, flaking and spalling. In addition, concrete surfaces are battered every winter by salt, de-icers, sand and heavy snow-moving equipment that leave ugly stains and damage to driveways, patios and sidewalks around the home.

The good news is that winter damage generally leaves homeowners with structurally sound concrete that is really just in need of a face-lift. Traditionally most homeowners would remove the old, broken concrete and pour a new slab, which can be very expensive. However, an attractive alternative for renewing the surface at a fraction of the cost is Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer. In fact, removing and pouring a new slab of concrete costs $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot compared to approximately 25 cents per square foot with a resurfacing product. Not only is it cost efficient, but the concrete resurfacer also provides strength and durability to the renewed concrete surface.

Steps for resurfacing concrete

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves, then follow these steps:

* First, rigorously clean the concrete with a 3,500 PSI pressure washer to remove all dirt and debris from the concrete surface.

* Repair any deep cracks and spalled areas in the concrete with concrete resurfacer and allow to harden.

* Completely saturate the surface with water and then remove any standing water with a squeegee.

* Place weather stripping over concrete joints.

* Mix one 40-pound bag of Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer with water in a five-gallon bucket for about five minutes until a pancake batter consistency is achieved.

* Pour the concrete resurfacer onto the concrete in 1-foot-wide strips.

* Scrub the material into the concrete surface using a long-handled squeegee.

* Evenly spread the concrete resurfacer back and forth onto the concrete surface.

* Apply a non-slip finish using a concrete broom after about five minutes.

For temperatures exceeding 90 degrees F, moist cure with a fine water mist for 24 to 48 hours.

For more tips, directions and information, including a how-to video on Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer, visit www.quikrete.com or look for Quikrete on social media.

2018-04-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Like a moth to the flame, humans are inherently drawn to fire. In fact, often our favorite rooms in the home contain a fireplace, and many of our most memorable moments take place around the hearth. While the popularity of fireplaces has remained steadfast over the years, trends in their design and usage are constantly evolving.

“We’ve seen more innovations in fireplace technology in the past few years than we have in the past 40 years in business,” said Stephen Schroeter, senior vice-president of sales, marketing and administration for Napoleon, North America’s largest privately owned manufacturer of fireplaces.

New technology is allowing for more fireplace design flexibility, enabling limitless creativity when it comes to incorporating fireplaces into your home. With the support of these innovations, the following four fireplace trends are catching fire from coast to coast.

1. Sleek lines

Due to their clean appearance and superior design flexibility, linear fireplaces — think a panorama of flames — have been increasing in popularity. One of their key advantages, seemingly, is being able to place a television at viewing height, directly above the fireplace. However, the heat emitted by the fireplace has historically caused design challenges.

As a solution, Napoleon recently launched its new line of award-winning Luxuria linear fireplaces. This line comes standard with a patent-pending system, Dynamic Heat Control, which redirects heat from the fireplace to other areas of the home, or even outside. This innovation now enables a TV or delicate artwork to be mounted within inches of the fireplace, and allows homeowners to enjoy their fireplaces for hours without becoming overheated. What’s more, even the glass is cool to the touch, eliminating the need for a safety screen and making it safer for everyone in the home.

2. A selection of surrounds

Shiplap is hot, fireplaces are hotter. Previously, homeowners have been limited to non-combustible materials, such as marble or tile for their fireplace surrounds. However, thanks to new heat control systems in select fireplaces, you can significantly reduce the cost of your surround, while still achieving a great aesthetic. Simple framing and the use of wood or drywall as a finishing material right up to the firebox drastically reduces the cost and provides you with the option to change the look down the line. So embrace the new technology and go for that shiplap surround — you’ll save money and have peace of mind your home is still up to code.

3. Unexpected spaces

Imagine soaking in a bubble bath, listening to soft music while watching the flicker of flames dance across the dimly lit bathroom. Or lying in bed reading the latest bestseller by the warm glow of the hearth. Given design advancements, the installation of fireplaces has become quicker, easier and somewhat limitless. With the invention of flexible venting solutions, the installer can now work around obstacles without multiple parts and connectors. Unlike traditional rigid venting, flexible venting flows around walls or other obstacles for hassle-free installation. And because it’s faster and easier, the cost of installation is lower. So, if you’re dreaming about a fireplace in your bathroom, master bedroom, kitchen, garage or fitness center, pesky plumbing and bulky beams won’t dictate your design.

4. Elegant electrics

Electric fireplaces are no longer the clunky contraptions of yesterday. The technology behind them has improved exponentially over the past several years, which is why they are one of the fastest-growing fireplace trends. Today’s models are sleek, extremely realistic and offer endless options for customization, from a selection of media kits to different ember bed color options to adjustable flame speed and brightness options. What’s more, they are easy to install — simply mount on the wall and plug into the outlet.

Now more than ever, there are endless ways to incorporate fireplaces into your home. For more fireplace inspiration, visit napoleonfireplaces.com.

2018-03-15T16:07:00

(BPT) –

As the weather warms up and pets spend more time outside, our four-legged friends are at risk for potentially harmful insect bites. Terminix has information on three common pests that can cause problems for pets, and tips to keep them happy and healthy all season.

Many pet owners are familiar with vaccinations and prophylactic medications to help prevent fleas, ticks and other insects from biting pets. However, pet owners often overlook the positive impact regular pest control inside and outside their home can have on their pets. In fact, a pest management professional can develop a personalized plan for your home that takes your pets’ habits into account.

Here are the top pests to watch out for this summer:

1) Ticks

If your pet regularly plays outside (especially around brush and tall grass) you may notice a “tick bump” — a hardened area that forms around a tick bite — when you pet them. You can remove a tick on your own by using tweezers, but be sure to remove the entire tick and thoroughly clean the affected area to prevent infection. Place the removed tick in a sealed bag, wrap it in tape or flush it down the toilet. It’s important to keep watch for ticks on your pets because they can carry pathogens that cause Lyme and other diseases. Conduct regular inspections of your pet and be sure to maintain your yard so it is less appealing to ticks, which tend to be attracted to overgrown grass. Regular mowing and trimming help decrease the occurrence of ticks using long blades of grass to hop aboard your pets in the first place.

2) Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm larvae to dogs and cats, causing extreme illness that, when left untreated, could potentially be fatal. In addition to giving your pet a routine heartworm medication as recommended by your veterinarian, you can take proactive steps to reduce mosquitoes on your property. For example, drain any standing water in your yard (which can be a breeding haven for mosquitoes) and regularly refresh your pet’s outdoor water bowl to create a less mosquito-friendly environment. Some pest management professionals offer treatments for bushes and shrubs that can significantly reduce mosquito populations, effective immediately.

3) Fleas

If you notice your dog is scratching excessively, fleas may be the culprit. Check for fleas on your pet by using a flea comb. If you discover fleas, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment. Nonstop scratching by your pet can lead to open wounds and infections. Fleas can also carry tapeworms and other bacteria that cause “cat-scratch fever” in humans. One method to help reduce the presence of fleas is to vacuum your house often (including your furniture and anywhere your pets lounge). If you think or know your home has fleas, empty your vacuum bag in an outdoor trash can and contact a pest management professional right away to review treatment options.

2017-08-22T11:31:00

(BPT) – We’ve all been told, that owning a home is part of the American dream. It’s the biggest and most rewarding investment many people will make in their lives. Instead of paying rent every month and having nothing to show for it, paying a monthly mortgage builds equity and wealth.

While most know the benefits of owning a home, for many millennials and young people, it can seem like a distant prospect. In fact, while 52 percent of millennials say they no longer want to pay rent, only 18 percent think they can afford a new home, according to a recent survey conducted by loanDepot.

What is the source of this disparity? There are many reasons, but part of the problem is a vast majority of young people think there is only one way to buy a home, or that certain strict criteria has to be met to qualify for a loan.

There are many myths surrounding home ownership. Let’s break some of them down.

Misconceptions about the down payment

Many believe a down payment is the biggest obstacle that stands between them and home ownership. The accepted wisdom is that 20 percent of the home’s value is needed to make the down payment. This can be a rather substantial sum. Of those surveyed, 63 percent of people think they can’t afford a down payment; 43 percent believe poor credit history would prevent them from entering the housing market and 38 percent worry that too much existing debt would prevent them from doing so.

The truth is, a down payment can be as little as 10, 5, or even 3 percent. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to access these loan options. Rather than simply doing an online search, you should take a few minutes to explore your options and talk to a loan expert at loanDepot to fully explore what kinds of mortgages are available.

Student loans don’t have to be a barrier

One of the biggest sources of financial stress for millennials is the amount of student debt they carry. The effects of this debt can be paralyzing, and many believe they first need to pay off their loans before they can even think about owning a home.

The good news is that Fannie Mae recently announced several policy changes designed to help those with student debt qualify for home loans. Other lenders, like loanDepot, have special programs designed to help those with specific types of student loans, or even 40-year mortgage loan programs that have a 10-year interest-only initial repayment period, which can help borrowers tackle their student loan debt while they make lower mortgage payments.

Streamline the process with technology

So where do you start? How can home seekers find the loan that’s right for them?

Many millennials think getting a mortgage is a complicated maze. But with loanDepot’s proprietary digital lending platform, future homeowners have access to a web-based consumer portal that provides a fully digital mortgage loan application experience. With these features, as well as access to licensed loan consultants in 180+ retail locations, homebuyers have the ability to explore options they may have never thought existed, and to find the home loan that fits their budget to buy the home of their dreams.