Denver & Boulder, CO Region Winter Preparedness Guide
Make sure that this is done before the first frost as water in the system can damage a sprinkler system. Water left in sprinkler lines freezes and can crack and burst, potentially ruining the entire system.
The right kind of professional Colorado design-build construction company ensures that ALL jobs done both inside and outside your home are done efficiently, effectively, and with total quality control procedures and protocols.
When winterizing a sprinkler system, first, the water source is turned off then a professional will use an industrial air compressor to blow out your system and ensure all of the water is eliminated.
Please note that it is important to hire a professional to do this as they will know the proper psi as to not damage your sprinklers.
Just like your sprinkler system, standing water in your swamp cooler or evaporative cooler can freeze or rust, potentially causing irreparable damage. To keep your cooler running efficiently next year, it is vital to take steps to protect it from the impending cold weather. You can winterize your swamp cooler yourself in a few easy steps or let us help you find a professional.
Protecting your air conditioning unit from the elements is also important as the ice and snow come rolling in. The steps to take for winterization are going to depend on the type of unit you have and the manufacturer’s recommendation. It is always a good idea to consult a professional before performing work on HVAC systems.
You have put a lot of work into your Colorado outdoor living spaces; make sure they stay beautiful by packing in non-durable items for the winter. Store or cover your grill, fire pit, umbrella, outdoor furniture, and cushions. This will ensure that they don’t collect moisture and rust or mildew so that they are ready to use for spring.
A great thing to do any time of year is checking on the weather-stripping on doors, windows, and garage doors. Sealing air leaks in an old or drafty home can save more than 20% on heating and cooling bills.
Around windows, check for gaps and cracks. These can be filled in with caulk purchased at any hardware store. According to the Department of Energy, around doors and garage doors, it is best to choose weather stripping that can withstand “friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear. Weather stripping materials can be found at your local hardware store or we can help you find a trusted professional to install it for you.
After the trees are bare your gutters are sure to be full of debris, preventing them from doing their job properly. Uncleaned gutters can cause a number of problems including roof leaks, soffit damage, structural decay, and water damage to exterior walls. Directing water away from your home is a vital part of maintenance.
It is a good idea to hire a professional to clean your gutters at least once annually so that they can detect any other problems with your gutter system. When cleaning your own gutter system, be sure to practice ladder safety to prevent accidents.
One of the most common issues in radiant heating is air in the heat distribution systems. In order to avoid this becoming a larger problem, it is important to have your radiators bled at the beginning of each heating season.
Servicing your forced air system early in the season can also save money and inconvenience. Having a professional look over the furnace and system, tune it up, and diagnose any potential issues will ensure that you stay warm and cozy throughout the winter.
Ice and hoses just don’t mix. Before the first frost disconnect your outside hoses and store them for the winter. Find the valves for all outside water sources and shut them off to avoid any potential issues. This goes for hoses, sinks, sprinklers, etc.
After completing these steps to protect your home from the cold, it is time to enjoy our beautiful fall and winter season.
Don’t forget, when the snow starts to melt, and spring is on its way, it is time to prepare your home for the warmer weather
If you’re planning to buy a home, one thing to consider is what experts project home prices will do in the future and how that might affect your investment. While you may have seen negative news over the past year about home prices, they’re doing far better than expected and are rising across the country. And data shows, experts forecast home prices will keep appreciating.
Pulsenomics polled over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts in the latest quarterly Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES). The results show what the panelists project will happen with home prices over the next five years. Here are those expert forecasts saying home prices will go up every year through 2027 (see graph below):
f you’re someone who was worried home prices would fall because of stories you’ve read online, here’s the big takeaway. Even though home prices vary by local market, experts project prices will continue to rise across the country for years to come. And these numbers indicate the return to more normal home price appreciation.
And while the projected increase in 2024 isn’t as large as 2023, it’s important to recognize home price appreciation is cumulative. In other words, if these experts are correct, after your home’s value rises by 3.32% this year, it’ll appreciate by another 2.17% next year. This is a good example of why owning a home is a choice that wins big over time.
Once you buy a home, price appreciation raises your home’s value, and that grows your household wealth. To see how a typical home’s value could change in the next few years using the expert projections from the HPES, check out the graph below:
In this example, let’s say you bought a $400,000 home at the beginning of this year. If you factor in the forecast from the HPES, you could potentially accumulate more than $71,000 in household wealth over the next five years.
So, if you’re thinking about whether buying a home is a good choice, remember how it can be a powerful way to grow your wealth in the long run.
According to the experts, home prices are expected to grow over the next five years at a more normal pace. If you’re ready to become a homeowner, know that buying today can set you up for long-term success as home values (and your own net worth) grow. Connect with a local real estate agent to start the homebuying process today.
By: Keeping Current Matters
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/09/12/what-experts-project-for-home-prices-over-the-next-5-years/
If a backyard update (or complete overhaul) is on the agenda for this spring and summer, you are not alone. According to a Spring 2021 report by Thumbtack, backyard improvements are at the top of the list of projects that homeowners intend to take on in the coming months, and front yard landscaping isn’t the only landscaping that matters.
Landscaping, in particular, is a hot topic—Thumbtack reports that homeowners are planning to spend anywhere from $1,034 to $5,720 on landscaping and designing their backyards.
If you need some inspiration for your backyard before you start digging, building and rototilling, here are eight of our favorite backyard landscaping ideas.
You don’t need to live amongst wildlife and old-growth trees to feel at one with nature. By using a blend of natural elements and hardscapes, like grass with grass block pavers, you can transform a backyard that is all business into a place that feels truly serene (without losing the form and function).
Experts call this concept “biophilic design,” and it is one of this year’s key trends in landscaping, says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes for Belgard.
If you are looking to connect with nature without leaving your property, integrating a little biophilic design into your landscaping plan is a sound choice.
You have a lot going on in your backyard—kids jumping on trampolines, dogs running around, gardening, weekend barbecues, maybe even Saturday morning yoga. While it is feasible (and maybe even easier) to establish one multipurpose space, you can also divide and conquer, suggests Pol Bishop, a U.K.-based gardening and landscaping expert for Fantastic Gardeners. A dog run on one side, a space for sun salutations in the corner, a kid zone in the center and a special section for your grill, smoker and outdoor wet bar. A few ways to create these defined spaces are by utilizing hedges, masonry edging, flower beds and fences.
Hanging out in your backyard doesn’t have to mean hanging out in the open air. If you could use a little extra interior space to go with your backyard revamp, consider incorporating an accessory dwelling unit into your landscape design.
These quaint units can serve as home offices, guest suites, game/media rooms, workout studios or even permanent dwelling spaces for family members. While building one from scratch is certainly an option, you can also go the prefab route and buy one that comes in kit form.
Topiary, the practice of creating ornamental shapes out of trees and shrubs, runs the gamut from elegant all the way to eccentric. And while basic shapes, like cones, globes and spirals, are fairly common (and perfectly nice for many backyard landscapes), the addition of topiary offers an opportunity to add something a little extra to your backyard—something that shows your personality and is unlikely to be replicated at the house across the street.
Ideas for distinctive topiaries include animal shapes, arches, fences and furniture (yes, you can create a topiary table or chair). You can also mix topiaries with hardscapes and planters, or even go all-out whimsical with a topiary of your favorite Disney character. Other fun ideas include creating a maze, laying the topiary out in a heart-shaped design or making your animals-topiaries life-sized.
It’s not very often you hear someone advise you to minimize your aspirations but, when it comes to backyard landscaping, this might be just what it takes to turn your vision into reality.
For instance, if you have aspirations of a full-scale outdoor kitchen, but you’re working within the means of a limited budget, instead of throwing in the towel because you can’t swing the full cost of a built-in grill and outdoor cabinetry, re-imagine the plan to better suit your financial resources. A portable wet bar equipped with storage and a small gas grill, for example, will still allow you to cook and entertain outdoors without breaking the bank. It doesn’t have to look drab, either—you can do just as much to beautify your space with budget-minded outdoor kitchen equipment as you can with the top-of-the-line options.
A raised bed isn’t the only appropriate place for your garden veggies. To change up the look of your landscape without sacrificing your summer bounty, try planting your tomatoes, bell peppers, summer squash, cucumbers and rosemary amongst your flower beds rather than away from them.
You can also try creating a border around your beds with your favorite varieties of lettuce or cabbage or, for those who prefer container gardening, you can place pots and other planters in random (albeit plant-friendly) spots throughout your yard.
Topiary, the practice of creating ornamental shapes out of trees and shrubs, runs the gamut from elegant all the way to eccentric. And while basic shapes, like cones, globes and spirals, are fairly common (and perfectly nice for many backyard landscapes), the addition of topiary offers an opportunity to add something a little extra to your backyard oasis—something that shows your personality and is unlikely to be replicated at the house across the street.
Ideas for distinctive topiaries include animal shapes, arches, fences and furniture (yes, you can create a topiary table or chair). You can also mix topiaries with hardscapes and planters, or even go all-out whimsical with a topiary of your favorite Disney character. Other fun ideas include creating a maze, laying the topiary out in a heart-shaped design or making your animals-topiaries life-sized.
A friendly community with gated streets*, The Enclave welcomes you to choose your homesite and build new from a stunning collection of luxury single-family home designs. This community is set on the award-winning Green Valley Ranch Golf Course and is surrounded by acres of open space, trails and recreational areas. Residents will enjoy the 2,400 sq. ft. beach-entry pool with sun deck, lap lane, ample poolside seating, and conveniently located restrooms in the adjacent ramada with an outdoor fireplace and two covered patios.
The collection of 145 luxury, single-family homes, sits along the award-winning 18-hole Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, home of the Colorado Open.
“You enter The Enclave driving through a canopy of cottonwoods. It’s like you’re entering an enchanted forest,” says Duhot, new home counselor for Oakwood Homes. “When you live here, you don’t feel like you live in the city.”
Homebuyers who want to enjoy that escape from city life and get easy access to the golf club’s Smokehouse and Oyster Bar restaurant must act fast.
Oakwood has its final six homesites and one quick move-in available now, Duhot says, and she expects them to sell quickly.
Contact Michelle Glass at 303-868-0011 for more details and to schedule a showing!
Most homeowners know that a leaky basement can be a serious problem that can often require a professional’s expertise. Water can damage possessions and create a health hazard, but it can also lead to structural problems with a home.
Waterproofing your basement walls is one of the best ways to prevent leaks (and callbacks). While there are many methods that can be used, one popular method is to apply a waterproof coating to the walls, which will create a barrier that prevents water from seeping in.
It’s critical to remove all standing water before beginning any waterproofing job. After the area is completely dry, you may now begin to analyze the damage and select the most effective action. Any water left standing may hide a leak coming from the floor – not the wall – and will require a different solution to fix the problem.
Clean, dry and grease-free surfaces produce the best results. When removing dust, grime and any loose or broken masonry with a wire brush, it’s important to make sure that it’s completely gone.
Once the area is clean and dry, you can begin plugging any holes or cracks in the walls with hydraulic cement. This will prevent water from entering the basement.
With a waterproofing project, it’s always a good idea to do an overall perimeter check on the home. Window wells are a common entry point for water, which makes it important to seal them properly. You can use silicone caulk or expanding foam. Windows and doors should also be sealed with caulking in order to prevent water from entering.
Once the basement is completely dry, all the holes are plugged and the windows and doors are caulked, it’s time to paint the walls with a waterproof sealer.
Drylok
If you are a big wine connoisseur or just saving a few bottles to crack open on special occasions, it’s important to understand how best to store them safely until you’re ready to partake. Follow the guidelines below!
Temperature
To ensure each wine bottle maintains the proper flavor and aroma, storing it at the correct temperature is essential. Regardless if it is red, white, or sparkling, storing your bottles at 53°F to 57°F is most ideal. Keeping your bottles in a room where the temperature is much warmer than that may cause the flavor to become flat. Keep your wine in the dark and away from direct UV rays as much as you can to protect the wine’s flavor.
Moisture
Controlling the humidity in the room is important if you plan to store bottles for more than a couple of years. The ideal humidity for storage is between 50 to 75 percent and anything below that could cause the corks to dry out, letting air seep into the bottle.
Positioning
Generally, it is advised to store wine bottles on their sides. This allows the wine to stay up against the cork which should aid in keeping it from drying out. However, if you don’t plan to store the wine for long or if the bottle has a screw top or plastic cork, this is not required for safe storage.
Timing
Not all wine is designed to have a long shelf life or be aged. Make sure you know what the winemaker’s intention was for that particular bottle. It is always better to open it a little early and enjoy it!
Michelle Glass
You’ve purchased a home with a large backyard and all your pup wants to do is be outside. But after the 10th time, you have to get up and open the door to let him or her in and out, you start researching doggy doors. Long-term convenience with a fairly simple installation sounds great to you! However, before committing, you should consider how it may affect the safety of your home.
A doggy door is a home feature that can make your house more susceptible to burglary. These doors are almost always placed in a back door or wall of the home, putting it out of the line of sight for passing traffic and neighbors. If a robber is small enough, they may be able to slip right through the door or use it to reach in and unlock the door.
As long as you remain conscious and aware of the safety implications, there are several ways to secure your doggy door, keeping convenience in place while protecting you and your family. The first and easiest option is to select a door that includes a sliding bolt or has a self-locking feature. If you have a security system in place, you can have the design adjusted to include the doggy door and surrounding area. Many of these systems include sensors and cameras intelligent enough to ignore your pet’s body weight or shape, but pick up on anything else. Alternatively, you could install a motion detector that will signal you on your phone or report to your security company if someone is coming in and out of your home.
Regardless of the option you choose, make sure you take precautions to protect the safety of your family members, both human and furry.
Michelle Glass
Creating a gallery wall in your home is an easy, do-it-yourself way to bring your personal style into any room. There is no right or wrong way to create one and no limit to the possibilities. Before you get started, check out the following tips for creating an eye-catching gallery wall that you will love.
Creating a great gallery wall doesn’t require a huge area to work with. Select a nook or corner in your living room, a small stretch of hallway, or your entry area.
Find a favorite piece of art and use that as the centerpiece for your gallery wall. This could be a large canvas painting, family portrait, metal feature piece, or stylish mirror. Then choose pieces that complement and highlight it.
Is this gallery wall going to contain artwork and images of all the same texture, color, and materials? Or are you going to mix and match different prints, photographs, décor pieces, frames, and drawings?
Gallery walls usually lean one of two ways — linear and orderly or abstract and dimensional. Select the one that matches the look you’re going for and start hanging!
Your gallery wall doesn’t have to end where the wall hits the flooring. Consider tying in other aspects of the room by coordinating colors and materials on pieces, such as rugs, furniture, lamps, plants, bedding, decorative pillows, and more. Or, if you’ve already styled the rest of the room, use those colors to inspire the pieces in your gallery wall.
Michelle Glass
Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is a real estate franchise company. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act.
