Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 18

Towel background. VERY shallow DOF.Who doesn’t love the idea of a fresh new bathroom to enjoy that morning shower in each and every day? Or picturing a sleek powder room that you can proudly guide your guests to? These days most homeowners are thinking twice before calling a contractor to do these costly jobs. If you are considering tackling the project yourself, here are some tips to get you started on the right track to a beautiful new bathroom at a fraction of the cost.
  1. Carefully assess your financial situation, then set a budget. Be generous with your estimates as it is always better to set a high budget and finish with leftover cash, than to have a tiny budget that forces you to spend more than you’ve allowed yourself.
  2. Carefully measure your bathroom. The importance of this step cannot be underestimated. Digital measuring tools are worth their weight in gold.
  3. Make a list or sketch of your renovation plan. This will include a new tub/shower, sink, fixtures, etc.
  4. Decide upon wallpaper, paint and tile. Have an alternate plan in case your first idea does not work.
  5. Take your plans to your home improvement store. Compare prices at more than one store. Make detailed notes and keep them together in a file so that you can get the lowest price possible. You may even discover some items at the store that cost less and you like more than what you had originally planned upon.
  6. Take home any paint, tile or wallpaper samples. View them at different times of day in your bathroom. Certain colors that look soothing by day, can look garish by night due to lighting.
  7. When you have assessed all of the above, does it fit into your budget? If so, go ahead and purchase everything you need to avoid multiple trips to the store.
  8. When finished, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
For more information go to the Do It Yourself Website.

Ranches on south side Lafayette

by crussell
All 3BR, 2BA, DR, on wooded lots, owner occupied tax exemptions will cut taxes approximately in half for entire year. Click the links below to view the homes. 228 Creekview Dr. 300 Creekview Dr. 304 Creekview Dr.

Ravined wooded lot in Delphi

by crussell
Gorgeous ravined and wooded lot.  Click the link below to view the lot. Lot 15 Bicycle Bridge Bluff

Brick ranch with basement on south side Lafayette!

by crussell
Great home with basement on spacious lot close to schools, wonderful porch, overlooks back yard, well 2 yrs old, septic 6 yrs old, 100 amp 1.5 yrs old, roof 5 yrs old, all brick, shed, Home Warranty available.  Click the link below to view this home! 1561 Crestwood Dr. S

Practically new ranch in West Lafayette!

by crussell
Backyard sod--new fenced backyard with pond, stainless steel Kitchen, neutral decor and paint colors, use Den as 4th bedroom or Dining Room, 9ft ceilings, average winter electric $120, average summer electric $60, no gas bill.  Click the link below to view this home! 3623 Cavendish
Pict 5464 Birch tree and lamp post on snow covered streetAs everyone knows, spring is the most desirable time to put your house on the market as the weather seems to always cooperate and your landscaping’s appeal can be fully realized. But if you simply must list your home during the winter months, here are a few things that you can do to make the undertaking a little bit less challenging.
  1. Keep dead tree limbs picked up.
  2. Keep driveway, steps and walkways plowed, shoveled and salted at all times.
  3. Keep gutters clean - so no icicles can form.
  4. Replace weather-stripping as needed to keep drafts away.
  5. Keep all valves to outdoor spigots turned off to avoid burst pipes.
  6. Holiday decorations should be put away as soon as possible.
  7. Keeping a roaring fireplace during an open house this time of year is always a good thing.
  8. Keep lists handy for all potential buyers of all of your home’s energy efficiencies, i.e. wrapped pipes, extra insulation, new windows, etc.
  9. Keep all windows clean to let in as much light as possible. Remove all screens to storage and take down any heavy drapes. This will let in that extra light that so many potential buyers will be demanding this time of year.
  10. Keep as many lights on as possible during showings. If you cannot be there, set lights on timers and add motion sensors to walkways. You may even consider installing motion detectors for walk-in closets.
  11. Keep photos around your home showing the house in all seasons. A nice shot of your blooming flowers and lush green shrubs will help potential buyers understand what is under all of that snow!
Most every person in this country knows the importance of installing and keeping their fire alarms properly maintained. What many people do not yet know is just how important it is to install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in their homes as well. Every year in our country approximately two hundred people die from carbon monoxide poisoning. These tragedies can be easily avoided by purchasing a carbon monoxide detector at your local hardware store. Ways to avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning in your home:
  • Purchase a carbon monoxide detector to place within 15 feet of every sleeping area in your home.
  • Change the batteries yearly, when you change your fire alarm batteries.
  • Have your furnace and fireplace checked regularly by a professional.
  • Use your generators properly.
  • Avoid “warming up” your car if the garage is attached to your home.
Learn to recognize Carbon Monoxide poisoning symptoms:
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Coughing
  • Irregular Heartbeat
  • Pale skin with cherry red lips and ear tips
For more information on how to install a carbon monoxide detector see EHow’s instructions.

Using Wood Composite Technology Will Help Build Chemical Free

by lheraty
People are becoming more aware and concerned about what materials are used in the building of a new home and additions to older homes, including items such as decks. For example, wood composite technology is a very interesting new material that is now becoming more popular when building a deck because it is chemical-free. Wood Composite Technology, Inc. is currently featuring the Millenium Decking System for people who are concerned about building environmentally friendly additions to their homes. Material features:
  • Manufactured using ninety percent recycled content
  • Fire resistant
  • Slip resistant
  • Easy installation
  • Low Maintenance
  • Is Barefoot Friendly
  • Chemical-free
For more information see HGTV’s composite deck episode.
Who doesn’t love the look of a wood-shingled roof? Over the years the beautiful gray-silver color that it becomes only adds to its beauty. If you are considering one of these traditional roofing materials, there are some things you should know to help you make the right decisions for you. Wood Shingles are cut by machine and are tapered and made smooth on both sides. They are quite uniform and are typically made of cedar, spruce or treated pine wood. Wood shakes are split by hand from wood blocks of cedar, spruce or treated pine, so they are grooved and have a rustic look. Be aware that since they are both made from wood, they are vulnerable to fire. This type of roof does not last forever and even with proper maintenance it will need to be replaced approximately every twenty years. The typical cost for a wood shingle installation is anywhere between $4 and $7 per square foot, while installing wood shakes can run anywhere between $6 and $9 per square foot.  These estimates usually only cover the installation because you will pay extra to have your old roof removed and properly disposed of. This you can expect to pay $3 to $5 per square foot for, which could be higher if you have a complex roof. Shingles and Shakes are sold by the square, which covers 100 square feet. You will need to purchase ten percent extra to cover unavoidable waste. At ImproveNet.com you can learn more about roofing materials and you will be able to use their roofing calculator.

Improve The Air Quality In Your Home With These Ideas

by lheraty
Many homeowners today are concerned about the quality of air in their homes, since we spend so much time indoors. Here are some ways that you can achieve superior air quality while improving your family’s respiratory health. This is what you can do, moving from room to room.
  • Basement: Since the furnace is in this space, you must have it inspected and cleaned yearly to avoid leakage of dangerous gases. Also, many basements can be damp and therefore may grow mold. You must make sure your gutters are doing their job of keeping water runoff away from your home. Installing a dehumidifier or air conditioner can keep even the most moist basement dry.
  • Garage: Install a weatherproof door between this room and the rest of your home. It will keep gasoline odors where they belong. Your lungs will thank you.
  • Kitchen: If you have a gas range, you must have a hood fan that exhausts outdoor air. Turning on that fan, or simply opening a window while cooking will remove gas fumes. All fuel burning appliances must be professionally inspected yearly to prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Family/Living Room: Dust accumulation can be simply eliminated with the reduction of clutter. Keeping toys, books and other items nicely stored away in closets is the way to go.
  • Bedrooms: Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Dust mites and allergens are also greatly reduced by washing bedding in hot water. Choose area rugs that are easy to wash.
  • Bathrooms: Ventilation is so important in this well-used room. Exhaust fans work to remove moisture and chemicals that you clean with. Change your cleaning products to ones that have no pesticides or toxic ingredients. See www.grist.org for a list of green bathroom cleaners.
  • Attic: Have your duct work inspected if it runs through an uninsulated attic. Why? Because humid air condenses and can cause mold and rust. Consider having your attic insulated.
Throughout your home always leave doors between rooms open for better air circulation Opening windows from time to time is a no-brain er, but some forget to do it.

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 18

Syndication

Categories

Archives

Contact Information

Photo of Cathy Russell Real Estate
Cathy Russell
The Russell Company
2522 Covington St.
West Lafayette IN 47906
(765) 426-7000
(765) 335-5588
Fax: (765) 497-1003