Uncategorized

Here are a few tips for creating a laid-back living space that captures the essence of Scandinavian style.

Neutral and Natural

Typically, a Nordic-inspired home utilizes a neutral color palette, with earthy materials like wood, stone and natural fibers to warm up the atmosphere.

Modern Touches

Modern light fixtures, geometric prints and clean lines are synonymous with Nordic style.

Mix and Match

The farmhouse aesthetic is also commonly paired with Scandinavian design to achieve just the right balance between modern and rustic.

Keep It Clutter-Free

Functionality is key when it comes to Nordic design, with the goal being to create an environment that feels warm while encouraging simplicity in your life.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

One feature that many people look for when buying a home is a fireplace, but not everyone understands what exactly goes into getting a nice fire roaring.

Knowing the terms can help. For instance, the fireplaces flue allows smoke to move through the chimney, and the damper is an opening you can adjust to control the intake of air and temperature of the fire. And dont forget, the flue needs to be open before a fire is first lit.

Of course, youll need to gather some wood to burn, which can be done by contracting with a provider of seasoned firewood, who will deliver and even stack it for you, or you can simply buy firewood at your local grocery store. Also, try searching Craigs list for free firewood in your neighborhood.

Firewood should be stored in a dry place so that its ready to burn. Never use wood from trees that have just been cut down, even if you have a bunch of it in your backyard from a fallen tree. That wood will most likely contain high levels of moisture that will result in more smoke than burn power, and it could lead to deposits forming on the inside of the chimney.

Once you get your fire going, use a mesh metal screen or glass fireplace door to keep errant embers from shooting out. This sort of protection in front of an open flame is especially important when the room is unoccupied.

Its always a good idea to close your fireplace down when youre done for the season. This can be done by removing all the burnt wood and debris and washing any soot that is visible. Use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes from around the opening.

Spring and summer are also great times to get your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected by an expert. Chimneys can get dirty quickly, as creosote, a highly flammable substance, can build up inside your flue lining. Animals also like to build nests in chimneys, and leaks and cracks can happen.

Doing this off-season can ensure youre prepared for the next crisp day when youre ready to enjoy another evening by the fire.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Financially, theres more to buying a home than the purchase price”sometimes much more.

After the down payment, and once your closing costs and monthly mortgage payments are added up, it can be easy to forget some of the costly and hidden costs of owning a home. Take these added charges into consideration:

Property Taxes
Property taxes are set and collected by the state, county and local agencies. Sometimes multiple agencies collect funds through a property tax for services such as water, sewer, schools and fire and police departments.

The taxes can go up annually in some areas, depending on a citys services, so the following year’s cost may be difficult to predict. You’ll still want to find out what the current property taxes are on a home before buying. A real estate agent should be able to help you calculate estimated taxes for the following year.

Home Insurance
Since home insurance is required by mortgage lenders, this is one cost that youll be reminded of quickly. It can protect your home from natural disasters, accidents and thefts. Extra insurance for natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, can cost more but may be worthwhile.

Maintenance and Remodeling
A leaky roof, cracked foundation or other home problem can be found during the inspection or long after youve moved in. Home repairs can be expensive and something you dont want to put off. Experts recommend putting aside 1 percent of your homes value for maintenance each year.

Along with repairs, take into account any remodeling you want to take on. Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are the most common areas for remodeling, which can cost thousands of dollars. Put some money aside each month in a savings account dedicated to maintenance and remodeling to make your life easier.

The same goes for home insurance, property taxes and other costs you may not think of when buying a home. Contribute regularly to a bank account to pay for the costs of owning a home, and youll be ahead of the game when the bills come due.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Cracks in ceilings can be a sign of a larger problem, or they may be nothing but a cosmetic issue. But when selling a home, all flaws in the ceiling require attention.

Most ceilings will develop a few cracks over the years that are harmless and not indicative of some bigger issue. Repairing these is a fairly simple process.

Start by removing loose paint and drywall with a utility knife. Next, cover the crack with mesh tape, centering the crack within the tape. Spread drywall joint compound over the tape, using the putty knife to make the compound flat. Dont be afraid to use too much compound, because the next step is to sand down any ridges after the compound has dried. Be sure not to sand the tape away.

The final steps are to prime and paint. Painting the entire ceiling is best so that it looks uniform.

Larger cracks are more serious and require professional attention. So-called spider web cracks can stretch from a ceiling to walls and floors. These large cracks can be a sign of structural damage and should be repaired quickly. When a crack runs across the ceiling and continues down a wall, it is commonly a sign of structural damage caused by a weak wall stud.

Cracks combined with a so-called bow, or dip in the ceiling can be a serious challenge. If the support provided by joists weakens, a ceiling will sag”a professional should be contacted right away if this is happening.

Another thing to look at is the coloring of a crack. If yellow or brown stains are around the crack, its a sign of a water leak. Be sure you find the cause of the leak and have it repaired before you fix the crack in the ceiling.

Even if your ceiling is free of cracks, its well worth your time to take a close look when selling the home. Simply dusting or vacuuming your ceiling, particularly in the corners, can make a difference to buyers. Also, be sure to clean away any scuffs. If your ceiling needs a new paint job, consider painting it white, which can make the ceiling appear higher. And while youre up on that ladder, dust ceiling fans and vacuum vents that are high on walls.

Published with permission from RISMedia.