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Porches are very popular, but a screened porch is a must-have for some because of bugs and weather that is more worrisome than before. Screened porches offer an outdoor sanctuary in an age of increasing concerns about pest-borne diseases, which is one of the reasons they have been increasing in popularity over the years.

They will provide protection against bugs, but also offer shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. Additionally, a screened porch will lower ground temperatures, saving on cooling costs in the summer. A screened porch will also reduce the sunlight that reaches adjacent interior rooms.

Lighting options are greatly increased as well. During the day, you can still rely on the sun, but at night, you can use recessed lighting, pendant lights or even a ceiling fan to give the room even more light and comfort.

Sellers or those who recently purchased a home might even consider building an entirely new porch if there is space available, say between the garage and house. But keep in mind that it doesn’t add to the home’s total square footage.

If you do decide to go this route, there are numerous options when deciding on the materials to build with. A quick look around the web will provide advice on designing the porch in three phases: flooring, exterior materials and interior trim. Everything from pressure-treated Yellow Southern Pine to vinyl and to up-cycled composites can be considered.

When getting started, know what you want in the look of your ceiling from the beginning. Flat ceilings can give a screened porch that interior room feel, whereas a vaulted or cathedral ceiling is spacious, allowing for better ventilation.

Also, think about doors carefully. Do you want one leading directly to the house, or do you want it to wrap around the side for easier entry from a pool or outside entertaining area? Aluminum doors are highly recommended because wood doors tend to warp over time.

While this might seem like a project you might want to tackle yourself, using a professional contractor is probably best, as they will know the zoning laws, can deal with any issues of wires that might pop up, and can create something in less time.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Maybe youre moving and want to properly stage your home. Or perhaps you just want to enjoy your home more, with less stuff interfering with your dcor. In any case, decluttering your house or apartment can create a more peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environment that everyone who enters your home will appreciate. Here are some easy tips to help you get started:

Set Goals/Make a Plan
The first step is making a list of the areas in your home”problem zones”that need your attention. Plan a day to tackle each area (or two, if its particularly troublesome). Setting aside an hour every morning before your day gets going (or one morning a week, depending on your schedule) can help.

Look for Things That Give You Joy or Efficiency
For each item, consider the last time you used it, how useful it is and whether you enjoy using it. If the answer to these three questions is over a year ago or no, toss or donate it.

Invest in Attractive Storage
From a new hamper to shelving, spending a bit of money on organizing tools that double as dcor can help your home feel less cluttered and help you keep it that way.

Pare Down Collections
Some items have sentimental value”childhood collections like dolls or trophies are common dust gatherers and waste space. Choose 2 or 3 to keep and you wont agonize over the decision or lose valuable shelf or storage space.

Check All Expiration Dates
Double check the dates on food, spices and medicine. Prescription meds can be turned into most police stations for proper disposal.

Start Small and Slow
If youre someone who has hoarding tendencies (no judgement here!), acknowledge it and dont give yourself anxiety by bringing half your wardrobe to charity or throwing out half of your childhood mementos all at once. Take one box at a time and youll stay the course without giving yourself additional stress.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

A home addition could provide much-needed space to relax, entertain guests or pursue a hobby. It could also affect your property tax bills, but the amount and timing of the tax increase would depend on several factors.

How do Local Governments Assess Property Taxes?
Each city or town assesses property taxes according to a formula that considers its budgetary needs and local laws. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of a house, which can be determined by an individual homes square footage and amenities and the characteristics and sale prices of the neighborhood as a whole.

Some local governments assess property values once a year, others every few years. Some only reassess property values when a home is sold, while in other areas, major home improvements automatically trigger a reassessment.

An addition that increases your homes square footage and/or market value would most likely lead to higher taxes. Depending on where you live, adding another room could raise your property taxes by a lot or a little.

Dont Try to Dodge Higher Taxes
Tax assessors often check to see if a permit was issued for home improvements before they assess property values, and in other cases, the building department automatically notifies the tax assessors office when a permit is issued. In some areas, field appraisers drive through neighborhoods looking for changes to houses. Some local governments even take aerial photographs and use software to compare images captured at different times to spot changes that could affect home values.

If you had work done without a permit, the tax assessors office could find out on its own, or a neighbor who was upset about the noise and mess or who had a beef with you for an unrelated reason could report the unpermitted work. That means you could face both higher property taxes and punishment for not obtaining a permit.

Even if you werent caught right away, you could encounter other problems. An addition built without a permit wouldnt be inspected and approved, which means the contractors might perform shoddy work that could put your family and guests in danger. Unreported work could also lead to problems if you decided to sell your house in the future.

Find out How an Addition Could Affect Your Tax Bills
Improving your home by adding more living space could make it more comfortable for your family and increase its market value, but it would most likely raise your property taxes as well. The amount of the increase would depend on several local factors, and you might not get a higher bill until months or even years after you built the addition. To get specifics on what to expect, contact your local tax assessors office.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Want to make your home stand out from the others in your neighborhood? Updating your garage can be a simple way to accomplish this while boosting curb appeal at the same time. Here’s how to get started:

Try a New Color
One option to make your home’s garage door draw attention is to use a unique color. You have to be careful here, because a color thats too odd could actually be a drawback. Consider the overall look of your home and choose a color thatll complement your home’s architecture while still being different from the other homes in the neighborhood.

Choose a Unique Material
Are all the doors in your neighborhood metal or vinyl? Consider upgrading to a real wood door. Wood doors give a home character and a classic look, and they can be an asset to your home’s curb appeal. If you don’t want to spend more for a real wood door, consider a metal or vinyl door that is finished to look like wood.

Add a Unique Design
Most garage doors look very similar. Four rows of paneling, often decorated with squares and maybe a row of windows at the top, is fairly standard. Mix this up a bit, and your home will stand out. Use a flush style or long panel door. If you have the budget and the time, consider redoing the door and the frame to add some curves. Arched garage doors instantly grab attention and attract interest in the home.

If your home doesn’t give you room for arches, get creative with the four-panel look. Use molding or glass to add a unique design to this standard shape. Vertical paneling and arched windows can also make the door stand out, without changing its overall shape. Paint the panels to match your siding and the trim to match the house’s trim for a distinctive, yet classic look.

Upgrade the Finishing Touches
From the handle to the glass in the windows, the finishing touches on your garage door can be the final piece of the puzzle as you try to make it stand out. Wrought-iron decorative touches on the panels can add the distinction you need. Even changing the lighting near your garage door can make a difference. Upgrade these small touches and give your garage door some extra pizzazz.

Updating your garage door can be a valuable way to make your home look distinctive and increase its curb appeal. If youre thinking about selling your home in the near future, consider making this change now to improve your selling experience.

Source: Mid-Atlantic Door Group

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Homeowners today have a seemingly endless array of options when it comes to selecting what kind of floor theyd like in their homes. So, how do you know which is right for you? HGTV has the scoop on the top 10 flooring choices and what you need to know about each:

1. Wood. Solid wood is a popular option for many because it can be refinished over and over and lasts a lifetime. However, in order to be installed properly, it needs to be nailed to a sub-floor, and its important to check that the wood is harvested responsibly”look for an FSC or SFI certification to be sure.

2. Engineered Wood. The difference between this and solid wood is how its constructed: The top layer of engineered wood is a veneer of the real thing, supported by plywood underneath. Its about the same cost and boasts a similar durability to actual wood, but installation is much easier, especially with certain clickable varieties.

3. Laminate. Laminate floors give you the freedom to choose any number of patterns and colors to complement your homes architecture and decor. Manufacturers use photo technology to create a plastic coating that mimics whatever style youre after. Another perk: It can be placed directly on top of an existing floor. No tear-outs!

4. Linoleum. An environmentally safe option, linoleum is made with renewable, biodegradable resources. Special coatings resist stains and heavy traffic, but the floor itself is high maintenance, needing refinishing every two years.

5. Ceramic Tile. Tile is another popular choice for flooring because it can be customized easily. There are four main types: glazed, quarry, porcelain (the most resilient) and terracotta. Installation isnt cheap, especially if you add decorative trim pieces or mosaic inlays.

6. Carpet. The most versatile flooring is carpeting, which features more colors and textures than any other kind. A good quality indicator is the fiber density; wool is the standard, but other common materials include nylon, acrylic, polyester and polypropylene.

7. Stone. Stone floor tiles are also popular, if youre willing to splurge. Costing anywhere from $2 to $100 per square foot, they add a touch of luxury to any home. Harder stones (think granite and marble) only need to be sealed every five years; softer stones, such as limestone, must be refinished more frequently. A word of caution if you want stone in your bathroom: Its wise to invest in skid-resistant surfaces, as stones become slippery when wet.

8. Vinyl. Vinyl flooring, whether in sheets or tile squares, requires almost no maintenance. There are many colors and styles to choose from, with very little cost associated with customization. Backed by felt, they have an upper layer designed to resist scratches for 15 years.

9. Bamboo. All the rage with green living enthusiasts, bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly option made from the plants fibers held together by glue. It can also stand up to wear and tear, which makes it comparable to stronger flooring, like wood.

10. Cork. Cork is an alternative trend thats gaining traction in newer homes. Its comfortable to walk on and comes prefinished, so you dont have to reseal within a year. Another plus is that it comes from the bark (rather than the core) of a tree, so forests remained unharmed during the harvesting process.

Published with permission from RISMedia.