Uncategorized

As backyard season kicks into high gear, you’ll need to have the right equipment on hand to create and maintain a healthy and inviting outdoor space. Here are some steps to follow to make sure your outdoor gear is ready to go:

Refresh Your Knowledge

Read your equipment owner’s manuals and follow all manufacturer’s guidelines. Save a digital copy for future reference.

Look Over Equipment

Lots can happen when equipment is left in a garage or storage shed for an extended period of time. Check the air filter, oil level and gasoline tank, and look out for loose belts and missing or damaged parts.

Protect Your Power

Use only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment. Most manufacturers recommend a fuel stabilizer be used, especially if you don’t use up all the fuel in the tank right away.

Store Fuel Safely

Label fuel cans with the date of purchase and ethanol content of the fuel. Always store fuel out of the reach of children or pets and in approved containers.

Tidy Up

Clean equipment will run more efficiently and last longer, so take care of it regularly by removing dirt, oil and grass, and store it in a dry place. Never store equipment in a place that is damp or wet.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

A house with a master suite is a dream for many. A large bedroom, private bathroom and other amenities can be an oasis for stressed-out homeowners to escape and relax. However, a master suite can also be expensive”and may or may not attract buyers in the future.

Features of a Master Suite
The term master suite can mean many different things. In some cases, it simply refers to a large bedroom with spacious walk-in closets and a large, attached, private bathroom. Master bathrooms are typically much more elaborate than typical bathrooms. Homeowners frequently choose showers with massaging jets, hot tubs, side-by-side sinks and more expensive wall and flooring materials than those generally used in bathrooms.

Some people use part of a master suite as an entertainment area with a large television, stereo system, video game consoles and other electronic devices. The options depend on the size and layout of the suite and a homeowners budget.

In some cases, owners prefer a master suite with a sitting area and a cozy fireplace. It can be the perfect place to relax on a cold, snowy day and watch TV or escape into a good book.

For other people, a master suite is seen as a more functional area. For example, the owners may set aside part of the space as a laundry room where they can take care of chores without worrying about children running in or leaving toys scattered about.

A portion of a master suite can even be used as a home office. A parent can have a private space to work without distractions, while at the same time being able to easily check on children and pets or handle chores in other parts of the house when necessary.

How a Master Suite Could Affect Home Values
A house with a master suite could cost significantly more than a house without one. Depending on the location of the home, a master suite may or may not help you get a good price if you decide to sell it later.

If most of the other houses in the neighborhood have master suites, buyers will most likely expect one. If you bought a house with a master suite that was smaller or less elaborate than that of a neighboring home, that might not matter to you now, but it could work against you later if you try to sell the house and prospective buyers are underwhelmed. On the other hand, if you customized your master suite in an ostentatious way that wouldnt appeal to most people, that could also limit the pool of potential buyers.

Talk to Your Real Estate Agent
If having privacy and some trappings of luxury are priorities for you, a master suite could be an excellent idea. Before you commit to a specific house, ask your real estate agent about other homes in the area to find out how the house you’re considering compares”and how the master suite might affect your ability to sell the house in the future.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Your dog may be your best friend, but your neighbors may view it differently. If someone complains about your dog, the worst thing you can do is get defensive. Thatll make your neighbor feel like you dont care, and an issue that you mightve been able to resolve amicably could escalate into an ongoing feud that could involve the authorities.

Listen and Gather Information
Even if you think your neighbor is exaggerating, take the complaint seriously. You may not fully understand your dogs behavior, especially if problems occur when youre away from home. Express empathy and ask questions. Talk to other neighbors and ask if theyve experienced problems with your dog so everyone will know that you sincerely want to understand and address the problem. Setting up a video camera outside your house can help you observe your dog while youre at work.

How to Address Problems
If your dog spends most of its time outdoors, it may be hungry, thirsty, hot, cold or lonely. The dog may bark when people walk by your house because its agitated or wants to play. You might be able to solve these problems by keeping your dog inside while youre at work and having someone stop by to take it for a walk, by confining your pet to the backyard, or by providing more food and water or better shelter. If your dog barks right after you leave for work, it could be experiencing separation anxiety. Making time for a morning walk could help your dog relax.

If your dog plays or relieves itself on a neighbors property, keep your pet on a leash whenever you take it out of your yard. If your dog jumps on the fence separating your property and your next-door neighbors, you may need to reinforce the fence or put up a second fence to keep your neighbors family safe.

If your dog is accused of attacking a neighbors family member or pet, find out the extent of the victims injuries and try to locate witnesses or surveillance video. If the police and/or animal control are called, cooperate fully. You may have to pay for medical or veterinary bills and take measures to keep others safe, or even get rid of your dog if its deemed too dangerous.

Follow the Law
Comply with all local laws related to dog ownership. If your dog isnt licensed and up to date on vaccinations, if you let it roam around unleashed, or if you dont clean up after it relieves itself, a neighbor could use those facts against you if he or she decided to file a complaint with local authorities.

Look for Solutions
Assume that a neighbors complaints about your dog are at least partially justified. Listen, take the matter seriously, gather more information, and search for a way to resolve the issue thatll keep everyone safe and help you maintain a positive relationship with your neighbor.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are four ideas to keep in mind when designing a home that embodies understated luxury.

Keep It Casual

Above all else, your living area should feel comfortable and functional rather than overly decorative.

Muted Tones

Shades of white and gray or natural earth tones are ideal for a low-key ambience.

Quality Materials

Casual luxury is often conveyed through the careful use of high-end materials that are always in style, like marble countertops or hand-planed wood floors.

Old Meets New

Old world craftsmanship will always be fashionable. But dont be afraid to juxtapose it with contemporary or modern furnishings.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.