Map shows options for people hoping for permits to cut down their own Colorado Christmas tree

 
 

A memorable experience, cutting a holiday tree is a special tradition to share with family and friends while helping to maintain a healthy forest.

For many families, venturing into the forest to cut a Christmas tree for the holidays is a treasured tradition carried on for generations, while others may just be discovering the thrill of searching for the perfect holiday centerpiece.

For every tree that is found, cut and carried home as a holiday fixture, you’re also contributing to the overall forest health. Christmas tree permits are a unique opportunity for citizens to help thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees – the perfect size for a Christmas tree.

People who are interested in cutting down their own Christmas trees in the wild this year in Colorado can do so by purchasing a permit at recreation.gov/tree-permits. The website allows you to view maps of cutting areas and learn more about the types of trees that can be cut.

The website also offers safety tips.

The tree cutting process contributes to the overall forest health by helping to "thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees."

Read more at CBSNews.com and Recreation.gov

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in North Carolina

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Minnesota

How Many Square Feet Is My House? How to Calculate Square Feet of a House

 
 

If you’re selling or looking to buy, one concept that’s crucial to understand is how to calculate the square feet of a house.

Having to do a square footage calculation may be giving you panicked thoughts about being late to homeroom, but there’s a huge difference between a home that’s 400 square feet and one that’s 4,000, and not just in terms of how much space you’ve got to stretch your legs.

A home’s square footage is a crucial element in determining the price of a home you’re trying to buy or sell, how much you’ll pay in taxes if you live there, and what kinds of renovations are possible in your future. Plus, a home’s square footage can be surprisingly subjective. So, if you’re asking yourself, “how to calculate square feet of a house?” here’s what you need to know.

Since most people don’t have a square foot calculator in their back pocket, here’s what you need to know to ace any square footage calculations that crop up in your future.

How to calculate square feet of a room

You probably know how to calculate the square footage of a simple room without any funny shapes. Just break out your measuring tape—or a laser measure—to get its length and width. Multiply the width by the length and voila! You have the square footage. Say a room is 20 feet wide by 13 feet long, then 20 x 13 = 260 square feet.

 
 

How to calculate square feet of a house

While measuring a single room is no big deal, people get kind of intimidated when it comes to calculating the square footage of an entire home. While homes can initially seem “daunting to measure, they’re just a collection of small boxes,” says Mario Mazzamuto of SF Bay Appraisal. Don’t sweat it if a room has an outcropping. Simply break that area down into a smaller box, and measure each box individually. Add up each box’s square footage to get the room’s total area. So if your living room, bedroom, bathroom, and hallway are  500, 400, 200, and 100 square feet respectively, that means the total is 500 + 400 + 200 + 100 = 1,200 square feet total.

 
 

If you have a round kitchen and a triangular rumpus room, fear not. Just check out vCalc’s handy calculator that will tell you how to calculate square feet no matter what polygon’s thrown your way. Once you choose a shape, the calculator will prompt you for the measurements needed to compute square footage.

How many square feet is my house? Take the square foot calculation with a grain of salt

Now that you know how to calculate the square footage of a home, it’s time to bust your bubble with a big caveat: A square footage calculation is surprisingly subjective based on who’s doing the measuring. For instance, you measured the actual, livable square footage between the interior walls. But many architects use their own square foot calculation method, measuring the square footage from the exterior walls.

This explains why there are often discrepancies between your square foot calculations and those of a real estate agent, builder, or other sources. (looking for an agent? Here’s where to find a real estate agent in your area.)

“Many MLS services require a listing’s square footage to come from a specific source,” says Realtor.com. So while you can make your own estimate, you may need to hire a certain professional to come up with a number that can be used on your listing; check with your Realtor or town’s building department to determine who that is.

As a general rule, “the square footage extends through the Sheetrock and framing to the exterior of the wall,” says Mazzamuto. Generally, to do the same for your measurements, add 6 inches per measurement, he says.

Read more at Realtor.com

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in North Carolina

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Minnesota

Featured at West + Main Louisville: Lilianna Story

 
 

Please join us in Louisville for First Friday, featuring photographer Lilianna Story

Old Mexico

920 Main Street
12.06.2024, 6-9pm

Meet Lilianna

Lilianna Story is a photographer from Texas, specializing in fine art photography from different parts of the world.

Lilianna started photographing professionally over 20 years ago. She was mostly influenced by her father, who was also a photographer.  He taught her how to photograph with heart.  He photographed presidents and celebrities, including John Kennedy, Jacquelin Onassis and Lyndon B. Johnson.  His favorite work involved human interest stories and this taught Lilianna how to capture life through the lens.

"My goal is to capture people and places which evoke emotion and help tell a story."

 

MAESTRO DE SOGA

 
 

Learn more about Lilianna in our Q+A!

How did your business come to exist?

I never set out to be a photographer. I started photographing with my father‘s camera.  Then someone asked me to photograph professionally. I was fearful, but then I said yes. I’ve enjoyed it ever since.

What are you known for?

Many people will say my work is known for capturing light and giving importance to negative space in a photograph.  But ultimately, the observer defines that.

What are you currently working on?

I recently returned from India, so I am working on a series for exhibition.

 

CHARRA

 

What is your favorite part of your job?

Being able to give and serve this way is humbling and makes me happy.

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever gotten?

My father always says, “enjoy it, share it, and remember that it does not come from you.”

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love family. Being around them, re-energizes my soul.

 
 

CHARRO

 

What is your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is promoting my work. It feels awkward to self promote.

Who/What are your biggest influences?

My parents are a big influence to me. They are honest and loving and very nurturing.  Above all, God steers me.

What is your dream project?

My dream project would be to photograph a unique culture that no one really knows about. And working with children, I love working with children.

 
 
 
 

Get in touch with Lilianna

Website: https://www.liliannastory.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liliannastoryphotography

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!

Just Listed: Move-In Ready Gem with Stunning Mountain Views!

 
 
 

Amazing opportunity to get a fully updated and move-in ready home in an ideal location just across the street from Westminster Hills Open Space + Dog Park with instant access to miles of trails and beautiful front range mountain views!

Located on a quiet street, this home has a ton of curb appeal with a classic brick + neutral facade along with tidy landscaping, new roof, new garage door + new driveway. Inside you will find a bright + airy open living area with vaulted ceilings that flows freely and provides a great space for entertaining. Interior fully updated to include durable laminate flooring, custom modern iron railing, new lighting + hardware. Kitchen was recently renovated with crisp white shaker cabinets, new quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, single-basin sink, open shelving + countertop seating for three. Primary bedroom has stunning mountain views, walk-in closet + connects to full bath. Both baths are newly updated with new shower tile, vanities + lighting. Garden-level downstairs gets good natural light and has a great den/flex space w/ wood-burning fireplace + an office/3rd bedroom. Highlight of the home is the 400+ SF deck with amazing mountain views that overlooks open space. With plenty of room for dining or lounge furniture, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the solitude of a quiet morning cup of coffee, watch the sunset, or have a nice evening under the warm glow of string lights. The large backyard has mature trees, plenty of flat grassy space, a large fragrant lilac bush + several flower-blooming trees.There is not a better location to take advantage of an active outdoor lifestyle - miles of walking + biking trails are just across the street, Standley Lake Park is 1/2 mi away, and incredible hiking in the foothills of Eldorado Canyon, Boulder or Golden are a quick drive. Enjoy local dining + community events nearby in Downtown Louisville or Westminster Downtown, and have easy access to multiple highways for a quick commute.

Listed by Kate Kazell for West + Main Homes. Please contact Kate for current pricing + availability.

 
 
 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Kate Kazell
720-613-8478
katekazell@westandmainhomes.com



 

Just Listed: Private 11.85-Acre Retreat with Modern Elegance!

 
 
 

Stunning Private Retreat on 11.85 Acres with Modern Comforts and Natural Beauty.

Welcome to this breathtaking, gated home nestled on 11.85 acres of serene, private land—no HOA. This rare find combines the tranquility of nature with the convenience of modern living.As you step through the glass double doors, you’re greeted by a spacious foyer to set tone for the expansive living spaces that follow. The open-concept living room offers a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing while you watch deer and turkeys roam the property through a large picture window. This home truly brings the outdoors in, allowing you to enjoy nature’s beauty from the comfort of your living room. At the heart of the home, the chef’s kitchen is a dream come true, featuring an oversized island that is perfect for meal prep and entertaining. With plenty of counter space and top-of-the-line appliances, the kitchen flows seamlessly into the expansive living room, creating the perfect setting for gatherings.On the main level, you'll find an array of living spaces designed for comfort and convenience. Two bar areas offer additional space for socializing, while a separate office provides a quiet spot for work or study. The primary suite is a true retreat, with private access to the backyard and a secure safe room for peace of mind. A secondary bedroom, full bathroom, and powder room round out the lower level. Upstairs, the home continues with a flexible space that can be used as a media or playroom. Two additional bedrooms, one with an en-suite bathroom, and 4th full bathroom offer comfort and privacy for guests or family members.This home is equipped with a whole-house generator, ensuring that you’ll always have power. Whether you’re relaxing by the fireplace, enjoying the expansive outdoor space, or hosting in the gourmet kitchen, this property offers a perfect blend of privacy, luxury, and modern conveniences. Come explore this exceptional property and make it your own peaceful retreat!

Listed by Debbie Willis for West + Main Homes. Please contact Debbie for current pricing + availability.

 
 
 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Debbie Willis
405-922-6686
debbie@westandmainok.com