Difficulties of Renovating Your Home’s Exterior During the Winter

 
 

Renovating your home's exterior during the winter months may seem daunting, but it can be a rewarding and practical choice.

Given the unique challenges of cold weather, it's important to approach these projects with a strategic mindset and proper planning. With potential hurdles like icy conditions and lower temperatures affecting materials and timelines, understanding how to navigate these aspects is key. Additionally, the winter season offers the opportunity to engage contractors who may be more readily available and able to focus on your project. Whether it's roof repairs, window replacements, or painting, there are benefits to tackling these tasks now, ensuring your home is ready to shine when spring arrives.

Understanding the Challenges of Cold Weather Renovations
Redoing your home exterior during the winter brings unique challenges that differ from warmer-season projects. The cold temperatures can affect materials like paint, concrete, and caulk, which might not set or cure properly, leading to longer drying times and potential issues with adhesion. Workers must also contend with less daylight, which can extend the time it takes to complete a project since their working hours are shorter. Additionally, safety is a primary concern, given the potential for icy conditions that can make ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops slippery and hazardous. It's important to consider these factors when planning home exterior projects in cold weather to ensure that the work can be done safely and effectively.

Preparing for Roof Repairs in Winter
Roof repairs during the winter can present several logistical and material-related challenges. Cold weather can make roofing materials more brittle and difficult to manipulate, increasing the risk of damage during installation. Furthermore, snow and ice on roofs can create additional hazards for workers, potentially leading to delays as conditions need to be safe before they can proceed. The fluctuating temperatures can also impact the adherence of roofing materials, necessitating careful scheduling to take advantage of milder days. It's best to hire professionals, like those at Brown's Roofing, for any necessary repairs, and to have a contingency plan in place, as unexpected weather conditions can disrupt timelines and progress.

Navigating Paint and Finishing Work
Winter's cool and often damp conditions can impact exterior painting and finishing, demanding careful consideration of timing and product selection. Many paints and stains require a minimum temperature to apply and dry correctly, and cold weather might necessitate the use of specialized products formulated for lower-temperature application. Properly managing moisture levels is crucial, as excess humidity can alter the elasticity of a finish, leading to premature cracking or peeling. Completing such tasks during intermittent warmer spells can help improve outcomes, as these conditions allow for more effective drying. Homeowners should be prepared for extended project timelines, as the unpredictability of winter weather affects when outdoor tasks can be safely tackled.

What to Expect When Replacing Windows
Replacing windows in cold weather requires careful preparation and timing, as exposure to the elements can significantly impact interior comfort. Windows should ideally be replaced one at a time by professionals to minimize heat loss while new units are being installed. The installation process may take longer due to potential complications with caulking and insulation, which are more challenging to apply and cure in lower temperatures. Exterior sealants need to be chosen specifically for cold conditions to ensure they adhere properly and perform well. Despite these challenges, replacing windows in the winter is possible with thorough planning, appropriate materials, and motivation to learn more about the process.

Recognizing the Benefits of Winter Renovations
Despite the challenges, winter exterior renovations offer some unique advantages. Contractors often have greater availability and flexibility during this season, which can mean reduced wait times for starting a project. Without the summer rush, you might also experience greater attention to detail and more personalized service, as crews aren't juggling as many simultaneous jobs. The lack of foliage and plant growth around the home also makes it easier to access and assess exteriors, facilitating work on vegetation-obscured areas. Additionally, completing projects during the off-season means that your home is prepared and looking its best once the warmer weather arrives.

Embarking on winter exterior renovations can certainly come with its set of challenges, yet the potential benefits make it an appealing option for many homeowners. By understanding the unique conditions of the cold season and planning accordingly, you can successfully navigate through any obstacles. With professionals at your side and the right materials in hand, your renovation project can not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also prepare it for the seasons to come. Winter is a quieter time for renovations, which means you might enjoy more attention to detail from your chosen crew. As you move forward, these efforts can pay off in a beautifully updated home that greets the spring with the fresh look it deserves.

Read more at Housecall

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

, , , , , ,

These 3 Old-School Home Features Are Making a Comeback, According to Pros

, , , , , ,
 
 

Some home designs are cool forever, like basically anything touched by Frank Lloyd Wright.

But even so, trends are cyclical — it’s not uncommon to see what’s old become new again. Home features also go through their fair share of deaths and revivals. Jessica Feuerstein and Elina Edelman, two real estate agents based out of Armonk, New York, tell me the old trends that they’re seeing buyers ask for right now as they search for houses.

Butler’s Pantries

 
 

Named for the area where a home’s staff (ha!) might store fine china and polish silverware, the butler’s pantry was a popular feature in high-end homes during the 19th century. They also acted as a transitional space between the kitchen and the formal dining room. While a regular pantry serves more as a dry food storage area, the butler’s pantry features cabinetry and countertop space, making it more suited for food prep. Eventually they fell out of fashion due to space restrictions and societal changes — but they’re making a comeback.

“Butler’s pantries are returning as functional spaces hidden away from the main kitchen,” Feuerstein explains. “The return of the butler’s pantry reflects a desire for organization and functionality, especially in open-concept homes where clutter can be more noticeable.” 

While the butler’s pantry originated in historic homes as a space for storage and food prep — and they’re often used for the same purposes today — many modern homeowners convert their butler’s pantry to suit their needs, such as a coffee station or even wine storage. 

Freestanding Bathtubs 

 
 

“Freestanding bathtubs are making a comeback because of their luxurious and calming appeal, catering to people’s desire for relaxation and wellness at home,” Edelman says. “They add a spa-like element to the bathroom that feels indulgent yet functional.” 

Most homes today have showers as standard features, and some may not even have tubs at all. But freestanding tubs were commonplace until well after the advent of modern plumbing, due to their ability to hold water in a home that may not have had running water. It wasn’t until the 1960s that running water became completely ubiquitous across the United States, even in rural areas, thus the popularity of the shower or shower bathtub combination grew. 

Today, people want the bathtub to be a place to relax and unwind, rather than simply wash the day off. 

“Freestanding bathtubs are being reimagined as luxurious spa-like centerpieces in modern bathrooms,” Edelman says.

Wallpaper

 
 

For a long time, wallpaper had kind of a bad rap in interior design. Just uttering the word reminded people of a stuffy, outdated home. But with its intricate designs and statement-making appeal, wallpaper has been making a comeback. 

“Today’s homeowners are looking to inject personality and creativity into their spaces,” Feuerstein says. “And wallpaper offers an easy way to make a bold statement.”

Wallpaper can easily be added to any room, whether a homeowner is trying to evoke an updated callback to the history of their home or to create a modern statement wall in their bedroom. 

Read more like this at Apartment Therapy.

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

, , , , , ,

11 Illuminating Kitchen Lighting Ideas Homeowners Need to Try

, , , , , ,
 
 

How your kitchen is lit can affect how well your spaghetti squash is sautéed or whether your guests feel welcome when you’re sharing cocktails at the kitchen island.

The kitchen is a home’s most multifunctional space – and how this gathering area is lit can affect how well your spaghetti squash is sauteed or whether your guests feel welcome when you’re sharing cocktails at the kitchen island.

How does a homeowner accomplish both at the same time? Designer Paul de Andrade, owner of Studio Kestrel in New York City, says the best kitchen lighting designs require multiple light sources in varying types, all of which are tunable.

For example, de Andrade recommends using high-quality LED strip lights under cabinets, which illuminate the entire countertop area. He suggests lighting with a color-rendering index, or CRI, of 90+ so strawberries look bright red and salads look crisp green.

“Lower quality lighting can make your countertop look washed out and sepia colored, which makes food seem dull and unappealing,” de Andrade says.

Here are 11 similarly bright techniques interior designers and kitchen experts propose that will make any kitchen feel warm and welcoming.

Layer Those Lights

Kitchens have a lot of activity: cooking, hanging out or entertaining. That means lots of lighting in various spaces, says Jessie Brinkley, an architectural designer with Melichar Architects in Lake Forest, Illinois.

“Kitchens require a lot of functionality in addition to beauty. Since there are so many affordable options available today, we are seeing layers of lighting that offer up lots of operational flexibility," Brinkley says. "Function task lighting and decorative lighting – small recessed, under-cabinet, in-cabinet, pendant lighting – work in combination.”

Consider a Chandelier

If you want to make a style statement, add a bit of fanciness to the kitchen, says Courtney Cole, an Australian interior designer with TileCloud.

“Chandeliers are returning to kitchens, especially in more traditional or farmhouse-style spaces. If you want to give the room a luxurious touch, these will give you just that – especially when used over a dining area or kitchen island,” Cole says.

Mix Up Your Finishes

Not every light in your kitchen needs to be made from glass, says Alan Berman, president at Archetype Architecture in New York City.

“Think brass, leather, marble and artisan glass fixtures that tell a story. Mixing textures and styles creates a vibrant visual experience, making spaces feel alive and expressive with lighting as a key narrative element,” Berman says.

Try a Trend

Kitchen trends that are popular and will continue to evolve in the years ahead include biophilic or nature-inspired design as well as sustainability, says Riki Lent, senior vice president of Kalco Lighting and Allegri Crystal in New Windsor, New York. This translates to kitchens that have warmer tones, softer shapes and an increased use of renewable materials.

“There’s also a strong desire to infuse personality into interiors, so handcrafted elements that artfully infuse unique materials are becoming more important,” Lent says.

Move Past Pedestrian Pendant Lights

Pendant lighting is a homeowner’s chance to make a statement, de Andrade says. “Nowadays there are so many beautiful options, so try something sculptural or alabaster or rattan," he says. "It’s a great way to break away from the often boring and utilitarian design of a kitchen and create a space that blends seamlessly with the rest of your home.”

Don’t Be Down on Downlights

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so its lighting needs to reflect that and be bright, warm and welcoming, says Antonia Caicedo, the interior architect and design director at Jimeco Interiors in Miami Shores, Florida.

"Overly bright lighting that works well in a garage or office space may not be the best for a kitchen space. Opt for a mix of downlights and pendants to achieve the perfect combination of functional and decorative,” Caicedo says.

Dimmer May Be Better

Dimmer switches can be a kitchen’s best assets, says Ashley Macuga, principal designer at Collected Interiors in San Francisco.

“Bedtime doesn’t necessarily mean a kitchen’s work is done. The middle of the night glass of water or midnight snack is better enjoyed under the soft glow of a sink pendant light," Macuga says. "Kept on a warm dim, it mimics the natural glow of sunset, helping you see without signaling to your brain that it’s time to wake up and start the day.”

Use Lights to Show Off Your Stuff

If you have a special piece you love to serve on or maybe a great family collectible, light it up, says Gabrielle Bove, owner of Opaline Interiors Studio in Boston.

“I love to hide LED tape lighting in specialty display cabinets to highlight my clients’ dinnerware and glassware collections. These types of lights are perfect to turn on when you have company over for a dinner party and provide an element of interest,” Bove says.

Take Tech to the Next Level

Bryce Crowley is co-owner of Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse in Wisconsin, working with clients on new custom cabinetry designs. He says homeowners need to add technology to their kitchen-lighting schemes.

“The integration of smart-lighting technology allows homeowners to control brightness and color temperature via smartphone apps or voice commands, enhancing the kitchen’s versatility for different tasks and moods,” says Crowley.

Add Smaller Shelf Lamps

Many homeowners have small or open shelving on either side of their sinks, and these areas can become landing zones for junk or miscellany. Instead, add pretty pendants on either side or bring in a decorative lamp to that otherwise dead space, says Tracy Metro, a Los Angeles-based interior designer and host of interior design show "House Doctor" on Netflix. “If you have opening shelving in your kitchen, putting a small table lamp on the shelf with a special shade adds so much style to the kitchen,” Metro says.

Don’t Forget the Small Details

Everyone always thinks about what’s above our heads – what about those spaces at our feet? That’s where a homeowner with a great designer can have some fun, says Leslie Dapper, lead designer at Rumor Designs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

“Under-cabinet lighting and toe-kick lighting for kitchens are both great ideas and easy to do yourself with things like LED light strips and rechargeable lights,” Dapper says.

Read more at USNews.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

, , , , , ,

Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

, , , , , ,
 
 

If you’re debating whether or not you want to sell right now, it might be because you’ve got some unanswered questions, like if moving really makes sense in today’s market.

Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even a good idea to move right now. Or you’re stressed because you think you won’t find a house you like.

To put your mind at ease, here’s how to tackle these two concerns head-on.

Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?

If you own a home already, you may have been holding off because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of your equity.

Equity is the current market value of your home minus what you still owe on your loan. And thanks to the rapid appreciation we saw over the past few years, your equity has gotten a big boost. Just how much are we talking about? See for yourself. As Dr. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:

“Persistent home price growth has continued to fuel home equity gains for existing homeowners who now average about $315,000 in equity and almost $129,000 more than at the onset of the pandemic.”

Here’s why this can be such a game-changer when you sell. You can use that equity to put down a larger amount on your next home, which means financing less at today’s mortgage rate. And in some cases, you may even be able to buy your next home in cash, avoiding mortgage rates altogether.

The bottom line? Your equity could be the key to making your next move possible.

Will I Be Able To Find a Home I Like?

If this is on your mind, it’s probably because you remember just how low the supply of homes for sale got over the past few years. It felt nearly impossible to find a home to buy because there were so few available.

But finding a home in today’s market isn’t as challenging. That’s because the number of homes for sale is growing, giving you more options to choose from. Data from Realtor.com shows just how much inventory has increased – it’s up almost 30% year-over-year (see graph below):

 
 

And even though inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels, this is the highest it’s been in quite a while. That means you have more options for your move, but your house should still stand out to buyers at the same time. That’s a sweet spot for you.

It’s important to note, though, that this balance varies by local market. Some places may have more homes for sale than others, so working with a local real estate agent is the best way to see what inventory trends look like in your area. 

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, hopefully these concerns haven’t kept you up at night. With this information, you should realize you don’t have to let the what-if’s delay your move anymore.

Connect with a local agent so you have the data and the local perspective you need to move forward.

Read more at CNBC.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

, , , , , ,

Home sales surged in October, just before mortgage rates jumped

, , , , , ,
 
 

A sharp drop in mortgage rates brought homebuyers off the fence in October after a slow summer.

Sales of previously owned homes last month rose 3.4% from September to a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate of 3.96 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales were 2.9% higher than October of last year, marking the first annual increase in more than three years.

This count is based on signed contracts, meaning most of the deals were made in August and September. During that time, the average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage was falling. It started August around 6.6% and dropped to a low of 6.11% by mid-September, according to Mortgage News Daily.

“The worst of the downturn in home sales could be over, with increasing inventory leading to more transactions,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, in a release. “Additional job gains and continued economic growth appear assured, resulting in growing housing demand. However, for most first-time homebuyers, mortgage financing is critically important. While mortgage rates remain elevated, they are expected to stabilize.”

There were 1.37 million units for sale at the end of October, an increase of 19.1% from October 2023. That puts inventory at a 4.2-month supply at the current sales pace. It is still on the leaner side, as a six-month supply is considered balanced between buyer and seller.

Tight supply continues to put upward pressure on prices. The median price of an existing home sold in October was $407,200, an increase of 4% from the year before. By price category, the higher end of the market is seeing more activity than the lower end.

“We still need another 30% in inventory just to get us back to the pre-Covid conditions,” Yun said.

The share of all-cash buyers pulled back to 27%, down from 29% in October 2023. That is still high historically, but lower mortgage rates likely caused that share to drop.

First-time buyers made up 27% of sales, down from 28% the year before and still historically low. They usually make up 40% of sales.

Mortgage rates are much higher now, at 7.05% on the 30-year fixed. A new report from Redfin, however, showed a recent surge in the number of potential buyers contacting its agents, particularly after the election. Its so-called demand index rose 17% year over year during a one-week period in mid-November to the highest level since August 2023.

“The burst of buyers and sellers jumping into the market is the result of pent-up demand from people who were waiting for the election to pass, and for the Fed to cut interest rates a second time,” said Chen Zhao, Redfin’s economic research lead. “Now we’re keeping a close eye on whether this is a short post-election boom, or if it translates into a steady improvement in pending sales.”

Read more at CNBC.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

 
W+M_Logo (1).jpg
 
Cart (0)