Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Is your home ready for the hot and humid months of June, July, and August? Get started prepping your home for the warm weather by following these to-do's on our Summer Home Maintenance Checklist! Featured Listing: 11422 Barrow Downs, Columbia, MD Empty Standing WaterThe last thing you want is a swarm of mosquitoes on your property, so make sure to drain any standing water. This can range from larger projects like changing pool water, to the smallest projects, like bird baths. Bring out the Summer NecessitiesPlace bug repellent, beach towels, sunglasses, first aid kit, sunscreen, aloe, and any other summer necessities together in a spot near the front door for easy access for everyone in the home to use. Install Screen DoorsReplace glass doors with screen ones to let the fresh summer air inside. Make sure there aren’t any holes, though! Check Play Equipment for SafetyOutdoor swings and playgrounds could have been damaged by winter, weather, moisture, etc. Make sure to check these items, as well as bikes and sporting equipment for safety hazards before allowing family members to use them. Hang a ClotheslineTo save energy in the summertime, you can dry your clothes naturally on a clothesline, rather than in a dryer. If you have a pool, this is also a great place for family members to hang pool towels and bathing suits up to dry. Organize and Put Away School SuppliesThe kids are about to want nothing to do with anything school-related, so before the year is completely over, begin organizing school supplies and papers. Sort through their work and keep only the best. Throw out older supplies that are no longer useful, such as dried up glue sticks. Put the rest in storage. Check HVAC and Cooling SystemsDon’t wait until the heat is here to schedule maintenance for your HVAC system. If you have window units, make sure they are properly installed. Dust ceiling fans and window sills. Check Irrigation SystemsCheck that your irrigation system and sprinklers are working properly. You don’t want plants to dry from not being watered, or any flooding to occur. Set a schedule for your irrigation system so your yard stays fresh and green all summer long. Update First Aid KitsGreat weather means the kids will be playing outdoors more often. Make sure you have band-aids, alcohol wipes, tweezers, gause, burn cream, and more first aid kit necessities in case of an emergency. Clean GuttersIf you haven’t cleaned your gutters recently, make sure to do so. Leaves and other debris can cause flooding during summer storms when gutters aren’t cleared. Featured Listing: 12707 Maryvale Court, Ellicott City, MD DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE SUMMER HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST HERE!
7 DIY Ideas to Transform Her Space for Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a special occasion to honor the incredible women in our lives. What better way to show appreciation than by giving Mom's living space a heartfelt makeover? Check out these 7 creative and budget-friendly do-it-yourself (DIY) home makeover ideas to elevate Mom's sanctuary and make her feel cherished every day. 1. Fresh Coat of Paint: A simple yet impactful way to rejuvenate any room is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Choose calming hues like soft pastels or warm neutrals to create a tranquil atmosphere. Get the whole family involved in painting, turning it into a fun bonding activity that Mom will appreciate. 2. Personalized Gallery Wall: Showcase cherished memories by creating a personalized gallery wall. Gather family photos, artwork, and sentimental items to display. Mix and match frames in different sizes and styles for an eclectic look, or opt for uniform frames for a more streamlined appearance. 3. Revamped Furniture: Instead of splurging on new furniture, consider giving Mom's existing pieces a makeover. Sand and refinish wooden furniture to breathe new life into them. Upholster outdated chairs or sofas with fresh fabrics to match the room's new color scheme, instantly transforming the space. 4. DIY Décor Accents: Infuse Mom's space with personality by adding DIY décor accents. Create custom throw pillows with fabric paint or embroidery for a personalized touch. Craft decorative items such as floral arrangements, handmade candles, or painted mason jars to add charm and character to the room. 5. Organizational Solutions: Help Mom declutter and organize her space with clever storage solutions. Install floating shelves to display books, plants, or decorative accessories. Utilize baskets, bins, and storage ottomans to corral clutter while adding visual interest to the room. 6. Greenery and Botanicals: Bring the outdoors inside by incorporating greenery and botanicals into Mom's space. Place potted plants or fresh flowers throughout the room to add a vibrant, natural element. DIY terrariums or succulent gardens make beautiful, low-maintenance additions to windowsills or tabletops. 7. Lighting Makeover: Upgrade Mom's lighting fixtures to enhance the ambiance of the room. Install new ceiling lights, pendant lamps, or wall sconces to brighten and beautify the space. Incorporate string lights or LED candles for a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing evenings at home.
6 Pet-Friendly Features Every Animal-Loving Homebuyer Should Consider
When searching for a new home, pet owners should prioritize features that cater to their furry companions' needs and comfort. Consider these six essential pet-friendly features when looking to buy. Fenced Yard with Secure Boundaries: One of the most sought-after features for pet owners is a fenced yard with secure boundaries. This provides a safe space for pets to roam, play, and exercise freely without the risk of running off or encountering potential dangers. A sturdy fence also offers privacy and security for both pets and homeowners. Pet-Friendly Flooring Options: Consider flooring materials that are durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean, such as hardwood, laminate, or tile. These surfaces are ideal for homes with pets, as they can withstand the wear and tear of claws and accidents while remaining stylish and low-maintenance. Mudroom or Pet Washing Station: A designated mudroom or pet washing station is a practical feature for pet owners, providing a convenient space for cleaning muddy paws, grooming pets, and storing leashes, toys, and supplies. Consider installing a utility sink, waterproof flooring, and ample storage to keep the area organized and functional. Built-In Pet Spaces: Incorporate built-in pet features into your home's design, such as custom feeding stations, built-in pet beds, or under-stair hideaways. These dedicated pet spaces help keep pet supplies organized and integrated seamlessly into the home's layout, promoting a tidy and clutter-free environment. Accessible Outdoor Amenities: Choose a home with easy access to outdoor amenities that cater to pets' needs, such as nearby parks, walking trails, or dog-friendly beaches. These outdoor spaces provide opportunities for exercise, socialization, and bonding with pets, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life. Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Opt for low-maintenance landscaping features that are pet-friendly and easy to maintain, such as artificial turf, gravel paths, or raised garden beds. These landscaping options minimize the risk of pets digging, trampling plants, or coming into contact with toxic plants, creating a safe and pet-friendly outdoor environment.
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