Posts with tag 'Homeowner Tips'

Having a delineated, comfortable space to enjoy the outdoors at home is fundamental. A patio can extend your living area, provide a great place to unwind, help you entertain more, and increase the value of your home. But before you break ground, it's important to do your due diligence. There are many factors in play and many decisions to make when it comes to patio designs, materials, and builders. Proper planning is key to creating a beautiful and functional patio. Here, our agents have outlined some of the key aspects you should consider as you start to create your perfect patio plans.

• Consider the Purpose of Your Patio
  Think about how your patio is going to be used on a regular basis. Are you going to be hosting regular barbecues? Will you be preparing family meals outside? Do you intend to have a fire pit on the patio? Are you looking for a comfy place to lounge by the pool? Or, would you rather have a simple, quiet patio big enough for a bistro table and a couple of chairs? Deciding whether your patio will be a gateway space or gathering place will guide you in making the best choices in terms of size, layout, and add-on features.

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We don't even want to think about tragedy striking our homes, but it's important to remember that awareness is the first step toward prevention. As our agents share the details of some of the lovely Bakersfield homes for sale, they would also like to share some simple ways to protect your most vulnerable family members from perishing in a house fire. If you're the proud owner of a big goofy dog or a sweet but curious kitty, you know how easy it can be for them to get themselves into trouble. To minimize problems:  

1. Eliminate open flames
   Candles are easily tipped over and can quickly set a home ablaze. It's easy to forget to extinguish the tealight in a scented wax warmer, but it can be a deadly mistake. Cats will knock things off tables just because they can, while dogs can be incredibly clumsy, so no flames, please!

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Paint. It's amazing how such a small word can be the source of comfort or regret. When it comes to paint, our agents have seen it all. From poor color choices to lousy techniques, paint regret is real and can have a real impact on the value of your home. Fortunately, you can do some simple things to protect yourself from bad decisions and utterly disastrous paint colors.

1. A Penny Saved is Sometimes Pound Foolish. Your home will appreciate in value. It's an asset that you must maintain and protect. While saving a few bucks on a can of paint may seem like a good idea, the fact is that poor quality paints are inferior to costlier but longer-lasting, options.
   
   
2. Know Your Limits. YouTube and Google are great places to get ideas and learn new tips and techniques. However, don't assume you're an expert just because you've watched a few episodes of This Old House or read up on the latest painting techniques. If you are not 100% confident that you can paint the interior/exterior of your home to the highest quality standards, hire a professional to do the work.

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When looking for Bakersfield homes for sale, you might be in need of dedicated home office space. The thing is, though, you can put a home office almost anywhere. In fact, one of the most popular places for a home office is a closet.

The Cloffice

Over the last year, many people found themselves suddenly working from home. These new circumstances took some adjustment. Some people can work from their dining room table, couch, or even from bed. But most need a designated work area, to establish a routine and maintain productivity. Enter the cloffice.

Any closet can be converted into an office, even a small linen closet. Attach a sturdy shelf at just the right height, and put your laptop on it. Then get a small chair or stool that can fit underneath it. Add a few more shelves for storage space, and you've got yourself a cubicle. And that's just the beginning.

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One of the most popular projects among homeowners since we've been in our extended stay-at-home mode is installing outbuildings. There are so many different types of outbuildings these days: garden sheds, greenhouses, gazebos, tool sheds, guest houses, offices, exercise rooms, meditation spaces, playrooms for the kids, or even studios for arts and crafts. Installing an outbuilding can greatly enhance your enjoyment of your home right now and for however long you stay in it. And should you one day list it among Bakersfield homes for sale, you'll likely find the outbuilding has enhanced your property value.

Here are some tips to help you decide what type of outbuilding you should build.

Outbuildings for Your Property

• Home Office
  Using a home office these days means you're likely bringing your work home. If you've been trying to work in your house, you may have noticed how easy it is to get distracted. Whether it's the kids yelling or other family members turning the TV up loud, you need a place of quiet repose where you might conceivably bring clients. Some of the basics for furnishing your office: stylish desk, shelves, good lighting, and perhaps a ductless mini-split for winter heating and summer cooling. A couple of chairs for clients should round out things.

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