Green living plus green savings: an efficient equation for today's homeowners

Across the world, both building professionals and consumers are embracing the idea of sustainable building practices. This practice follows a process that is environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout a building's life cycle: from design to construction, operation to maintenance and renovation, to eventually, demolition. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability and comfort.


Green building brings together a vast array of practices and techniques to reduce and ultimately eliminate the impacts of buildings on the environment and human health. It often emphasizes taking advantage of renewable resources, such as using sunlight to generate solar power and using plants to reduce rainwater run-off.


According to the Energy Information Administration, the demand for green homes is expected to rise 900 percent in the next five years.


In the home, using energy efficient appliances can dramatically reduce energy waste and cut costs. Companies like Miele offer a wide range of Energy Star rated appliances for every room in the house from the kitchen to the laundry room.


For example, Miele offers induction cook-tops, which use a non-contact method of heating using magnetic fields to transfer energy directly to cookware. The induction element stays cool, while the target object heats up rapidly for extremely efficient cooking. Like gas, induction is exceptionally easy and quick to control. The ability to precisely control the power makes induction perfect for all types of cooking. It is highly reactive and exceedingly safe. The cooking surface is cool in operation and only generates heat where the pan sits on it. As soon as the pan is removed, the flow of heat stops immediately.


For more information on the various types of energy efficient appliances available, visit www.mieleusa.com.


Young, savvy, environmentally-conscious consumers are at the forefront of the green movement. Programs like the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon allow this demographic to create and design an energy efficient home.


The Solar Decathlon is a program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. This year's winner was the University of Maryland Team WaterShed.


"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Miele on our entry into last year's Solar Decathlon competition," says Brian Grieb, University of Maryland Team WaterShed's faculty project manager. "Miele has a reputation for providing elegantly designed, environmentally conscious, cost-efficient products that are constructed with longevity in mind. These attributes are exactly the qualities we were seeking to include in the WaterShed home."

Courtesy of BPT

Backyard oasis planning made easy

(BPT) - Hooray for a holiday. You've got the day off, you've sent out the backyard barbecue invite and all your nearest and dearest are coming over to eat, drink and be merry.

So, what's next? Whether you're a seasoned entertaining pro or a new host, The Home Depot has tips to make your backyard an oasis for a long holiday or any weekend.

A week before

About a week before the long holiday weekend, check off your heavy cleaning jobs like power washing, mowing the lawn or cleaning the grill. Whether you're washing the outside of the house or the back patio, new innovations like the Ryobi 3100 psi Pressure Washer make the job a breeze. Powered by an 187cc Honda engine, it has five spray pattern adjustments and a 25-foot hose - making it easy move around freely and customize water flow for different areas.

With the neighbors over, you want to be the envy of the neighborhood where the grass really is greener. -Give it a fresh mow and clean up the edges with a hedge trimmer. Outdoor power tools that use the latest technology like the Ryobi ONE+ Lithium Ion Hybrid Trimmer make the job easier. The battery charge lasts four times longer, the tool is lighter and easy to maneuver.

Cleaning the grill used to mean getting a bicep workout, but simple cleaning products on the market today make it a lot easier. An example would be a non-toxic, multipurpose cleaner like Simple Green Concentrated All-Purpose Cleaner and Mr. Clean Outdoor Pro Magic Eraser - versatile enough for your grill, patio furniture, car rims and hand tools.

If you're in the market for a new grill, it's time to strike while the iron is hot with great holiday deals - a Brinkmann 5-Burner Gas grill is $399 with a free propane tank. You'll look like a gourmet using this grill with its 634-square-inch cooking area - it can handle burgers, veggies and your other sides all at once. Color is a huge trend in grills this year - the Brinkmann 5 Burner makes a stylish statement in copper while other grills, like the Aussie Walk-A-Bout, pop in cheerful bright red.

Nothing is more inviting outdoors than some fresh flowers in pots or in the garden. The Home Depot offers easy options like the new Drop 'n Bloom flowers or stress-free design options like Thriller, Filler, Spiller. For Thriller, Filler, Spiller, choose your favorite large plants - the thriller - to serve as the focal point. Smaller plants - the filler - are used to fill in the space between the focal point plants. Finally, low-growing, cascading plants - the spiller - are used to cover the ground of the garden.

The day before

Prep your decor for tomorrow. If you're looking for a creative way to display your American flag, try a DIY project like The Home Depot's DIY American Flag, made from lumber. This folk-art inspired flag is an easy project to complete in 24 hours. Look to Pinterest for table inspiration and know that a beautiful tablescape doesn't have to be expensive. Combinations of burlap, mason jars filled with wildflowers and potted plants are beautiful and inexpensive. Small, clustered arrangements aren't as pricey as large floral arrangements and make a bigger impact. Buy your supplies today and check off any last-minute cleaning projects. Prep your arrangements and water the plants - one less thing to deal with tomorrow.

Weekend time: Relax and barbecue. Congratulations on being the envy of the block. With all the prep work you've done, all you have to do today is decor detail. Assemble your table and check off the last of your finishing touches. Now, put your feet up on your patio furniture and wait for the guests to arrive.

Courtesy of BPT

Reclaim your garage in a weekend

  Is your garage dingy, cluttered and in need of a facelift? Transforming it into a "showroom" for your car, reclaiming it for a workshop, playroom or man cave isn't difficult. All it takes is a weekend and a little elbow grease.


"Many homeowners view the garage as an extension of the home - not just a place to store the lawn mower," says Rust-Oleum brand manager, Mark Wilgen. "A clean, well organized garage can provide extra living space, as well as add value to a home. And, reclaiming it can be a fun weekend project families can do together."


Here's how to get started:


Get rid of the clutter. Remove outdoor furniture, sports equipment, lawn mowers and garage clutter. Bag the trash, donate too-small bikes and other items you no longer need and decide what will go back in the garage after your work is done. If you're like most homeowners, you'll gain a lot of space by clearing the clutter.


Paint the walls. Most homeowners don't think about painting the walls of their garage. Yet, a coat of ordinary latex paint can go a long way in brightening the space and giving it a finished look. If the garage has never been painted - or it's been painted with porous builders' flat paint - make sure you prime first with a quality primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. It will seal the surface for a better paint job and you'll use less paint.


Don't forget the floor. Sweep it clean. Then remove dirt, oil or grease spots using a cleaner/degreaser and a stiff bristle brush and rinse thoroughly. To give your garage a showroom-quality floor that will make you the talk of your neighborhood, finish it with a coating specifically formulated for garage floors like Rust-Oleum Garage Floor Coating. It will protect the floor against gasoline, antifreeze, motor oil, salt and hot tire pick-up and makes it simple to keep clean. And it's easy to apply. Just mix the two-part system, allow the mixture to stand according to label directions and then apply it in 4 by 4 foot sections. Toss the decorative paint chips as you finish each section and you're done.


It's time to organize. From shelving to workbenches to storage pieces designed for sports equipment, there is a plethora of garage storage options available to help you get organized. Visit your local hardware store to find the best option for your needs. You'll be surprised how a little organization can maximize your garage space.


For more information on garage projects, floor finishing tips and techniques, visit www.rustoleum.com.

Curb appeal puts your home in big demand

In a market where sellers are in competition to make the most out of their largest investment, improving your home's first impression is one of the best ways to set it apart from the rest of the pack.


When prospective buyers or renters drive through your neighborhood, what do they see? This is a really important question that you need to answer because it will help understand what your buyer is going to be looking for in a new home. Once you've answered this, ask yourself objectively if the front of your home is in keeping with the rest of the houses on your block. The first impression is critical in setting the mood for prospective agents and buyers. If your home's exterior looks like it needs work, then people immediately assume that it's a 'fixer-upper'. The opposite is true if your front yard is manicured, the roof is in good shape and the driveway is in good condition. Having a potential buyer walk into your front door in a positive mode can translate into big dollars for you.


Both Virginia Tech and the University of Guelph did studies in 2011 that measured the effect of landscaping on property values, and they both came to the same conclusion. To improve curb appeal, basic landscaping increased the home's value by 5%, but more extensive landscaping including decks and patios increased the homes value up to 15%.


So where do you spend the money?


Set your budget and be realistic about what you're trying to accomplish with it. Keep in mind that you are trying to create an excellent first impression to attract potential buyers. This isn't the opportunity for you to realize your landscaping dreams. Consider a new paint job using a color scheme that highlights the character of your home. Install a new front door or at least update your door's hardware. Even something as simple as full and healthy planters can make a favorable impact.


One of the easiest ways to improve curb appeal is to have a clean and tidy front yard with a manicured lawn. Maybe this is the opportunity to invest in some new tools to help do the job properly. The best part about this type of investment is that not only will your plants and lawn look better with edging, pruning and cutting, you also get to take your new tools with you once you've sold your home.


The technology for landscaping tools has made the purchasing task much easier as well. Now you can get a hedge trimmer, string trimmer or sweeper & vac all in one system. With the Black & Decker 36V Lithium system, for example, you can use the same battery and charger for all three of those tools. A quick prune of the shrubs with the hedge trimmer, followed by a 'one-around' with the string trimmer and then tidying up with the sweeper will help you to maintain the front yard as short as 10 minutes per day.


The goal is to create an emotional connection at the first glance of any prospective buyer, so before you put that sign on the lawn, be sure to spend enough time at the curb.

Courtesy of Newscanada

Secrets of a solid home inspection

Nearly two-thirds of surveyed homeowners report that a home inspection during the selling or buying of a house saved them money.

Selling, buying or just putting a house on the market may raise many questions. Can I get a good price? Are there any problems I should fix prior to listing my house? If I buy this house, will I encounter problems that may make me regret my decision?


The sale price of a house depends on many factors, including the market, location, size of the property, age of the house, condition of the structure, what appliances might be included in the sale and even how nicely the property and building were landscaped and decorated - just to name a few.


Having a qualified professional inspect your house prior to putting it on the market - or for prospective buyers, before closing on a sale - can help guide your decision. But many homeowners and prospective buyers are unsure what's included in a standard home inspection, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). A qualified home inspector will review these aspects of a property:

 

• Roof, attic and visible insulation


• Foundation, basement and structural components


• Walls, ceilings and floors


• Heating and central air conditioning systems


• Windows and doors


• Water fixtures and faucets


• Decks

Nearly two out of three homeowners recently surveyed by ASHI reported they saved a lot of money as a result of having a home inspection during the selling/buying of a house. Sellers use inspections to help determine potential problems that can be repaired or replaced prior to listing - potentially getting them a higher sale price. And buyers use the inspections to determine if they want to invest in the property, or help negotiate for a better price that would include the repair and replacement of potential problems.


Not all home inspectors are certified and licensed. ASHI's "Find an Inspector" tool allows homeowners to locate an inspector in their area. Always check with your local inspector for a complete list of services provided.


"It's important for homeowners to do their homework before hiring an inspector," says Kurt Salomon, ASHI president. "Look for a home inspector certified through the ASHI Certified Inspector Program, which is the only home inspection association program approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies."


The following elements are not included in a standard home inspection:

• Septic system


• Electrical wiring and plumbing that is not readily accessible (for example, behind drywall or plaster)


• Water conditioning or softening system


• Swimming pool


• Backyard fences


• Lawn irrigation system


• Household appliances


• Compliance with local codes


• Appraisal to determine market value

Before hiring a home inspector, inquire about what is covered in the inspection and ask to see a sample report. Although some inspectors provide ancillary services, it may be necessary to consult a specialist for concerns that extend beyond a standard inspection. Often your inspector will help you make this determination.


Hiring a certified home inspector and having questions answered before putting your house up for sale - or before finalizing a purchase price - can not only help save money, but also allow you to go through the process with more peace of mind.

Buying a home: Prepare by getting your finances in order

For those considering buying a home, the current real estate market presents some unique opportunities. One of the side effects of the economic roller coaster ride of the past few years is that home prices have gone down and more homes have gone on the market. For buyers, that means more choices and better deals.  However, those same tumultuous years also can also teach buyers a lesson: Make smart buying decisions and be wise with your finances.

 

Impulsive buying is never a good idea when it comes to a purchase as significant as a home, but it was something of a trend at the height of the mid-2000s. Now, with banks lending far more cautiously, you need to be absolutely certain that your finances are in order - and healthy - to be able to get the best deal on your purchase.

 

There are a number of steps you can take to get ready to buy a home, and you might need to work on them simultaneously. Consider that you'll need to start saving, if you haven't already, but you'll also need to review your credit score and do what you can to either maintain it or work toward healthier credit. Both of these tasks will help make the home-buying process better for you.

 

Your credit is an important factor in determining the terms under which you can get a mortgage. Broadly speaking, the better your credit is, the more positively you'll be viewed by lenders - and that can lead to better interest rates. And because you'll be paying off your home for years to come, it's important to get the best rate possible.

 

Start by checking your credit report. You're entitled to one free check of your report, from TransUnion and other credit reporting agencies every year.  As much as you need to check your report to find out what shape your credit is in, it's also essential to review it for inaccuracies or fraudulent activity, both of which can have a negative impact on your score.

 

If your credit health needs some work, start taking action immediately. Paying bills on time, reducing your overall debt and limiting new credit inquiries can all help to build your credit - but be patient as it can take time for your positive actions to take effect. Nevertheless, the sooner you make the effort, the sooner you'll see results.

 

Making a prudent decision about buying a house comes down to an honest assessment of what you can afford. Keep in mind that you might be approved for a loan that's larger than what is practical for you to afford. While it may be tempting to buy a pricier house, the stress of struggling to make payments could diminish your enjoyment of your new home and even put you at financial risk. One rule of thumb is that most borrowers can afford a home loan that runs about two and a half times their annual salary. 

 

Buying a home is a complex process, but one that is ultimately very rewarding when done right. By organizing your finances well in advance, you'll help set yourself up for success.


For more information about credit and buying a home, visit www.transunion.com.