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Summertime Water-Saving Tips

Thursday, May 27, 2021

by Scott Darling

Now that the weather is warming up, thoughts of lounging by the pool are on the horizon, and it is time to wash winter grime off the car, and clean winter linens and clothing for storage. While all of those are important things to do, conserving water is important this time of year, and there are lots of ways to save!

When the car needs cleaning, take the bucket and sponge to a car wash instead of washing it at home. This could save one hundred gallons of water per wash.
If you have a sprinkler system, set the timer for morning or evening. Pay close attention to the weather and turn off the timer whenever a good chance of rain is predicted.
Use a drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers or hand-watering with the hose for your veggie garden and landscaping. This allows water to soak directly in near the roots.

Growing native plants and grasses will help cut down on water usage, as they are adapted to your local climate. Contact your local cooperative extension agent to find out how to plant a native plant garden.
Trees and large shrubs can be hydrated efficiently by placing a five-gallon bucket with small holes drilled in the bottom nearby and filling the bucket with water. The holes will allow the water to trickle slowly, soaking the ground and roots--not the leaves.
Use a pool cover on the pool to help keep the water from evaporating. There are plenty of ways you can conserve while enjoying your pool.
Shortening your shower time by just two minutes per day saves 150 gallons of water per month!
Bathe fresh veggies in a bowl filled with water instead of under running water. Once they are clean, use the leftover water for houseplants or potted plants outside.

Keep a pitcher filled with water inside the fridge for a thirst quencher instead of running water from the faucet and waiting for it to get cool.

Not only will your bank account appreciate some water conservation, the environment benefits as well. If you are interested in learning more about using less water year-round, check out the Water Calculator website to get an idea of your water footprint, and learn how to use it more efficiently.

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: Solar Fire

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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for April 2021

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

by Scott Darling

Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for April 2021

Chester County PA single-family homes saw pending sales increase by 218.5% in April 2021 when compared to April 2020. 561 homes sold in April with a median sales price of $409,381. The average days on the market fell by 24 days.

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Home Improvements: What Adds Value

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

by Scott Darling

Most homeowners have some DIY projects or simple upgrades on their to-do list, from installing new gutters to sprucing up the landscaping. Something that does not always come to mind while getting those items done is adding to the home’s value. Not every home improvement increases the value of a property, whether they are a necessity or not.

Landscaping Keeping your yard trim and weed-free does not decrease or increase your home’s value, but when it is time to sell a home, neat landscaping is a must. The one outdoor project that could increase the resale value of the home is constructing a deck.
Flooring This is a personal choice, but if the homeowner knows that they will sell in the future, the cost of refinishing or adding hardwood flooring will come back to them in the sale. Installing the floors could be a long-range DIY job but hiring a pro for a refinishing job is the wisest thing to do. Think of it as an investment, not an expense.
Roofing Keeping the roof in sound condition is considered regular maintenance, so putting on new shingles because the homeowner would like a new color will not add value. Installing a metal roof, on the other hand, could add value to the house, depending on the location.

Home Systems Installing new plumbing or HVAC, or upgrading electrical are all considered maintenance, and no matter the cost, will not add to the value of the house.
Remodeling Kitchen and bathroom remodels are your best choice for a project that will pay you back upon the sale of your home.
Swimming Pool Putting in a pool is simply a personal choice. Rarely does an added pool or spa put money in your pocket in case the house is sold.
Additions Adding a sunroom, garage or home office will not necessarily give a good return on investment. An extra bedroom, however, is a good choice, but must be built to certain specifications to qualify as a bedroom in real estate terms. A reputable builder knows the requirements necessary for the extra space to be considered a bedroom, so choose wisely.

Nolo.com has some excellent information on projects that are worth the cost in home value, as well as other home improvement tips. When in doubt, do some research, and give your RealtorⓇ a call, as they know exactly what you need to do--or not to do--to get the most out of your house.

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: Boston Herald

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Home Repairs and Maintenance for New Homeowners

Friday, May 7, 2021

by Scott Darling

Calling the landlord or apartment superintendent when something needed repair was the norm as a renting tenant, but now that you are a homeowner, there are simple skill sets that do not require a call to your local handyperson! All you need are a few tools and the willingness to learn something new!

Basic tools needed: claw hammer, screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, plunger, drain snake, tape measure, stud finder, plier set, putty knife, and a handsaw. These tools will help you in making simple repairs.

Plumbing Finding your water main shut-off is one of the first things a homeowner should get familiar with. Other water-related things that can be done easily: replacing an O-ring in a leaking faucet, unclogging drains, installing a new showerhead, and repairing a running toilet. The Family Handyman covers other simple jobs that do not need an expensive call to a plumber.

Electricity While an electrician is best for complete rewiring, many homeowners switch out old light fixtures or change them to ceiling fans on their own! Probably the most important thing to know about your new home’s electricity, however, is getting familiar with the circuit breaker box, and knowing how to turn them off or reset them.

Wall Repair Most homes have drywall, and accidents happen, so DIY repairs are a must. Plaster walls can be a bit trickier, but for minor problems, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/walls/21016734/how-to-fix-damaged-plaster

Painting DIY television shows make painting a room look simple, and while that may be, there are more steps to achieving a well-done paint job than using a good quality paint roller.

Home Safety It is imperative to know how to safely use a fire extinguisher as well as how to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Cleaning the HVAC Unit This simple job can make a big difference in how well your unit runs and it saves money because you are doing it yourself.

Yard Care After years of apartment living, many new homeowners simply do not know how to keep their grass trim or maintain a lawnmower! Bob Vila offers some great mowing tips for a great-looking lawn.

So many small fixes can be handled by you and your family as you learn to take care of your new home! Sure, you are protecting your investment, but knowing you can tackle some of the “small” stuff gives great satisfaction, knowing you are taking care of your family and your home.

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: HouseLogic

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Displaying blog entries 1-4 of 4