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Four ways to improve your home's beauty and resale value
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(ARA) - In a tough housing market, homeowners want to improve their
home's beauty and functionality, while adding resale value. This may
include choosing products that reduce maintenance, save energy, improve
appearance and offer protection from the damaging forces of nature.
Here are some tips for problem areas that could benefit from the latest
home solutions:
Timeless decks
with natural looks
In the past decade, alternatives to wood decking products have made
many claims of low-maintenance. However, if your deck has stains and is
in an environment that breeds mold and mildew, maybe it's time to look
at some new options on the market. If your decking product contains
wood fibers, it may be absorbing stains and getting scratched in
everyday use.
"There are low-maintenance products that give homeowners a rich
selection of deeper deck shades, tropical hardwood looks and durable,
sturdy railings that complement these colors," says Mike Gori, deck
expert for AZEK Building Products, maker of AZEK Deck. He
says the secret is cellular PVC technology, which resists food stains -
even red wine - and stands up to the most high energy kids, dogs or
neighborhood deck parties. Low-maintenance decks also increase your
home's value because they economically add living space and are easy to
clean.
Lattice
entertain you
If you think your outdoor planters and window boxes cannot have
detailed lattice work and scrolled designs because of a high moisture
environment, think again. There are natural looking materials that
support plant life and won't rot, split or warp, even with continuous
watering and sunlight. For example, Walpole Woodworkers features the
Freeport Collection of low-maintenance cellular vinyl boxes and
planters that look like the real thing and have classic detail and
lattice designs.
These durable items do not need liners and come with pre-drilled
drainage holes. Beautifully crafted window boxes are charming accents
to your home and bring color right outside your window. Adding
architectural details also makes your home stand out in the
neighborhood. The company offers free catalogs at (800) 343-6948 or
visit www.walpolewoodworkers.com.
Stay pumped, go
green
Following one of the wettest winters on record in many areas of the
country, keeping your home safe from damaging flood waters is critical.
Now, there are sump pumps that offer maximum protection, save energy
and are very easy to install. They also feature backup battery pumps
and alarms for extra protection in case of power outages. This
increases peace of mind for homeowners and could be a make or break
selling point.
The experts at WAYNE Pumps advise that if your sump pump is more than
10 years old, it may need to be replaced with new technology. "Our sump
pump hydraulic expertise has evolved to where we can offer pumps that
move more water faster using up to 50 percent less energy," says
President Joe Mauro. "We've also developed features like quieter
operation and the new iSwitch that uses a microprocessor to sense
rising water levels before they could become a problem." He points out
that investment in a reliable sump pump and battery backup system is
minor compared to the damage water can do to valuables, family
heirlooms and your home's resale value. Self-testing features to keep
backup pumps in top shape and wireless alarms offer even more layers of
protection for your home. For more information, visit
www.waynepumps.com.
Repair cracks to
prevent future damage
A small crack in your driveway or cement steps can become a crater, due
to harsh weather and temperature changes. Crumbling concrete or cracked
driveways can detract from curb appeal and reduce resale value.
However, if properly sealed with the right caulk product, your outdoor
masonry or blacktop areas can be repaired without continuing to
deteriorate. You can also seal off energy leaks and keep out damaging
moisture, indoors and out, such as around windows, receptacles and
under the door step.
"We've been developing new caulks, such as our new RD 3000 advanced
sealant line formulated to move and remain flexible once cured,
allowing more stability through climate changes or pressure," says
Jason Ringling, marketing director at Red Devil, Inc.
He noted that driveways, concrete steps and walkways can experience
movement from car and foot traffic and endure the freeze/thaw cycles of
the seasons. "You need a durable sealant that stands up to the elements
to prevent the damage from spreading," he says. Always look
for products specifically for concrete, blacktop, gutters and windows
and doors. A simple caulk job reportedly can save you up to 20 percent
in energy bills and big bucks in outdoor repairs.
Homeowners can make informed, smart choices about products that will
improve their home's resale value and add enjoyment to their current
lifestyle.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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