Whether you are planning to put your home on the market or are just looking for cost effective ways to increase your home’s curb appeal or its value, landscaping is key. Real Estate experts report that mature trees and a well-landscaped yard can increase your home’s value by ten to twenty-five per cent. Poorly landscaped homes actually detract value from that home. Here are some ways to start making your landscaping work for you:

• Invest in a larger tree. Mature trees add significant value as they provide shade, privacy and major aesthetic appeal. 
• Critical is the tidy, well-maintained lawn. Patchy and/or bald-spotted lawns are screaming for help. They need regular seeding, aerating and fertilizing. Mow it regularly and during peak growing season never cut away more than a third of the blade each time you mow. See The Organic Lawn Care Manual for excellent information.
•  Always stay on top of pruning, but avoid over-pruning your shrubs into ball or square shapes.
• Keep beds weeded and mulched for that neat, tidy look.
• Be consistent about weeding in between pavers and concrete cracks.
• Keep your lawn clutter-free. No unused children’s play toys, empty plant containers or junk about.
• Plant annuals for all-season long color.
• Always sweep your porch and deck or patio. Power-wash all surfaces if necessary.

Who doesn’t love the idea of a fresh new bathroom to enjoy that morning shower in each and every day? Or picturing a sleek powder room that you can proudly guide your guests to? These days most homeowners are thinking twice before calling a contractor to do these costly jobs. If you are considering tackling the project yourself, here are some tips to get you started on the right track to a beautiful new bathroom at a fraction of the cost.

1. Carefully assess your financial situation, then set a budget. Be generous with your estimates as it is always better to set a high budget and finish with leftover cash, than to have a tiny budget that forces you to spend more than you’ve allowed yourself.
2. Carefully measure your bathroom. The importance of this step cannot be underestimated. Digital measuring tools are worth their weight in gold.
3. Make a list or sketch of your renovation plan. This will include a new tub/shower, sink, fixtures, etc.
4. Decide upon wallpaper, paint and tile. Have an alternate plan in case your first idea does not work.
5. Take your plans to your home improvement store. Compare prices at more than one store. Make detailed notes and keep them together in a file so that you can get the lowest price possible. You may even discover some items at the store that cost less and you like more than what you had originally planned upon.
6. Take home any paint, tile or wallpaper samples. View them at different times of day in your bathroom. Certain colors that look soothing by day, can look garish by night due to lighting.
7. When you have assessed all of the above, does it fit into your budget? If so, go ahead and purchase everything you need to avoid multiple trips to the store.
8. When finished, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

For more information go to the Do It Yourself Website.

As everyone knows, spring is the most desirable time to put your house on the market as the weather seems to always cooperate and your landscaping’s appeal can be fully realized. But if you simply must list your home during the winter months, here are a few things that you can do to make the undertaking a little bit less challenging.

1. Keep dead tree limbs picked up.
2. Keep driveway, steps and walkways plowed, shoveled and salted at all times.
3. Keep gutters clean - so no icicles can form.
4. Replace weather-stripping as needed to keep drafts away.
5. Keep all valves to outdoor spigots turned off to avoid burst pipes.
6. Holiday decorations should be put away as soon as possible.
7. Keeping a roaring fireplace during an open house this time of year is always a good thing.
8. Keep lists handy for all potential buyers of all of your home’s energy efficiencies, i.e. wrapped pipes, extra insulation, new windows, etc.
9. Keep all windows clean to let in as much light as possible. Remove all screens to storage and take down any heavy drapes. This will let in that extra light that so many potential buyers will be demanding this time of year.
10. Keep as many lights on as possible during showings. If you cannot be there, set lights on timers and add motion sensors to walkways. You may even consider installing motion detectors for walk-in closets.
11. Keep photos around your home showing the house in all seasons. A nice shot of your blooming flowers and lush green shrubs will help potential buyers understand what is under all of that snow!

Most every person in this country knows the importance of installing and keeping their fire alarms properly maintained. What many people do not yet know is just how important it is to install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in their homes as well. Every year in our country approximately two hundred people die from carbon monoxide poisoning. These tragedies can be easily avoided by purchasing a carbon monoxide detector at your local hardware store.

Ways to avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning in your home:

• Purchase a carbon monoxide detector to place within 15 feet of every sleeping area in your home.
• Change the batteries yearly, when you change your fire alarm batteries.
• Have your furnace and fireplace checked regularly by a professional.
• Use your generators properly.
• Avoid “warming up” your car if the garage is attached to your home.

Learn to recognize Carbon Monoxide poisoning symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Coughing
• Irregular Heartbeat
• Pale skin with cherry red lips and ear tips

For more information on how to install a carbon monoxide detector see EHow’s instructions.

People are becoming more aware and concerned about what materials are used in the building of a new home and additions to older homes, including items such as decks. For example, wood composite technology is a very interesting new material that is now becoming more popular when building a deck because it is chemical-free. Wood Composite Technology, Inc. is currently featuring the Millenium Decking System for people who are concerned about building environmentally friendly additions to their homes. Material features:

• Manufactured using ninety percent recycled content
• Fire resistant
• Slip resistant
• Easy installation
• Low Maintenance
• Is Barefoot Friendly
• Chemical-free

For more information see HGTV’s composite deck episode.

Who doesn’t love the look of a wood-shingled roof? Over the years the beautiful gray-silver color that it becomes only adds to its beauty. If you are considering one of these traditional roofing materials, there are some things you should know to help you make the right decisions for you.

Wood Shingles are cut by machine and are tapered and made smooth on both sides. They are quite uniform and are typically made of cedar, spruce or treated pine wood. Wood shakes are split by hand from wood blocks of cedar, spruce or treated pine, so they are grooved and have a rustic look. Be aware that since they are both made from wood, they are vulnerable to fire. This type of roof does not last forever and even with proper maintenance it will need to be replaced approximately every twenty years.

The typical cost for a wood shingle installation is anywhere between $4 and $7 per square foot, while installing wood shakes can run anywhere between $6 and $9 per square foot.  These estimates usually only cover the installation because you will pay extra to have your old roof removed and properly disposed of. This you can expect to pay $3 to $5 per square foot for, which could be higher if you have a complex roof.

Shingles and Shakes are sold by the square, which covers 100 square feet. You will need to purchase ten percent extra to cover unavoidable waste. At ImproveNet.com you can learn more about roofing materials and you will be able to use their roofing calculator.

Many homeowners today are concerned about the quality of air in their homes, since we spend so much time indoors. Here are some ways that you can achieve superior air quality while improving your family’s respiratory health. This is what you can do, moving from room to room.

• Basement: Since the furnace is in this space, you must have it inspected and cleaned yearly to avoid leakage of dangerous gases. Also, many basements can be damp and therefore may grow mold. You must make sure your gutters are doing their job of keeping water runoff away from your home. Installing a dehumidifier or air conditioner can keep even the most moist basement dry.
• Garage: Install a weatherproof door between this room and the rest of your home. It will keep gasoline odors where they belong. Your lungs will thank you.
• Kitchen: If you have a gas range, you must have a hood fan that exhausts outdoor air. Turning on that fan, or simply opening a window while cooking will remove gas fumes. All fuel burning appliances must be professionally inspected yearly to prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Family/Living Room: Dust accumulation can be simply eliminated with the reduction of clutter. Keeping toys, books and other items nicely stored away in closets is the way to go.
• Bedrooms: Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Dust mites and allergens are also greatly reduced by washing bedding in hot water. Choose area rugs that are easy to wash.
• Bathrooms: Ventilation is so important in this well-used room. Exhaust fans work to remove moisture and chemicals that you clean with. Change your cleaning products to ones that have no pesticides or toxic ingredients. See www.grist.org for a list of green bathroom cleaners.
• Attic: Have your duct work inspected if it runs through an uninsulated attic. Why? Because humid air condenses and can cause mold and rust. Consider having your attic insulated.

Throughout your home always leave doors between rooms open for better air circulation Opening windows from time to time is a no-brain er, but some forget to do it.

Every homeowner knows that there are things that simply have to be done, either every three months, every six months or yearly, to keep your biggest investment in tip-top shape. Here is a tidy little check-list to keep on hand to make sure you are staying on track:

Yearly:

• Inspect those gutters to make sure they are securely attached and free of leaves and debris
• Inspect your chimney to determine if a professional cleaning is needed
• Furnace must be inspected and cleaned by a professional
• Hot water tank inspection…by a professional
• Clean and seal your wood deck and its railings
• Vacuum all that lint from your clothes dryer duct and vent
• Check your septic tank’s level
• Re-caulk your exterior windows, doors, siding base and trim
• Re-caulk along the fronts of tubs and showers
• Inspect for worn fittings and connection on all plumbing fixtures in your home
• Have your carpets cleaned by a professional
• Garage Doors: oil the track, roller, hinges, pulleys and springs with a light gauge oil
• Have your sprinkler system inspected and winterized
• Drain and remove all hoses from the exterior of your house
• Shut off all of your outside faucets before freezing temperatures
• Prune trees

Every Six Months:

• Vacuum vents and coils at the back of your refrigerator
• Clean your stove’s vent and fan
• Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

Every Three Months:

• Clean or replace your furnace filter and air-conditioner filter
• Fertilize your lawn

For more home maintenance information go to This Old House.

Despite the current economy, the United States green building market is growing at a steady clip. Statistics show it at $49 billion for this year, a huge increase over the $10 billion dollars in 2005. Experts are speculating that number could triple by 2013.

One green builder has a very smart plan: to focus on building green homes for the middle class. Green Builders Incorporated, out of Austin, Texas builds homes that have an average asking price of $225,000. Green features of this home include:

• Square footage which ranges from 1,600 square feet to 3,500 square feet
• Bamboo flooring
• On-Demand Water Heaters
• Rain Barrels
• Insulated Windows
• High efficiency heat pumps
• Icynene spray foam insulation
• Non-toxic finishes minus those nasty volatile organic compounds
• Formaldehyde-free kitchen cabinets
• All homes come complete with Energy Star specs
• All homes meet the National Association of Home Builders green building standards

How, you are probably asking yourself, does this builder manage all of this with that svelte price tag? Well, for starters, this builder’s thirty years of experience has helped them to figure that certain higher-cost “green”” items actually save them money in other places. For example, when installing that thicker insulation, a smaller air conditioner is needed. Shorter duct runs are a savings when the attic is well-sealed. Facing and runs of soffit are reduced due to their Craftsman style, which amounts to the windows being placed farther up into the eves. In addition, the marketing of this type of home appeals to those looking to save up to as much as 50% on utilities, the health-conscious and environmentalists who are looking to live in a green home.

For more information about green building see Green Builders Inc.

If you need to sell your home and find that you are having trouble selling it, why not rent it? For many, this is a frightening idea because people believe there are so many ways for problems to arise within this particular arrangement. To avoid any possible problems, homeowners simply need to arm themselves with a few key pieces of information.

For starters, you must be able to emotionally disconnect from the house. You need to approach this new situation in the way you would if you were selling the house, since tenants do have privacy rights. 

Secondly and most importantly, you must screen each and every tenant that you consider. You may consult the Landlord Protection Agency website for screening worksheets. Beware of “professional tenants” who seek out landlords that do not screen and bank on the idea that you may not know how to remove them from the house.

Thirdly, learn the laws in your state. There are many laws that protect the tenant and you must tailor your lease to your state’s rules.

Fourth, be smart about what you charge for rent. Consulting a real estate agent to learn about competition and rental prices is always wise.

Finally, be prepared to decide who is responsible for which repairs and upgrades. A basic rule of thumb is that if something breaks that affects quality of life or poses a danger to your tenant, you are responsible for it. Upgrades are obviously not requirements, although you may want to consider them if you find an agreeable tenant that you wish to keep long-term.

For all landlord related questions see The Landlord Protection Agency Website.