How To Keep Hardwood Perfect

The cost of hardwood flooring averages between $6 and $12 per square foot. At that rate, it can get pretty expensive to install it throughout a home. When you opt for hardwood floors, there are several maintenance practices you should become familiar with to keep your hardwood floors beautiful for years to come. This week, we’ve outlined a few of the best methods to care for hardwood floors.

Re-Finishing

If you notice your hardwood floors become a little dull, you can renew their shine through a thorough recoating. Depending on the level of wear and tear, a hardwood floor should be refinished every 3-5 years. Contact a local wood floor restoration company, or research how to DIY.

Use Pads

Scratches are a big issue with hardwood floors. Unfortunately, most furniture can cause pretty bad scratches when moved around in any capacity. Using furniture pads can help prevent this kind of damage and should be added to the legs of any tables, chairs, sofas, etc.

Protect Heavy Traffic Areas

Protecting heavily used areas, like the front hallways or kitchen, is easy with rugs and runners. High traffic is the #1 cause of wear and tear on hardwood, so decide what spaces are worth protecting and explore different design options for rugs.

Clean Spills

Cleaning up any spills as soon as they happen is key to not permanently staining hardwood. Avoid wet or steam mops to clean up messes, as they tend to cause more damage over time. Keeping your home between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit will also help lessen the severity of spills over time.

Vacuum Weekly

Make it a point to emphasize vacuuming in your weekly cleaning routine. This will help ensure that any dirt, crumbs, or other debris doesn’t scratch your floor over time. Don’t feel like vacuuming yourself? Consider investing in a Roomba.

Use Wood Floor Cleaner Monthly

Here are a few of our recommendations:

Conclusion

We hope we were able to educate you on how to take the best care of your hardwood floors. Want to install a new floor or have more questions about care? Contact us today!

May 30, 2022 0

Trending Kitchen Styles

With summer approaching, you may be eager to give your kitchen a new look. There are many kitchen designs constantly going in and out of fashion, but this week we’ve rounded up a few of the most stylish kitchen trends of 2022.

Spanish

This coastline-inspired style incorporates rustic elements paired with a casual feel. Open shelving, bold colors, archways, and lots of wood elements are common. The laid-back atmosphere of a Spanish style kitchen is perfect for entertaining.

Cottagecore

The agricultural based kitchen style employs a mix of traditional and rustic styles, with an emphasis on natural materials like wood and cotton. One of the coziest trends of the year, it’s perfect for those looking to feel comfortable and at peace in their kitchen.

Nordic

This understated kitchen style features a lot of simple white spaces, feature lights, and wooden flooring. The muted space leaves room for plenty of contemporary art and has an airy feel.

Bohemian

The unique ambiance of a bohemian kitchen is filled with character and personality. This kitchen design is all about personalizing the interior with a mix of colors and unusual textures. A bohemian kitchen is great for anyone looking to create a chill, relaxed environment.

Conclusion

Have questions about redesigning your kitchen? Contact us today!

May 23, 2022 0

Annual Roof Cleaning Practices

A roof is a significant investment, and a good annual cleaning ritual will assist in prolonging its lifespan. Nobody wants to replace a roof after only 10 or 15 years. Summer is a great and safe time for homeowners to perform roof maintenance, so this week we’ve outlined a guide to the best roof cleaning rituals to ensure your roof lasts.

Clean the Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is one of the keys to preventing debris buildup and water damage, as clear gutters help redirect water from the roof. According to experts, gutter cleaning should happen a minimum of twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. The gutters should also be inspected up to 4 times a year. It’s best to remove debris by hand and then rinse the inside clean with a less intense water flow.

Cleaning your gutters helps to prevent:

Extensive water damage
Mold
Roof rot
Accelerated leaks

Search for Debris

Roofs with less steep peaks will be tougher to keep clear of leaves and other debris. This debris can quickly accumulate in valleys of the roof and even chimneys, which leads to a buildup of moisture and decay. To prevent this, check your roof and clear off debris routinely. You can also cleanse the roof with a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water to combat algae growth if you notice any significant staining.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Trimming trees that are responsible for most of the debris that falls onto a roof goes a long way. Keeping them well-pruned will be a game-changer for preventing moss growth and other damage. Trees that touch your roof will also cause deterioration over time and pose a risk when storms hit. Aim to keep any branches at least 10 feet away from the roof. More complicated trimmings should be left to the pros.

Conclusion

These simple cleaning practices will go a long way in maintaining the life of your roof and preventing severe damage. Make sure to consult a professional if your roof is in need of more than just a good spring cleaning. Have questions? Contact us today!

May 16, 2022 0

Never Make These Mistakes When Building a New Home

Building a home is one of the most significant projects you can take on. Getting to pick out every detail of your dream home is exciting, but be sure to remain cautious and knowledgeable throughout the process. This week, we’re talking about the mistakes people make when building a new home and how to avoid them.

Don’t Set Unrealistic Expectations

It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture when designing a custom home. While you may find yourself over the moon at the thought of certain home features, be reserved that they might not be possible with your budget, building code requirements, and other structural issues. Don’t anticipate that your build will be done in the set schedule, as delays are expected due to issues such as structural inadequacies, material shortages, and bad weather conditions. Budget your time realistically to avoid setting yourself up for disappointment.

Hire The Right Builder

Renovating your home is a big deal, and you and your home contractor must be on the same page for the most seamless possible process. That being said, picking the perfect contractor that understands you can seem like a challenging and scary task. It is essential that your home contractor know your needs and vision and actualize these items within your budget. Asking the right questions about your potential home renovation before signing any contract with them will make your home renovation process exciting and pleasant rather than stressful. Our helpful guide will safeguard you and your home from fraudulent contractors and a home makeover disaster.

Don’t Move Too Fast

The last mistake you want to make is jumping into the process of building a new home and committing too early. Instead, do your research by visiting home improvement stores, attending home shows, and searching around online to get a clear picture of what you want. You should be able to provide your contractor with plenty of photos and ideas of elements you want to include in your new home.

Stay Organized

A new build introduces a lot to keep track of. Be meticulous in your tracking of important paperwork, timeline, pricing, and all communication about the project.

Hope For The Best, Plan For The Worst

While everyone envisions their dream home coming together perfectly, there are errors that will occur during the process. Learn how to accept and adapt to issues, especially during the construction process. It is also well worth it to periodically visit your new build site to get ahead of issues or mistakes that arise.

Conclusion

There are many careful considerations you should make before committing to building a new home, but the process doesn’t always have to be stressful. Have more questions about new projects? Contact us today!

May 9, 2022 0

De-Winterizing Your Home For Summer

Many seasonal and vacation homes are shut down during the colder months. Often, precautions are taken to get a house ready to sit vacant all winter, and opening it back up can be an overwhelming process. As the weather gets nicer, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist to get your home de-winterized and ready for summer!

Reconnect Water Supply

Remove any aerators from faucets and reconnect any removed supply tubes and pipes. Make sure to also check the water heater and other utility appliances to ensure their water connection. Finally, confirm there are no noticeable leaks in the pipes.

Turn On Electrical Circuits

Make sure all of the individual breakers are in the “on” position for you to have light in the home and turn on the water.

Turn on Plumbing Fixtures

When you have the main water supply opened at least halfway, turn on all of your plumbing fixtures one by one. When you turn on faucets, air may rush out at first. Once the water runs regularly, you can turn off the faucet.

Check The Roof Gutters

Clear any debris that may be leftover from the winter to ensure that water is carried away from your home the next time it rains.

Adjust The Alarm And Thermostat Systems

These two are usually programmed to a particular setting if a house sits vacant all winter, so make sure to reprogram them to desired summertime settings.

Check The Sump Pump

Rain and snow can cause basements to flood if the sump pump isn’t working correctly.

Reconnect All Household Appliances

The winterization process likely included unplugging every appliance in the home.

Check Around Outside Of The Home

Ensure there haven’t been any issues with the foundation, and call a licensed contractor immediately if you notice any cracks.

Replace The Air Filter

Frequently these can get clogged with dust throughout the winter months.

Test Carbon Monoxide And Smoke Detection Systems

Make sure to replace any dead batteries immediately, as they are lifesaving home features in an emergency.

Conclusion

Have questions regarding de-winterizing a home or looking for help with the process? Contact us today!

May 2, 2022 0

What Makes a Great Builder?

When it comes to renovating your home, you need to become accustomed to making good decisions. Of course, your first and most important decision is who you’re going to build with. The number of builders out there is overwhelming, so this week, we’re talking about all of the qualities that make a great builder.

Longevity

You must choose a builder with longevity that has been building homes for many years. Having a great deal of experience enables a builder to understand a lot of the critical elements in the design of a home and avoid mistakes.

Collaborative Skills

Any builder you work with should be able to enthusiastically listen to your needs and adapt to them seamlessly. A home renovation is your process, and a great builder should be able to hear out your ideas and collaborate with you effectively.

Knowledge

Great builders are constantly learning new tricks of the trade. Construction professionals need to be internalizing important information relevant to building codes, material costs, and top options on the market for every project.

Strong Community Ties

A strong connection to the community is a solid marker of a great, reputable builder. Builders should value forging lasting relationships with clients that will depend on them for years to come, especially in a business that is based on reputation. Positive reviews from people close to you signify that you’ve found a builder that you can trust.

Conclusion

We strive to ensure high-quality and sustainable outcomes for future buyers and tenants and their surrounding communities here at the Horton Group. Have more questions about what makes a great builder? Contact us today!

April 25, 2022 0

5 Creative Features For A Custom Built Home

Are you looking for some innovative features to add to your custom-built home? This week, we’ve rounded up five creative ideas to make your space stand out while making your life easier!

Led Mirror

Classy and modern- an LED mirror is a no-brainer addition to a custom-built home. They help make spaces like bathrooms appear larger and add a distinctly modern statement of prestige to any room.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are handsome, easy to build, and inexpensive and will add a modern flair to any room in your home.

Built-In Drawers Under The Stairs

Any home can benefit from more storage, and installing drawers that can be easily hidden underneath the stairs will help maximize space without creating additional clutter!

Vacuum Baseboards

Vacuum baseboards are a fantastic and convenient addition to any room with hardwood floors and can be easily installed into any new or existing home. Never deal with a dustpan again!

Heated Driveway

Never shovel again! One of the most convenient tech advancements is the heated driveway. Perfect for snowy New England winters, a radiant heat flooring system can be installed outside to keep your driveway clear of black ice and snow!

Conclusion

Looking to start a custom building project? Contact us today!

April 18, 2022 0

5 Great Flooring Materials For Common Areas

Flooring is an important decision when deciding on design elements for a new home. Installing new flooring is a significant investment and is often the foundation of an interior design theme. Flooring in common areas needs to be functional for day-to-day life and aesthetically pleasing. This week, we’ve outlined some popular flooring choices to consider for your next renovation.

Carpet

Carpet can be the most economical initial investment and is much softer & quieter than other flooring options. Some carpeting is too easy to stain or damage, while other carpeting hides dirt. Professional deep cleaning can be expensive but worth it if you’re looking for that extra homey feel that comes with carpet.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl flooring is a durable, waterproof floor that has the look of hardwood or stone without the high cost. Luxury vinyl is waterproof and, thanks to its multiple layers, can withstand moisture, heavy foot traffic, scratches, and spills.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a classy and inviting choice with almost any interior design style. They are great for dry climates but don’t hold up as well in humid climates. They can also be costly and require quite a bit of maintenance.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is made by binding pieces of natural wood, scrap wood, shredded wood fibers, and sawdust with adhesives to create products that look and act like wood but are designed to be more robust and durable. It can’t be exposed to a lot of moisture but are a high-quality option for a high cost.

Tile

Tile is a versatile option for flooring that comes in many colors, styles, and patterns to suit a range of interiors. A drawback of tile flooring is that it doesn’t bring the same warmth to a home and is often physically cold. In addition, tile typically requires more maintenance, such as cleaning and repainting, and cracks are possible. Tile is a permanent choice and can be a pain to remove, but it is an excellent option for those who have a specific look in mind.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is made of composite wood with an image of natural wood printed on top. The most significant selling points are price, durability, and style. Laminate flooring is waterproof, which is great for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. It’s also scratch-resistant, making it great for pets and kids with toys.

Conclusion

There is a range of flooring options available to match every interior. Need help getting started on a new renovation? Contact us today!

April 11, 2022 0

3 Quick Fixes For A Leaky Roof

A leaky roof is a problem that can become disastrous and should always be repaired by a professional. However, sometimes contractors cannot come to repair a roof right away. This week, we’ve outlined a few temporary roof repairs you can use to tide you over before a contractor can make a permanent fix.

Tarping

A waterproof tarp is one of the most tried and true methods for stopping a roof leak in its tracks. They are sold at most hardware and home improvement stores. Be careful when using a tarp because it must be flat against the roof so water can’t get in through any gaps. It’s also wise to use a tarp that is considerably larger than the damaged part of the roof. To temporarily secure a tarp, use duct tape or nails.

Tar Paper

Tar paper is a heavy-duty paper used in roof construction that is useful due to its waterproof material. While this fix is a little more involved, it is a great way to protect your home from any further damage caused by a leak. Tar paper is pretty easy to find in hardware stores and can be easily spread with a knife.

Taping

Roofing tape is another temporary option that should be able to prevent further damage until a professional is available to fix the problem permanently. Roofing tape can be easily applied from inside your home, eliminating the danger of climbing onto a roof without professional experience. Remember that roofing tape will sometimes lose adhesion if rain or other inclement weather is persistent.

Conclusion

When a roof starts to leak, it’s critical to prevent as much long-term damage as possible. Concerned about your roof? Contact us today!

April 4, 2022 0

5 Unique Dining Room Lighting Fixtures

The dining room is a central part of the home, and its lighting should create just the right mood. Choosing a lighting fixture for your dining room leaves room for a lot of creativity and plays a significant role in the mood and ambiance of the space. This week, we’ve outlined an array of creative dining room lighting fixtures to consider for your next project.

Marya Sixteen-Light Chandelier

Clean straight lines are used to emphasize contemporary style throughout this sixteen-light chandelier.

Boasting distinct quality and charm, this Marya sixteen-light chandelier will steal the show in your decor. The brushed nickel finish is bold and elegant to complement surrounding features. Its small bulbs are attractive and eye-catching to distinguish the design.

Rustic Farmhouse Pendant Light

Add a vintage flair to your home with this rustic farmhouse pendant light.

This Franklin Iron Works design offers a modern interpretation of a classic urban-industrial style. It comes in a handsome black finish and features a prominent round clear glass shade. The mouth-blown glass has a few pinprick bubbles that add to the vintage look and feel. As an added bonus, this pendant light comes with an Edison-style light bulb that’s sure to add a nostalgic glow.

Modern Three-Light Pendant Lamp

Brighten your contemporary living space with this chrome finish modern three-light pendant lamp featuring water drop style clear glass coverings.

This set of three mini pendants has a modern look that’s easy to clean and unquestionably hip. A chrome finish covers the canopy and hardware. Crystal strings are positioned neatly to surround and reflect the central halogen light while a clear glass rounded shape envelops the crystal.

Arachne 10

Showcasing a striking silhouette sparked by the space race, this 10-light sputnik brings a splash of mid-century modern style as it boosts the brightness in any arrangement.

Crafted from metal, this fixture features a round canopy, a slim rod, and adjustable crossing arms that you can rearrange to suit your needs. Ten compatible 60 W medium-base bulbs sit exposed at the ends to cast light in an ambient direction.

Volo Linear Pendant

Reinforce the contemporary personality of your decor with this Volo energy-efficient LED linear pendant.

The brushed aluminum finish distinguishes this Volo energy-efficient LED linear pendant from dweLED by W.A.C with a sleek and attractive presence. The frosted diffuser works as a valuable detail to further highlight the design with distinct detail. The high-powered LED remains energy-efficient throughout peak performance.

Conclusion

Have questions about which lighting fixture is right for your home? Want to start a new home improvement project? Contact us today!

March 28, 2022 0