Exploring the Chicago Gold Coast: The Ultimate Guide

 

The Gold Coast neighborhood is a historic neighborhood within the Chicago Near North Side community. Bounded by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Clark Street, it is known for its mix of vintage 19th-century buildings, modern high-rises, quiet tree-lined streets, and upscale businesses. It offers residents and visitors a variety of fun activities.

The Gold Coast neighborhood developed after the Great Chicago Fire. Millionaire Potter Palmer moved there in 1882. Once mostly swamp, he transformed the area by building the Potter Mansion on its grounds. Other wealthy Chicagoans followed Potter, moving into the neighborhood, and adding their businesses and properties.

Today, the Gold Coast is known as a luxurious, glamorous, and wealthy  place to visit and live, and it is rich with history. This article will review the many reasons you may want to call the Chicago Goal Coast home.

Reasons Why the Gold Coast is a Great Place to Visit or Live

Culture and Entertainment

The Gold Coast is a great place to live or visit thanks to its many cultural and entertainment attractions. You can enjoy a variety of activities including:

Shopping

• Oak Street: Oak Street is a shopaholic’s dream. Its streets are lined with high-end boutiques like Prada, Chanel, and Harry Winston. And when you get hungry, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many upscale restaurants along the way.
• Magnificent Mile: The Magnificent Mile offers over 450 retailers including boutiques, department stores, sporting goods stores, and more. While some are upscale, others offer deep discounts. You are guaranteed to find something that suits your needs.

Nightlife

• Bars and Clubs: There are several bars and clubs in the Gold Coast neighborhood that contribute to its vibrant atmosphere. The Luxbar offers feel-good food and hand-crafted cocktails. McFadden’s features theme nights, drink specials, and large TVs for game days.
• Live Music Venues: If it’s live music you are after, Oak St. has it all. The Zebra Lounge is a historical piano bar featuring live music seven days a week. Original Mothers offers a variety of events including karaoke, live music, and even film festivals.

Gold Coast Dining

Indulging in a meal at one of the Gold Coast’s top restaurants is an experience in itself. From iconic steakhouses to elegant French-Vietnamese cuisine, there’s a diverse range of dining options to choose from in this neighborhood. Here are just a few of the area’s most noteworthy restaurants to consider.

• Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse: This iconic steakhouse has been a Gold Coast staple since 1989. It offers classic American fare and an extensive wine list. The sophisticated atmosphere adds to its sense of glamour.
• Hugo’s Frog Bar and Seafood: Hugo Frog Bar, also a part of the Gibsons Restaurant Group, is a renowned seafood known for its lively atmosphere, exceptional food, and extensive drink menu. Indulge in their signature garlic butter-soaked king crab legs while enjoying the energetic ambiance of this classic Chicago spot. Don’t forget to try one of their specialty cocktails or craft beers while you’re there.
• The Cape Cod Room: Located inside the historic Drake Hotel, the Cape Cod Room serves up fine seafood and cocktails in an atmosphere that exudes old-school elegance.
• Tavern on Rush: Tavern on Rush is an old-school steakhouse that has been a Gold Coast fixture since 1996. It is known for its prime cuts of beef, its fresh seafood, and its lively bar scene.
• Le Colonial: This elegant French-Vietnamese restaurant has been serving Gold Coast diners since 1996. Its menu features classic and contemporary dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and bold favors.
• Nico Osteria: Nico Osteria offers elevated Italian seafood in an elegant yet refined setting.

Art and Architecture

The Chicago Gold Coast is not only known for its luxurious homes and fine dining, but also for its rich art and architectural heritage. From museums to stunning historic mansions and buildings, this neighborhood has it all. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or an architecture lover, you’ll find plenty to explore and admire in the Gold Coast

• Museum of Contemporary Art: The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the largest contemporary art museums. Spend the day experiencing the work of today’s artists and understanding their historical, cultural, and social significance.
• Historic Mansions and Buildings: The Gold Coast is an architecture lover’s dream. Walk through the neighborhood to see it’s many historical buildings and mansions. You may also view the Potter Palmer Mansion that started it all.

Beaches

• Oak Street Beach: Oak Street Beach is a popular summer destination. It offers a spectacular view of the city skyline. Amenities include chair rentals, volleyball rentals, and food and beverage options at Oak Street Café.
• North Avenue Beach: North Avenue Beach offers a variety of fun activities. You can jet-ski or paddle board, bike along the boardwalk, engage in a yoga session, or have a great meal at Castaways Bar and Grill.

Parks and Trails

• Lakefront Trail: Lakefront Trail is a prime location for pedestrians, joggers, and bikers. It features an 18.5-mile combination pedestrian and bike trail.
• Washington Square Park: Chicago’s oldest small park located at the intersection of Walton and Dearborn Streets, featuring a fountain, benches, and a peaceful atmosphere.

 

Find Your Dream Home in the Heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast

The Chicago Gold Coast is a hub of Chicago activity. It offers historic architecture, exciting nightlife, great shopping and dining, and tons of cultural attractions. It’s easy to see why it’s such a great place to live and visit.

If you want to be in the center of it all, contact me to find out how I can assist you in achieving domestic bliss.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/chicago-gold-coast-neighborhood-guide/

Creative Ways to Make the Most of Your Home’s Storage

 

When buyers look for a home, there are many factors to consider. A good location, hardwood flooring, energy efficient/smart appliances and a laundry room are all desirable features. And then there’s storage space. People want to have ample storage. 

Also, important are exterior and interior spaces that will accommodate all their belongings. It seems that no matter how much storage space a person has in their home they tend to outgrow it. Things accumulate and they are rarely checked to determine what needs to go. But decluttering regularly, along with implementing ways to create more storage in your home, can help you optimize space.

This article will focus on how to make the most of your home’s storage.

Tips for Decluttering

One way to optimize storage space is to declutter regularly. That way, you won’t have items you don’t need taking up precious real estate.

• Declutter on a Regular Basis: If you put yourself on a decluttering schedule, you will be less likely to let clutter accumulate. The schedule you create will be up to you. It can be weekly, monthly, or seasonal. Remember, the more time you leave between declutters, the more items you will have to deal with.
• Throw Away Things You Don’t Want Immediately: That piece of junk mail that just came in, that Christmas card that’s been sitting on the dining room table for a week. Instead of leaving them on a table or storing them somewhere where they will end up getting thrown out months later, put them in the trash right away. That dress or suit that you have not worn for decades. You will not miss them once you give them to Goodwill or another charitable organization.
• Be Hard on Yourself: When things hang around for a long time, they tend to gain sentimental value. But you must be tough when you declutter. If the item is just going to collect dust for the next few years, throw it out.

Tips to Create More Storage in Your Home

• Buy Multi-functional Furniture: There are plenty of multi-functional furniture tips and options that provide terrific storage solutions. For example, you may consider purchasing a coffee table with shelves underneath. There are also beds with headboard areas that can be used for storage.
• Add Shelving: Shelving is a great way to create more storage in your home. You can install them up high, so they don’t take up floor space. You can use them to hold books as well as decorative items so they will enhance your home’s aesthetic.
• Use Under-Bed Space: Beds take up a lot of room, but you can get some of this space back by storing items underneath. Some beds even come with drawers and fold out compartments on the bottom that are ideal for this purpose.
• See Through Storage Containers Are Ideal: See through storage containers can serve as great makeshift dressers. You can stack them in open areas to store clothing, art supplies, tools, devices and more. You can also put them inside closets to keep them more organized.

Optimizing Your Space When Selling Your Home

When it comes time to sell your home, you want to declutter it and make the most of your storage space. This will help show the property to its fullest potential.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/creative-ways-to-make-the-most-of-your-homes-storage/

What Makes Printers Row One of the Most Exciting Chicago Neighborhoods

 

There are so many great neighborhoods in Chicago to enjoy. Printers Row is one that has withstood the test of time as a community that continues to develop and thrive. Printers Row is in downtown Chicago in an area known as the Loop, although it’s technically more part of the South Loop.  It is defined by Ida B. Well Drive on the north, Polk St. on the south, Plymouth Court on the east and the Chicago River on the west.  Printers Row is a neighborhood that has a special place in my heart.  I moved to the area back in 1985 and, even then, it was flourishing.  I worked to find many clients the perfect properties in the community, some of which were over 100 years old. In recent years, the community has experienced a huge boom in building, restaurants, and river development providing new attractions on a regular basis.  Read on for a Printers Row Guide that lets you know the things you can enjoy when you explore the area.

Printers Row is so called because the area was once populated with businesses that specialized in printing and publishing. Today, many of these buildings have been converted into fun and trendy residential lofts. The attractions, shops and restaurants contribute to the neighborhood’s fantastic urban vibe.

Key Real Estate Attractions and Living in Printer’s Row

There are several great looking historic buildings on Printers Row, Chicago. The ones you will want to check out include:

M.A Donahue: This historic 19th century building was designed by Julius B. Speyer and built in 1883. Its design is considered Romanesque. The building features a rounded arched sandstone and granite entry bay and historic vault lights.

Franklin Building: This 14-story brick building is one of the many historic buildings in the City of Chicago Printing House Row landmark district.  It was designed by George C. Nimmons and built in 1916 and is an example of Chicago school architecture.  It features large skylights; terracotta tiles and it is topped with a unique parapet.  The Franklin Building also contains a mural over its main entrance depicting various artisans involved in the printing process.

Dearborn Station: Dearborn Station was in operation from the late 1800’s through to 1971.  It was one of six intercity train stations serving the downtown Chicago area.  The building is now a shopping mall and entertainment space. The exterior is characterized by a 12-story clock tower made of pink granite and red pressed brick.  It is topped by various steeply pitched roofs.

Cultural & Entertainment Attractions

Chicago offers its share of attractions throughout the year and many take place in the Printers Row, Chicago area.  They include the following:

Printers Row Literary Fest: This annual event brings the community the largest free literary showcase in the Midwest.  The Fest happens over the course of a weekend in mid-September.  It includes speakers, exhibitions, children’s programs, reading, workshops and more.

Printers Row Park: Printers Row Park is a small green space that spans .38 acres.  The Park offers a community garden, seating, and a fountain sculpture.

Jazz Showcase: The Jazz Showcase is a great venue for celebrating the city’s musical heritage.  It features local, national, and international acts.

Printers Row Nearby Attractions

There are also several attractions near to Printers Row, Chicago.  These include:

• Grant Park is an urban public park that spans over 300 acres.  It contains Maggie Daley Park, Buckingham Fountain, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum Campus and Millennium Park.
• Shedd Aquarium is a terrific place to check out a variety of aquatic animals.
• Field Museum is a natural history museum that offers interactive, educational exhibits.
• The Adler Planetarium is a fantastic destination for learning about space.
• The Art Institute is one of the world’s most famous art museums featuring collections from around the world and various time periods.

Printers Row Restaurants, Bars and Shops

Restaurants and Bars

Chicago is known for its great food and drinks.  Bars and restaurants in the area you should be checking out in the Printers Row, Chicago area include:

• Chicago Curry House Indian Restaurant is the place to go if you’re in the mood for Indian & Nepalese Himalayan Cuisine.
• Bar Louie is a casual dining chain that offers quality American cuisine, martinis and microbrews and happy hour specials.
• Roots Handmade Pizza is your destination for authentic Chicago style pizza. It also offers draft beer in a modern setting with a retractable roof.
• Umai: This Japanese restaurant offers a sushi bar, a full bar and authentic cuisine in a loftlike space.
• Sociale: Sociale is a great place to find wood fired pizza and authentic Tuscan specialties.  Its casual atmosphere is ideal for socialization.
• Half Sour: Half Sour is a unique deli style restaurant that is new to Printers Row.  Stop in to try one of their innovative dishes served in a casual setting.
• Amarit Thai Restaurant: Amarit Thai has become a cornerstone of the Chicago community.  It is known for its excellent cuisine, superior service, and fresh ingredients.
• Sofi: Sofi features classic Northern Italian dishes with an authentic flair.  It offers delectable desserts, house made pastas and an extensive wine list.

Shops

If you enjoy shopping, there’s plenty of cool shops and boutiques in Printers Row Chicago to enjoy.  You won’t want to miss out on a trip to:

• Printers Row Wine Shop is a terrific place to find unique wines and features a very cool wine bar.
• Sandmeyer’s Bookstore is the perfect addition to Printers Row.  Established in 1982, it’s a mom-and-pop shop offering the hottest new books.
• Totto’s Market is a recently established, hip grocery market offering fresh food and great customer service.

Schools and Colleges Near Printer’s Row

There are several schools and colleges in the Printers Row community. Top rated public schools include the South Loop Elementary School and William Jones College Preparatory, a selective enrollment high school.

There are also many higher education facilities in the area. The University Center of Chicago houses over 3000 students. Other nearby colleges include IIC John Marshall Law School, Roosevelt University, the Loop campus of De Paul University, Columbia College and Robert Morris University.

Check out the South Loop page of my website to find out about more schools in the area.

Medical Facilities and Hospitals

It’s convenient to live in a neighborhood with quality medical facilities and hospitals close by.  There are several near the Printers Row area including:

• Northwestern Hospital: Northwestern offers several doctors that specialize in a variety of conditions as well as emergency services.
• Rush University Medical Center: Rush ranks as number 19 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. It is known for providing top notch adult specialties, procedures, and facilities.  It is a general medical and surgical facility as well as a teaching hospital.
• University of Chicago Medical Center: The University of Chicago Medical Center offers 75 specialties and services. Their research and discovery program has paved the way for breakthroughs in the medical field.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/printers-row-exciting-chicago-neighborhood/

Understanding Home Renovation Costs: A Practical Guide

 

Before you even think about selling your home, you have probably wondered what sort of changes to your home to make it show ready should the time come to put your home on the market. If it is show ready currently, good for you, let the showings begin! Most people, however, are faced with the reality that small projects to major renovations will be required to get their homes ready for sale. Of course these projects also have a range of costs associated with them. Let’s delve into understanding home renovation costs so you might determine how much you can expect to pay as well as how remodels can increase your property’s asking price.

How Do Home Renovation Cost Factors Figure Into Your Expenses?

The amount renovations cost will depend on the area being renovated and how involved and high quality the work is.  This Home Renovation Guide provides detailed estimates, potential recoup value, and other considerations of most home renovations.

Here’s an idea of what you may be spending on some of the most common renovations that are likely to get you the biggest return on your investments.

Bathroom Addition

An extra bathroom can greatly increase the value of your home. Think of how much better it is when everyone in the home has a bathroom to use!

Bathroom additions can be midrange or upscale. Here’s an example of what’s involved with each.

Midrange Bathroom:

This involves the addition of a bathroom that’s around 6 x 8 square feet. Typical features include:

• A stone vanity countertop
• A molded sink with chrome faucets
• A fiberglass tub and shower combo
• Ceramic tiling
• A mirrored medicine cabinet
• A small storage cabinet or closet

Cost and profits: A midrange remodel will cost around $65,362 and yield a resale value of $33,699, providing a 51.6% return.

Upscale Bathroom:

An upscale addition will refer to a 100 square foot bathroom added to a master bedroom. It may include the following features:

• Ceramic tile walls
• A neo-angle shower with a frameless glass enclosure
• A freestanding high-end tub
• A stone countertop with two sinks
• Two mirrored light-up medicine cabinets
• An enclosed commode area
• A humidity control exhaust fan
• Ceramic tile floor
• Custom cabinetry

Cost and Profits: An upscale addition costs around $115,431 and has a resale value of $60,475. It will get you an ROI of 52.4%.

Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom remodel will add considerable value to your home. Its spa like atmosphere will provide the perfect escape after a long day at work. Here’s what’s involved in midrange and upscale renovations.

Midrange Bathroom Remodel:

A midrange remodel on a 5×7 square foot bathroom may include replacing all fixtures and upgrading them with the following:

• A porcelain on steel tub
• Ceramic tiling
• A temperature and pressure-controlled shower
• A new toilet
• A sink and vanity
• A mirrored light up medicine cabinet
• A new paint job

Costs and Profits: A midrange bathroom remodel will set you back $27,570. It will yield a resale value of $16,059, for a total of 58.3% of costs recouped.

Upscale Bathroom Remodel:

An upscale remodel performed on a bathroom 35 to 100 square feet inside will include the replacement of fixtures. Features to add are as follows:

• Ceramic tiling
• Neo angle shower with frameless glass enclosure
• Two mirrored, light up medicine cabinets
• An enclosed commode section
• A freestanding soaker tub
• A humidity-controlled exhaust fan
• Custom cabinetry
• Spot lighting

Costs and Profits: An upscale remodel will cost about $82,838 and produce a resale value of $46,840. Sellers can look at a 56.5% return.

Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is a part of the home that people spend the most time in and make the most memories in. A stylish one can produce a considerable increase in your property value. Here’s what you will be looking at in terms of renovations and costs involved.

Midrange Kitchen Remodel:

This will involve a major overhaul of a 200 square foot kitchen. Here are the renovations you’ll be looking at.

• 30 feet of semi-custom wood cabinets
• A 3×5’ island
• Laminate countertops
• A double tub stainless steel sink
• An energy efficient range
• New appliances including a dishwasher, microwave and garbage disposal
• New paint and flooring

Costs and Profits: A midrange kitchen remodel will cost around $81,820 and bring in a resale value of $47,274 for a total recoup of 57.8%.

Upscale Kitchen Remodel:

An upscale kitchen remodel on a 200 square foot kitchen requires the replacement of current items with new fixtures including:

• 30 feet of top-of-the-line cabinets with siding shelves
• Stone countertops
• A ceramic or glass backsplash
• A high-end sink with water filtration
• Built-in accessories including a refrigerator, microwave, cooktop and wall oven
• Hardwood flooring

Costs and Profits: An upscale kitchen remodel costs around $160,815 and will bring in a resale value of $86,396 allowing you to regain 53.7% of what was invested.

Garage Door Replacement

A garage door replacement is recommended as it increases functionality while adding to the property’s curb appeal. It requires replacing a 16 x 7’ door with a heavy-duty door that runs on galvanized steel tracks and features windows, thermal insulation and a lifetime guarantee.

The door will cost around $4,132 and bring in a resale value of $3,967 meaning you’ll get 96% of your investment back.

Deck Addition

A deck adds instant appeal to your home. It provides a terrific area for recreation.

Decks can be composite or wood. For one that impresses, include a built-in bench and planter, stairs and a railing.

A composite deck addition costs $24,592 and makes for a resale value of $15,503 allowing you to recoup 63% of expenses. A wood deck will cost $19,935 and yields a resale value of $13,328 which adds up to a 66.9% return.

Fiber Cement Siding or Vinyl Siding

Fiber cement siding is customizable, and it will hold up well to the elements.

In Chicago, you can expect the cost of fiber cement siding on a 1,250 square foot home with a 4/4 or 5/4 thickness to be about $24,321 for a resale value of $15,985. You can recoup 65.7% of cost.

Vinyl siding will update the look of your home and it is a more affordable option as compared to fiber cement. The average cost of vinyl siding on a 1,250 square foot home is $21,564 with resale value of $15,121, for 70.1% recouped cost.

Vinyl Windows

Window replacements will make your home look more attractive, and they can add to its energy efficiency. Vinyl windows are a great choice because they are available in a variety of colors, and they hold up well over time. Look for ones that are Low-E (low emissivity) and double paned for the ultimate in energy savings.

In Chicago, the average cost of vinyl windows is about $21,564 and the resale value about $15,121, recouping 70.1 of the cost. The prices above are based on 10 existing 3×5-foot doublehung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-light vinyl windows with a custom-color exterior finish.

Conclusion

There are many other different renovations and approaches based you could consider on the condition of the home and your goals.  This home renovations cost estimation worksheet from HomeGuide gives you a structured tool to itemize, plan and control your expenses.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/understanding-home-renovation-practical-guide/

Give Your Home Some Dazzle for the Holidays with These Decorating Tips

 

The holidays are coming up quick. You’ll want your home to look its best with design trends that are all the rage for this year’s seasonal décor.  The 2021-2022 holiday season is all about introducing texture, getting nostalgic and utilizing natural and sustainable elements. In this article, I’ll share a few holiday decorating tips for the season so you can create a standout look no matter what type of space you are working with.

Decorating Tips for the 2021 Holiday Season

Every holiday season brings its share of contemporary designs. Here are some decorating tips that will be hot for the 2021 season.

• Best Color Schemes: In recent years, we were incorporating unexpected color schemes in our holiday designs. This year, it’s back to traditional red, white and green. But you can shy away from the obvious by choosing a red tree and decorating with green and white ornaments. Accenting with metallics like silver and gold will enhance the appeal.
• Multiple Trees: Bring nature in with multiple trees in various sizes. Complement a grand tree with two smaller trees placed nearby. Or accent the entire home by placing miniature trees all over including kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Nostalgia: Take friends and family back in time by using old crockery and adding vintage ornaments to your design scheme. This decorating trend started in 2020 and is continuing.
• Sustainability: Sustainability will be at the root of everyone’s seasonal décor. Capitalize on this by incorporating lots of natural greens including wreaths, trees, swags and decorated houseplants. Use recyclable dinnerware and make decorations with pre-loved materials.
• Textured Layers of White: Textured layers of white will imitate snow and bring a cozy feeling into the home. Achieve the look by adding white throws, white area rugs and white pillows to beds and furnishings.

Trendy Decorating Tips for Spacious Open Spaces

Open spaces are trending in home design, and they are great for luxurious, over the top displays. Here are some decorating tips that fit the bill perfectly.

• A Large Tree: A wide open space is perfect for an opulent tree that will fill the room and be visible from everywhere. Go over the top by adding an excess of decorations that will dazzle your guests.
• Decorate the Mantle: A mantle makes a terrific centerpiece for rooms with open floor plans. If you have one in your home, make the most of it by putting decorations on its surface. Stockings should be hung below in accordance with traditional holiday styles. If you have a mirror or painting above the mantle, string it with garlands and/or lights.
• Don’t Forget the Walls: Adding decorations to the walls will disperse a festive spirit throughout the room. Wreaths, lights and other hangings will infuse the home with joy.
• Add Decorations to Surfaces: Make your space look welcoming by adding decorations to surfaces. Candy dishes filled with shiny treats or glam ornaments and vibrant figurines will bring the perfect amount of glitz.

Holiday Decorating Tips for Condos and Lofts

If you live in a smaller space like a condo or loft, you can create an urban chic design without taking up a lot of space. Here are some trendy decorating tips on how it’s done.

• A Small Tree: You may live in a small space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a tree a part of your holiday décor. A smaller tree won’t take up a lot of room. Decorate it with fun, vintage items to give it urban flair.
• Knitted Stockings Over the Mantle: Stockings on the mantle are a holiday tradition and they won’t get infringe on your valuable real estate. Knitted or crocheted stockings provide an understated look that’s perfect for city living.
• Place Cards and Figurines on Bookshelves: If you are dealing with limited space, try placing cards and figurines on bookshelves. They will be in a place where they won’t get knocked over and they will fill your home with the right amount of delightful clutter.
• Hang Lights on Curtains: Twinkling lights will infuse your space with the joy of the season. For a boho chic aesthetic, try hanging them on curtains in a careless vertical fashion.

Timeless Holiday Decorating Ideas

Holiday decorating tips come and go, but here are some timeless looks that will always be in fashion.

• Old World Santa: Santa is a timeless figure that’s an integral part of Christmas. An old-world ornament will work regardless of what current trends may be.
• Wooden Beads: Wooden beads add glamor and glitz without going overboard. They work well with any décor.
• An Icy Pine Wreath: Wreaths are the perfect way to ring in the holiday season. While different elements can be integrated to update the look, an icy pine is always a hit.
• White Lights: White lights have a sparkly aesthetic that is reminiscent of snow. They add cheer no matter what colors are trending for the season.

The right design can make your home into a winter wonderland. These holiday decorating tips will help you achieve the look you are going for. And, if you are showing and selling your home, they will help you please your potential home buyer.

And if you are looking for a new home to start off the New Year, be sure to call me first. I will make the buying and selling process as stress free as possible. I will help you find the perfect space for 2022.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/holiday-decorating-tips/

How to Keep Your Pest Issues Under Control

 

You want your home to be your haven. You do everything to maintain a lovely aesthetic and keep it clean. But no matter how hard you try it can be difficult to maintain pest control.  Homeowners will want to always keep their homes free from pests, but especially when they are selling the home. Having someone show up to an open house or a showing to find pests crawling in your rooms can be more than embarrassing. It can cost you a sale. Pest control should not only be addressed when the home goes on the market. It should be a regular part of home ownership. It is one part of maintenance you won’t want to put on the back burner. Doing so can result in significant damage to the home, an unhealthy living environment and unpleasant infestations.

What are the Biggest Pest Control Issues in the City?

If you live in the city, you may be dealing with any number of pests. Here are some that are often encountered in urban areas.

• Termites: Termites are small bugs with bulbous bodies. They feed on wood and can do considerable damage to the structure of your home.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches have flat oval shaped bodies and long antennae. They are typically brown or black and are attracted to food and warmth.
• Rats: Rats are large rodents with hairless tails. They are attracted to food and clutter and may carry disease. They can burrow into your home damaging its structure. They can also chew on electrical wire causing a potentially hazardous situation.
• Mice: Mice are smaller than rats and are attracted by food and clutter. Like rats, they carry disease and can do structural damage to the home.
• Bed Bugs: Bed bugs are typically too small to be seen by the human eye, but they leave tell tale bites on the torso that can become itchy and inflamed.

Do Pest Control Issues Vary Depending on the Type of Property You Live In?

Pest control issues vary depending on the type of property you live in. Therefore, there are different pest control for condos and apartments and pest control tips for Chicago single family homes.

For example, a homeowner may have a yard that’s likely to attract mice and insects. Keeping their property well-tended will reduce the chances of having a pest control issue.

People that live in an apartment or condo may encounter pest control issues due to a neighbor’s unsanitary habits. If this occurs, they may try speaking to the neighbor, the landlord or the HOA to get things taken care of while keeping their own homes as clean as possible.

Apartment and condo dwellers may also have the benefit of a landlord or HOA that will take care of their pest control problems for them. Look over your lease to find out what’s included as far as extermination is concerned.

Seasonal Pest Control Tips

Pest control measures may vary depending on the season. Here are some pest control tips that will keep your home free of pests year-round.

• Spring: Pests love to live in old boxes and hide out in cluttered areas. Discourage them from making a nest in your storage spaces by clearing old boxes during spring cleaning.
• Summer: A messy yard makes a terrific home for many types of pests. Keep them out of yours by trimming shrubbery when temperatures rise.
• Fall: During the fall, insects will seek shelter from the cold by crawling into gaps in your doors, windows and crawl spaces. Seal up these areas to keep your home pest free.
• Winter: Insects are attracted to moisture that can accumulate in attics and basements. Reduce humidity by keeping spaces well ventilated and turning up the heat.

A best bet to reduce pest issues is to have routine pest inspections.  It is much more economical and effective to prevent than to react to pest issues.

What’s Included in a Home Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection is a great way to catch infestations in their early stages, before they get out of hand. It is highly recommended as a step to take before a home goes on the market.

A pest inspection involves an expert coming into the home and searching for signs of pests in areas they are likely to gather. They will use their expertise to seek out details like damaged wood and insect droppings

Pest Control Tips for Getting Rid of Issues

If you find pests in your home, there are several pest control tips that will help you handle things efficiently. Here are a few to consider.

• Sprays: Sprays can be used in specific spots to kill pests. You may have to spray repeatedly to keep things under control. Be sure to keep these out f the reach of children or dependents.
• Traps: Traps work to attract pests and capture them. Once captured, deadly chemicals are released to exterminate them.
• Call in a Professional: If your pest control efforts are not successful, you may have to call in a professional. The service will see to it that you don’t have any problems in the future.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/pest-control-tips-keep-your-pest-issues-under-control/

Ideas for Remodeling Your Bathroom and Design Trends in 2021

 

Imagine ideas for remodeling your bathroom that will convert it into a relaxing, re-energizing, spa-like haven, a place to escape from the demands of everyday life.  Not only would this do wonders for your sanity, but it would also boost the value of your home when it’s time to sell.

In this age of COVID, we’re all spending more time in our homes, and we need to make them more comfortable. So, now is the perfect time to upgrade.  Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to start. There are many factors to be considered when updating your bathroom, but the ones that are most likely to bring instant improvement are wall colors, fixtures, lighting and ambiance, tiling and cabinetry. Let’s discuss ideas for remodeling your bathroom that will help you create an in-home oasis and improve the sale value of your home.

Top Bathroom Design Trends

Colors

A simple paint job can work wonders with your bathroom’s appearance. Today’s home décor trends are looking towards the unexpected — relaxing hues like blushing pinks, misty grays, and energetic aquas are great options. A simple eggshell will give you a clean, sleek look. You can complement these with deep jewel tones on the cabinetry or an accent wall to pop in contrast.

Fixtures

The fixtures in your bathroom will wear with age, and if they are not in proper working order, it could eat into your home’s value. When making updates, don’t just think about functionality, think about aesthetics as well.

Consider adding a freestanding tub with a vintage clawfoot design or a stone resin exterior. Showers can be equipped with glass doors, or you can create a steam room layout. Your new commode may feature a bidet, a seat warmer, perhaps an automatic deodorizer. The new-fangled smart toilets can even play music if you like!

Lighting and Ambiance

An update to bathroom lighting can go a long way, especially if you live in a high rise and don’t have natural light.

Make a statement by installing a chandelier in your bathroom ceiling. Add curves with a vintage pendant light or go with something playful like a balloon shaped wall sconce.

Be sure to set the zones of the bathroom — shower, vanity, commode — on different switches with dimmers so that you can control the brightness for those wake-up visits first thing in the morning.

Tiling Ideas for Remodeling Your Bathroom

The tiles and grout tie everything in your bathroom together and as such, they are very important pieces of the puzzle. Color, size, and material are the three features to focus on.

When you decide to update, integrate trending designs. Terracotta, geometrics, cultural prints and Art Deco are all ruling the home décor scene in 2021. Finish the look with a colored grout that complements the tiling perfectly.

Cabinetry and Storage Spaces

Today’s trends are calling for cabinets made of unique materials like mesh and marble. Alternately, wood is always a classic. Color contrasts will make the room more aesthetically pleasing.

New cabinets can make your bathroom more attractive in multiple ways, not only in their appearance but in their ability to hide clutter.

A less cluttered bathroom will look more appealing, so make sure your cabinetry has enough interior space to contain everything. An oversized door rack with multiple towel hooks, an old-school medicine cabinet, or a shoe bag organizer on the back of the door are also terrific for creating a neat aesthetic.  These may not be permanent fixtures, but they will make your bathroom look more spacious and attractive to sellers and they will inspire them in their design choices.

Smart Gadgets

Smart gadgets provide a spa like environment in the bathroom. Consider installing mirrors that can be adjusted to the perfect color temperature via a remote or voice control.

A connected shower controller will get your water to the perfect temperature without the wait. You can even add fun to your ventilation system by getting a fan that changes color and includes a Bluetooth speaker.

Remodeling Your Bathroom Adds Value to Your Home Sales

Bathroom remodeling is a great way to update your home, and it will add value when it’s time to sell. When you are ready to sell your home, as your realtor, I can provide you with specific ideas for remodeling your bathroom that will get you the most value for your money.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/remodeling-your-bathroom-top-design-trends-2021/