Thursday, June 29, 2017

10 easy DIY home improvement projects for beginners

Keller Home Improvement Projects


You don't have to be a pro to tackle many home improvement projects. With a little elbow grease and a few smart tools, DIY novices can easily complete all kinds of household tasks efficiently and correctly.

Here are 10 common DIY projects for beginners that any Keller homeowner (or apartment dweller) can learn to do. Not only will your house look great, but you'll feel a great sense of pride too.

1. Install a kitchen backsplash: You don’t need to learn how to cut and install tile. Instead, add a stylish backsplash by using inexpensive alternative materials such as tin ceiling tiles, wooden beadboard or wallpaper.

2. Loosen rusty bolts: For stubborn nuts and bolts, reach for a Bernzomatic TS3500 Multi-Use Torch. This easy-to-use tool empowers all levels of DIYers and can be used for dozens of tasks. For this one, simply heat up the bolt to loosen the rust, then turn with a wrench to remove.

3. Conceal wall blemishes: From nail holes to furniture bumps, repair wall blemishes by using a putty knife to spread a resurfacing compound. For larger dings, you can use an adhesive patch and add an all-purpose drywall compound with a trowel. Allow to dry, then sand and repaint.

4. Give furniture a vintage look: The rustic look is “in,” but rather than splurge on trendy furniture, get the same look for less money and have fun creating it yourself. Add an aged look to wooden furniture such as patio sets or console tables, or decor items like picture frames using a torched patina effect.

5. Create a perfect patio: If you want a new patio, but don't want to deal with mortar, consider flagstone. These flat stones fit together like puzzle pieces so you can create a small patio, meditation garden or reading nook virtually anywhere in your yard.

6. Repair equipment: Need to repair the grips on your bike, tennis racket or hockey sticks? When you want to regrip them, take off the old grip and use a torch to soften the adhesive to make it easier to remove the old grip. Simply add new grips around the now adhesive-free surfaces.

7. Eliminate picture-hanging snafus: When hanging small pictures, put masking tape on the wall before hammering or drilling. This will help ensure the wall or paint doesn't crack. Additionally, place a folded sticky note on the wall before drilling and it will catch all the dust.

8. Spruce up landscaping beds: If your landscaping is looking drab, mulch is an affordable way to limit weeds and protect plants while making the space more visually appealing. Use cut outs of landscaping fabric to line the beds before spreading mulch evenly on top. Quick trick: use a torch to singe the ends of the fabric to keep it from fraying.

9. Replace outlet plates: Faded or dated outlet plates can make an entire room look old. Update your space by installing new covers. For little cost, you can buy new plates and all you have to do is use a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver to swap out the old for new.

10. Evoke elegance with crown molding: High-end Keller homes often feature crown molding where the wall meets the ceiling. To get the look for less, purchase foam crown molding from your local home improvement store, paint and install with foam-board adhesive. No nails required!

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

1600 Wingate Court Keller, TX 76248

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/V9CAM4/1600-Wingate-Court-Keller-TX-13627108
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES IN THIS PERFECT PACKAGE! Open concept and abundance of natural light evoke a relaxing lifestyle. You will love this 4 bedroom, 3.1 bath home located on a cul-de-sac in an established neighborhood. Warm and welcoming family room to entertain guests while cooking a feast in well-designed kitchen. Retreat to the master suite and spa-like bath featuring his and her sinks, jetted, garden tub and separate shower. Large secondary bedrooms, gameroom and study offer a place for everyone. Amazing backyard oasis boasts inviting pool with water feature, covered patio and plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors. Price intended to offset cost of replacing downstairs floors and resurfacing of pool.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Square feet: 3,359
Price: $500,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 4429176 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.groveteam.com


MLS ID: 13627108

Friday, June 23, 2017

4933 Trail Creek Drive Fort Worth, TX 76244

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/MH7X8Y/4933-Trail-Creek-Drive-Fort-Worth-TX-13631287
Precious memories begin here in this 3 bedroom, 3 living, 2.1 bath home located in Keller ISD. The open concept and abundance of natural light evoke a relaxing lifestyle. Spacious kitchen features plenty of space for meal prep, breakfast bar, island and dining area with sliders to patio. Entertain family and friends in the sizable family room offering the warmth of a fireplace. Retreat to the Master suite for private time. Large secondary bedrooms, awesome yard and hot tub, easy access to shopping and highways complete this amazing package.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.1
Square feet: 2,534
Price: $235,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 4422588 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.groveteam.com


MLS ID: 13631287

How Keller homeowners can lower energy bills for the warmer months



As the weather heats up, now is the time for Keller homeowners to make sure they’re doing their part to help increase comfort and reduce energy bills.

From the exterior to the interior, the consideration of a few simple tips could mean the difference between a summer that’s hot and expensive and a season that’s comfortable and won’t break the bank.

A real "pane" — Use windows to your advantage. Turn off the HVAC if you’re in a climate that cools off at night and open a window. When morning comes, shut the window, and lower the blinds to capture cool air.

Seal it up — Keep the cool in and the hot out. Homeowners are encouraged to take a walk around their home and look for cracks and openings that could let hot air in. Seal up those areas with caulk or weather stripping to increase efficiencies inside.

Plant some trees — According to the Arbor Day Foundation, large deciduous trees (maple, oak, elm, birch) planted on the east, west and northwest sides of a house not only provide cooling shade, but also can reduce summer air conditioning costs by up to 35 percent.

Insulate for the win — According to a recent survey, 46 million homes in the U.S. lack proper insulation. That translates to higher energy bills and uncomfortable residents. CertainTeed, a leader in insulation, has just the thing for  Keller homeowners with their new Insulation Selector Tool. The Insulation Selector Tool works by recommending a personalized selection of insulation solutions based on climate data, budget and the homeowner’s specific needs for their home and family. The tool considers a wide range of variables that impact comfort, including creating consistent indoor temperatures, helping reduce family allergies, moisture and mold, and providing noise control.



Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

HVAC energy information for Keller homeowners



Whether you’re looking to lower heating and cooling costs, or have a passion for protecting the environment, maximizing the energy efficiency of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is a smart move. The more energy efficient your system, the less you’ll spend running it every year, and the smaller your home’s environmental footprint will be.

Efficiency ratings are intended to help you decide which products are best for your Keller home, so it’s important to understand what all the related terms mean.

ENERGY STAR
Launched in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the ENERGY STAR program is a voluntary labeling system designed to help consumers identify energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR rates products in more than 70 categories. Over the past 20 years, ENERGY STAR-rated products have helped consumers save $362 billion on energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2.4 billion metric tons.

"Products that earn the ENERGY STAR rating are proven to operate using less energy. For example, in order to earn the highest rating, the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation, Luxaire's Acclimate AC8B Split System Air Conditioner and Echelon HC8B Split System Heat Pump demonstrated performance levels of up to 20 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and 12.5 Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) for cooling and heating performance, and 10 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heat pumps," says Ken Ely, product manager, Luxaire heating and cooling.

EnergyGuide label
Federal regulations require heating and cooling equipment to carry an EnergyGuide label that provides an estimate of how much energy the equipment will use. The label also compares the unit’s energy use to that of similar products, and gives an estimate of how much it will cost to operate the equipment in a year.

In addition to energy efficiency labeling, it’s important to know some measurement terms. Generally, for all these terms, a higher number equates to better efficiency.

SEER
SEER measures the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems and heat pumps. The ratio measures the amount of cooling provided by an air conditioner in comparison to the amount of energy the system uses — measured in watts per hour — over a hypothetical season. SEER can give you an idea of how energy efficient a unit will be under average conditions. However, a number of factors, such as how you use and maintain a unit, can influence energy efficiency, so it’s important to realize a unit might perform differently in your Keller home.

EER
EER is very similar to SEER, except instead of measuring efficiency over a season, EER tells you how efficient an air conditioning unit might be when operating at a typical temperature.

HSPF
HSPF is meant to help you understand a heat pump’s energy efficiency over a season. It’s typically referenced alongside SEER to give a better picture of a system’s probable energy efficiency. The HSPF formula uses BTUs (British Thermal Units, a measurement of heat) to estimate the useful heat output divided by the total electricity (in watts per hour) the heat pump uses during a heating season
.
AFUE
One more energy measurement to know is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. The AFUE measures average efficiency for furnaces, boilers and water heaters. Like SEER and EER, the measurement is for a theoretical heating season.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Simple changes can yield big water savings for Keller homeowners



Researchers predict that rising water prices could mean within five years a third of American households will not be able to pay their water bills, despite the replenishment of water reserves around the country.

What's more, the National Weather Service warns that drought could increase or reoccur if the country experiences a period of sustained heat and dryness.

Fortunately, there are many ways for you to reduce the amount of water your home uses each year. One of the best places to start conserving water is in the bathroom, where toilet flushing, long showers and deep soak baths account for the largest portion of a home’s water consumption, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Here are simple ways you can significantly reduce your Keller home’s water consumption, lower your water bill and do something good for the environment:

Ditch water-guzzling fixtures
Flushing the toilet accounts for about 30 percent of a home’s annual water consumption, making it the largest user of water in the home, according to the U.S. EPA. Prior to 1994, most toilets used 3.5 or more gallons of water per flush (gpf). Current federal guidelines require that toilets use no more than 1.6 gpf, but you can do even better.

* Toilets: Replace dated, older toilets with ultra-high-efficiency models, which use an average of 1.1 gpf — that's 31 percent less than federal mandates. Exclusive cleaning technology drives these water-saving toilets to remove every trace of paper and waste, while its antimicrobial finish helps it stay cleaner, longer.

* Faucets: Inefficient and leaky bathroom faucets also waste thousands of gallons of water each year. WaterSense-labeled faucets use a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) and as little as 1.2 gpm, decreasing water use by 30 percent or more. The Fluent collection of high-efficiency bathroom faucets uses leading-edge technology to reduce water consumption, while producing a strong flow rate, all with high-style design to coordinate with various bathroom decors.

* Showerheads: A significant source of water usage in a home can be attributed to showerheads, pouring up to 40 gallons per day down the drain for an average family, according to the EPA. Since showers account for 17 percent of a home’s water use, replacing an older, less efficient showerhead with a WaterSense-certified one can curb waste in the shower.

Make easy habit changes
Replacing inefficient fixtures is an investment that will pay off over time. However, there are simple habit changes that are free and will produce results right away. Keller homeowners can easily reduce water use in the bathroom by:

* Turning off the water when brushing their teeth. Running the tap while brushing can waste as much as 3,000 gallons per year, the EPA says.

* Taking showers instead of baths. It takes an average of 36 gallons to fill the bathtub. Plus, if you take baths less often, when you do indulge in one it will feel like a treat.

* Taking shorter showers. The longer the shower runs, the more water goes down the drain. Never turn on the shower and walk away to do other things while the water warms. If you get delayed or
distracted, the water could run for a long time before you actually step into the shower.

* Washing hands in cold water with soap, rather than letting the water run until it gets hot.

* Shaving at the sink, rather than in the shower. Shaving in the shower extends your shower time,
unnecessarily consuming more water. Just don’t forget to turn off the water while shaving at the bathroom sink.

Taking steps to reduce bathroom water usage can help save you money in the short term and benefit the environment in the long run. These changes are simple to implement, with rewarding results to both your wallet and our planet Earth.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Saturday, June 10, 2017

1600 Wingate Court Keller, TX 76248

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/N2LVUC/1600-Wingate-Court-Keller-TX-13619766
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES IN THIS PERFECT PACKAGE! The open concept and abundance of natural light evoke a relaxing lifestyle. You will love this 4 bedroom, 3.1 bath home located on a cul-de-sac in an established neighborhood. A warm and welcoming family room to entertain your guests while cooking a feast in the well designed kitchen with ample storage and counter space. Retreat to the master suite and spa-like bath featuring his and her sinks, jetted, garden tub and separate shower. Large secondary bedrooms, gameroom and study offer a place for everyone. Amazing backyard oasis boasts inviting pool with water feature, covered patio and plenty of room to stretch your legs. Don't miss this one!
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Square feet: 3,359
Price: $535,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 4396580 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.groveteam.com


MLS ID: 13619766

Friday, June 9, 2017

3 easy ways for Keller Homeowners to combat water damage to walls and ceilings



Ask any homeowner what they dread the most when it comes to home ownership, and it’s likely to involve some type of undetected water damage that could result in mold and mildew in their walls and ceilings — and the problems that follow.

Most water damage in homes is associated with pipes and appliances, especially those that are not regularly maintained. Left unchecked, resulting mold and mildew can potentially cause health problems.

Six of the most common causes of water damage include:
* Window or roof leak that causes water to run down inside the cavity of the wall or ceiling
* Gutter clog that can cause rainwater to back up into your home
* Icemaker water line to the refrigerator that leaks, causing mold in the cavity or on the surface of the wall
* Washing machine or dishwasher water hose failure that can cause mold within the wall
* Air conditioner unit clog or drip pan overflow that can cause water to run down the interior wall or ceiling
* Nail in PVC pipe that results in water leak or bursting pipes

Keller Homeowners need to realize that the effects of water damage in their homes aren’t always visible — once you find them, it’s likely mold growth already has occurred and can affect everything on the wall surface and behind it

There are three main ways to protect against water damage and the issues that follow:

Use drywall with extra protection for your walls and ceilings — such as moisture-, mold- and mildew-resistant drywall  — whether you’re building a new home, or remodeling or restoring the one you have. Look for Gold Certified for indoor air quality while aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments.

Routinely inspect vulnerable areas to prevent water damage before it occurs. Every few months grab a flashlight and do some sleuthing under sinks, behind appliances and around windows to check for moistness, rust, kinks or damage in water lines and hoses, and a musty odor. On a regular basis have professionals check things out, especially your air conditioning unit.

Act quickly to minimize damage from water intrusion, because mildew and mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours of water exposure.

Most Keller homeowners have had a water problem of some kind at some point in the history of living in their home. Be prepared. Walls and what they’re made of are important and they’re not all the same.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Monday, June 5, 2017

5 projects Keller homeowners can tackle in a weekend



This time of year was made for DIY projects. The weather is perfect, the projects have mounted, you’ve got the time and the motivation. Now if only you had the budget.

Not to worry, DIY doesn’t have to be synonymous with expensive! There are plenty of impactful DIY projects that Keller homeowners can tackle quickly and affordably in just a single weekend. Below is a list of five projects that you can use to scratch that project itch without putting a noticeable dent in your wallet.

Seal the gaps. Hidden gaps and cracks in your home could be allowing air to escape, making the temperature in the house more difficult to regulate and your energy bill more expensive than it needs to be. Seal these gaps with an innovative air-sealing insulating foam to help protect against air and moisture infiltration. It will create a tighter building envelope that helps to reduce your energy waste and your monthly bill.

A fresh coat of paint. How many times have you walked by that wall, those cabinets or that wooden chair and thought, "I need to repaint that"? Well, now’s the time. Painting small spaces and furniture yourself is a small, inexpensive project that can be finished in a single weekend. So start picking colors today. Once you’re done, you can feel proud knowing that you put in the hard work to give your home a fresh look.

Ward off vermin. You’re not the only one who’s happy to see that warmer weather has arrived. Vermin of the mammal, reptile or insect variety will also be more active during the warmer months and they may set their sights on your home. Insulating foam sealant helps block vermin from entering your home through gaps, cracks and holes. Spray the foam to block these points of entry and the only guests you’ll greet this season are those you actually invited.

Update your window treatments. If “treatment” is a generous word when describing the accent pieces around your windows, it’s time for an upgrade. Whether curtains, blinds or drapes, window treatments can be as cost effective as you want them to be, so don’t be afraid to be picky. And once you find treatments that appeal to you, use them to block the sun on the hottest days to reduce your energy expenses.

Expand your DIY. Your DIY projects don’t have to be confined to your home; they can also involve your boat, your RV or your other vehicles. Foam sealant can be used to fill unwanted gaps and cracks in vehicles, allowing you to cruise into vacation with no worries.

You can scratch that DIY itch without a month-long commitment or completely draining your bank account. All you have to do is pick the projects that match your budget, your time frame and your goals, and get to work. And when they're done, you'll have the rest of the season to enjoy your new and improved Keller home.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

807 Runnymede Road Keller, TX 76248

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/NXPS8C/807-Runnymede-Road-Keller-TX-13612995
Introducing charm & charisma! If you desire graceful living among beautiful surroundings, you must see this one story, four bedroom, three bath home in sought after Keys Addition. Classic elegance is yours in this impeccably maintained home featuring open design with wood floors, island kitchen, granite surfaces, stainless appliances and plantation shutters. Escape to the master retreat w spa-like bath. Large secondary bedrooms, extra storage, and amazing outdoor living space complete this perfect package.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Square feet: 2,510
Price: $400,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 4375705 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.groveteam.com


MLS ID: 13612995