Friday, October 31, 2014

5 common North Texas weatherization myths ... busted

Last winter’s visit from the polar vortex made for bone-chilling temperatures for Keller homeowners. If this year is anything like the last, drafty homes and high thermostat settings will accompany the freezing weather. Unfortunately, many homeowners throughout DFW get cold feet when it comes to weatherizing their homes, citing various reasons why they don’t just get it done. Here are five common weatherizing myths you should overcome to help you get ready this winter:

Myth No. 1: Weatherizing requires a handyman
Hiring a professional to weatherize isn’t necessary. Many easy-to-use weatherization products are available that require minimal – if any – tools, and can be installed in just a weekend.

Myth No. 2: Weatherizing isn’t affordable
Many do-it-yourself weatherizing products are easy on your wallet. Actually, Southlake homeowners can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year on their heating (and cooling) costs by properly air sealing their homes and keeping thermostat temperatures low.

Myth No. 3: Weatherize when it’s cold
It’s never too early to weatherize, especially as you prepare for Old Man Winter. For best results, take a top-down approach: Start with the attic, winterize windows, close gaps around and under doors, and hit the walls to tackle hidden sources of energy loss. Be sure to check your Grapevine home’s nooks and crannies, too.

Myth No. 4: Being cold is just a part of winter
Being cold inside your home may be a sign your North Richland Hills house isn’t weatherized properly. One common place to feel drafts is by doors, especially as cracks and gaps can let cold air in and warm air out. Look for insulating seals to stop leaks, a no-nails-needed door bottom, draft seal slides to prevent drafts from under the door that can help keep out moisture and water.

Myth No. 5: Windows and doors are my only problem
Windows and doors are prime spots for energy loss, accounting for most air leaks and bitter drafts entering your North Fort Worth home, but behind-the-scenes sources also should be addressed. Something as simple as insulating electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls can create a buffer between the outdoor air and your home’s inside. To prevent drafts even further, don’t forget to check the attic. Attic access openings or pull-down stairs are often overlooked and are actually a big source of energy loss.

Don’t let these common misconceptions scare you. As it turns out, weatherizing your Keller home can be an affordable and easy do-it-yourself project. For home improvement tips and more information, visit groveteam.blogspot.com

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.

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Monday, October 27, 2014

Protecting your kitchen investment in DFW

Kitchens are often considered the heart of a home. For Keller homeowners, It’s where you prepare meals, pay your bills and entertain guests. With solid investment, the kitchen can single-handedly increase the value of your DFW home and help you build more of a nest egg. Even if you’re considering selling your home, all eyes of prospective buyers will inevitably be on the kitchen.

When making investments in your Southlake home, the kitchen is unanimously the best place to start. To accomplish that, reach for what feels classic for the space like subway tiles and stainless steel, and allow the elements that tell your story to come through in the non-permanent fixtures like the furniture, fabrics and details.

Here are five tips for designing a forever kitchen that will sustain its value, whether you’re looking to put your DFW house on the market or simply updating it for your family’s enjoyment:

1. A timeless look: For Keller homeowners - When it comes to making big design decisions in your kitchen, put aside trends and go with timeless and elegant. Reach for what feels right for you – and focus on things that will look as good 10 years from now as they do today. The entire LG Studio line of premium, built-in appliances, for example, was designed with a signature look, feel and style that will easily transition with you through the years.

2. Paint: Although people often grimace when you tell them to paint wood. It isn’t a cardinal sin, especially in the kitchen. Tearing out cabinets isn’t always an option, but painting, while a bit of work, can be enjoyable as well. Reach for black. It sets off all the appliances and makes for a dramatic change to your Grapevine home.

3. Brighten with lights: It is a significant recommendation – lighting is one of the most important decisions you can make in any room, including the kitchen of your North Richland Hills home. Placing lights over an island or table can make the room stand out. Since lighting can often add to a dated vibe of the space, swapping it out for something more timeless immediately makes the space appear more modernized – perfect for illuminating any potential buyers.

4. The long haul: Making over a kitchen is no small feat. It’s expensive and time consuming. So, your best asset is information. Start researching designs and costs.. Always start with what’s permanent like the cabinets, appliances and tiles. These, along with the appropriate team to help you make and install all of it, are your best investments. From there, consider ways that you can have what you want at a price you can live with. Many of the most amazing islands fashioned from unique things. These can all be ways to get a big look without the big price tag.

5. Consider technology: The home of the future is actually here today. It’s one that is wired for sound, TV and Wi-Fi. Simply put, our kitchen island is command central for more than meal prep. For many of us it’s also the office. So, to add value to this space, don’t undervalue what will make life easier, like outlets that have USB ports in the wall and island, charging docks and TVs. We do so much more in this space than cook. So, to add value, add ways for you be connected ... just not at the dinner table.

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Friday, October 24, 2014

Smart renovation investments for North Texas homeowners

Throughout the North Texas area many residents are looking for home renovation projects to curb energy loss. While homeowners in North Richland Hills, Keller, Southlake, and North Fort Worth may not immediately think of their attic as a major source of energy loss, the reality is that as much as 25 percent of the energy lost in the average American home occurs there. As the weather begins to get cooler, you may be inclined to increase the thermostat to maintain a warm and comfortable home. However, air leakage, caused by numerous gaps and cracks throughout your home’s infrastructure, particularly the attic, can cause your HVAC equipment to work overtime and place a strain on your wallet every month.

Experts say the attic is one of the easiest places within the home to address energy loss. There are several smart home renovation investments that homeowners throughout North Richland Hills and other DFW cities can make to reduce excessive energy loss through the attic.

Ensuring your home has a polyolefin plastic house wrap is one common method to minimize air leakage. This type of wrap is commonly installed during the construction process as part of an integrated, whole building envelope system. Having your home professionally caulked and sealed is another simple and quick investment that addresses energy loss within the home. Another consideration is having whole house fans installed. These fans help by pulling air through the house and are particularly effective during warmer months.

One of the most effective methods to eliminate air leakage and live greener is ensuring that your attic is insulated with a high performance insulation solution. Traditional insulation is prone to sagging, leaving gaps and absorbing moisture which can have significant health impacts on occupants while allowing for significant energy loss. Replacing your North Texas home’s insulation with a high-performance material such as spray foam insulation will both insulate and air seal the entire attic space leading to immediate cost savings. These savings will continue over the long-term.

A growing number of building professionals are recommending spray foam insulation as a valuable, cost-effective solution. Suitable for any climate, spray foam insulation helps retain the conditioned air within the building, allowing the heating and cooling equipment to work more efficiently rather than compensating for energy losses through the attic space. As a result of the improved energy consumption, heating and cooling costs are kept down and air leaks become a thing of the past.

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Monday, October 20, 2014

How to keep pests out of your DFW home

Each year, damage due to pests costs North Texans loads of money, in addition to posing significant health risks. The fundamental goal of protecting your home is identifying which pests you should be most concerned with and finding solutions to keep them out of your home. This can apply to homeowners throughout the area including Grapevine, Southlake, Keller and North Richland Hills among others. Here are seven tips that can assist you in keeping pests out of your home.

Trim Backyard Trees
Deter pests from using your trees and branches as a way into your home by trimming any limbs that hover over your roof. If you find your trees to be a more extensive problem you should contact a local landscaper in DFW.

Eliminate Entry Ways
Fix your broken screens, cover up openings from the outside, and eliminate hiding spots, such as the edge of a cabinet or a base board.

Maintain Kitchen and Dining Room
Keep your food spaces spotless and free of crumbs or stains. It's also wise to store food in sealed containers only, and ensure your garbage is sealed in locked cans or pails away from your house.

Clean Gutters and Spouts
Clean gutters and spouts until they are completely clear of leaves and debris in order to terminate a potential hot spot for mosquitoes.

Check Attics and Basements
Inspect the attic, garage, basement and other confined spaces for signs of pests, including residue and damage left behind.

Repair Leaks
Don't delay fixing your home's minor leaks; damaging pests, like termites and carpenter ants are attracted to wet and rotting wood.

Address Nesting Areas
Regularly follow up on inspections in your home and outside of it for signs of pests and immediately take care of any nesting areas you discover.

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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Fall into your DFW home to-do list

The leaves and the weather don’t need to be the only things to change this season. As the cooler temperatures send you indoors, start adding home improvement projects to your to-do list.

Why now? Many Keller, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Grapevine and other DFW homeowners are looking to add functionality to their homes. Here are a few project ideas to get your home feeling and looking fabulous.

From boring to bold baths
The bathroom tops most renovation project lists - likely since it's one room in the house that’s used every day. If your bathroom is boring, basic or just outdated, it could be time to make a change - even on a budget. Faucets are a simple and affordable way to instantly renew the look and functionality of your bath. North Texas has plenty of local Home Depot's, where DFW homeowners can find transitionally styled faucets with a soft-modern look and water-saving benefits to offer the best of form and function and give you a beautiful bath in no time. These products can be a significant upgrade and you’ll save time cleaning, too, as it helps resist water spots and fingerprints.

Weather the winter wisely
No one in the DFW area wants to spend money on high energy bills, but according to reports, approximately one-third of a home's total heat loss usually occurs through windows and doors that aren’t insulated properly. Don’t throw money out your windows; updates such as weather stripping can keep out cool air while keeping the needed warm air in. And don’t stop there; simple tasks, such as replacing worn-out caulk, insulating your outlets, and prepping your windows with plastic cling for the winter months can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills.

Quick and convenient kitchen upgrade
Cool weather means less barbecuing and more indoor cooking. As the entertaining hub and family gathering place, it’s no wonder the kitchen is another popular renovation project. What are DFW homeowners looking to update? Many want a new kitchen faucet. From prep to clean-up, the kitchen faucet is a major workhorse - and a focal point - in the kitchen. So, if you’re living with a builder basic, an upgrade could be needed. Pulldown faucets are a popular choice for many. Not only will it add a heightened aesthetic and functionality with a Spot Resist Stainless finish, but some new faucets feature a Reflex system, that self-retracts and securely docks to provide smooth operation and easy movement, offering a more convenient kitchen experience. In addition, other faucet features to look for are; Microban antimicrobial protection - built-in to the faucet finish - to help inhibit the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew.

Get fired up
Nothing feels better on a cold night than getting cozy by a fire, but be sure your fireplace is prepped for the season. For a wood-burning fireplace, inspect the chimney for nests or cracks. Next, be sure to clean it thoroughly to remove creosote, which is unburned fuel, to prevent unwanted fires. For gas-burning fireplaces, be sure the airways of the pilot and main burners are working properly and the blower is clean. Finally, be sure you have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as an operational fire extinguisher nearby. Soon you’ll (safely) enjoy the warm glow during cold winter days.

Focus on fixtures and fans
As the days get shorter and there’s less natural light, you may notice your fixtures a lot more. For added illumination and energy savings, update incandescent bulbs with brighter, energy-saving bulbs which use about 75 percent less energy and last 10 to 25 times longer. Next, focus on your ceiling fans. Start by cleaning the blades with a gentle detergent and switch the blades to rotate clockwise. Changing this setting pushes warm air down into the room, making it feel warmer while saving a significant amount on heating costs. Check off your home improvement to-do list with these simple changes. Your DFW home will look and feel fabulous, and be more efficient, as the cooler weather approaches.

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Monday, October 13, 2014

DIY projects to help you whip this North Texas winter

If you are a living in a city throughout the DFW metroplex such as; Keller, Southlake, North Richland Hills or Colleyville, you are approaching the season where you can feel the temperature dropping. Winter is on its way and while squirrels pack away food before the first snow fall, you’ll be relieved to know that you still have time to finish some projects listed below to get your home ready for winter.

Tackle the yard. Your yard will fall into dormancy during the winter, but a little prep now can help your green space bounce back in the spring. Fertilize your lawn using a lawn spreader from your local DFW rental store to turn this all-day chore into a task that takes just a couple of hours. And don’t waste the rest of your day raking the yard; instead, rent a leaf blower to finish this task in a fraction of the time.

Seal the gaps. Find the places where cold air sneaks into your home and you will drastically reduce your heating bills throughout winter. Feel along your windows and doors for any drafts. Seal larger cracks with caulk and cover your windows in plastic wrap for comprehensive protection. If you have a real chimney, don’t forget to close the damper to prevent cold air from billowing down the chimney.

Clean the carpets. The winter season can be hard on your carpets as snow, salt and dirt get tracked in from outside. Cleaning them before winter begins puts them in the best possible shape for the colder months ahead. You may think you need to hire professional carpet cleaners, but you can actually handle this project yourself by renting a carpet cleaner to conquer the task. Look up reputable rental stores in your area, whether it be Keller, North Richland Hills etc.

Protect pipes from freezing. A ruptured pipe can ruin your home and everything in it. Ruptured pipes occur during winter when the pipes freeze and the frozen water inside expands. You can protect against this by never letting your home’s temperature fall below 65 degrees. Wrap pipes running along the exterior walls in heat tape, and be sure to check on your pipes on those bitterly cold nights.

Empty the gutters. If left unchecked, falling leaves and other debris will clog your gutters and downspouts, which can cause ice dams in the winter. Start by trimming or removing trees and hedges near the gutters. If you lack the tools to complete this project, you can rent a brush cutter, tree trimmer or ladder to do the job. Once obstructions have been removed, clear the gutters to prevent a future home disaster.

These simple steps will help you winterize your DFW home so you can enjoy a happy, hazard-free holiday season in North Texas. To learn more winterizing tips, visit groveteam.blogspot.com
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Wednesday, October 8, 2014

6 simple steps to an organized and sensational garage space in your DFW home

6 simple steps to an organized and sensational garage space

Move over kitchens and bathrooms, North Richland Hills, Southlake, Colleyville and Keller homeowners are focusing on a new part of the home: the garage. No longer just a place to park the car and lawn equipment, today’s garages are getting bigger and better. Here are a few quick and easy projects to create a useful and organized garage in your DFW home.

Make a grand entrance. While your garage may be a mess inside, begin your update with a good exterior impression. Adding a coat of paint to the main garage doors can make a dramatic update. And don’t stop there. Jazz up metal side-entrance doors with a more vibrant shade. Rust Protector spray paint from various retailers is an excellent choice to provide superior metal protection – and it dries in just eight minutes or less so you can move on to the rest of your projects.

Empty and organize. Now that your garage is looking great from the outside, it’s time to tackle the inside. Start by pulling everything out into the driveway, organizing the contents into groups: lawn and garden; tools and hardware; toys, games and bikes; and, for items you no longer want or need, host a garage sale or donate worthwhile items to North Texas charities. While the space is empty, give it a good cleaning from top to bottom.

Image by M. Osterberg via CC License

Create a work station. No matter what your hobbies or interests, you’ll likely need a space to work. Assess how much room you can allocate and then create a station to accomplish tasks easily. Old metal tool cabinets are an excellent way to create an inexpensive DIY workbench. First, thoroughly clean the surfaces and then spray paint with Rust Protector in your favorite color to not only make it look great but keep the metal surface protected from rust. Next, mount a work surface to the top. Now you’ll have a designated work area – with all your necessary tools within arm’s reach. Add a few bar stools and it can double as an entertainment station as well.

Keep hardware handy. While tool cabinets keep tools neatly stored away, there are some readily used tools that you want to keep in plain sight. For these items, hang a pegboard on the wall above your new work station and equip it with a variety of hooks and bins. To take your organization a step further, spray paint outlines of each tool to show where they go.

Let there be light. If your garage is like most, it has a single incandescent bulb hanging from the ceiling. That’s not enough light to do any work. Luckily, lighting up your space can be simple and inexpensive with a fluorescent light fixture. Available in a variety of lengths, these fixtures can easily be installed by hanging from chains mounted to the ceiling and simply plugging into a power source – no need for electrical wiring.

Image by Lisadileo via CC License

Create smart shelving. When your work area is complete, it’s time to find a place for the other items. Shelving is always a great option – but it can be expensive. A more affordable option is to recycle cabinets or shelves that you already have in your home. Have an old microwave cart, plastic shelves or even old kitchen cabinets left from a remodel? They are the perfect home for garden equipment or kids toys. Clean the surfaces and then paint them to achieve a finished look. Think you can’t paint plastic? Think again. Innovative new products that combine Dual SuperbondPaint + Primerspray paint feature a proprietary formula that offers a high-adhesion, specialty primer that ensures top performance even on hard-to-paint surfaces such as plastics, laminates and melamine, as well as other commonly painted surfaces. Look for these products at a local DFW retailer.

Whether you live in North Richland Hills, Southlake, Colleyville or Keller, with a bit of organization and effort, you can transform your home's garage from cluttered to classy in no time at all. For more tips on real estate and home improvement in North Texas visit groveteam.blogspot.com and groveteam.com.

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Monday, October 6, 2014

Avoid a blizzard of bills this North Texas winter with these energy efficiency tips

Winter's cooler temperatures are on their way, even if some of you in Keller, Southlake & North Richland Hills haven’t felt the occasional breeze already. And when you feel that first chill, your natural response will be to reach for the thermostat. Many people throughout the DFW metroplex do the same thing, sacrificing energy efficiency in the name of comfort. But you can have both. October is Energy Awareness Month, and to celebrate, here are five ways you can conserve energy in your home now and throughout the cooler months ahead without sacrificing comfort.

Keep the cold out and the warm in. Air that leaks through your home’s envelope – the outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings – wastes lots of energy and money. In fact, sealing air leaks and adding insulation can provide up to a 20 percent savings on your heating bills. Simple fixes include installing weather stripping on doors and caulking around windows, while bigger jobs might include sealing leaks and adding insulation in your attic.

Heat your home efficiently. As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. Maintaining your HVAC system can have a big impact on your utility bills this DFW winter – and your comfort. Check your furnace’s air filter once a month, especially during the heavy-use months of winter. If it’s dirty, clean or replace it. At a minimum, clean or replace it every three months. A dirty filter slows air flow, making the system work harder which wastes energy. A clean filter helps prevent dust and dirt build-up in your system, which can lead to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure and replacement. Also consider a yearly professional tune-up of your HVAC system. Lastly, sealing and insulating air ducts can improve Keller homeowners as well as other cities, HVAC system’s efficiency by as much as 20 percent.

Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Every appliance comes with two price tags: the purchase price and the cost of operating the product. By selecting certified appliances, you can save up to 35 percent on energy costs, according to studies . Clothes dryers are the newest category, and represent significant savings opportunities. One of the most advanced units available this fall is , the first on the market to use heat pump technology to recycle heat, reduce energy usage, and ultimately save you money. This technology works with select cycles to reduce your energy consumption by as much as 50 percent when compared to conventional dryers. This dryer has earned the praise and awards for its effectiveness, which recognizes the most innovative technologies that reduce energy use and help consumers reduce their carbon footprint.

Make bright choices for lighting. Many of us have heard about the outstanding energy efficiency provided by. But LED bulbs are not all the same when it comes to performance. To get the energy efficiency and performance you expect, look for the labels indicating the product's energy rating. LED bulbs that earn the label are independently certified to ensure they deliver on brightness and color, and shine light where you want it. And, of course, don’t forget to turn the lights off when you leave the room.

Save energy while enjoying football season. You can even save money while sitting on the couch! Energy efficient HDTVs can really help make a difference on your energy bill – especially during the season when you’ll be spending plenty of time watching your favorite Texas Football teams.

Following these simple tips helps you save energy and money. For more tips visit groveteam.blogspot.com as well as groveteam.com

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