How Keller homeowners can create a chef-centered kitchen

Many Keller homeowners with a passion for cooking desire a kitchen that mirrors those of renowned chefs. To achieve this, various design elements and simple upgrades can be incorporated to create the ideal kitchen that combines ultimate functionality with sophisticated style.

Faucet makeover
Culinary enthusiasts spend a lot of time at the sink. A faucet that simplifies tasks is a necessity for flexibility and control in the kitchen. Many contemporary faucets offer functions like an articulating arm that can be adjusted to position a two-function spray wand at various heights and angles — extending the arm up or outward to fill large pots or lowering into the sink to reduce splash during clean-up. Beyond function, faucets bring a streamlined architecture to any kitchen.

Storage space
Just as great recipes call for top-quality ingredients, great kitchens need excellent tools. Maximizing storage is key for those with an impressive collection of kitchen tools and culinary essentials. Avoid overwhelming renovations and make the most of storage options by thinking “outside the cabinet” to fully accommodate needs.

For a crisp, modernized look, arrange pots and pans in a line on the wall with a linear rack. Take organization a step further by incorporating a magnet bar for sharp utensils, ensuring tools are close at hand without getting in the way. Store culinary tools and flatware in expandable drawer dividers to ensure all cabinet space is utilized and the counter remains clutter-free.

Inside garden
Bring the outside in with a miniature herb garden for fresh flavor enhancements when you need them. Spaces in front of a kitchen window with natural light are ideal for an indoor garden.

Various herbs in 3- or 4-inch pots can be grouped together in stylish trays to keep humidity high. For an extra splash of color, add edible flowering plants to the garden, such as lavender, lemongrass and violet. These homegrown herbs can be used as garnishes, to layer flavor into a dish or even in cocktails for at-home entertaining.

Designated task stations
Commercial restaurants work well with cooking stations for seamless preparation and execution. Designate specific areas for every facet of meal preparation to aid in overall organization and evoke the look and feel of a five-star kitchen in your home.

In most top-rated kitchens, food preparation is commonly performed between the sink and refrigerator to ensure all needs are met for retrieving, rinsing and chopping. Added elements like a deep sink and wide counter space can make your Keller home's kitchen extremely efficient.

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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5 smart ways for Keller homeowners to ready the outdoors for winter

Ahh the backyard – it’s served you well all summer. But now the seasons are changing and colder weather is on the way. Which means you need to prime your property from the ravages of winter. That’s right, it’s time to winterize!

Since you can finish your indoor winterizing as temperatures get cooler, it makes sense to winterize your outdoor living space first. With that in mind, here is a five-point checklist to help safeguard your Keller home from winter for another year:

Prep your deck. Your beautiful deck has been a source of outdoor enjoyment all summer long, so now it’s time to protect your beloved structure before winter rears its ugly head again. Of course, the amount of work you have to put into winterizing your deck depends on your decking material. For example, a durable, long-lasting material requires the least amount of maintenance. That said, all decks require some upkeep.

So to preserve your deck’s luster, start by cleaning it with a warm soapy solution and a soft bristle brush (never power wash). It’s important that you remove all dirt and debris from both the surface as well as in between the boards during this process because the more ventilation your decking has through the colder months, the better it will look come springtime. Next, inspect the deck for the presence of mold. If present, wash the deck with a mild oxygen bleach solution and leave on the surface for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Finally, remove anything that might leave marks on the deck’s surface from inconsistent weathering – think outdoor furniture, movable planters, door mats etc. As for finishing your deck with a fresh coat of stain etc., that’s really more of a spring job (i.e. you’re off the hook for another six months).

Inspect your windows. Take a stroll around your home’s exterior and inspect each of your windows to see if any gaps or cracks are present. If you find some, apply caulking to the openings and this will prevent cold air from seeping through these cracks during the winter, which in turn, will cut down on your heating bills!

Protect those planters. These days, most planter boxes are made with western red cedar. That’s because it’s naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects; and therefore, doesn’t require treatment from potentially dangerous chemicals that can leach into your soil and plants. But like all garden beds, real cedar planters need protection during the winter months. Start by removing all soil and cleaning the boxes as you did the deck. Then if possible, store your emptied planters in a garage, shed, under the porch etc. If you can’t, then cover them with a water repellant tarp to protect from moisture buildup – but make sure you don’t seal the tarp. As with decks, it’s very important that you allow for proper ventilation.

Trim those trees. As you walk around your house inspecting your windows for cracks and gaps, this is also a good time to take a look at your trees. Look for trees that are old, appear weakened or diseased. In addition to the trees themselves, you should also check for any dead branches, particularly those hanging near or over your home. If bad weather accumulates over the winter, the weight may be enough to bring a diseased tree or branch down, potentially damaging your home. You can eliminate this risk by removing any dead trees or branches now before the first snow starts to fly.

Guard the grill. If grilling is one of your favorite summertime activities, you don’t have to abandon it just because winter’s coming. A good cover can protect you from the elements, allowing you to grill all year long. And because most covers are made from a naturally resilient material, Keller homeowners can be BBQing in all kinds of weather for years to come.

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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Ceiling revamps: An affordable improvement for Keller homeowners

Calling all DIY enthusiasts: Popcorn ceilings are outdated. They don’t get much praise Keller homeowners or homebuyers, and they can really bring down the overall look and feel of an otherwise attractive room.

Popcorn ceilings haven’t really represented stylish home design since disco was on the radio, though they’ve certainly lingered a little longer.

Whether you’re interested in a fresh look for your own family or updating your home before putting it on the market, upgrading from a popcorn ceiling is a great investment. As the largest uninterrupted space in any room, the ceiling gives you a golden opportunity to add interest or infuse your personality

Ceilings really do make a greater impact than people realize. The right choice can help a room soar. New ceilings are a great update, and with today’s options, they’re incredibly easy to install yourself. Stylish ceiling details really turn heads, and a new ceiling can make a dark or uninviting room feel bigger and brighter.

But, before you grab your scraper, There are a few things you should know about tackling popcorn ceiling removal as a DIY project. To remove a popcorn ceiling, you have to really be committed to the task. You can certainly do it yourself, but be forewarned that it can create a gigantic mess. You’ll want to consider all of your options carefully, from removing to simply covering it up, based on your time and budget. Patience is also a factor.

If you know you want to make a change, but you’re not sure of the best way to move forward, here are a few key factors you need to consider when addressing your popcorn ceiling(s):

Stains: You can’t put lipstick on a pig.
Water problems, cracks and other issues that leave blemishes on your ceiling can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you have a popcorn ceiling that makes it difficult to simply paint over. Covering or removing that ceiling allows you to fix the noticeable, distracting blemishes overhead and clear the path for a stylish upgrade.

Scraping: Get ready to get messy.
Popcorn ceilings don’t get enough credit for tenacity, really. Once applied, they’re not easy to remove! At best, you’ll be soaking your ceiling with water (and possibly your walls along the way) before scraping the resulting slop off with a drywall knife. At worst, the water won’t get through all of your layers of paint, and you’ll be breaking out the heavy machinery to sand or scrape through it all, kicking up dust. It’s doable, but it’s a lengthy process and not for the faint of heart.

Cover it up: The easy way to fix ugly.
Don’t worry though — you can always cover up your popcorn ceiling by installing a new ceiling over the existing one. Certain manufacturers have many options: wood planks, metal tiles or patterned panels. How-to videos show how easy it is to install a new ceiling in as little as a day.
To our modern eyes, popcorn ceilings definitely look a bit stale, but the good news is you’re not stuck with them. There are a number of options to freshen up your look and turn your ceilings into the fun, festive spaces that enhances your 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.

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Winter is coming: What Keller homeowners can do to protect their wallets

It’s coming — the windy weather of winter. Are you ready? Is your home? Now is the time to protect your Keller home and wallet with a quick window and door checkup to make needed repairs and reduce costs.

Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in window sills and moving parts of windows or doors. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush to create a tighter seal and enhance window and door performance.

Check weather stripping. Re-attach or replace loose or worn weather stripping around windows and doors. Loose weather stripping can let cold air in, reducing energy efficiency.

Reapply caulk or sealant around windows and doors. To help reduce potential drafts and leaks, reseal areas around windows and doors that may have been exposed to heavy weather or extreme sunlight, creating breaks in caulk or sealant.

Install snap-in blinds or shades. Snap-in between-the-glass blinds or shades help insulate your home from cold outdoor temperatures. Windows and patio doors feature convenient between-the-glass options to add energy efficiency and privacy.

Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces. Cracked or deteriorated wood on the roof or near the foundation is typically associated with water penetration and may allow moisture or cold air to leak into your home. Look closely for signs of moisture leakage and replace damaged wood. Consult a professional to help correct any roof or drainage problems around your home.

Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer of protection and help reduce air and moisture leakage.

Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones. If you have single-pane glass or older windows or doors, you may be paying more to heat your Keller home in the winter. Replace them now with energy-efficient, double- or triple-pane glass versions, or install new durable fiberglass doors to help save money and energy year round.

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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Fall: The best season to improve your Keller home

For Keller homeowners fall can include settling back in school, raking leaves and starting football season. In addition, a new fall tradition has emerged for America’s nearly 74 million homeowners — home improvement.

This fall promises to be particularly popular for home projects. Lower gas prices are boosting people’s discretionary income and Metrostudy’s latest Residential Remodeling Index points to a continued rise in activity.

Like many trends, there isn’t one particular reason fall has emerged as a popular time for home improvement, several factors play a role.

Energy efficiency is top of mind
With colder weather on the horizon, homeowners shudder at the thought of higher heating costs. They upgrade windows, layer in more insulation, service or replace old furnaces and, in some cases, do all of the above.

The weather is nice
Home improvement projects can be hard and even grueling work, particularly for DIYers. Lower temperatures and humidity create a much more comfortable environment for getting things done (and rhetorically keeping your cool when obstacles inevitably arrive).

The holiday entertaining wow factor
Everyone wants their home to sparkle when they welcome family and friends during the holidays. Completing a home improvement project during the fall sets up a big reveal when the holidays roll around.

Falling prices
Fall is an excellent time to save money by finding great deals on home improvement supplies and service. Year-end sales begin and discounts can be steep. Retailers hold their annual yard sale in October, and often have discounts to clear inventory before the New Year. Also, contractors are busiest during the warmer months — their business cools as the weather does.

Facing tight timelines and tighter budgets, Keller homeowners often need to prioritize their projects. Installing hardwood floors often provides a high return on investment, both from a quantitative (home value) and qualitative (pride in ownership) standpoint. No matter what a homeowner chooses to do during the fall home improvement season, it will help reduce cabin fever during the winter months.

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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Downsizing? How Keller homeowners can manage moving to a smaller home

If you’re moving from a large home into a smaller house or condo, you’re probably looking forward to enjoying a lower heating bill and not having to do as much cleaning. But before you move, you’ll want to take certain precautions to ensure that you’re not overwhelmed.

A smaller home won’t have as much room for your belongings, which means you may need to get creative. Here’s how you Keller homeowners can downsize without losing your mind.

Decide what you’re going to keep
Before you do anything else, choose which of your belongings are coming with you. Unless you’ve habitually been getting rid of things you no longer need over the years, chances are you have a large stash of things you’ll never use again. That’s the kind of clutter you’ll need to eliminate before moving into a smaller home.

The obvious exceptions would be anything of significant sentimental or monetary value, but you’ll want to get rid of lots of your everyday objects – for instance, there’s no reason why you need three soup ladles. Having trouble deciding what to throw out? Here’s a simple rule of thumb: If you can’t remember the last time you used it, you probably don’t need it.

Have anything in storage? Find a storage solution now
Most homeowners nowadays have the luxury of large storage spaces like basements or attics – but if you’re moving into a condo or a small starter home, storage will be at a premium. And that means anything stored in your basement, garage, or attic will probably need to find a new home. You’ll want to look for a storage solution earlier rather than later.

Perhaps you could rent a storage locker in your neighborhood, or let children or relatives hold onto your belongings until you decide what to do with them.

Move large items first, and put away stored items before anything else
When the day comes for you to move into your new home, you’ll want to try to find the best configuration for the space right away – before your new home is filled with boxes stacked six feet high. Before you do anything else, move your furniture and other large items into the space first, and get them set up so they’re out of the way.

Once all of your boxes are in your new home, put storage items away before anything else – it’ll help you avoid unnecessary stress and sorting later.

Downsizing can be stressful, but with a solid plan and a great real estate agent, you can find a smaller home in Keller and move in without issues. Check back for more great tips on streamlining the moving process.

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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Heat your Keller home without wasting energy this winter

If you’re interested in cutting costs, perhaps you’re already trying to reduce your energy usage as much as possible. Saving energy can get more difficult, however, when the seasons change and colder weather sets in. Heat is a primary source of energy usage. In fact, research from Tulikivi, the world’s largest manufacturer of heat-retaining fireplaces, shows that 52 percent of a home’s annual energy consumption is allocated to heat.

Now is the time to think about reducing your energy usage during the winter. Here are some ideas that will help you enjoy a warm, cozy home while saving both money and energy.

Heat more efficiently
A crackling fire makes for more than just a pleasurable experience; it can also be an energy-efficient heating source. Fireplaces help heat your home long after the fire goes out. Fireplaces built from soapstone, have better thermal conductivity compared to other materials because of its dense structure and mineral composition.

For Keller homeowners, this means once you start a fire in your fireplace, the soapstone will store heat in its thermal mass, allowing a two-hour burn to radiate heat for up to 24 hours. This lets you enjoy the clean, comfortable, cost-saving warmth without using additional energy.

Close the drafts
One of the best ways to improve your energy efficiency is to reduce your energy waste. Window cracks and door drafts allow warm air to escape, which means you’re leaking both energy and money. Seal those areas by using caulk to shore up any drafty windows and put plastic wrap over the window surface to keep out the chill.

For the door jambs, you can purchase a door stopper to plug the gap or you can use a towel at the base to block the opening. Try to close off the bottom of any exterior door, particularly the doors you seldom use.

Make sure your other heating options are running efficiently
When you’re not using your fireplace, it’s good to know your backup heating options are operating efficiently. Have your furnace inspected routinely and make sure you change the filter each month. You should also invest in a smart thermostat. This technology allows you to set the temperature of your home for different times of the day so you can lower it when you’re sleeping or away. The calendar option means you can program your home’s temperatures ensuring you never waste energy.

Although it’s still hot outside, colder temperatures are on their way. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice when the cold sets in. By using the tips above, you’ll still enjoy the same warmth and comfort in your Keller home without the unnecessary expense.

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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6 curb appeal boosters that increase your Keller home's resale value

Whether you just bought a home in Keller or have lived in yours for years, home improvement seems to come with the territory. It’s understandable — you want your home to feel like it’s your home, which means matching your tastes. That said, it literally pays to think about how much resale value any improvement is likely to bring. After all, it’s your biggest investment.

With return on investment in mind, here are six top exterior improvements that not only pay you back, they’ll also pay dividends every time you (and the neighbors) gaze at your gorgeous home.

1. Upgrade landscaping — What’s one of the fastest (and most affordable) things home makeover shows do to spruce up a house? Put in new plants and lay down fresh mulch. Just a few new flowering plants and shrubs make any home looked cared for. And that layer of mulch gives a fresh look that welcomes any buyer at your doorstep.

2. Install outdoor lighting — More than just a welcome safety feature, exterior lighting gives your home a warm, inviting glow. Landscape lighting highlights architectural details, spotlights your beautiful new plants (see tip No.1) and helps would-be buyers envision relaxing evenings outdoors. The best part? It need not be expensive. You can hire a professional to do a simple landscape light plan. Or go the solar garden light route with a quick trip to your local home improvement store and do it in an afternoon.

3. Add a deck — For outdoor improvements with great ROI, it’s hard to beat a wood deck. Not only does wood typically cost less than other materials, it gives a higher return when you sell your home. A wood deck that costs around $10,000 to build gives you back more than 80 percent of that investment when you sell your home, according to a report.

4. Replace siding — Not only does siding protect your home, it’s one of the top features that contribute to curb appeal. If your siding is damaged, old and worn, replacing it can add significant value. And if you go with natural siding materials like pine, cedar or redwood, which are today’s trends, you add a boost to your home’s look that any buyer is bound to notice.

5. Paint — Nothing’s faster at improving appearance than a fresh coat of paint. And it’s wonderfully affordable if you do the job yourself. Resale tip: go with popular exterior paint colors like white or off-white, grays or neutrals like putty, warm yellows, or light blues—the colors you expect to see on a well-maintained home.

6. Replace old windows — If the eyes are the windows into the soul, then windows are the way to let light and soul-nourishing views into your home. Beyond their beauty, windows also affect your home’s energy efficiency. If yours are old and inefficient, consider meeting both needs at once when choosing replacement windows.
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These are just some of the top ways you can enhance your Keller home’s curb appeal and value. For other tips, tricks and trends 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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3 affordable DIY projects for your Keller home

Doing your own home improvement projects is a great way to save money and still get the new look you desire. When you’re working on giving your Keller home a more modern feel, it can be tempting to splurge – but you don’t have to. It is possible to get great looks for a lot less money.

Modern decor often comes at a high price, but you don’t have to dig deep in your pockets to bring a modern feel to your home. Small projects like switching out old doorknobs to modern door levers will have a big impact on your space without breaking the bank.

Here are three home improvement projects you can do yourself to achieve a modern look on a modest budget:

1. Door handles
Door handles impact a home’s overall appearance as well as its functionality. In fact, more than half of homeowners say they notice the door hardware in other people’s homes, according to a recent study. Outdated doorknobs can drag down the style of your home. Switching them out for modern door levers is an easy afternoon project that will have a big impact on the aesthetic of your home.

Replace old door hardware with contemporary levers. Durable, stylish and with a range of functions and finishes for less than $50, levers are perfect for all your security needs. Interior privacy levers feature push buttons, offering an easy way of locking and unlocking, while exterior keyed entry levers feature superior security.

2. Kitchen cabinets
New cabinets can cost a bundle. They’re one of the most expensive elements in any kitchen renovation, but you don’t have to completely replace yours to get a modern look. First, consider what’s “wrong” about your existing cabinets. Are they dated? Is the hardware dull? Does excessive door trim make them look like something from a bygone era? Removing excess ornamentation, repainting or refinishing cabinet doors, and swapping out old, dated hardware can give your cabinets a fresh, new face at a very low cost.

3. Update walls
The walls are the largest design space in any home, and they have a significant impact on a home’s overall aesthetic. Are your wall colors in conflict with a modern design theme? That soft butter yellow you painted the kitchen a few years ago may not fit with the new modern look you want to create this year. The rich burgundy in the dining room may be too ‘80s to go with the sleek modern furniture you just bought.

Updating your walls with a color palette that is crisp and clean can help evoke a more modern look throughout your Keller home. Don’t overlook the ceiling and trim when you’re repainting. Doing trim and ceilings in hues that contrast with wall colors is a hot trend in modern interior design.
When it comes to home improvement, a few smart choices can make it look like you spared no expense to achieve your modern design – and leave you satisfied instead.

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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