Archives for June 2018

Need a New Roof? Check Out This Sustainable Option

Look up! Does that roof of yours need replacing? Eco-friendly options are out there, including the now popular metal roof.
 
What makes metal green? According to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), 100 percent—that’s right, all—metal roofs are comprised of at least 25 percent recycled aluminum or steel, and can be recycled again. Metal roofs also outlast their competitors, with warranties that can stretch more than 50 years. That’s longer than a lot of us plan to stay in our homes!
 
Installing a metal roof is less harmful to the environment overall, too. Many can simply be laid right over an existing roof, cutting waste. (To compare: Eleven million tons of asphalt, which is a common roofing material, clog up landfills every year.)
 
Metal roofs, in addition, are a solid foundation for other green features, such as a rainwater recycling system or solar panels. Plus, they have the ability to save you some green—up to 25 percent—on utilities, thanks to their reflective quality.

 

Per the MRA, 11 percent of homeowners added a metal roof to their home last year—a percentage that’s only growing. Will you be next?
 
I can get you under a new roof. Contact me today for help with your real estate needs.
 
Source: Metal Roofing Alliance

3 Ways to Get Creative with Lighting

When designing a space, don’t settle for boring lighting. Below are three ways you can up your lighting game with minimal effort.

Light unexpected spaces. There’s no need to settle for simple overhead lighting. Up ambiance and interest in a room by lighting a strip along the floor or beneath a kitchen counter. Place rope or strip lights along the edge of your staircase for easy navigation in the dark, or add indirect lighting under or above cabinets in the kitchen.

Light in layers. When planning lighting design for a room, think lighting in three main layers: overhead lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Think a chandelier or ceiling fixture to cover overhead, table lamps for task lighting, and a few specialty spots for accent lighting—frame lighting around the bed frame in your bedroom, for example, or light a few of your favorite pieces of art to draw attention to them.

Don’t forget to dim. Considering that dimmer switches run a scant $25, there’s no reason not to have them in your home. Control your space’s mood and ambience for a small cost, and enjoy a slightly smaller utility bill – the American Lighting association sites that a dimmer switch saves an average of $30 a year.

Helpful Hints

Fundamental Packing Tips

Whether you’re taking a solo work trip or loading up the kids for a family vacation, you’ll need to pack a bag (or three). The following tips can help you pack smarter.

Invest in packing cubes. Organizing your items by type and packing them in separate, smaller bags saves space and makes unpacking and finding your items easier when you arrive at your final destination.

Roll clothes to save space. Folding takes up more room than rolling. Rolling can also help keep your items from wrinkling. 

Transfer your toiletries to travel-sized bottles. Many toiletry travel kits contain spill-proof bottles that you can fill with your own body wash, shampoo, etc. The bottles in these kits often come in transparent, TSA-approved bag, saving you time and effort in the security line. 

Pack a mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes. It’s a great way to separate dirty clothes from clean ones, and it’s easy to grab and toss the contents in the washer when you get home.