Design Notes
There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the harsh winter elements, not to mention it’s a critical part of your home’s structure. Each spring, walk around your home and thoroughly inspect the roof. Leaks and missing/broken shingles are signs that attention is required.
If you wait too long before getting your roof repaired, you risk extensive water damage and/or the need for a full replacement. If you have a leak, you might be able to temporarily patch it until the pros arrive. Take a flashlight to your attic to locate the source of the leak. Then, if you can reach the hole, use roofing tar to cover the hole with plywood or a shingle.
Gutters and Downspouts
Chances are, you have leaves, sticks, and other debris clogging your gutters and downspouts, which can lead to undetected water damage. With a heavy-duty ladder and some gardening gloves, remove any unwelcome materials from your gutters and downspouts to ensure that water will properly drain away from your house.
Lawn Care Equipment
As early as possible, bring out your power lawn equipment to clean it and make sure everything runs smoothly. Also, put fresh motor oil in and sharpen the blades on your mower. If necessary, take your mower, weed trimmer, and any other type of equipment in for repair so that it’s ready to perform well for the next few months.
HVAC System
Any time the seasons change, it’s important to replace the filters in your HVAC system. Not only does this help to keep your home healthy, but it also reduces the strain on your HVAC. And when your HVAC is working harder than it should, it can significantly shorten its life expectancy and result in a much higher utility bill.
Foundation Vents
Similar to your gutters and downspouts, your foundation vents can accumulate a lot of leaves and other debris throughout fall and winter. This can block the airflow through the vents, which can lead to several other problems, such as water damage, mold, and pests. Clear all the debris away from the vents, and if necessary, wash and vacuum the vents or replace them.
Connection has become a priority in the home over the last couple of years. It can be considered the most basic function of the home, as this is where we gather with family and friends to celebrate, congratulate, and comfort one another. Designing with socializing opportunities has been at the forefront of design for decades, exemplified by spaces such as sitting rooms and large dining tables. This need for connection has made a strong comeback, and designers are once again looking for ways to bring families together. We want to have a home where we can relax and easily engage with one another, but many homeowners also desire spaces that are unified while still retaining a unique character of their own. Let’s talk about how to create a home with connecting spaces.
Several variables are involved in selecting the perfect tile, including material, pattern, and color, as well as factors that influence style and placement. Tile is also a versatile and durable design element, making it a suitable option for frequently used areas. Let’s explore how you can incorporate tile in the home.
Greenbrook DesignThe kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks.
Walker Woodworking Sometimes, certain areas of home decor have been influenced by trends that are no longer in style and can make the space feel dated or even uninviting. Rooms also serve a specific purpose, and those can change over time. If your children are no longer living with you, their bedroom can be transformed into a craft room or even a guest suite. There are also some new things that are making their way onto potential homebuyers’ lists. We have done some research for you and discovered some of the top new items being used in home design.
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design