home maintenance Archives

5 Simple Upkeep Tips to Rejuvenate Your Lake Home

Posted on May 2, 2022March 6, 2023 Jeanne Delathouder

After everything we’ve been through these past couple of years, we could all use a fresh start—and so could our homes. Just as personal rejuvenation is therapeutic for mind, body, and soul, so is it for the dwellings we live in. If your lake home could use a little pick-me-up, here are some simple upkeep tips that pack a powerful punch and make your rooms look and feel renewed.

Keep It Clean

We all dread household chores but love the feeling and satisfaction we get from a clean home. After all, it makes no sense to spend a fortune on our homes and all the furnishings if we don’t keep them clean. The payoff is well worth it, so let’s face it—we can’t avoid this unpleasant task. But it doesn’t have to be as unbearable as you think if you plan ahead and implement some handy gadgets that make cleaning a breeze.

Consider investing in hi-tech housekeeping tools such as a robot vacuum, a carpet spot cleaner, and an electric mop to make tasks go quicker and seem virtually effortless. Keeping floors, furniture, baseboards, ceiling fans, and surfaces dirt and dust-free—and washing windows regularly—makes all the difference in the world in how you and others perceive the look and feel of your home. Plus, if you keep things clean regularly, you won’t have to put as much effort into it each time.

Also, make a schedule and stick to it. Break up chores in simple, easy-to-digest increments, so they won’t be such a pain and take up an entire day. If you’re not doing it all yourself, make it a family project and delegate jobs each week. For truly huge tasks, don’t be afraid to call in a professional.

Declutter and Downsize

Removing visual clutter from your life is a beautiful way to keep your home looking smart, stylish, and organized. Also, as many of us are downsizing to smaller places these days, it’s the perfect time to take inventory of our belongings and get rid of things we no longer want in our lives. The minimalist look continues to trend today—so less is more.

In the kitchen especially, keep countertop clutter to a minimum and arrange the daily objects you use efficiently and within easy reach. Group items on trays and in canisters to keep things looking clean and orderly. Don’t forget to edit and arrange your pantry, cabinets, and drawers neatly—even though their contents are hidden from sight. Most of us accumulate clutter in those very places, including our closets, and later dread the thought of clearing them out.

We all know how difficult it is to part with our personal possessions, so be mindful and practical about the process. Consider gifting or donating things you no longer need—or have a yard sale. Without all that baggage, we tend to feel lighter, freer, and more at peace in our surroundings.

Maintain What You Have

Our lake homes are our sanctuaries, so make it a priority to maintain what you already have. Keep your beloved rugs and plush carpets clean and odor-free, replace any worn rugs, patch holes in the wall, polish bathroom and kitchen fixtures, replace cracked tiles, and regularly clean grout on all your tile surfaces. If your rooms look tired and outdated, give them a fresh facelift with new fixtures, hardware, and lighting.

Don’t forget to maintain your lake home’s exterior features as well. For example, clean your gutters to direct water away from your house, seal your driveway to prevent cracks and preserve your pavement, and touch up your home’s exterior paint if you notice any chipping or peeling.

By keeping up with these essential maintenance tips, you can avoid living in a house that looks and feels neglected and instead enjoy a well-dressed home that feels fresh, clean, and cared for.

Paint Power

Photo courtesy of *Country Living Magazine*

There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to change the complexion of any room. So don’t be afraid to introduce a splash of color to your kitchen with painted cabinetry, an island base, or even your wooden floors. Paint will instantly transform your rooms and dramatically change the mood with a simple color change.

If your bright white walls look sad and dull, there’s no better way to revive them than with a brilliant new coat of your favorite hue. To create an eye-catching focal point, consider painting an accent wall in a darker, more richly pigmented tone that will make a striking contrast to the adjacent walls while still complementing the style of your interior.

Fresh Linens and Towels

Let’s confess, we all have them—flattened pillows, ratty towels, and old worn-out sheets that are either stained or torn. And the sad truth is, nothing makes bedrooms and bathrooms look more unkempt than having these less-than-luxurious items in plain view. However, you can elevate your spaces instantly simply by replacing them with plush, luxurious bed linens, fluffy towels and bathmats, and plump new pillows—either down-filled or a down alternative. Also, consider using two duvets to get a more sumptuous plumped-up look. You can stuff two duvets into one duvet cover or simply layer them one on top of the other over your bed.

For more tips on how to freshen up and rejuvenate your home, click here. From all of us at Lake Homes Lifestyles—here’s to a beautifully renewed 2022!

Safely Renovating Your Lake Home During COVID-19

Posted on March 1, 2021March 3, 2021 Jeanne Delathouder

Photo courtesy of *@reinasierra via Twenty20*

As lake homeowners, we know that renovations and repairs are a fact of life. But how do we handle these projects safely during a pandemic? If your wish list for home updates is growing fast—or you desperately need a plumber now—there are a few safety issues to consider before you embark on a new project. We talked to experts about steps you should consider prior to inviting contractors into your home.

“During these unprecedented times, nothing is more important to me, my team, and our tradespeople than following OSHA COVID-19 workforce guidelines,” says Chicago interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, owner of Michelle’s Interiors. “No matter what clients want done, I am committed to providing the safest experience possible for all of us.”

Before You Begin

Photo courtesy of zipwall.com via Michelle’s Interiors

To kick off a design project, Michelle says a great deal can be accomplished via phone, video conferencing, and email to discuss the nature of what isn’t working, what you want to be done, and style and color preferences.

Next, a brief in-home visit—mask-wearing and social distancing required—can be scheduled to take measurements and get a feel for your space layout. Then, sanitized samples of finishes and fabrics can be delivered to your front porch—or you can choose to discuss selections together inside or out in the backyard while wearing masks if preferred.

As your project gets underway, make sure your design professionals follow these tips to ensure the highest standards of safety:

All workers have a designated entrance, wear masks, and maintain social distancing
Zip-wall dividers isolate the room where installers are working
Porta-potty with hand sanitizer on-site for workers
Disinfect frequently touched items such as door pulls
On installation days, all delivery people wear masks and gloves

Michelle also encourages clients not to touch their new furnishings for 24 hours and sanitize glass and metal surfaces. “My goal always is to make the design process easy and enjoyable, particularly during these challenging times,” she assures. “I take care of all the design details and monitor safety so clients can focus on their day-to-day life and enjoy the results.”

Communicate with Craftspeople and Contractors

Photo courtesy of Drazen_Gwtty Images via Realtor.com

Make sure to have a conversation with contractors and renovation professionals prior to them coming into your home. In an interview with Realtor.com, Doug King, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and president of King Contracting in St. Petersburg, Florida, suggests asking these questions:

How do you plan to keep my family safe while you’re working here?
Does your company have a written policy or procedure for performing work at private residences?
Who will enforce these policies?

You’ll also want to discuss safety basics and cleanliness and reassure professionals coming into your home they are entering a safe work environment. Everyone—you and your contractors—should be following CDC guidelines.

King also advises that no one should enter your home if there are sick persons in the house or if any of your workers are showing COVID symptoms. He also recommends you leave the house if possible while the work is underway. If you can’t leave, avoid the area while the workers are there and keep any immunocompromised family members far away from the project site.

Keep Calm and Carry On

The best advice? Be flexible, be understanding if your plans change, and—above all—be patient. Keep in mind that nearly everyone has been sheltering in place for more than a year, and as a result, many renovation projects have been delayed.

The production and distribution of materials and supplies are backed up, contractors and craftspeople are booked out months in advance, and project deadlines have been impacted to an unprecedented degree.

King notes that in some cases, lead times for products such as cabinets, doors, and windows have doubled—and even tripled. Delays are inevitable, and it’s best to mentally prepare yourself for this ahead of time and adjust your expectations.

Be respectful that everyone is trying to strategically—and optimistically—recalibrate together during these uncertain times. Planning and looking forward to the outcome of your dream project is its own reward—and a great part of the fun!

How to Remove Mold From Your Outdoor Furniture

Posted on May 6, 2020May 11, 2020 Camille Smith

When you own outdoor furniture at your lake home, you can enjoy nature from the comfort of a plush cushion and a curved backrest. With the right chaise lounge, admiring your lakefront view from your boat dock and enjoying a spring breeze never gets old. However, as any lake homeowner knows, being immersed in nature requires taking a few necessary precautions, such as protecting yourself from nuisances like bugs, sunburns, and poison ivy. For outdoor furniture specifically, this means being vigilant about the presence of mold and mildew.

While mildew is sometimes found on the furniture itself, mold often appears on cushions and the underside of umbrellas — not a treat for your guests. Because these sneaky fungi thrive in moist areas, furniture that is regularly exposed to rain will attract them. But at Lake Homes Realty, we refuse to let mold and mildew ruin anyone’s outdoor dining and lounging experiences — we’re here with tips on keeping your furniture clean and mold-free.

Make the Right Solution

When deciding what kind of cleaning solution to use, the answer will depend on the type of furniture. For most furniture, a mixture of Lysol (or another soap solution) and hot water should do the trick. According to the luxury outdoor furniture manufacturing company, Summer Classics, metal, and aluminum furniture are easiest to clean. For wood furniture, the ideal formula that Summer Classics recommends is 1 cup ammonia, ½ cup white vinegar, and ¼ cup of baking soda into 1 gallon of water. These homemade solutions can help remove mildew that appears on furniture. There is a myriad of DIY solutions you can create — be sure never to mix bleach and ammonia.

For mold, which most often appears on cushions, a mild soap and water solution will clean most dyed fabrics. Candy Chase from Treasure Garden, an award-winning umbrella and shade product designer, and manufacturer, advises mixing ½ cup of bleach and ¼ cup of natural soap per gallon of water when cleaning umbrella fabric. After applying the solution, she notes that it’s essential to “allow the fabric to air dry and store in a dry, well-ventilated area.” She urges, “do not subject the fabric to extreme heat or it will shrink.”

Use a Pressure Washer

Photo courtesy of Jacuzzi Outdoor Living.

Especially for wicker furniture with lots of small crevices that are difficult to clean thoroughly, a pressure washer is an ideal tool. Jemma Lane from Arbor Living, a real estate company in the U.K., says that a pressure washer “should get most if not all of the mold and mildew off of the furniture.” After using the pressure washer, she recommends, “wipe the rest of it away with soapy water and a cloth and then use the pressure washer again to finish off.” Outdoor maintenance expert, Gena Lorainne recommends using a pressure washer as well. She advises, “make sure to spray it from all angles, so you can effectively remove all the mold, as it can spread again.”

Less Moisture, More Sunlight

Because mold and mildew tend to thrive in moist areas, create an environment for your outdoor furniture that prevents moisture from getting too settled. When you aren’t enjoying your furniture, be sure to move it out of the shade and lower your umbrella. Additionally, a positive flow of air is encouraged. If your furniture is sitting in an enclosed space, be sure to invest in a dehumidifier.

Invest in Good Products

One way to prevent mold and mildew from developing is by purchasing cushions that are specifically designed to withstand these pesky fungi. For example, Sunbrella is renowned for its high-quality marine grade cushions that are engineered to prevent the development of mold and mildew. They’re also easy to clean — a concept that gives way to “worry-free livability.” If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, Candy Chase recommends protective covers and fabric protection products to stem the growth of mold or mildew. However, it’s important to keep in mind that waterproof covers don’t protect from mold and mildew because condensation can still develop beneath the cover. Instead, look for water-resistant, breathable fabrics.

No matter your specific strategy for conquering mold, make sure to clean your outdoor furniture regularly. When you invest a little time upkeep, your furniture will be in a consistently clean state that’s always ready for guests to arrive!

Home Gutter Maintenance

Posted on July 11, 2016November 29, 2017 Staff

Cleaning rain gutters is not normally at the top of a homeowner’s to do list, but it should be.

Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can overfill and crack. When damage like this is sustained, rain water spills in undesirable places causing unforeseen damage.

A single leak in the gutters can result in foundation cracking, mold and mildew growth, flooding in basements and crawl spaces, soil erosion under a home’s foundation and more.

Structural damage to homes can be costly to fix; while, mold and mildew can even increase the risk of respiratory illnesses and home deterioration.

Properly maintained gutters and downspouts are an important part of household maintenance that help to prevent costly renovations.

Install Some Downspout Extensions and Schedule Regular Maintenance

The first step in protecting your home from water damage is to schedule regular maintenance on gutters, downspouts and extensions.

At least twice a year, all areas need to be checked for clogs, leaks, holes, rust and any fungal growth. Any of the aforementioned issues in your gutter system need to be fixed as soon as they are discovered.

If your home does not already have them, installing downspout extensions will allow you to redirect rain water away from your home, landscaping and areas prone to erosion.

Water can be redirected up to 50 feet away from your property.

Think About Installing Gutter Guards

One way to cut down on clogs inside your gutters is to install gutter guards. These guards can be mesh, grated metal or thin metal sheets.

Installed over the open tops of the gutters, they keep leaves and other debris from clogging up the drainage system.

If you install gutter guards be sure they are easy to remove for occasional, but necessary, cleaning.

Seal All Leaks Using Gutter Seal

If a portion of the gutter is leaking, it is not necessary to replace the entire system. There are products available to seal such leaks and help to avoid potentially expensive repairs.

Products used for this purpose can be found at most hardware stores.

Take note that it will be necessary to completely clean the gutter system and allow it to dry prior to applying the product. Most include strips of plastic and adhesive to repair torn areas.

Inspect and Re-position the Splash Blocks Frequently

Splash blocks are plastic, ceramic or concrete ramps that are seen in many yards under the downspouts.

Occasionally these are pushed out of position by the water coming down from the gutters. When this happens, rain water could potentially flow under the foundation and into crawl spaces of your home.

Heavier splash guards are more stable. Decorative blocks are also available for homes. Click here to search your favorite on Amazon.

Gutter Cleaning Reminders

Always remember to keep on top of your gutter maintenance to protect your home from damage by setting quarterly reminders.

If you do not have the capability to do the maintenance yourself, there are professionals that you can hire to do the maintenance for you.

How to Safely Clean the Leaves From Your Gutters

Posted on October 21, 2015December 18, 2017 Staff

Fall is upon us, and cleaning out your gutters can be quite the task. It can also be dangerous if you don’t go about cleaning them out the right way.

For most homeowners, it’s a dreadful experience; but gutter cleaning doesn’t have to be scary!

There are some simple tips and tricks to make your life easier. Here’s how to safely clean the leaves from your gutters this fall:

Ladder Safety is Key

You should always let someone in the house know if you are going to be using a ladder to work on the gutters.

You should also make sure that the ladder is safe and sturdy. If it’s not, you will need someone on the ground holding the ladder steady.

Preferably you want a ladder that has a shelf on the opposite side, big enough to hold a five gallon bucket.

This bucket will be used for collecting the debris clogging you gutters. Be sure to secure the bucket with a lanyard or some type of rope.

Also, make sure to never put the ladder in front of a door as someone may open it without realizing you’re there and knock the ladder over.

Use a “Gutter Scoop”

Using a gutter scoop will help get the leafy debris out of your gutters. This is known as the best overall method for removing leaves from your gutter.

If you have a lot of trees near your home, this tool will be ideal for you!

The gutter scoop can help you pick up more debris, faster, and it sure does make the job a lot easier, and the less time you’re on the ladder the better.

For colder climates, the scoop can also double as a salt dispenser, creating an easier way to spread salt on your steps, sidewalk, and driveway.

Wear Gloves and Eye Protection

It’s important to wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning out your gutters.

A lot of gunk can get stuck in there, and sometimes it can get pretty gross.

You don’t want to be touching mold with your bare hands. Plus, it’s not uncommon to find bugs, including spiders, among the debris.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Gutter Guards and Covers

One way to save yourself from the headache of future cleanings is to install a gutter cover system.

These products cover the existing gutters and are designed to let the water in, but keep debris out.

Just make sure to thoroughly clean your gutters before you install them.

Conclusion

Cleaning your gutters this fall shouldn’t be too much of a burden.

If you follow these tips, you can make sure you’re safe and that the job is a little easier.

Just make sure to wear that protective gear, use a sturdy ladder and make sure someone is aware of the fact that your going to be cleaning your gutters.

5 Easy Home Maintenance Tips for Fall

Posted on October 15, 2015September 25, 2019 Staff

Many people assume that major preparations are needed for winter, and every other season is mild enough that your house can wait until temperatures drop. However, if you want to keep your workload down and prevent expensive repairs or damage, here are some things that should be on your home maintenance checklist this fall.

^{Image courtesy of Cindy Etta via Pinterest.}

Gutter Snipe

Fall is obviously synonymous with leaves falling, raking, leaf blowing and general yard upkeep.

While you’re focusing on your yard, the first thing on your fall home maintenance checklist should be to look up at your house and ensure that your gutters and downspouts are cleared of leaves, debris and any blockages.

If you leave the leaves in the gutters until it starts to snow, your gutters won’t be able to do their job.

Do yourself a favor, grab a ladder and some gloves, and clear the detritus from the gutters and downspouts.

Leaf It

^{Image courtesy of Angie’s List.}

When you rake up all those leaves, and feel like you want to scream, keep in mind that those leaves serve a purpose.

If you have a garden, you can chop the leaves and spread them as mulch, providing a lot of nutrients for next year’s soil.

If you don’t have a garden, and want nothing to do with the leaves that clutter your yard, put them on the curb or take them to a community garden.

Someone could use them!

Pack It Up

As the end of the season approaches, you won’t be needing to water your lawn, and there will be several times where frost coats your lawn and car in the morning.

The next thing on your home maintenance checklist should be to turn off the water spigot, unwrap your hose, and put it away.

Also make sure you blow your sprinklers out, or call the landscapers to do it. You don’t want water in the pipes when your area has its first freeze.

Heat Things Up

^{Image courtesy of OneKindDesign.}

Before winter truly arrives, test out your furnace, and make sure nothing is wrong with it.

Few things are worse than waiting until it’s freezing outside, only to realize that your furnace is out of order.

If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s structurally sound, and make sure nothing is inside the chimney that would prevent smoke from clearing out.

Hunker Down

In general, use autumn as preparation for winter.

If you live in an area full of wildlife, make sure your house, and outbuildings, are sealed up tight as many creatures will begin seeking refuge when temps are still tolerable.

Stock up on food if you live in a very intense climate.

Make sure your windows and doors are sealed tightly, so you can conserve energy and heat!

Sure up the Shoreline

^{Image courtesy of BucketList127.}

Many lakes have seasonal draw downs, meaning the water level will be significantly lower in the cooler months.

This makes for the perfect time to work on any seawall damages that may need repairs.

Many times this is best left to a professional, and since this is the optimal time to make repairs be sure to book their services ASAP.

While this list is far from exhaustive, it should serve as a good reminder to never leave your house unsupervised until winter.

By the time you realize there is a problem, it will be too late, and all the service pros will be booked until the beginning of spring!

Save yourself time and money now, and get ready for fall and winter the right way.

Backup Generators: The Ideal Choice for Your Lake Home

Posted on October 17, 2014February 15, 2023 Glenn S. Phillips

Emergencies that leave you without power can happen at any time. This is why it is always a good idea to have a generator available. While portable generators can be useful, backup generators are even more so due to their convenience.

For lake home properties, they’re even more valuable for a variety of reasons. These include ease-of-use, safety, and quiet operation.

Automatic Power Generation

Standby or backup generators come on automatically as soon as the power goes out. This is a very convenient feature on a lake home, especially one that’s occupied year round.

Never again will you have to worry about arriving at your lake home, only to find out it’s without power. Rather than struggling to hook up a portable generator, you can immediately begin enjoying your waterfront property uninterrupted.

Hooking up portable generators can be hazardous near bodies of water, since you need to make sure cords don’t get wet. If you’re already in the dark, you run the risk of doing just that. However, keeping cords dry won’t be a concern when you rely on a backup generator.

Quiet Operation

Portable generators tend to be very loud, and may even be disturbing at times. Standby generators on the other hand operate very quietly, so you won’t be disturbed while operating them. The fact that they produce very little noise makes them ideal for lake homes because they won’t overwhelm the neighborhood or the tranquil setting with too much noise.

LP or Natural Gas

Ensuring your generator has an adequate fuel source is key to its operation. Since portable generators typically run on gasoline, finding fuel for them can sometimes be a challenge. Standby generators can be tied into your existing natural gas lines so that fuel is continuously being pumped into them. If you don’t have natural gas lines, you can connect them to LP gas tanks that hold enough fuel to power your home for several days, which means:

No need to store extra fuel
You won’t have to stand in line to get fuel to power your generator during a power outage
Traveling long distances to find fuel won’t be necessary, which could be an issue if your lake home is remotely located

Safer Operation

In order to operate a portable generator safely, you need to be able to accurately calculate the voltage of appliances and other electronics. Miscalculating load capacity could result in damage to your equipment, or even worse, injury or death. While backup generators will require that their load-bearing capacities be verified by an electrician before installation, they are much safer to operate compared to portable generators.

No Venting Required

Portable generators must either be operated outdoors or vented properly if used indoors. As a result, you could find yourself needing to open windows or doors to allow exhaust to escape or make room for power cords. Standby generators eliminate the need for venting, so you won’t have to worry about tripping on cords or having cold air from an open window enter your lake home.

Backup generators can certainly come in handy, especially at lake properties. An investment in the right standby generator is something that will allow you to enjoy life on the water to its fullest, even when others are struggling and without power.