Ames Home + Garden Show

07/28/2023

02/14/2023

If the winter blues have you longing for spring, there are several home maintenance activities you can tackle to prep for the season. Inspecting and cleaning your home during the transitional months makes any household’s future repair easier to manage. And by dedicating just a few days to completing these simple tasks, you will keep your home running smoothly and protect your investment at the same time. To get started, here are five ideas to help you spruce up your home for spring.
Refresh Your Windows. As the weather gets warmer, it’s vital to ensure your windows are in good working condition. First, inspect all windows for proper operation and a tight fit. To start, clean the window tracks. If you have window screens, gently wash them with soapy water. Next, check that the weatherstripping hasn’t cracked or torn. You can help reduce your energy bills by preventing unwanted outside air from leaking into your home.
Schedule an Air Conditioning Tune-up. Have your air conditioning system inspected and cleaned. If your system has a filter, replace it. A good rule of thumb is to have your air filter replaced every three months to keep your unit working efficiently. If your air conditioner is in good shape, consider other ways to keep your home cool as the weather turns warmer, like adding curtains, shades or blinds to windows.

Prepare for Unwanted Pests. Warmer weather also means that pests – including ants, roaches, rats, and termites – will be looking to join your household. Keep them out by sealing cracks and openings along baseboards, behind sinks, and around pipes and windows. And repair holes in door and window screens to prevent outside pests from entering your home.

Inspect Your Roof. Severe weather can take a toll on your roof. Experts recommend checking your roof for any signs of winter damage from heavy snowfall or debris. Remember to take special care when using a ladder to inspect your roof. Read and follow directions carefully.
Clean Your Gutters. Long winters bring a mix of storms and heavy winds that can carry a lot of debris to your gutters. Debris, leaves and other twigs clog up your gutters and downpours. Your home is susceptible to interior or exterior water damage without a regular clean-up.
If the winter blues have you longing for spring, there are several home maintenance activities you can tackle to prep for the season. Inspecting and cleaning your home during the transitional months makes any household’s future repair easier to manage. And by dedicating just a few days to completing these simple tasks, you will keep your home running smoothly and protect your investment at the same time. To get started, here are five ideas to help you spruce up your home for spring.
Refresh Your Windows. As the weather gets warmer, it’s vital to ensure your windows are in good working condition. First, inspect all windows for proper operation and a tight fit. To start, clean the window tracks. If you have window screens, gently wash them with soapy water. Next, check that the weatherstripping hasn’t cracked or torn. You can help reduce your energy bills by preventing unwanted outside air from leaking into your home.
Schedule an Air Conditioning Tune-up. Have your air conditioning system inspected and cleaned. If your system has a filter, replace it. A good rule of thumb is to have your air filter replaced every three months to keep your unit working efficiently. If your air conditioner is in good shape, consider other ways to keep your home cool as the weather turns warmer, like adding curtains, shades or blinds to windows.

Prepare for Unwanted Pests. Warmer weather also means that pests – including ants, roaches, rats, and termites – will be looking to join your household. Keep them out by sealing cracks and openings along baseboards, behind sinks, and around pipes and windows. And repair holes in door and window screens to prevent outside pests from entering your home.

Inspect Your Roof. Severe weather can take a toll on your roof. Experts recommend checking your roof for any signs of winter damage from heavy snowfall or debris. Remember to take special care when using a ladder to inspect your roof. Read and follow directions carefully.
Clean Your Gutters. Long winters bring a mix of storms and heavy winds that can carry a lot of debris to your gutters. Debris, leaves and other twigs clog up your gutters and downpours. Your home is susceptible to interior or exterior water damage without a regular clean-up.
If the winter blues have you longing for spring, there are several home maintenance activities you can tackle to prep for the season. Inspecting and cleaning your home during the transitional months makes any household’s future repair easier to manage. And by dedicating just a few days to completing these simple tasks, you will keep your home running smoothly and protect your investment at the same time. To get started, here are five ideas to help you spruce up your home for spring.
Refresh Your Windows. As the weather gets warmer, it’s vital to ensure your windows are in good working condition. First, inspect all windows for proper operation and a tight fit. To start, clean the window tracks. If you have window screens, gently wash them with soapy water. Next, check that the weatherstripping hasn’t cracked or torn. You can help reduce your energy bills by preventing unwanted outside air from leaking into your home.
Schedule an Air Conditioning Tune-up. Have your air conditioning system inspected and cleaned. If your system has a filter, replace it. A good rule of thumb is to have your air filter replaced every three months to keep your unit working efficiently. If your air conditioner is in good shape, consider other ways to keep your home cool as the weather turns warmer, like adding curtains, shades or blinds to windows.

Prepare for Unwanted Pests. Warmer weather also means that pests – including ants, roaches, rats, and termites – will be looking to join your household. Keep them out by sealing cracks and openings along baseboards, behind sinks, and around pipes and windows. And repair holes in door and window screens to prevent outside pests from entering your home.

Inspect Your Roof. Severe weather can take a toll on your roof. Experts recommend checking your roof for any signs of winter damage from heavy snowfall or debris. Remember to take special care when using a ladder to inspect your roof. Read and follow directions carefully.
Clean Your Gutters. Long winters bring a mix of storms and heavy winds that can carry a lot of debris to your gutters. Debris, leaves and other twigs clog up your gutters and downpours. Your home is susceptible to interior or exterior water damage without a regular clean-up.
If the winter blues have you longing for spring, there are several home maintenance activities you can tackle to prep for the season. Inspecting and cleaning your home during the transitional months makes any household’s future repair easier to manage. And by dedicating just a few days to completing these simple tasks, you will keep your home running smoothly and protect your investment at the same time. To get started, here are five ideas to help you spruce up your home for spring.

Refresh Your Windows. As the weather gets warmer, it’s vital to ensure your windows are in good working condition. First, inspect all windows for proper operation and a tight fit. To start, clean the window tracks. If you have window screens, gently wash them with soapy water. Next, check that the weatherstripping hasn’t cracked or torn. You can help reduce your energy bills by preventing unwanted outside air from leaking into your home.
Schedule an Air Conditioning Tune-up. Have your air conditioning system inspected and cleaned. If your system has a filter, replace it. A good rule of thumb is to have your air filter replaced every three months to keep your unit working efficiently. If your air conditioner is in good shape, consider other ways to keep your home cool as the weather turns warmer, like adding curtains, shades or blinds to windows.

Prepare for Unwanted Pests. Warmer weather also means that pests – including ants, roaches, rats, and termites – will be looking to join your household. Keep them out by sealing cracks and openings along baseboards, behind sinks, and around pipes and windows. And repair holes in door and window screens to prevent outside pests from entering your home.

Inspect Your Roof. Severe weather can take a toll on your roof. Experts recommend checking your roof for any signs of winter damage from heavy snowfall or debris. Remember to take special care when using a ladder to inspect your roof. Read and follow directions carefully.

Clean Your Gutters. Long winters bring a mix of storms and heavy winds that can carry a lot of debris to your gutters. Debris, leaves and other twigs clog up your gutters and downpours. Your home is susceptible to interior or exterior water damage without a regular clean-up.

01/18/2023

Minor upgrades to your home can make a big difference. The good news is that a home refresh doesn’t always require a significant renovation. New flooring can change the look and feel of your home. Aside from style and décor, there are several factors to consider when deciding what flooring material to select when purchasing new floors. Cost, durability, moisture, and maintenance are important factors to consider in your new flooring choice and the area in your home you’ll be refreshing. Here are some popular floor options among home owners to help you evaluate what works best for your home.

Hardwood. According to a recent home buyer preferences survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), an overwhelming share (81%) of home buyers said they want hardwood floors on their main living spaces. This popular flooring type is available in a various wood species, such as oak, cherry, and maple. Wood floors can be beautiful and durable if they are well-maintained.

Laminate. A popular, less expensive alternative to hardwood floors is laminate. This type of flooring option comprises of various wood-based materials layered together, which are ‘laminated’ and finished off with a photographic imprint. Generally, laminate is available in tiles or planks and are relatively easy to install and maintain. However, laminate flooring is a viable option if you still want the look of hardwood floors without having them. Laminate is also more resistant to scuffs and scratches.

Tile. Porcelain and ceramic tiles come in beautiful designs, including diamond, herringbone, chevron, and basketweave, with shapes including circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles. The variety of designs may be one of the reasons why nearly two-thirds (64%) of home buyers prefer tile as a flooring choice in their main living areas. In addition, porcelain tile offers easy maintenance, durability, and stain and slip resistance.
Carpet. Depending on depth and fiber type, carpet can provide warmth and reduce noise. Carpet depth is categorized by low pile, medium pile, and high pile, most of which are available in various textures. Textures are created by the thickness of the yarn and how it is woven together to make the carpet. Regular maintenance or hiring professional carpet cleaners is recommended with this option to keep your floor looking and feeling fresh year-round.

Vinyl. Cost-conscious home owners in search of a resilient flooring option should consider vinyl. Unlike other types of flooring, vinyl is ideal for areas in your home prone to moisture, such as laundry rooms or basements. Vinyl has adhesive and is available in sheets or tiles. Repairing damaged vinyl is as easy as removing and replacing it. However, there are several limitations to this type of floor. Vinyl is likely to scratch, can vary in quality and may not have a contemporary look compared to other flooring options.

A careful mix of flooring materials can make for a long-lasting and beautiful home and provide comfort for the pattering of many feet throughout the years. With the many options available, it’s hard to go wrong. For more information about flooring options or other home renovations in the new year, go to: https://www.ameshomebuilders.com/member-directory for a list of professional remodelers in our area.

12/12/2022

https://www.nahb.org/blog/2022/12/top-colors-for-2023?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=1212&utm_campaign=MMB2022

The new year is a great time to set goals, establish healthier habits, and promote growth and learning. This year, many paint manufacturers also see it as a great opportunity to reset, recenter and rewrite the design and ambience of our homes to suit our journey for the year ahead.

07/18/2022

5 Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the focal point of the home. No longer limited to a place for meal prep, kitchens are where meals are shared, homework is completed, and time is spent with friends and family. After spending more time at home, you may want to revamp your kitchen for increased enjoyment. You can make minor changes to your kitchen to give the space a renewed look.

Consider the following updates to give your kitchen a refresh:

Redesign Cabinets. If replacing your cabinets isn’t in your budget, there are several ways you can elevate your kitchen storage. A new coat of paint can make the difference. This household project is generally completed in three steps: sand, prime and paint. Your local hardware store can offer advice on what type of paint and primer to purchase depending on the material of your cabinets and what kind of finish meets your preferences. Designers say hardware is the kitchen's jewelry, so consider swapping your current drawer pulls and k***s for a new look.

Paint the Walls. Another way to add a pop of color to your kitchen is to paint the walls. You’ll want to clean your kitchen walls and/or fill in minor dents or holes before starting the process to ensure the project runs smoothly. You can choose from a variety of paint styles and textures. When selecting paint for your kitchen walls, aside from color choice, you may want to consider durability and how easy it is to clean.

Declutter Your Space. A reorganization of your kitchen can help simplify your space and make it more pleasant to cook and entertain. There is no shortage of storage solutions available, from hidden hooks to creative shelving units. Experts recommend first clearing out and cleaning all your cabinets and drawers. Next, take inventory of what you'll keep, toss, or donate. Then, you can determine where to place all your items or if you need additional storage solutions. You should place the most frequently used items throughout accessible areas in your kitchen.

Replace Your Kitchen Faucet. A simple way to upgrade your kitchen is to replace your faucet, especially if your fixture is older or not working correctly. There are a variety of materials and finishes that you can match with your existing décor. In addition, new kitchen faucets have modern features, such as motion sensors which allow for hands-free water flow.

Upgrade Lighting. Proper illumination in your kitchen can make all the difference in how you maneuver in your space. Experts recommend considering how you utilize your kitchen and focusing on areas that would benefit from extra light. For example, task lighting would be an optimal addition beneath your cabinets if you spend more time prepping food on the counter space. On the other hand, if you spend most of your time at your kitchen island, pendant lights can be an excellent source of both task and ambient lighting.

06/10/2022

The Parade of Homes Show is open 5:30 - 8:30 pm Friday and 12 - 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets available today (Friday until 5 pm) at Northwest Bank or at any of the homes during the show hours.
https://www.ameshomebuilders.com/parade-of-homes

04/15/2022

Top 5 Things to Do After You Move into a New Home

After you’ve got your new home keys in your hand, it’s time to start your next chapter. Finding or hiring movers is likely at the top of your list. Once you’ve finalized those details and settled into your space, there are other to-do items you should consider completing to help enjoy your new home. To help you transition smoothly into your new home, consider adding the following items to your agenda.

Change the Locks
If you bought an existing home, you don’t know who might have a set of your house keys. You should rekey your home immediately. You can hire a locksmith or take on this first home owners’ task on your own. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, burglars look for easy targets, and locks are critical to keeping your family and your property safe.

Send out Change of Address Notifications
First, let the U.S. Postal Service know you’ve moved to a new permanent address. You don’t want to miss an important piece of mail as you are transitioning to your new space. Then, make a checklist of all those places you usually receive mail from and notify them. Your list will likely include banks and other financial institutions, utility companies, insurance providers, employers and government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service or Social Security Administration. Consider sending change of address cards to your friends and family in the mail or through email as well.

Learn How Your Home Works
Everything is different in a new home. It is always best to be prepared if an unexpected issue arises with your new home. There are three common functional areas of your home to note:
1. Find the circuit breaker or fuse box in case of a power outage or related electrical issue.
2. Locate your water shut-off valve, in the event of a leak.
3. Test your smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector. Because you recently moved in, your detectors should function properly, but you don’t want to place yourself or your family at risk in case they’re not.

Childproof and/or Pet-proof Your Home
Your home is a new space for everyone, including curious kids or pets. Before you settle in, make sure the environment is safe for everyone in the family. Start by placing packing materials, which often include hardware, scissors and tape with sharp edges, out of reach. Next, the National Safety Council recommends childproofing high-risks zones in your home. These areas are potential sources of unintentional injuries. The zones include areas with water, heat/flames, toxic substances or areas potential for a fall such as stairs. For pets, make sure to keep hazardous items out of reach and look for dangling wires you might not have had in your existing space.

Plan a Home Regular Home Maintenance Checklist
You should regularly check, clean and/or test a wide variety of interior and exterior systems and structures. A robust home maintenance list can help keep your home functioning at an optimal level and save you time and money in the long run. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a Home Maintenance Checklist to help you get started with the basic guidelines for keeping different areas of your home in the best shape.