HOUSE HOUSE
THREE WAYS TO REMOVE WALLPAPER
Prepare the Steamer
Fill the steamer reservoir full of water, up to the waterline mark
Steam the Wallpaper
Lay the plate on a section of wallpaper and press the trigger for 15 to 20 seconds. Immediately remove the plate
Remove the Wallpaper
Immediately begin peeling up that section of the wallpaper with the putty knife. If this isn't working well, score the wallpaper with the wallpaper scoring tool. Steam that section again and try peeling it up Continue with the process until the wallpaper is gone
Apply the Wallpaper Stripper
Spray the product, following with the sponge to distribute it over an area about 2 feet by 2 feet.
Wait about five minutes for the product to penetrate the paper In the meantime, watch for any drips and clean them up
Begin the Removal
Gently push the putty knife under the paper and lift the paper away Do not scrape or gouge the wall with the knife The wallpaper should easily lift off If not, score the wallpaper with the scoring tool Make about ten holes every square inch
Mix the Vinegar and Water
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and get ready to soak the walls.
Saturate the Wallpaper
Spray an area, generously, and watch the paper start to soak off and separate from the walls
Inspect and clean the dryer vent. Cleaning the duct that connects the back of your dryer to the outside vent won’t only improve the unit’s efficiency, it can prevent a house fire caused by lint buildup
Vacuum refrigerator coils. One little-known fact about your refrigerator is that cleaning the condenser coils located in the back or bottom of the appliance will save energy and keep it in prime working condition
Clean your kitchen exhaust fans. Exhaust fans help remove steam and odors when you’re cooking. They should be cleaned monthly to avoid grease buildup.
GAS VS. ELECTRIC OVEN:
CHOOSE A GAS OVEN IF YOU PREFER:
Using Multiple Cooking Techniques: Gas ovens and ranges offer greater versatility in cooking methods You can grill or char on the open flame in addition to the typical methods of searing, boiling, broiling, and roasting Stir-frying and sautéing are also ideal methods for use with a gas range since gas gives you the direct high heat needed
Faster Pre-Heating: Gas heats up quicker compared to electricity, which means less time waiting on the oven or range to reach the right temperature.
Adjusting the Temperature Quickly: Gas makes it easier to adjust a temperature up or down This allows you to crank up the heat or turn it down quickly, so you achieve optimal cooking results This includes a quick cooldown as soon as you turn the flames off
Energy-Efficiency: Cooking with gas is more energy-efficient since gas heat uses less energy to heat than electricity
CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC OVEN IF YOU PREFER:
CookingWithaVarietyofPots&PansSizes:Anelectriccooktophas varioussizesofburners,whichmeansyoucanuseamixofsmallerand larger-sizedpots
EasierCleanup:Thesmoothtopofanelectricrangeiseasiertowipe downwhencleaningversusgasgrates,whichrequireyoutofully removetheminordertocleanthem
ADrierHeat:Electricovensproducedrierheatcomparedtogas,which enhancesbrowningorcrispnessinyourfood
PreciseTemperatureControl:Withanelectricoven,youhavegreater controloverthetemperaturesettingcomparedtoagasflame.
JANUARY 2023 HAMPTON ROADS
27
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
LISTING SPOTLIGHT
WATER FRONT PROPERTY
Gorgeous
According to one home painting company, painting the exterior of your home yields a 55% ROI in terms of value increase. This means that if you’re selling your home, you most definitely want to consider giving it a fresh coat of paint before putting it on the market
Two-toned olive paint can give a home’s exterior a sophisticated look The two colors can complement each other and create an elegant effect The darker color can also make the house look more stately and regal. In addition, two-toned olive paint can be used to highlight architectural features or to downplay problem areas
First, these colors tend to be very neutral, making them a good choice for homes that are located in busy neighborhoods or areas with a lot of foot traffic. Additionally, beige and gray paint can help to hide dirt and stains, making it easier to keep the outside of the home looking clean This can be a selling point when you speak to potential buyers
Is painting your house even necessary? Before thinking about the best colors to paint a house or browsing through some of the best house paint color boards on Pinterest, it pays to calculate the current value of your home. You might be surprised to find that your home’s current value is fine as is and you don’t need to paint it
Beige and gray paint is a mixture that looks good on the exterior of a home for a number of reasons
Beige & Gray
#1: YOU HAVE LITTLE LEFTOVER ONCE BILLS ARE PAID
The definition of retirement has changed drastically over the years Now more than ever before, retirees are maintaining an active lifestyle that includes hobbies, exercise, and continued learning – and these all cost a bit of money.
#2: YOUR HOME HAS FEATURES THAT MAKE AGING IN PLACE DIFFICULT
Depending on your layout, there may be some home features you’re unable to modify that still pose a threat to your safety and make aging in place difficult Features like several flights of stairs, narrow doorways, or high-maintenance landscaping can all be safety hazards.
#3: YOU WANT TO TURN HOME EQUITY INTO RETIREMENT INCOME
If your plan is to rely on home equity for income in retirement years, such as selling to use the equity, now may be the right time to downsize
#4: ROOMS GO UNUSED
If any of the rooms that were once used are now rarely opened, it doesn’t make sense to pay to heat, cool, and light them Saving money on utilities and property taxes are just a couple more reasons to think about downsizing your home
#5: MAINTAINING YOUR HOME IS BECOMING DIFFICULT
If you’ve reached the stage where chores seem impossible, it’s time to go smaller. And it’s better to make this decision sooner, rather than later. If household chores begin to pile up and if they impact the condition of your home, you may see a decrease in property value when it comes time to sell
feb feb events events
2/3-2/8 Restaurant Week
Smithfield/Isle of Wight
2/3-5/4 Emotions at Play
Virginia Aquarium
2/7 Bacchus Wine and Food Festival
Newport News
2/8 Chinese New Year Celebration
Virginia Beach
2/14 The Dixie 3 Film Showing
Hampton
2/14 Valentine’s Day
2/15 Yuja Wang Concert
Newport News
2/19 Community Play Date (Nauticus)
Norfolk
2/22 Hampton COMICON
Hampton