Category Archives: Uncategorized

Tracking the latest trends in countertops, appliances

Posted on May 31, 2013 | Leave a comment

Question: I’m hearing that granite counters and stainless-steel appliances are out. Is this true? I want to update our kitchen, but unfortunately my husband surprised me by putting a deposit on new stainless-steel appliances. They’re the ones I want, but is that why they were on sale? I don’t want our kitchen to be out of date before we even finish it!

–Joanna

Answer: It’s really hard to stay on top of the trends, even for experts like me. So stick to what you like, unless you’re selling your house soon. Even so, neutral finishes for your counters, paint and cabinetry don’t need to be boring. I love warm neutrals, including off whites, buttercream yellows and grays.

Granite has been used for counters for decades for very good reason. It’s durable, resists stains well unless it’s a light color, blends with a variety of styles and is still very popular. Granite is available in a rainbow of colors from solid blacks to whites to soothing earth tones to wildly patterned reds, greens, blues and yellows.

Do these upgrades add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

Granite as a countertop material is still most definitely in. For a fresh look, choose a variety that is a mix of gray, off whites, creamy colors or even white. A satiny “honed” finish will make the granite look warm and modern.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only.

Should You Still Get Flood Insurance?

Posted on May 19, 2013 | Leave a comment

Homeowners will see increases in the rates they pay for flood insurance soon, if they haven’t already, with owners of vacation homes seeing the biggest jump. But that isn’t reason enough to drop coverage. Flood insurance is one of the best deals going.

Have questions about the FEMA inspection process or how to get help? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com; they are FEMA certified flood and disaster inspectors.

Though floods can bring walls of water 20 feet high, even a few inches of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Between 2007 and 2011, the average flood claim fielded by the National Flood Insurance Program was nearly $30,000. The cost of the typical flood policy is about $625 a year.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your homeowner’s policy has you covered, or that a flood won’t happen to you. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which operates the flood insurance program, flooding occurs practically every day, practically everywhere. And it is costly, racking up $2.9 billion in losses between 2002 and 2011.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Is Your Property Ready For Wildfires?

Posted on May 3, 2013 | Leave a comment

Wildfires have become common in Southern California, Texas, Colorado and many other states in the past two decades, and they can happen at anytime of the year.

What you can do to get ready.

Simple Changes:

Changing the mesh in the outdoor vents from 1/4″ to 1/8″ making it much harder for burning embers to get trapped inside the vents.
Fill in small gaps underneath the roof tiles with foam or concrete. When the fire comes through, there are thousands of little embers bouncing around and they find even the smallest opening.

More Extensive Changes:

Remove wood from around house.
Replace wood windows. Wood framed windows were framed with wood and if that wood were to burn the panes would pop out allowing the fire easy access into the house.
Encase wood eves with a noncombustible material such as stucco.
Remake the decks, balconies, and walls with similarly fire-resistant matter (like tile or brick). If that is too expensive, fire resistant caulk and paint on wood can help.

If the Fire is Coming:

Sweeping up piles of dead leaves near the home since embers will land in them and ignite.
Move patio furniture far away from the house; even in the pool if possible.
Remove or retract awnings.

For more information go to: http://readysetgooc.org/RSGWeb.html

Disclaimer: For Information and Entertainment Purposes Only

Category Archives: Uncategorized

Tracking the latest trends in countertops, appliances

Should You Still Get Flood Insurance?

Is Your Property Ready For Wildfires?

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