Living In DFW

Frigid winters and blazing summers can take a toll on the surface of your home and other parts of your property. Peeling paint, mold, mildew, and dirt can cause damage over time and make your home an eye sore. Pressure washing is a good solution to improving the health of your home. However, misuse of pressurized water can cause injury. Pressure washing is a good solution to improving the health of your home.

Use Eye and Ear Protection

The pressurized stream can knock off debris that can fly into your face. Always wear some eye protection, such as goggles. Pad your ears from the loud sounds of the equipment that could injure your eardrums.

Start with low pressure

Begin with a lower setting and gradually increase as needed to dislodge debris. You don’t want to risk damaging the structure with too strong pressure.

Wear protective clothing and shoes

Covering your skin if the water stream contacts your body is recommended. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes or boots, and heavy-duty, waterproof gloves.

Practice electrical and gas safety

Avoid spraying around power or electrical lines. Use an especially designed extension cord for wet conditions, and always plug the unit into a grounded outlet.

Ensure environmental safety

Stand a safe enough distance from your cleaning target, about 3-4 feet, to avoid ricochet. Use only cleaners appropriate for your model, not pesticides. Don’t let children operate the machine and keep them a safe distance away when in use. Do not spray yourself or others. Power wash only during pleasant weather and clear the area of hazards such as toys, bikes, tools, and pets.

Read the user manual

Thoroughly read through the pressure washer manual before operating the machinery. Different types of washers have varying operational instructions. Follow the directions for your particular model, such as how to adjust the spray nozzles properly, and for troubleshooting tips.

Avoid high places

Using a ladder to power wash sets you up for an accident. Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground and hold the washer with both hands. Remain on the ground and use an extension wand.

Objects not to power wash

Some fragile surfaces cannot handle the force. Avoid power washing wooden furniture, painted surfaces, roof shingles, electrical panels, A/C units, windows, gutters, fabrics, cars, people, and pets.

Safety before storing and when idle

After using the unit, let it cool and depressurize before detaching the spray gun. If you know you are finished and shutting down, squeeze the trigger to release the remaining pressure before disconnecting the hose and nozzle. Otherwise, use the safety latch on the handle if you plan to put it down but then return to finish. If you plan to leave the work area for any period of time, turn the pressure washer off.

Bottom Line

Always consider the risks when using high-pressure streams of water. Power washer accidents don’t need to happen if you are cognizant and follow these simple but effective safety tips. This way, you can make your outdoor surfaces new again while keeping yourself out of harm’s way and preventing damage to your home and property.

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Free Buyer Guide

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45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

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We are so used to getting hot water in our home without a thought, until something goes wrong with our water heater, or it stops working. A cold shower or a leak can take us by surprise and are signs that the water heater is not working properly. This can happen when we neglect to periodically drain it. A water heater needs to be drained and flushed as part of its maintenance routine. Why is this so important? Over time sediment from minerals and other deposits in the water build up in the bottom of the tank, called scaling, and can lead to a clog in the valves which can cause leaks and corrosion. This can result in poor heating efficiency and costly repairs. Drainage helps flush out the sediment that can cause malfunction and makes it easier to heat the water when blockage is freed. With regular maintenance the heater will perform better, saving you money over time.

Signs that your water heater needs to be drained or needs repair

No hot water or limited supply, low water pressure, discolor and odors, unusual noises, leaks, and high utility bills. Strange smells can be due to bacteria build-up while unusual noises can be caused by loose sediment that scrapes against the metal as the water enters and leaves.

Drainage frequency

How often should you drain and flush your water heater? Water heater manufacturers and certified plumbers recommend draining and flushing on average approximately once per year. However, increased frequency is recommended when the following factors come into play: the tank is over 15 years old; the local water supply is hard or heavy with minerals; or the filtering process in your community is faulty. For situations like these, you should increase your maintenance regiment to 2 or 3 times per year. After draining the first time, you will have a better idea of how often to drain your water heater depending on the conditions and how much sediment has accumulated. You may find that once per year is sufficient enough, especially if your tank has a hydro-jet to reduce sediment. Electric and tankless water heaters, although more efficient and last longer, also need the same maintenance care. If uncertain, check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The draining process

You may choose to do this yourself or hire a plumbing professional. If doing it yourself always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Basic guidelines are as follows: turn off the power, the water, and let the tank cool; connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and place the hose where it can be properly drained; turn on the hot water faucet to enable quicker drainage; turn on the drain spigot and let it run until the tank is empty; turn the water to the tank back on to flush it. You may need to add vinegar or a lime descale; once the water is clear, close the valve to allow the tank to fill; shut the hot water faucet off; when the tank is full, turn the water heater back on.

Test the pressure-relief valve

The pressure-relief valve releases unsafe amounts of pressure from water vapor. Scaling can block the valve from functioning; hence it is important to check it at least once per year. If it is working properly, you should see water on the ground below the valve’s discharge pipe. Test by placing a bucket below the pipe and opening the valve. You should see water coming through the valve, down the pipe, and into the bucket. If that doesn’t occur, you have a problem with the valve that needs to be addressed by a plumber.

Bottom Line

It’s easy to take our major appliances such as our water heater for granted so it’s important to pay attention to any signs of malfunction and address promptly with a systematic draining and flushing.

As hot water is such a necessity, regular maintenance of your water heater is imperative if you want to keep it in good functional condition. Put it on your schedule this season so you are sure to keep it top of mind.

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Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

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Are you looking to sell your home and concerned about its resale value? If you last updated, upgraded, or refurbished a while ago, your home could show signs of wear and tear that could negatively impact the sale when you try to appeal to buyers. Whether you have a large or limited budget, you can make the much-needed changes that can increase the value of your home and attract home buyers. Here is a list of top-rated home renovation ideas that offer the best ROI for resale.

Boosting Curb Appeal

It’s always best to begin with the exterior, as that will be noticed first. You may choose only to repaint and clean up the yard. To increase the value even more, you should consider larger renovations. Some examples are a new garage or front door, porch makeover, adding a deck, renewing siding, mailbox update, window replacements, adding stone veneer, and landscaping. Exterior upgrades can run approximately $100,000 depending on the grade of materials and home size.

Upgrade the Kitchen

This area is mostly used in the home, so buyers will scrutinize its working condition and appearance more. Hardware, surface areas, and appliances should be in tip-top shape. Peeling, chipping, wearing, and other symptoms of age are a sign it’s time to replace such items as plumbing fixtures, flooring, cabinet fronts, and countertops. Look for energy-efficient refrigerators, stoves, and other large appliances. By improving energy efficiency, you can increase your home’s market price by 3.5 to 9 % over homes that do not have energy-efficient upgrades. Most buyers and homeowners value this; ergo, your home will sell faster with these upgrades. In addition, if you have the room, installing a kitchen island with seating would drive more demand since many like to entertain now where they cook. The average cost for kitchen remodeling is between $15,000 and $40,000.

Finish Basement

Finishing your basement and converting it to a rec room, home office, or guest room is less costly than building a new addition. It also provides 80% ROI, especially if you make it a home office. More people are working from home and may be attracted to a space that would give them privacy from noise, pets, and family.

Install Smart Home Features

80% of home buyers prefer buying a home already equipped with smart technology. Consider installing security systems, smart thermostats, entertainment items, and smart kitchen appliances.

Install a Wood Deck

Adding a deck can provide 65% ROI if your home lacks outdoor property. Wood decks have a better return on investment than composite ones, but a drawback is that you will have to refinish them, which will cost more over time. The cost for a new deck averages around $35,000.

Open Up the Rooms

Knock down walls to connect living space and eliminate the feeling of being closed or crammed in.

Simple Interior Updates

As with the exterior, you may make minor changes if your budget necessitates this. You can purchase a new carpet, install new flooring and windows, or update bathroom or kitchen fixtures. Replace aging or faulty appliances that you need, such as an HVAC system, toilet, shower, or water heater. If you only want to repaint, choose a neutral color. Home photos look better against a beige or off-white, for instance. Also, it is easier for buyers to imagine what their furniture will look like in the home with a toned-down hue.

Bottom Line

Like your interests, people seek homes that are well-functioning, maintained, and attractive. When you, as the seller, put yourself in the buyer’s position, you can best understand and appreciate the value you can create in making the suggested changes that can garner these results. Whether you choose to make a large or small investment in renovating your home for resale, any of the mentioned changes can help bolster your home’s value and bring you closer to selling your home.

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Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

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