A Home For All Seasons: Year-Round Considerations
Kachi Realty
A Home For All Seasons: Year-Round Considerations
A Home For All Seasons: Year-Round Considerations
Whatever time of year you find yourself shopping for a new home, it’s important to give some thought to what that home will be like throughout the rest of the year. Be on the lookout for things that could affect the access and comfort of your home through all the months of the year.
Winter Considerations
If you live in an area with heavy snow, it’s important to give serious thought to how accessible your home will be in those months. Homes on hills might find the roads impassable due to ice, while homes with long driveways will require a lot of snow clearing to get out.
If you are expecting cold winters, the function of your furnace is a vital piece of the puzzle, so be sure the home has a heating system that works well. You might also look for alternate heating in your home, such as a wood stove or fireplace insert.
Things To Think About In Spring
Spring can often mean a lot of water, whether from those April showers or melting snow. The drainage on the property is important to making certain that water doesn’t cause problems such as earth shifting or flooding. Look for things like retaining walls and a slope to the property that allows it to drain.
Spring can also come with a lot of yard work. Remember that a big yard looks like a lot of fun—and it is—but it also means a lot of work. A spring cleanup is a must in many areas as it won’t just be the pretty flowers growing in the spring, but those pesky weeds, too.
Summer Thoughts
Summer is the time when most people want to spend time outside, enjoying the sunshine. It’s also the time when most areas are driest, meaning a lot of watering to keep the plants and grass green. If you are considering a larger lot, think about the cost of watering it. You might also want to look for a built-in sprinkler system so you won’t forget to water.
The direction in which the house faces will determine how much sun you get both in the home and in the backyard. If the yard will get a lot of sun, you might want to look for a home with a covered patio or awning.
Facing Fall
Those big beautiful trees around a property make it look lovely and offer shade. Come fall they also mean a lot of leaves all over the ground and a lot of work picking them up.
Every season has things that homeowners will have to deal with; before you buy, make sure you’ve given a lot of thought to how that home will take you through each season so you can be prepared.
Useful Information from Kachi Realty LLC
Cut your energy costs with easy home tips. Learn how smart lighting, efficient appliances, and simple thermostat tricks can help you save energy and money year-round.
WAYS TO GO GREEN IN THE KITCHEN Start a garden. Whether you opt for a full-out vegetable garden or a small window of fresh herbs, the taste of freshness will be unmistakable! Shop locally! Visit local farmers markets or choose locally produced produce whenever possible. Bring your own bags when you visit the grocery store. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Save time and energy by cooking a double portion and setting half aside in the freezer for a quick meal at a later date. Get energized and leave the appliances alone. Whenever possible, mix and beat ingredients by hand, cook multiple items at the same time, and avoid washing dishes unnecessarily. Use energy-efficient appliances such as the slow cooker or toaster oven, which can use up to 30% less energy. Be aware of energy wasters such as excessive pre-heating or simmering. Ditch the wraps (such as saran wrap or foil) and make the switch to reusable containers for lunches and leftovers. Put a lid on it! Did you know that cooking with lids could save up to three times the energy? Keep all that steam inside the pot for a more energy-efficient (and faster!) meal. Go fresh—say goodbye to excessively packaged foods, which are often produced using processes that are harmful to the environment. Cooking meals from scratch using fresh ingredients is not only healthier, it’s often less expensive and better for the environment. Decide what you are looking for before you open the fridge, and never keep the door open longer than absolutely necessary.
Water Features For Your Yard A water feature can make a major change in your yard, and there are plenty of different ways to go about adding one. From a simple and small fountain to a koi pond or waterfall, you can use water to create a peaceful sense of a real escape from life in your yard. Small Water Features For small yards or for those looking to add something simple, a basic fountain is easy to add. They come in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes and can fit into any landscaping. Your fountain can be a centerpiece for the yard or can be placed near the patio. You can even get a small tabletop fountain for the patio table. Most fountains are easy enough to install by yourself. They use a pump system that circulates the water and keeps the fountain running. Follow all of the instructions for set-up, use, and care that come with the fountain and you can enjoy the sound of trickling water for many years to come. Adding A Pond A pond is a really eye-catching and special addition to any yard. You will need some space for it, but even smaller yards can manage one. Koi ponds are a very popular choice, as the fish are lovely and create an ambience in the yard. They fit in well with any sort of Japanese or other Asian landscape design, but really extend into other styles as well. Make sure your pond has a system for keeping the water circulating and clean; standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and it can get quite dirty over time. It’s best to have a professional install the water system for your pond. Waterfalls You may not be able to have Niagara Falls in your yard to enjoy, but you can get a waterfall added as a feature of your yard. These can be falls that descend over a rock wall, a small stream that runs over consecutive drops in a sloped yard, or something in a corner where water falls down into a small pond. A waterfall adds the sound of moving water to the air all the time. Be sure you have proper drainage for the water system. Water features are a beautiful addition to any yard, and your imagination is really the only limit. Many professionals can help you to design the water feature that is right for your yard and your needs.