Mold, though not always seen, can grow on almost any surface in your home, but it cannot grow without moisture. When it comes to fighting mold, you will find the most success through moisture control. Be on the lookout for dampness and humidity in your home. If you can keep problem areas dry, you will greatly decrease your chances of mold growth. There are steps that you can take daily to reduce moisture in your home and hinder mold growth.

Monitor Humidity

The EPA suggests keeping your indoor humidity levels between 30% and 60% to prevent mold. A huge indicator of excess humidity is condensation. Check windows, walls, and door for moisture buildup. Humidity levels can also be monitored with humidity meters and moisture test strips found at most hardware stores.

Dry Immediately

Clean up water and address leaks right away. Don't wait for messes to air dry. Instead, wipe up spills and leaks with a towel to ensure that the surface is dry. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours. With mold growth comes the potential fro mold colonization. Mold spores travel in the air and attach themselves to surfaces in your home. Drying wet surfaces immediately is crucial to mold prevention.

Increase Ventilation

Open windows and turn on fans whenever you are cooking, cleaning, and showering. These daily activities can greatly increase moisture levels. Promoting air flow will help keep things dry and help prevent mold. Drying things by hand is never a bad idea either! Wipe away any condensation you see. Consider wiping dry the bathroom walls and ceiling after you shower, and hang your towel in a way that will allow it to dry faster, as well.

Check Indoor Plants

Mold thrives in wet, warm soil. If mold begins to grow in your potted plants, the spores can spread to other surfaces in your home. To avoid excessive exposure to mold, take measures to prevent its growth in your household plants.

Direct Water Away from Home

Make sure that your gutters are not clogged or damaged. Overflowing gutters can cause leaks in the roof. If gutters are not enough, install downspouts to further direct water away from your foundation.

Cover Your Crawl Space

Groundwater underneath your home can result in moisture and water vapor in your crawl space. If you do not often access this area of your home, you might cover it with plastic during wet months. This will reduce the chances of excess moisture and mold.

Alter Laundry Habits

Avoid leaving wet clothes in the washer. Mold can begin to grow on wet laundry and spread throughout your home. If you hand your clothes to dry, consider hanging them outside. If that is not an option, open windows or turn on fans when air drying laundry.

Colorado has a fairly dry climate, but this does not mean that we are off the hook. Do your best to prevent mold, know the signs, and take precautions if necessary. The Colorado Department of Health and Environment's Mold Information Sheet is a fantastic resource for homeowners. If you think you have a mold problem, you may need to call a professional. Solid Rock Realty is always happy to provide mold inspection and remediation recommendations.

As a homeowner, it can be easy to grow tired of looking at the same thing all of the time. Sometimes, we look at the same thing for so long that we fail to see the flaws in it. Whether you’re wanting to improve your home or just add some new life to a room, a fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest ways to spruce things up. Below are tips that will better both the experience and the outcome of your painting projects.

1. Clean the Area First

Cleaning surface areas before painting goes a long way to improve the quality of the finished product. Painting over dust and cobwebs makes it much easier for the paint to chip later on. The cleaning process doesn’t have to be fancy. Soap and water on a cloth works great, and it will ensure that the new paint sticks to the walls for longer!

2. Apply a Primer

Avoid inconsistent textures and blotchy areas by using a primer. Spots that have been cracked, repaired, or replaced will absorb paint differently than the rest of your drywall. Using a two-in-one primer and paint combo can work if the walls have been recently painted or are in good condition. That being said, there is no better way to ensure a smooth finish than using a stand-alone primer before your final color.

3. Use a Drop Cloth

Consider opting for a drop cloth instead of laying down plastic. Plastic can not only be heard to keep in place, but paint that falls on it can splash and will remain wet much longer.  Canvas and cotton drop clothes are a great alternative. They are easy to keep in place, absorb paint drops instead of spreading them around, and can be reused.

4. Box the Paint

Boxing your paint simply means mixing it all into one large container before painting. Cans of the same color often contain slight differences that may show up once dry. Mixing all of the paint beforehand will ensure a consistent color throughout and reduce the risk of leftover paint drying out over time.

5. Paint Down 

Start at the celling and paint down to the floor. Painting downward will allow you to catch any drips and mistakes. As you go, be careful not to paint over areas that are dry or beginning to dry. This will help prevent “lap marks,” streaks, and inconsistencies.

6. Paint Trim First

If you’re painting the trim along with the walls, tackle it first. Wipe it clean and apply the paint. If you get paint on the walls, you can simply paint over it later. Once you’re ready to paint the walls, just tape the trim and you’re good to go! Bonus tip: us a putty knife to “seal” the tape. This will get rid of air bubbles and help prevent paint from running underneath.

7. Avoid Humidity

If possible, avoid painting on rainy or humid days. Excessive moisture in the air will slow the time it takes for paint to dry. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it does increase the likelihood of drips, streaks, and accidental contact.

Home appliances work hard so that we don’t have to. Although they can withstand a lot of wear and abuse, neglecting your appliances will slowly kill them. Healthy appliances work better, longer, and more efficiently. Continue reading to discover some easy ways to extend the life of your appliances and save yourself money!

Furnace

• Regularly replace furnace filters. Filters keep dust, hair, and other particles out of the air being pumped through your home. Eventually, these filters become too clogged to properly do their job. Replacing them every 1-2 months is a good way to increase the life of your furnace.
• Have your furnace serviced annually by an HVAC professional.

Garbage Disposal 

• Run your disposal with cold water. Hot water can melt food, causing it to stick to the blades and pipes.
• Occasionally, keep the disposal running with cold water after the food has gone down. This will help ensure that the blades are free of debris.
• Know that certain foods should not be put in the disposal.
• Throw some orange or lemon peels down there every so often. The citrus peels will not only help clean the disposal blades, but they'll leave it smelling great!

Refrigerator

• Clean your refrigerator’s coils. This is one of the best ways to increase the efficiency and life of your appliance. This can easily be done with a vacuum.
• Repair and replace the rubber seal (aka gasket) around the door. This will prevent warm air from seeping in and forcing your fridge to work harder to keep it cool.  
• Cool leftovers before putting it in the fridge. This is a small detail that will help decrease the amount of warmth in the fridge.
• Defrost the freezer when too much ice builds up. There are many easy ways to defrost your freezer, and it can go a long way toward the longevity of your refrigerator.
• See where your fridge and freezer temperature dials are set. The middle of the dial is the safest bet for ensuring your fridge isn’t being overworked. Plus, the stuff on the top shelf wont freeze!

Range/Oven

• Use caution when cleaning your oven. Be sure to use a cleaner made for the inside of ovens. Note that many oven cleaners are toxic and should not be inhaled. If you’re not sure what to use, warm water and vinegar work well.
• When cleaning your range, avoid spraying the knobs. Instead, spray a rag and then wipe surface clean. This will keep the electrical wires safe.

Dishwasher

• Keep the rubber seal around the door clean, and replace it if it's damaged.
• Allow dishes to air dry to keep from overworking the dishwasher.
• Ensure that your dishwasher is level. Most have adjustable legs on the bottom that can be raised or lowered to level the unit. This will prevent damage from too much vibration.
• Avoid harsh detergents with chlorine or bleach. These are rough on the machine. Also, note that pre-washing dishes too much can be harmful. Detergent is great at breaking up food debris. If the dishes are too clean, there is nothing for the soap to do but leak out!
• Usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher is a filter. Cleaning the filter will prevent clogs and bad smells while improving efficiency.

Washing Machine

• Don't overload it! Putting this kind of stress on your machine can damage the component, cause drainage issues, and even ruin it altogether. Not to mention that your clothes will come out dirty or damaged, as well.
• If you’re going on vacation, turn off the water to your washer. This will decrease the pressure in the hoses and prevent leaks. It is also wise to regularly inspect all hoses for damage.
• Keep the door open after each cycle. Giving your washer the chance to dry out will prevent mold, mildew, and rotten smells from building up!

Dryer

• Clean the lint trap to keep your dryer running efficiently and keep the energy bill down.
• Check the outer vent to make sure it’s not clogged.
• Be careful with dryer sheets. Most dryers have a moisture sensor that prevents over-drying. This sensor increases the life of your dryer by cutting down its work.

Curb appeal is a huge factor when it comes to selling a house, but it can also be a refreshing way to upgrade your home and have a little fun while you’re at it! There are numerous ways to enhance your curb appeal. Certain projects do take time, and some might even require hiring contractors. That being said, there are many that you can take on yourself and probably even get done in a weekend!  

Take a look at some of our favorite ways to up your curb appeal and get your home looking great – maybe even the best looking one on the block!

1. Paint Your Door

One of the best ways to make your home stand out is to paint the door. Color is an awesome tool here. Choosing a bold color that complements the rest of your home can make your home pop! You might also consider polishing your door knob to make it shine. If you’re up to the task, you can even paint your trim or shutters to give it a fully fresh and finished look.

2. Use Symmetry  

Give your home a balanced and clean feel by creating symmetry. The porch is a great place to start. If you only have one porch light, consider installing a matching one on the other side of the door. Don’t forget solar lights work great too! While you’re there, rid the siding of any cobwebs you’ve been avoiding and sweep the walkway. Place potted plants or patio furniture on either side of the welcome mat. Symmetry will almost always catch the eye, and it can be easy to achieve! 

3. Update Your Mailbox

Whether you have a roadside mailbox or a box mounted on your porch, replacing it can do a lot for the look of your home! Before installing, it would be wise to check your city’s regulations to make sure your new mailbox is not a code violation. Take into consideration what you’ve done with your paint, siding, and front porch. Pick a mailbox that will match these aspects of your home.

4. Install New Address Numbers

Replacing faded, rusted, or outdated address numbers can do a lot home’s curb appeal. This is likely one of the easiest and most affordable ways to spruce up your home. Not to mention it will help your friends find hour house!

5. Do Some Yard Work!

Help your lawn reach its full potential by pulling weeds, watering the grass regularly, and planting something! Consider planting a tree or some flowers that will complement the look and color of your home. Be careful not to plant a tree that will later damage your foundation or siding. Not to get too crazy, but while you’re outside working, you may as well pressure wash your driveway, patio, and siding!

There are endless ways to increase your home's curb appeal. Whether you're painting, landscaping, or building a deck, you can always give our team a call for recommendations. We have an eye for this kind of thing!

Fall is officially here. To so many, the season means donning cozy outerwear, boots, costumes, and experiencing that magical first snow. To a likely smaller group, the onset of fall means it is time to winterize. Homeowners who take the time to prep their homes for the winter cut costs, keep warm, and prevent damage.

The process of winterizing a home in Colorado Springs may seem daunting and expensive, but it can be straightforward and done on a budget. Take a look below at the winterization tips we have chosen as the most effective and affordable steps toward having your home winter-ready come January.

1.   Replace Furnace Filters

Replacing dirty or old filters is crucial to upkeep of your furnace. Furnace filters that are clogged with dander and dust particles will not only slow airflow, but it will force your heating system to work harder. In the end, you will be paying more to heat your home and, little by little, shortening the life of your furnace. Note that it is recommended to have your furnace serviced annually by an HVAC technician. This will help increase furnace longevity.

2.    Clean Gutters

This simple task is huge in preventing winter water damage. Buildup in gutters will eventually stop water flow, causing water to pool. This doesn’t just mean more icicles. Clogged gutters can result in leaks, flooding, and interior damage.

3.    Prevent Drafts

Keep warm air in your home whiling preventing cold drafts from coming in. Draft prevention can be costly, but there are alternatives to purchasing storm windows and new doors. Weatherstripping your windows and doors will help seal your home and keep it cozy. For and even less extravagant fix, consider installing plastic over the outside of windows and using door snakes to minimize drafts. 

4.    Reverse Fans

Most ceiling fans have a switch that will change the direction of the blades. Hot air rises. In the winter, fan blades should be moving clockwise to pull that hot air down from the ceiling. This will not only help keep the house toasty, but it will also mean less work for your heating system and more money in your wallet.

5.    Trim Trees

Look for any tree branches hanging too closely to your home or driveway. When the branches grow heavy from ice or snow, this will prevent them from damaging your property and costing you a lot of money.  

With these five tips, you can head into winter with confidence! If you find yourself feeling less handy, contact one of our Realtors for advice and service provider recommendations. We are happy to help!