summer maintenance Archives - Real Estate News and Commentary

July 4, 2019July 4, 2019

Swimming Pool and Home Value

Wouldn’t it be nice to beat the summer time heat in a swimming pool? Besides cooling off, the idea of having a swimming pool is attractive to many home owners for many reasons, including entertaining guests and exercise (if large enough). Pool company advertisements suggest a swimming pool can make your yard more attractive, and add value to your home. But is a swimming pool really worth it? It all depends on the local housing market and your lifestyle.

Statistics and information compiled by The Spruce (thespruce.com), an online lifestyle magazine, reveals swimming pool popularity from sources such as the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals and the US Census. Incredibly, there are 10.4 million residential and 309,000 public swimming pools in the United States. Swimming is the fourth most popular activity, and is the most popular among children and teens. The top five states with inground pools are California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and New York. Swimming statistics in the US indicate that thirty-six percent of children and fifteen percent of adults swim annually.

Before you start digging, there’s a lot to consider. Besides liability and health concerns, let’s discuss a pool’s added value on your home. The question whether adding a swimming pool is a good investment depends on a number of factors. Real estate research typically validates such questions, unfortunately, studies are lacking. However, there is such an analysis from 1981 by Benedict J. Frederick (Effect of a Swimming Pool on Single-Family Home Value; Appraisal Journal; July 1981, Vol. 49 Issue 3, p376). Even Frederick confessed he was hard pressed to find academic interest in the topic, citing a previous study from 1961. Nonetheless, the study conducted in suburban Baltimore yielded these conclusions: A pool can add about 7 percent to the price of a home; a pool’s market value may be 50-75 percent of the pool’s replacement cost; having pool amenities, such as a heater, can boost value; 40 percent of the market believe having a pool is a liability.

A swimming pool’s added value may be tricky, especially if other neighborhood homes don’t have a pool. If you’re the only residential pool in the neighborhood, the added value to your home may be minimal. In fact, having a swimming pool may be a disincentive for many home buyers, and could negatively affect the value.

There’s also the expense of maintaining a pool. Melissa Dittmann Tracey, writing for Realtor Magazine (Are Pools Worth the Expense?; nar.realtor), points out that typical swimming pool maintenance can have an annual cost of about $3,000-$5,000. And that’s if everything works properly. If components need replacing, then the cost can rise quickly. Older pools require updates and component replacements. Resurfacing or redecking expenses can vary, but Tracey estimates a typical cost to be $5,000 to $10,000 (depending on size of pool). Renovating a pool can cost upwards of $20,000. If you’re tired of the pool and want to reclaim your back yard, removing a pool can also be expensive. Depending on the pool and yard size, a pool removal typically ranges from $3,000 to $15,000.

Given the research and industry statistics, the decision to build a back-yard swimming pool is more likely a lifestyle choice rather than for home improvement. However, for those who enjoy the pool but don’t want the expense or liability of ownership, joining a club or swimming at the public pool are common alternatives.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2019

Original located at https://dankrell.com/blog/2019/07/04/swimming-pool-and-home-value/

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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

June 15, 2019June 3, 2020

Summer home safeguards

Did you know that the AAA estimates that there will be about 100 million Americans who will take a family vacation this year (aaa.com)? If you’re one of those millions planning a trip this summer, you’re likely stressing over your plans. Some of that stress is certainly vacation planning, but some may be about leaving your home vacant for several or more days. Besides planning your vacation, you should also plan to “summerize” your home by taking some summer home safeguards.

Just like winterizing a vacant home before winter, summerizing is safeguarding your home while your away on vacation. And just like winterizing a home, summerizing is implementing a preventative plan to secure your home and possibly save a few dollars. Here are a few common knowledge ideas for summer home safeguards.

To save a few dollars, many homeowners adjust the HVAC thermostat while vacationing. Some even turn off the HVAC system. However, if you have a basement or cellar, consider adjusting the thermostat to a reasonable temperature (and/or use a dehumidifier) to prevent mold growth in a dark and potentially humid area of the home.

If your home will be vacant for an extended period, consider unplugging “zombie” appliances. Zombie appliances are appliances that consume electricity even when they are not in use. Many small appliances and internet connected appliances (such as your TV and other entertainment devices) are included in this category.

One of the biggest concerns while away is the potential of returning to a waterlogged home. A faulty valve or supply line can leak at any time. If you’re away, you obviously can’t immediately respond to this scenario. Although some home owners turn off the water at the main valve, this can interfere with a sprinkler system. Most shut off specific valves to appliances and fixtures. Some vacationing home owners also shut off outside water hose bibs to prevent others from using water at their expense.

Securing your home can deter burglars and pests. Although it’s tempting to brag to your friends about your vacation, refrain from posting about your plans on social media. Store your valuables in a safe, inconspicuous place. If you don’t have a security system, consider installing a camera and lighting system that can alert you of unexpected activity. An exterior camera and lighting system can be a major deterrent. However, interior cameras can also alert you of a determined intruder so you can take appropriate action.

To deter mice and other rodents from ransacking your home while you’re away, ensure that the home’s doors and windows are shut and secure. Also, make sure the exterior dryer vent cover is closed. Find and seal any holes where rodents can gain access your home.

You may also want to employ some common some summer home safeguards strategies that make it appear as if you never went on vacation. Connect a few lights to a timer to give the impression that someone is turning on lights at night. Ask your neighbor or a friend to park in your driveway (or reserved space). Although stopping the paper and mail while on vacation may seem clever, some home owners have a friend or neighbor pick up the daily paper and mail.

One of the most common aspects of some summer home safeguards is having a trusted neighbor and/or friend occasionally check on the home. They can ensure the home is secure, pick up any packages left at the door, and deal with any necessary maintenance (such as adjusting the thermostat). Spreading this responsibility among multiple “guardians” can make it less of a burden and increase the frequency of “check-ins.”

Many local police departments offer a home security survey. Consider going through the survey to help with your planning.

Original located at https://dankrell.com/blog/2019/06/15/summer-home-safeguards/

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2019

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May 29, 2018May 5, 2019

Air conditioning maintenance

Did you know that the first commercial application of air conditioning was in 1902? And yet, residential central A/C didn’t come into its own until the 1960’s. According to the US Department of Energy’s History of Air Conditioning, A/C use skyrocketed in the 1970’s. Since then, systems have become more efficient, such that new air conditioners use fifty percent less energy than units from the 1990’s. Additionally, new technologies are making A/C units increasingly environmentally friendly. New developments in air conditioning include non-vapor compression technology, which will be fifty percent more efficient and doesn’t use Hydrofluorocarbons (energy.gov).

Summer is around the corner. But I would venture to say that many of you already have your air conditioning running. We take for granted that our home’s air conditioning runs without fail. But proactive care of your A/C unit will keep it running efficiently while you stay cool through the hottest summer days. Here are some air conditioning maintenance tips from the US Department of Energy (energy.gov):

Regular maintenance of your home’s air conditioning system will ensure air flow. Regularly changing air filters can keep your system clean and keep the air flowing. A clean filter can reduce energy consumption by five to fifteen percent. Filter change requirements can vary from home to home, due to home conditions.

Over time, the A/C unit’s coils can become dirty, which will reduce its efficiency. Dirt on the coils can reduce airflow and prevent it from absorbing heat. The outside condenser coils will likely become dirty from being exposed to the elements. It’s recommended that the area around the outdoor unit be clear of debris, leaves, and have about two feet of clearance for ideal airflow. Make sure that the air conditioner condenser drains are not blocked. A clogged drain can create excess humidity, which can create conditions for mold growth in basements and utility closets.

Window A/C units require maintenance too. You should inspect the seal between the unit and the window to ensure there are no air leaks. Window A/C units should be covered during the winter to prevent dirt and debris from penetrating the unit.

Some maintenance requires a qualified HVAC technician. If you hire a HVAC tech to clean and service your air conditioning, make sure they have a current HVAC license. Hiring a professional doesn’t have to be expensive, as many HVAC companies run maintenance specials this time of year. Besides checking the refrigerant in the system, the tech will run a number of diagnostics as well as clean the system if needed. They will also make necessary repairs, such as sealing leaks.

Air conditioning maintenance assistance programs

If you’re on a modest income and cannot afford to service or upgrade your air conditioning, you may qualify for Montgomery County’s Homeowner Energy Efficiency Program. The program is in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, Inc to assess applicants’ eligibility and identify their needs. According to a Tuesday county press release, “homeowners benefitting from the program will receive free energy-efficiency upgrades to their home which may include attic insulation, upgraded furnace and air conditioning units, water heater replacement, LED light bulbs, a solar-powered attic fan, a programmable thermostat and new appliances.”

The program is open to all Montgomery County homeowners. Eligibility requirements include; owning and occupying the Montgomery County home for which they are requesting services; they must be a PEPCO customer; and meet income criteria. For more information see the program website (habitatmm.org/montgomery-county-energy-efficiency-program).

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2018.

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