Tis the season - Shopping list for the new homeowner

Tis the season - Shopping list for the new homeowner 

 Basic tools every home and homeowner needs

The Holidays are the perfect time to purchase gifts new homeowners can use to maintain and personalize their new home.

Every home needs care, maintenance, and repair work done. Most new homeowners do not have the tools they will need and the same applies to some homeowners that have owned the home for a while. Homeowners are not equal in repair, and maintenance skills. 

First, know your limits if you attack a repair that is to far over your head, the repair to the repairs you have done will be more expensive. If you are over your head call a professional to make the repair. There is a tremendous library of information available to you on the internet, books, magazines, and television shows, to show you how to on most repairs... Although most repairs can be done by the homeowner, they have to be done right! Tools are the first step in doing a good job. Without them, the job will be frustrating, and it probably will not be completed or it will be a hurried disrepair job.

Here is a list of tools that most homeowners should have. Many other tools that are useful these can be purchased as the job at hand indicates. Get what you need and need what you get is a great rule. Of course there are some tools you, will have to have, GOLF CLUBS, AND FISHING RODS! These are essential to your personal maintenance!

Interior Tools:Set of socket wrenches, Set of screwdrivers Phillips and pan head various sizes, Set of open end wrenches, Set of Hex wrenches, Hand saw for wood, Hack saw for metal, Stud finder, Voltage tester, Flashlights, Pluming snake, Needle nose pliers, Gas pliers several sizes, Putty/drywall knifes, Circular saw, Framing square, Caulking gun, 2 Pry bars, a small 6” and a medium 12”, 2 foot and 4-foot level, Small claw hammer, Standard claw hammer, Rubber mallet, Cordless and/or power drill, Pipe wrench 2 sizes, Measuring tape 25’ , Set of drill bits, Staple gun, Paint brushes various sizes, Paint rollers and pan, Painting drop cloth, Belt sander, Saw horses, Work bench and vice

Exterior tools:Lawn mower, Fertilizer/seed spreader, Rakes for leafs, Lawn trimmer, Thatch Rake for lawn, Hoses 5/8 Diameter, Pruning shears, Wheelbarrow, Flat shovel, Sprinklers, Spade shovel, Leaf blower, Pruning saw, Garden rake, Pruning scissors, Brooms, Dust pan with small broom, Snow shovels, Stepladder, Extension ladder, Plastic tarps

You need to decide how involved you want to become with your home maintenance tasks.  There is no shame in not doing repairs yourself and hiring a contractor.There is shame if you know a repair needs to be done and do not do it yourself or hire a contractor. Ignoring a repair will not make it go away it will make it more expensive when the repair is done. If there is a problem do not wait fix it right away!

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Washington County, Milwaukee County or any county in Wisconsin. Real Estate is an excellent investment!

When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.

If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth. Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.

When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!

262-893-5555 Office/Cell

(888) 872-0526 

Direct Fax

 
Proudly Serving Southcentral and Southeastern Wisconsin with Referrals from my Clients

Look for properties across Wisconsin on MLS at http://www.lisabear.com

Home and Curb Appeal -- Spring Gardening Tips

Spring gardening - Home and Curb Appeal

Spring Gardening Tips- Up Your Curbside Appeal

Garden season is here, and though it may be the number one hobby in America, it isn't for sissies.  Gardening is touch on the hands, skin and back.  Follow the tips outlined below for a welcoming garden that's filled with color!
Every season brings a different set of chores in the garden. Spring is an exciting time for gardeners as preparations are made for the bounty and beauty of the garden as it awakes from winter hibernation. It can also, however, be a bit overwhelming to know how to prioritize your gardening time at this time of year.
Tip #1: Wear long sleeves, pants, a hat, and gloves. And, even though that grass feels great between your toes, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen are a must.   Bend and lift with your knees and not your back to ensure you do not injure yourself.
Tip #2: Curb your enthusiasm. Take breaks in the shade, drink lots of water, and periodically slather on the sunscreen.
Tip #3:  Even though it is tedious...know the following:  Have a plan for your garden, know your soil type, know your cold hardiness zone.  Without this information you will waste money, time and effort of purchasing what will grow best.  Also note what areas are sunny and which are shady so that you can buy the plants that grow well in those light conditions.
Tip #4:  Add a focal point to your landscape to up the curb appeal and add design in your front yard space. Focal points can be anything from a row of flowering shrubs to a stunning tree.
Tip #5: Apply the "1/3 Rule." Purchase three plants, all perfect for your spot, because one will die, one will barely survive, and one will thrive. Plan on it.
Tip #6:  Make sure you have all the right tools in order.  Send the mower and leaf blower in for servicing.  Tie red ribbon onto your hand tools so that you can find them again once they get buried in a pile of leaves or weeds.  Take an inventory and make sure you have everything you need before you start a project
Tip #7:  Prune trees and shrubs, remove dead, damaged and diseased branches from woody plants, thin and trim summer blooming shrubs, prune cold-damaged wood after plants resume spring growth, trim spring blooming shrubs and trees after flowering....weed, weed, weed...
Tip #8: Fertilize and mulch beds and borders. Spring is also a good time to fertilize fruit trees. If you applied heavy winter mulch for protection from the cold, you will need to clear it away.

Tip #9:  Stake plants that may be prone to wind damage during the unpredictable spring weather.
Tip #10: Spring is the best time to start a new lawn from seed. For established lawns, you should start mowing in the spring, but don't initially cut the grass very short for the first few times.
Tip #11: Place a soap dish and towel holder beside the outside water spigot so you can wash your hands, arms, and neck several times a day. And before you crack open that end-of-the-gardening-day beverage, shower like you mean it. Good, old-fashioned soap does wonders for washing away the dirt, poison ivy, and who knows what else.

Of course, whether you start these chores in early, mid, or late spring depends on the climate where you live, taking in to account such factors as when the threat of frost has past or when the ground is thawed enough to dig. I hope these tips will give you a good idea as to where to focus your attention in your garden this spring. Enjoy!

262-893-5555 Office/Cell

(888) 872-0526 

Direct Fax

 
Proudly Serving Southcentral and Southeastern Wisconsin with Referrals from my Clients
 
Look for properties across Wisconsin on MLS at http://www.lisabear.com

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