2017 Winter Home Maintenance Guide

Winter is here! For some, you might already be experiencing the solder temperatures associated with this season. For others (like us) it may feel more like winter tomorrow rather than today. But regardless of whether how much it may, or may not, feel like winter outside, it's time for another list of tasks to get done around the house. Keep reading to find out more about some of the tasks we recommend adding to your to-do list this season.

Winterize Outdoor Plumbing

Below freezing temperatures do not mix well with outdoor plumbing. If you haven’t winterized your outdoor plumbing fixtures then this is the time to do it. Methods vary depending on the type of fixtures you have (hose hookup, sink, etc), so either jump online to research specifics for your equipment or put in a call to a professional who can do it for you instead. It is money well spent to avoid costlier damages.

Mix Up Your  Décor

When it comes to home décor, how often do you switch things up? For many people we bet the answer to that is not all that often, save of course for putting up holiday decorations throughout the year. Switching up home décor can help make your home feel fresh without having to make many changes. To avoid making too many new purchases try swapping current items between rooms. Tackle this task during your post-holiday clean up, that way your home won’t feel so bare after putting all the holiday décor away. The project pictured to the left was completed and photographed several years ago. Last year it was featured in Country Sampler's Prairie Style magazine with new photos. Between the time of the two photoshoots the homeowners made a few changes to the decor including swapping some pieces out completely and changing the location of others. Take a look at the magazine's photos here.

General Winter Maintenance Tasks

As with every season, there are a handful of general maintenance tasks around the house that are ideal to get done this time of year. It might seem redundant since we also recommended this in the fall, but clean out your gutters again once the trees are done losing all their leaves to prep for the wetter spring months. Visually inspect trees for dead or broken branches and get them removed before any bad winter weather hits. Inside the house clean out the duct lines behind the dryer and inspect the washer hoses for signs of deterioration. Finally, ensure that your fire extinguishers are up to date on their inspections. And if you don’t have at least one extinguisher in your home add it to your shopping list.

Enjoy Some Downtime

The start of the winter season can often be a very busy time. Between preparing for and celebrating holidays, hosting guests, kids home from school for a few weeks, perhaps a vacation, and anything else you have planned, it can be easy to get caught up with little time to just take a deep breath. Set aside some time for yourself to just refresh and relax in whatever way works best for you. This could mean finding a quiet corner where you can read a book, catching up on a television show or watching your favorite movie, or even closing the blinds in your bedroom one weekend morning so that you can sleep in.

Clean/Organize Your Kitchen

Save this task until after the holidays are over! The last thing you want while prepping a big meal is to have to remember the new place you stored that one spoon you desperately need. But once things have calmed down, plan time to restore some order to your kitchen and hopefully make your life easier. Go through all the drawers and cabinets to get a good handle on just what you have stored away. Be on the lookout for things that may have gotten lost behind other items, items that you don’t use anymore or that you own double, and group and for ways to better store things that will make them easier for you to find or use in the future. And if you find that some extra clean up and reorganization just isn’t enough, then that leads us to our next task…

Plan Kitchen Remodels

The winter holiday season tends to be a time when the kitchen gets pushed to its max. This greater amount of use in one of the most essential rooms in the house can make it easier to see what ways it is up to par and in what ways it falls short. Instead of spending another year trying to work within the limitations of your kitchen, take the time to figure out which changes would make the most impact and start planning a remodel. Once the holiday season is over start contacting contractors to get the project put into motion so that there will be enough time to get everything finished before the 2018 holiday season comes along.

Project Spotlight: Outdated Master Bath Receives a Much Needed Transformation

Outdated and incompatible with the needs of the older homeowners, the master bathroom in this Dallas home was in desperate need of a major update. The room featured many old fashioned details: carpeted flooring, an enclosed step into shower, and a partially built into the ground bathtub. The room itself was on a lower foundation and required stepping down into from the master bedroom in order to enter. While the homeowners were happy with the overall layout of their bathroom they knew that it needed a major upgrade both in function and design. They partnered with Pat Ratcliff of The Ratcliff Company to redesign the room. Once a new design had been created Key Residential was brought on board to bring the vision to life.

The first task in the remodel was solving the floor height difference between the bathroom and master bedroom. Stepping into and out of the bathroom was not a feasible and safe option for the homeowners. The best option was to raise the floor level in the bathroom to match the level of the bedroom (and the rest of the house). Additional concrete was added to the slab so that it would be flush with the adjacent master bedroom. Extra care was taken during the concrete pour process to ensure that the plumbing lines for the bathroom amenities would still be accessible after the additional concrete was added so that new fixtures could be installed reusing the original lines.

 

The homeowners did not want to change the general layout of their bathroom during the remodel, both because they were happy with the current setup and also as a way to help control the costs of the project. However they still wanted to replace their outdated bathroom amenities. So while updated and replaced, the main bathroom fixtures did not change location. Moving around plumbing or electrical is a quick way for any remodel budget to increase. By making minimal changes to these two items the homeowners were better able to control the cost of their remodel.

At the entry to the bathroom from the master bedroom is the dual sided his/her vanity. There are two doorways into the bathroom, one by each side of the vanity. The back to back dual vanity was a concept original to the pre-remodeled bathroom. However, some design and aesthetic changes were made to make it feel fresh and more in line with modern design trends such as new custom designed white cabinets and black countertops with undermounted sinks

 

A key change to the vanities was the mirror wall that separated the two sides. Originally a double-sided mirror hung via chains from a fir down in the ceiling. While it might have been a unique and desirable design when the house was first built, it now seemed strange and dated. The fir down was removed which helped give the room an even more open feel. A new thin wall was built for the mirrors to hang from. The large mirrors were framed with tram that matches other new trim installed throughout the room.

 

The walk-in shower was expanded and several changes were made to make it aging in place compliant and easier for the homeowners to use. Entry into the shower was changed to curbless, multiple grab bars were added, and a built-in shower bench was made. The inclusion of these features in no way detracts from the style and design of the shower, it is ADA compliant, stylish, and functional. The shower is completed with both a handheld and rain shower head and a custom built in soap niche. Long narrow windows along the outer wall of the shower allow for an influx of natural light without sacrificing the privacy expected in a shower. The frameless glass shower door and enclosure help contribute to an overall feeling of openness in the bathroom, a stark contrast from the enclosed feeling of the old shower.

 

A new freestanding tub replaced the old tub that was built into the ground. The new tub would be significantly easier for the homeowners to get in and out of.  The bathtub features a handheld shower wand for even easier use and is located next to three frosted glass windows that allow even more natural light to enter. The windows were not replaced in the remodel, another cost saving strategy. Green geometric wallpaper was used throughout the bathroom. Heated tile floors with a marble design were installed and match the tiles used in the remodeled shower. The heated floors extend throughout the bathroom and into both the toilet room and the walk-in closet.

Small Details that Make a Big Difference in Kitchen Design

Options abound when it comes to kitchen remodeling. And as one of the most used rooms in the house, having a well-designed and thought out kitchen can make your life significantly easier. But with all the available options it might be hard to know where to start. Figuring out the basics, like whether you want wood or painted cabinets, what material you want for your countertop and flooring, or what appliances you want to replace, can easily monopolize decision making efforts and cause you to miss out on some smaller details that can not only make your kitchen look better but also make it easier to use. Check out a few of these smaller detail ideas below.

The bottom row cabinets in this kitchen feature all drawers, making it easier for the homeowners to store their belongings without them getting lost behind other items.

The bottom row cabinets in this kitchen feature all drawers, making it easier for the homeowners to store their belongings without them getting lost behind other items.

Drawers Instead of Cabinets

One of the key functions of a kitchen is storage for the many items it contains. And with how much there is, it isn’t uncommon for things to get shoved inside cabinets and get lost behind other objects. One way to make your kitchen storage more effective is to add in more drawers for your lower cabinets. Large drawers can accommodate things like pots, pans, or other baking tools and makes them easier to pull out later. No more digging through cabinets. Just pull out the drawer, find what you need, and get to work.

 

These pull our spice drawers frame the oven and range unit. Their design makes it easy to store and then find specific spices.

Specialty Drawers and Cabinets

While we’re on the topic of cabinets and drawers, consider adding in a few specialty drawers to help make storage even easier. Spice and knife drawers are some of the most popular options. One option is to add narrow but tall drawers with multiple shelves that frame a built-in oven or range for spice storage. These drawers help keep your spices organized and easy to find. Specialty cabinets can also be quite helpful in storing smaller appliances that normally take up space on the countertop and can be an eye sore. Another very popular trend is to build in trash and recycling drawers that make them easy to access but safely out of sight.

 

 

 

This area previously served as a breakfast room but was turned into a morning room where the homeowners can comfortably enjoy their breakfast and coffee while watching the news.

Turn the Breakfast Room into a Sitting Room

Many homes come equipped with both a breakfast room/eating area connected to the kitchen and a separate formal dining room. But how often do both rooms see significant use? Or how often are meals spent eating on the couch in front of the TV? Why not convert the breakfast room space into something more useable? If you have school aged children this might mean creating a better equipped work station for them. Or you could just fully embrace the TV watching by adding in comfortable chairs and a television. The proximity means it’ll be easier to return dirty plates to the kitchen or grab more food if you’re still hungry.

 

The refrigerator features front panels designed to match the adjacent cabinetry. The dishwasher, mostly obscured by the island, also features a custom panel front.

Cabinet Fronts for Appliances

If you are looking for a cohesive and clean look in the kitchen then consider using special panel fronts for your appliances that match your cabinets. Appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers tend to be the best options for custom panel fronts. This simple change can elevate your kitchen and give it a very sophisticated look. Many appliances come with a panel ready option. Just be careful to keep track of which cabinets are truly cabinets and which are appliances.

 

 

 

 

The upper row glass front cabinets in this kitchen allow the homeowners to artfully display some of their special china dishware.

Glass Front Cabinets

This feature will require a bit more upkeep and organization inside your cabinets, but regardless of any added work associated with them, glass front cabinets are an increasingly popular trend in the kitchen. Their see-through fronts allow these cabinets to serve the role of both storage and décor. You don’t need to have any standout dishware to display in order to justify glass front cabinets. Well organized stacks of plates or neatly arranged glasses can look just as good.

 

A farmhouse sink is right at home in this rustic country styled kitchen.

Farmhouse Sink

The farmhouse sink has become one of the most popular staples in a kitchen. The large oversized bowl makes it ideal for cleanup as it can more easily accommodate larger items. If you’re unwilling to part with a double sink then a double apron sink is an option, but it will come at the expense of the large bowl. Apron sinks will overhang the cabinets slightly so make sure to pick a sink in a finish that will match your kitchen’s style. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The color, shape, and mosaic nature of this tile backsplash make it a standout feature in this outdoor kitchen.

Backsplash Feature

A kitchen cannot be complete without a backsplash. However, instead of using just a standard tile backsplash why not use the backsplash to bring in some extra design and appeal? One way to do this is to use a uniquely shaped tile or by laying a standard shaped tile in an interesting. Choosing a standout color can also add interest. Specific sections of the backsplash, such as above the range, can also be used for a special built in tile feature. Don’t settle for a standard backsplash, find some way to make it stand out that works for your design aesthetic and needs.

2017 Fall Home Maintenance Guide

Another summer has come and gone now that fall has officially begun. The start of the new season brings with it cooler temperatures, a new school year, the return of football, and hopefully some beautiful fall foliage to admire. It also marks a good time to tackle some home maintenance projects. Keep reading for some ideas on what tasks you should add to your to do list.

 

Set up a Homework Station

School is back in session. To make life easier on both the school-goers and yourself set up a space that can be a designated homework station. Find an area with a large work surface and keep it stocked with the necessary supplies, such as pencils, paper, calculators, arts and crafts supplies, or anything else your students often find themselves needing. This could also be a good spot to corral backpacks and other school items to help prevent those frantic early morning searches or forgotten items.

 

 

Add Attic Insulation

A common concern most homeowners have when approaching a home renovation project is how much return on investment they will receive. Achieving a high level of return can be a challenge, but there is one project that consistently has a close to or greater than 100% return rate: attic insulation. While not the most visually appealing of projects, the effects of new or added attic insulation are well worth it. Not only is there a high return on investment but there should also be a quick effect on your heating and cooling bill. Get the new insulation done in the fall and it should hopefully require less heat to keep your home warm come winter.

 

Freshen Up Guest Rooms

The holiday season will soon be here. If you’re planning on hosting overnight guests in the near future then spend some time freshening up the guest rooms. Even if you’re not planning to host guests it wouldn’t hurt to give some extra care to these rooms that likely don’t see much attention. Open windows for a few hours to let some fresh air in. Wash all the bedding and towels or consider replacing them depending on their condition and age. Changing out the décor or moving furniture around can also help add new life into the room.

General Fall Maintenance Items

There are a few general maintenance tasks to perform in the fall. First, clean out your gutters. Proper exterior drainage around the home is essential to help avoid other more damaging problems. Plus, with leaves about to start falling you’ll want your gutters prepared to handle the additional load. While you’re outside make sure your exterior lighting is up to par. The days are getting shorter and you don’t want to come home to a dark house. Also, consider beginning the process of storing any exposed outdoor furniture. Inside the home make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Finally, give your heater a test run to make sure it works and to clear out all the dust.

Deep Clean Bathrooms

Cleaning bathrooms is a necessary evil. We’re pretty sure most, if not all, do not enjoy this task. But that’s no excuse to ignore it. Given the mess that can build up in the bathroom, an occasional intensive deep clean is a good thing to do. Break out the rubber gloves, sponges, and bleach and get to scrubbing. Wash or replace the shower curtain and liner if you have them, wipe down the walls and baseboards, and mop the floors. Finish it off with some air freshener, a candle, or a few hours of fresh air by opening a window if possible. Or just hire a professional cleaning service instead.

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Update Older Furniture

Chances are as the temperature drops you’ll be spending more time indoors. If you have old or uncomfortable furniture you may not be looking forward to that idea. Furniture is an investment, so if you need to replace any try to do just a few pieces at a time. Don’t rush the process. Find pieces that you like and are comfortable. For the pricier pieces that you plan to keep for many years pick a neutral color or style. Change out less expensive things like pillows, bedding, or décor when styles change instead. And even if you’re not replacing any furniture pieces you could still consider swapping out a few of these accessory items to keep things fresh.

 

Open Windows

One of the nice things about fall is the e pleasant temperatures. Hopefully you’ll get some in between time when you won’t have to run either your AC or heater. Try to find some time during one of these days to open windows and let some fresh air in. The fresh air will help refresh your house and chase away any lingering stuffiness. Bonus points if you can also do this at the same time you test run the heater. The house still may not smell quite as pleasant afterwards but it will be not quite as bad than if you weren’t able to open any windows during the test run.

 

 

 

Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

One of the not quite so pleasant parts about fall is the prevalence of illnesses, namely colds and flu. Prepare early by stocking your home with plenty of soap for hand washing, disinfecting cleaning supplies, tissues, and any other supplies that will aid in your quest to stay healthy. You might also want to stock up on food items like canned soup or crackers that have a longer shelf life so that you’re ready should illness strike.

Key Residential Has Gone to the Dogs

Over the years we’ve had the pleasure of working on projects that are home to some rather adorable dogs. And while we wouldn’t recommend planning any remodels solely around the needs of a pet it’s hard to not consider their needs and what might make their lives a bit easier. Take a look at a few of the projects we’ve done and find out about some of the features that the dogs that call those projects home like best.

This long and lanky dog seems to really enjoy stretching out and relaxing on the floor. We’ll bet it has something to do with the pleasant coolness of the stained concrete flooring and the relief it can provide in the hot Texas weather. The minimalist and open design of this modern house makes it an easy place for this dog to roam around. Plus, the plethora of windows means plenty of opportunities to keep an eye on what’s going on outside.

The owners of this Dallas home wanted to create a house that was reminiscent of a French country home. Their dog looks like he would fit right in with that French countryside image. He has his own little dog room that has quick access to the backyard and a half door for access to the main home so that he can feel part of the family even when he is confined to his room. We'd also like to think he enjoys the very detailed style of the home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

These two fluffy balls of fur who call this 1929 Tudor style house their home look as comfortable as can be in their newly remodeled living room. While some of the new features, such as the custom designed built in bookcases or many high end art pieces, are likely not of much use to the dogs there are definitely other features of the remodel that they can enjoy. The new larger windows give them easier access to survey and guard their property. They even have a custom designed pocket doggy door so that they can be corralled in style.

This golden retriever looks like the perfect family pet and seems a good fit for the traditional design of this remodeled home. The hardwood and tiled floors throughout the home likely help keep him cool beneath all the fur. The remodeled office of this house is also home to some comfortable furniture which will make it even easier for this dog to keep its owners company while they are busy working.

While this blog post is mainly devoted to the dogs we’ve had the chance to get to know through our remodels it would seem a shame to not include the other four legged and furry creature that is a popular pet. So here’s a bonus feature on one of the cats we’ve had the chance to work with. This cat’s home is one of Key Residential’s custom home builds. There are plenty of comfy beds throughout the house for it to rest on, as well as built in window seats in the breakfast room and master bedroom. An open stairway to the second floor and tall ceilings give the cat plenty of places to survey its territory.