2020 HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE - Montgomery Village Foundation
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Montgomery Village Foundation
2020
presents the
HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
MONTGOMERY VILLAGE FOUNDATION
10120 APPLE RIDGE ROAD | MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD 20886 | 301.948.0110
Home improvement is up to you—and we can help
This annual insert, brought exterior changes to your home,
to you by the Montgomery Vil- from big projects like decks, to
lage News and the Montgomery smaller spruce-ups like new
Village Foundation (MVF), of- exterior paint.
fers valuable information about For an explanation of the
projects you may want to take process, visit the MVF website Montgomery
on in your home. This handy
guide will serve as your year-
at www.montgomeryvillage.com or
call the Architectural Standards
Village News
round resource for getting the Department at 301-948-0110.
job done right and turning your Many of the merchants you’ll Serving the residents of
home improvement dreams into find in this guide have extensive Montgomery Village
reality. experience working on Village
Also featured in the Home homes and are familiar with
Improvement Guide is a reader- the ARB process. Together, The Montgomery Village News is the
friendly guide full of tips. with the helpful staff of MVF’s official newsletter of the Montgom-
Before you begin any exte- Architectural Standards Depart- ery Village Foundation, Inc., and its
rior modification to your Vil- ment, you can be certain that all
Board of Directors. Its purpose is to
lage home, you must submit a Village communities will remain
Property Improvement Request as beautiful as always. disseminate news and information in
(PIR) form to the Architectural Feel free to call MVF at 301- accordance with the Editorial Policy of
Review Board (ARB), requesting 948-0110 for answers to your the Foundation.
approval of the project. This is home improvement questions, The Montgomery Village Foundation Office, located at 10120
Apple Ridge Road. Residents can stop in the office, call 301-
because Montgomery Village or about anything involving life 948-0110 or e-mail mvinfo@mvf.org. Information about MVF Publisher:
is governed by covenants re- in the Village. services is available online at www.montgomeryvillage.com. MVF Board of Directors
quiring prior approval for all
Montgomery Village Foundation
10120 Apple Ridge Road
View the 2020 Home Montgomery Village Foundation Montgomery Village, MD 20886
Fast Facts Phone: 301-948-0110
Improvement Guide online! FAX: 301-990-7071
MVF e-mail: mvinfo@mvf.org
Established 1966
Status Incorporated 501(c)(4) MVNews e-mail: mvnews@mvf.org
Mission To promote the health, safety MVF 24-hour Board Voice Mail:
and welfare of the residents of 301-948-0110, press 5
the community of Montgomery
Village
Annual Budget $8.5 million Office hours:
Full Time Staff 50 Monday - Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Temporary Staff (in seasons) 125 10120 Apple Ridge Road
Operating Departments 5 Assistant Executive Vice President
Total Property Owned 330 acres Mike Conroy, 240-243-2331 or
Village Facilities 4 Community Centers mvnews@mvf.org
6 Pools
Sales and Marketing Manager
22 Tennis Courts
TBD, 240-243-2359 or
18 Recreation and Park Areas
mvads@mvf.org
Community/Corporation Offices
Natural Amphitheater Communications Assistant
Nature Center Roz Price, 240-243-2339
rprice@mvf.org
Graphic Designer
Montgomery Village Fast Facts Maria Pullifrone, 240-243-2321
mpullifrone@mvf.org
Population 40,000 Digital Content Specialist
Residential Units 12,099 Kristen Marrs, 240-243-2342
Neighborhoods 10 Homes Corporations kmarrs@mvf.org
w w w. m o n t g o m e r y v i l l a g e . c o m 11 Condominium Associations
4 Rental Complexes Online:
Established 1966 www.montgomeryvillage.com
Community Definition Large-scale planned community
Emergency Services Montgomery County facebook.com/MontVillageMD
Community criteria for exterior features on all Zoning and Code Montgomery County Zoning Twitter: @MontVillageMD
Architectural Standards Montgomery Village Foundation linkedIn.com/company/
MontVillageMD
homes in Montgomery Village Instagram: MontgomeryVillageMD
Please Note: youtube.com/user/
is available online at MontVillage20886
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval require-
www.montgomeryvillage.com. ments regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
24-HOUR
MVF EMERGENCY PHONE:
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services 301-576-1204
301-576-1212
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide. 800-215-1784
Articles appearing in the Montgomery
Village News are presented as a com-
ARB meetings Stay connected with munity service. They do not necessarily
represent the views of the Montgomery
Village Foundation.
are scheduled for the first Wednesday Montgomery Village The advertisements in the Montgomery
Village News are not intended to be an
of each month at 7 p.m. endorsement by the Montgomery Village
in the North Creek Board Room, Foundation of any business or individual.
20125 Arrowhead Road.
page 2 2020 Home Improvement Guide
Architectural Standards resources available to all
The Architectural Standards include all architectural articles
(AS) Department has provided in the Village News, community
the Village with a variety of criteria for all 63 communities,
resources to assist and support Village-wide guidelines, check-
homeowners with their many lists and the Step-by-Step Guide
exterior property changes or to the architectural process. Us-
architectural needs. Below are ers can find specific community
many of these informational re- criteria by logging into their
sources available to all through member dashboard; the conve-
the internet, the MVF Office and nience of documents specific to
through many of our dedicated your property and community
individuals. can be found on the left hand
menu.
Village News
Various feature articles are MVF Design
written by the Architectural Consultant
Standards review and compli- Montgomery Village Foun-
ance staff throughout the year dation (MVF) employs a part-
to update and notify home- time consultant, George Smith,
owners about changes within who has been with the Village
their community or the Village from almost day one. His major
itself. These articles contain role is to assist in the color and
informative features ranging material changes throughout
from community door styles to the Village and is the “go to”
proactive community inspection person for all major replacement
schedules. Other architectural materials. His knowledge and
articles are generated from vari- assistance over the years has
ous questions the department been invaluable to the Village.
receives on a daily basis. Also,
all Architectural Review Board ARB and
(ARB) decisions are published architectural The Architectural Standards Department staff, in conjunction with the design consultant and
following each scheduled ARB standards staff the Architectural Review Board (ARB), works hard to maintain the continuity established by
meeting and may be found on The Architectural Review the developer, which in turn, helps maintain property values and a harmonious look in each
the Architectural Standards Board is an excellent source of community and throughout the Village. Information is available at www.montgomeryvillage.com.
page. information when applying for
Website an exterior change. Their indi-
The MVF website, www.mont vidual and collective wealth of as a whole. The ARB meets at The AS staff is also a wealth might be thinking of that have
gomeryvillage.com, is a wonderful architectural knowledge upon 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of of knowledge on items concern- previously been approved, and
source for many Architectural review brings invaluable as- each month in the North Creek ing the application process, new general questions about all ar-
Standards items and issues. sistance to each homeowner, Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead and replacement materials for chitectural issues in the Village.
Resources within the website each community and the Village Road. homes, modifications that you
Architectural Standards on
the web Architectural Standards on the web
Architectural Standards of- also gives homeowners a realis-
fers a variety of information tic idea of how an improvement
readily accessible via the Mont- may look once completed. • Visit www.montgomeryvillage.com.
• Choose RESIDENtS from the
gomery Village website. By If you need to contact Archi- main blue bar.
choosing “Residents” from tectural Standards personnel, • Click Architectural Standards
the main blue menu bar and choose “Residents” from the to get to the Architectural
Standards page where you will
clicking on “Architectural Stan- blue menu bar, “Architectural find three buttons for our most
dards,” you may access the fol- Standards,” and then “Contact” frequent inquiries:
lowing items: on the green menu. Phone num- - How do i change the outside
of my house?
• Architectural Compliance bers are listed for the review and - Why did I receive a Violation
• Architectural Review compliance staff. Notice? and
• Property Improvement - Did my modification get
Request
Member Dashboard approved?
Every community has crite-
• Property Improvement
ria and these are listed on your
Request Form
members dashboard. Once
• Community Criteria
logged in, residents will find
• Village-wide Guidelines
criteria specific to their associa-
The Property Improvement
tion, without the need to wade
Request Form is the form used
through large menus or lists to
to apply for any exterior chang-
get the information they need
es and is available to submit
to prepare for exterior changes.
online. • From the side menu on this page,
All criteria are in PDF form to you can access the following:
Village-wide Guidelines are
download and print for your - Architectural Criteria
listed by subject matter and
reference. - Village-wide Guidelines
cover numerous items often
To sign up for your free ac- - Property Improvement Request Form
inquired about—everything
count, and access to your mem- - Architectural Review
from attic fans to window re-
ber dashboard, simply click the - Architectural Compliance
placements. These Village-wide
“Login/Join” icon in the top - Report a Violation
guidelines offer important infor-
right-hand corner of the website. - Architectural Review Board
mation when considering new
Visit www.montgomeryvillage. - Modification Reference Guide
materials and items within one’s
com and take advantage of the - FAQs
property. They are an invalu-
wealth of information avail-
able resource in the application
able to you when considering
process along with your com- NOTe: some forms are available for online
architectural standards for your
munity’s criteria. submission. Other forms require you to download,
property. Comments and ques- print and manually submit them (adobe acrobat
Along with the Village-wide
tions regarding architectural Reader required).
Guidelines are Design Guides,
issues are welcomed by the de-
which provide a help sample of
partment staff.
previously approved projects. it
2020 Home Improvement Guide page 3
C Asphalt Shingles L Window Trim T Corner Board CC Post
D Gable End M Window Grid U Door Trim DD Downspout
E Roof Mount Vent (Mutin) V Deck Rail EE Gound Level Deck
F Fascia (Frieze) N Flashing W Deck Top Cap FF Concrete
Spring home maintenance— G
H
Roof Eave
Gutter
O
P
Horizontal Siding
Trim
X
Y
Picket
Elevated Deck
25 quick reminders I Trim Board Q Roof Overhang Z Flat Trim Material
Spring is here, and it is time to focus on freshening up your home
and protecting your property against the winds, rain and sun of
the upcoming seasons.
1. Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead
to water in the basement or crawl space. Clean gutters and
downspouts to free them of leaves, dirt and debris. Make sure
downspouts drain away from the house foundation.
2. Inspect your roof and chimney for cracks and damage. Check
for missing roof shingles and damaged shingles. Flashing
around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be
checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
3. Low areas in the yard or next to the house foundation should
be filled with compacted soil. Heavy rains can cause yard
flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage.
Low areas in the yard cause the rain water to pool, which often
leads to an insect breeding ground.
4. Check the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and
decks for rotted areas or damaged wood. Replace and repair
any rotted wood trim and then paint to match the existing trim.
5. Touch up any peeling or damaged paint on the house siding
or trim.
6. Inspect concrete slabs in patios, walkways, porches, etc. for
signs of cracks or movement. All exterior concrete slabs (except
pool decks) should slope away from the home’s foundation
for proper drainage. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or
silicone caulk. When weather permits, power wash and then
seal the concrete with a clear sealer.
7. Remove firewood stored near the house. Firewood should be
stored at least 18 inches off the ground and at least 2 feet away
from the house structure. Storing firewood close to the house
invites insects such as carpenter ants and termites to invade
your home and could cause damage to the home’s wood beams
and interior structures.
8. Check outside house faucets for damage from winter’s freezing
temperatures.
9. Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and ser-
vice the outside unit of the air conditioning system and check
the interior system, too. Clean units operate more efficiently,
and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak
performance levels. Remember to change the interior filters on
a regular basis.
10. Clean your gas and battery powered lawn equipment to make
sure it is ready for the season. Have the blades sharpened for
easier use.
11. Wash all windows inside and out.
12. Install screens on windows and doors.
13. Clean outdoor furniture and cushions.
14. Fertilize your lawn.
15. Test interior smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
and install new batteries if required.
16. Check and clean the house dryer exhaust vent and any interior
heating and cooling vents. Home maintenance diagram key Please remember:
17. Prune and trim overgrown branches on trees and shrubs. Every exterior modi-
18. Weed and mulch all landscape beds and gardens. A Gable Vent Q Roof Overhang fication must meet
B Ridge Vent R Light established ARB
19. Remove all dead trees, shrubs and plants from your yard. C Asphalt Shingles S Cornice application and ap-
D Gable End T Corner Board
20. Power wash house siding and decks to remove dirt and mold. proval requirements,
E Roof Mount Vent U Door Trim
21. Check wood decks or sheds for damaged wood and clean, F Fascia (Frieze) V Deck Rail regardless of whether
repair and re-stain any areas that require maintenance. G Roof Eave W Deck Top Cap modification or re-
H Gutter X Picket placement material
22. Mow lawns and trim around gardens and landscape beds to I Trim Board Y Elevated Deck
maintain a neat appearance. has been approved in
J Soffit/Soffit Vent Z Flat Trim Material
K Downspout AA Deck Landing concept in the past.
23. Remove old leaves form landscape beds, patios and yards. Also, MVF does not
L Window Trim BB Stair Treads
24. Check and secure window and door shutters. Fix or replace M Window Grid CC Post take responsibility
damaged shutters or paint old shutters that are structurally in (Muntin) DD Downspout regarding claims and
good repair. N Flashing EE Gound Level Deck services advertised
O Horizontal Siding FF Concrete
25. Check and replace light bulbs for exterior porch lighting, secu- P Trim in the Montgomery
rity lighting or lamp posts. Check wiring and repair of exterior Village News or Home
lighting. Replace any broken fixtures or globes. Improvement Guide.
page 4 2020 Home Improvement Guide
www.WellmanGCHI.com
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Media Rooms • Wet Bars • Workout Rooms • Playrooms
FLOORING • DRYWALL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL • WINDOWS/DOORS
Computer Aided Kitchen Design
Quality workmanship and over 20 years of experience
0% APR
for 18 months
All Work Guaranteed 100% Financing Available
*Subject to credit approval.
240-683-3630 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM
Located near the Air Park
18922 Premiere Ct. • Gaithersburg, MD
Licensed
& Insured Tuesday - Friday 10am-6pm
MHIC #125488
2010-17 Saturday 9am-3pm
2020 Home Improvement Guide page 5
A fine line walked by ARB
The members of the Architec- It is also important to un-
tural Review Board (ARB) are derstand that the ARB is not
residents of Montgomery Village responsible for the maintenance
who volunteer to assume a very of properties. It is very difficult
large responsibility and must to be cited for your storm door
walk a very fine line. Members color when the adjoining prop-
are often in the position of hav- erty severely needs to be painted
ing to deny a request that may or maintained. However, main-
be aesthetically attractive, but tenance is the responsibility of
does not meet the guidelines and the individual homes corpora-
consistency needed for a planned tion, and the ARB does not have
community. jurisdiction over these matters.
The decisions of the ARB Just remember, the members
must be consistent so that the of the ARB are your neighbors
community standards can be who care enough about the Vil-
upheld and enforced. There lage to volunteer their time and
are times when a requested expertise. Their only concern is
modification might appear to be preserving the aesthetic appear-
attractive and would be accept- ance, and ultimately, property
able on a home outside of the values for all of us.
Village that has more property.
However, because of the dense
The ARB meets at 7 p.m.
housing in our community, it is
on the first Wednesday of
extremely important that consis-
each month in the North
tency be maintained. We have
Creek Board Room, 20125
all seen housing developments
Arrowhead Road, to discuss
where each fence type is differ-
and approve Property Im-
ent or each elevated deck has a
provement Request forms
different railing detail. This lack
for exterior modifications to
of continuity gives the develop-
Village residences.
ment an unkempt and dishev-
For more information
eled appearance. When you Members of the Montgomery Village Foundation Architectural Standards Department staff is
about the ARB, contact Kath-
decided to make Montgomery available to answer resident questions and offer advice on exterior modifications at the MVF
erine Webb at 240-243-2345
Village your home, it was prob- Office, 10120 Apple Ridge Road from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Architectural
or e-mail kwebb@mvf.org. Review Board (ARB) is dedicated to upholding the community standards set by the developer.
ably because this area was spe-
cial and appeared harmonious. They constantly review exterior home modifications with the Architectural Standards staff to
determine community impact.
How to repair and replace window screens
Window screens can let fresh 2. Remove the screen from the screen frame firmly into the attached to an adhesive backing The same method of screen
air into a home while preventing the window frame. Some win- groove with the screen rolling and sticking it over the hole. replacement can be used to
insects and outdoor critters from dows do not have removable tool, which looks like a small Other patches are small, wo- replace screens on screened-in
making their way inside. But screen frames, and you will pizza cutter. This effectively se- ven wires that can be threaded porches, aluminum doors or
screens are far less effective at have to work on the screen in cures the screen into the frame. through the hole in the screen. A sliding patio doors. Just be sure
keeping critters out of a home its upright position. 6. Continue around the edge really small hole can be mended to purchase replacement screen-
when they're damaged. 3. Use the screwdriver or awl of the frame, pulling the new with a drop of clear-drying glue. ing that will fit the dimensions.
Addressing such damage is to pry the edge of the existing screening taut as you go. This
typically an easy do-it-yourself spline that holds the screening helps to keep it free of wrinkles.
project, one that begins with material in the frame. Pull out 7. Once you have inserted the
gathering the right materials, the old spline and remove the spline all the way around, cut
including: new screening; a rub- damaged screening. it off from the spline spool and
ber spline; a screen rolling tool; 4. Measure the new screening push in the edge.
a razor knife or sharp scissor; from a replacement roll. Lay the 8. Use a razor knife or sharp
measuring tape; masking tape; screening down on the frame, scissor to cut off the excess
and a screwdriver or an awl. ensuring there is overhang on all screening, being careful not
Once those materials have sides. If necessary, use masking to dislodge it from behind the
been gathered, the process of tape to temporarily secure the spline when cutting.
replacing or repairing damaged screening to the frame while 9. Replace the screen in the
screens is rather simple. freeing up your hands. This window.
1. Measure the area of the also works if you must replace In the case of small tears in a
window to determine how screening vertically and cannot screen, a complete replacement
much replacement screening remove the window frame and may not be necessary. Home
you will need. Remember to make repairs on a flat surface. improvement stores sell screen
leave extra room in your mea- 5. Take a new piece of rubber patch kits. Some work by cut-
surements so you have slack to spline and push it into the edge ting out a piece of patch that is
make the new screen fit taut. The of the screen frame, securing a
measurement will also help you corner of the new screening to
determine how much spline you the frame. Continue to press the
will need. spline around the perimeter of
ARB APPLIC ATIONS
Apply before you buy!
Stay connected with Every exterior modification must meet
Montgomery Village established ARB application and approval
requirements regardless of whether
modification or replacement material has
been approved in concept in the past.
Applications are free.
page 6 2020 Home Improvement Guide
Four Seasons Home Improvement Co., Inc.
www.fourseasonshomeimp.com
301-948-2678
Improve soil quality for a better lawn
A lush, green lawn can ganic matter. A half-inch of of the three types of soil com-
vastly improve a home's curb thatch is normal. If thatch gets ponents. Sand does not retain
appeal. Thick, healthy grass too thick, it will need to be water, but it helps to create
indicates that homeown- removed. The home improve- spaces in the soil that permit
ers care enough about their ment resource DIY Network air to circulate. Clay particles
properties to invest the time, says dethatching can take are small and bind together
effort and money to make place in the summer, fall and tightly, but clay is naturally
them beautiful. winter using a thatching rake. nutrient-rich. Loamy soil
Soil fertility is the foun- should have equal parts sand
dation of healthy lawns. In
Aerate and silt and half as much clay.
A lawn aerator will cre-
fact, the quality of the soil If the lawn is not yet es-
ate holes in the soil. This
is essential whether one is tablished, loamy soil can be
can improve drainage and
growing acres of grass, potted created and then the grass
encourage worms and helpful
plants or vegetable garden seeds planted. For established
microorganisms that require
beds. No matter which type of soil, after removing thatch
oxygen to thrive in the soil.
soil a homeowner is working and aerating, top-dressing the
The best time to aerate a lawn
with, there are various ways lawn can help. This involves
is during the growing sea-
to make it better. adding a thin layer of soil
son when the grass can heal
over the lawn. It can improve
Remove thatch and fill in any holes, such as
the soil without killing the
Thatch is a tightly knotted spring and fall. Aeration can
existing turf. Ideally, it should
layer of leaves, grass roots, help develop deeper grass
be done in early fall or spring,
stems and other debris that roots for a healthier lawn.
as this gives the grass time to
accumulates between the
grass blades and the soil. Too
Test and grow through three to four
amend soil more mowings before severe
much thatch can hinder the
A great lawn has loamy heat or cold sets in.
movement of water, air and
soil, which has a key ratio Healthy soil is vital to a
nutrients into the soil. Thatch
of clay, silt and sand. Silt is lush lawn. It takes a little
often occurs if the production
a granular material of a size work, but improving soil can
of dead organic material in
between sand and clay that create vibrant, healthy, green
the lawn exceeds the ability
originates from quartz and grass.
of the microorganisms in the
soil to break down that or- feldspar. It is the most fertile
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modifica-
tion or replacement material has been approved in concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims
and services advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
2020 Home Improvement Guide page 7
How tree services can protect your property
Cold weather can take its Improve storage at home
toll on a property, especially It seems like no matter the size of the home, people always
in regions of the world where lament a lack of storage space.
winters are harsh. Most parts National Public Radio says the average American home
of the landscape are vulnerable has nearly tripled in size during the last 50 years. Despite
to damage from winter storms, that, 10 percent of Americans still need to rent off site storage,
but trees may be especially sus- according to a report in the New York Times Magazine. Self-
ceptible. By the end of winter, storage facilities are one of the fastest-growing commercial
many homeowners wonder if real estate segments, with more than 50,000 storage facilities
their trees would benefit from in the U.S. alone. Improving storage at home can be a cost-
some professional TLC. effective alternative to renting storage space. With these easy
Tree service companies pro- tips, homeowners can maximize space immediately.
vide a host of services. While
fall is a popular time to remove Utilize track storage systems
trees from a property, doing so Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized,
in spring is not unheard of, es- space may still seem lacking. Track closet storage systems
pecially if trees were affected by often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf
winter storms and now pose a and hanging rod systems. Customizing closets using track
threat to a home and the people systems or other modifications can improve utility of all
who live inside it. closets in the house.
Homeowners considering trees that might be beautiful made it through a recent winter Invest in storage beds
tree services can explore the and awe-inspiring but still pose unscathed, that's no guarantee Storage beds typically feature cubbies or drawers within
following ways that some pro- a threat to a home and the areas next winter or even the coming a platform-style bed frame. It's a practical home storage
fessional arbor attention can surrounding it. seasons of spring, summer and solution, and does not require any building.
protect them and their homes. • Tree services can improve fall won't ultimately prove their
• Tree services can help pro- visibility. Trees that have aged undoing. Insurance companies Think vertically
tect a home's foundation. Old a bit since their last trimming note that weather-related roof Maximize spaces by looking up and down for storage pos-
trees that stretch well into the might affect the view of a prop- damage, including damage re- sibilities. Items that are not used frequently, such as seasonal
sky can be captivating, but they erty from inside a home. Over- sulting from falling limbs and decorations or travel suitcases, can be stored in high spaces.
also can pose a threat to a home's grown branches can compro- branches weighed down by Shelving on walls can go as high as necessary and be put to
foundation. Such trees may have mise residents' ability to see and snow during the winter months, use in awkward wall areas, such as in corners or under eaves.
especially large root zones that experience the natural beauty accounted for more than half of Invest in storage benches/ottomans
may extend beneath walkways just outside their windows. The all property loss claims between A stopping area inside the front door replete with a stor-
and even a home. In the latter aver-age homeowner may be 2009 and 2016. Having all trees age bench can house shoes, umbrellas, hats, backpacks and
instance, foundations may crack able to trim short trees on his or properly trimmed each year, but other items, keeping them tidy and out of sight. In living
as roots try to stake their claim her own, but if views from the especially those that can fall on rooms, look for chests or ottomans that are decorative and
to the ground beneath a home. second floor of a home or higher your home and your neighbors' functional. Store throw blankets or board games inside.
According to the home improve- have been compromised, it's homes, may prevent future
ment resource HomeAdvisor, much safer to call a professional damage and legal issues. Recess drawers or shelves
homeowners pay an average tree service. Such services have Tree services can ensure trees Gain more storage by recessing a chest of drawers into
of just over $4,000 to repair the right tools and experienced maintain their awe-inspiring what is called the "knee wall" of homes that have sloped
foundation issues, though major personnel necessary to safely beauty and help homeowners ceilings in attics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize these short
problems can cost considerably trim high branches on tall trees. protect their homes and their walls in an efficient manner by sinking drawers or shelves
more than that. A professional • Tree services can help pre- belongings. into them, without taking up floor space.
tree service can remove aging vent future damage. Even if trees Rafter shelving
While in the attic (or a garage), add hanging shelves to raf-
ters or exposed beams to create off-the-floor storage as well.
These are just a few of the handy ways to improve the
interior storage space in a home.
Exterior renovations that can improve home
value
Renovating a home to im- an inspector to look at key com- bright light by the entry or mo-
prove its value can be a smart ponents of the house and recom- tion-detection lights to improve
investment. Interior improve- mend what needs to be fixed. the security of the property.
ments, such as updating kitch- This way it is discovered before
ens and baths, offer good return home buyers come in and do
Repaint (or reside)
on investment, but there are their own inspections. Termite the exterior
plenty of exterior renovations infestations, deteriorating roofs A fresh coat of paint or new
that can add value to a home and hidden water leaks are some (or cleaned) siding can instantly
and give it that coveted “wow” things that might need fixing. give homes a facelift. Neutral,
factor. warm and inviting colors tend
Improve the to have the widest appeal. And
Landscaping entryway after doing the front door and
Abundant and well-planned The front door is the focal siding, investing in a garage
landscaping can instantly boost point of a home’s exterior. Invest door replacement offers the
curb appeal. According to the in a new door or paint it a new highest ROI of all exterior proj-
landscaping company Lawn color to add appeal. Remodeling ects listed on the “Cost vs. Value
Starter, 71% of prospective magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Re- Report 2019.”
home buyers say a home’s curb port 2019” indicates changing an Knowing which improve-
appeal is an important factor entry door to a steel replacement ments add value to a home can
in their buying decisions. As can offer 74.9% ROI. Such a help homeowners tailor their
buyers use the internet to look door provides visual appeal and efforts to those that are most
for their dream homes, there’s added security—things buyers financially beneficial. Remem-
no denying a beautifully land- look for. In addition to the front ber, every exterior modification
scaped, nicely photographed door, make sure that the entry- must meet established ARB ap-
property can entice buyers to way has a level walkway, steps plication and approval require-
click and read more about a that are in good repair, accents ments regardless of whether
house. that are free from rust or tarnish a modification or replacement
Address insects and decorative plants. material has been approved in
and minor repairs Outdoor lighting
concept in the past.
For more information or to
Advertise with us
Improving home value may Outdoor lighting can add
apply for exterior modifications,
come down to fixing areas of
the home that can negatively
to the ambiance of a property
and serve as a security feature.
call 240-243-2364 or visit www. Call 240-243-2359, or
montgomeryvillage.com.
affect its appeal to buyers. Hire Utilize different lights, such as a e-mail mvads@mvf.org.
page 8 2020 Home Improvement Guide
You can also read
