These tips will get you started on turning your house into a “show home”.  Even if you’re not moving, you will find these tips also make your home more relaxing and enjoyable to live in.

1. Walls:

Neutral colors are going to be best, although it does not have to be light beige. For the fall season, try painting your walls a rich shade of caramel or cream that’s neutral yet warm and inviting. Add pops of color with accessories in deep reds and oranges.

2. Art:

If you are unsure how high the art should be hung use this rule as a guild: 60 inches from the floor to the center of the art. In an occupied home if there is no decent art at all, take it out! It is better having empty walls than unappealing art. more…

By: Jane Hoback

You can repair kitchen counter mishaps with only a little time and money. Big boo-boos, however, will need professional help.

Granite

Even granite counters suffer kitchen wear and tear. But you can make them shine with a little time and know-how. After you fix them, don’t forget to reseal them.

Cracks, chips, scratches: Fill nicks in granite by building up layers of epoxy resin colored to match the stone. Clean the area first with acetone, which breaks down grease. Be sure to open a window for ventilation.

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1. Keep your garage door running smoothly

Most newer garage doors come self-lubricated or with plastic parts that need no oil, according to builder Fred Cann, owner of JRS Solutions in Melville, N.Y. You’ll need to annually oil older doors with metal rollers, hinges, and tracks. “Use a leaf blower to blast all the grit, grime, dust, cobwebs, and dead bugs from the door’s parts,” advises Mark Secord, brand manager for PremierGarage in Mobile, Ala. Occasionally check the rubber seal on the bottom of your garage door. It can harden or chip away from wear and tear, allowing the elements to seep under your door. Replacing the seal costs less than $100. Your door may be hitting the ground too forcefully and jarring all the parts, crushing the rubber seal, or allowing light to peek through at the bottom when the door is at rest. To correct those problems, says Secord, use a screwdriver to alter the travel limit adjustment located on the door opener’s control box. Regularly test the garage door’s sensors to be sure they still prevent it from closing if something—like your child or pet—is in the way.

Before you can decide whether to go ahead with a garage project, you’ll need to make a few decisions.

Zoning and code restrictions

The first step is to determine whether it’s physically feasible to fit a garage on your lot. At your local planning department, find out how close you can build to the edges of your property. Also ask about any special restrictions that apply to garages; some communities require deeper setbacks on sides with doors, for example.

Local rules might also govern driveway design, wall or roof height, and the total amount or percentage of your lot you can cover with impervious surface (roofs and pavement). Local architects and builders usually keep on top of these requirements, as do lumberyards that sell packages that contain garage plans and materials.

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Americans use the garage more than any other entry to the house, including the front door, according to a survey commissioned by window and door manufacturer JELD-WEN.

Types of garage doors

Garage doors come in four basic types: They may swing out, swing up, roll up, or slide to the side.

Swing-out carriage-house doors or sliding barn doors are a good choice if you need to keep the ceiling clear or if you want their distinctive look. Otherwise, the most popular option by far is the sectional roll-up door.

Before purchasing a roll-up door, measure the space between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling or overhead framing. Standard tracks require headroom of about 14 inches. If you don’t have that, you can get low-headroom track, which costs about $100 more. There are also tracks specially made for garages with unusually high walls or cathedral ceilings.

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If you are trying to decide which projects have the best return on investment, Remodeling Magazine

Cost vs Value report shows the top home renovations in 2010-2011 that might add  value to your home. They are:

BASEMENT REMODEL

MAJOR KITCHEN REMODEL

GARAGE ADDITION

ATTIC BEDROOM

WINDOW REPLACEMENT (VINYL)

WINDOW REPLACEMENT (WOOD)

SIDING REPLACEMENT (VINYL)

MINOR KITCHEN REMODEL

DECK ADDITION (WOOD)

GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT

ENTRY DOOR REPLACEMENT (STEEL)…

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Click Here to see Homes For Sale in VILLAGES AT HILLVIEW Community in Coatesville, PA

The Villages at Hillview is an exiting community by Orleans Homebuilders which blends the rich history and character of the past with the designs and comfort of new, quality built homes.

Located in Valley Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, The Villages at Hillview is nestled in an exquisite setting that captures the rural charm and ambiance of the area while offering the conveniences of a contemporary lifestyle. Numerous shopping centers, restaurants, golf clubs, major roadways and medical facilities are within easy reach.

All of the amenities of an exclusive resort, blended with the warmth and convenience of a new home await you in this most picturesque setting. Start a fitness program that includes swimming indoors or out, working out in the gym, or walking through the lush acres of open space. Meet friends for a game of pool. Take up bridge, or try your hand at ceramics, painting or woodworking in the art studios. Invite friends over for tennis and a barbecue. Watch the spectacular sunsets from the deck. Whatever your style, you’ll discover that all of your needs are met at this exceptional community.

An extraordinary setting that can only be described as idyllic, quality construction, and amenities to enhance your lifestyle, combine to offer you a great place for new beginnings. Experience the Orleans difference at The Villages at Hillview…There’s nothing quite like

Homes For Sale in HERSHEYS MILLS Community in West Chester, PA located close to Exton Mall.

Hersheys Mill Estates is a residential community of detached, single family homes built ca. 1972-1986; median age is ca. 1983.  Approximate interior living space for Hershey Mills Homes is between 2,200 to 3,300 sq. ft.  Median  interior space is about 3,000 sq. ft. Median lot size is slightly less than two-thirds of an acre.

You can enter into the neighborhood is from North Chester Road (Route 352) or Hershey Mill Road onto Tanglewood Drive.

Click Here To See Real Estate Listings – HERSHEYS MILL Homes For Sale  in West Chester, PA