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Dreaming About A Pool? Dive Into These For Inspiration!

June 3, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Dreaming about a pool? From natural pools to resort-style pools that make you feel like you’re vacationing at home, here are ten pools for you to ooh and ahh over. Each one takes their surrounding environment into account – and they’re all 100% daydream-worthy.

1. Who needs Cabo when your backyard looks like this?!

2. Using natural materials like and LOTS of greenery seems to be the key to a hideaway of your own like this one…

3. This beats the lap pool at the gym a thousand times over, doesn’t it?

5. Look at this modern natural pool – it’s elegant and energizing while still looking right at home in nature.

6. You’ll never go wrong with a beach theme, and this zero-entry pool has that sandy sanctuary thing nailed.

7. Another cool thing about building your own pool? You can trick it out however you like. This pool brings the phrase, “staycation” to a whole other level.

8. There are so many different styles to work with. This pond-and-waterfall inspired pool will look appropriate in just about any backyard.

9. Pools aren’t just for the kiddos! Sophisticated design elements make them just as pleasing for the grown-ups to enjoy, too.

10. This fully natural pool blends right in with its natural surroundings.

Whichever style you choose, how sweet would it be to have a full-blown oasis in your backyard?!

A Few Things to Know Before Building Your Dream Home

January 27, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

When I am having a vision on my dream home, it is normally after I have visited a house or neighborhood that I really like. I have never looked at a step by step process of my dream home as the family inside the home is what makes the dream come to life.

Gary Bordeaux sees it a little different than myself. His dream home is pretty awesome as well. Read on.

You are ready to build your dream home, but you are not sure where to start. There are production homes that you can purchase, or you can hire a contractor and build your custom home. This is where you have to balance costs against your lifestyle. A factor to consider is how your lifestyle will change over the years. Most families have children while living in their house. The children then grow up and leave home. A production house may be able to have changes made during this process. A custom house can be built with the future in mind.

The following is some information that will make it helpful when making the decision to build a production house or to build a custom one. You will want to do your research and weigh the pros and cons on what type of house suits you. Either way, you want to hire a professional to walk you through the process. When choosing the professional ask others whom they worked with and how they felt about the experience. Word of mouth is the best recommendation. You can also contact the better business bureau to get suggestions on whom you want to hire.

Choosing a Production or a Custom House

When building a custom home, you will need to hire an architect. They charge a percentage of the cost of the home. This fee is the base charge. They may be more fees for additional drawings or if you have the architect handle ordering materials and administering the contract. With an architect in charge, your house can be designed the way you want it plus it easier to make changes as needed.

Hiring a Professional

You can also hire a designer-builder. The design-builder handles the entire process of building a custom home. In the construction industry, this is a project delivery system. The designer built house has one person responsible for everything from the contract to the completion of the house. This minimizes risks for the owner of the house. In the past, there was one person responsible for the design of the house and one person responsible for the building. Having more than one person in charge can cause things to slip through the cracks without realizing that it is happening.

The building of the house is led by a professional sometimes it is the general contractor. Other times it may be an architect or engineer. Some design-builder firms use professionals from all aspects of the project. It can also be a team venture with both the general contractor and the designer working together on the project. Which one you choose should be the one you are comfortable with as you will be working closely with them as they build your dream house.

When using a general contractor as the lead on the building of the house they work with the owner. They also work with subcontractors. While they are working with others, they are solely responsible for all the work being done. The subcontractors are responsible to the general contractor and the general contractor is responsible to the owner of the house. The owner has to deal with only one person which makes building the home much easier. The architect would be considered an employee of the general contractor.

When the architect is the lead on the project they work with the owner and hires the other professionals as needed. But it is the architect who is responsible for all the work. The architect starts as the designer and ends as the site supervisor. They make sure they complete the house according to the wishes of the owner. Once again one person is responsible for the work being completed on the house. In this case it is the architect.

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The One Change You Should Make to Your Home in 2020

January 13, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Another new year has come. I remember when we went from 1999 to 2000 and everyone was wondering what would still be working at midnight and would our computer clocks be messed up.

Here we are in 2020 and Jaymi Naciri has a few good ideas on changes in 2020 to keep our homes fresh.

Splash a new color up on the walls. Redo your floors. Buy a new couch. They might be on the long list of things you’d like to do to your house in 2020. But you know what should be at the top of that list? Buying new plants.

So key are plants to the overall look and feel of the home that they made Elle Decor’s list of 2020 design trends. But we’re not talking about those faux, plasticky plants. It’s time for the real stuff.

“Going green with nice, real indoor plants helps give personality and another layer to a space,” Linda Hayslett of L.H. Designs, told them. “For a while, it seemed like everyone was going faux. But these days, it’s all real, all the time. “I can always spot a faux plant in a design. It may be great initially, but the character of a plant comes from how it organically grows. And faux plants will always remain the same and eventually get dusty.”

We could build a “best of” list based on popularity or pretty factor or 3,700 other categories, but, like anything else, it’s best to split the list into individual categories. Here, then, is our take on the best plants to incorporate now.

Most low maintenance

Many of us avoid having real plants because we lack a green thumb (guilty!). But there are some great options that take little effort to stay alive and look great. “Don’t be fooled by the beauty of the Chinese evergreen—beyond its handsome exterior is one tough plant,” said Real Simple.

“Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms, explains that this forgiving houseplant is great during the wintertime because it ‘doesn’t mind low light or inconsistent watering, as long as it doesn’t stay wet for extended periods.’ Its broad, decorative leaves are woven with gorgeous patterns in colors that come in a range of glossy greens, silvers, grays, and cream. Even the least experienced gardener can successfully grow the Chinese evergreen thanks to its hardiness. Cast aside any self-doubt, as Hancock reassures, ‘this air-purifying houseplant powers through the winter season and looks fresh and green all year.’”

The ZZ Plant is another great choice because it is “virtually indestructible.” In fact, “the zz plant will often do better if you leave it alone,” they said.

Best for your health

There is evidence that plants are good for you in a variety of ways, but one of the most potent is their effect on air quality. They can help counteract the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and indoor air pollution. Spider plants are “among the easiest air-purifying indoor plants to grow,” said Greatist. Spider plants are also super fast-growing, so you can start with a small plant and watch it flourish, or even spin-off “spiderettes” to spread throughout your home.

Tallest growing

The ficus is another air purifying plant and a good choice if you’re looking for something that can grow large. An indoor ficus can get as tall as 10 feet and is another low-maintenance option.

Easiest herb garden starter

An indoor herb garden is easier to achieve than you may think, especially when you start with something simple like basil. “A critical herb for cuisines around the world and a favorite pairing for tomatoes, basil is easy to grow indoors,” said Gardeners.com. “Pinch off individual leaves and add to salads, sandwiches, and sauce. Make your own pesto. Plant seeds or purchase small plants and pot them in rich, organic potting soil. Basil loves heat and bright light, so give it a southern or western window or use a grow light. Avoid cool, drafty spots, especially in the winter.”

Most fragrant

Make your place smell sweet, and look beautiful, with Azores Jasmine. “For intense fragrance, grow this jasmine,” said DIY Network. “It typically flowers spring through fall, but tosses open blooms in winter, too, if growing conditions provide warmth and sun. Give it a spot near a southern-facing window. The perfume is similar to gardenia. Plants may be slow to bloom the first year. Just wait—the flower show kicks into gear as plants age.”

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8 Tips for New Homeowners Moving to a New State

December 13, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

We all have reasons for relocating. Sometimes, it is simply getting a new job in a state. We move to be closer to family. I know some folks that have moved on average once every two years and they weren’t military. However, they saw a lot of the United States and Europe as well.

Carol Evenson passes on some tips for moving to a new state to help make a move smoother and less stressful.

1. Do plenty of research.

Before you actually start the moving process, you should start by researching the city to which you plan to relocate. From local shops to schools and food chains, you should know exactly what your new city has to offer. We highly suggest doing a thorough internet search or, if possible, even driving through the city to get a better understanding of the area.

2. Search for your new home.

Before you take the plunge and move to a new city, you should spend at least a couple months beforehand finding a new home. Reach out to a local realtor. They can provide invaluable help as you look for a new place to live Whether you plan to rent or buy, a realtor can not only show you around the city but also recommend a great property to settle down in. They will be familiar with the different neighborhoods and can help you to find a home that is within your budget and provides the things you need.

3. Develop a budget.

Money can be tight while moving, which is why it’s so important to create a budget. It’s very easy to overspend or even run out of money with so many expenses coming at you. Developing a moving budget can help you monitor how much money you are spending and keep track of how much you have left to spend.

One of the biggest expenses that you should base your budget around is the moving company costs, but don’t spend everything in that one area. There are still plenty of large costs that you need to be aware of, such as plane tickets, utility connection fees, and more.

4. Hire a moving company.

The best, and sometimes only, way to move all your belongings from one state to another is to hire a moving company. However, before you hire one you should do plenty of research to make sure you are getting the best service possible. Some different moving companies have specialties they offer, so look for the best. Some movers refuse to move pianos while others specialize in that area. Some movers specialize in long-distance moves, while some bill themselves exclusively as Phoenix, Los Angeles, or Dallas movers. Make sure that the moving company you hire can handle exactly what you need them for.

Ask for recommendations from your friends and family. From there we suggest asking for testimonials from past customers. Ideally, the more positive reviews they have from customers, the more you can trust them. However, you should also check out their licensing info at the US Department of Transportation to make sure they are legally allowed to be moving your belongings.

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Great American River Cleanup ~ September 21st

September 23, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered this weekend to help clean up the parkway at the Sunrise Recreation Area!! It was the perfect opportunity to spend the day outside in the sunshine for a great cause and connect with other members of the community.

Wondering how you can help keep our parkways clean? The American Parkway Foundation will have more volunteer opportunities throughout the remainder of the year. Stay tuned for our next cleanup opportunity!

#GiveWhereYouLive #DiezandSiggProperties #RealEstate

Are you a Renter? It May be Time to Own Your Home.

August 15, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

In the Sacramento Bee, Vincent Moleski covers in detail rental costs across Sacramento and surrounding areas. I know for myself when I rented, I would check to see what my rent could buy me as far as getting a home and having a mortgage. If you have not checked lately, it may be that time. Read on as rent prices escalate depending on area.

Rents in Sacramento grew moderately in the past year, outpacing national trends with a year-over-year growth rate of 4.1 percent and a month-over-month growth rate of two-tenths of a percent, bringing the city’s average rent to $1,401, according to RentCafe’s most recent monthly report.

RentCafe, an online real estate service and apartment listing marketplace, analyzed nationwide housing data from the month of July using the Yardi Matrix and found that average rents in Sacramento grew faster in the last year than the U.S. average, although rent in the California capital is still cheaper.

Nationwide, the average monthly cost of rent was $1,469 as of July, an increase of 3.4 percent in the last year — a bit under Sacramento’s growth rate — and 0.2 percent in the last month, which matched Sacramento’s month-over-month growth rate, according to the report.

Some pricey Sacramento suburbs saw sharp rent increases in the last month, such as Folsom — which saw the sharpest monthly price spike in the area — where the average monthly rent of $1,873 increased by 1.5 percent, Rocklin, where the average monthly rent of $1,718 increased by 1.2 percent and Roseville, where the average monthly rent of $1,790 increased by 0.9 percent, according to RentCafe.

Elk Grove’s rent costs averaged $1,753 and grew a full percentage point in the past month, while Rancho Cordova’s rent costs averaged $1,396 and grew 0.6 percent in the past month, according to the report.

Other suburbs remained relatively affordable. Rents in Carmichael average $1,205 and grew by 0.5 percent in the last month, while rents in Citrus Heights average $1,342 and grew by 0.2 percent in the last month and rents in Fair Oaks average $1,440 and grew 0.3 percent in the last month, according to RentCafe.

Davis is the most expensive place in the state to rent in, according to RentCafe, and although housing costs increased by just $2 in the past month, the average monthly rent in the Yolo County city is $2,169 — though that still beats out Bay Area prices.

San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the country, has an average monthly rent of $3,706, an increase of fourth-tenths of a percent from last month, while in San Jose renters can expect to pay $2,792 per month, according to the report. The only place more expensive than San Francisco is Manhattan, where renters pay $4,222 monthly on average.

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