Identifying and Managing Mold in Your Home

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp, humid environments - like Florida! It can grow on many surfaces and it reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air. The spores can spread and grow new colonies on the right types of surfaces. Ingestion of mold spores can cause a variety of health problems especially if there are already challenges such as asthma or allergies. Symptoms include breathing problems, congestion, eye, nose or throat irritation, rashes and headaches. Mold can manifest as damp odors, black, green, or white patches on surfaces, water stains, peeling/bubbling paint, or condensation that won’t go away. To prevent mold from growing keep indoor humidity down with your air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fans. Fix leaks quickly and clean up any moisture. Be sure to dry thoroughly. Wear protection (i.e. gloves, mask) if mold spores appear or when treating mold. Disinfect affected areas. A variety of methods can be found to suit your lifestyle. If the mold persists or increases beyond your ability to control it call a professional. Source: homekeepr.com/Sherell-joseph-Wolford/blog  

Home Maintenance Tips and Tricks for Pet Owners

Home ownership means home maintenance and that includes protecting your home against the damage and devaluation that pet problems can cause. I know getting rid of your fur babies is not an option, so here are some things to do instead: Manage Pet hair and shedding by grooming your pets regularly. Invest in a vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair. Regularly use lint rollers on furniture and clothing. Use washable covers on upholstery to help control the hair and protect it from damage. Control pet odors by cleaning frequently especially in places your pets spend the most time in. Air purifiers can help remove dander and odors. Pet-safe deodorizers break down smelly molecules instead of just masking them. Protect your floors using washable area rugs in high pet-traffic areas. Wash them frequently. Keep your yard free of pet waste, and have it treated regularly for bugs like fleas and ticks using pet-friendly control methods. Change your AC filters every 30 days to help trap hair and dander. Address pet damage quickly and correct behaviors that may lead to costly repairs.                  Source: homekeepr.com/sherell-joseph-wolford/blog  

Home Improvements with the Best Return-on-Investment

Sellers looking to boost their home value often mistakenly turn to high-dollar renovations like kitchen remodels and updated flooring. Although these types of updates are attractive to buyers, sellers rarely recoup the cost of the update when they sell the property. These home improvements CAN put a few extra dollars in your packet at closing - or at the very least, pay for themselves. (costs represent averages and may vary in your area): New Garage Door Cost $4,513; Return $8,751; Recoup 194% New Steel Entry Door Cost $2,355, Return $4,430; Recoup 188% New Stone Veneer (instead of siding) Cost $11,287; Return $17,291; Recoup 153% New Front Entrance with Sidelight Windows Cost $11,353; Return $11,054; Recoup 97% Minor Kitchen Remodel (cabinet refacing, new appliances, new countertops) Cost $27,492; Return $26,406; Recoup $96% I know what your next question is going to be. Here are the improvements with the WORST return on investment: Additional room/square footage: 45% return Full Kitchen Remodel: 55% return Full Bathroom Remodel: 55% return Swimming Pool: 50% return If you’re thinking about any of these projects, be sure to do it for the best return of all; your enjoyment! Sources: These home remodeling projects offer the highest return on investment in history, report finds 10 Home Improvement Projects That Actually Don’t Pay Off And Ones To Do Instead

Interior Plants to Enhance Your Home

Cultivating plants inside your home adds a touch of nature but also holds a number of health benefits! Here are 9 beautiful plant choices that are easy to care for. Best of all, almost all of them help to purify the air inside your space. Snake Plant (Sanseviera trifasciata): This low maintenance plant has striking vertical leaves and thrives in low light.   Pothos (Epipremmum aureum): AKA devil’s ivy has trailing vines perfect for hanging up high.   Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): With long, arching leaves this plant is pet friendly   Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Elegant and lush, this plant thrives in low-moderate light i.e. bathrooms.   Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Tall and glossy this plant prefers bright light, i.e. livings rooms.   ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): It’s glossy green foliage is easy to care for with low light and minimal water. Highly resistant to disease.   Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Delicate feathery foliage thrives in high humidity and indirect light.   Aloe Vera: Beautiful AND useful this plant sooths burns and irritation. Also great for skin and hair.   Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): Heart shaped leaves and trailing vines great for hanging or climbing up trellises.   Source: https://app.homekeepr.com/sherell-joseph-wolford/blog