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Houseplants that are Poisonous to Pets: How to Keep Your Fur Babies Safe

If you have pets at home, you know that they love houseplants. Whether it is to bat at the leaves, dig in the soil, or munch on them, indoor plants are part of the home jungle that belongs to the... Please see the full article on https://GardenTherapy.ca

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Beautiful Bathroom Remodel

Katelyn Jones of A Touch of Pink takes on a bathroom remodel starring the Delta UPstile Wall System. Read below to see the full transformation from the demo to the final finished space.

Beautiful Bathroom Remodel

Our family moved into our house not even 6 months ago which had a standard track-house bathroom with basic materials. With a new baby on the way, I wanted to add my own personal touch to the kid's bathroom. After 4 weekends of working and non-stop visits to our favorite place in orange, my husband and I converted our standard track-home bathroom into a custom modern masterpiece using the Delta UPstile shower system and products. I will show you step-by-step how we completed this!

Products Used

Delta UPstile: 32 in. x 60 in. x 60 in. 3-Piece Direct-to-Stud Alcove Tub Surround with Customizable Design in White

Shower Door: Delta Simplicity 60 in. x 58-1/8 in. Semi-Frameless Sliding Bathtub Door in Bronze with Clear Glass

Shower Inlay Tile: Jeffrey Court Whisper Valley 11 in. x 12.687 in. x 6 mm Porcelain Mosaic Tile

Shower Handle: Delta Victorian Lever Handle for Tub and Shower, Champagne Bronze

Shower Valve: MultiChoice Universal Tub and Shower Valve Body Rough-In Kit

Toilet: Delta Luxford 2-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush Round Front Toilet in White

Tub: Delta Classic 400 60 in. Right-Hand Drain Oval Alcove Non-Whirlpool Bathtub in High Gloss White

Vanity: Home Decorators Collection- Aberdeen 36 in. W x 22 in. D Single Bath Vanity in Dove Grey with Carrara Marble Top with White Basin

Vanity Mirror: Artistic Weavers Koud 40 in. x 29.75 in. MDF Framed Mirror

Floor Tile: MSI Carrara White Hexagon 12 in. x 12 in. x 10mm Polished Marble Mesh-Mounted Mosaic Floor and Wall Tile (10 sq. ft. / case)

Wall Tile: Jeffrey Court Carrara 3 in. x 6 in. Honed Marble Wall Tile (8-Pack)

Step 1: Demo Day

Obviously this part is the most fun! Who doesn't like making a mess and tearing up a space?! We used a number of tools to remove everything from the bathroom.

We first started with the removal of the vanity, sink, toilet and other fixtures. We were then able to remove the shower. For this, we had to remove the drywall around the edges, take out the screws that secured the shower to the studs, then used a reciprocating saw to do the heavy lifting. Our shower was 1 piece so we first cut off the shower walls at the base where they met the tub. For the tub, it was tightly fit in the alcove and needed to be cut into multiple pieces for removal.

           Step 2: Tub Installation

The first part of installing the Delta UPstile Wall System is placing the tub, which is the base of the wall system. It is important that the existing plumbing connections are in the correct spot before placing the tub. Once the tub is placed, you can hook up the drain and overflow connections and pre-drill the holes in the flanges. You will want to make sure the tub is level before securing it into the alcove wall studs.

  Step 3: Shower Wall Installation

Starting with the large middle wall, place the walls on the tub and dry fit them into place. This will make the actual installation of the walls much easier and prevent mistakes. For the wall with the spout and mixer valve, measure the plumbing connections, cut 2 holes with a hole saw and place the provided retardant pad on the inner side of the wall. I also had to replace the existing valve with the MultiChoice Universal Tub and Shower Valve which was compatible with my shower products.

Step 4: Install Bracing for Shower Walls

The Delta UPstile Wall System is secured by an upper flange and additional screws placed in a groove along the tile section. You may need to install additional  2”x4” posts around the alcove frame before securing the supports. Using 1” x 3” pieces of pine wood, install supports around the shower. I equally spaced them by placing the first support on top of the tub flange then separating the following 2 supports by 12” and finally placing the top support 46” from the bottom brace.

Step 5: Securing the Walls

Starting with the middle wall, evenly place the provided double-sided tape along the supports and apply the suggested adhesive (DAP 3.0). The double-sided tape helps the wall remain firmly pressed against the wall as it dries.

After placing the wall, insert panhead screws in the pre-drilled holes that were completed during the dry-fitting stage. Both in the upper flange along with the screw groove within the tile area.

Once the walls were installed, I used my remaining 1”x3” supports to firmly push against the walls and letting it sit for 24 hours so the adhesive could cure.

  Step 6: Install Custom Shower Inlay Tile

My favorite part of the Delta UPstile Wall System is the custom wall tile section. I decided to use the Jeffrey Court Carrara 3 in. x 6 in. Honed Marble Wall Tile  which matched well with the rest of the bathroom. Before cutting the tile with my wet saw, I laid it out across the floor and marked lines on the tile with a pencil. This makes it easy for the tile pattern to remain cohesive throughout the shower. For the installation of the tile, you will need to use the same caulk (I used the DAP 3.0) instead of a typical thinset and place tile spacers at the bottom of the tile to prevent sliding. Let the installed tile sit for at least 24 hours before grouting.

Step 7: Install the Grout

Before grouting, I placed painters tape and plastic around the tile inlay which prevented mess and allowed for a smooth and straight grout line. Any particular grout can be used for the tile and shower system. Using a rubber bottom float I pressed the grout in between the tile spaces and cleaned it off with a large yellow sponge. After grouting all of the tile, I pulled off the painters tape and did any necessary cleanup with the sponge and let grout cure for 24 hours.

Step 8: Final Caulking

To finish up the Delta UPstile Wall System I caulked all of the seams on the shower to keep it water tight. Using painters tape as a guide will be your best friend, making the lines perfectly straight.

Step 9: Installing Shower Fixtures

We chose the Delta Victorian Shower Fixtures in the Champagne Bronze color which included the shower head, valve handle set and spout. Since the existing overflow cap did not match the other shower fixture products, we decided to spray paint the overflow cap, which came out very well.

Other Products Installed:

Shower Glass Door Install

The installation directions for the glass shower doors are very easy to follow. I would suggest to have a miter saw box or a the correct blade on your miter saw to cut the glass door frames.

 New Light Fixture

Before installing the backsplash, we installed a new light fixture to go above the vanity. We went with the Filament Design 3-Light Warm Brass Bath Light. We used the existing wiring from the ceiling can light and redirect them to the new location above the vanity. That way we did not have to install a new switch.

Carrera Marble Backsplash + Hexagon Floor Tile

We installed the backsplash without spacers giving the wall a fresh smooth look. To seal the spaces in between tiles, we used an unsanded grout. For the floor tile, we used the Carrara Marble Hexagon tile. This color and tile brings an additional pop to our smaller bathroom.

  Vanity

Before installing the sink faucet, make sure the plumbing connections will fit. We had to make a small cutout on the shelf to fit the plumbing. Also, the front door pulls of the vanity came with chrome finish. For the door pulls to match the rest of the bathroom decor, we spray painted them black.

  Vanity Faucet

The instructions given with the product make for an easy install. Make sure to have the correct materials and tools for the plumbing when installing. Also, you will need to caulk with silicone on the inner-lining of the sink before using.

 Toilet Installation

The instructions that came with the toilet were easy to follow. One thing to consider when installing the wax ring. Given the new floor tile, the bottom toilet flange was not flush with the floor which required us to use two (2) wax rings. You will know if an addition wax ring is needed when placing the toilet if it simply lays flat without any pressure. You should have to apply moderate pressure to place the toilet, which makes for a tight seal.

We also decided to upgrade the water connection hose for the toilet. Our plumber highly recommended this since the prior ones installed did not include additional safety features and could easily burst.

  Shiplap

Installing shiplap in the bathroom added a lot of extra time to the project but was definitely worth it. we installed a small basic trim around the shower and filled the rest of the walls with shiplap. I used Behr Acrylic Paint which is water resistant and appropriate for the moisture in the bathroom.

  Vanity mirror

To install this mirror, we first installed a heavy duty metal wire on the back of the frame. We then used a wall screw anchor kit which came with the appropriate drill bit for the wall tiles. We also applied double-sided tape towards the bottom of the frame to keep the mirror from moving around.

The post Beautiful Bathroom Remodel appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.

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Do Gutters Increase Home Value? Here's How Top Appraisers Assess the Water Shields of the House

Gutters are the unsung heroes of real estate. They don't earn compliments like a property's gorgeous landscaping or the rustic tile selection of your master shower will. But without them, a home's structural integrity is at risk.

Every day 14,000 homeowners face water emergencies while 37% have claimed losses due to water issues. Meanwhile, homeowners insurance companies pay out $2.5 billion in water damage losses every year. Gutters serve the critical role of pushing water where it needs to be: away from the house to avoid foundation erosion and roof leaks.

“When I go out to appraise a property for a lender, they will almost never lend on a property that doesn't have gutters and downspouts that are functional,” said Jerin Harper, a home appraiser in Oregon with a decade of experience.

“In this instance, I would be required to provide a 'cost-to-cure,' which is an estimate to install or repair gutters and downspouts. The cost-to-cure figure can then be subtracted from the overall home value.”

So do gutters increase home value? Not exactly, because they're like the tires of a car: buyers expect a property to have them in good working condition, or they'll pay less for it. We'll help you get up to speed on homeownership and gutters with insights from top appraisers around the country who explain:

How gutters shield the house from ice dams and foundation problems

The numbers on dirty or damaged gutters and how they detract from your home's value

Pro tips on gutter material selection, installation, and add-ons to maximize ROI

Gutters as guardians of the house: Protecting against ice damming and foundation erosion

Imagine you're sitting in your living room on a chilly winter day watching television, when suddenly you feel a drop of water on your head. And then another, and another. You look up to find a wet patch spreading out on your ceiling just above you.

Or, picture this: It's been a stormy few days with lots of rain. You go outside to clean up after the storm and to your horror, find that some of your foundation has washed away-but only in one spot that should have been difficult for the water to reach.

The culprit in both situations? In most cases, bad gutters. Properly constructed and clean gutters are essential to preventing water damage to your home.

The first scenario likely due to an issue called ice damming on the roof, where the water melting from a warmer part of your roof can't escape. This typically happens when gutters haven't been cleaned out properly, the water freezes, and then the ice accumulates under your shingles, melting and damaging the attic or ceiling in your home.

The second scenario could be thanks to a broken gutter or a missing downspout-the water is dumping down onto your foundation instead of getting pushed away from the house.

“You need to have gutters because you're going to start affecting your foundation significantly if you don't direct water away appropriately,” said Brett Young, a top-selling agent in Indianapolis. “It's not an option out here, honestly. If you're buying a house that doesn't have gutters on it, it's probably because it's a bank sale home and it's all beat up.”

Granted, some locations don't need gutters as much as others-like Arizona, for example, where Young used to live.

Some homes out there didn't have gutters and it wasn't a big deal, essentially because it's the desert and there's just not that much rain. But even in that situation, it's better to have them rather than not, just in case a storm comes through that is strong enough to damage your home.

No gutters (or gutters in poor condition) will detract value from your house

Not only will a lack of gutters or ones with issues hurt your home and affect the sale, it could also actively lower your home's value.

Whether you don't have any gutters or the ones you have are dirty, broken or improperly attached, you're compromising the longevity of the home by leaving it open to other problems. And those problems will have an effect on the appraisal when you're trying to sell.

Harper notes gutters in poor condition could detract between $500 and $1,000 from the value of an average-sized house with a straightforward installation by a professional.

“Gutters are part of the real estate, but there's not a specific adjustment line for gutters,” said Michael Keough, a 30-year residential home appraiser in New Jersey. “If the lack of gutters is ruining something, you'll detract from that item.”

In some cases, the missing or damaged gutters can even end a sale before it begins.

Good gutters will attract buyers but don't necessarily add value

All that being said, gutters themselves typically won't increase the value of your home. They're standard, especially in areas with a lot of rain, and having them isn't anything special.

“People don't just normally install gutters for the aesthetics of the gutters,” said Edmond (Buddy) Eslava, a nationally renowned appraiser with the Appraisal Consultant Group in the Mobile, Alabama. “If you needed them and didn't have them, it would detract value. But having them won't add value.”

You can, though, add overall perceived value to your home based on the gutters themselves. Our experts shared some tips on what to do to make your gutters work for your home sale.

Make sure your gutters are installed properly.

There are two important pieces to this equation. Proper gutter installation means making sure the water is being diverted far away enough from the house so no damage is sustained around the foundation or on the siding.

But you also have to make sure they're level-meaning no water is left to pool up in them with nowhere to drain. If that happens, they can start to draw an accumulation of mosquitos and other nasty bugs or cause ice damming.

Match your gutters to your home.

Just like any other part of your property, including outbuildings, shutters, garages, and even gazebos, you'll want to make sure the color and size of your gutters are appropriate for your home.

For the color, typically the gutters will be the same color as the outdoor trim. As far as sizing, Young notes that the standard size used to be four inches, but now it's up to six inches-so get the larger ones.

Eslava agrees, noting that eight-inch gutters are available too, and you should opt for those ones instead of the six-inch. But, if your house is a bit smaller and the large gutters would look out of place, then stay with a smaller size.

It's also critical to have enough downspouts. The general rule is one downspout for every 35 or so feet of gutter.

Stick with the standard gutter materials.

Seams are out. If you want gutters that will bring value to your home, skip them and go for a seamless option. It looks tidier and more professional. Typically, gutters are metal or aluminum; the actual material doesn't matter much as long as the gutters are sturdy, functional, and match your house. Each material does have pluses and minuses, though.

Aluminum: These resist corrosion and are relatively inexpensive, plus they're lightweight and the standard material. But they can have strength problems and may break under pressure.

Metal, like copper or steel: These types of gutters are heavy, expensive, and difficult to install. But they're stronger than aluminum and work well for matching a certain aesthetic on the outside of your home.

Vinyl or plastic: These are generally the cheapest type of gutter and they're easily installed, but they come with several drawbacks. They can discolor easily, and they're the weakest of the top three options.

Get gutter guards: Gutter guards are covers that go over your gutters to stop junk from building up inside them. These are your first line of defense if you live in a heavily wooded area or have a lot of trees near your house.

They'll stop leaves and sticks from getting in, and will keep squirrels and their seeds out-so you don't have to worry about looking up one day to see a patch of sunflowers sprouting from the edge of your roof. As a plus, Young says having gutter guards could add value to a home appraisal.

Skip the rain collection system: Well, unless you really want one. Young says that he's never seen a rain barrel or rain collection system add to the actual value of the house-though some buyers may like having it. Some won't, though, so go with your personal preference on this one.

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Spice Labels

Use our spice labels to add to your spice bottles. They are a great way to organize your kitchen spices and to make the bottles a pretty addition to your kitchen decor. SPICE LABELS Looking for some cute spice labels printables? You came to the right place! I just created some for my own kitchen ... Read More about Spice Labels

The post Spice Labels appeared first on The Idea Room.

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Last Minute Budget Changes for 2019

The last thing any property manager wants to hear is that something they need isn't in the budget. There are several components that go into your yearly costs, and it can be easy to let some things fall between the cracks if you're not careful. 

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Reasons to Love Mobile Banking

Online and mobile banking is on the rise, and as the country's leading Black owned online banking institution, it's only right we address the in's and out's of this tech trend.

Mobile banking allows you to take OneUnited Bank anywhere you go, so you can check your account balance, transfer funds, pay bills, review your purchase history, deposit checks, watch movies, and much more. Well, maybe not the movies part, but it sounded like a good idea right? More importantly this makes banking so much easier, especially if you're trying to get your friends to make the switch to banking Black. Let's look at some of the reasons to fall in love with mobile banking, and maybe it'll be easier to convince your friends and family to do the same.

It's Efficient. There's no need to run to a branch location or go through the process of logging in through your mobile browser, the app is your bank. Not only can you manage your normal, every day banking needs, but you can do it without disrupting the rest of your daily schedule. Banking Black is easier than ever.

Bank Anywhere. With access to over 30,000 surcharge free ATMs nationwide our customers are familiar with accessibility… and mobile banking extends that capability. Whether you're traveling, moving out of the country, or possibly skydiving with an itch to check your balance, all your banking needs are at your fingertips. Enjoy the same services and features anywhere you are.

Products & Services. Like we said before mobile banking allows you to access all the services of the bank, created with the intention to ease the process of banking activities that previously would have forced you to go to a physical location. As technology grows so does what you can do with the app, like as remote deposit capture, which allows you to deposit your check by simply taking a picture of it through you mobile device. How convenient is that?

Secure. The common hesitation with mobile banking is usually the question, “just how safe is it…really?” Well, we can guarantee that every time you use the app your privacy is not only protected but all information shared between your mobile device and our banking servers is encrypted. Furthermore, we require that you authenticate yourself upon each/any mobile device using your online banking information as a safeguard for your account and information.

No fees. Yes, you read that right, there are no fees associated with mobile banking. Unlike fees associated with banking, such as maintenance, ATM, or paper statement fees. There are no surprises here, although, you should check with your phone carrier to be aware of any stipulations attached to using the app.

Control. The most significant feature of mobile banking is intangible because it's the newfound control you have over your finances. Monitoring your spending and account balances becomes second nature due to the ease of access. Finally bought that flat screen that might've cost a little too much? Grab your phone and immediately check your balance. Transferring money to your savings to save you from yourself? It can be done at the click of a button. You've always controlled your finances, now control the way you bank.

As the age of information only grows, so does our ability to elevate systems that have been in place for decades. Our first level up was turning our customers into advocates, to share the message of banking Black, and circulating your dollars back into our communities, now it's reaching another height with mobile banking.

From efficiency to accessibility and control, #BankBlack your way, right from the palm of your hand.

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7 tips to planning a bathroom renovation

When planning a bathroom renovation, you need to choose a design option that meets your existing and future needs. This may be a simple renovation to replace fixtures or a complex project to change the layout and enlarge the bathroom.

Our guide to planning a bathroom renovation will give you plenty of food for thought so you can decide how to proceed.

1. Bathroom layout

Think about your current bathroom layout. Is it flexible enough to meet your existing or future needs for space and storage? Is there anything about the layout that bothers you, e.g. perhaps it's noticeably cold or drafty while taking a bath or feels cramped and poky?

Get a bathroom designer in to assess the structure carefully so you know the limits of your bathroom. The proposed renovation must either fit the existing structure or the required structural changes must be possible. They can also draw you up a basic draft of the best layout for the space.

2. Fixtures

When it comes to fixtures, it's a good idea to create a wish list of everything you want in your bathroom reno. After all, modern bathrooms are all about pampering, as well as functionality.

Even if you have to cut your list back at a later date due to budget or size constraints, at least it'll be a conscious decision, and not because you didn't realise you could have it.

Fixtures you might want to consider for a new layout include:

His & hers sinks Free standing bath Whirlpool tub Shower or bath niche Twin showers New toilet Underfloor heating Heated towel rail Adding windows or skylights New ventilation fan.

3. Lighting

The right lighting can make a huge difference to the final look and functionality of your bathroom. So this should be an important consideration and not just an afterthought.

Think about the existing lighting. Is it visually pleasing or is it outdated? Does it use energy efficiently? Does it give out adequate light or do you need more overall light or task lighting?

Ideally, a bathroom should have a few layers of lighting including:

Ambient – such as recessed fixtures or wall sconces

Task – to illuminate the vanity mirror

Decorative – for adding interest to the space

In a bathroom reno, a lighting update may be as simple as replacing the existing fixtures with new ones or as complex as a complete redesign. If you're adding a lot of new features, then you may need new wiring and outlets for increased loads (e.g. whirlpool tubs or underfloor heating).

4. Colour ideas

Choosing a colour scheme is one of the most important factors of a bathroom reno. The right colours will make you want to spend time in your new bathroom, not avoid it.

You may have set ideas on the colours you want to use, or you may need more time to research ideas on interior decorating sites.

If you're not sure where to start or don't want to get it wrong, here are some ideas to help you out:

Use colour cues from materials you've already chosen, e.g. tile tones, marble veins.

Carry a colour palette through from another room in the house, e.g. the kitchen for cohesion and flow.

Create a mood board of tile, paint and fabric samples, so you can see how it all looks together.

Use neutrals, such as grey and white, as your base and add colours with accessories like towels, a pot plant, or fancy hand wash.

5. Storage requirements

Not enough bathroom storage is a common complaint for many homeowners. So make sure your new bathroom takes care of all your storage needs.

Think about how many people will use the bathroom on a regular basis. If it's an ensuite for a master bedroom, for example, then you won't need as much storage as a family bathroom does.

What items do you want to store in the bathroom for ease of access: towels, toilet paper, extra shampoo, toothpaste?

What kind of storage do you want, inbuilt or freestanding? Even if you have a small bathroom you can get creative by adding inset shelving to a wall, a corner or above the doorway.

6. Tiling height

Choosing the right tiling height is important when renovating because it will affect the overall look and feel of the bathroom. As well as the cost.

You can tile to a certain level, for example, to the top of the window or door architrave. You can also have different tiling levels in the one bathroom or you can tile to the ceiling. All will have a different effect on how the bathroom will look.

Speak to a bathroom designer about tiling to get professional advice on what will work in your space.

7. What to budget?

A complete bathroom renovation, in general, cost you between $20,000 and $30,000, a luxury bathroom renovation over $50,000.

At the end of the day, the overall cost estimate of the bathroom renovation will be affected by how labour intensive it is, (e.g. tilers, plumbers, builders) and the how many luxury features you add.

To keep within your budget, prioritise your wishlist and avoid a bathroom renovation blowout by:

Making a plan and sticking to it

Keeping to the layout you have rather than restructuring

Shopping around for the best price on fixtures

Using reputable tradespeople who stick to budgets

Not overspending on designer fixtures.

If you'd like to find out what's possible in terms of a bathroom renovation in your space, get in touch with the team at Bubbles Bathrooms today – we look forward to hearing from you!

The post 7 tips to planning a bathroom renovation appeared first on Bubbles Bathrooms.

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Planning Your Yard for the New Year

You've probably heard the saying “new year, new you”, but have you thought about the saying “new year, new yard”? The new year is a great time to take on new projects and to better yourself and space around you. Here are some steps for planning your new yard:

Gather Some Ideas

The first step to planning your new yard is to get a good idea of what you want for your space. You can do this by looking around for inspiration. Start with your friends and family; has anyone you know done any lawn makeovers recently? Was there anything specific that you liked or wanted to include in your space? You can also go online to look for inspiration. Look at websites, like Pinterest, and galleries of landscaping companies to pick ideas that you want to include in your space. It is a good idea to keep a compilation of your thoughts and photos or links to things that you may want to add. The more organized you are with this part of the process, the better off you will be when it comes to executing your landscaping.

Evaluate Your Wants and Needs

There are certain things that need to be included in your landscape- space for pets and children to play, adequate lighting, safe walkways, etc. There are also things that you want to be included in your space such as pools, water features, and gazebos. Write a list of all of your needs and a list of all of your reasonable wants, and start planning on what you can reasonably fit into your space. It is important to be practical and to understand that not everything will fit into your yard. You will need to prioritize what you think will most benefit you, your yard, and your family. Once you have a concrete list of what you do and do not want to be included, you can start planning.

Look into Local Landscapers

Once you have an idea of what you want for your yard and the different aspects that you want to include, it is time to look for a good landscaper. To do this, it is important to ask around for recommendations and to read online reviews. Reviews are a great way to get honest feedback and first-hand experiences about what people were happy and unhappy with in regards to their landscaping experience. Make sure to look for photos of past projects and to seek out workers with good reputations and beautiful work. The better the company you work with, the better overall experience you will have with creating a new yard for the new year.

Build a Timeline

Now that you have your ideas, your wants, your needs, and a trusted landscaper to work with, it is time to create a realistic timeline. Some landscaping projects are going to take longer than others. For instance, a pool installation will take much more time than adding some new foliage. Plan your timeline accordingly. If you want to enjoy your brand new patio for the summertime, make sure that you are making the plans to build it in the early months of spring. Having a timeline established will ensure that you get the absolute most out of your backyard remodel.

Fill Out Our Vision Planner

When you know what you want and when you want it, the next step is to fill out our Vision Planner. Your Vision Planner will help us to understand the details of your project and will help us get an idea of the total price of your remodel. The vision planner tool is thorough and effective and will help us to get on the same page as you so that we can begin your landscape transformation. You can fill out the Vision Planner here.

The new year is a time of new beginnings, and your yard should be no exception. 2019 is the year to get the landscape of your dreams, and we are here to help make that happen. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions about our services, please do not hesitate to call us at (440) 543-0500.

The post Planning Your Yard for the New Year appeared first on Cleveland Landscaping and Snow Removal.

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How Much Does Landscape Design Cost?

How Much Does Landscape Design Cost In Portland

Sample Landscape Design

Updated 12/18 to reflect the current cost of landscape design.

When you hire a landscape designer you are paying them to develop a plan for your property. This usually involves drawings that show your landscape from above. You can see placement and relative sizes of proposed elements. Plants are placed, lighting fixtures are specified- the irrigation system layout may even be involved. This design, once in hand, can be given to licensed landscape contractors to bid and install.

But what does it  actually cost to get a landscape design completed?

In general, a full landscape design will cost $500 - $5000. (Ross NW Watergardens usually charges between $1500 and $3000.) Some landscape designers charge an initial consultation fee, ranging from $100 - $250. (We have no initial consultation fee.) What factors affect price?

Modern Landscape Design by Ben Bowen of Ross NW Watergardens

The designer's credentials. Landscape designers can become accredited or certified through a number of organizations. These can be an indicator of experience and skill- they are definitely a cost, which probably gets reflected in their price. A landscape designer with a long career, good reputation, established network, and impressive portfolio is certainly going to cost more. And if your designer is actually a landscape architect, then expect to pay towards the high end of the range above.

Your property. Large properties require large amounts of time at the drafting table or computer and will cost more. Properties with a lot of slopes, existing mature landscapes, extra environmental concerns, or other challenges will push the price up.

Your desires. Sometimes clients call looking for a landscape design, but really just need a planting plan. Basic improvements can be easily worked out and are towards the lower end of the cost spectrum. If you want an outdoor kitchen, deck, water feature, lighting, shed, and whatever else? That's a lot of moving parts and the design fee will reflect that.

Landscape style. Purity is one of the most expensive things in design. An authentic English or Japanese garden takes a lot of knowledge, planning, and skill. A design that prioritizes modern lines, native plantings, wildlife, or low water use narrows options and challenges a designer. We enjoy these kinds of challenges- but they come at a cost.

There are obviously a lot of factors that effect what you pay for a landscape design. But, with the knowledge above you at least have an idea of what your design project could cost. The only way to find out for sure is to contact a local landscape designer and ask!

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What Are You Content With Right Now?

Oh the gloriousness of a fresh new year… a blank slate!

So many goals, resolutions, and aspirations.

So many things we want to change.

Maybe this is the year you're finally going to:

put more into your savings account

pay off debt

lose those last 10 (or 50) pounds

start eating healthier

join a gym and actually go each week

get more organized

better manage your time

start up the business you've talked about for years

finally ask for that promotion at work

heal a broken relationship

start (or finish) a big home renovation

revamp your wardrobe

simplify your beauty routine

get more involved in your church or school

start up a local charity

volunteer more

I'm sure you have a long list!

These are all fantastic goals and aspirations… I certainly do NOT want to deter you from working towards fulfilling something you feel very passionate about.

However, before we get too carried away making all sorts of changes and “improvements”, I'd like to encourage you to stop and note at least 5 things you are currently very content with.

What do you do really well?

What do you love about your life?

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What are your favorite physical features?

What space in your home gives you the most joy?

What (or who) makes you happiest each day?

What is one thing you definitely do NOT want to change?

What area of your life are you completely satisfied with?

.

With all the busyness of the holiday season - trying to make an appearance at every event, buying the “perfect” gifts, sending color-coordinated Christmas cards, making the most appetizing meals, hosting the best parties - followed by the pressure of making the most ambitious New Years resolutions or setting the most impressive goals, it can be easy to lose sight of everything we have to be thankful and grateful for.

Consider today's post a little exercise in contentment that will hopefully help you to destress, relax, slow down, regroup, and feel satisfied with yourself today (and moving forward) instead of only thinking of everything you want to change or improve. 

There is plenty of time for change and improvement this year (I fully encourage you to push forward with your goals) but for today, just take a deep breath and enjoy anything you are perfectly content with right now.

Even if you can only think of 5 teeny tiny things, it's nice to know we are content with something! 

I realize many of the thoughts floating around in your head right now might be very personal - but if there's something you'd like to share (or just put in writing) feel free to leave it in the comments!

What are YOU most content with right now?

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The post What Are You Content With Right Now? appeared first on Andrea Dekker.

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Magic Moisturizer is Here! + Orange-Tahini Mousse

Happy 2019, friends! Hope you've been having an inspiring beginning to the year. Today we're excited to announce that a small batch of our Magic Moisturizer is now available for sale, as per your amazing feedback. You can read all about it here (and get the recipe if you want to make it yourself), but basically, it's been our go-to skincare product for the past few years. It's made with all-natural ingredients that we find to be super nourishing and hydrating for all different types of skin, and it has the most luxurious texture and scent. Click here to go to our shop. Since Magic Moisturizer is like skin food, made with all food-grade ingredients, we were inspired to create a dessert recipe, celebrating two of the star ingredients in the formula: cacao butter and citrus. The result is this dreamy Orange-Tahini Mousse that takes minutes to put together.

The lush ingredients in the Magic Moisturizer are: organic raw cacao butter, organic virgin coconut oil, beeswax, organic olive oil, organic jojoba oil, organic calendula oil, organic vitamin E oil, organic rosehip oil, distilled water, and essential oils of blood orange, Italian lemon, lavender, carrot seed, and clary sage, all of which have balancing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. Our friends love it, and it's been reported to help with cold sores, eczema, and chronically dry skin. We're so excited to share it as a physical offering! Now on to the mousse. To make it, shredded cacao butter, orange juice and zest, tahini, cashews, and maple syrup get whipped into oblivion in a high-speed blender. Distribute that mixture among little cups or ramekins, let it set in the fridge for about an hour, and you'll have the most amazing, cloud-like mousse that tastes like pure heaven. We have people coming over tonight, and I've got a batch cooling in the fridge for a simple but elegant finish to our meal. Seriously can't wait. Hope you enjoy the recipe, and look out for a new meal plan coming next week :)

   Orange-Tahini Mousse

  Print

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons orange juice (from about 3 organic oranges)

zest from 1 organic orange, plus more for garnish

½ cup cashews - soaked in purified water for 1-2 hours or in boiling water for 15 minutes

¼ cup maple syrup

5 tablespoons shaved or finely chopped raw cacao butter (leveled, not heaping)

4 tablespoons tahini (leveled, not heaping)

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients, except the orange zest, in a high-speed blender. Blend on high for about 30 seconds to a minute, until completely smooth. Add the orange zest and pulse on low, until just incorporated.

Distribute the mixture between about 4 ramekins or small cups. Refrigerate for an hour, or until completely set and enjoy, garnished with more zest. After the mousse has been refrigerated for a while, remove from the refrigerator about 5 minutes prior to eating.

3.5.3226

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The post Magic Moisturizer is Here! + Orange-Tahini Mousse appeared first on Golubka Kitchen.

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Why a Bad Drip Sequence Is Worse than No Drip Sequence

We've all been there.

Tempted by that perfect piece of content, we gladly offer up our email addresses, only to regret it later. With each generic, templated email we receive, we're one step closer to hitting the unsubscribe button.

Well, guess what. If you can sniff out a mass email from a mile away - so can your leads. Because the one thing we seem to keep forgetting is that no two subscribers are ever the same, and over-relying on the same played-out drip sequence won't help you win their loyalty.

But what if you could close more deals with less effort by simply using your tech tools more intentionally?

If you're looking for ways to use automation to connect with your leads on a deeper, more human level - keep reading. We've got some proven tips to help you use tech for good.

Real estate drip campaigns are not a cure-all

Before we dive deeper into how to fix your drip campaigns, let's talk a little more about why they're broken in the first place. Because the irony is, we all know we need to nurture our leads. We've heard it a million times.

We've read all about the business owners who make 50% more sales at 33% less cost because of their awesomely warmed-up databases. And the 18X more revenue targeted emails can bring. But these results often feel like they're meant for someone else, someone who has more time, more resources, or both.

So what most of us end up doing is set up an automated drip sequence, and walk away. We feel good about having ticked another box off the “should-do” marketing list, but deep down, we wonder how effective it'll actually be.

Because the truth is, in today's always-on age of chatbots and social media, having a drip campaign for the sake of simply “staying in front of” your prospects no longer makes sense.

Buyers are more empowered than ever before. And though the volume of homes hasn't changed all that much (we're looking at the first major market shift in a decade), the ways in which we sell those homes have changed dramatically.

It's time come out and say it: All this technology is making agents lazy.

To be fair, maybe “overwhelmed” is a better word. But whichever way you cut it, not calling leads, ignoring emails and sending the same generic auto-responder to all prospects just proves most agents don't really understand their leads - and worse, they're not concerned with making themselves truly valuable to their prospects.

Still, the numbers don't lie. 80% of marketing automation users have seen an increase in leads, and 77% have seen the number of conversions increase. The question isn't whether or not you should use technology - obviously, this stuff works.

The real question is this:

How can you use technology to stay one step ahead of the competitors, disruptors and ultra-informed leads who are permanently changing the way homes are bought and sold?

Scrap the generic drip sequence and close more deals

From VR property viewings to transaction management via the blockchain, most agents are afraid of being replaced by technology.

According to Joshua Smith coach, mentor and host of the #1 Most Downloaded Real Estate Agent Podcast, GSD Mode, “There are several things happening in our industry currently. First, we have a market shift that is taking place, but this is nothing new for our industry, just remember: 'There Is No Such Thing as a Bad Market, It Is Always Good for Someone'. As Real Estate Agents, we need to identify who the market is good for and adapt to serve their needs. That's how you thrive in shifts.”

As disruptors continue to shake up even the most tried and true industry best practices, experts like Joshua say that what separates the winning agents from the rest is whether or not you can resist the urge to bury your head in the sand. “We need to take massive action on this as the future role of the real estate agent depends on it,” says Joshua.

Segment your list based on what really matters

Let's imagine a perfect scenario where prospects walk right into your office with a complete profile including details about their knowledge of your brand, level of interest in buying or selling, what type of house they're into, budget, etc. That'd be amazing, right?

But since it's rarely (if ever) the case that you have that much intel, you need to put a real effort into narrowing down your lead segments based on what you do know about them. Then, regroup your sales and marketing efforts to consistently deliver what they want, when they want it.

Most CRMs allow you to get extremely specific, narrowing it down to:

Demographics: Income, Family size, Occupation, Gender, Race, Generation

Geographic aspects: School district, Neighborhood, Employer, City

Psychographic aspects: Pet owners, Lifestyle seekers, Friends/Family in the neighborhood, etc.

In Follow Up Boss, we think a simple approach is best:

Lead type: New leads, buyer leads, seller leads, past clients and of course, hot leads

Lead behavior: Price, lead stage, last activity

No matter which of the hundreds of CRMs you've singled out as the one that'll work for you and your team, it should be flexible enough to adapt to the real-world behaviors of your leads - and your team - so that you're always ready to act anytime a lead takes a big leap forward in their buying journey.

Keep your emails succinct and human

There's something about the 9-Word Email that makes it so effective.

Business owners who use it say the engagement with their leads is higher and that leads convert faster. So next time you're sending out an email, why not try it out?

You could write something simple like, “Are you still interested in housing in South Carolina?” or “Have you seen our new listings in Wrigleyville, Chicago?”

In Follow Up Boss, you can create Smart Lists of segmented leads and send tailored follow up emails your leads will actually reply to. Here's a quick example:

Hey [Lead Name], I've been sending you new listings for a little while now and just wanted to check in to make sure I'm sending the kinds of houses you're interested in. Want me to make some adjustments? Or any you'd like to schedule a showing of?

[Agent Name]

Let's not forget, one of the main reasons consumers love technology is because it's so simple to get a fast, frictionless reply. Make it easy and they won't be able to resist.

Plus, all customers care about the little things. Let's say you've closed a sale - this doesn't mean your work is done.

Show your gratitude by using a personalized drip campaign to send a short “Thank you for trusting us” email, then add your new customer into a past client follow up sequence that includes a mix of direct mail, phone and email correspondence. Trust us, it will make a difference.

Never forget the power of face-to-face interaction

We obviously believe technology is a force for good. But even we have to admit that it comes with a serious downside.

For one, nearly half of the US population is lonely.

No matter how many awesome tech tools are at our disposal, nothing can replace human connection. Successful real estate agents know it's important to truly connect with their leads and clients - on the phone, via video and, not least, in person.

Want more on how to win with video? See how agents like Taylor Hack, Team Leader of HACK&Co use video to build a personal connection with leads.

Leading agents use tools like BombBomb to put a face to their drip campaigns, making it that much easier to stand out above the noise get a face-to-face appointment. In fact, even simply using the word “video” in your subject line can boost open rates by 19% and clickthrough rates by 65%.

This stuff is powerful.

For times when you can't connect in person, sending a quick, personalized thank you video message is the next best thing. And if you want to get even more personal with your leads, check out how real estate agent Kinny Landrum uses BombBomb to send (belated but still awesome) birthday wishes.

Your focus is all you have

With technology taking over industry after industry, it's natural to feel a bit uneasy. But whatever you do, don't waste your time focusing on the wrong things. Because at the end of the day, your focus is the only thing that matters.

It's the one thing you can count on to make sure that every time you pick up the phone, text a reply or hit send on an email, the person on the other side knows you're worth their time. So focus your full attention on the people who are most ready to buy. And do it every day.

For everyone else, take a day or two to step out of the chaos and create a truly relevant drip sequence that delivers value at every step of the journey. Keep them short, sweet and use the tools available to you to show them you're a real person with real insights they can rely on. Automation is here to help you with that. But it can't do it all on its own.

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Scenes from a Nursery Trade Show

The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show is happening in Baltimore this week, and garden communicators (formerly “writers”) were there in droves! Here we all are at the breakfast event for media. Well, here they all are – I'd already started canvassing the vendor booths for familiar faces and interesting stuff to post about.

GardenRanter Scott Beuerlein was there, too and he's actually in the photo – back row, right of center.

So who should I spot right away but these titans of the plant world greeting each other like the old pals we know them to be. That's Dr. Michael Dirr on the left with Dr. Allan Armitage, both of the University of Georgia.

What followed was the taking of lots of posed photos like this one, but the one I wish I'd gotten included a guy I later learned was UGA Coach Vince Dooley, who's famous for his garden.

I visited Carolyn Mullet and her Carex Tours booth to chat a bit and give me an excuse to recommend her European garden tours with their emphasis on great design.

I stopped here to ask the succulent expert how to keep alive the succulent houseplants I got for Christmas, which are suffering already. More on that in an upcoming post.

I have recycled Adirondack chairs like these in a wonderful color and was pleased to see all sorts of other furniture options now available in similar materials and colors. They last a lifetime with no maintenance and are comfy.

I caught up with Mark Highland of Organic Mechanics (right) and was happy to hear business is good.

This fabulous booth introduced me to a garden center not far from me – so yay!

Best Bees is an urban beekeeping service that's exhibiting at MANTS for the first time. I hope they're having a great show!

I stopped at Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon hoping to see owner Dan Heims, who's been having health problems. He wasn't there but I learned that he's planning to attend an IPM conference in Germany soon, so his spirits seem to be good.

This is what even moderate-size trees look like when wrapped for moving and planting. I was told it weighs 3,800 pounds. Do not try this at home.

The Kurt Bluemel booth is always attractive and a reminder of how much the founder is missed. (See Alan Bush's lovely tribute in memoriam.) I learned that the fellow in this shot is Kurt's grandson.

Author David Culp was manning the booth for Sunny Border Nurseries and whatever they're paying him, he deserves a raise because the man can SELL. I left feeling guilty that I'm not interested enough in snowdrops (galanthus) to attend a whole conference about them (while applauding plant geeks who specialize in them, or really anything).

I'm a fan of Sandy's Plants in my home town of Richmond, VA. Visitors get to drive around the nursery in individual golf carts! And it's just five minutes from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

I was hoping to see the super-fun Lloyd Tavern at his Peace Tree Farm booth but he was busy working the floor.

Now THIS was interesting – these magazines about the green industry include Cannabis and Dispensary. They serve the fastest growing segment of the hort biz, the growing and selling of cannabis. (If you've seen a book store lately and they have a gardening section at all, it's probably filling up with pot-growing books.)

Kudos to Southern Living Plant Collection for a gorgeous display.

At the large Knock Out Rose booth I asked a bunch of questions about rose rosette disease and will be posting about the answers soon.

The National Arboretum booth was a sad reminder of the political storm brewing in nearby D.C. It's closed for the shutdown, with only friends-group volunteers available to man the booth.

Lots of garden-communicator pals were stopping at the GardenComm booth (formerly Garden Writers) to greet president Becky Heath and let her talk them into speaking on camera about the organization. Here's Pat Stone of Greensprints Magazine stepping up to the challenge.

This Halloween-packed booth was one of many selling nonplant-related STUFF that's so important to the business of independent garden centers.

So what's missing from this photo-packed post? Shots of the vast majority (maybe 98%) of the booths that sell products of no interest or relevance to home gardeners at all. This show is for the trade, not us. So I just breezed by all the nursery irrigation systems and the dozens of Christmas tree growers and made it home before dark.

Wait! I found one more shot of a bunch of garden communicators lunching together that doesn't include me – because I'd just left the group. I'm sure that wasn't deliberate.

Until next January, that's all from the show (unless Scott has his own report. It was his very first MANTS.)

I love this event and the three media events and parties that come with it (thank you, event people!). It's an emotional lift in the midst of winter. And it makes me really happy to be part of the wonderful this world of plant people. I found my peeps.

For our Feedblitz subscribers, the author of this post is Susan Harris.

Scenes from a Nursery Trade Show originally appeared on GardenRant on January 11, 2019.

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How to Remove Coffee Stains and Messes in the Office

Coffee is a staple that can be found in nearly all office buildings. Unfortunately, numerous people walking around with their coveted cups of Joe are bound to leave behind coffee rings on tables, stains on carpet and spills on upholstery. Coffee stains are pretty much inevitable, so you need to know how to handle these common office mishaps.

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Friday Flash: Dude…

“We are proud of the work we have done with Upstream to help them gain their footing and reach this next phase of their launch, and we are pleased that a new plan is being implemented that will propel them forward and help them become the tool we've always envisioned they would be for our members,” said NAR CEO Bob Goldberg.

“This project has been an amazing opportunity to drive innovation and conversation among our brokerage community and gain their input into building the tools they use every day in their business. As I've said since the beginning of my tenure as CEO, we are not in the business of inventing at NAR; we've supported Upstream to the extent that makes sense for both our strategic missions and now it is time for them to step out on their own.”

What's always made me mad about RPR isn't that it never should have existed in the first place.

It's the arrogance that gets me.

The quotes above, from this week's announcement that RPR is no longer Upstream's development partner, mark a multi-year, $13 million-dollar failure that's just the spoiled garnish on a plate of disaster.

RPR loses millions in member dues money and falls down on a commitment to brokers and NAR's CEO is “proud”?

This was an “amazing opportunity to drive innovation and conversation”?

Dude…

This is an affront to every hump-busting Realtor out there; every broker who bought into the vision of Upstream; everyone who believes, as I do, that there's more at stake here than face-saving.

More broadly, it's this type of stuff that makes one think that NAR is wholly unprepared to reckon with not just the future, but its own present.

And that's a problem you can't smooth over with a press release.

…

Of course, the question on everyone's mind is who is Upstream's new mystery partner? I don't know, but my guess is Moxiworks. They're broker-owned, free from significant MLS industry conflicts and know the space well.

…

If you want to see Apple-quality stagecraft in real estate, watch this video of a recent Compass event. Whether you love or loathe this company, it's a master class in knowing your audience. The pacing, sequence and modulation of emotion is tuned perfectly.

…

Homebot won the Realogy FWD startup pitch event a few weeks ago. I like this company a lot. They produce very detailed, very smart property analyses that real estate agents and loan officers send to homeowners. This includes what you might expect (a value estimate, estimated equity, etc.) but also much more (refi scenarios, a mortgage prepayment analysis – even estimated Airbnb rental earnings). It's all done very smoothly. Lots of data is tied together under the surface. And it's well designed.

Products like this have existed for a long time (CoreLogic's ePropertyWatch is the most widely used) but Homebot has surpassed them.

I have always said that whoever masters loyalty in real estate wins. This is a good tool to use if you agree with me.

…

I am starting to think that ibuyers are a hack to the real estate industry's peculiar structure, not a replacement. Because the incumbent business model is so durable, so diffuse and embedded, these new companies have needed to create a structure that doesn't eliminate it, but sits slightly above it like an elevated freeway spans a chaotic, congested cityscape.

People on the streets below flow on and off this new structure (agents help sell ibuyer listings, or refer out sellers to ibuyers) and user experience is generally improved (people get to where they want to go faster with less wear and tear).

Opendoor's recent adjustment to include agents in their listing process illustrates this.

This isn't without consequence for agents and brokers, of course. They stand, in some cases, like main street merchants, to make less money because of the freeway's existence. But I am not seeing this as a zero-sum sort of story.

This picture should get much clearer in the coming year.

Enjoy the weekend.

The post Friday Flash: Dude… appeared first on 1000watt.

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❤️ DIY Printed Valentine Ribbon

       Love is in the air!

Click here to read the rest of this post...

Homeroad

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Lift Up Cabinet Doors

These lift up cabinet doors have me thinking: If manufacturers would spend the amount of time writing their hardware installation instructions as it took me to figure out how to install their hardware, it wouldn't take me so long to install their hardware!

The post Lift Up Cabinet Doors appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.