Blog - 30A Local Properties

5 Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Is Leaking

Sometimes dishwashers can begin to leak for seemingly no apparent reason. If yours leaks while it’s in use here are some possible problems to troubleshoot. Faulty Door Latch A latch keeps your dishwasher door closed during a wash cycle. If it becomes loose, and your dishwasher door opens too easily, water can escape. Install a new latch for tighter closure. Drainage Problems If water inside your dishwasher doesn’t drain sufficiently during a wash cycle the water level can rise higher than it should. You should check the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub for clogs that could hinder … Continue reading...

Need to Stop Cracks in Your Concrete Patio? Here’s a 5-Step Fix

Whether your exterior concrete surface is a porch, patio, or a sidewalk cracks can develop with time—even if the surfaces are properly sealed. But it doesn’t take a whole lot of work to seal cracks. It’s important that you address them as soon as you can, though, because the longer they go untreated the larger and more difficult they become to repair. So here’s a five-step fix. Make sure your concrete is clean and dry and that outdoor temperatures are at least between 40 and 95 degrees. This may sound counterintuitive, but if the crack is narrow use a hammer to chisel it open to about ¼ … Continue reading...

What Is Hollywood Regency Style?

Hollywood Regency is a style that’s defined by glitz and glamor galore. Deep bold colors, reflective and metallic surfaces, and rich textures are staples of this design. It's a lot of look and it translates well to the big screen, but how do you adapt this Hollywood narrative to fit your home's contemporary storyline? Follow these suggestions to incorporate some Hollywood Regency style in a way that's modern, fresh, and timeless. Vibrant Colors Bold colors are hallmarks of Regency style. When it comes to integrating bold hues into your decor designers suggest you take a measured approach. … Continue reading...

Interested in a New Houseplant? Consider These 3 Things Before You Bring It Home

When you’re at the local nursery and you’re eyeing a houseplant, or a few houseplants, to beautify the inside of your home consider these three things before you make that purchase. Pets and Kids Make sure the plants you’re thinking about bringing home aren’t toxic to your pets. You can verify whether or not the plants are poisonous to your dogs and cats with a simple search on the ASPCA’s database (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Your pets may not appreciate the beauty of your new find, but they will appreciate your efforts to keep them safe. If you’ve got … Continue reading...

5 Bedroom Do’s and Don’ts for a Restful Space

Your bedroom is your sanctuary—a space to rest and renew. A room where you retreat after a long day, or take a respite from the hustle and bustle of a full house. So when you step into your space it should feel peaceful and welcoming. To make the most of your bedroom consider these do's and don'ts. Do: Use All the Right Hues To create a restful atmosphere in your boudoir experts recommend using a monochromatic color palette. Blues, soft greens, and lavenders conjure feelings of calm and serenity, while earthy colors like amber, brown, or persimmon evoke a sense of coziness and warmth. Steer … Continue reading...

Looking for a Good Contractor? Here’s What to Expect

If you’re planning a home renovation but you’re unsure of how to spot a good contractor, don’t worry. In a recent post for DIY Network home improvement expert Mike Holmes shares advice about what you should look for in a reputable, skilled contractor, and how to determine the right amount to pay for your project. We highlight his points for you here. Skilled Contractors Are in High Demand Depending on the number of messages they receive it’s not unusual for a licensed tradesperson to take a few days to answer your inquiry, says Holmes, since the average contractor is in business as an … Continue reading...

5 Clever Ways to Use Baking Soda in the Kitchen

Baking soda isn’t just for deodorizing your fridge. Check out these clever uses. Removing Onion and Garlic Odors From Your Hands No, it’s not too good to be true. Baking soda can remove the pungent onion and garlic odors that typically linger on your hands after meal prep. It’s simple. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and vigorously rub it all over your hands for at least 30 to 45 seconds. Wash with hand soap, dry, and try not to be amazed. Freshening Sponges Over time sponges collect odors, but they’re easily remedied. Mix 2 quarts of warm water with ½ cup of baking soda in … Continue reading...

4 Year-Round Lawn Care Tips for Your Home Along 30A

Who doesn’t want a green lawn with lush, carpet-like grass to enhance their landscape and home? Follow these lawn care tips and you can be well on your way. Maintain a Sharp Mower Blade It’s important to keep the blade of your lawnmower sharp. This will ensure that you cut the blades of your grass cleanly and not tear them, which can create openings for diseases and pests. Cut Your Grass to the Ideal Height Knowing the optimal mowing height for your type of grass is important. For example, with warm-season grasses the turf height varies by type and can range from 1 to 4 inches. Be sure to … Continue reading...

4 Signs You May Need a New Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is on the blink, sometimes all it takes is the replacement of a bad capacitor, a faulty condenser pump, or the fix of a leak to get it back on track. Sometimes, though, the fix isn’t so straightforward and your unit needs to be replaced. Consider these warning signs that you may need a new AC. Your Unit Is Older Than Your Teenager Most conventional air conditioners last between 12 to 15 years. If your AC unit is more than 15 years old be mindful that if it begins to consistently fail it may be near the end of its useful life. Your System Becomes Noisy As your … Continue reading...

3 Things to Consider When You’re Updating Your Backyard Design

You may be rethinking how you currently use the backyard of your home. Take a critical look at your yard. Are you making the best use of space? Do you have the features you want? Which aspects of your property can you play up, and which less desirable ones can you play down? As you map out a new design give the following questions some thought. What Are the Plusses and Minuses of Your Backyard? Every yard has its strengths and weaknesses. Does your backyard offer little privacy between you and the neighbors? Perhaps a privacy fence, or privacy trees are in order. Does your property back up … Continue reading...