Keep Your Neighbors From Hating You

You are ready to sign the papers and start the big home improvement project. Maybe you are gutting your kitchen. Or knocking out walls to open up your space. Or your dream pool is going in. Unfortunately, construction is loud and dirty, which are big annoyances if you live in a quiet and tidy neighborhood.

Here are a few tips to keep the peace:

~~Talk to your neighbors

Understanding the project’s scope ahead of time can be helpful to work around the noise, dust, and general disruption. So get in touch with your neighbors before the project begins.

Regular communication is important. How much longer will the giant dumpster be in your driveway? Has the timeline changed?

You may also need to keep your HOA in the loop.

~~Demolition and dust

Demolition also creates lots of dust. If the homes are very close together, ask your contractor to take precautions to keep most of the mess on your property. For example, wetting the construction site every day to dampen particles and keep them from flying around.

~~Handling the construction noise

All that pounding from construction can seriously get on your nerves. Let your neighbors know when the job site will be particularly noisy. Be aware of what times construction noise can start and end. Find out on what days of the week noise is permitted. (Many places don’t allow construction on Sundays, for instance.)

~~Share contact info

If you will not be home while most of the work is being done, give your neighbors the contractor’s name and number so they contact them if there’s an emergency.

And some good advice for you:

Construction is temporary. Try not to let every little thing bother you. When it gets noisy, consider putting on headphones (noise-canceling ones would be nice) and playing music. Or, during the height of construction, get outside and take a nature walk. If you’re working from home, plan to go to the local coffee shop for a few hours to concentrate and grab a cup of joe.

Big projects aren’t fun, but remember that once completed the value of your home increases — which then increases the value of your neighbor’s as well!

What Color Is Your Front Door?

Here are some popular colors and what they say about you:

White -- The most common of all front door colors says you might be a neat freak, or just really into modern Scandinavian design. White indicates sterility, cleanliness, and simplicity. On the flip side, it can also say “this homeowner is way too obsessed with cleaning her baseboards” and might make visitors nervous about making a mess.

Yellow -- Looking for curb appeal that stands out on your block? This bold paint color certainly makes an impression as an exterior door. Yellow is linked to optimism and extraversion. Guests will expect sunny rooms and cheerful decor inside. Don’t splash it everywhere, though—it looks best as a spot of front door color against a home with darker siding. If you cover the whole exterior of the house, it can indicate irrationality and anxiety.

Black -- What’s more stately than a solid black front door? If you’re looking for a paint color that connotes seriousness, this one’s for you. This traditional color often seems formal, but you can add a playful tone with a modern black door against a colorful exterior. Covered with a shiny veneer, this black is definitely glamorous—and might make your home appear safer and well-protected.

Wood -- Don’t want to paint? Unpainted wood conveys a more relaxed atmosphere, with a rustic appeal that’s both cozy and welcoming—and it probably might your siding (bonus!).

Red-- The Chinese design philosophy of feng shui considers red front doors lucky if they’re facing south or southwest. Even if your home faces another direction, this conventional paint color is often linked with things like action, making dwellers seem like “real go-getters.” Want to seem vibrant and exciting without going too wild? This might be a good bet for your front door.

WWOWT

Wonderful World of Window Treatments

Can’t Sleep Because There Is Too Much Light?

Just like the right vitamins and adequate exercise, the right amount of light is proving to be an essential element for optimal health. Not surprisingly, natural sunlight delivers the entire spectrum of light needed to cue your body’s circadian rhythms, which control your sleep/wake cycles. The first rays of dawn, the bright indoor light of your local coffee shop, the direct task lighting at your desk—these are all cues to your eyes and brain that it’s time to wake and work. Conversely, dim light, soft shadows and complete darkness help signal our bodies that it’s time to rest.

So how do you ACHIEVE UNPARALLELED DARKNESS?

Fitting securely into the window frame, the Duette^® LightLock™ system is the only one of its kind to provide such darkening effects. Its innovative U-shaped side channels feature a black, ridged interior surface that traps and absorbs light of all strengths and from all angles, leaving rooms nearly dark.

Added Benefit to Cellular Shades ~ SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

Cellular shades are one of the most energy efficient window coverings you can buy. They use a series of cell pockets to trap air around your windows, keeping your rooms cozier in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Don’t like the cellular LightLock™ look? Add custom draperies to block the small light gap to achieve a complete blackout.

How Much Does It Cost?

A client that worked nights and slept during the day wanted the total blackout system for their bedroom. Two average sized windows in Duette® with the LightLock™ system was $1,975.00.

Ed in Marietta writes:

“We used Enhance to re-carpet 4 rooms and a hallway. Don and his team were a pleasure to work with and the installers were excellent. The price was fair and reasonable. Enhance is a well run local business with superior customer service.”

Thank you, Ed. We appreciate the great review AND your repeat business!