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How to Care for Hardwood Floors

Time, Stains, Spills, and Traffic will take their toll on hardwood floors.  The correct maintenance will ensure it remains beautiful and a timeless element in your home.

Cleaners

Manufacturers of pre-finished hardwood floors recommend their specific products for the best care.  Floors with a polyurethane finish should never be waxed and require cleaners that won’t leave a film or residue.  If occasional scuffs occur use a hardwood floor cleaner and lightly rub the stained area.  Sticky spots can be cleaned with a damp towel.  Ammonia cleaners or oil soaps are not recommended because they will dull the finish.  These products will also affect the ability to refinish your floor later.

Sweeping and Mopping

Sweep your floor regularly using a quality broom.  A vacuum cleaner without a bar can be used in hard to reach areas.  Once the dirt and dust is gone you can begin mopping.

For “finish in place” hardwood floors or unfinished hardwood, use a terrycloth mop to make it easier to clean around corners and along baseboards.  You can spray a professional wood floor cleaner  to remove tough stains without dulling your finish.  Never wet-mop or use an excessive amount of water to clean your floor.  Excessive amounts of water will cause the wood to swell and may cause your wood to crack.  Hardwood will expand and contract due to moisture level changes.  It is very important to keep the moisture level in your home at the proper place during the different seasons to control this same issue.  A humidifier is very important to run in the winter months and air conditioning in the summer months to control the levels of humidity in your home.  Also, if spills occur be sure to wipe them up immedialtly.

We hope these tips help in keeping your hardwood floors beautiful for many years.  If you are interested in adding hardwood floors please contact Modern Homes Builders and Remodelers located in Lake Villa at 847.356.8886.

Modern is featured in Daily Herald Bathroom Article

Modern was featured in an article ran on Master Baths in the Daily Herald.   The article also features a bath remodel we just completed in marble.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110909/entlife/709099957/

Tips for building a Two-Story Addition

Many people are wanting to stay in there
home and are deciding to add an addition. Second Story Addition are very common. Below are a few things to consider when looking for that second story addition design.

  • Use inspiration from the existing home. A few easy ways are to match roofing, siding and windows.  The whole goal is to make it not obvious that you added on.
  • Match key elements. This can be a window or bay, something to pull them together and help them blend in.
  • Match the existing.  Blend the floors and ensure the windows are not mismatched.  Sometimes remodeling to the existing home is an easy way to accomplish this.
  • Architectural character.  You want to ensure that you are not creating a big box and wants to keep some appeal with stepping things back or forward a few feet.  Maybe a gable or two.

Second Story additions are a large step for homeowners and Modern always works with our designers and in conjunction with the customer to ensure there projects looks right, and is what they want.

The above photo had some windows adjusted on the main floor in the existing living areas of the home and also the front door location was modified. With this and new siding to match the existing garage was completed to ensure it all blended.

For any questions on on additions in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin, Contact Modern Homes, Inc.

Making your home attractive to sell or rent

First impressions are very important when showcasing your home for a potential sale.  Sometimes simple cleaning and organizing is all that you need to make your home become more appealing to potential home buyers.  Here are a few tips:

Scent 

 Make sure your home smells attractive and creates good feelings to people when they walk in.  Be sure to use a cleaner that lets the home smell fresh.  Diffusers, potpourri, and candles are all good options for this.

Areas that must be clean

While it is important to have the entire house clean; the kitchen and the bathroom are the most important.  Make sure you make the most effort in these areas.

The photos of your home

Many people will make decisions on a home by the pictures they view online.  Do whatever you can to make sure that you and your real estate agent view these photos together before posting them. You don’t want any unappealing grime to be showing in your photos.

Simplify 

De-cluttering your home is extremely important.  Also try to remove as many personal items as possible as to not distract buyers.  You want buyers to focus on how the home will look when they move into it.

Be Neutral

You want to decorate in a way that will appeal to a broad range of personal tastes.  Think about replacing strong patterns and strong solid colors in items  like bedding, carpet,  paint, and curtains.

The perception of a clean home is very important to people looking to purchase or rent a new home.  It gives the impression that the home was well maintained.  Often people will pay a premium for a home that has been well maintained and has a very clean appearance.



What does the 2012 Lighting Legislation mean?

There is new legislation that is changing alot in the light bulb industry. In 2012 the 100 watt incandescent bulb will be phased out and then in 2013 the 75 watt bulb will follow and 40 watt and 60 watt will follow in 2014.

There is no requirement to replace your existing light bulbs but manufacturing of new incandescent bulbs will end. CFL bulbs are the common repalcement, althought LED and Halogen are other bulb options.  CFL bulbs do cost more than incandescent bulbs but will save in the long run.

You can view the GE Lighting Website for more information.

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