Demo Day the Responsible Way

Thanks to HGTV, "Demo Day" is often thought of as the fun part of renovation and construction. Owners and celebrity reno stars wield sledgehammers and power tools while kicking down drywall, tearing out cabinets, and throwing building material from second-story windows. The carefree assault on a dated home makes demolition look easy and fun, but there is more skill and expertise involved than you might think.

If you're considering a DIY demo to save money before a renovation, make sure you know what you're getting into, and you are prepared for any problems that may arise.

 

 Safety First: Ensure you have enough safety equipment — steel-toed work boots, safety glasses, hard hats, masks, and work gloves for everyone in your crew. Full coverage, snug-fitting shirts, and pants provide protection from splinters, itchy fiberglass, and rusty nail scratches. Keep a first aid kit handy, and make sure your phone is fully charged in the event of an emergency.

Hidden Hazards: Is there asbestos in your carpet padding or lead in the wall paint? If your home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance some paint in the home will contain lead. Asbestos is trickier – it’s been banned in some common building materials, but is still used in others. When in doubt, test flooring, walls, ceilings, and pipe wrappings before beginning work. The risks from asbestos arise when it is damaged or disturbed and the asbestos fibers become airborne, so wearing a proper respirator and following the correct procedures is crucial.

Work Smart: Does everyone involved know how to use power equipment and heavy tools like crowbars and sledgehammers? Each helper should be cognizant of what is happening around them when the swinging and smashing start.

Secure The Site: Is the worksite safe? Shut off power when working on or close to electrical systems. Turn off the water main when plumbing is involved. Sites should be secured to keep kids, pets, thieves, and curious passers-by out. Make sure to display "No Trespassing" signs as well.

Plan For Success: Take a close look at the structure and materials to be demolished before you start anything physical. Which way do the joists run? Which walls are structural? Which walls have water lines, electrical wires, or gas lines behind them? Is there anything you want to protect and preserve? If you can't identify structural components, then you certainly shouldn't remove them. Consult a building professional (architect, engineer, contractor) before smashing into your walls, and check with your insurance broker to confirm you are covered for all liabilities before you begin.

Welcome to September Real Estate and Lifestyle Update

Welcome to September

YOUR REAL ESTATE AND LIFESTYLE UPDATE

THE TOP TEN STATES 
SENDING PEOPLE TO UTAH

Tips for Gardens Great and Small

 Like the fabled “Victory Gardens” of WWII before them, urban and backyard vegetable gardens became a vital source of food and purpose for many people last year when world events threw supply chains into disarray. A year has passed, but interest in do-it-yourself food production has remained, and more and more DIYer's are getting into growing their own crops.

Your ability to grow fruits, vegetables, and a variety of herbs at home depend primarily on just three things: climate zone, space available, and your level of commitment. With plenty of warm days ahead, it's not too late to get started on a garden of your own.

If you're limited to an indoor garden, consider hearty options like avocados, carrots, microgreens, lemons, and scallions. You'll need some large, south-facing windows to have a successful garden. If that's not an option, grow lights and hydroponic kits have become a popular option in recent years as they've become more and more affordable.

For outdoor gardening, the first step is to check local zoning ordinances and/or homeowner's association rules. Then determine your plant hardiness zone to help narrow-in on recommended plants for your area. Like anything else, having a solid plan in place is critical.

When it comes to plot-size, people tend to envision lush rows of crops and tilled soils, producing plant after plant of vegetable-producing crops. If you're lucky enough to have such ample space at home, you're limited only by the time and effort you want to expend.

If space is scarce, never fear. Urban gardeners have developed innovative ways to garden in small spaces.

• Go vertical: If space is limited, consider a garden wall. You can utilize vertical space by attaching planters to exterior walls that get lots of sun exposure. Don't have an appropriate wall? You can find prebuilt ‘grow towers' with a quick internet search, or build your own DIY version using a large plastic drum, some PVC pipe and a drill.
• Garden in other containers: Use containers of all sorts on your porch, balcony or patio to maximize your growing space including buckets, planter boxes, hanging baskets, pots, and barrels.
• Create a rooftop garden: Utilize the space that most of us never even think about, your rooftop! If you have a flat space on your roof and a safe way to access it, consider designating that area as your growing space. Just make sure to consult a professional to ensure that your roof can carry the load.

If gardening at home just isn't an option, check to see if there is a community garden in your area. Community gardens can be a way to share in the work, build community bonds and enable others to participate. With the right equipment and some sweat equity, any community can turn a vacant lot into a food-producing zone.

However you decide to grow your home-garden, once you've tasted your very first home-grown tomato or finished your first batch of pesto made from your home-grown basil, you'll know the hard work was worth it!

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Regardless of price point, our team is united in their efforts to support the client, support each other, and get the job done in the best way possible. Paula Higman Real Estate is a unique team of talented and diverse individuals with a passion for success and client satisfaction.

Contact Paula Higman Real Estate today and let us take this journey with you to marketing and selling your home for the best value, to the biggest luxury real estate market out there.

 

Insure that you have the best representation when buying and/or selling in The Colony. Contact Paula Higman Real Estate Park City at 435-602-8228 For a property tour and more information about Heber City and the surrounding areas.

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