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Painter’s Masks: A Primer

August 27th, 2020 by tisner


One of the best things about owning your own home is how much you can do to make it your own. Although big jobs like laying tile and building decks might be more than you’re ready for, a simple and easy way to make a big change to the atmosphere of a place is to give it a paint job.

Of course, before you even pick up that big brush, it’s important to have all the safety equipment you’ll need on hand. Many paints contain a variety of particles that can become airborne and get inhaled, which is not very good for your lungs. That’s why painter’s masks are absolutely not optional.

Surgical Masks Versus Painter’s Masks

By now, most people are pretty familiar with paper face masks. While paper masks may all look the same, there are actually some pretty major differences between surgical masks and painter’s masks.

Surgical masks, which are generally sold for medical purposes, offer little to no protection from inhaling airborne particles. They’re only good at preventing you from exhaling germs onto someone else. This is why you don’t see surgical masks for sale in the same department as painting and sanding masks; they simply don’t do the same job.

Painter’s masks, which can also be made from a paper-like material, are specifically designed to prevent particles from penetrating their surface and getting into your lungs. Also commonly known as dust masks, these masks are actually filtering devices and offer various degrees of filtration, much like the air filters you use in your furnace.

Mask Ratings: What Do They Mean?

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has very specific ratings to help painters and other professionals determine exactly what type of mask to use in a given situation. It’s not uncommon for a professional painter to have a variety of filtering masks on hand for different working conditions. For most homeowners, there are two main factors to consider:

  • Oil Resistance. The “N” in an “N95” means the mask isn’t oil proof at all. You might not think that’s a problem with painting, but if you’re working with any kind of coating that’s oil-based, using a mask with no oil proofing is the same as not using a mask at all. The letter rating is vital to your safety. N, as already stated, means no oil-proofing, R provides up to eight hours of oil-resistance, and P can remain oil-proof for more than eight hours at a stretch.
  • Filtration. The number part of the mask’s rating is all about the percentage of one micrometer particles that are being removed from the air coming into your face, based on clinical trials. A 95 rating filters 95 percent of these tiny particles, a 97 filters 97 percent of particles, and 100 is akin to a HEPA filter, removing 99.9 percent of those airborne particles.

For most homeowner projects, a 95 percent filtration mask is adequate protection, but if you’re working in a home that is known to have lead, asbestos or other fine and dangerous particles, you may need a more powerful filtering device.

Enter the Cartridge Respirator

Cartridge respirators are tight fitting masks with removable filtration cartridges that offer more protection than a basic dust mask. Although the rating system is essentially the same, cartridge respirators can also filter out harmful vapors and particles smaller than one micrometer. When choosing a cartridge respirator, you can grab one that will allow you to stack filter cartridges, and thus filter a range of environmental hazards all at once.

Not Sure About Respirators?

If you’re not sure what respirator is right for your project, or you’re concerned that you may simply not be able to protect yourself from whatever hazards your paint and walls may be hiding, hiring a painter is a perfectly good option. Not only do they have the experience to get your job done faster and with less interruptions to your life, they’re in the business of protecting themselves from the various vapors and particles that are involved in sanding, priming and repainting walls, floors and other surfaces.

You can find a great painter in your HomeKeepr community who can do the job safely and correctly! Sign up for your free account today to get started.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

By: Homekeepr, Rob Morelli

Eco-Conscious Decorating

August 25th, 2020 by tisner


When we think of being ecologically minded
, what usually comes to mind is recycling, organic gardening, and alternative sources of energy. Far from our minds is our home’s decor! Decorating is a deeply personal part of living, and if you are thinking about becoming greener, here are a few ways you can reduce your carbon footprint while you create your interior environment: 

  • In some cases, going green for decor can be expensive, but it does not have to be! Thrift stores, consignment shops, and tag sales are all perfectly green alternatives to buying new! 
  • Paint and other wall/wood treatments can be full of harmful chemicals.  Look for labels that say “non-toxic,” and paints that are low- or zero-VOC.  Learn more about “green” paint from the spruce. 
  • When shopping for new items, look for wood that is harvested responsibly, made from repurposed pieces, or even repurposed wood. 
  • You will pay more for carpeting made of natural fibers or recycled materials and organic dyes, but a clear conscience for the green living you are trying to achieve will outweigh the cost. Create custom designs with Flor carpet tiles, or go with 100% biodegradable Earth Weave carpet. 
  • Other eco-friendly flooring options are reclaimed wood, bamboo, and cork flooring. 
  • Use natural fabrics for bedding and draperies, or even upholstery:  cotton, linen, hemp, or wool are all more sustainable than synthetic textiles. 
  • Look for locally made artisan furniture, art, or decorative pieces.  You will likely find these crafters use locally found, sustainable materials. 

Green living is a commitment to a lifestyle, but it does not mean your home’s interiors cannot be beautiful. Being fully committed to using less energy and water, as well as purchasing earth-friendly items for your home will make your home beautiful to you, and that is what matters most. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Photo credit: Inhabitat 

In-Law Suites

August 11th, 2020 by tisner


For many families in the United States, it has become the norm for 
more than two generations to live under one roof as aging parents move in with their adult children. Not every house has the extra room, nor do mostly independent seniors care to downsize and live in one room with a half bath. While there are a few different solutions to the issue, there are many things to consider. 

  • First and foremost, questions need to be answered: Is it possible to sell both homes and purchase one larger one? Are the in-laws simply wanting two rooms and a bathroom to themselves? Will the older parents sell their home and pay for an in-law suite to be built onto their adult children’s home? 
  • Another solution could be that the older generation has the largest house, and the younger family could relocate. Again, everyone needs to be put into consideration, as this could uproot school-aged children, and even take the working adults further away from their jobs. 
  • If a new house hunt begins, look for houses that have the potential to create a small apartment in the existing rooms, or have space to add an in-law suite. Another option is a duplex, so parents that are still independent can keep their own house, but have the family just a few steps away, just in case. 
  • Building an addition onto any home requires some investigation to make certain your municipality will allow it, as it will almost be a separate dwelling. 

    Some of the needs and wants in an in-law suite include:
    – separate entry/locked entry from “other” dwelling
    – first-floor accommodations
    – full bathroom
    – kitchen essentials, as zoning codes allow
    – sitting room separate from sleeping area
    – wide doorways, no-slip flooring, handrails in appropriate areas 

  • A garage, underused attic, or basement can be easily converted to a small apartment-like dwelling. Just make sure there is adequate natural lighting, as all of these can be dark spaces. Where lots of windows are not an option, adding skylights take care of letting some sunshine in. 
  • One more option is building a cottage-type building on the property, as regulations allow.   

While finances are likely the number one factor for making the major decisions, family dynamics are another factor in this new living situation. Every family is different, and while some want their privacy and ask others to knock before coming into their “house,” some families will have an open-door policy, sharing meals and housework equally, and have their own little commune. No matter what the accommodations will be, communication is key to making certain a multi-generational home is for the best, as well as successful. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Photo credit: familyeducation 

Reflecting on Mirrors in Your Older Home

August 6th, 2020 by tisner


If you have an older home, there’s a decent chance that somewhere in the house you have at least one large, bulky wall-mounted mirror. While not all older homes will feature one of these mirrors, various types of mirrors do seem to come back into fashion again and again over time. Whether you’ve got a single large mirror mounted directly to the wall or mirrored panels that cover an entire wall surface, it’s important to remember that you still have options to update your home even if your mirrors have been around for decades.

Mirrors as Decoration

It’s not surprising that mirrors keep coming back into style as a form of home decoration. They capture the attention, and when done well, a mirrored accent can make a room seem all the larger and more impressive. Unfortunately, some mirrors can dull or become scratched over time, and whether it’s a matter of the glass aging poorly or the silvering of the mirror losing its luster, this can have a negative impact on the room as a whole. In some cases, the mirror glass may even become cracked in one or more places, which not only spoils the look but can also create a potential hazard that you have to keep people away from. Regardless of how time has affected the mirrors in your home, it should be obvious why proper maintenance is important.

Wall-Mounted Mirrors

One common type of mirror that you find in older homes is the wall-mounted mirror. Unlike more modern mirrors that use brackets or other mounting hardware to hold the mirror next to the wall, some of these older mirrors are actually attached directly to the wall with adhesives or other materials. Being adhered to the wall is useful insofar as it keeps the mirrors from shifting or becoming loose as time goes by, but it does limit your options when it comes to moving or replacing the mirror. These mirrors take some work to remove if you plan to redecorate, and the removal process often damages the drywall or paneling behind the mirror, so you will probably have to do some repairs once the mirror is free.

Mirrored Wall Coverings

Unlike single mirrors that are attached to the wall, mirrored wall coverings are often installed using a track system. This secures multiple mirrored panels without the need to adhere and line up each one. This doesn’t mean that you won’t find mirrored panel walls that are applied with adhesives, of course, but track systems are common, as the brackets used in track systems provide more stability. Brackets make removing or replacing panels easier, though the process can still leave some damage to drywall or other wall surfaces that will need to be patched later on.

Moving on From Mirrors

Regardless of the type of mirror that’s in your home, if you feel the need to remove it then you’ll have a little bit of work ahead of you. With adhesive-based mirrors, you’ll often need heat the adhesive around the edges first; this softens it and allows you to begin working the mirror loose. It may then be possible to pry the glass free, or you may need to work a piano wire behind the glass to separate the adhesive. Track-mounted panels are a bit easier to deal with since you can unscrew the brackets to remove the panels, then pry the tracks off the wall. Regardless of how you deal with the mirrors, be sure to use hand and eye protection and take your time to prevent potential injuries that might result from broken glass.

Reflecting on the Job

Sometimes, remodeling projects involving older mirrors can be a bit much to tackle as a DIY affair. Fortunately, there are a number of skilled pros out there who can help you either update your mirrors or replace them with something a bit more modern. Sign up for a free HomeKeepr account today to find the pro that you need to get the job done.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

By: Homekeepr, Rob Morelli

Have a Green Lawn with Less Work

August 4th, 2020 by tisner


Summer is here and that means grilling out, fun in the sun, cooling off in the pool, and mowing grass! If that last activity causes some angst, you are not alone! There are ways to keep your lawn looking great without filling so many of your precious hours
 at home with yard work! 

  • Planting the right grass:  If you are planning on creating a lawn, whether by sodding, plugs, or seeds, find the type of grass that will grow best in your region for best results.   
  • Water correctly:  Not sure how much water your sprinkler is delivering? Set out tin cans (tuna cans work well) and keep an eye on their water level.  You will soon figure out how long you need to leave the water on for your grass to get what it needs (about 1-2 inches per week). 
  • Feed less often:  Applying fertilizer twice per season is best:  Spring and mid-Summer. Fertilizing too much will cause growth, which causes more mowing!  Spread fertilizer when the grass is dry, so the grains do not stick to damp blades and burn the plant. 
  • Maintain the mower:  Keep your mower’s blades sharp, as a dull blade leaves a jagged edge, which causes yellowing, and the need for more water. 
  • Know the magic number:  Different grasses require different cutting heights, and no more than one-third of that optimum number should be cut each time you mow. 
  • Let it grow:  Want less weeding and watering to do in your manicured lawn? Longer blades not only help shade the soil and retain moisture, but they do not allow weeds to get sunlight, or at least keep their growth to a minimum. 
  • No raking needed:  Using the mulching feature as you mow will allow the clippings to be cut well enough to leave on the lawn and become fertilizer as they decompose. 

Lawn maintenance does not have to take up all your free time each weekend.  Taking more time to relax your habits for yard work will allow more time for relaxing in general so you can enjoy the yard you have put time and energy in! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Photo credit: energy.gov

Stayin’ Cool With Ductless Mini-Split Systems

July 23rd, 2020 by tisner


There’s nothing like a glass of cool lemonade on a hot summer day, unless of course the reason it’s so hot is that your air conditioner needs to be replaced. In that case, a new air conditioning system is pretty much the best thing ever. Maybe yours has lived a long and full life and is ready to be replaced, or perhaps you’ve added on to your home and need a solution for cooling that EZ Bake Oven you’ve created. In either case, installing a new ducted air conditioning system or plopping a window unit into the nearest window aren’t your only choices. You could go with Door Number Three: the ductless mini-split system.

What is a Ductless Mini-Split System?

Ductless mini-splits are air conditioning systems that are made to cool (and sometimes heat) smaller spaces. They can work together to improve climate control in entire homes and can even replace a traditional ducted system. Much like a central air conditioning system, there are two parts: the condenser, which is installed outside, and the inside air handler.

The main difference from traditional systems is that they don’t use ductwork, so they eliminate a ton of temperature loss that would normally occur in your crawlspace or attic. And unlike a window unit, a ductless mini-split system can be hung out of the way of windows, since it only requires a three-inch hole to run the refrigerant lines and electrical controls.

Advantages of a Ductless Mini-Split System

There are a lot of reasons to love a ductless mini-split, but energy efficiency has to be up there among the top. These systems can have SEER ratings of around 28, which is substantially more efficient than a ducted system’s 13 SEER national minimum requirement. Of course, a ducted system’s rating will vary by unit, but generally speaking, the higher the SEER rating, the higher the price tag.

Ductless mini-splits systems also boast these advantages over a traditional central HVAC system:

  • More precise control of room temperatures. Mechanically, one of the most important differences between ductless mini-split systems and traditional systems is that mini-splits are controlled by an inverter system that allows your heat or air to come out of the air handler at the temperature you set. This is different from a ducted air conditioner that only blows air at one temperature, constantly switching on and off to maintain room temperatures.
  • Ability to set room temperatures independently of one another. Although zoning is possible with ducted systems, it can be costly to install and is not a reasonable solution for many rooms that need different temperatures. This is especially a concern in multi-generational households or those where the home heats or cools irregularly throughout the day. With a ductless mini-split system, you can set the living room to stay a constant 72 degrees despite the heat baking your picture window, without your office having to become an ice cave. Everybody wins!
  • No more dirty air cycling endlessly. Ducts are filthy, there’s no question about it. This is just an inevitable side effect of their design, especially in an older house that’s had decades or generations to collect substantial amounts of dirt in the home’s ductwork. Ductless mini-splits are just that: ductless. Each unit has its own filtration system, and there are no ducts for dirt to settle in, keeping room air significantly cleaner all the time.

When Not to Split?

Not every house is going to be a great candidate for a ductless mini-split system, no matter how awesome they seem. Newer homes with highly efficient central HVAC systems that are in great shape or those that don’t generally have a lot of temperature differential across the structure likely won’t recapture the cost required to install these systems.

However, if you’re not sure if your home can benefit from a ductless mini-split system, you can always consult an HVAC expert for more specific recommendations. Sign up for your free HomeKeepr account to find the professionals you need.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

By: Homekeepr, Rob Morelli

Severe Weather Prep

July 21st, 2020 by tisner


Warm months mean severe weather in the form of storms:  lightning, rain, flooding, and/or damaging winds.  Are you and your family prepared?  Just like a fire safety plan, getting ready for the effects of severe weather should be done in advance. Follow th
e tips below to make sure you are storm-ready: 

  • Know your area’s evacuation routes and keep your car’s fuel tank full. An impending storm is not a good time to run to the gas station, and if severe weather has already blown through, power to run the gas pump could be an issue. 
  • Contact your insurance agent, and make sure all your policies provide the correct coverage. 
  • Outside, check any trees or large shrubs for diseased or damaged branches, and have them removed. Any trees with major damage should come down. 
  • Consider installing ground anchors for small outdoor buildings, so you can apply straps to them in case of high winds. You are not only protecting your own property but those around you as well. 
  • Have a family plan in place and have emergency contacts stored in every family member’s cell phone. At least one contact should be outside of your area. 
  • Practice drills as a family! Even children can learn what to do in case of emergencies, and older children can help with the younger ones.  
  • Create an emergency kit with the following items: 
  • at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food and water for each family member if you are evacuating, more if staying in place 
  • battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries 
  • cleaning items 
  • important documents or certified copies 
  • Find a more extensive kit checklist here. 

Do you already have all of these in place from years past? Great! But it is a good idea to go back to each and update any necessary information and replace outdated items in your emergency kit.  If you do nothing else, have a family plan, children included, so everyone will know what to do when severe weather strikes. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Photo credit: WNDU

Accentuate the Positives: Highlight Your Home’s Best Features

July 16th, 2020 by tisner


Your home’s a looker, so why aren’t you doing all you can to point all the attention at its best features? Maybe you’re afraid that drawing so much attention to the details will leave your friends jealous, or maybe you just need some ideas for how to make those interesting details even more obvious. Either way, there are plenty of tricks you can use to accentuate the positives in your home.

Painting to Perfection

Paint is just one way to make your home’s best features shine, and there are all kinds of methods to make this happen. You don’t have to be a professional painter to get a lot of mileage out of some basic attention-getting paintwork, though hiring a pro can certainly help you get exactly the effect you’ve got in mind.

One easy way to catch the eye is to paint an accent wall, a wall or a section of a wall that’s a different color than the rest of the paint in a room. The accent wall’s location and color will really affect how well it does its job, but if you have a wall with a feature you want people to look at, it’s safe to assume that would make a good accent wall. In addition, painting the inside of a bookcase or alcove a different color than the main wall color can also get serious looks.

Another way to make paint an absolute neon sign is to use it to draw out the details in interior or exterior trim. If your millwork is relatively simple, a basic white can really grab attention. If there’s extra fancy trim involved, try using different colors to offset the trim’s different levels of detail.

Light It Up!

There’s no easier way to highlight something specific than by putting an actual spotlight on it. Got a great mantlepiece? Point a spotlight on it so you can really draw attention to it, especially after dark. Spotlights are great for art, murals, alcoves and other good features in your home. Just be aware of their location and proximity to things like windows that might make a spotlight a little less wow.

You could also install other accent lighting, such as LED strips, on the underside of a floating cabinet, around a particularly interesting mirror or trim piece or within a cutout in your room. This can bring a little more focus on the things you’re doing with that space. When in doubt, light it out… err… up.

Make Some Space

It may sound simple, but one of the best ways to draw attention to the great stuff in your house is to get rid of a bunch of other stuff in your house. When you have too many interesting things in one room, it gets visually overwhelming quickly! So instead of storing all your collectables in one exceptional built-in, for example, just pick a few of your best to display so you leave plenty of negative space for contrast.

Eliminating bulky furniture, excess accent pieces and even pictures can also help the eye move to the architectural details. There’s a lot to be said for decluttering if you really want your house to stand out. Keep pieces that mimic or have features or styling in common with what you want to accent, and move out those that seem to clash with the details in question.

Need a Little Help Finding the Positives?

Not everybody has an eye for details, but some people do it every day. If you’re struggling to figure out how to really put a point on the hand carved details in your woodwork or aren’t sure which wall should be your accent wall, you’re not alone. Log into HomeKeepr for help locating the best painters, interior designers and other home pros in your area.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

By: Homekeepr, Rob Morelli

Choosing the Correct Fencing for Your Home

July 14th, 2020 by tisner


Are you looking for backyard privacy or need to provide a safe space for children to play or for pets to exercise? Deciding to install fencing on your property takes a few major decisions.  With so many types available, the purchase process can be confusin
g. Here, we will look at different types of fencing material to help you make your decision. 

  • The most common types of fencing are wood, vinyl, and metal.  
  • The type of wood you choose depends on your budget. Pine is inexpensive and treated to resist rot and insects. Different types of cedar and Douglas fir, on the other hand, is naturally resistant to moisture and pests and will cost more upfront. 
  • Wood composites are made of sawdust and recycled plastic. It looks like wood and comes in many styles, finishes, and colors. Most manufacturers of composites offer a warranty on their products, making it a more expensive choice, but a long-lasting one. 
  • Vinyl fencing is almost maintenance-free and comes in many styles. Costs are high initially, but its durability and little upkeep pay for themselves in the end. 
  • Wrought iron, aluminum, and chain link fencing are all long-lasting choices. Chain link is likely the easiest for DIY, but the others would be best installed by a pro. Maintenance for wrought iron mostly consists of painting and keeping an eye out for rust.  
  • If cost is not an option but security and durability are your concerns, there is the option to have steel fencing installed.  
  • Hiring a fencing contractor is a smart move because they are knowledgeable about materials and styles that perform well in your area.  Installing fences is what they do; their expertise can save you money and time in the long run. 

Consider a living fence, grown from such plants as privet or another evergreen, but that will require some patience as the plants fill in. Remember to check with your local municipality or homeowner’s association for permits and regulations regarding your plans. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Photo credit: Rustic Fence Company

Green Indoor Gardening

July 7th, 2020 by tisner


Fresh produce, right in your own home, using what you have? Yes, it is possible! 
Gardening is just one way to boost your mental health, and when you are using what you have as planters, and even food scraps to get your plants, it is a win-win!  

So many of our food containers get tossed into the recycle bin these days, so why not use them for planting? Plastic is the easiest material to plant in because you will need to drill holes in the bottom for drainage. Add small gravel or shredded newspaper to the bottom to help the water drain away, and fill with potting soil made for indoor plants. Ideas are not limited to these types of containers: 

  • Coffee containers 
  • Milk jugs 
  • Laundry detergent/bleach jugs 
  • Disinfectant or baby wipe containers 
  • Soft drink bottles 
  • Cat litter jugs 

Metal cans and tins would work well, too, especially for plants with shallow roots. Add sturdy tape (like electrical tape) around the top edge, use a hammer and large nail to put in drainage holes, and you can have an indoor herb garden on your windowsill! Another–and surprising–idea is using cardboard boxes to grow a variety of plants, depending on the depth of the soil in the box. Why not give this unique approach to container gardening? Birds & Blooms tested out a few different methods and found the right way to use boxes.  

Plants that will grow well indoors: 

  • Root vegetables like carrots, onions, beets 
  • Most herbs:  basil, parsley, sage, dill, rosemary, chives 
  • Tomatoes can be grown inside, but that job is best for Winter, as a sunny window can get too hot inside. 
  • Houseplants do not have to be only green in color! Add a burst of color to your interior with African violets, begonias, kalanchoe, jasmine, and geraniums. 

Another way to save waste–specifically food waste–is to regenerate food scraps instead of throwing them out or composting them! 

  • Leafy veggies like lettuce, celery, or bok choy will sprout new plants from the base. Placed cut-side up in a dish with about ½” of water in a sunny window will soon produce new leaves, and eventually, a full-grown plant ready for the table! 
  • Try the other side of root vegetables, the greens, by placing the cut-off top of a beet, turnip, or other root vegetable into a dish of water. Leaves can be sautéed or used in a salad. 
  • Many have seen how to grow a pineapple plant from scraps, but other fruits may need more care and patience.   
  • Seeds from peppers will produce plants, just be sure to use seeds from the red fruit; the green peppers, though delicious, are not ripe, and neither is the seeds inside. 
  • Planting seed from fruits like apples and even citruses can be fun to watch grow into a small tree, but all take years before producing any yield. Avocado trees, for instance, can take up to thirteen years before producing. 

If you plan on creating a growing space inside, make sure the amount of sun, the temperature and humidity levels are right, and you can have a small garden at your fingertips. Not to mention that gardening is good for the soul, and we all can use some of that right now! 

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Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

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Teri Isner, CIPS, CRS, GRI
Keller Williams At-The-Lakes
1170 Celebration Blvd
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Celebration, Fl 34747

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