Category: Homeowner Tips

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6 Must-Haves for Your Basement Finish

Need more space but don’t want to move? Finish your basement! Find something for everyone and get the most out of your home with a custom basement finish. Tailor your space to fit your needs, with more room to entertain, work out, or watch your favorite movies. Here are some of our favorite recommendations to include in your basement finish.

Home Office

Use your home office as a space for focusing on work, finishing up homework, or dedicating time to your favorite hobby. Use a built-in desk and storage for maximized productivity and minimal clutter.

Bonus: Add a corkboard wall to display your favorite notes, photos, and reminders without cluttering your workspace.

Living Room

With built-in storage and room for multiple screens, this space is the ultimate retreat for gamers and sports lovers alike. Use open shelving and accent lighting to showcase your favorite memorabilia or cabinets and drawers to store games, controllers, and more. Add a large sectional for plenty of seating to relax on your own or entertain guests.

Bonus: Use your ceiling to add personality with a custom trim design or paint wooden beams to match your cabinets.

Home Theater

Pop some popcorn and enjoy the magic of the movies from the comfort of your own home! Craft the perfect home theater system with a projector screen, surround sound, and access to all of your favorite movies and TV shows. Select from various home theater options to find the best package for you.

Bonus: Use dimmable accent lighting and tiered seating to really level up the ambiance for your next movie night.

Free estimates • Immediate Availability to Start • Easy Payment Plans
Ready to get started? Call (913) 220-7477 for a free estimate!

Home Bar

Perfect for kids to grab a snack or for adults to indulge in their favorite beverages, a home bar offers the space to entertain and serve yourself and your guests with ease. Opt for open shelving to display your favorite drinkware and spirits or use closed cabinets to store additional glasses or snacks.

Bonus: With seating behind the sofa and a passthrough window to the home theater, you can customize your home bar to serve all of your entertaining areas at once!

Workout Room

Break a sweat and hit the showers without the commute! Whatever your preferred workout, a home gym can be an easy, convenient solution to getting your heart rate up without leaving the house. A custom home gym offers the ideal space to pump muscles or find your center.

Bonus: Add a mirrored wall or padded floor to optimize your home gym for your favorite workouts.

Kids’ Playroom

Use the space under the stairs to create a small playroom for your little ones or a cozy home for your furry friends. Think outside of the box to use the space you have and get the most out of your basement finish.

Bonus: Consider installing electrical wiring if you’re interested in adding a small TV or light switches and outlets for lamps or overhead lighting.

Ready to finish your basement?
Call (913) 220-7477 for a free estimate!

Already finished your basement? Refer a friend to finish theirs and we’ll give you $500!
For more information, visit our website http://www.roeserhomes.com.

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5 Ways to Renew Your Home in the New Year

With every new year, goals are set for losing weight, changing jobs, saving money, or personal improvement. But, what about your home? Setting goals for your home improvement can have lasting effects throughout the year, without breaking the bank.

Here are five ways you can renew your living space this year.

Add a Rug

Adding a rug can be a great, simple way to bring color or texture into a space. Be sure to measure your space to find the best size. Pro tip: Rugs can be used in hardwood, tile, and carpeted spaces!

Reduce Clutter

Clean out any unused or unwanted items from your closet, pantry, and storage. Keep anything of sentimental or historical value and donate the rest. Clearing out space in your home can also open space for new items, opportunities, and experiences in other areas of your life.

Light Up Your Space

Adding lamps and overhead lighting to your space can improve your mood and the overall energy of a room. Try switching out one lamp for another or opting for a different bulb to create a different atmosphere. One light can make a huge difference!

Switch Up Your Style

Choose an eye-catching piece of art or home decor to add a revived sense of style to your space. Switch out the items on your bookshelves or play with the artwork above your mantel. Have fun and don’t be afraid to try something new!

Finish Your Basement

So much room for activities! Add a built-in bar, a workout room, a home theater, or a game room to make the most of your home. The possibilities are endless! Let’s build the basement of your dreams. Call us today to get started (913) 220-7477!

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Changing the Batteries in Your Smoke Detector

Making sure your smoke detectors are working properly is an important part of homeowner maintenance and safety. It is recommended to check the batteries at least twice a year, near daylight savings time.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Ladder (Note: make sure your ladder is placed on a stable surface before climbing. Use responsibly.)
  • 9 Volt Battery (May vary depending on your smoke detector)

How to Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Detector:

  • Safely use a ladder to reach the smoke detector and unscrew the body from its base.
  • Use a screwdriver to pop the tab to disconnect the wiring and release the body.
  • Locate the battery compartment and remove current battery. Replace with a fresh battery and close the compartment. Your smoke detector should beep to indicate the battery has been properly installed.
  • To reconnect the wiring, click the tab into the slot and screw the smoke detector body back onto its base.
  • To ensure everything is properly reinstalled, hold the TEST button for several seconds until beeps are heard throughout the house. This should cause the smoke detector to go off and signal other detectors to go off as well. (Note: it might be loud!)

If this is done successfully, everything is working properly. If not, make sure all wires are connected and the battery is correctly installed.

For a full tutorial, check out this video on our YouTube channel. For more homeowner tips, be sure to subscribe to see all of our content.

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Maintaining the Humidity Levels in Your Home

As a homeowner, it’s important to adjust your indoor humidity levels throughout the year. Maintaining a recommended relative humidity level can greatly impact the heating and cooling efficiencies of your home.

What is Relative Humidity?
Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It’s usually referred to as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature. As temperatures fluctuate, the amount of water in the air will also change. This is important in both the summer and winter months, especially.

In the winter months, you may need lower than 40% relative humidity. This can help to avoid condensation on your windows, and in some cases, freezing on the seals of your windows and doors.

Your home’s air conditioning system can help to remove unwanted moisture, however if there is too much moisture, damage may occur to both the inside and outside areas of your home. This is why it’s important to maintain healthy humidity levels depending on your home’s needs, as well as your family’s comfort and safety.

Recommended Humidity Levels
The ideal humidity level of your home can depend on several factors, including personal preferences, clothing, level of physical activity, and outdoor temperatures. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) suggests a range of 45% – 55% humidity.

Comfortable: 30% – 60%
Recommended: 45% – 55%
High: 55% – 80%

Maintaining a consistent level can not only keep you and your family comfortable, but also safe from possible health risks, including bacteria, viruses, respiratory infections, and asthma, to name a few.

Recognizing the differences in humidity can help to keep levels more in tune with what’s needed.

Low Humidity
If humidity levels are too low, you may be susceptible to some or all of the following:

  • Dry, itchy skin and hair
  • Static electricity
  • Paint chipping
  • Damage to wood floors and/or furniture
  • Damage to electronics
  • Increased risk to colds and respiratory illness

High Humidity
If humidity levels are too high, you may be susceptible to some or all of the following:

  • Sleep discomfort
  • Muggy conditions
  • Rot on woodwork
  • Wet insulation
  • Mold growth

Using a Humidification System in your Home
Adding a humidifier to your home’s air conditioning system can have a great impact on the health of your home and your family. There are several health benefits to owning and using a humidifier, including improved breathing, reduced risk of infections, viruses, and bacteria, softer, moisturized skin, snoring relief, and improved sleep, among others.

Using a humidifier could also help in improving or preventing the possibility for electric shocks due to dryness in the air, cracked wood furnishings from lack of moisture, discoloration or warping of artwork, photos, and paper collections, and more.

Adversely, a dehumidifier can help with moisture control by removing excess humidity and managing the overall air quality in your home. Regular maintenance of our HVAC filters can also be significant in your system’s efficiency.

Winter Months
In the winter, the air is unable to hold moisture and can feel very dry. It’s important to use your humidifier to add moisture to the air. An indoor humidity level of 30% – 40% is recommended in winter months and colder climates.

Summer Months
In the summer, the air can be quite humid, or muggy. This is when dehumidification becomes a priority. You’ll need to remove excess moisture by using a dehumidifier or by keeping your humidity levels below 60%.

Your relative humidity level settings can depend significantly on the climate and personal preferences, however is important to maintain a recommended level to ensure the health and safety of your family and home.

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How to Work From Home

While the pandemic continues, we find ourselves in an unprecedented time as parents adjust to working from home and kids begin virtual learning. With families spending more time at home than ever, it can be hard to balance everything going on inside and outside of the house. Here are a few tips to help with working from home.

Designate a Workspace
A Home Office can be the perfect space to work from home. If a separate room isn’t available, designating a table or desk can suffice – even a seat at your Dining table! As long as you have everything you need to focus and successfully perform what’s needed, this space can be completely yours. Designating this space strictly for work also helps to maintain a better separation between work life and home life. If possible, find spaces that are specific to each individual so everyone can work as they need to without distraction.

Stick to a Routine
Planning out a schedule that works for you and your family can be a key part in making the best of this situation. Keep in mind that although your surroundings have changed, certain duties may still need to be fulfilled. Maintaining those consistencies can help to make this transition easier for everyone. Designate set hours for work and school so everyone knows what is to be expected each day.

Stay Organized
While it may be more easily said than done, staying organized should be a top priority when working from home. Find what works best for you in keeping your thoughts together. Whether it be Post-Its, a whiteboard, to-do lists, or whatever it may be, embrace all of the tools you can to keep everything running smoothly. Disorganization can add to the chaos and cause additional stress, and nobody needs that.

Remember to Take a Break
When people begin working from home, they find it difficult to differentiate a work/life balance and can often work overtime without realizing it. This can eventually lead to burnout, which can be detrimental to your health and work performance. Talk with your boss or child’s teacher to find how breaks can be taken throughout the day. Are you given a time for lunch? Can you leave the home if you need to run an errand? These things are important to discuss as you settle into working from home. Without the necessity of a commute, it’s easier to find yourself working longer hours. Just remember it is still okay to take 15 minute breaks for a quick walk or to grab a drink or even use the restroom.

You Can Do This
We know it’s been said several times before – “We’re in this together!” – but, we really are. We are all living in an unprecedented time with more of us working from home than ever before. While it may seem overwhelming at times, just remind yourself to take a deep breath and keep pressing forward towards another day. Working from home can be a big adjustment, especially as our children join us with virtual learning. Each family is different so everyone may need to adjust differently. Reach out to any resources you can to find the answers and solutions that work best for you and your family.

If you’re interested in looking for a new home with a designated Home Office, check out our Available Homes here or you can build your own with one of our custom floor plans. Visit our website to see more or feel free to call us at (913) 220-7477!

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A Safe Room is A Must-Have During Inclement Weather

For most of us living in the Midwest, Spring is a season of warmer weather, more sunshine, and the threat of possible tornadoes. Between routine siren testing (Is it Wednesday?) and the occasional tornado drill, most of us are well-equipped at handling any inclement weather that may strike.

In response to recent local code regulations, our homes built to feature a walkout package will also now include a designated safe room for you and your family in the event of severe weather.

It’s best to have safety procedures in place for you and your family in the event that a tornado can strike. The more prepared you are, the better your family can react.

Emergency Tips for Severe Weather:

  • Know where to go in the event of an emergency. Make sure this is easily accessible for all of your family members, including yourself and those with special needs
  • Use a battery-operated TV, radio, or internet-enabled device to listen to the current weather conditions
  • Find a protective location on the lowest level, away from windows or possible debris
  • For additional protection, place yourself underneath a heavy table or workbench and cover yourself and others with a sleeping bag or mattress. Remember to also protect your head.
  • Pack an emergency kit that contains water, non-perishable food, fresh batteries, medication, shoes, and a list of important information such as telephone numbers

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Stay-at-Home Activities

With so much time spent at home, it’s important to keep yourself and your family busy. Between routines and schedules, it can be difficult to keep the fun in everyday life. Here are a few ideas for how you can switch up your daily routine.

Play a Game
Whether board, card, or online, gaming can be a fun activity for any group. Play, laugh, and interact with each other while building memories. With games for all ages, playing a game can be a great bonding experience while at home.

Take a Hot Shower or Nice, Long Bubble Bath
Obviously, good hygiene is always an absolute must, but taking the time to really indulge in the benefits of an at-home spa-like experience can make a huge difference in your overall health. Relieve your mind and body of stress with your favorite essential oils, body washes, soaps, and any other bath goods to make this experience completely yours. Take this time to relax. You deserve it.

Exercise and Practice Self Care
The internet is full of online videos, coaching, and virtual classes you can take (some for free!). Take this time to strengthen your mind, body, and soul and find an exercise that works best for you. Don’t have a gym at home or equipment? You may be able to substitute certain items with pieces you can find around the house.

Take Up A Hobby or Display Your Collections
Find something new to collect or gather your current valuables and put them together on display. Don’t be afraid to try something new during your time at home. Do you like doing puzzles? Have you always wanted to try gardening? Woodworking? Candle-making? From collecting fine wines and model cars to practicing yoga, singing karaoke, or even learning a new language, there’s something for everyone.

Try a New Recipe
If you’re a food fanatic, this may be for you. Browse through recipes in cookbooks or articles online to try or whip up a brand new cuisine of your own. Step out of your comfort zone and play with baking, sautéing, slicing, and dicing! The possibilities are endless for the chef of the house.

Comb Through and Organize
From your pantry to your closets, dressers, and desks, going through all of your pieces and reorganizing what best fits your needs can bring new life to a space. Remember less is more, so let go of anything that may be no longer serve you or your space.

Watch a Movie
With so many options for streaming online, at-home entertainment puts most genres right at your fingertips. Between documentaries, comedies, dramas, horror, and family-friendly, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Set up a comfy space, pop some popcorn, and press play!

Get Some Work Done
With the modern advances of today’s society allowing so many of us to work from home, put your home office to some good use and slim down your to-do list. Between full-time or freelance, taking the time to focus on your work can lift some weight off of your shoulders.

Create a Masterpiece
From painting, sketching, or drawing, every person is an artist in their own way. We’re sharing our FREE coloring pages for you to print and color however you’d like! Share your final artwork with us by emailing jessica@roeserhomes.com. Click below to get started.

Download our FREE coloring pages!

Do you have any ideas we’ve missed?
Share with us in the comments below!

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Preparing Your Home for Colder Weather

As colder weather prepares to settle in for the season, making sure your home is ready for the winter is important. Maintaining your home for all types of weather can ensure the safety and efficiency of your home. Here are some tips for cold weather maintenance for homeowners.

Check Your Pipes
As water freezes, it can expand and cause pipes to crack or break. Keeping your faucets on a steady slow drip can keep ice from building up and bursting your pipes. Drain, disconnect, and cover outdoor hoses and faucets and protect any unheated areas of the home with added insulation. Take note of where your water shutoff valve is located, in case of emergency.

Change Your Furnace Filter
Change your furnace filter at the start of each season or every 2-4 months. Over time, filters can become less efficient depending on the amount of dust or any pets in the home.

Set Your Thermostat
Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature overnight and while you’re away can save you money and energy. Smart thermostats are easy to use and can help to maintain a schedule.

Turn On Your Ceiling Fans
While ceiling fans are more frequently used in the summer, using them in the winter can also help to warm a space. Depending on the direction of your blades, a ceiling fan can be used to push air around a room. Set your fans to run at a low speed in a clockwise direction to push warmer air down and create better air flow.

Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams can be detrimental to your roofing and if left untreated can cause leaks and water damage within your home. Ice dams are created when heats escapes from the roof and causes any melted snow to flow to your roof’s edge and refreeze, without anywhere to drain upon remelting. Ensuring your gutters and downspouts are not clogged can help to keep water flowing to avoid ice buildup.

Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney
A toasty, warm fire can be the best antidote to the bitter winter cold, but making sure your fireplace and chimney are in safe and working order before using is an absolute must. Hiring a professional chimney sweep to clean out any soot or other debris can avoid any fire hazards. To keep cold air from entering your home, keep your flue closed when your fireplace is not in use. Installing glass fireplace doors can also help to keep warm air in and cold air out.

Seal Doors and Windows
Make sure your home is devoid of any gaps or spacings around doors, windows, and openings. Older doors and windows may be single-paned or uninsulated, which can create drafts or other issues. If you’re interested in upgrading the energy efficiency of your home, consider storm windows and doors, double or triple-paned windows, and insulated exterior and garage doors.

Beware of Blackouts
Colder weather can often bring power outages. Putting together an emergency kit can help to combat the cold and keep your family safe and warm. Consider a working, ready-to-use fire extinguisher, alternative heating source such as a generator, sand, ice melt, shovel, candles, blankets, and any communication devices such as a radio or phone. Plan with your family to develop your own emergency kit to best fit your needs.

Stay warm!

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Tips to Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer

With summer temperatures reaching into extreme heat conditions, it’s important to keep your home comfortable and efficient. Relying on air conditioning may be the easiest solution, but can also rack up a hefty utility bill. Here are a few tips to keeping your home cool and costs low.

Keep Your Windows Shut
Closing your blinds during the day can diffuse the sun’s rays from reaching into your home. By doing so from late morning to early evening, you can reduce temperatures inside by roughly 10-15 degrees. If you prefer total darkness, using blackout curtains can also be an effective tool.

Turn Your Ceiling Fan On
Using your ceiling fans throughout the seasons can have several benefits to keeping your area comfortable, depending on which direction you’ve set the blades. In the summer, keep your fans circulating in a counter-clockwise direction, pushing the air flow down to feel cooler. In the winter, adjust your fans (using the switch typically at the base of the fan) to rotate clockwise to warm the space.

Avoid Cooking or Baking
While it may be more cost-effective to eat at home, using the stove, oven, and other kitchen appliances can add to the amount of heat within the house. Unplugging appliances and other electronics when not in use can also help to reduce wattage outputs which can reduce cost.

Invest in Better Insulation
Using energy-efficient doors, windows, and insulation can create a tighter seal to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Older homes may not have been built with these features, but can be upgraded to fit newer standards of construction.

Use High-Efficiency Lighting
Even the lightbulbs in your home can play into how much heat is generated throughout the day. Try switching out your traditional bulbs for energy-efficient LED bulbs in high-traffic areas to save on costs.

Use Breathable Fabrics
Choosing sheets made from lighter fabrics, such as bamboo or cotton, can keep you cool and allow for a better night’s sleep. Wearing loose, breathable clothing can also help to alleviate moisture.

While extreme heat can be more prevalent in the summer months, maintaining cost-effective solutions around your home can be beneficial all year long.

Stay cool!

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