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DIY Pet Project Ideas

Tuesday, February 8, 2022
by Tucker Robbins

Have you run out of DIY or handmade crafts yet? Probably not, but if some jobs you have in mind are a little more than you can tackle now, consider making something for the furry family members! From yummy snacks to backyard fun, there are plenty of ways to keep your pets busy and content! 

 

An easy way to start giving your pet some extra-sweet treatment is to make homemade snacks! Most use simple ingredients are easy to make, so the kids can get involved!  Taste of Home offers several doggy treat recipes, and here are some recipes your kitty will love! 
 

Ideas for Dog Lovers 

  • Once those treats are done, give your dog something to think about and create a treat game for them to play.  This bottle-spinning puzzle requires few materials and basic building skills. 
     

  • Using a purchased dog bed or making one yourself, you can create a special spot for the dogs to get their rest. Find the perfect dog bed project here from HGTV. 
     

  • Traveling with Fido can create a real hairy mess on car interiors, but a hammock may be the answer! Sewing basics will come in handy for this fairly simple DIY hammock project. 
     

  • Upgrade that cagey dog crate by creating this cover with a removable top. The cave-like atmosphere it creates is comforting for the dog and gives you space to use as a table! 
     

  • An active dog is a happy dog when they have plenty to do outside! If you have the space, why not create a tire tunnel, tug toy, or PVC agility course? 

 

Ideas Cats Will Love 

  • Any cat owner knows that cats love to have a place to hide, sleep, observe. Make a fun hideaway with a t-shirt and a few other materials! 
     

  • Keeping an indoor cat entertained can be a challenge, and toys can be expensive. Create a simple feather toy or cat-treat puzzle to keep them busy. 
     

  • Bring the outside indoors: grow an indoor garden just for Kitty.  She will think she is the queen of the jungle! 
     

  • Will these inexpensive shelf steps keep your cat off the counters?  
     

  • While it is virtually impossible to make your cat stay in the yard, making a “catio” gives them a place to be outside while keeping them safe, as well as local wildlife. Install a cat door or open a window and have a structure like one of these waiting on the other side, or build this catio as part of your home’s design. 
     

Making or building something specifically for your pets will be worth the time and effort you put in because content pets are less likely to damage your home with chewing or bad bathroom habits.  You will also have peace of mind, as you know your furry friends are safe, whether they are resting or playing. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

 

Photo credit: Brian Patrick Flynn 

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Eco-Conscious Decorating

Wednesday, February 2, 2022
by Tucker Robbins


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. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

 

Photo credit: joyfulderivatives.com

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Organizing the Pantry or Kitchen Cabinets

Wednesday, January 19, 2022
by Tucker Robbins


Many are taking advantage of being on stay-home-stay-safe orders and getting a head start on Spring cleaning. Don’t forget about the places that aren’t on display--the pantry and/or kitchen cabinets. Get them cleaned up and organized with these tips: 

 

  • Grease collects on the outside and even the insides of some cabinets. Cut the grease with hot water and dishwashing liquid, rinsing afterward. For tough spots, make a paste of baking soda and water, rub onto the spot, then scrub off with a damp cloth. You’ll need to rinse this solution more than once, but baking soda makes it easy to remove, so the rinsing will be worth it. 
     

  • For both cabinets and pantry, remove everything from shelves, and toss anything that’s out of date.  
     

  • When it comes to what’s on your spice rack, McCormickⓇ reports that whole spices last 3-4 years, 2-3 years for ground spices, and herbs have a shorter life of 1-3 years.  Check the freshness date on the container, and if it’s within that time frame, keep it.  If not, throw it away and restock. 
     

  • On to the shelves containing dishes, storage containers, and cookware:  remove items, and if there’s something you can part with, get rid of it. Keep in mind local daycares or domestic violence shelters that can use kitchen items. 
     

  • Wipe down all the shelving, preferably with a disinfecting cleaner, and once that’s done, place down non-skid liners where your dishes and glassware will go. 
     

  • Heavier dishes should be on the bottom shelf. Cookware and bakeware that is used most often should be placed in the front part of the cabinet so they’re easy to get to. 
     

  • For pantry storage, reshelf everything in categories:  baking supplies, spices, sauces, breakfast items, pastas, and canned food items will be grab-and-go when you need them.
     

  • Don’t neglect the drawers! Clean them, purge anything you don’t need, and use trays or utensil organizers to keep everything where it’s convenient.  

 

House Beautiful offers some organizing ideas for every budget, but whatever way you choose to organize your cabinets and pantry, make sure it makes sense to you and your family. Once everything is neatly in place, it will be easier for things to be put back in their places, saving you from hunting for the hand mixer or the bottle of five-spice. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

 

Photo credit: Midtown Cabinetry

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Ideas to Brighten Your Home Decor in Winter

Wednesday, January 12, 2022
by Tucker Robbins

 

Taking down holiday decorations and storing them for the next year leaves many feeling a little down. Brighten the darker cold days with a few small changes or easy decorations; here are a few ideas:  

 

  • - Simply using bright-colored accessories such as cozy throws, pillows, slipcovers, or accent rugs will reflect the natural light coming through the windows and help boost your mood. 
     

  • - Interior lighting can affect our disposition, especially in winter. Install daylight-type bulbs in ceiling fixtures, but use warm bulbs for lamps and sconces. 
     

  • - Natural items are not just for holiday decorating. A basket of pine cones with battery-operated LED lights woven through them or a simple wreath of twigs can double as decor for wintertime. 
     

  • - Clip small branches and twigs, spray them with white paint, (or leave natural), and display them in vases with artificial snow, small pine cones, or leftover whole nuts as a filler.  
     

  • - Snowflakes, no matter where you live, are a fun way to brighten up your interior. Have the kids cut out paper snowflakes or make these popsicle stick snowflakes. Hang them from a windowsill or use clear removable sticky dots and adhere them to the glass.  
     

  • - Create a whimsical wreath by wrapping a foam core wreath with an unused knitted scarf, adding mittens in place of a bow. This is another easy craft where children can participate! 
     

  • - Start forcing the flower bulbs you received as gifts to add a bit of green and color to your decor. Amaryllis and paperwhites are the easiest to grow indoors because they are tropical plants. 
     

  • - Another way to give a spring-like feel inside is to force-bloom flowering tree branches! Just follow these tips from Fine Gardening.  
     

Decorating for the colder months should be inviting and give off warm, cozy feelings. Boosting light and incorporating natural elements are just a couple of ways to make the home feel festive without a holiday theme. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

 

Photo credit: Longfield Garden

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9 Ideas for Hiding the Mundane Essentials in Your Home

Wednesday, December 8, 2021
by Tucker Robbins

When was the last time you looked through the photos of a beautiful home on a website or in a magazine layout? Did you miss anything? Probably not.  The non-stylish parts of a house have been digitally removed from the photos so that all a viewer sees is style.  Electrical outlets and cords, as well as HVAC vents, are necessities in a home, and while photo editing software cannot hide them, there are plenty of tricks to conceal them. 

 

  • Canvas art usually has an open back and can be placed over flat-screen televisions, thermostats, and window unit air conditioners (when not in use). 
     

  • Paint can cover many things we do not like, and if your kitchen appliances are lacking, there is paint for that!  It does not have to be a color; appliances can be painted for a stainless look as well. 
     

  • Create a gallery wall around the thermostat, and it will fade into the framed pieces. 
     

  • Return air vents are necessities but can be made to look much nicer: purchase a stylish cover that is made specifically for return vents, hang a stylish doormat over the vent, or switch the everyday slatted panel with decorative sheet metal. 
     

  • Hide the home <span class="SpellingError SCXW76850043 BCX0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-position: left bottom; background-image: url(" data:image="" gif;base64,r0lgodlhbqaeajecap="" 8aaaaaaaaaach5baeaaaialaaaaaafaaqaaaiilgaxcchrtcgaow="=&quot;);" border-bottom:="" 1px="" solid="" transparent;"="">WiFi router in an empty box with holes cut in the back for cords, an inexpensive basket, or get crafty and make a screen from old book spines! 
     

  • Cover popcorn or dated plaster ceilings with prefinished wood planks, faux beams, or tiles made of one of the many materials available at local home stores. 
     

  • Make that plain bathtub go undercover with self-stick tiles.  They come in all styles, shapes, and colors, and do not require any previous installation know-how. 
     

  • Wall-mount televisions have become the norm, and the cords hanging from the screen can be unsightly.  Home centers have cord cover installation kits in many styles and colors for those who feel confident enough to use some power tools. 
     

  • Paint radiators in the same color as the wall.  This may not hide them completely, but they will blend in, making them easier on the eye. 

 

Who needs a designer or magazine layout to make those household essentials fade into the background?  Updating the style of the mundane and functional parts of a home can be fun and easy, and while some of them may be little changes, they can make a big impact. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

Photo credit: CTAM

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Six Common Home Hazards and How To Fix Them

Wednesday, December 1, 2021
by Tucker Robbins


We think of home as our safest space, but sometimes, hazards are lurking unawares. This guide to hidden dangers will help you find and make repairs before it is too late: 

- Was your home built before 1978? If so, check for lead paint before scraping any painted woodwork. Purchase a lead-testing kit at your local home center or hardware store. In the case of a positive test, find a specialist that will remove the lead paint safely. You will find more information at epa.gov/lead or by calling 800-424-LEAD. 

- Speaking of older homes, have an inspector check out the plumbing for lead or polybutylene (PB) pipes. It may be safer and less costly to filter the lead from drinking water with a product that meets NSF/ANSI standards for lead reduction. PB pipes corrode over time, eventually causing a rupture, and should be replaced. 

- Keep your dryer lint trap clean, using a vent brush to clean all lint as far as you are able once per month. Unplugging items that are not being used is an easy step to avoid a fire hazard. Other appliances that can cause a fire: ranges, coffee makers, and refrigerators. 

- Check and maintain areas of your home that are possible fall risks. Handrails should be secure, and steps should be free of debris. Walkways and steps should not be loose or crumbling. Use non-skid tape for area rugs, and keep kitchen, bathroom, and utility room floors dry. 

- Not all molds are extremely dangerous, though they do cause allergic reactions for some. As soon as mold is discovered in your home, clean it with non-ammonia cleaner and water, or for hard surfaces, use a one-cup-bleach:one-gallon-of-water mixture. If the mold continues to grow or if it is found in carpets and drywall, it is better to have those items replaced. 

- Asbestos is only a dangerous substance if it is disturbed. If you notice deterioration in an area that you suspect is made of asbestos seek a local professional that can safely remove the offending material. 

- Do your very best to save for emergencies like this. Insurance and home warranties do not always cover health hazards such as these. However, correcting problems as soon as you find them is best for you, your wallet, and your family’s health and well-being. Home safe home is a home sweet home. 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

Photo credit: family handyman

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Tips for the Cleanest Windows on the Block!

Wednesday, November 24, 2021
by Tucker Robbins

The dry and dusty days of summer are over, and your home’s windows could use some sprucing up, inside and out. Do not let window-washing intimidate you--it is a time-consuming task, but one that goes quickly once you are in the zone! Here are a few tips to encourage you to get those windows sparkling clean: 

 

Before you Begin: 

  • - Mix up a cleaning solution in a large bucket: 1 gallon of water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and a squirt of liquid dish detergent--it is best to use too little detergent than too much, as too many suds can lead to streaking and extra rinsing time. 

  • - Use a soft-bristled brush with a long handle (a car-washing brush would be perfect) or a flat microfiber mop, water hose, a step ladder or stepping stool, and a squeegee is the best tool, but a microfiber cloth will do. 

 

Wash the dirt away: 

  • - Begin by removing the screen panels, laying them on a hard surface, and giving them a good shower with the hose, then gently scrubbing with the cleaning solution. After rinsing, prop them up to dry while you tackle the windows. 

  • - Much like washing a car, rinse off as much dirt as you can, starting at the top of the window. Use the brush to give the glass a gentle scrubbing, paying extra attention to anything that is stuck to the window. 

  • - Rinse with the hose, and use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe off excess water. If you use a squeegee, work from top to bottom, and wipe the blade dry between swipes. 

 

No Ladder Necessary 

A ladder is not needed to get a clean finish on windows that are too high to reach using a hose and a hose-end window sprayer: 

  • - Use the same recipe for the cleaning solution, but stir in 1-2 tablespoons of dishwasher rinsing aid to the mix. 

  • - Give the entire window--screen and all--a thorough spray of plain water to remove and loosen dirt. 

  • - Fill the sprayer with the cleaner, attach it to the hose, and, out of direct sunlight, spray from top to bottom. 

  • - Immediately rinse with plain water, and the rinsing aid should allow your window to dry without streaks, no wiping or squeegee required! 

 

The Family Handyman has a great tutorial, which includes a how-to for the sticky stuff, as well as getting the best results from a squeegee. Go ahead and get started on this much-dreaded chore. Once it is complete, everyone will see you have the most sparkling windows in the neighborhood! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: Bob Vila

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Fire Prevention

Wednesday, November 17, 2021
by Tucker Robbins

Although it may seem like it was only yesterday that you ran a check on all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, making sure your home and your family are prepared in case of fire cannot be repeated too often. 

 

Fire Safety Tools 

  • - Properly functioning smoke alarms are the first step in alerting everyone in the house of fire. Detectors should be installed on every floor, closest to bedrooms.  Consider installing an interconnected alarm system so that when one goes off, all of them go off. 
     

  • -A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible on every floor of your home. Learn how and where to store the extinguishers, as well as what types to keep in each place from Firefighter Insider. 


  • - Homes with more than one story should have an escape ladder close to an easily accessed window on the upper floor. Safewise.com has a list of their best-rated ladders and offers tips for choosing the right ladder for your home. 
     

  • - One prevention measure many homeowners do not consider is the installation of lightning rods. Lightning rods may seem like an outdated tool, but they can save electronics from lightning damage as well as preventing a fire. Home lightning protection comes in many styles that complement the exterior of your home. 

 

Fire Safety Tips 

  • - Is there a circuit breaker that trips frequently or a light switch that does not always work? These types of electricity issues are dangerous and should be checked out by an electrician. 
     

  • - Using extension cords seems to be the best solution when there are not enough outlets. Overloading electrical outlets is dangerous, so call an electrician to install more. The cost of a professional upgrade outweighs the cost of a fire. 
     

  • - Keeping the dryer’s lint screen and vent clean prevents lint build-up, making fire less likely.
     

  • - Never leave cooking food unattended, and even though your children may like to help, have their station set up far from any hot items. Keep towels and paper products away from anything hot.
     

  • - Besides knowing how to use an extinguisher, every cook in the house should know how to keep a grease fire from spreading. 

 

Most importantly, set up a family fire plan, and call a family meeting so that all family members know what to do and where to go in case of fire. Consult the National Fire Protection Association’s guidelines and use the free printable tools to make your planning process go smoothly. No amount of time taken to put a plan into place and practice is too much when it comes to protecting your home and family from a fire. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: epicurious

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6 Tips on Building Equity in Your Home

Wednesday, November 10, 2021
by Tucker Robbins


What is home equity? The Balance explains it this way: home equity “...is the amount that you own, or what you would get after paying off your mortgage after selling.”  For most Americans, their home is their largest investment, so keeping a watchful eye on the equity and taking action when it is necessary is their first defense.  

 

  • Before purchasing a new home, consider adding more to the down payment. This simple action creates equity by reducing the amount of your mortgage loan. 
     

  • The smaller the loan term, the faster the loan is paid off. Your payments will be higher, but if it is affordable, it is a fantastic way to gain equity quickly. 
     

  • Every monthly payment you pay towards your mortgage automatically builds equity unless your mortgage is an interest-only loan. Discuss this with your lender before you begin because you want to be certain that you are paying down the principal. 
     

  • - Adding to your payment each month not only builds the equity, but it will save money on interest in the long-term. 

  • - Consider dividing your monthly payment into two payments every other week. This plan makes it easier for you to squeeze in one extra payment per year. (26 half-payments=13 monthly payments) 

  • - Less expensive ways to pay the principal down sooner:  round up your monthly payment, budget a smaller amount each month to be paid on your loan, or use a tax refund or work bonuses to pay towards the principal. 
     

  • Properly maintaining your home will at least keep up the value, depending on the market, of course. Roof leaking? Repair it. Paint peeling? Grab a paintbrush. Sweat equity does not cost you anything, but if you must, hire a pro so that the job is done right. 
     

  • Adding value to your home is possible, but only if you are not spending too much out-of-pocket or dipping into a home equity loan to make the upgrades. 
     

  • Refinance your mortgage only if it is necessary or if you are decreasing the loan term. 

 

If you are unsure about the local market, call New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. and ask them to pull recent sales in your neighborhood so you can compare selling prices of similar homes with your mortgage balance. Now may be a good time to sell if you have enough equity in your home, and the agent will help you every step of the way! 

 

Photo credit: mortgageloan.com

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Protecting Your Vacant Home For Sale

Wednesday, November 3, 2021
by Tucker Robbins


Moving before your old home sells can cause some anxiety for the property’s safety. Criminals can be savvy these days, and you do not want your home compromised, especially when potential buyers are there for a showing. Besides having interior lights set on timers, window coverings, and motion-sensor outdoor lighting, there are a few more things you can do to add an extra layer of security: 

 

- The first step is the most obvious: lock all doors and windows. If someone is looking for easy access, they will check every entryway, and if they are locked, they may decide to walk away. 
 

- Before the move, check in with your insurance agent and make sure your homeowners policy covers a vacant house. 
 

- Ask someone you know and trust to keep an eye on things, especially if your move is long-distance. If you must pay someone, check their references. 
 

- Find a neighbor who is willing to park their vehicle in your driveway as another safety measure. 
 

- Continue to maintain the landscaping, preferably by a reputable landscaper, neighbor, friend, or family member. 
 

- As unlikely as it may seem, the HVAC unit should be secured. Installing a lock on the circuit box will discourage theft and adding a security cage is a plus. 
 

- Home security systems are more affordable than ever, and you do not necessarily have to pay a monthly service fee to a company. Do some online research and find a system that connects wirelessly and has a coordinating smartphone app.  You can keep an eye on things yourself, and if there’s anything suspicious, call your local contact and ask them to check your house for you. 

- Your RealtorⓇ normally provides a lockbox to be placed in an out-of-sight place on the outside of the house. Advancements in technology have made these tools even more secure, including types that record who shows your house and when. 

 

Think of the expense of taking additional precautions as an investment. There is no price tag on peace of mind and protecting your property when you are not present.  Another bonus is that the added security could be more incentive to potential buyers, making your home sell sooner! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: lakehomes.com

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Tucker Robbins
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
3838 Kennett Pike
Wilmington DE 19807
(302) 777-7744 (direct)
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