Once you get your house hunt on, you’ll undoubtedly start hearing lots of terms getting thrown around. From “pre-approval” to “closing costs”, it can be tough to suss out exactly what all of these things mean, especially if it’s your first time looking for a home.
This time, we’re tackling "curb appeal." Everyone kinda gets it, but really, uh...what is it? No matter if you’re just starting out or have been on the market for a bit, sometimes a little clarity can go a long way.
Simply put, it’s the first impression.
Like it or not, the way that a home looks from the street can have a huge impact on our overall opinion of it. Similarly to how you would put your best foot forward on a first date or job interview, homeowners--especially those in the market for a buyer--often put extra effort into making their home’s exterior look good.
In real estate terms, curb appeal can be anything that adds either functional or aesthetic value to a home's exterior. Post Shields, for example, adds both. As the buyer, you’ll want to factor these types of details into your home search. As you look at listings, make sure to keep an eye out for elements of curb appeal and to make a note of how they sway your opinion on the home.
That being said, it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. Sometimes curb appeal is not indicative of what a home will look like once you head inside, so it should never be used as your single determining factor for whether or not it's worth taking a look at a home.
Now that you know what curb appeal is, it’s time to get a little deeper into the different elements that go into creating a home that is aesthetically pleasing from the outside.
Typically, these items can be divided into a couple of different categories. They are:
Again, these elements shouldn’t make or break your decision on whether or not to make an offer on the home. However, as you look at a property, it’s a good idea to take these factors into account since if you do decide to make an offer, they'll be inputs into deciding what's a fair offer price.
At its core, curb appeal is actually a financial matter. One way or another, improved curb appeal does come with a cost.
A home that looks better from the outside will likely fetch a higher sale price than one without any of these small touches. However, if you decide to buy a property without these small touches, you may need to pay for them in the long run.
If you do decide to go with a property that’s a bit more of a fixer-upper, keep in mind that you don’t have to take care of everything all at once.
While some of the projects listed above are smaller, things like roofing and professional landscaping can end up costing thousands of dollars.
We suggest doing your research and budgeting carefully before undertaking any DIY projects.
But, boosting curb appeal also boosts equity. If you do decide to invest in some of these projects and improve the look and function of your home over time, you should see that benefit come back to you when you re-sell it. You'll also find that you’ll take pride in enjoying your investment throughout the duration of your time in the home.
This article originally appeared on OpenListings.
]]>You have your major concerns such as HVAC, water heaters, sprinkler systems, and landscaping. All can be managed with a preventative or predictive maintenance plan. One item that is often overlooked is post maintenance. That is usually seen as a reactive maintenance plan. When something looks bad or is broken and needs to be repaired, that is when you take action. Posts for mailboxes, fencing, signage, outdoor structures, pergolas, decks, patios, and more should all be put on a preventative maintenance plan. Whether you have a long fence line or a multiple unit HOA with mailboxes, you can spend thousands of dollars painting and repairing those posts. If you have vinyl fencing, just a few cracked posts or holes could cost you thousands in repair costs digging those posts up for replacement. Metal painted posts will chip which can lead to rust and additional expensive paint and replacement costs.
The cause of all these problems is simple. String trimmers and other lawn care equipment. Simply taking care of your lawn is adding to your budget each and every season. If you have a landscaping crew using high powered equipment, at the speed in which they move, it can't be expected for them to not hit a few posts. Even if they are the best crew out there, they might chip a post or two. You could also have homeowners taking care of their own trimming who may not be as careful as others in the association. I've even heard of fees being charged to homeowners who have paint chips and damage on the posts in an attempt to avoid this concern.
The damage is not only costing money but taking away from the much-valued curb appeal of your property. A comfortable outdoor space is key to enjoying your home and properties. In the past, it was impossible to maintain your posts without a large budget set aside every year or two. Now there are slick new tools to help you save time and money.
Post Shields are an innovative solution for protecting existing or new posts from damage caused by string trimmers and other lawn care equipment/services. The simple design gives any outdoor space a luxurious and finished look you'll love while saving time and money on unneeded maintenance.
Post Shields fit standard 4x4, 4x6, and 6x6 posts. They are 4 individual shields that join together for an easy installation. If your posts have already taken a beating, you can use Post Shields to cover and immediately stop further destruction while adding to your curb appeal! They also come in custom sizes for anything outside the standard.
Covering your posts won't make you a million in savings overnight, but it can significantly decrease your maintenance budget. If you are looking for a way to clean up your mailboxes or fence line, this will do it. In return, they simply look great and protect from any future damage. Post Shields also offers huge discounts for HOA and Property management companies to invest in their properties. Follow the link to request a quote: Request A Quote
]]>by By Dan Colton dttstaff@hngnews.com
For siblings Jennifer and Kane Carmody, it was an easy decision to start a business together – the DeForest graduates grew up working at their father’s software office.
Kane and Jennifer would help out at their dad’s IT business, Carmody Software, completing tasks like data entry and some management responsibilities as teenagers. After the two graduated from DeForest Area High School in the early 2000s – Jennifer in 2004 and Kane in 2006 – they remained in the information-technology field for some time.
Growing up, the siblings said they were close. They shared friends and spent much of their time together. Eventually, they learned how to work as an effective team. As adults, Jennifer even relocated to Janesville to be closer to her brother when Kane’s wife had their first child.
That close bond translates into their business operations.
“Kane and I have been working together in the family business since we’ve been old enough to work,” Jennifer said. “So we’re really good at communicating and hearing the other one’s opinion without getting too upset.”
Their business idea is a simple one – to protect yard posts from maintenance equipment like weed whackers and lawn mowers. Now their “Post Shield” product is mass-produced and was recently picked up by Ace Hardware, according to Kane and Jennifer. It’s a plastic guard that fits around the base of a post.
Kane and Jennifer said they recognized there was a market for the product after seeing damage at their houses and at their friends’ houses.
“Simply, it was us just looking around at other people’s mailboxes, our fencing, just seeing chipped up paint and wood or cracks, and holes in fence posts,” Kane said. “…(The Post Shield) looks good and you don’t have to worry about whoever is trimming the grass. The posts are going to look the same every time.”
The shields are currently being produced in Chicago, according to the Carmodys, and neither have looked back since the startup began in December 2016. They are often purchased for homeowners’ associations and golf courses.
“For me, it was a no-brainer,” Jennifer said. “Kane and I both liked the idea, thought the product would work.”
And after being picked up by a major retailer, the Carmodys can claim success. Kane said, “You can walk into any Ace Hardware in the U.S.” and find the Post Shield or request an order.
Kane continued, saying he and Jennifer owe a debt of gratitude to their father. Not only did he immerse them in the world of business ownership at a young age, the Post Shield was initially an idea their father came up with some 30 years ago.
“Being a business owner and an entrepreneur … I feel like it was something we were born with,” Kane said. “Our dad ran multiple businesses so I was able to watch him do things and how those things happened.”
Looking to the future, Jennifer said part of the Post Shield’s success will continue to be its intuitive design.
“The fact that we don’t really have to do a lot of explaining of our product (is a key to its success),” Jennifer said. “…(Buyers) can look at it and say, ‘I get it. I want it, I need it.’”
The Carmodys said they’re happy to have made the transition despite a heavier workload than in IT. The sibling team said the Post Shield is here to stay.
“We’re going to be around for a while,” Jennifer said.
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An attractive view from the street can help sell your home and extend your property values as well as the neighborhood’s value.
Curb appeal should be important to all homeowners, not just the ones looking to sell their homes. It can also save money and help detract criminals.
Well placed trees and shrubs will block the home from sun and wind and can help cut down on cooling and heating costs. Shrubs and bushes in front of windows, but not fully blocking them, can prevent people from looking into your home or getting too close. Keeping them trimmed and the yard maintained also lets people know that the home is regularly occupied.
If you practice regular maintenance on the exterior of your home, it will prevent larger costly repairs in the future.
A few simple and cost-effective things you can do to improve your curb appeal are:
There are a few basic maintenance tips for homeowners to keep a mailbox looking brand new. Consider tightening loose hinges on the door, taking care of rust or loose parts, replacing missing or faded house numbers and keeping the post in good shape.
Faded or chipped paint on your mailbox and post should also be updated to add curb appeal to your yard.
To prepare for painting your mailbox, remove it from the post and remove all parts including the numbers, flag, and door. Clean everything with an all-purpose cleaner to insure the new coat of paint will adhere to the mailbox. Rinse the mailbox with water and let dry. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any rust or mold.
Make sure to check the weather conditions before you start painting your mailbox. You will want to work outside or in a well-ventilated area. The primer and paint for your mailbox should be outdoor quality paint. Apply two coats of primer, making sure the first coat is dry before applying the second. Once both coats of primer are dry you can apply the first coat of paint. Let the first coat of paint dry before adding a second or third coat.
Paint the door and flag of the mailbox while the primer and paint coats on the mailbox are drying.
Let the paint dry completely before reassembling the mailbox and reattaching it to the post.
To paint the mailbox post, remove the mailbox and any address numbers. Sand the post to remove any moss, mold or mildew. Then, fill any cracks or holes with wood filler or paste. Apply two coats of primer and once dry, apply the first coat of paint. Let each coat of primer and paint dry before applying a new coat. Once the post is completely dry, you can reattach the mailbox and numbers. Add a Post Shield to protect your newly painted post.
If your mailbox has been knocked down and you need to install a new post, check out our How to Install a Wooden Post blog. You should also check with your local postmaster or the USPS website for any rules or guidelines on where to place your new mailbox post.
]]>Gardening is one of the best ways to improve your landscape. Give your backyard some color to accompany a path or a symmetrical design to please the eye. Consider perennials with a stone edging and an accompanying mulch to bring your garden to life. For an elegant and relaxing aesthetic, try adding a pond.
Fence or wooden trellis
A fence can serve as a privacy barrier or simply add an artful appeal to your backyard. Start by measuring and laying out fence posts. Then dig the holes and add concrete and gravel. Once the fence posts are in place, attach the fence panels. Add Post Shields to the base of each fence post for protection and added aesthetic.
Fire Pit
A fire pit is a great way to give your backyard a central gathering location. To build a fire pit, you first need to create a circle by picking a spot in your yard and inserting a stake where the center will be located. Next, tie a string around the stake, measuring how wide you want your circle to be, and drag the string around the stake using a trowel or spray paint to mark the circumference. After that, shovel out the grass circle and tamp it down. Use a leveler to make sure the circle is level. Once your circle is level, spread a thick layer of gravel and arrange your bricks in a circle. Using a fire-resistant mortar, stack bricks to a height of your liking and enjoy!
Lay a path
Adding a brick or stone path to your landscape can help to invite guests into your backyard garden utopia. Once you decide on a path, excavate it and lay your edging. Then, lay down some leveling sand and tamp it down. Next, cut and lay down your paving blocks. Once your path has been laid, pour more leveling sand over the top and brush it into the cracks between paving blocks.
Lawn care
With all these great ways to improve your backyard landscaping, it is easy to forget about basic lawn care. Keeping up on mowing, removing weeds and the use of seasonal fertilizers are all best practices for a healthy lawn. After mowing, make sure to use a string trimmer for edging around landscaping stones, fence posts or other objects that may be hard to mow around. Protect any posts you need to trim around with Post Shields.
]]>Cost For most homeowners, cost can be the largest or main factor in deciding between a wooden or vinyl fence. Cedar fencing is the less expensive option and includes many of the same benefits a vinyl fence offers. Vinyl fencing is more expensive, but some premium brands can include lengthy or lifetime limited warranties.
Maintenance
Maintaining a cedar fence is quite simple Cedar is a sturdy wood that naturally repels insects, meaning it does not need to be stained or painted to protect the wood. Cedar will not warp or shrink and has a pleasant smell with a reddish look. It can be stained or painted for a personalized look. Lawn maintenance can do damage to the bottom of wood posts, which can be an eyesore. Adding a Post Shield to the bottom of your fence posts protects against chipping from a string trimmer and makes maintenance to a cedar fence virtually non-existent. All you need to do is clean the fence with a pressure washer occasionally. Vinyl fencing does not require a lot maintenance. Dirt can build up over time so cleaning with a hose or pressure washer can be necessary. Mildew problems can arise with vinyl fences if they are located near sprinklers or in rainy areas. It is easily removed but needs to be removed quickly to avoid staining.
Durability
Cedar is one of the most durable types of wood. Its natural oils help repel insects and resist rot. If installed properly, it can withstand snow, high winds, heavy rains and sunlight. A cedar fence can also act as a sound barrier. Vinyl fencing can stand up to pests, decay and fungus but is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Extreme heat and harsh cold can cause vinyl to expand, bend or become brittle. High wind can cause the fence to twist and call for repair. Repairing a vinyl fence can be expensive. Unlike a cedar fence, you cannot remove a single post for repair. Typically, an entire panel or section of the vinyl fence has to be removed to make repairs.
Bottom Line
Cedar is a cost-effective and durable fencing option for your yard. Vinyl has a higher price tag but is a nearly maintenance-free and durable fencing option. You can save a considerable amount of money by choosing a cedar fence over vinyl. With the addition of Post Shields, your cedar fence can stand hand in hand with some of the best quality vinyl fencing with no damage worries.
Vinyl fence posts can also be covered with Post Shields. Scrapes, cuts and cracks from string trimmers and other lawn maintenance equipment can damage posts of all material, size and quality. Post Shields saves you that hassle.
Once permits have been attained and gas and electric lines have been marked, you can start installing your post.
The tools you will need to install your posts are listed below:
There are a few tools you can use to dig a hole. If you’re only digging one hole, you can use a manual post hole digger. If you have many holes to dig, a gas-powered post hole digger may be the way to go as digging holes can take a lot out of a person physically.
Before purchasing a posthole digger, manual or gas-powered, check with your local hardware store to see if you can rent one.
The depth and diameter measurements of the hole should be listed within the city ordinance and regulations information.
You can use concrete or gravel to set your posts. Concrete is the best option if you have sandy, loose soil. Gravel is best used with clay or heavier soil. Gravel is less durable than concrete but allows for better water drainage.
To set your post with concrete, place a 6-inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the hole and tamp it down. Place your post in the center of the hole on top of the gravel layer and pour in the concrete.
Using a stick, poke the concrete to eliminate air pockets and help the concrete cure evenly. Make sure the post is perfectly vertical with a level and use stakes to secure the post while the concrete cures. You will want the top of the concrete to be above ground level and slope away from the post to keep standing water away from the post.
To set your post with gravel, make sure you are using crushed gravel. Place the post in the center of the hole, pour in 5-inches of gravel and tamp it down. Add in another 5-inches and tamp it down again. You will continue this process until the hole is filled.
If you want grass to grow around your post, stop adding gravel when there is a 2-inch space between the gravel and ground level. Fill this area with soil.
Give your newly installed post added curb appeal by adding a Post Shield!
]]>Protect and preserve the curb appeal of your home today and check out our selection of Post Shields!
]]>Post Shields not only protect new and existing posts from string trimmer and other lawn care equipment but it also adds a decorative finish to any outdoor space. They install in seconds with no tools necessary and save you time and money on unneeded maintenance.
The 4x4 Post Shields are designed to fit the standard 4x4 labeled post, which measures 3.5x3.5 inches.
The 6x6 Post Shields are designed to fit the standard 6x6 labeled post, which measures 5.5x5.5 inches. Both designs are available in 4 and 6-inch heights.
The Post Shield XL is 18 inches tall for space to include mailbox numbers. It is available in both the 4x4 and 6x6 design and we include custom mailbox numbers in your order.
If your post isn’t a standard 4x4 or 6x6 post don’t worry, Post Shields has you covered. The Clamshell Post Shield is a custom, made to order one-piece unit that opens and wraps around the post completely for a uniform look. Just like original Post Shields, there are no tools needed for installation and goes on in seconds. If you don’t know the measurement of a post and looking to gift a Post Shield, gift cards are available. The gift cards are good for any purchase on the Post Shields website and don’t expire!
Starting on Black Friday (11-24) and going thru Cyber Monday (11-27) Post Shields will be offering a sitewide sale* of 10% off and an additional 5 % off any size Post Shields XL, free shipping is also included! Post Shields will also be offering a Last Chance sitewide sale with 5% off from December 11-16 to make sure you get your order before the holidays.
Free shipping is available on nearly all Post Shields.** Free Shipping Days will be ending on January 1, 2018.
* Clamshell and custom order pricing are not included.
**Clamshell and custom order shipping are not included.
]]>Houzz.com is another online retailer carrying Post Shields. Houzz carries the 4x4 Post Shield in all three colors and the 4 and 6-inch heights. Not only is Houzz an online retailer in all things for the home but it can also help you find professionals in home improvements, including but not limited to design and remodels. You can also find a blog that lists new DIY projects and design tips for the home.
You can also find Post Shields in physical stores such as Ace Hardware and Libby and Leaf. Post Shields are available to every Ace Hardware store via all 11 of their distribution warehouses. If you can’t find Post Shields at your local Ace talk with the store and they can order one for you. They carry 4x4 Post Shields in all three colors and the 4 and 6-inch heights.
WhinyCat.com is another carrier of Post Shields. WhinyCat was one of the first retailers to pick up Post Shields for their store. WhinyCat provides you with an impeccable online shopping experience and has Purrrfect Toys and Gifts for Everyone.
Libby and Leaf is a new carrier of Post Shields. They are located in downtown Matthews, North Carolina. They carry an assortment of unique accessories for your home and garden and have a second story dedicated for the youngsters with toys and games. They don’t have an online store but with its location in the downtown historical district, it sounds like a fun and interesting place to visit. Libby and Leaf carry the 4x4 Post Shields in all three colors and the 4 and 6-inch heights.
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Wood rot is caused by several kinds of fungi, including but not limited to, decay fungi. Decay fungi will break down the cellular structure of the wood and cause a significant loss of strength to the wood. According to Colin McCown, executive vice president of the American Wood Protection Association (AWAP) decay fungi requires four basic conditions to survive. Oxygen, water, moderate temperatures and food. Decay fungi is apparent when the wood becomes either darker or lighter than surrounding wood and develops checks and cracks in the discolored area.*
A key element to the design of Post Shields are the ridges on the inside of the shields. They are there to help let the wood breathe. The ridges create a space between the post and the Post Shields allowing rain to flow down into the ground rather than collecting between the two and also allows the post to dry out after the rain has stopped. The picture below shows how the four shields install around the post and gives you a view of the ridges on the inside of the Post Shield.
Wood rot is caused by natural elements and to prevent that you would be fighting against nature. The ridged design on the inside will not increase the chances of rot in your post. Post Shields understands the importance of keeping your post structurally sound and looking great. This is why we designed a product that will protect your post and keep it looking new for years to come.
*The information on wood rot used for this blog can be found in more detail at Deck Magazine]]>
Post Shields is located in the lower atrium level in suite 3 right next to Hailey’s Sweets and Treats. The first and second floors are filled with many different stores and offices. Some notable ones are Manpower Group, Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan's office.
Post Shields can't be purchased from our office location but you're more than welcome to stop by for a visit to learn more about Post Shields and meet the company's owners, Jennifer and Kane.
]]>Post Shields act as a trim piece to your post. Their function is to protect but their design gives your post and yard a more finished look and adds curb appeal to your property. We're noticing more and more customers are using Post Shields for decoration. They're installing Post Shields on posts that aren't surrounded by grass and aren't in danger of a string trimmer.
To help enhance the curb appeal of your property we have upgraded one of our Post Shields products, Post Shields XL. Post Shields XL is now 18 inches in height, available in white, black or bronze colors and comes in both the 4x4 and 6x6 sizes. Included in your order of Post Shields XL are your mailbox numbers. This little touch adds a design flare not only to the Post Shield but to your mailbox as well. Post Shields XL is only available on our website.
We are offering free shipping on all purchases, minus Clamshell orders, and you can receive 10% off your order if you sign up for our newsletter.
As always, we ask that you measure your post before purchasing to verify the size.
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We came up with the concept for Post Shields by noticing the posts in our neighborhood were being destroyed by grass trimmers and yard maintenance. The only options to fix the damaged posts were to repaint the posts frequently, replace the posts too soon or spend thousands of dollars to switch to other composite fencing options. We knew we had to come up with an easier and less expensive way.
Post Shields, shield the base of posts such as mailboxes, fences, etc. They are four individual shields that slide together to cover and protect existing or new posts from string trimmers and other lawn care equipment. Installs in seconds with no tools and their visually pleasing design adds a luxurious and finished look while saving time and money on unneeded maintenance.
Post Shields, Inc. is comprised of the sister/brother team of Jennifer and Kane Carmody. Jennifer lives in Janesville, WI with her dog and loves reading, writing and hanging out with her friends and family.
Kane is married with two young girls and also lives in Janesville, WI. His interests include playing music, wood working projects, golf and softball.
Scott is the father of Jennifer and Kane. He was the start of the journey with discussions about the simple problem of post damage. Scott helped Jennifer and Kane engineer/design the first prototype. He was always welcomed looking over the shoulder of his children as a father would with such an endeavor. His wife, Denise, (Mom and Grandma) helps by watching the grand kids for business trips and is there whenever needed. They moved to Palm Bay, FL. in 2010. They are very excited to see where Jennifer and Kane will take Post Shields in the future.
]]>They are available in white or black at 6 inches in height and your specified L"xW". There have been many questions asked about the differences between the original Post Shield and the ClamShell. The main difference is the ClamShell being one piece of plastic formed to your dimensions. The ClamShell has more flexibility to open up at one seam and wrap around the bottom of existing posts rather than individual shields that come together. The ClamShell has been made from as little as 2.5 inches in width to as large as 9 inches.
No matter the size Post Shields, Inc. wants to make sure your posts are protected!
]]>Post Shields, Inc. attended The National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, NV for the second year in a row. This will be their first time attending the convention as a vendor for Ace Hardware. Post Shields are now in all of Ace Hardware’s distribution warehouses across the country. The 4x4x4 and 4x4x6 sizes in white, black and bronze can be purchased in any local Ace Hardware store.
Post Shields, Inc. learned a lot and met many people during their first visit to The National Hardware Show. They were very excited to learn more and reconnect with people on their second visit. Post Shields remained in the “Made in America” category of the show but moved from last year’s lawn and garden section to hardware. This proved to be a good move for Post Shields as they witnessed a lot more foot traffic and met with many more potential customers.
A month after The National Hardware show, Post Shields is hard at work following up with leads and fulfilling new orders. They are thinking up and creating new product ideas to introduce at next year’s convention.
]]>Post Shields met the owners and employees of over 300 hundred Ace stores at the convention. While there, they were able to learn and receive feedback from the employees of what they are interested in and love about Post Shields. They were also able to introduce their product to many stores that did not know Post Shields were available to them.
Post Shields XL, 6x6x4, and 6x6x6 Post Shields were introduced to Ace Hardware as new products available to them hopefully in the next year. Post Shields XL are 20 inches in height and are available in both the 4x4 and 6x6 sizes in white, black or bronze colors and include your mailbox numbers to go along the side of the Post Shield. The 6x6 Post Shields are also available in the white, black, and bronze colors.
]]>Along with the newsletter, new features to the website include; a blog where you can learn more about Post Shields as a company and their current and upcoming products, send messages or chat with us instantly via Facebook, links to all of Post Shields social media accounts, and there is a short “how to install” video with many more videos to come. The website still includes the custom sizes form for customers looking for the made-to-order custom ClamShell Post Shields and the special pricing form for HOA’s and customers looking to order large quantities of Post Shields.
A new product introduced to the website is the Post Shields XL. The Post Shields XL is 20 inches in height and includes your mailbox numbers. It is offered in both the 4x4 and 6x6 sizes and in all three colors: white, black and bronze.
We hope you enjoy free shipping days and take advantage of the extra 10% off coupon by signing up for the newsletter!
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