Exterior Home Design Trends for Spring

As the winter chill gives way to the warmth of spring, our minds naturally turn to refreshing our homes – starting with the exterior. In 2024, homeowners are diving into creativity, sustainability, and technology with nature always still in mind. So, what are the trends that will be shouting from the rooftops this year? Here is what people will be talking about:

Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainability is becoming a major factor in many of the decisions we make, including in our own backyard. Homeowners are swapping traditional landscaping for eco-friendly alternatives that not only jazz up the look of their homes but also give Mother Nature a helping hand. Think native plants, rain gardens, and permeable paving, all giving a nod to water conservation and biodiversity.

Mixed Materials

Goodbye, uniformity; hello, mixed materials! 2024 is the year of texture which is a personal favorite for me. Homeowners are falling head over heels for combinations like wood, metal, glass, and stone. It's not just about blending traditional with modern – it's an all-out fiesta of styles. Mix and match to your heart's content; it's the secret sauce for adding that special character and uniqueness to your home.

Smart Facades

Smart facades are what a lot of people are looking at this year, boasting materials that adapt to the environment like tech-savvy chameleons. From self-cleaning surfaces to solar-responsive coatings, these facades aren't just making your home look sleek; they're contributing to energy efficiency and ease in the maintenance department.

Outdoor Living Spaces

The desire for a seamless transition from your living room to your backyard is moving full steam ahead with outdoor living spaces. Homeowners are decking out their exteriors with cozy furniture, fire pits, and even outdoor kitchens. Patios and decks are no longer just practical – they're the heart and soul of your home's design, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Outdoor lighting is stealing the spotlight as homeowners realize it's not just about looking good; it's about being smart too. Energy-efficient LED lighting, solar-powered fixtures, and programmable lighting systems are the heroes of the hour. Because who said your exterior can't be both charming and environmentally conscious?

This year is a playground for bold ideas and thoughtful choices in exterior home design. From embracing sustainability and tech wonders to unleashing your inner artist and connecting with nature, homeowners are turning their homes into personal expressions. As we ride the wave of evolving design trends, the key is finding the sweet spot that reflects your style while keeping an eye on the ever-changing design landscape around us. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Keeping Your Basement Dry in Winter

During times of heavy snowfall and standing snow, homeowners often find themselves facing the challenge of keeping their basements dry. Snow, with its tendency to melt and seep into the ground, can pose a significant threat to the lower levels of a house. So how can you maintain a dry basement during the winter months, ensuring a comfortable and moisture-free living space? Here are six tips.

Exterior Maintenance:

The first line of defense against a damp basement is proper exterior maintenance. Begin by inspecting your home's foundation for cracks and gaps that may allow water infiltration. Seal any visible cracks with a waterproof sealant to prevent melted snow from finding its way into your basement. Additionally, make sure that the grading around your home slopes away from the foundation, directing water away rather than towards it.

Snow Removal:

Efficient snow removal is crucial in preventing water from seeping into your basement. Regularly clear snow away from the foundation and window wells to minimize the risk of water accumulation. This proactive approach helps maintain a dry basement by preventing the formation of ice dams, which can trap melted snow and lead to leaks.

Gutter Maintenance:

Clean and well-functioning gutters are essential in diverting water away from your home. Ensure that gutters are free of debris and ice dams, allowing melted snow to flow freely. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent clogs and minimize the need for frequent maintenance. Downspouts should extend several feet away from the foundation to direct water away from the house.

Interior Waterproofing:

Investing in interior waterproofing measures can provide an additional layer of protection against basement moisture. Apply waterproof paint or sealant to the interior walls and floors to create a barrier that prevents water from penetrating. In areas prone to high humidity, consider using a dehumidifier to maintain optimal moisture levels.

Insulation:

Proper insulation is not only beneficial for energy efficiency but also plays a key role in keeping your basement dry. Insulate walls and pipes to prevent condensation and freezing, which can lead to leaks and water damage. A well-insulated basement is better equipped to withstand temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of moisture-related issues.

Sump Pump Maintenance:

If your basement is equipped with a sump pump, ensure it is in good working condition. Regularly test the pump and clean the sump pit to prevent clogs. In the event of heavy snowfall and potential flooding, a functional sump pump can efficiently remove excess water and protect your basement from damage.

By implementing these proactive measures, homeowners can safeguard their basements against the challenges posed by winter snow. Take the time to assess your home's vulnerabilities and invest in prevention to enjoy future worry-free winter seasons without the threat of a damp basement.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Making the Downsizing Process Easier

For older homeowners, a hot real estate market is often enough of a motivator to put the family house up for sale. While landing a good price for your property is a great reason to move on, so too is finding a place that’s smaller, simpler, and easier to maintain. That being said, the tough and tedious process of sorting through belongings, selling furniture, and parting with sentimental items is a lot to bear. Here are a few tips to begin the process. 

Start Now

Even if you’re not yet ready to downsize, it’s a good idea to begin organizing yourself early. Seasonal changes are a fantastic time to start getting rid of clothing and equipment that never make it out of the closet. Pretty soon it will be spring, so take stock of what you didn’t use in the winter. Facebook Marketplace is a great way to make a few extra dollars on gently used goods or consider your local shelter or Salvation Army for donations. Many towns also have a spring “bulk pickup” for larger items. 

Take Photos

Leaving a house can be difficult, especially if it’s one that you’ve raised your family in. Be sure to take photos and videos of the various places where memories were made and invite family and friends over for intimate gatherings. After the house is gone, you’ll appreciate reminiscing and remembering the good times through pictures. A video diary is a fun thing to share with the kids and grandkids too. 

Choose Your Favorites

Collections are always very hard to part with so pick a few favorites and let the rest go. Some collections, such as glasswear, have plenty of sentimentalities but not much monetary value. Other collections can be worth a pretty penny once you’re ready to move them on. Either way, downsizing into a smaller space is the perfect time to get rid of some of the things you’ve been holding onto for a long time. 

Paperwork Purge

This is one of the worst tasks but it’s a must for many downsizers. So many of us hold onto paperwork for too long, only to get completely overwhelmed and bogged down with it years later. Things that might seem worth keeping such as tax returns only need to be filed for seven years, if that. Most of our accounts and records are kept online anyway, so there is really little need to have hard copies of anything. Invest in a good shredder and start pushing that paper.

Get Help

Downsizing is tough to do alone, so enlist your children to help with the sorting and organizing. If you’re the sentimental type, it’s also a good opportunity to pass treasures onto family members. Kids and grandkids will enjoy having special momentos that mean something to both you and them and it will feel wonderful passing on those treasures. While it can all seem overwhelming at first, the process will actually become freeing as you move into a new phase of your life.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.