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Passive-Aggressive Architecture: The Odd Phenomenon of Spite Houses

July 17, 2023

Homes are, traditionally, structures designed with a combination of comfort and function in mind. Architectural styles have risen and fallen in popularity as families seek out the perfect place to raise their children and entertain their guests. But, what happens when a less-than-pleasant motivation becomes the driving force of a new home’s construction? The Hollensbury Spite HouseIn historic Alexandria, Va.,the Hollensbury Spite House has become a tourist attraction in its own right thanks to its strikingly skinny dimensions–less than 7 feet wide when approaching from the street level. This bright blue, two-story, 325-square-foot home is sandwiched between two much larger buildings to its east and west, and begs an explanation as to why such a small, blink-and-you-miss-it house found its way to 523 Queen Street. As the story goes, John Hollensbury was a prominent citizen of Alexandria and a member of the city council back in the early 1800s. All seemed well for the Hollensbury family, aside from issues regarding the alleyway between Mr. Hollensbury’s home and his neighbor’s which attracted many loiterers and carriage traffic. When gouges from carriage wheels began piling up on the exterior walls of Hollensbury’s home, he decided to purchase the land between the two

Home Design Content Creators You Should Start Following

July 10, 2023

One of the biggest benefits of the many social media and content creation platforms that are widely accessible today is that there are more engaging content creators than ever before. For people that are compulsive DIYers themselves or for those who are interested in learning more about intriguing interior design styles, finding a popular vlogger is a great way to build motivation and fuel inspiration. Pick your poison! Between Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, there’s no shortage of home and lifestyle content creators ready to hook you in. If you’re interested in checking out a few new creators, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few home and lifestyle content creators that you should definitely check out! DIY Content CreatorsThere is no better genre of content creation when it comes to personal motivation than DIY content creators. Homeowners often feel limited in how they can transform their houses due to budget constraints, and home improvement jobs tend to feel intimidating for people that lack experience using tools, making measurements, and designing home features. The best DIY content creators are able to balance specific home improvement tutorials with fun and well-edited videos that show how accessible many projects are—even for beginners. Amanda

Does a House Have to “Pass” Inspection to be Sold?

June 26, 2023

First-time homebuyers face a tall task when they enter into the real estate market. Balancing their budget and finding a neighborhood that fits their family’s needs is enough of a challenge. Learning how to negotiate a fair price and deciding whether their new home is worthy of what is likely the largest investment they’ll ever make can certainly be intimidating. Because of this, sellers and buyers alike may dread waiting for the results of the home inspection with the thought that the report could derail their deal. The truth is, a home inspection is not a pass/fail diagnosis of a property. A home doesn’t have to “pass” an inspection in order for a sale to take place, but rather, a home inspection is an essential overview of a home’s condition at the time of the inspection. No home is perfect, and buyers should always be prepared to discover the maintenance needs of their new homes. To get a better idea of what a home inspection report is and how it prepares buyers for homeownership, let’s discuss the essentials of home inspections. What is a Home Inspection?A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a home’s key features. Home inspectors

Are Appliances Checked During A Home Inspection?

June 19, 2023

New homeowners and seasoned real estate experts know the value that comes with a home inspection. A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home-buying process for families that want to ensure a safe and well-maintained house. However, for people that haven’t bought a home before, some of the specifics that go along with a home inspection may seem cloudy. Homebuyers should always feel free to ask their inspector questions about the scale and scope of their home’s inspection to best learn what is and isn’t checked. For those who have just begun their home search, or for those who are curious about the overall guidelines that most home inspectors adhere to, resources like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors’ (InterNACHI) Standards of Practice can provide more specific detail about what a home inspector does. Home appliances are a major factor in the safety and functionality of a home, of course, so home-buyers are frequently concerned with how much insight they can expect in this area from their home inspection report. To answer the question simply, inspectors do look at most built-in home appliances. However, to learn what does and doesn’t reside within industry requirements,

The Ultimate Guide to Lawn Care Part 2: Dealing with Common Lawn Problems

June 12, 2023

By Kym Preslar, Content Manager of SodLawn Weeds are probably the most common problem that homeowners face when it comes to lawns. Weeds not only make your lawn look unsightly, but they also compete with your grass for nutrients and water, eventually leading to weak and sparse growth. The good news is that there are several ways to control them. You can manually pull them out by hand or use mechanical tools like a weed puller or hoe. Another effective method is using herbicides, but make sure to choose a product that is labeled for your specific weed problem and follow the instructions carefully to prevent damage to your lawn. Pests like ants, grubs, and moles can wreak havoc on your lawn and cause extensive damage if left untreated. You can identify the presence of pests by noticing disturbed soil, tunnels, or patches of yellow or brown grass. To control pests, a multi-pronged approach is recommended. You can use natural repellents like garlic or pepper spray, set traps or baits, or apply insecticides. However, it’s important to note that some insecticides can harm beneficial insects, like bees, so use them sparingly and with caution. Lawn diseases can be caused by

The Ultimate Guide to Lawn Care Part 1: Tips for a Healthy and Beautiful Yard

June 6, 2023

By Kym Preslar, Content Manager of SodLawn There’s just something about a well-manicured lawn that gives a property that special touch. A beautiful lawn not only adds curb appeal, but it can also increase the value of your property. Achieving a healthy and beautiful lawn, however, is not as simple as mowing the grass every other week. It takes effort and the right know-how to get that perfectly lush and green yard you’ve always wanted. In this ultimate guide to lawn care, we’ll give you tips and tricks that will help you achieve a lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy! Whether you’re a new or seasoned homeowner, this guide covers everything you need to know to achieve a healthy and beautiful lawn. Understanding Your LawnYour lawn is the centerpiece of your home’s outdoor space, and it deserves the utmost attention and care to look its best. Understanding your lawn is the first step to achieving a lush, green oasis right in your backyard. Different Types of GrassesDid you know that there are more than 10,000 varieties of grasses? Choosing the right grass for your lawn is an essential step in maintaining a healthy lawn. The most common

How to Host a Memorable Backyard Barbecue

May 29, 2023

Summertime brings a special kind of excitement and plenty of opportunities to spend time with loved ones. The backyard barbecue is a classic way to spend a hot evening. Although everyone wants to throw a cookout for the ages, it’s important to take the right precautions beforehand to make sure your barbecue is memorable in all the right ways. Seamless and safe barbecues are all about preparation and safety. So for your next backyard bash or summer shindig, consider these tips to take it to the next level. Practice Safe GrillingThe grill master is a role that’s not to be taken lightly. Not only is the grill master responsible for satisfying everyone at the party, but any negligence on their part can lead to major damage or potential injury. Grilling spaces should always be carefully selected and at a minimum, 10 feet away from any structures to avoid dangerous stray embers. This may go without saying, but never grill inside! Any overhead coverings can also cause ventilation problems, and unstable bases can lead to grills tipping over. Ideally, grills should be set up with plenty of space, separate from toppings stations, side tables, and dessert spreads. The final and most

Home Maintenance Items to Prioritize After Your Inspection

May 22, 2023

Home inspectors and other real estate professionals know the truth that every new homebuyer will have to swallow: no home is perfect. Each house has a unique array of attractions and eye-catching features sure to draw in families. At the same time, there isn’t a home that doesn’t have its share of warts or bruises as well. Your local home inspector is the key to identifying building and property maintenance issues while keeping the weight of each concern in perspective. To review the differences between which features should be addressed as soon as possible and which can be put off until later on, here are your home maintenance priorities post-inspection. How Is the Condition of the Roof? One of the top priorities of every new homeowner should be to understand the condition of their roof. Roofing is considered one of the main cornerstones of home systems for a few reasons. The roof is the home’s primary defense against weather and the elements. Without solid integrity, leaks are just the start of a slew of problems including the potential for mold and energy inefficiency. All roofs have a natural lifespan until shingles begin deteriorating beyond the point of serving their use.

American Architecture: Touring Regional Styles in the US

May 15, 2023

The United States has a rich history of architecture that draws influence from many different parts of the globe. Throughout its history, regional climates and cultures have heavily influenced the ways that their iconic cities grew and the unique look of their homes. Although recent trends toward a common, international look have reduced regional influences, a legacy of architectural taste still has considerable impact in the US. Per an article by design specialists at Dwell, architect Marlon Blackwell describes the current context as “…a shared language, that’s almost global, based in the International Style or Modernist language…Where it becomes geographically and culturally specific, then that’s where it becomes altered.” Although many American cities will see a variety of architectural styles in their neighborhoods today with only small variations that pull from regional factors, these styles cut their teeth on the shores of New England, in the wide open midwestern plains, and in the sandy Southwest. Today, let’s take a brief tour of some of the United States’ favorite architectural styles. The Northeast – Cape CodSome of the US’s most iconic homes were built by pioneers in the Northeast, with their styles slowly adapted and updated over time. Unsurprisingly, there are

Why Do The Suburbs All Look Alike?

May 8, 2023

Fans of architecture and those that frequent open houses “just for fun” may have expressed a similar sentiment. Why are all the homes in that new development so “same-y”? Old homes seem to have much more character – why would anyone buy a new home? Or, put in another way, why do the suburbs all look alike? Every city has similar areas. Rows upon rows of houses that are identical to one another, maybe with slight deviations in color, which all result in a dizzying maze of monotony. The truth behind this phenomenon finds its beginnings nearly eighty years in the past, when a sudden need for housing led to an innovation that was too good not to replicate. The Beginnings of Tract HousingAs veterans were returning from their service in World War II, society had to adjust quickly to the sudden surge of people and the new families looking to settle down with their own homes. With demand through the roof, the real estate investment group Levitt and Sons realized that they could purchase a large tract of land with the intent to divide them into small plots for quick, easily-constructed homes. This idea proved to be a huge