Archives for June 2012

What’s New in Wall-to-Wall Carpet By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona

June 25, 2012 szabogroup

Joe Szabo Scottsdale Homes for Sale

By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team

Wall-to-wall carpeting used to be pretty boring stuff: a neutral field of smooth-cut pile, without a lot of excitement or character. But like everything else in the house, carpet has gone high-style — not to mention high-tech.

Synthetic yarns, advanced dyeing techniques, and new manufacturing processes now produce carpet with more texture, color, durability, and stain resistance than ever before.

“New looms can combine different piles to create a pattern, like a floral or geometric print,” says Gary Johnston, global brand manager at Stainmaster. The result is carpets that are not simply backgrounds for the rest of your decor but focal points in their own right.

What to Look For

The most important thing to keep in mind when selecting a carpet is how much foot traffic it will get. For the busiest areas, look for a dense construction. “Lay a carpet sample on the table and run your fingers through it. You don’t want to be able to see the backing of the carpet,” says Barbra Wilson, manager of technical information at the Carpet and Rug Institute. You’ll also want a shorter pile height — the general rule is half an inch or less. In a cut-pile carpet, look for a good, tight twist of the yarn bundles. In looped carpet, look for smaller, tighter loops. Less-trafficked areas give you more freedom, allowing you to choose from plush cut-pile Saxonys to twisty friezes (for details, see “Pile Style”).

Next, consider the material the carpet is made of. Wool is the industry benchmark. “It’s what every other fiber is trying to be,” says M.J. Pullins, marketing director at Stanton Carpet. “It doesn’t crush or fade. It’s naturally fire-retardant, hypoallergenic, discourages the growth of bacteria, and even regulates the room’s humidity.” But because it tends to cost more than other fibers, wool accounts for a relatively small share of the market.

Two-thirds of all carpeting purchased in theUnited Statesis made of nylon, thanks to its colorfastness, resilience, and easy maintenance. Olefin (also called polypropylene) is another durable, colorfast, and reasonably priced synthetic. Often used for level-loop and Berber carpet, olefin resists static, moisture, and mildew better than other fibers and can even be used outdoors. Polyester is not as resilient as other fibers, but it’s soft to the touch and easily cleaned. Acrylic is most often used in velvet and level-loop constructions; it looks and feels like wool and gives you the most bang for your buck.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes inArizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes inScottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes forSaleand Estates forSaleinScottsdaleand to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Top 10 Cutting Edge Kitchen Appliances By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona

June 18, 2012 szabogroup

By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team

With kitchen remodels leading the way when it comes to large scale home improvements, kitchen appliances have evolved into some of the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, and convenient home appliances on the market. If you’re ready to remodel your kitchen, here are 10 of the most cutting edge and innovative kitchen appliances to hit the scene in recent years. Installing any, or all, of these wonderful inventions will transform your kitchen from something out of date to darn near futuristic in the blink of an eyeýor should we say a few clicks of the egg timer?

#1: Steam Assist Ovens
Steam assist ovens utilize steam in the cooking process to produce better tasting food and faster cook times. Because they use steam to cook, usually with convection heating, they reduce almost all need for basting, misting, and water bathing. These ovens are also fully computerized, and electronically monitor the amount of steam used based on the dish type you enter in on the keypad. Truth is, these appliances practically cook dinner for you!

#2: Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops generate electromagnetic fields to heat up your pots and pans rather that the cooktop itself. Sounds hard to believe, but you can literally boil a pot of water on a burner and then set your hand on it moments later without experiencing any ill effects. Add to that the fact that induction cooking is up to twice as efficient as natural gas or traditional electric heating elements, and it’s easy to see why this futuristic cooking method is catching on fast.

#3: Microwave Drawers
Microwave drawers are undercounter microwaves that electronically slide out like a drawer rather than requiring you to open a door. The benefits of these units include saving space, blending your microwave seamlessly into your cabinet design, easier microwave access, and more kid-friendly operation.

#4: Dishwasher Drawers
Dishwasher drawers operate on the same principle as microwave drawers. Instead of a clumsy looking traditional dishwasher, you can install dishwasher drawers fitted with your own custom cabinetry. The drawers look like any other drawer in your kitchen, but pull out to reveal a functional dishwasher instead!

#5: Oven Refrigerators
That might read like a typo the editor missed, but it’s an actual product that is taking the kitchen appliance industry by storm. These ovens refrigerate food during the day while you’re at work, then convert to an oven at a pre-set time so your dinner is ready for you to eat when you pull into the driveway. These units are perfect for today’s hard working professionals and busy families.

#6: Built-In Rotisserie Ovens
Built in rotisserie ovens are just what they sound like. Instead of taking up valuable counterspace with that rotisserie cooker, you can have a built in rotisserie installed much like you would a more traditional oven. Imagine cooking everything from mouthwatering chicken to tender roasts without the hassle of dragging that bulky rotisserie cooker out of the pantry. It’s almost too good to be true.

#7: Lift Ovens
Lift ovens have cavities that drop down like an elevator lift, rather than requiring you to open a door and place your food inside. You set whatever it is you’re cooking on the lowered tray, push a button, and the entire setup raises into the oven and starts cooking. These are convenient additions for any homeowner, but they are especially useful for the elderly and those with disabilities, since they eliminate the need to bend over and place dishes in, or remove them, from a traditional oven.

#8: Computerized Refrigerators
Computerized refrigerators come with an actual computer and screen built right into the main door. You can access the internet, bring up stored recipes, and even check e-mail while you prepare dinner!

#9: Water Stations
Water stations are kitchen islands outfitted with multiple sinks (usually in a circular fashion) so that you and a handful of friends can prep dinner in each other’s company. With these handy additions, there’s no need to miss out on socializing just because you ran out of time to get dinner together before your guests arrived!

#10: Kitchen Entertainment Centers
Kitchen entertainment centers are transforming the time cooks spend in their kitchen. They come with a full range of radio receivers, television consoles, and CD and DVD players. They can be installed on the wall, as undercounter models, or as undercabinet additions. Any way you cut it, these all-in-one units change cooking from an isolated endeavor to a multi-media experience!

Being Open to a Mediterranean House Plan By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona

June 11, 2012 szabogroup

By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team

The Mediterranean house plan is defined by an open style with large exterior windows, a low-pitched, tiled roof, and stucco or brick siding. This openness hearkens toward pleasant weather, making the Mediterranean house plan a favorite for warm climate locales. While any house plan seeks a stunning appearance, few equal the raw curb appeal of the Mediterranean design. Its hallmark archways and verandas provide a sense of luxury without going over the top. You’re not going to choose a Mediterranean house plan for a tiny bungalow-sized house, but your house doesn’t have to break the bank, either. One-story or two, large or small, a Mediterranean house plan is an architectural style that can be tailored to meet any budget.

Mediterranean Home Plan Features
There is no one feature that defines a Mediterranean home plan. Extensive window installations, low-pitched roofs, and customary vaulted ceilings create the customary Tuscan feel, but the desired effect should be more important than any strict guidelines that must be met to create an authentically Mediterranean style home.

Tied to the mild climate of theMediterranean, the home’s exterior design is usually only part of the equation. Landscaping is often an integral part of the puzzle. Courtyards, swimming pools, semi-elaborate gardening, and other landscaping emphasize the same openness you find inside the house. In many ways, your yard becomes the buffer that creates the privacy the windows would otherwise betray.

The Right Carpet Fabric: How Do I Decide? By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona

June 4, 2012 szabogroup

joe szabo scottsdale real estate for sale

By Joe Szabo,ScottsdaleReal Estate Team

The most frequent question that I get from perspective customers is “ What type of carpet should I buy?” Instead of coming up with a quick answer, my response is to start asking probing questions. The first question I ask is “why do you want to replace your carpet?”

Understanding the motivation behind a customer wanting to change their carpet will give me a starting pointing in my recommendation.

When I met with Rick and Sally Brown about replacing their carpet, they explained to me that they were expecting their first child and they wanted to buy a carpet would be best for their new baby.

Again, instead of giving Sally and Rick a quick recommendation, I felt it was important to probe a little further, so I asked them to tell me what was the most important characteristics of their new carpet. They said that a carpet has to be easy to clean, reasonably priced and soft enough for their baby. After gathering the characteristics that were important to the family, now we can look at the three primary fabrics(fibers) to choose from.

Nylon: Nylon is the strongest fiber of all the carpets. It has excellent resistance to abrasion, insects, molding, mildew, rot, and many chemicals. It is also easy to maintain, and dye, while upholding its color admirably.

With all of these advantages, nylon makes quite a formidable carpet. Thus, it is the main choice for residential use, accounting for 9 of 10 homes. With such a large hand in the residential carpet business, it would be expected that nylon carpet holds up well in traffic, hides soil, and is available in brilliant colors. Which indeed it does all very well. Nylon carpet is priced averagely, not quite as expensive as wool, but more expensive than polypropylene, and polyester.

Nylon does have its disadvantages. For example, nylon carpet is quite susceptible to stains. Nevertheless, manufacturers have developed methods for increasing stain resistance. One method, adding acid dye stain blocker to the carpet, greatly increases its stain resistance. The longevity of nylon carpet depends on the quality you buy.

Midlevel and high-end carpet can last up to 12 to 15 years. However, it does come at a cost. Prices range anywhere from 25 to 50 dollars per square yard. On the other hand, you can buy it quite cheap if your willing to have a lower grade of quality. At 8 dollars per square yard, you will get you basic nylon carpet. Then again, it will lose its color brightness and fade at a much quicker pace. It will also tend to lose its bounce, and relax. However, this is the case with any low-end carpet.

PET (recycled): Also, it is more stain resistant than nylon carpet. However, nylon carpet is much stronger than polyester, which tends to shed more. Additionally, it is quite resistant to mildew, and moisture (at a cheaper cost than nylon). It is also non-allergenic. Another thing to point out about polyester is that some of it (if not all) is made from recycled bottle caps. Which may improve indoor air quality. About 50 soda bottle caps go into a square yard of carpet. Which is a great talking point. It is also quite cheap, cheaper than wool, and nylon. Then again, you have to remember, when purchasing the recycled version of this carpet, it is actually made of plastic. So, it would be a good idea to first test this in a single room, before going all out with this environmentally friendly carpet. You might notice a gleam when looking at it, or squeak when walking across it

Olefin: Polypropylene, (also called olefin) is the prime choice for commercial carpet, and outdoor carpet. Depending on the cut, it will wear very well, clean easily, and is suitable for high traffic areas. It is inherently stain resistant. In fact, its stain resistance is so high you can spill chlorine on it, or other harsh chemicals, and it will have little effect. Coupled with these two factors, it is also very cheap, cheaper than wool, nylon, and polyester. For these reasons, polypropylene continues to gain popularity. Due to its high resilience to sunlight, mildew, and moisture; polypropylene is an excellent choice for an outdoor carpet, and is actually used for artificial sports turf.

However, with all these benefits, comes disadvantages. Polypropylene is not exactly ‘crush resistant’ and can be prone to matting, crushing, and general scuffs. This also depends on the pile cut. It is also difficult to dye. Additionally, polypropylene attracts a lot of oily soil. Though this can be canceled out by the fact that strong chemicals may be used to clean it.

Floors must withstand your lifestyle. They get nicked by high heels, crusted by muddy boots and crushed by furniture legs. Sunlight, moisture, pets, stains, spills, and childhood accidents all leave marks. Yet it’s common to focus on how a floor covering looks and forget how it will wear.

Carpet

There are four clear choices when it comes to floor covering: carpet, wood, tile, and vinyl. Carpet cuts down on noise and hides problems with subflooring. It also offers wobbly toddlers a softer landing, and warms your toes on chilly mornings. Damage can be repaired using leftover carpet, if the wear and fading have not been extensive. For those who suffer from allergies, carpet squares can provide a viable option. These squares are completely removable and can be cleaned outdoors to avoid stirring up dust mites and allergens. No matter the health concerns, carpet must be vacuumed regularly and shampooed annually, at the very least, to ensure a quality floor covering.

Wood Floors

Wood flooring is a popular choice for many reasons. Wood floors don’’t harbor dust, bacteria, or dust mites the way that carpet can. Wood floors come in natural styles, are durable and, when properly sealed and finished, can be cleaned with a wet mop. Woods such as oak, cherry, or fir don’t dent as easily as pine, and most gouges can be restained to hide the damage. Hardwood floors can be left their natural color or given a stain, ranging from light (blond) to dark (cherry). Simulated wood products, such as Pergo, look like wood but are made of synthetic rubbers that won’t scratch or dent as easily as the real thing — yet they offer the same visual appeal as wood, including the grain that defines hard woods. These synthetic floors are particularly well suited to high-traffic areas like kitchens and mudrooms.

Vinyl

Vinyl makes perfect sense in kitchens, dining areas and entryways where water and grime collect. Vinyl cleans up well, looks attractive, and resists damage from furniture legs and falling objects. Vinyl squares, sold in 12- and 16-inch sizes, are the easiest floor product to install, bar none. They have a peel-and-stick backing, which allows them to go directly onto a prepped floor, and eliminates the mess of working with an adhesive. Vinyl squares also come in styles that mimic ceramic tile, but without the risk of chipping and cracking. Vinyl sheeting is an excellent choice for bathrooms and laundry areas, though sheeting must be cut to the exact size before being laid. Vinyl sheeting, unlike tiles, is not a peel-and-stick product, so you’ll need to apply glue to the floor before laying in the precut sheet. Price and quality vary depending on the thickness, pattern, and design of the floor covering.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile has decorated floors since the days ofGreece,Persia, andRome. Today’s ceramic tiles boast brighter colors, and more elaborate patterns and styles. Fired ceramic is rugged and hard, functional and beautiful. Because it is non-porous, ceramic tile withstands moisture, and is well suited for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Its beauty makes it an elegant choice for living areas, as well. Installing ceramic tile is a major undertaking, however, even in a small area such as a front or rear entryway. This is not a job for the faint-hearted or weak of knees. If you do it yourself, you will spend much time on your hands and knees, will learn to trowel, and will become adept with a tile cutter.