We know that gardening and spending time outdoors are good for your wellbeing. Recently scientists uncovered a new health-related reason to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty—and it could mean promising things for the future! When you think about it, the idea that playing around in the dirt could reduce stress isn’t all that far-fetched. Fresh air, the crisp smell of overturned earth, and even moderate physical activity have all been shown to reduce stress. But there’s more to dirt than that, and scientists have uncovered a useful and little-known link between dirt and stress relief. For a few decades, scientists have been tossing around the “hygiene hypothesis,” a theory that certain modern health problems like allergies and asthma are more common today, partly because much of the world is now so clean. Without exposure to low-level bacteria, children can’t develop resistance to them, and so if they are eventually exposed, the results can be dire. Researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder have taken that theory a step further by finding other stuff in dirt that can aid health. The new research focuses on one bacterium, Mycobacterium vaccae, and its fascinating and promising effects on mental health, especially in stress reduction. A few years back, researchers started looking at this strange bacterium, which people naturally breathe in or ingest while out in nature. Those researchers found that when they injected some of these bacteria into mice (after the bacteria were inactive)—the mice navigated a maze twice as fast, and exhibited much less anxious behavior. The new research from Colorado investigates a particular kind of anti-inflammatory fat in this bacterium. In fact, this fat not only reduces inflammation, but when injected before a stressful event, it actually prevents inflammation. The lead researcher from Colorado, Christopher Lowry, dreams of creating a sort of anti-stress vaccine from this bacterium. The discovery of exactly how this all works, with this magical fat within a tiny organism, could make that dream one step closer to reality—it could lead to natural, preventative anti-stress medication. In the meantime, get out and play in the dirt! It’s good for you. 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 in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

No matter the size, backyards are meant to be a source of enjoyment and refuge–a place in which to escape when you want to unwind, relax, and have fun. Is your outdoor space more a place you want to get away from than an enticing getaway? A yard cluttered with too much patio furniture, outdoor structures (like gazebos), and children’s play equipment is going to appear chaotic. In fact, you might find yourself trying to avoid the backyard if there’s too much stuff, you find it difficult to move around, or there is always a project calling out your name.

Clear the Clutter

Rethink the yard by clearing out the clutter, pruning overgrown trees and hedges, relocating play equipment, or donating it if your children are too old for slides and swings. Get rid of or recycle broken furniture and accessories or things that don’t seem to belong in the yard. Starting with as clean or bare of a slate as possible, assess your yard for elements it needs to make it a place you want to get away to; a refuge for kicking back and relaxing or enjoying the things you love, like swimming, working out, or eating with friends and family. An outdoor living space has much potential and can provide sun, shade, views and fresh air. Enjoy all it has to offer and consider the following ways to transform your space when transforming it into an oasis.

Take Advantage of the View

If you are lucky enough to live in a home with a view, don’t be shy about creating a space from which to enjoy the scenery. When designing for a view, consider the following:

• Don’t block the view with trees and hedges.
• Likewise, don’t block the view with outdoor furniture.
• Landscaping should blend in with the neighboring view and environment, not compete with it.
• Frame the view with landscaping and furnishings.

Offer Comfortable Seating

Seating is one thing, but a deep seating set, lounge chairs, loungers, or chaise lounges really allow you to stretch out and relax, whether it’s under an umbrella, by a swimming pool, on a deck, or even on the balcony of a high-rise apartment building. If the seating is comfortable, you’re more likely to kick back and spend some time outside, rather than sit down, say, at a patio dining table, eat a grilled burger, then go back inside. How about adding a hammock for some serious relaxation?

Add a Water Feature

The perfect water feature in a yard is a private swimming pool, which cools you off, allows you to exercise all within the privacy of your own yard. Even the sight and sound of water has a calming, restorative effect. If your budget or space does not permit, consider these other water features:

• Garden pond
• Koi pond
• Wading pool
• Fountain
• Birdbath

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 in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

THE RIGHT SHADE Sure, an umbrella provides much-needed shade. But the sight of one conjures up images of a vacation at a resort, on a sandy shore or next to a pool. There’s something about its round shape, projected above the other pieces of outdoor furniture, that looks fun and inviting, beckoning you to sit under its colorful form (or patterned or striped) and relax, maybe sip a cocktail or icy beverage. Ways to create shade in a garden include:

• Umbrellas
• Gazebos and pergolas
• Awnings
• Vines growing on overhead roofs or arbors
• Trees

THE RIGHT LANDSCAPING Not just any landscaping, however. Carefully planned and selected plants that look natural in their setting can really set a theme or mood, even transport you to a favorite vacation spot. Who wouldn’t want to step outside every day to a yard that reminded them of that trip to Maui, Tahiti or Sedona? The key is to choose plants that adapt well to the environment in which you live: dying tropicals in your desert locale will not remind you of Aruba. Mix natives for your region with trees, shrubs, vines and perennials that are adapted to the climate—usually something that can be found at your local nursery or botanical garden shop. Enlist professional help from a landscape designer, or ask for suggestions from a garden store employee or the local university’s master gardener program. CREATE PRIVACY Privacy is an integral part of a relaxing outdoor room. Dividing and secluding the area with carefully placed screens, walls or fences of suitable height will give your space a sense of mystery and surprise as you move throughout the landscape. Arbors and overhead roofs also add to that feeling of seclusion and provide the necessary shade. ADD A FIRE ELEMENT A fire pit, chiminea, or fireplace instantly adds warmth to your yard, especially during the cooler months or in the evening. What can be more relaxing than talking with friends or family next to a fire, or cuddling with a partner as you stare at the flames? With so many portable fire pit models available at reasonable prices, it’s easy to create a sitting area around a pit. Just make sure it’s not near any structures, under a roof, or on top of a wooden deck. ADD LIGHTING AND FRAGRANT PLANTS Sure, you can use scented candles outdoors, but why not plant the real thing? The intoxicating scents of flowering shrubs and vines are especially strong in the evening, so choose specimens that you can grow near outdoor seating or dining areas. Outdoor lighting—the right kind and placed to illuminate parts of the yard that experience activity in the evening—will lure you and guests outdoors and keep you there for as long as you desire. 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 in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.    

A new study found that women have a hard time concentrating in a chilly workplace. Their male colleagues, on the other hand, perform better in colder offices. Scientists have previously determined that office temperatures are often set lower than necessary in the warmer months—and that women, in particular, could be affected. But new research has added more evidence to the reality that bringing in a jacket or a cozy blanket in the middle of July doesn’t always keep you warm enough to feel comfortable during the workday. According to a new study published in the journal Plos One, women were able to perform better on common cognitive tests in room temperatures that averaged closer to the actual temperatures outside the office. Researchers behind the study had more than 540 college students in Berlin sit through different tests in a room that was set to various temperatures, with a range between 61 degrees and 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Participants in each scenario were asked to answer common logic problems and math questions that involved two-digit addition problems that were to be completed without a calculator. They were also asked to unscramble a combination of letters to form as many German words as they could. The study found that warmer temperatures enabled women to answer more questions on the math and verbal tests, and also increased their accuracy on these tests overall. Overall, a temperature increase of just one Celsius degree was associated with a two percent increase in the number of math problems the women in the study correctly answered; it also correlated to a one percent increase in the performance on a verbal task. What about the men in the room, you may ask? It might not surprise you to learn that, in this case at least, they performed better in cooler temperatures. That being said, scientists who spoke about the study with Time were keen to point out that the men’s decrease in performance wasn’t as dramatic as the overall improvement seen in female subjects. “When we start at low temperatures, the gender gap is huge in the math task,” Agne Kajackaite, an ethics and behavioral economics researcher at the Berlin Social Science Center, said. “As the temperature increases, women become better and better and better, and at some point, there’s no gender gap.” Researchers said that more research is needed—after all, not every woman will perform better in the heat, nor will every man in cooler temperatures. The study didn’t find an upper limit on when the heat would start to negatively impact the females taking their test, but researchers say they hope to lengthen the experiment soon so they can include participants of different ages and backgrounds. “Temperature could affect not just the comfort, but the everyday performance of people,” Kajackaite said. “If you feel more comfortable in the office with your five sweaters, or without your sweater, it might also affect your performance, so you should take it seriously.” 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 in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Tankless water heaters are one of the newer tools for creating a more energy efficient home. Unlike standard units, which continuously heat and reheat water so that it is always hot, tankless heaters generate water warm instantly with high-powered gas burners or electric coils. Yes, this instant heating requires more power, but because the water does not have to be reheated again and again, like in a standard “tank” model, tankless systems use less energy overall. According to Consumer Reports, which studied these appliances extensively, gas-powered tankless water heaters are approximately 22% more efficient when compared to traditional water heaters. Is there a catch? Yes and no. In the right situation, a tankless water heater is the best option. However, it is a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of these relatively new systems before committing. Before we get into the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, if you already know that you’re going to get a new water heater (with or without a tank), have you thought about how you’re going to pay for it? Let us help! Click below and get approved within 30 minutes (with no credit check)! Now we’ll walk you through several pros and cons of tankless water heaters, so you can decide if a tankless water heater or a traditional water heater is right for you.

Pro #1: Instant Hot Water

After flushing the cold water from the pipes out of the faucet, tankless water heaters can provide an unending stream of hot water almost instantly. Therefore, on a very basic level, these units can indeed deliver on their promise to supply heating without the inconvenience of bulky storage tanks.

Con #1: Inconsistent Temperatures

The Consumer Reports survey mentioned above names inconsistent water temperatures as one of the biggest buyer complaints. This issue typically results from the heater’s inability to send enough hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously. Also, tankless heaters do not always turn on if the faucet is slightly open (when shaving or rinsing a toothbrush, for example).

Pro #2: Longer Lifespan

A considerable advantage of tankless units is their longer lifespan. A standard, high-quality water heater will last roughly a decade, whereas tankless models function for twice as long. Opting for the longer-lasting tankless model can save a homeowner from needing a replacement every 10 years.

Con #2: Higher Initial Cost

Their longer lifespan makes tankless units inherently more expensive. The average traditional model costs around $500, while the cheapest tankless options start at $1,000. These specialized models are also more expensive cost more to install, so labor fees must be factored into the overall price tag.

Pro #3: Lower Month-to-Month Costs

While these systems are more expensive, they are also more efficient. In fact, Consumer Reports indicates that tankless water heaters are 22% more efficient than standard models. The monthly savings might be nominal, but homeowners can expect to save hundreds of dollars annually.

Con #3: Limited Hot Water Supply

Tankless water heaters supply a steady stream of hot water, but the supply is not unlimited. Standard models heat several gallons of water at once – perfect for a single person taking a shower or washing the dishes. But if an individual is running the dishwasher or washing machine while someone else is taking a shower (or two people are taking showers in two different bathrooms at the same time), a tankless heater is not equipped to keep up. A traditional water heater, which can store between 30 and 80 gallons depending on the model, will not have a problem providing hot water to multiple outlets at the same time.

Pro #4: Space Savings

Tankless water heaters are much smaller than bulky storage models. Installers usually mount them on a wall in an inconspicuous place in the basement. In smaller homes, the space savings is a welcome benefit.

Con #4: Additional Equipment is Often Necessary

A water softener is usually necessary to ensure a tankless heater operates properly. Obviously, this extra equipment adds to the unit’s initial price tag. A softener will also negate the space-saving benefit, as the bulky softener (in addition to the necessary bags of salt) will take up space beside the wall-mounted heater. In fact, this appliance may actually take up more space than a traditional water heater.

Pro #5: Special Financing and Tax Breaks

Because they are more efficient, tankless heaters qualify for federal tax credits, which help offset the steep installation cost. As of December 2016, the federal government offered a 10% tax credit on the overall cost of buying and installing a tankless hot water heater. Energy Star-certified traditional storage heaters also qualify for the same 10% tax break.

Con #5: Rerouting Gas Lines

As mentioned above, tankless water heaters require a non-traditional setup, making installation more expensive. A contractor might even be forced to reroute a gas line or add new venting, adding to the overall cost of the project.

Pro #6: Tankless Water Heaters Eliminate “Standby Loss”

The biggest selling point for tankless heaters is that they eliminate “standby loss.” Traditional units reheat water repeatedly, raising energy costs each time that they do so. Even if no one is home, the water heater is using energy because it is still firing up to reheat the water in its tank.

Con #6: Could Take Years to Make Up for the Higher Price Tag

While month-to-month water heating costs are cheaper with a tankless unit, it could take years to make up for the high initial cost. Over time, a homeowner will likely come out ahead, but according to Consumer Reports, the energy savings for going tankless add up to $75 per year, on average. Therefore, it could take 6 to 12 years (or more) before the month-over-month savings cover the installation costs.

Pro #7: Never Run Out of Hot Water

In houses with heavy hot water usage, storage tanks will eventually run out of hot water (for example, if three or four people take showers in a row while the dishwasher is running). A tankless heater ensures that everyone has an equally warm shower – as long as they are taken consecutively, not at the same time – because it does not rely on reserved water to meet demand.

Con #7: Changing Water Usage Habits Could Save as Much Money as Going Tankless

A tankless water heater is not the only way to make a home’s water system more efficient. By merely changing showering habits, a family could lower its water bill significantly. In addition, low-flow plumbing fixtures or a more efficient dishwasher could save as much money as a new water heater when the cost of water plus heating are added together each month.

Pro #8: Both Electric and Gas Models are Available

Tankless water heaters are often powered by natural gas, but electric models are also on the market. Depending on a home’s electrical infrastructure, a non-gas unit may solve the issue of rerouting gas lines or investing in other pricey, labor-intensive alterations.

Con #8: Other Options Like Solar Heating are Available

Tankless water heaters are not the only efficient option; solar water heating is gaining popularity across the nation. Featuring solar collectors and storage tanks, solar water heaters eliminate the need to reroute gas lines or install new electrical fixtures. Solar water heaters can be used in any climate and can even recoup their installation costs more quickly because they do not rely on gas or electricity – only sunshine.

Pro #9: Tankless Heaters Offer Longer Warranties

Because of their lengthy lifespan, tankless heaters have longer warranties. Therefore, if anything goes wrong, the homeowner will not have to pay for repairs or foot the bill for a replacement. Warranties can run up to 20 years, which is the average lifespan of a tankless heater.

Con #9: Additional Maintenance is Possible

To keep the warranty valid, owners must perform annual maintenance and, perhaps, run a water softener. Homeowners should also flush out their system annually to prevent mineral build-up in the heater or water line. The cost of performing these tasks could counteract some of the savings produced by the lower energy requirements of a tankless heater.

Pro #10: Ideal for Smaller Homes With Minimal Hot Water Requirements

If you have a smaller home and a modest demand for hot water, a tankless water heater is optimal. These efficient units will eliminate standby loss and will provide enough instant hot water for one, two, or three people to shower, wash clothes, and do dishes.

Con #10: Standard Energy Star Water Heaters are Also Efficient

New Energy Star certified traditional storage water heaters are also on the market. Not only do these units offer monthly savings for a lower initial cost – they also qualify for tax credits. Additionally, homeowners do not have to make significant changes to their gas lines or electrical wiring, as nearly all homes are equipped to accommodate these traditional water heaters.

A Final Consideration

Tankless water heaters often qualify for PACE financing with Ygrene. Homeowners can finance the purchase and installation of a tankless water heater with no money down through their local PACE program. Homeowners then pay for the upgrade over time (as a line item on their annual property tax bill). Traditional water heaters may also qualify for PACE financing in many cases, so it is best to consider the pros and cons of each option before selecting the type of water heater for your home. If you’re ready to get either a tankless water heater or a traditional water heater installed in your home, click below to get approved for financing within 30 minutes (or less!) 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 in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

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 in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Tile is one of the world’s oldest building materials yet still ready for modern use. How do choose a tile floor? Take a look at this overview to get started. *** Choosing a tile floor for your home can be intimidating. The combinations of color, size, style, and texture are impressive, but once you find tiles you like, how do you know they’re going to fit your home décor style? Finding tile floors that will match your personal style and complement your home décor takes some thinking about location, color, size, shape, layout, surface pattern, and spacing. Find out how these elements combine to create a flooring surface that best complements your living space.

Location

Tile is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making this material a good choice for your kitchen, bathroom, and entryway. However, not all tile suits every room in your house. Your first choice for tile should be one that is safe and practical for your floors. Use a textured tile for your shower floor instead of a smooth surface that gets slippery when wet. In your entryway, textured tile can be tough to clean, while smooth tile eases mopping duties. For high-traffic areas in your home, use durable porcelain tiles that resist scratching and chipping. Keep ceramic tile flooring indoors only, as ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain and won’t last as long against the weather. After you’ve chosen the best type of tile for your floor, think about the color you want to convey.  

Color

Color influences the overall attitude of your room, which makes choosing the color of your tiles important. Dark tiles add warmth, but make sure you have an open area and light to keep the tile color from overwhelming the palette of your living area. Consider chocolate brown, navy, or burnt-colored floor tiles in a large kitchen space. To make a room look larger, choose lighter hues. Cream and pastel flooring tiles will make your narrow walkway or guest bathroom seem larger. For areas with heavy traffic, consider variations of shades; a slight contrast on your floor tiles can help mask dirt. Mixed browns and tans, flecked tiles, or shades of gray and white are all options for busy areas of your home. If you’re looking for color inspiration, turn to the color wheel. Add energy to a room by selecting tile in a color on the opposite side of the color wheel as your existing décor. To keep a room feeling tranquil, use the color wheel to pick a shade adjacent to the color of your walls. However, your floor tiles don’t have to be one solid color. Selecting an attractive surface pattern is the next step toward your ideal tile floor.  

Pattern

With today’s technology, flooring tiles are available in many affordable patterns to complement your home’s interior design. For a subtle look, use stone-patterned tiles, which can match many décor types. Be sure, however, that your stone pattern has a style that won’t clash with your home’s personality. Marbled stone surfaces add an austere look, so keep your home’s proportions in mind if you opt for this surface. Surface patterns are fun, but they can get too busy. Don’t use patterned tile flooring where you already have a strong pattern on your walls. This double patterning will make a room look busy, and neither design will stand out properly.   Whether you choose a subtle or a bold pattern for your tile, also think about the size of your tiles in relation to your space.

Size

The pattern on your floor tiles influences not only the look of a room, but also its size. With tile flooring, size matters. Large tiles make small areas seem more expansive, making them a safe bet for most rooms. Small tiles can make a room feel more intimate, but these tile sizes should be used with caution. Small tiles have more grout lines, which can add a complex look to your room’s design. Large tiles also take less time and effort to install than smaller tiles, a point worth considering if you intend to hire a professional to tile your floor or whether you choose to do the job yourself.  

Layout

Like surface patterns, tiling layouts can be simple or complex depending on the type of look you want for your room. Consider your existing décor and decide if you want your floor to be the feature that stands out in your room. To make a small room feel spacious and neat, use an uncomplicated tile layout such as diamond, brick, or a straight layout. These layouts work for a room that already has a complicated pattern, design, or color, since they won’t distract from your existing décor. Simple layouts are also the easiest to work with if you’re doing the work yourself. To draw attention to your floors, choose a bold layout like checkerboard, herringbone, or Versailles. While complicated layouts can add interest to small areas, they can become busy in large rooms. Finally, think about the space between the tiles, a consideration that is as important as the tiles themselves.

Spacing

Once you’ve chosen the type, color, pattern, size, and layout of your floor tiles, it’s time to install them. Think about how the spacing of your tiles can influence your floor’s appearance. The farther you space your tiles, the thicker the grout line will be between the tiles. To camouflage your grout lines, use a grout that matches your tiles to give your floor a clean, cohesive look. To draw attention to your floors using tiles, use a colored grout to make individual tiles stand out. Grout comes in a range of colors, allowing you to choose whether to dramatically contrast or peacefully complement your tiles. Unlike products from the past, today’s grout repels moisture, but it can still be difficult to clean. Use a stain-proof grout if you can and use a grout colorant to revitalize areas that fade over time.

Let your vision be your guide

Choosing the right tile flooring might seem complicated, with the combinations of texture, color, pattern, size, layout, and spacing to consider. By going through your choices step by step and thinking carefully about the look you want for your home, you can select the right tile for your floors. Functional and beautiful, there’s a place for tile flooring in your home that suits your personal style.

We get it—buying art can be intimidating. Who’s to say what you’ll love in a year or whether you’ll want to showcase a framed seaside landscape in the dead of winter. A simple solution? Renting! RentSugar is a first-of-its-kind service that lets customers rent art before committing. There is even a way to upload a photo of your wall from your phone or desktop to see how your art will look in real life. Here’s how it works: Customers use the convenient online format to scroll through curated prints until they settle on one they love. Then, you’re just a few clicks away from the art arriving at your doorstep. Once your art arrives, fully framed and ready to be displayed, you can keep it for up to 90 days. Try it out on different walls or incorporate it with your favorite pieces. When the trial period is up, you can choose to send it back with a provided prepaid return label or buy it to keep forever. The prices are set per size rather than print, so you don’t pay more for RentSugar’s best-selling prints. After you pay the initial rental fee, you can choose to buy the art at a discounted price. Here are the costs per size of artwork:

• 14 x 14-inch: $50 to rent, $110 to buy
• 14 x 16-inch: $50 to rent, $120 to buy
• 18 x 18-inch: $70 to rent, $260 to buy
• 26 x 26-inch: $130 to rent, $380 to buy
• 22 x 26-inch: $120 to rent, $340 to buy
• 26 x 36-inch: $160 to rent, $499 to buy

RentSugar, a byproduct of art retailer ArtSugar, is charitable, too. Enjoy your new gallery wall knowing that a portion of proceeds from your purchase is donated to charities such as St. Jude Research Foundation and Dress for Success. Here’s how it works: Customers use the convenient online format to scroll through curated prints until they settle on one they love. Then you’re just a few clicks away from the art arriving at your doorstep. Once your art arrives, fully framed and ready to be displayed, you can keep it for up to 90 days. Try it out on different walls or incorporate it with your favorite pieces. When the trial period is up, you can choose to send it back with a provided prepaid return label or buy it to keep forever. The prices are set per size rather than print, so you don’t pay more for RentSugar’s best-selling prints. After you pay the initial rental fee, you can choose to buy the art at a discounted price. Here are the costs per size of artwork:

• 14 x 14-inch: $50 to rent, $110 to buy
• 14 x 16-inch: $50 to rent, $120 to buy
• 18 x 18-inch: $70 to rent, $260 to buy
• 26 x 26-inch: $130 to rent, $380 to buy
• 22 x 26-inch: $120 to rent, $340 to buy
• 26 x 36-inch: $160 to rent, $499 to buy

RentSugar, a byproduct of art retailer ArtSugar, is charitable, too. Enjoy your new gallery wall knowing that a portion of proceeds from your purchase is donated to charities such as St. Jude Research Foundation and Dress for Success. 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 in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Decks and overhead structures require posts, and posts require footings. To properly install footings, you need to consider soil, climate, slope, drainage, and more. Learn about these factors and more with our handy guide. Decks and overheads require load-bearing posts to support the framing, and each post must be set in a footing. Typically a footing is a hole dug into the ground, extending below the frost line and filled with concrete. Different building codes, climates, and soil conditions may allow for alternative footings—for example, piers set in concrete or tamped earth. Ultimately the type and dimensions of the footing you’ll need will depend on the height of the deck, the types of materials you plan to use, how deep the ground freezes, and the load-bearing capacity of the soil. This section introduces you to different footing considerations you’ll need to make when building a deck, including soil type, climate, materials, and more.

Loading a Deck

Footings must support two kinds of loads inherent in any structure—dead loads and live loads. The dead load of a deck is the weight of all its permanent elements—posts, beams, framing, decking, planters, stairs, and railings—before transient items (snow, furniture, and people) are put on it. Most building codes will require the construction of a deck to support a dead load of 10 pounds per square foot and a live load of 40 pounds per square foot. This means that footings, along with the other support elements, must be constructed to support a total weight of 50 pounds per square foot. All of the elements work together—the ledger carries a portion of the weight, which it transfers to the foundation of the house; beams carry the intermediate loads; and footings support the loads that are transferred to the perimeter.

Soil Consistencies

Soil consistencies vary and thus their ability to support a load. Loose soils have minimum load-bearing capacity and may require more or larger footings than heavy clay or compacted soils. Local codes take local soil conditions into account, so it’s important to contact the building department before you start planning your deck. You may find that local codes specify different spacings or construction methods than the ones shown in standard span tables.

Climate Considerations

In cold climates, the freezing and thawing of the soil causes it to expand and contract—sometimes dramatically. If the posts are improperly set, any movement of the soil will be transferred to the posts and the deck structure above them, shifting or cracking portions of the deck and causing severe structural damage. Regions have a different maximum level (called the frost line) at which the ground freezes during the winter. Local codes specify the depth of this line and how far below it you must dig to set your footings. In warm climates you maybe able to get by with a minimum footing—a concrete pad about 6 to 12 inches deep and 1 to 2 feet square. Even in some winter climates, codes will allow you to set posts in a tamped-earth footing.

Slopes and Codes

Posts set in sloping terrain call for special attention. Not only do you have to meet specifications of local codes for depth and construction, but also most codes require at least 7 feet of soil from the bottom of the footing horizontally to the surface.

Drainage Tips

Most localities require 3 to 6 inches of gravel in the bottom of the footing hole to allow water to drain away from the bottom of the post. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea.

Footing Materials

Precast concrete piers are available at your home center and may be used with or without footings, depending on local codes. They may be used without hardware, as shown here, to simplify construction of ground-level decks. When using a precast pier to support a post, install a post anchor in the center or purchase piers with the hardware already mounted. Home centers and material retailers carry prefab tubes that form the concrete in a footing. The tubes are made from a composite material that is strong but allows easy cutting to the proper depth. You can fill about three footings with four 90-pound bags of premix concrete. For larger projects mix your own with a power mixer or call in the ready-mix truck. Carry the concrete to the holes in a wheelbarrow. Before you dig footing holes, see if your home center has plastic forms that attach to the tube. They add strength and stability to the footing but require a wider hole than you would normally dig.   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 in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.