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sareyen · 4 years

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Das Haus am See: The Lake House Cherik AU (Part 1/3)

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A Lake House Cherik AU: Charles and Erik both lived in the lake house, Charles in 2017, and Erik in 2019. By magic or fate, the two find out that the house’s letter box is able to send letters through time - and, in doing so, the two fall in love despite living in two different years. They vow to meet in the future, but fate is fickle, and time waits for no one.

Chapter 1

Erik grunted as he hauled the last of his boxes into the back of his car, cursing under his breath when the boot struggled to close. After some rearranging, Erik managed to fit all of his belongings into the back, grateful that he had never been the type to hoard.

Pulling out a pen and paper, Erik leaned on the boot of his car, quickly scrawling a concise note to the future tenant of the lakeside house overlooking Chautauqua Lake.

To the new tenant,

Welcome. As the previous tenant, I hope that you find everything to be in working order. I’ve filed my change of address with the post office, but their services are unreliable at best. If anything slips through, could you please forward my mail? My new address is below.

Thank you.

Also, the burn in the wall above the kitchen stove was there when I moved in, as was the box in the attic. You can do whatever you want with that.

E. Lehnsherr.

Erik quickly folded the paper and shoved it into an envelope, licking the seal and sliding it into the slightly rusted red letterbox at the front of the house, flicking down the red flag on the box.

Erik took a moment to appreciate the house he has lived in for the past year and a half, corner of his mouth lifting. Erik took in the rustic red brick house with its blue-tiled roof, the white trimmed windows and flourishing green front lawn.

Early in the afternoon, the house was cast in a warm golden glow, light reflecting off the lake water in the distance. The house looked warm and lived in, a far cry from how it had looked when Erik had first moved in; barren, with wilting plants in pots hanging on the porch, grass yellowing, dust collecting on every antique piece of furniture inside it.

When Erik had first moved in, the lake house had been cold and barren, much like Erik himself. Erik had moved into the house a year and a half ago after everything with Magda had crumbled to pieces, the multiple miscarriages taking their toll and culminating in a messy divorce. Erik had felt dead inside, moving out of the suffocating city and taking temporary leave from his job as an estate planning lawyer to take some time to gather himself in solitude.

Erik had not thought that he would become so attached to the lake house, which was almost 7 hours by road from the hustle and bustle of NYC. Living alone in tranquillity had made Erik remember his childhood in Germany with his parents, of happier and calmer times. The house had helped him heal, and even though memories of Magda still made his heart ache a little, Erik had learned to shoulder it.

Erik gazed at the house fondly for a moment longer, before turning around to his car packed full of his meagre things, ready to make the trip back to the city and the real world, leaving this little slice of serenity behind.

***

Charles pulled up to his holiday home on the Chautauqua lakefront in his car (or “Rust Bucket” as his dear sister, Raven, endearingly called it). It was beyond Raven’s comprehension as to why Charles, a successful novelist, didn’t go and by himself a new car when he could obviously afford it.

In the end, Charles was sentimental, and clung to things longer than he should. That probably stemmed from the fact that, as a child, he hadn’t had much to hold onto, very little to hold dear. His father had died when he was young, and his step-father was controlling and over-bearing, leaving Charles little in the way of worldly possessions.

But, Charles had been given the gift of heart and wit, and with that, he had built a career in prose. Inspired by his difficult childhood, Charles had created a book series about disenfranchised outcasts with special powers – outcasts that were as extraordinary as they were feared, beautiful but distrusted. Charles wrote about outcasts who could stand up for themselves, to cement their place in the world despite being beaten down at every corner, who would persevere even in the darkest of times.

The series spoke to anyone who had been alienated, who had been mocked for being different. It had become a platform on social commentary, on racism and homophobia, on class struggle and the inequalities that run rampant in the world.

The final book in the “X” tetralogy had been published only recently, and Charles’s fans were eager to find out if the New York Times best-selling author Francis Graymalkin was writing anything new.

Unfortunately, Charles had fallen into a writing slump – after concluding the X series, Charles found himself lost. The X series had consumed his life for the past decade, and now that it was finished, Charles did not know what to do. He had half-formed ideas rattling around in his head, but none that really inspired him.

It had been Raven’s idea to go and do some ‘soul-searching’, as she called it. Charles assumed she had gotten the idea from her current partner, a star-sign-abiding hippie who claimed that she could see the future. Apparently, Charles getting out of NYC would do him some good, and Charles had been inclined to agree – a change in scenery may be what he needed to find his writing inspiration again, and if not, he could at least get a holiday out of it.

It had been after Charles’s first ‘X’ novel had reached critical acclaim that he bought the lakeside house. He hadn’t really understood what had drawn him to it so much, but something in his mind screamed at him to buy it. It had been a charming house, two-storeys and made of red brick. It was a somewhat old house too, but looked well-loved and charmingly worn. Charles, who lived in well-loved and charmingly worn cardigans and enjoyed nothing more than curling up in a blanket with a cup of warm tea had been smitten by the quant property immediately.

Charles didn’t know how long he would live in this lakeside house for, since he didn’t know how long it would take him to complete a new novel. Getting out of his car, Charles didn’t begin unpacking just yet. It had been years since he’d been to the property and he had hired someone to maintain it, but he wanted to look at it for himself.

Charles unlocked the door and took a turn about the spacious house; warm wooden interior, large bay windows that overlooked the lake, antique furniture that looked both mismatched and fitting in the same breath. Charles smiled to himself, running his finger along a dark marble countertop in the kitchen, before opening the large doors to the back veranda by the lake.

“Home sweet home,” Charles murmured to nobody but himself and the lake, which rippled in response as a gust of wind brushed across it. Charles breathed in and out, before walking back to the front of the house.

It was then that he noticed the letterbox’s flag was tilted down, and Charles blinked curiously – no one had lived in the lake house ever since Charles bought it nine years ago, and he knew that the caretakers wouldn’t be sending mail out from his address.

Charles opened the letterbox then, and inside was a single letter in crisp white paper that looked too fresh to have been sitting there for a long time. Holding the letter in his hands, neat and heavy-handed lettering with ‘To the resident’ on the front, Charles glanced around.

He was alone, the secluded house still and quiet.

Charles walked plonked himself down some low stone walling lining the outside of the house, ripping open the letter with his finger.

“Previous tenant?” Charles read aloud, frowning. Unless this letter was from someone living there a decade ago, it had to be a prank, or a mistake. Charles read on, raising a brow about the kitchen burn marks and the box in the attic. When Charles had walked around the house moments earlier, he hadn’t noticed anything amiss in the kitchen, curiosity beginning to bubble in his stomach.

Jumping up with vigour, Charles clutched the letter tightly as he headed directly to the kitchen, inspecting the wall that was supposed to be singed. Charles inspected his kitchen carefully, but there were no burn marks to be seen anywhere.

“A prank?” Charles mused to himself, looking back at the letter. “Box in the attic?”

Charles checked there too, but all he found there were cobwebs and dust, making him sneeze. Climbing back down from the attic, Charles chuckled at his fanciful beliefs. This E. Lehnsherr was either a jokester, or awfully confused.

Charles quickly threw the letter onto the kitchen table, not thinking too much about it, too busy moving his things in and unpacking the rest when the movers came – he always had a lot of things, never being able to let the things he treasured go.

***

It was a two weeks later that it happened.

Charles had never had the most skill in the kitchen, a simple stir-fry the extent of his culinary expertise. Today, he had been particularly scatterbrained, frustrated by his lack of creativity and being stuck writing the same three paragraphs over and over, not feeling inspired in the slightest. To top it off, Charles hadn’t slept particularly well – the nightmares of his childhood had tempered with age, but every now and then, they would make his nights hell.

Half asleep and dazed, Charles had taken his eye off his saucepan, the flames catching on some of his food and bursting upwards in a roaring flame. Charles squeaked, quickly turning off the burner and tugging the saucepan off the heat, singing his finger in the process. Charles hissed, jamming his finger under cold water as the flames died down.

Looking glumly at his smoky-borderline-charcoal dinner, Charles suddenly realised that the wall was burned.

‘Also, the burn in the wall above the kitchen stove was there when I moved in, as was the box in the attic. You can do whatever you want with that.’

“Impossible,” Charles whispered to himself, hastily turning off the tap, charred dinner forgotten. Charles stumbled over to his kitchen table that had become covered with paper, books and empty tea-cups, rummaging around for the letter he had haphazardly thrown there weeks ago. Under a water bill and his worn copy of Jane Eyre, Charles found the letter from E. Lehnsherr.

Coincidence?

Or fate?

Raven’s hippie girlfriend would definitely say fate, that it was written in the stars or in her tea leaves.

Whether it was mere coincidence or true, divine fate, Charles deemed that he should at least respond to the letter, considering E. Lehnsherr had left his new address. Scrounging up a pen from a pocket in his cardigan and ripping out some paper from the leather-bound notebook he always carried around, Charles wrote back.

January 21st, 2017

Dear Mr/Ms Lehnsherr,

I received your letter, but I believe there has been some sort of misunderstanding. I purchased this lake house nine years ago and have never rented it out in that time, leaving it empty for all of these years. Perhaps your letter was meant for the Sandburg cottage down the shore, since that, to my knowledge, has been unoccupied for years.

More importantly, I am curious about the supposed burn marks in the kitchen, for when I moved in the wall was pristine. Just moments ago, however, I was attempting to make a chicken stir-fry and singed the wall above the stove, just as your letter had said. How could you know about that, when it only just happened?

Kindest regards,

C. F. Xavier

Charles smiled at the letter, before carefully folding it up and sliding it into an envelope, placing it back into the letterbox and flicking the flag down.

Suddenly, he felt the urge to write. He wasn’t one hundred percent sure what he would write about, but it would stem from a mysterious letter from a man that seemed to know about things before they happened.

***

“Getting back into the swing of things, Sugar?” Emma asked as she slid into the chair opposite Erik in the breakroom, nursing an expensive cappuccino from the luxurious company coffee machine. Erik fiddled with his own plain black coffee, snorting.

“Estate law isn’t rocket science, Emma,” Erik said offhandedly, Emma chuckling as she flicked her long blonde hair off her shoulder, smoothing her crisp white silk blouse.

“Yes, but you’ve been out of action for almost two years. It would be normal to be a little rusty,” Emma replied, Erik shrugging. “And with your own experience, sometimes estate planning law can be… emotional.”

Erik gave Emma a warning glance, his co-worker encroaching on dangerous territory. Emma just smiled at him coolly, unfazed by his cutting gaze. Even though Erik was notoriously private and solitary by nature, people knew about his troubled marriage and the reason for his brief leave from work. Though Erik was no divorce lawyer, managing wills and estates after someone’s death had hit a bit too close to home, and even now, people walked around him on eggshells.

“It’s fine, Emma,” Erik responded, the woman humming as she sipped on her cappuccino. “It’s just numbers and law, nothing more.”

“Hm, heartless as always, Sugar,” Emma chuckled, getting up and patting Erik’s shoulder. “Seems like you have gone back to your usual self after your little retreat. Congratulations.”

Erik rolled his eyes, not feeling like he should be congratulated at all. He had always been somewhat emotionally detached – not emotionless, because Erik felt. Has felt. He loved Magda, greatly, and he had hurt when he lost her. He had also known hurt after all of their miscarriages, after the deaths of his parents. Erik, at this point, was used to loss.

That’s why estate planning law was, at times, hard – dealing with the affairs of those recently deceased and looking into the eyes of their mourning relatives, Erik could relate. After losing Magda, Erik had needed a break, to rebuild the walls around his heart.

And he had rebuilt them, or so he thought.

When Erik returned to his office after his break, he found his boss, Sebastian Shaw, waiting for him.

“Ah, Lehnsherr, there you are,” Shaw said, thin lips pulling back in a grin. Erik was not overly fond of his boss, who was too cut-throat at times, but that made him damn good lawyer. It was from him that Erik learnt to push clients and their opposition to get the most that they could, but a part of Erik could never quite meet Shaw’s callousness.

“What is it?” Erik asked, voice clipped. Shaw just grinned at Erik’s brusque tone, eyeing his best lawyer carefully.

“I know it’s only been a short time since you’ve been back working with us, but you were always my best. Our services have been requested to manage to estate of a high-profile client,” Shaw said, Erik’s eyes narrowing.

“If you’re coming to me with this, it must be a big client,” Erik said carefully, Shaw chuckling.

“Quick, as always. Yes, it is a big client. Do you know the author, Francis Graymalkin?”

“Author of the X tetralogy?” Erik asked slowly, heart thundering. Shaw nodded, and Erik frowned, heart squeezing. “He died around two years ago, though.”

Erik was a huge fan of Francis Graymalkin’s work, having read the first novel in the famous X series, ‘First Class’, just after it had been released. At that point, the book hadn’t gained the traction and fame it was now renowned for, but it had spoken to Erik deeply. Francis Graymalkin’s words were full of soul, witty at times, startlingly emotional at others. Through Francis Graymalkin’s words, Erik could feel his character’s pain and their elation, and though the political and social commentary was oftentimes naïve and pacifistic, Francis Graymalkin always made sure to touch on all sides of an argument. While he clearly lauded the integrationist perspective in his novels, he did not discount the separatist standpoint that one of his characters, Magneto, championed.

Francis Graymalkin’s work helped Erik through the pain of his mother’s death, which occurred a few months before the release of the second novel, which saw the characters persevering through a dismal future even when all hope seemed lost. The fourth book was what helped Erik get through the mess with Magda – ‘Phoenix’ touched on the loss of a character that the protagonist considered a daughter and the ramifications of that. The book ended on a note of hope, which Erik clung to.

Francis Graymalkin was notoriously private, not showing his face once, though he had penned numerous interviews over the years. Erik read every one of them, finding the man intriguing, sometimes snorting at his political views that so often contradicted Erik’s own but were so thoughtfully explained that Erik couldn’t discredit them at all. Even though Erik had never met Francis Graymalkin, nor had he ever seen the man’s face, the author had done more for Erik than anyone else before.

Erik had heard that the author had begun writing a new novel, and that he had been in the final stages of completing it before he died. Erik had been eager to read it, even if Francis Graymalkin said that it was vastly different from his previous work – a romance novel, of sorts, apparently. Sadly, reading it was now a dream that would be left unfulfilled, because Francis Graymalkin was dead, his story left unfinished.

“Yes, from memory it was a car accident two years ago. I think this it’ll be two years to the day in a month,” Shaw said, sounding cold and detached. Erik swallowed thickly, angry that the life of someone so inspirational had been snuffed out just like that by a simple hunk of moving metal. “Some new things have come to light in the man’s will. To put it short, a family squabble has erupted, and the man’s sister has hired our services. Since this is a high-profile case involving millions, I need you to take over the cases I’m currently working. I’m going to need to pour all of my effort into the Graymalkin estate proceedings.”

Erik wasn’t surprised that Shaw was hogging the Graymalkin estate, because Erik would’ve done the same if he were in Shaw’s shoes, though for entirely different reasons. Shaw liked high-profile, lucrative work, but Erik just wanted to see the affairs of one of his favourite authors realised as he willed it.

But, Shaw was his boss, and he had no reason to contest the man’s plan, not when his argument solely hinged on being a fan of Francis Graymalkin’s novels.

“Fine,” was all Erik said, Shaw clapping his hands together once, satisfied.

“Excellent! I’ll send you the details of the estates I’m settling after my meeting with Francis Graymalkin’s sister,” Shaw said, leaving Erik’s office with little else.

Erik sighed, suddenly feeling a lot more drained, and counted down the hours until he could go home. Erik suddenly felt the urge to just curl up in bed and read one of Francis Graymalkin’s novels. Remember the man’s death struck something in the German man, and it was almost funny how Erik immediately sought comfort in the dead man’s own books.

***

When Erik went home, he realised that his copies of Francis Graymalkin’s books were nowhere to be found. They weren’t in any of the half-unpacked boxes he had pushed against the walls of his newly built apartment, they weren’t in his bookshelf stacked with law tomes and other novels, and they weren’t anywhere in his car.

“Shit,” Erik muttered, shower-damp hair dripping down the back of his bare neck as he padded around his apartment, the smell of fresh paint still making his head spin a little despite airing out the room the day he moved in.

If the books weren’t here in his new apartment, they had to be at the lake house. Considering Erik drove straight from there to his new abode in NYC, that was the only logical option.

So, it was on that weekend, that Erik made the seven-hour (or six, at the speed Erik drove), trip back to the Chautauqua lake house.

Erik could have easily bought the series anew at a bookstore, but something about that idea irked him – his copies were well-read, dog-eared in spots, coffee stains dropped on some pages. The spines of the paperbacks were worn, and the covers faded, but they were familiar under the pads of Erik’s fingers, and reminded him of hours spent reading and coming alive through Francis Graymalkin’s words.

Erik wasn’t often sentimental, but Francis Graymalkin tended to stir up unfamiliar feelings in Erik’s soul.

Erik had contacted the real estate agency managing the property, who temporarily returned his keys to let him gather his final things – since Erik left a few weeks ago, only the young lady that apparently owned it had come here, but that things were in contention since there was some sort of dispute regarding the property’s true owner. Erik didn’t inquire too much about it, wanting to gather his books and make the drive home, not keen to spend more than a day on the road.

Erik found the box he had missed behind the couch, which had since been covered up with white cloth. The house seemed duller and emptier without inhabitants, and for some reason, it felt like the building was holding its breath. Waiting.

For what, Erik didn’t quite know.

Erik gave the house a silent farewell for a second time, loading the single box of books into his backseat. As he was getting into the car, Erik noticed the letter box’s flag was up, signifying that mail had been delivered. Considering Erik was the house’s last tenant, he cursed the post office’s shoddy work at listening to his change of address notice, getting back out of his car and trudging over to the metal contraption.

Opening it, Erik found a few bills that had slipped through his change of address notice, and some junk mail that he swiftly ignored. Erik was about to close the letterbox when he noticed a letter beneath a flyer for a local pizza shop – it was not the letter Erik had left there two weeks ago, and strangely, it was addressed to him.

‘To E. Lehnsherr,’ was printed on the front in elegant cursive, and Erik picked it up.

“What the hell?” Erik muttered, tucking his bills under his arm and ripping open the letter, grey eyes running from side to side as he read it, brow creasing. Then, Erik scoffed. Though its author was eloquent and polite, they seemed to be confused – an older individual, with dementia, perhaps. The letter was dated February 9th, 2017 – but, as Erik checked again, it was currently Saturday the 9th of February, 2019.

To be stuck two years in the past, this C. F. Xavier was either an idiot, or a poor, lost soul.

Even more ridiculous was the fact that this person (whom Erik assumed to be the lake house’s contentious female owner the real estate agent had mentioned visiting) thought that no one lived here, when Erik had literally moved out two weeks ago. C. F. Xavier must be confused, and Erik felt that he needed to correct the person, or at least give them a healthy dose of reality.

Erik walked back to his car, opening the box of books in his backseat to find some paper to write on. Erik found an old notebook, ripping out an empty back page before scribbling down a response to C. F. Xavier.

February 9th, 2019

Dear Ms Xavier,

I am familiar with the cottage that you mentioned, and I assure you that I did not mistake my own address. Unfortunately, you seem to be confused – I’ve lived at this lake house for almost two years, and have since moved to ---, NYC. It would be great if you could forward my mail to this address if you receive any.

And, by the way, it’s 2019. It has been all year – ask anyone.

Erik

Erik may have been a little aggressive by underlining 2019 so heavily, but he didn’t care too much, folding the letter inside the empty letterbox and flicking down the flag.

Walking back to his car, Erik suddenly heard the squeak of metal behind him, turning with a slightly startled jump.

The letter box’s flag was up.

Erik’s eyes darted around his surroundings, trying to look for the prankster, but it was quiet.

Then, the flag jerked itself down without a hand touching it.

Erik’s heart hammered, his long legs surging forward and his hands ripping open the letter box. The folded letter he had just placed in there had disappeared, and something else had replaced it. It was from the same paper C. F. Xavier’s initial note had been written on, and on it was the same refined cursive scrawl.

He had just received a reply from C. F. Xavier, a C. F. Xavier who was nowhere to be seen.

***

Charles almost screamed when he saw the flag move itself, blue eyes staring at the metal letterbox with a mixture of fear and rapture. Charles nibbled on the end of his pen, unblinking, waiting for the phantom to move the letterbox again.

“Come on, my friend…” Charles goaded the lake house phantom, gasping when, after a long, laborious length of time, the flag shoved itself down. “Good God.”

Charles opened the letterbox, and found that the paper he had placed face down only about five minutes ago was now face up, with E. Lehnsherr’s – Erik’s – distinct scrawl beneath Charles’s own lettering. Charles couldn’t help but laugh, breathless and giddy, reading the mysterious letter with excitement.

February 4th, 2017

Dear Erik,

My friend, I’m not sure about you, but it is the year 2017 where I am. You told me to ask anyone, and I did – I texted my sister and my friends, and they all assure me that it is indeed 2017.

While our incongruous dates are confounding, I am more intrigued as to how you are responding to me. I am not well-versed in practical jokes or magic, so may I ask, how are you doing this?

Yours,

Charles

P.S. I’m not sure what lead you to believe that I am Ms. Xavier, but I am usually addressed as Mr. Xavier. However, please just address me as Charles.

Charles,

I am as confused as you are – if anyone is the magician, it’s you. I’ve been watching this letterbox, and no one has touched it.

Erik

P.S. The real estate agent said that this property was owned by a woman. I didn’t mean to offend you, nor assume your gender.

Charles blinked, swallowing deeply. This was…

Amazing.

Charles sucked in a breath, planting himself on the grass in front of the letterbox, ripping a new piece of paper from his notebook and writing with fervour.

Erik,

Don’t worry, you did not offend me in the slightest, and even if you did, I’m rather pre-occupied worrying about the fact that we can even have this conversation.

My mind is fanciful by nature, and I can think of a few different scenarios that read like fiction – but, with what is happening, fiction seems to be our new reality. Since you are adamant that you are living in 2019, and I am even more sure that it is currently 2017, I’d wager that this letterbox is some sort of time-travelling device.

Either that, or I am going insane. Please tell me that I am not alone in my insanity, my friend.

Charles

Charles placed the letter in the letterbox, flicked the flag, and waited.

He did not have to wait long for a response.

***

Charles,

It seems that you aren’t alone in your insanity. But, I think I am more insane for thinking that your illogical logic is… logical. In case you are still in disbelief, I have a coin minted in 2018 – not 2019, but futuristic enough.

Erik

Erik grinned down at his response, pulling out a 2018 dime from his pocket and placing it atop the letter. Erik willed in his heart for the coin to be sent through smoothly, not sure about the limitations of this time-travelling device in the shape of a letter box. Erik waited for Charles’s response eagerly.

He, too, did not wait long.

***

Erik,

A dime from the future – how much do you think it would go for on the market? Some coin collectors can be positively rabid.

I joke, though. Erik, this is amazing. Whatever physics are at work here, I can’t even begin to explain it – I may have a degree in biophysics, amongst other things, but my knowledge on time travel tells me that the very concept is a myth. Science fiction. I’m not sure what I could send you to prove that I am indeed from the past, but it seems like you believe me thus far.

Here is a biscuit that’s expiring soon – in March 2017, to be precise. So, about a month from now (my time).

Charles

Before sending the letter, Charles had pat himself down, trying to think of something to give Erik but coming up empty – everything Charles had could be easily procured in the future. Still, Charles felt like he should send Erik something – in the end, he placed a plastic-wrapped biscuit alongside his letter, flicking down the flag as he held Erik’s 2018-minted dime in his palm, the metal warm.

***

Charles,

I’m sure you would be called a fraud if you tried to sell a dime from the future. Frankly, I think I would be the only person who would believe you.

And Charles, in your opinion, would the biscuit be safe to consume? Technically, two years haven’t passed in the biscuit’s lifetime.

Erik

***

Erik,

If I met you now, you wouldn’t believe me any way – because, for you, this conversation hasn’t even happened yet.

And that is marvellous to think about, isn’t it? Positively groovy. Also, please try the biscuit – if you become ill, let me know.

Charles

Erik let out a choked laugh, eyeing the biscuit he had left sitting atop the letter box. The thought that Charles had procured it and thoughtfully given it to Erik made something churn in the German’s belly. Whether that was a side effect of the strange warmth spreading in his chest or because his stomach pre-empted the food poisoning the expired-but-unexpired biscuit would give him, Erik couldn’t tell.

Still, Erik opened the plastic packaging, swallowing down the biscuit in two bites.

It was sweet.

***

Groovy? Really, Charles? How old are you?

I had pegged you for a senile old man at first, since you seemed to be stuck two years in the past – I think you just confirmed my suspicions.

(And the biscuit was delicious.)

***

Charles snorted at Erik’s response, not feeling offended but elated instead – Charles’s heart was thumping wildly, lurching ever time the letter box would rattle. Charles couldn’t stop the smile spreading across his face as he hastily penned a reply to his new friend.

A senile old man? You wound me, Erik!

And I’m 31. So, in your time, I would be 33. But, since you’ve made fun of me for my age, how old are you then? Twelve?

***

Almost. Triple it.

***

You’re 36 in 2019, then? So, you’d be a youthful 34-year-old right now.

***

Congratulations, Charles. You can do math.

Erik chuckled to himself, licking his lips as he sent the snarky and teasing response.

How long had it been, since Erik could speak with someone so easily? So naturally?

It had been a long time – maybe ever since Magda?

Or maybe even before that?

***

This infantile mocking is why I thought you were 12, Erik. But I do apologise – I shouldn’t make fun of my elders.

Charles wasn’t sure if he was teasing or flirting now – maybe a mixture of both. But, God, talking to Erik lit something inside Charles that had been dormant for a long time.

***

Who’s the child now? Are you sure you’re not in elementary school still, Charles?

***

I graduated from high-school when I was 16, actually. So, no, I am far from being in elementary school, my friend. Unfortunate, because I think we could have become great friends in the playground, considering we are both apparently 12-years-old.

***

I have no doubt about that, Charles.

But, you mentioned that you have a degree in biophysics?

***

Well, a PhD in biophysics, to be precise.

Erik’s eyebrows went up when he read Charles’s response. The man had sounded educated in his responses, but this was impressive. Charles was an intellectual, and that was something Erik appreciated. Still, he felt the need to tease the (slightly) younger man.

***

Are you bragging?

***

No, my friend. If I were bragging, I’d tell you about my other PhDs in genetics, anthropology and psychology. Oh, and my meagre Bachelor’s degree in English.

Erik choked when he read Charles’s reply, grey eyes bulging. Gott, Charles was a genius. Was he even real?

Time travelling was one thing, but someone like Charles Xavier – funny, intelligent, cheeky Charles Xavier – existing?

Erik could hardly believe it.

***

So, you’re a 12-year-old child genius then?

***

You’re the one who said it, my friend. Not me.

What about you? What did 12-year-old you grow up to become?

Charles wanted to know more about this man who lived in the future – sure, Charles was curious about other things about the future unknown to him, like world events, new technologies, political intrigue – but more than that, he wanted to know about the man who lived in it.

A man that, in what was a handful of minutes that spanned two years, Charles felt bound to.

Raven’s girlfriend was, maybe, right about something.

***

A lawyer, specialising in estate planning law. No PhDs here, so I have nothing to brag about.

***

You’re selling yourself short, Erik. I’d wager that it isn’t easy becoming a lawyer, having to pass the bar amongst other things. Not to mention the fact that your job involves professional arguing – I enjoy a good debate myself, but I could never become a lawyer.

Erik smiled at that. He could feel that Charles’s words were genuine and spoken from the heart. There was something about the way he wrote that made it seem like he bore his heart on the page, something that Erik had always struggled with.

But, talking to Charles like this, Erik felt lighter.

***

And I could never complete 4 PhDs. Oh, and a bachelors in writing – how could I forget?

***

Why do I feel like you’re mocking me again, my friend?

***

Because I am.

***

Hmph – that’s the noise I made just then. It’s a shame that you can’t hear it in person.

And God, Charles wanted to hear Erik’s voice. To speak with him – but sadly, he was two years too early.

***

What if I could?

Erik’s heart hammered – Gott, he wanted to hear Charles’s voice. He wondered if Charles’s voice would match his gentle, elegant cursive. If it did, he imagined Charles to be soft-spoken, maybe with a posh accent. For some reason that seemed to match Charles’s written voice well. But, from what Erik could tell, Charles had a mischievous streak – the man was surprising, in every way.

***

What do you mean?

***

What if I called you, in my time?

Charles almost dropped his pen when he read Erik’s words, eyes widening to blue saucers.

***

You mean, in the future?

***

That’s another way of saying it.

***

Very well, I’ll bite. Here’s my number: XX XXXX XXXX

Call me.

Erik found himself breathless all of a sudden, staring at the string of numbers.

Charles’s number.

Erik hadn’t felt like this since he was actually 12-years-old.

***

Is this how you give people your number in bars, Charles?

“Are you flirting with me, Erik?” Charles asked himself incredulously, though his cheeks coloured.

‘God, I hope you’re flirting with me, my friend.’

***

No, usually I just skip that step and take them home.

But enough stalling, Erik – have you called future me yet?

Erik couldn’t help the surprised laugh that erupted from his throat. Charles, Charles, Charles.

***

Not yet – Charles, I will call you at precisely 3:05pm on Monday, the 9th of February 2019. Which, for me, is a minute from now.

“I’ll be waiting,” Charles vowed to no one but himself, wondering where he would be in two years, waiting for Erik to call. Would he be back home in NYC, tucked away in his office? Or would he be at his publisher’s, excusing himself from a meeting with his editor, Moira MacTaggert, to answer Erik’s impending call in private?

Or, maybe, Charles would have tried to surprise Erik. Charles could surprise him by showing up at the lake house, since he knew that Erik was there, right now.

Why hadn’t Charles done that already?

***

Alright. I’ll be waiting for your call, Erik.

Erik’s hands were shaking as he dialled Charles’s number, double and triple checking to make sure the digits were correct.

He pressed call.

The phone rang for a few beats, and then a few more, and then for many, many more. Eventually, the robotic female voice told Erik that Charles did not pick up, and Erik’s heart fell, disappointment flooding him over a man two years away.

Erik didn’t know what to do, and ten minutes passed – there hadn’t been this much of a lag between their sent letters, and Erik was surprised when the letter box flag jerked up and then down.

Erik hastily checked it, pocketing his phone once again.

Have you called future me yet, my friend?

***

I did – you didn’t pick up, you asshole.

Charles frowned. He hadn’t picked up? Why hadn’t he picked up?

Future Charles, you idiot.

***

Well. I’m disappointed in future me. Something must have held me up. I do apologise, my friend. Please believe me when I say that I want nothing more than to answer your call.

Gosh, I’m making excuses for a me that doesn’t exist yet.

But, please, Erik – trust me when I say that I am very sorry.

***

Erik sighed, reading Charles’s message over and over. He did seem awfully apologetic, and maybe he was right – even though this was now for Erik, for Charles it was two years in the future. Many things could’ve changed for the man in that time. He could have simply forgotten, he may have moved countries and changed time zones, or maybe, knowing Charles, he overworked himself getting a 5th PhD and was passed out over his desk.

Erik noticed that the sky was beginning to glow orange, sunset approaching, cursing under his breath. If he didn’t start driving home now, it would be well past midnight by the time he got back to his apartment.

No apologies needed, Charles. Two years is a long time, and I’m sure you were just busy – working on your 5th PhD, perhaps?

And, sadly, I have to leave now – I was only here to pick up some books that I had left behind. I’ve got to drive back to NYC now.

***

Charles read Erik’s letter, frowning. Was this it, then?

Charles didn’t want this to be it.

Oh, that’s sad news, my friend – this conversation with you, no matter how brief, has meant more to me than you know. I’m not sure what magic is at work here, but I will be here in a week’s time. I would very much like to speak to you again, Erik, if you wanted.

Charles waited with bated breath, hands pressed together tightly as he eyed the letter box flag.

Up.

Down.

Charles opened the letter box, surprised to find Erik’s letter wedged between the pages of a worn book – The Once and Future King.

I’d also like to speak with you again – this… means a lot to me, too. I hate to leave so soon, but I’ll give you this to help pass the time before I can return. It’s my favourite novel – considering you have a bachelors in English, you may have already read it, but still.

Until next week, Charles.

Charles laughed, fingering the pages of the book before dropping his forehead to its cover, breathing in the smell of old pages and something like cologne.

Erik’s cologne.

“I’ll be waiting, my friend,” Charles whispered, getting up and walking back into the lake house, not waiting a moment before going into the study and booting up his laptop, which was open to the novel he had begun working on when he had first received a reply from Erik.

“Days of Future Past – by Francis Graymalkin”.

Next chapter (2/3) →

#cherik #Charles Xavier #Erik Lehnsherr #x-men #x-men fic #the lake house #au #marvel #james mcavoy #Michael Fassbender #ao3 #AO3 fanfic #professor x #magneto #time travel

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halilbabilli · 5 years

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A Thousand Year Old Hometown

It is believed that weasels bear the souls of children who die before being christened.

Encyclopaedia of Secrets and Superstitions.

Cora Linn Daniels & C.M. Stevans (2003)

In Greek culture, “A weasel seen about the house, just as on the road, is significant of evil.”

Modern Greek Folklore and Ancient Greek Religion: A Study in Survivals, John Cuthbert Lawson (2012)

Chapter 1: Roots – 15th Century

Theophanes Kantakouzenos, or Theo as he was called by kith and kin, came into the world in Constantinople on the 1430th anniversary of the death of Our Lord. Thanks to his father, Andronikos, who was in charge of the Greek Emperor’s library, Theo was taught by the most erudite teachers of the Empire and learnt Latin and Classical Greek at an early age.

As soon as he had completed his education, he began to work with his father. The state of the library, which, in its day, had had row upon row of thousands of manuscripts, was a veritable reflection of the depths to which the empire had sunk. Most of those beautiful manuscripts had been sold either to Arabian merchants to pay off the state’s ever-increasing debts or had been plundered by officials struggling to make ends meet. But still, Constantinople, entirely surrounded by the Turks, reminded him of an oasis in the desert: the last remaining stronghold of a civilisation fighting to exist amidst the savage sands.

Alas, as history has shown time and again, every civilisation is born, grows and perishes. And it was evident that the time had now come for the Roman civilisation, moulded and leavened with wolf’s milk by two boys, also to be destroyed.

When the Turks besieged Constantinople, Theo, like every citizen, had helped to the best of his ability the soldiers defending the city.

He laboured heart and soul with his fellow townsmen caring not what he did or how difficult the task. His hands, which had never before held anything but a quill, became calloused from carrying rubble, and his palms bled.

The noise from the besieging cannons was indescribably loud. One of them, in particular, was far more deafening than the others and had a very distinct, earsplitting sound. "Shahi" was the name of that monstrous weapon and, when fired, its blast started with an eardrum-rupturing boom, shifted into a chest-vibrating thunder, and, before disappearing entirely, transformed into a deep rumble, giving everybody in Constantinople a throbbing headache. When Shahi's stone projectiles hit the ancient walls of the city, milk in the buckets spilt, pregnant women miscarried, cats fell from the roofs, roosters went mute, birds dropped dead, porcupines shed their spines, and bells in the church towers cracked.

At the end of three months baptised with blood and sweat, the thick, sturdy city walls could no longer withstand the force of the Turkish cannons. Faced with the terrible sight of the Turks beginning to pour through the crumbling walls, Theo too, like many other people, took refuge in the church of Hagia Sophia. It was widely believed that all Istanbul could fit beneath the dome of Hagia Sophia, a wonder of the world. That day it was seen that this had been a very optimistic estimate. In the packed church, priests and women with children were clinging to each other, wailing and looking to each other for help. Those men who were still armed and able were waiting tensely for the last battle of defence to be fought in the church.

That day, the interior of Hagia Sophia was bursting at the seams. Those waiting for the Turks to be extirpated from the pearl of Christianity by a final miracle from Jesus, others gazing incredulously around and those who couldn’t contain their anger were each like a grain of sand in this massive crowd.

Priests were making whoever came their way kneel and pray to the Virgin Mary for salvation. Theo did as everybody else was doing and was on his knees, but he was saying his own prayer and not really listening to what the priest said.

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Rather than letting me fall prisoner to those heathen Turks, gather me to the bosom of Jesus or have mercy and take my soul from here. We seek refuge in you from persecution.”

Towards the evening there was a commotion outside the church. The bells began to ring crazily. They could hear the Turks, shouting in their crude language, on the other side of the bronze doors, and everybody rushed to carry whatever he or she could to fortify the gates. The priests closed the doors, and heavy bolts were slid across. Despite the priests whose praying voices now resembled a sound close to a death shriek, Theo could still hear the battering rams pummelling the door and the hue and cry in Turkish. It must have been from trepidation that his head began to spin. Theo could stand no longer and sat down. So this was it. It was his fate to see the end of the great Roman Empire which for centuries had spread its branches like an enormous sycamore. Rather than fall prisoner, he thought to himself, I’ll fall on the swords of these heathens.

His dizziness increased. The sounds around him now seemed to come from far away. The colours he saw merged, black had become white and white, black. Suddenly the world around him began to grow rapidly. The church and people grew enormous in front of his eyes. The Bible he was holding became huge and could be carried no longer. After that, he heard the sound of the church door splintering. The last thing he remembered was the four horsemen entering the church and the nuns being dragged along the ground.

***

It must have been from the shock of his physical change that he had only a nebulous recollection of the few weeks following the raid on the church. In the meantime, Theo vaguely remembered seeing several nightmares. In these bad dreams, he seemed to be running away from huge animals and giant people. Sometimes dying of thirst, he was trying to save his life from fires and soldiers out for blood.

When he began to regain consciousness, and his soul got used to his new body, the truth started gradually to sink in. The Virgin Mary or some other kind saint had accepted the prayer Theo had said in the church and had granted his life by breathing his soul into a weasel.

He spent his first year as a weasel solely in prayer. Theo constantly begged God to wake him up from the nightmare, and he confessed to Him wailing that if the bad dream dragged on, he was afraid he would kill himself despite knowing it was an unforgivable sin. He wasted the following year weeping for the fallen empire and asking God for the Turks to be driven out of Constantinople forthwith. And most of the third year was spent cursing his fate.

How long did a weasel live? Five years, if it didn’t fall prey to a dog or cat? Perhaps ten years? Well, so he hadn’t much time left anyway, death was nigh. However, even if the form changes, the soul still continues to pursue thrills. Even if the new body was that of a weasel, at heart he was still Theo, the son of Andronikos, who had an unslakable thirst for learning. He decided to satisfy his appetite for knowledge in what remained of his life. He set to work by learning the language of the new owners of the city where he had been born and raised.

Yes, this was his city, called different names by different tribes — Lygos, Byzantium, Miklagard, Tsargard, Kustantiniyyah, Kostandina, Kushtandina Rabati, Bolis, Carigard and now, Istanbul. Regardless of whatever the other tribes called the city straddling two continents, the place where his ancestors were born, lived, and died was the thousand-year hometown to Theo.

Sure, Turks were warlike; they worshipped their horses and were technically advanced and enthusiastic about making pyramids from the heads of their fallen enemies. As he got to know them, he realised that they were in fact not savage barbarians. To the contrary, he saw how much their customs resembled his own. In one of the tunnels which riddled Constantinople under the ground, and which perhaps had seen no one for centuries, he made a home for himself.

After ten years, fifteen and then twenty years passed. The way things were going he didn’t seem likely to die. He began to think that he would live as long as a human and the Virgin Mary had granted him his life.

One cold winter’s day, because of his absentmindedness, he was caught by the cat of a bakery he visited from time to time and from which he stole bread. The cat got its teeth into Theo’s little body, and after savagely shaking the weasel - which had already snapped at the first bite - a few times, it left it on the ground in disgust. Theo lay buried in snow, with all his bones smashed to smithereens. He had no feeling from the waist down. So, Theo thought, this is it. He closed his eyes and began to wait for the sweet death that would come and embrace him with the cold. The next day when the weasel awoke, all his broken bones had set, and his body had healed completely. Far from any part of his body being frozen, Theo didn’t feel even the slightest malaise from the cold. The flabbergasted weasel put it all down to some divine attribute or a curse on him.

At the end of his endeavours which lasted years, he was able to write using his tiny hands. Following the lessons in a primary school from its attic, he mastered the Turkish alphabet.

The first fifty years he went to the church and the following fifty years to the synagogue and the next fifty years to the mosque. At one stage, he also listened to the German Lutheran priests who came to Constantinople. Finally, he decided to go to wherever free food was being distributed that day.

He saw powerful earthquakes, plague epidemics and great fires. Most of these he managed skilfully to wriggle out of. And the ones he was caught up in did not harm Theo at all. In one of the fires of Great Kostantiniyye (this was now the name of the city where he had been born and raised), he could not escape when he was caught in the flames of the house he had entered to steal a bologna sausage, and Theo too was burnt. The following day he awoke amidst the ashes as though nothing had happened. He took the sausages that, now cooked, were even tastier and returned to his home in the underground tunnels.

His dealings with other people were naturally limited. After a few attempts, he concluded that this was, in fact, to his own benefit. People were not very tolerant of a talking weasel trying to approach them. Their first reactions were to be afraid, and they reflected their fears on the weasel in the most violent way. He decided not to socialise unless really necessary and if pressed, to continue his communication from behind a veil of mystery.

Nevertheless, Theo was no ordinary weasel nor was he a complete recluse. He had discovered the ways to benefit from the fruits of civilisation. For this, he needed first to find either a family or a person in distress.

Nothing could really be done in secret, hidden from Theo who could listen to and view everyone’s private lives from the attics and from inside the walls. This was why he had no problem in ascertaining the houses beset by troubles. When Theo found such a household, he would immediately write a polite letter saying that he had learned of the owner’s distress from a mutual friend whose name he could not disclose. Theo told them that he was extremely saddened by the situation and if they wished, in return for a reasonable price, he could help the troubled person.

If the person, distraught with his tribulations, should write his answer in a letter and hang it on the branch of Theo’s designated tree or throw it into a bottomless well, the weasel which he had spent much time in training would fetch the letter and bring it to him personally. To attempt to catch the weasel was a fruitless effort. Inasmuch as it was impossibly difficult to capture this extremely nimble creature and, because it was specially trained, the weasel would drink and eat only from its owner’s hand.

If the poor wretch’s answer was yes, by hook or by crook Theo would find a remedy for their troubles, either by entering houses, listening to people, doing a little pilfering, or chasing the ghosts.

The fees he asked for were various. Daily newspapers hung on the branch of a tree every day for a year, a book, a few rings of bologna sausage and all sorts of other things. His customers would, of course, be at first surprised at these demands, but because the whole thing had developed mysteriously anyway, and because these needy peoples’ problems were solved at once, they agreed to pay his fees without delving into them too much.

Almost five hundred years passed.

During this time Theo had written and published fifty-five books, thirty of which were in Turkish and twenty-five in Greek. Recently, his articles regularly appeared in two Turkish newspapers and in one Greek. He would send his writing by the usual Delphic methods, and as long as the books were sold, the publishers did not complain.

He wrote about everything in his books… Five hundred years, easier said than done, is a long time to be occupied with just one topic. More than twenty books were about tales and legends. Two books were about Greek monsters in particular. He had singled out one book for the subject, what women do when men are not at home, and this was one of his bestsellers. Amongst his others, there were also books penned on magic, spying and sex. As a weasel, he had been able to easily observe people’s bedrooms for a few hundred years.

For centuries Theo had solved the problems of dozens of people, he had witnessed events which mortal eyes seldom see and overheard sounds which mortal ears very rarely hear.

So what is written here is the story of the extraordinary events that happened to this extraordinary weasel, which had survived in Istanbul for five hundred years.

#gelincik theo #theotheweasel #halilbabilli

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portstlucieflhomes · 4 years

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What Are Reasonable Requests After a Port St Lucie Home Inspection?

You’ve just seen your dream home. It was love-at-first-sight. But just like any “relationship”, it’s only a matter of time before you see the flaws. A home inspection will bring these issues to light.

It is important to know what are reasonable requests after a Port St. Lucie home inspection in order to get the best deal for your home.

7 Reasonable Requests after a Port St. Lucie Home Inspection:

Making the home up to code standard

Addressing important issues on plumbing

Fixing major electrical problems

Addressing major issues on HVAC systems

Roofing repairs

Addressing mold problems

Getting rid of termites and other pests

Making the Home Up to Code Standard

The main purpose of building codes is to protect public health, safety, and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. Structural defects and foundation issues that can compromise a homebuyer’s safety must be fixed without the need for negotiation.

Addressing Important Issues on Plumbing

Major plumbing issues such as leaky toilets, leaky pipes indicated by brown ceiling stains, old water heater, and slow drainage can be a major inconvenience. This could make an unexpected dent in your budget if left unchecked.

If the home inspection revealed major plumbing issues, you could either request for a price reduction or ask the current homeowners to make the necessary repairs before turning over the house to you.

Fixing Major Electrical Problems

Electrical problems are a huge concern since they can lead to electrical fires and compromise your safety. One electrical repair that may need to be done is replacing the circuit breaker to meet the amperage needs of the home.

Addressing Major Issues on HVAC Systems

Around half of your yearly energy bill goes toward heating and cooling your home. Because of this, you need to make sure that the home you’re buying will have HVAC systems that are in good working order so you will not spend more than you need to on energy bills.

It’s important to know the age and maintenance history of the HVAC system of your new home. Air conditioners and heat pumps should be considered for replacement after around 10 years. Consider replacement for furnaces and boilers that are more than 15 years old.

Regular maintenance plays a major role in the life expectancy of your HVAC system. Ask the seller for any information they have on the maintenance and repairs performed on the HVAC systems.

It’s best to look for a home that is well-kept and with an updated HVAC so you won’t have to worry about asking for repairs.

Roofing Repairs

Living in a home with a leaking roof is not only annoying, but it's also a major inconvenience. It can ruin your furniture if left unchecked.

It can also be a source of embarrassment. Imagine having a party and then suddenly "plop!". Water drops from the ceiling drop onto your guest's glass of wine.

However, worst of all, it may compromise your safety and the integrity of the house to withstand the forces of nature. If the inspection calls for roofing repairs, it is reasonable to make a request to the seller.

Addressing Mold Problems

Common household mold can be found in all kinds of moist environments. It grows on food left too long in the fridge, for instance. In small amounts, it is not a problem. Unfortunately, it also grows in basements, attics, bathrooms, and almost any moist surface around a home.

Toxic molds can produce airborne byproducts that can damage the lungs and be a threat to one’s health. Addressing mold problems is definitely a reasonable request to make.

Getting Rid of Termites and Other Pests

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year. A home with termite damage doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. See if you can negotiate a resolution with the seller to shoulder termite damage repairs. Another option would be to get quotes from licensed contractors and request an equivalent cash credit that can be applied to your closing costs.

You can make arrangements to have these issues fixed before closing the deal or leave them as is and possibly negotiate a lower price. However, there’s a thin line between acceptable requests and are-you-kidding-me requests:

7 Unreasonable Requests after a Port St Lucie Home Inspection:

Cosmetic Issues

Repairs related to your planned renovations

Minor fixes under $100

Failed window seals

Loose fixtures and railings

Dead outlets and non-functional light switches

Minor landscaping repairs

Cosmetic Issues

Cosmetic issues may be an eye-sore, but they are not a threat to anyone’s safety. Especially if you made an offer even if you’re aware of these problems, requesting for the repair of a cracked tile, or having the interior repainted, might make the seller rethink his options and opt to look for another buyer, instead.

Repairs Related to Planned Renovations

You might be thinking about making some renovations to make the home a better fit for your lifestyle. However, asking the seller to shoulder some of these costs in the guise of a repair request can put the sale at risk.

Minor Fixes under $100

There may be so many things that need to be fixed on a home, but both you and the seller have very limited time to close a deal. When you ask for numerous little repair requests, the seller may feel overwhelmed simply due to the time required to make the repairs.

The seller’s agent may encourage him or her to pass on your offer if the requests become too many and unreasonable. If the repair is going to cost around $100 or less, just plan on taking care of it yourself after you buy the home, rather than risk losing the opportunity.

Failed window seals

Failed window seals are quite common in homes. Some people consider this a big deal while most home inspectors will tell you that a failed window seal is purely cosmetic.

The thing is, this is among the flaws that you’ll easily see when you visit a home. So, instead of mentioning this after the inspection, it would be better to discuss this with the seller before you make your offer.

If there are several windows that need replacement, account for that in your offer upfront. Tell the agent that the window failure is why you have made the bid at that figure. Don’t ask for something to be fixed that you clearly noticed before making your offer or was disclosed prior to inspection.

Loose fixtures and railings

Loose doorknobs, railings, and light fixtures are eyesores and in some cases, might also be unsafe. Some similar issues might be a big deal, but some may be minor repairs that you can do after purchasing the home. You will have to weigh if asking the seller to repair these things is really worth the risk of losing the deal.

Dead outlets and non-functional light switches

As much as possible, avoid requesting repairs for minor electrical problems. The electrical system in a house can be quite tricky. If wires come loose, or a part wears out, like a switch or a socket, it may no longer function properly.

Flipping a switch that fails to turn on or off a light can be inconvenient, along with dead outlets, but they are not necessarily signs of a major problem with the electrical system.

Your inspector will inform you if the electrical system in the home is safe to use and up to code. If it is a major problem, then it would be reasonable to ask for repairs. Otherwise, you might want to rethink if you want to go through another round of negotiation just for this.

Minor landscaping repairs

An unkempt yard may be an eyesore but if it does not compromise your safety, it would be a minor issue. Besides, you should have seen the condition of the yard before you made the offer and are fully aware of its condition. Requesting for repairs that are not urgent may force the seller to look for another buyer instead of closing the deal with you.

You have to remember that a home inspection should not be to create a checklist that itemizes every minor defect with the home and expecting the seller to fix all of them. If you’re willing to spend a little bit more for higher quality, you might want to look into a new construction home.

It’s also important to think about the quality of the repairs you’re requesting. Because sellers have one foot out the door, they may not be as focused on quality as you would be.

The home seller may also have different aesthetic tastes and standards than you. If it’s something important to be repaired or updated a certain way, you may want to negotiate for a repair credit instead of asking the seller to repair it for you.

Let me help you find a home in Port St. Lucie that fits your needs. Contact me today at 772-240-2589. I am Melissa Conrad, Jensen Beach FL’s top Realtor®.

youtube

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What are Reasonable Requests After a PSL Home Inspection? on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/A5ECsi3sP9U

#Melissa Conrad #Port St Lucie Home Inspection #Port St Lucie 55 plus communities #New Construction Homes in Port St Lucie

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enviroklenz · 4 years

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Do You Need Attic Ventilation with Spray Foam Insulation?

Did you know that the United States Federal Housing Authority recommends that every home has a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic floor space? It is no surprise that many homeowners and builders believe that it is essential that attics should be properly ventilated inside of a home or other indoor environment. Attic ventilation works to protect the indoor structure of buildings in many ways such as maintaining a cold roof temperature to control ice dams, to vent moisture that moves from the conditioned space to the attic, to vent and expel solar heated hot air from the attic to lessen building cooling, etc. All of these components are important to maintaining a safe and effective infrastructure, and thus the increasing need for proper and safe attic ventilation.

When it comes to the various types of attic insulation used throughout building structures, one of the most popular to use is spray foam insulation. Spray foam has been used for the past 30 years due to its ability to rapidly expand and fit into a given space such as in an attic or other areas of your home and/or building. However, there have been many questions regarding both the effectiveness and safety of using spray foam insulation in an attic and whether or not there is another type of attic insulation that should be used in lieu of spray foam.

In this article we are going to learn more about attic ventilation insulation, understand why do you need attic ventilation with spray foam, and the potential health risks and environmental risks of using spray foam inside your home’s attic.

What is Spray Polyurethane Foam for Attic?

Spray polyurethane foam is a chemical product that is created by two materials, isocyanate and polyol resin, that will react with each other when they are mixed and will expand up to 30 to 60 times its liquid volume as it is sprayed in place. This alternative to traditional building insulation [fiberglass] can be applied into wall cavities, holes, concrete slabs, and even onto roof tiles and attic insulation. Spray polyurethane foam will provide thermal insulation that will minimize air infiltration which can help to save on heating and cooling costs within the indoor environment. Insulation is used in an attic for cross-ventilation to minimize potential for moisture accumulation and condensation to help energy savings and moisture control.

Traditionally, insulation materials that are placed inside of an attic will require air circulation within the attic space to assist in drying excess moisture in this indoor space. The attic ventilation can ultimately reduce condensation that may build up in the attic during winter and summer months; primarily because winter can cause moisture that stems from warm moist air infiltrating into the attic space from the occupied areas in the home, and summer can bring in warm moist hair that can cause condensation.

Problems with Spray Foam Insulation in Attics

The use of spray foam attic can present many potential problems, especially when it comes to the improper installation of this material within this area of your home. Spray foam installers may miss some of the air leakage sites in the attic, which can lead to problems in the insulation of the attic. When there are air leaks that occur in an attic it can lead to energy efficiency problem within the environment which can mean higher energy bills. Additionally, the application of too much or too little spray foam can also become a major issue in an attic insulation. When there is too much spray foam that is added to a specific area in an attic, the expanding foam can envelop the boundaries between conditioned and unconditioned space. Whereas too little spray foam insulation can leave for thermal bypass because of the complete lack of insulation in the attic.

Moisture is also another huge issue when it comes to spray foam insulation in an attic. It has been said that insulating with spray foam insulation at the roof line will lead to moisture problems with the roof sheathing. One of the most common reasons to put spray foam on the roofline is to avoid having to air-seal the attic floor, because the attic is connected with the air in the house and indoor air is more humid than outdoor air which can cause moisture problems.

Spray Foam Insulation Mold Problems

As we have discussed previously, spray foam insulation can effectively seal roofs and other spaces where condensation is more likely, such as an attic. These insulation materials are not only used to insulate home to bar air from coming in and out but to also protect the space from elements such as mold, rodents, moisture, and dust. Moisture, in particular, is a major problem that comes with attics because of the warm air that comes into contact with the cool surfaces that will condense and stay in the space. This accumulation of condensation in this space can lead to mold growth, mildew build up and even structural weakness to the home.

According to the EPA, spray foam insulation is one of the best insulation materials used to minimize moisture-related problems that are caused by random air leakages that fill all the cracks and crevices where air can enter into the environment. Therefore, the use of spray foam can be significantly beneficial to minimizing mold problems in the indoor space of your attic.

Types of Spray Foam Insulation

When it comes to the various types of spray foam insulations that are used within a home’s structure such as the attics within these indoor spaces. Each spray foam type and method of application will offer unique benefits to the space, as they will contain different capabilities when applied onto a surface in your home. There are three primary types of SPF that can be used for insulation and other specific purposes in the environment, these three types of spray foam insulation include the following; high-density, medium-density, and low-density spray foam insulation.

High-Density Spray Foam: Home builders will usually prefer the use of high-density spray foam insulation when utilizing this SPF as the main source of insulation in the space. This foam will contain a higher density that other SPF types, such as medium and low-density foam – as the name clearly states. When the spray foam contains a higher density, it will not expand as much as lower density foams, this can lead to the need for more SPF material to cover and insulate the entire given space. Mainly, high-density spray foam will be used in roofing and/or other exterior insulation due to its seamless, solid nature. Additionally, similar to the other spray foam insulation types, this spray foam will help to reduce energy costs because of its thermal resistance and will also offer increased protection against water and air infiltrations.

Medium-Density Spray Foam: In comparison to high-density spray foam, medium-density spray foam is applied as a low or high-pressure two component polyurethane spray foam. This type of spray foam offers the specific benefits of continuous insulation, interior wall cavity fill, and unvented attic applications. This medium-density spray foam is a closed-cell spray foam that is typically used where there is the need for R-value insulation per inch possible. This will help act as an air, vapor, and water barrier, as well as helping to reduce noise.

Low-Density Spray Foam: An open-cell foam, low-density spray polyurethane is a spray applied to provide continuous insulation and an air-sealing barrier. This spray foam is applied as a low or high-pressure, two-component polyurethane spray foam that can be applied onto walls, in unvented attics, to ducts and ceilings, and in vented attics and crawl spaces. It is also known to act as an air barrier, however, unfortunately it will not protect against vapor and moisture intrusions.

Spray Foam Off Gassing & Health Issues

The use and application of spray polyurethane foam into a work site of a home should be an activity that is restricted to those people who are not wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). There are a variety of chemicals that are used in spray foam insulation such as polyol, flame retardants, and even a hazardous chemical known as isocyanates. These chemicals used within the construction of spray foam insulation will be most prominent and noticeable to those exposed to these areas where spray foam was applies is during its drying or “curing” time. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), curing of spray foam means that the chemicals in the product are reacting to produce polyurethane foam. It is recommended from some spray foam insulation manufacturers that individuals and workers await 24 hours after the application of the two-component high pressure material. This curing or releasing of chemicals from spray foam is what is known as off gassing, where the chemicals from spray foam are released into the air as it dries in the environment.

In addition to spray foam off gassing, there are also health issues that will be associated with the chemical off gassing of spray foam in a home’s attic or other spaces in the indoor environment. The EPA has stated that individuals with a history of skin conditions, respiratory allergies, asthma, or prior isocyanate sensitization should carefully consider exposure to spray polyurethane foam (SPF).

How Long Does Spray Foam Insulation Last

One of the major benefits of using spray foam insulation within the structure of your home is its durability to last in the space for a longer period after its initial installation. When the spray foam is properly installed, it is said that the spray foam can last the entire lifetime of the home. Additionally, when spray foam insulation is used in roofing application it will last for upwards to 30 years with proper maintenance. However, when applying the spray foam insulation within the structure of a building it is important to do so properly, as missed areas will create holes that will allow for air flow and other problems to occur that will potentially compromise the lifespan of the spray foam insulation.

How to Get Rid of Spray Foam Insulation Smell

When spray foam is properly applied by a professional, the spray foam will likely emit fume levels in the environment that will dissipate over time in the air of the indoor space. As these fumes release into the air it can taint the indoor air quality in your home or whatever indoor space the spray foam was applied within, as well as potentially aggravate human health when exposure occurs. One of the most prominently used methods for removing indoor air contaminants from these air spaces is through the use of home air purifiers. An air purifier is an air quality device that works to take in and filter out pollutants from the air such as noxious odors, chemicals, and even allergens from the air. However, not all air purifiers work the same and when it comes to chemical neutralization there are only a limited number of air purifiers that can accomplish this neutralization.

The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier is a noxious odor and chemical neutralizing air purification device that works to actually capture, contain, and neutralize these airborne pollutants. EnviroKlenz uses a patented earth mineral technology that is both non-toxic and chemical free to safely and effectively neutralize noxious odors and toxic chemicals from the air, this includes VOCs and other chemicals like isocyanates. The second stage filtration used within this EnviroKlenz Air Purifier is a hospital-grade HEPA filter that is effectively capable of capturing and removing 0.3 microns from the air at a 99.99 percent efficiency.

Article Sources:

Wikipedia: Spray Foam (link)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Insulation and How to Use it More Safely (link)

SprayFoam: Types of Spray Foam and Advantages (link)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Potential Chemical Exposures from Spray Polyurethane Foam (link)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Health Concerns About Spray Polyurethane Foam (link)

from Enviroklenz https://ift.tt/2UbNfFS via https://enviroklenz.com

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yardmasterz1 · 4 years

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The Best Backyard Sheds For 2020

Storage Shed Comparison

A backyard storage shed can be a very important part of any yard. The most pressing question to ask before buying a garden shed is what is available and what is important to you.

When you are choosing your garden shed, consider what you will be using it for. Do you need a small shed that simply stores garden tools, or will you need a large shed that is capable of housing vehicles? With the huge range of shapes and sizes available it will allow you to fit your shed perfectly into your space.

Are you parking your car in the driveway because you have no room left in your garage for your car? Are your closets stuffed full of sporting goods and cleaning supplies and boxes of winter clothes because you have no room in your garage? If this sounds like you and your home, an backyard storage shed might be the space-expanding solution for your family. They are wonderful solutions to getting more storage space for your family. They are great for storing outdoor tools and gardening supplies, and at the same time they allow you to keep the tools and supplies inside, and not get your house dirty but still have room in your garage for your car. Things you usually store in your garage like soil, fertilizer, and lawn tools can be easily and safely stored this shed. I reviewed a ton of sheds for this article, and picked the 5 best backyard shed’s you’ll want to consider in 2019 if you’re looking to clean up that garage and yard once and for all.

#1. Keter Manor 6 x 8 ft. Resin Garden Storage Shed

This shed by Keter Manor is my number one pick mainly because it looks great and has plenty of internal square footage to organize just about anything you want to get out of the garage or attic. It’s constructed from strong polypropylene resin and reinforced with steel, so this shed is going to be standing for a lot of years. Another great benefit is you will never have to paint, stain or seal the exterior of this shed and it won’t rot or rust like many of it’s competitors.

If you have lawnmowers, wheelbarrows, gardening tools, firewood or bikes and backyard gear that have no real home, this shed is an excellent option for all of these items. The extra large double door is big enough for just about anything you want to store. This shed comes with a small vent at the roof peak to help keep air circulating. This is especially important if you plan on keeping garbage or recycling cans in the shed. It features a sturdy lock on the double doors and has a built in skylight and window so there’s plenty of light inside during the day. You could easily run an extension cord and have a small shop light inside for those times you need to access the shed after dark.

I really like the faux wood siding that’s molded into the resin. It looks like real wood and makes the entire shed extremely attractive for any yard. The fact that the exterior is UV resistant means it’s not going to fade and look bad after a year or two of being in the sun. Instructions were very easy to follow, but you may want an extra set of hands for assembly.

This shed is a mid range price point around $600. You can definitely spend more on a backyard shed, but you don’t need to with solid unit from KETER.

Dimensions & Details

Interior Dimensions: 66.5 in. W x 87.4 in. D x 86.5 in. H

Exterior Dimensions: 73.1 in. W x 93.2 in. D x 89.4 in. H

Storage Capacity: 131.8 cu. ft.

Floor Weight Capacity: 30 PSF

#2. Arrow Newburgh Steel Backyard Storage Shed, 8′ x 6′

The second shed on my “Best Shed” list is from Arrow. This is your classic outdoor steel storage shed which had dual sliding doors and plenty of room inside for all of the stuff you want to organize or just get out of the garage. It’s constructed from corrosion resistant electro-galvanized steel which helps prevent rust and wear from wet weather. It has a steel reinforced gable roof which makes the entire shed more rigid and it is looks much nicer than the flat roof metal sheds.

Assembly isn’t too difficult and all of the parts are pre-cut and drilled. Some holes didn’t line up especially well when we were putting it together, but anyone that’s slightly handy shouldn’t have any problem constructing this shed. There’s no lock on this model, so you will want to buy and install some type of pad lock mechanism if you need to keep your items secure

You will want to level out a space in your yard for this unit, as you will need to use some 3/4 plywood sheeting for the floor. If you have a concrete pad available, that would be preferable, otherwise you may want to use some crushed stone or gravel and level that before building this shed. Another option would be to build a raised foundation out of pressure treated lumber and install the shed on that. This shed isn’t sexy, but it gets the job done and isn’t expensive.

Dimensions & Details

Interior Dimensions: 94 3/4″ x 66″ x 66 5/8″

Interior Cubic Feet: 230

Interior Square Feet: 43

Necessary Foundation Size: 97 1/2″ x 68 3/4″

Door Opening: 43 1/2″w x 58″h

#3. Keter High Store 4.5 x 2.5 Vertical Outdoor Resin Storage Shed

Number 3 on my list is another great shed option from Keter. I wanted to include at least one vertical outdoor shed because I know not everyone has unlimited space for shed with a large footprint. The Keter High Store model is perfect if you need to store gardening tools, a small cordless lawn mower and other miscellaneous items. The compact size makes it very inconspicuous and it will easily fit on the side of most homes, even if you don’t have a wide space.

The double opening doors are the full width and height of the shed, which gives you easy access to brooms, rakes and other long handled tools. The wall panels are rib reinforced and the heavy duty floor panels are definitely adequate. On the inside, there are adjustable brackets which allow you to install 2 shelves, but they are not included with this shed kit.

Assembly is a breeze and can be done by one person if necessary, but a second set of hands never hurts. Again, the no maintenance factor of this shed is very inviting. I love not having to paint or re-seal wood every couple of years. The shed weighs just under 100 pounds, which is light by shed standards. With help, you can easily move the shed if needed. Make sure you level out the ground before setting in place. This is one of the nicest small to mediums sized sheds I tested

Dimensions & Details

Floor weight capacity: 30 PSF

Roof weight capacity: 15 PSF

Exterior Dimensions: 54.9 L X 30.3 W X 71.5 H inches

Interior Dimensions: 50.5 L X 27.2 W X 69.5 H inches

Door opening: 49W X 69.1H inches

#4. Suncast BMS8700 Tremont 8′ x 7′ Storage Shed

The next outdoor shed on the list is the Suncast Tremont model. This 8’x7′ storage shed is the solution to all of your storage problems and has the looks as well. This model is made from double wall resin with steel reinforcements. It’s extremely sturdy and has space for just about anything you can think of, short of a boat or vehicle. I like that the roof is also constructed from the double wall resin and has a metal truss system which add additional rigidity to the entire shed.

The roof has 4 installed skylights and the doors have two divided light windows which provide ample lighting inside the shed. Construction takes about 4-6 hours with help and the instructions are easy to follow. The double doors are plenty wide for wheeling in trash cans and other large items and the handles/locks are good quality.

The kit comes with 2 interior corner shelves and there are 8 other locations for shelves inside as well. You have to purchase additional shelves from Suncast. Amazon has free shipping on this shed for Prime members which is awesome considering how large the packaging is.

You will need a level area or concrete pad in your yard prior to assembling this shed. I highly recommend this unit if you’re looking for large square footage in a sturdy, reasonably priced shed option.

Dimensions & Details

Interior Cubic Feet: 378

Door Opening: 60″ W x 72″ H

Weight: 312 pounds

10 year limited warranty

#5. Lifetime 6406 8 ft x 5 ft Outdoor Storage Shed

This shed by Lifetime is sturdy and effortless to take care of. Lifetime sheds deliver uncompromising storage to whatever needs real protection in your backyard. The tough polyethylene construction of the of walls, floor surface, and roof mean they wont degrade, rot, or attract termites like woods sheds, but still offer rigid support and resistance to UV damage or anything else the outdoors can dish out. Built-in shelving keeps tools and supplies organized, shatter-proof windows that open and lock and multiple skylights create a fresh and pleasurable mood.

This is the only model I tested that has a built in interior light, so you can get to all of your gear even after the sun goes down. The slip resistant floor is also a nice feature as many other sheds in this class have much smoother flooring materials which can make slipping a real possibility. The deadbolt locks are plastic, but still feel relatively secure. If someone really wants to break into this shed, they’re going to find a way no matter how heavy duty a lock is installed.

There are several shelving options inside including a full width upper shelf, two smaller shelves and 2 corner shelves. All provide great storage and keep items off the ground.

Dimensions & Details

Interior Square Feet: 33.8 sq/ft.

Interior Cubic Feet: 232.7

90″ x 9″ shelf

(2) 30″ x 10″ shelves

(2) corner shelves

UV Protected to Prevent Weather Damage

Backyard & Outdoor Shed Buyers Guide

Wooden Storage Sheds

These types of outdoor storage sheds are the classic old fashioned types of storage sheds and they can easily be added on as needed. Wooden outdoor storage sheds need to be well maintained because they are not safe from weather elements. The wood will need to be painted every few years and will need to be waterproofed to keep the items inside your shed safe and dry.

Plastic Storage Sheds

Because of the weather problems with wooden outdoor storage sheds many homeowners are choosing to buy sheds made of molded, thick plastic materials instead of wood. These plastic outdoor storage sheds are an excellent low cost outdoor storage shed option that needs very little upkeep. Plastic outdoor storage sheds are waterproof, and are specially treated to resist fading from the sun. This type of outdoor storage shed comes in easy snap together kits, and some even have features like pre-molded notches that will allow you to install your own wooden shelves.

Metal Storage Sheds

An inexpensive option is metal outdoor storage sheds. They usually come fully assembled or you can also buy do-it-yourself kits if you prefer. One of the negative benefits to metal is a tendency to get dented over time, and metal can rust with prolonged exposure to weather conditions. Because of this, vinyl outdoor storage sheds are becoming quite popular.

Vinyl Storage Sheds

For many people vinyl outdoor sheds are reasonably priced and maintenance free. They do not dent, rust or mildew, and vinyl outdoor storage sheds never need to be painted or waterproofed. They are easy to install and maintain and are resistant to most weather conditions.

While these sheds are great options, when buying an outdoor storage shed you need to consider the climate and area you live in before choosing one for your home. Some sheds hold up better in windy climates better than others, and others might hold up well under heavy snowfall. In selecting a shed you want to look at whether it will be functional and large enough for your growing needs while at the same time able to withstand your local climate, and attractive enough for you to look at day after day.

Other Things to Think About When Buying a Storage Shed

How much of the garden shed do you want visible?Any garden shed that is on display will ideally be presentable than a standard utilities shed.Matching your shed and house will complement your house and garden.It will not matter what materials you use to build your garden shed as much if it is going to be hidden away.A lattice screen would be good to hide the shed and grow plants on.

Bear in mind the amount of space you have available.It is pointless to plan for a shed that can hold a ride on mower, gardening tools and a motorbike if you don’t have the space.Try to manage keeping things in proportion.Ideally, ensure that you have good access to your shed.You want to avoid hitting your head when putting tools away or have difficulty getting to your lawnmower thanks to a hard to get to corner or the fence line being too close.

Types of Garden Sheds

Sheds can be prefabricated or custom-made. Prefabricated garden sheds are a convenient option and you can build these yourself if you desire, or have the garden shed manufacturing company install it for you, depending how confident you are.kit form sheds that are made from steel will be more durable and easier to maintain. Considering the steel of prefabricated sheds can be powder coated they are available in many different color options.Depending on your needs your shed is available with flat, gable and skillion roofing and styles and either one, two, three doors.

Detailed instructions will accompany the prefabricated or kit garden shed for you to easily understand. The construction of your shed is made easier with the walls and roof panels already complete.

Made to order garden sheds are more flexible and thus give you more room to move, design wise.They are able to be constructed from steel, stone or timber.This would allow you to correspond the design of the shed much more closely to your house, especially useful if you have any feature on the house which cannot be imitated on a normal kit shed.If you choose a timber shed it will need more maintenance than stone or metal shed but it has the alternative of using paints, oils or stains.Just ensure the wood you choose is appropriate for outdoor use.Steel garden sheds will be highly priced compared to others on the market but they will last a very long time.

If garden space is limited then you can purchase a storage unit that fits anywhere in the home and will still be big enough to store your tools and gardening equipment.Constructed from steel.Opting for a utility shed for your larger items such as a boat, trailer or car would be the best thing.Included with these is oversize door openings and a personal access door.Workshop sheds are ideal for any hobbies that need a lot of space, such as woodworkers or metalworkers or for storage or just for tinkering.

Trends for Storage Sheds

It is fashionable to partially conceal the garden or make it look like it has always been there.Ultimately you will need to plan and design it carefully to avoid the ‘standard metal shed’ look.All materials are an option, including pine, cedar and corrugated iron all being options.Woods such as pine and cedar are very flexible in that they are very good at creating a traditional look, right through to a beachy or modern look.Corrugated iron will give your garden shed a look that says it has been there longer than the garden itself.

The heritage shed is a new innovation that allows the customer to match the shed with their older, heritage-style homes, with matching finials and color schemes.

Finally, the backyard buddy is a great new innovation that allows people with less room to have a shed.If your looking for some storage fit into a small space then a Backyard Buddy is the perfect shed to use, made from steel with a lockable front roller door. Their width and depth are customizable to fit in even the most awkward area of the garden and they are available in a huge range of colors.

from YardMasterz https://www.yardmasterz.com/yard-care/best-outdoor-sheds/

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charleswatson013-blog · 5 years

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Stop! Before You Take On Home Improvement Projects, Read This. Making a few little repairs can majorly impact the value of your house. You may even increase the value by many thousands. Here are some home improvement ideas to help you get started. If there are smaller crack in the roof, you can use aluminum tape to make repairs. Remove the backing, and apply the tape to a surface that is clean. This ensures a waterproof seal over any cracks. Applying a new coat of paint to your porch may be needed. You should use a high quality exterior paint. Make sure the paint you choose has the same type of base as the previous paint; you should use oil over oil and latex over latex- or water-based paints. Oil paints work work well for trim because of its durability. However, oil-based paints are slick and slippery, so they are not good for walking areas. If you can afford it, real wood floors are a better choice than laminate. Even though laminate does look like real wood, and in many cases it can be simpler to clean and take care of, but you cannot refinish these floors. 10 to 20 years down the road, yourself or a new owner will have to replace the floor instead of just having it refinished. In terms of renovating your roof, use white tiles or other similarly-hued materials. Lighter colors reflect the sun instead of absorbing it, which means your attic will not be so hot. It is possible to realize great savings on your energy bills in this way. You can keep bugs out of your home and save money on the costs of heating and cooling your home, by sealing off any cracks or other openings around the perimeter of your home. Simply caulk up any cracks that you find. Once the caulking is dry, bugs will be hard-pressed to find a way inside, and air will not be allowed out. Make yourself a shopping list before going to the store. Making a list of all the items you need to purchase ensures that you will not need to make multiple trips to the store and also helps to keep you organized. Having the right lighting in a room can make a huge difference. A well lighted room creates a warm and inviting feel to the occupants of the house. Putting in an additional light fixture can really brighten up a room. By making a dark room brighter, you can improve the feel of your house. Never discard baby food containers, as they make great garage organizers. You can screw or superglue the jar lids underneath a wall shelf. You can put small items in the jars. Then, simply twist your jars into their new home. This will help you use the shelf and jars in a positive way. Start forming a plan now. By starting early in looking for ideas regarding your home, you will be able to come across a lot of ideas before you need to decide. If you can get rid of the desire to find a right color scheme for your home, you will decrease your stress levels for renovation. Red and white cedar wood are great fencing materials for environments that are very dry and fire-prone. It has a high safety rating for fire-prone areas, and it is durable and fragrant. An ugly outdoor air conditioner can be an eyesore, but it is necessary in certain regions. If you feel the air conditioner is detracting from the appearance of your home, you can use a trellis or latticework to disguise it. Try planting a cluster of tall flowers or grasses a foot in front of the unit. You can add on another room to your home to make it more functional. Consider adding a playroom or a den for extra living area. This will increase the value of your home while making it more enjoyable. Just remember to budget wisely and have the necessary funding in place before you get started with your big renovations. Get your contractor's attention and make your needs clear. It is important to find a contractor who listens to you and who you can trust. If you don't get your contractor's attention and make sure they understand what you want, the contractor can accidentally do something wrong. Make sure your contractor is listening and understands what you are telling him. Look at the low areas around your property, including those near the foundation of the house. These low areas can be packed with compacted soil so water no longer pools and erodes yards. This water can seep into the house, rotting out wood. You can make a simple, inexpensive kitchen back splash just by using a little bit of wallpaper and some varnish. Purchase wallpaper in a design that you like. Begin by taking a measurement of your wall space. Using these measurements, cut the paper a few inches larger to allow some room for error. Add some paste and give it some time to become tacky. Always use a wet, but not dripping wet, sponge to smooth wallpaper as you hang it on the wall to avoid unevenness in its surface. Trim any extra paper with an exacto knife for clean edges and a great fit. Apply a coat of varnish with a paintbrush. Now you have a beautiful, cost-effective back-splash. Simply changing your accessories can help your room look fresh. A few new pillows or a new wall decoration can create a huge difference in a room. Add new drapes, a lamp and a vase with flowers and the room will look better than ever. Many people believe that unseen improvements will cause a home's value to rise. That said, they don't invest in the needed repairs like exterior paint. Potential buyers will focus on these problems and believe your home needs fixing. First impressions are important when it comes to your home. As you've read, home improvement jobs don't always have to be hard. If you take time to carefully plan out your projects, things should go smoother. Make sure you utilize the advice given above so that you can begin the process of improving your home's value.

Great Ideas For Your Home Improvement Plans

Home improvement just downright scares some folks. With proper information, you may do almost any project with the tools available to you. Use the following advice to help you complete your project.

You can increase your home's value with one project. If you want to sell your home, think about doing a few minor projects. You could just give the interior and exterior of your home a new paint job. For just a few hundred dollars, you can boost your home's value by close to a thousand dollars!

Home improvement tasks can be 'improved' by the use of the correct tools. Making sure you have the right tool for the job guarantees the work can be done right and as easy as possible. Knowing how to correctly use the tool also makes a difference in getting the job done right.

If you cannot find the right sized screen to replace one you are missing, it is simple to make one yourself. Frame kits allow you to cut the frame to any size, and the screen can be attached using an inexpensive too and cording. Even if your window requires an external screen with special attachments, you'll find appropriate adapters available that can be easily added to any screen.

Replacing a roof is costly. Get a few estimates prior to getting a new roof and check all references for the companies you look at. There are a lot of choices available for roofing, from metal to lightweight tile, although there are still the traditional choices like composite shingles and wood shake. A sound roofer will assist you with the choice.

Before you think about making a renovation to your house, you should go to open houses in newer buildings. This will give you a good feel for what's trendy and popular in home decor at the moment, and you'll learn a lot more in a real home than you would browsing the aisles at your local home improvement store. Lots of model homes have decorators who include furniture and window coverings in order to provide you with a better look. Therefore, you can simply mimic the options you like and skip the ones you don't.

Many older houses have carpet in them, but after decades of living the carpets look stained and outdated. Hardwood floors are more durable and long-lasting than carpets.

Paint the walls of any room that is looking tired and outdated. A simple coat of paint will transform a room quickly. It does not cost much to paint, and it will significantly add value to your home. You'll find that light, airy shades complement the widest variety of different furnishings and decorating styles.

You do not have to have a mansion to have a chandelier. Some chandeliers are not very expensive at all, and can provide a very elegant look in your dining room. Of course, in the meantime, the chandelier is going to provide some beautiful lighting and it will create a brilliant ambiance for the home.

For all except the very smallest home improvement projects, putting together an estimate of all the building materials required before starting work is vital. You can save money if you purchase your materials in bulk. Some materials and equipment that may be needed have significant lead times. If you don't order ahead of time, the delivery of some materials might be delayed, holding up your entire project.

If a contractor tells you they will finish the job in time period that is not realistic, do not use him. Contractors may find it more lucrative to finish jobs quicker. They need to move on to the next paying job. This could be bad because the contractors could attempt to charge extra for overtime that wasn't really needed.

Don't just hire the cheapest contractor available. While it may seem to be a good deal, some contractors quote very low to get a job, and begin to rack up charges while they work. In other cases, contractors will put in minimal effort in exchange for your discounted price. Make sure you are well-informed about the project that needs to be done, and use that as your basis for choosing a contractor.

The bristles will wear out more quickly if your store your broom with the bristles on the ground. Rather, keep the broom lifted off of the ground so that the bristles stay intact and maintain longevity. In addition, hang mops in such a way that they can dry thoroughly so that mildew does not form.

Try your best to obtain a good estimate of the home improvement project at hand. A common mistake of homeowners is underestimating the amount of money they would be spending. Get multiple estimates and try to be prepared for unexpected complications.

Ceiling fans are a great way to boost air circulation in your house. The fans can reduce your reliance on the air conditioner in the summer and they can push warm air downward in the winter, making your furnace usage more efficient. Most fans can switch directions to draw air upward or push it downward, depending on your needs.

It costs more to add carpeting to areas where people will often walk. It won't take long at all before the carpet is ruined. All it takes is a few people tracking their mud across it to ruin it for good. This means it will need replacement sooner, too. Instead of carpet, look into dirt resistant materials like linoleum or tile.

If you're looking to replace your home's siding, you should start by thinking about the best way to insulate. Not only do you save money on energy bills, but you also recoup your investment through increased resale value. As a result, you will have more money to spend on other projects.

Perhaps you were of the belief that doing home improvements without a contractor would be tough. If you use the information provided by this article, you may be able to do at least some projects without any outside help.

cheapestbondclean

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badbitchbigtits-blog · 5 years

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Great Ideas For Your Home Improvement Plans

Home improvement just downright scares some folks. With proper information, you may do almost any project with the tools available to you. Use the following advice to help you complete your project.

Many older houses have carpet in them, but after decades of living the carpets look stained and outdated. Hardwood floors are more durable and long-lasting than carpets.

cheapestbondclean

#cheapestbondclean

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fuckingfuckingchickentown-blog · 5 years

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Great Ideas For Your Home Improvement Plans

Home improvement just downright scares some folks. With proper information, you may do almost any project with the tools available to you. Use the following advice to help you complete your project.

Many older houses have carpet in them, but after decades of living the carpets look stained and outdated. Hardwood floors are more durable and long-lasting than carpets.

cheapestbondclean

#cheapestbondclean

0 notes

madroxxordam-blog · 5 years

Text

Great Ideas For Your Home Improvement Plans

Home improvement just downright scares some folks. With proper information, you may do almost any project with the tools available to you. Use the following advice to help you complete your project.

Many older houses have carpet in them, but after decades of living the carpets look stained and outdated. Hardwood floors are more durable and long-lasting than carpets.

cheapestbondclean

#cheapestbondclean

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greekmythologyaesthetic-blog · 5 years

Text

Great Ideas For Your Home Improvement Plans

Home improvement just downright scares some folks. With proper information, you may do almost any project with the tools available to you. Use the following advice to help you complete your project.

Many older houses have carpet in them, but after decades of living the carpets look stained and outdated. Hardwood floors are more durable and long-lasting than carpets.

cheapestbondclean

#cheapestbondclean

0 notes

tantalizingteasesking-blog · 5 years

Text

Great Ideas For Your Home Improvement Plans

Home improvement just downright scares some folks. With proper information, you may do almost any project with the tools available to you. Use the following advice to help you complete your project.

Many older houses have carpet in them, but after decades of living the carpets look stained and outdated. Hardwood floors are more durable and long-lasting than carpets.

cheapestbondclean

#cheapestbondclean

0 notes

lesbianslovesatan-blog · 5 years

Text

Great Ideas For Your Home Improvement Plans

Home improvement just downright scares some folks. With proper information, you may do almost any project with the tools available to you. Use the following advice to help you complete your project.

Many older houses have carpet in them, but after decades of living the carpets look stained and outdated. Hardwood floors are more durable and long-lasting than carpets.

cheapestbondclean

#cheapestbondclean

0 notes