A Great Grass Cleanup

After a mild winter and with spring already shooting up in the form of early flowers, now is a great time to start getting your lawn in order. It may seem early, but there are a few steps you can take to make sure your grass looks great and green all season long. Here is what you need to know.

Start by performing a soil test. Grass can be finicky and the pH level of your soil will help you better understand how to treat it. Experts suggest that the pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0 and your reading will help you determine what nutrients your lawn needs. A soil test is always a smart first step so you don’t go out and buy fertilizer and seed that isn’t the right match. A soil test can be done by a professional landscaper or you can purchase a test kit at any hardware store.

Next, it’s time for clean-up. Start by removing any winter debris such as sticks, leaves, and needles. Then give your yard a good rake, even if it’s free of debris. Raking will dethatch the lawn, releasing the dead matter that collects on the bottom of the grass blades closest to the ground. During the winter, thatch is good because it acts as a layer of warmth and protection. But as the temperature rises, it can block new grass from coming up. 

Once the lawn has been dethatched, it’s time for aeration. An aerator is a bit like a manual lawn mower but instead of cutting the grass, it pokes holes in the ground. Aeration is important because all grass needs sun, air, and water to grow. Aerating the lawn allows for better air and water flow and lets nutrients get to the roots of the grass more easily. Most people skip this step but I think it’s essential. 

Now I like to treat my lawn with a pre-emergent to help contain weeds. As I mentioned before, grass can be very temperamental, but weeds are strong and will grow in pretty much any condition. If left untreated, they will pop up all over your lawn and compete with grass for sunlight and water. Plus, they spread very easily. Depending on your soil test and the kind of law you have, a pre-emergent will help to keep those weeds at bay which will help your lawn to flourish.

Once your weeds have been treated, it’s time to reseed any bare spots. Thinning is normal with mature lawns, so you may want to reseed the entire lawn or just portions of it. The type of seed you use will depend on your lawn and your soil, so make sure you consult with the expert at your local hardware store before you buy your grass seed. A spreader makes this job quick and easy but the key is to keep the ground moist to allow the seeds to germinate. 

Finally, it’s time for fertilizer. You’ve worked this hard so make sure to give your grass the best possible chance to survive and thrive. Again, fertilizer is not a one-size-fits-all all product, and what’s right for your lawn depends on several factors. The key is to make sure the fertilizer you select has the nutrients your lawn needs to grow lush and beautiful. 

With all these tips comes one warning. While you might be tempted to get the mower out, it’s better to start slowly and let the grass grow a bit longer in the early season. If you follow the steps above and give the lawn a good clean-up before mowing, you’ll have longer, thicker, healthier grass all season long. Happy growing!

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

Bathroom Upgrades Worth Their Resale Value

The pandemic put plenty of homeowners into a remodeling frenzy but for some people, a home facelift is a seriously daunting prospect. One area of the home that can make a major difference without a huge cost or time commitment is the bathroom and the payoff is big both in terms of zen and resale value. Here are eight ideas to give your bathroom a boost without spending a fortune.

Health & Safety

If your bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation, you will end up with mold and mildew growing on the walls and ceiling. A replacement fan will cost under $100 and you can install it yourself to ensure that the moisture caused by the shower is being extracted properly. Remember, you’ll need to measure the bathroom first to ensure you get the right fan for the job. 

Environmentally Friendly

If you want to do your part for the environment, you can update your bathroom with water-saving fixtures. Both Lowes and Home Depot carry eco-friendly lines that can cut water flow by upwards of 30 percent, making for a healthier planet and a happier utility bill. 

Neat & Tidy

If you can’t stand cleaning the shower, this one's for you. Today you can find shower doors that are finished with a water-resistant coating that sheds the droplets that leave unsightly little stains. If you’re constantly walking around with a squeegee in hand, this upgrade might just make your weekend cleaning routine just a little easier. 

Semi-Custom

If you’re looking to replace your cabinetry, take a look at some of the semi-custom options available from the major retailers. There are even companies that spruce up IKEA cabinets to make them look more personalized and stylish. If you can’t afford to replace the cabinets, a new lick of paint can breathe new life into old wood.

Get Organized

If your cabinets are in good shape but they are tough to reach or annoying to get into, a cabinet organizer might be for you. Most systems include sliding surfaces which make reaching items in the back a whole lot easier. No more digging in the dark. 

Lights and Mirrors

Dated mirrors or lighting fixtures can bring a bathroom down. Kick it up a notch and keep an eye on the sales flyers for accent pieces to give your bathroom a boost for very little effort.

Counters

Granite countertops are a pricey remodeling project, but these days you can get the look for less by getting creative. Talk to your local countertop expert about where to look for remnant slabs, or consider cheaper options like a preformed laminate finish.

Spa Touches

Make your shower more luxurious by replacing the old head. I personally love a rain shower, but a handheld sprayer can feel great after a long day and it makes cleaning a cinch. You can also replace your old shower curtain with a more modern update for less than $20. You won’t believe how a little change can make a big difference. 

This list is just the tip of the iceberg and I bet you have a few creative ideas on how to update your bathroom for less. I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros.

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

Turn Your Basement Into a Cold Weather Retreat

If you’ve ever considered a basement remodel, now is one of the best times. Between COVID-19 and the onset of winter weather, creating a fun space for your family to escape can both increase your square footage and add value to your home. Plus, you can shop this weekend’s sales for a great deal on home improvement supplies.

To transform an unfinished basement into a liveable space can range anywhere from $6,500 to $18,500 on average, according to analysis by Home Advisor. What are the major factors that drive the price differential? Setting up plumbing for a new bathroom or kitchen can be expensive as well as any mold removal, leaks, or general structural issues that need to be taken care of.

Mold and moisture are common basement problems that you’ll need to look into if remodeling is in your future. Most professional finishing specialists will be able to advise on waterproofing to ensure that your space isn’t going to have any unexpected issues. Many basements are generally underinsulated and have leaky windows so if you’re going to improve the space, these basic updates are well worth the cost. Plus they’ll help the energy efficiency throughout your entire house. 

Once the basics have been considered, you’ll need to think through what you’re using the space for. Do you envision a home theatre or a mancave for Sunday football? Would a playroom for the kids be the perfect addition or is a teen hangout more your speed? No matter what you decide to do, think longer term. Little kids grow quickly and teenagers will soon be out of the house, so design for flexibility and change.

Whatever you decide to use your space for, one of the most important considerations will be low ceilings and light. Recessed lighting is a great option as it gives the illusion of height and it’s easy to install, especially if you’re working with a drop ceiling. Speaking of drop ceilings, you won’t believe how many stylish options there are to make those squares pop. From clean modern lines to pressed metal, basement ceilings can actually be a lot of fun to design. There are even acoustic absorption solutions to help control noise from televisions and home theatre systems. 

Next, consider your storage options. Most people use their basements to keep clutter out of sight, but once the space is remodeled, where will all that stuff go? I am a big fan of creating zones in the basement that can be used for different people with different needs. I always recommend keeping at least a section available for those old clothes, holiday decorations, and air conditioning units as storage space is a valuable commodity in every family home. The key is to keep the clutter to a minimum. 

With all the basics considered, it’s time to have fun designing your space. A basement is a great place to experiment with an aesthetic that’s more daring than the rest of the house but the key is to keep it comfortable and transitional. Lastly, if a real estate transaction is in your 10-year plan, think about the next family that might be making memories in the home. A basement remodel can add serious dollars to your list price if it’s done appropriately.

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