Home Resource

There are few things more fun or more relaxing than an early morning swim or soaking in a nice warm spa after a hard day at the ffice. It can help you unwind and forget the troubles of work and the stresses of every day life.

There are so many new and beautiful styles of pools that will add value to your home, and your quality to your life.

What are the benefits of buying a pool?

It can get might buggy in the Lowcountry. Generally, it’s best to use a professional exterminator to control insects around your home.  However, there are steps you can take to help.

Read more...

One of the challenges of living on the coast is taking care of the exterior of your home.

Algae growth and mildew frequently appear on siding in the humid south. Experts suggest cleaning your vinyl, brick, stucco or wood siding with mild soap and water, a brush and a garden hose with a spray nozzle. They also suggest hiring a professional to pressure wash the exterior.

When temperatures reach their peak this summer, we can always escape indoors to air-conditioned comfort. Our home’s exterior isn’t so lucky. It must bear the brunt of summer’s heat and humidity.

That’s why, as summer approaches, it’s important to take measures that can keep your home as dry as possible and prevent structural damage caused by mold, fungus or insect infestation. These tips from industry experts will help you keep your home in good condition and protect your investment for years to come.

What fools would make the big retirement-location decision based on a single visit?  What dummies would end up with a 30-year mortgage 900 miles from a longtime home without ever scouting other locations and other states?

Meet the happy idiots of Hilton Head Island.  Yes, us, done with full-time work and now anticipating years of bliss here in southernmost South Carolina.

It all started with friends – friends just a little older than us, whose judgment we trust.  They had been spending increasing time in Hilton Head.  Visit and take a look, they said.

Hilton Head Island is known for its natural views and green space. And every islander enjoys living among the draping trees, expansive marshes, rare birds and pristine beaches. Now the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association is helping area residents take this nature-loving attitude to the next level by going green.

The Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association saw other green building programs popping up in other regions and created the Council for Green Building.

In 1975, three friends and I bought a second home on Hilton Head Island to share. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to enjoy all the amenities that Hilton Head Island offered.

At the time, I was married with two young children and we spent many happy times here. My parents had owned oceanfront property in Florida most of my life and I couldn't imagine my children growing up and not experiencing the wonders of the ocean, beach and wildlife that abounds on the southeastern coast. I never dreamed we could ever live here.

John Cardamone won’t let a weakened economy get in his way

When John Cardamone was 14, he became the proud and wide-eyed owner of a Wen saw, a Skilsaw-type power tool normally familiar only to builders and serious tool-shed hobbyists.

Now 59, the homebuilder can still be found working in his garage on Hilton Head using that old saw. Cardamone had long ago traded in hammers, nails and tools for three-piece suits as a young applied science and engineering college graduate going to work for Alcoa Inc. He was dealing with banks, government agencies and bureaucrats a bit more than he cared.

The Royal Palm model, built by Randy Jeffcoat Builders, Inc., features spectacular detailing at every turn including radius ceilings with extensive crown mouldings at varying heights.

The radius walls of the dining room rise to 16’ ending with a coffered ceiling trimmed with crown moulding.

Successful container plantings require a focal point.

What makes a single plant the center of attraction?Is it color, form, height, uniqueness, or a bit of attitude?

Well, all of the above, but not necessarily at one and the same time.

A container wants a variety of plant material, either blending, contrasting or both, but the center plant is the one that will focus the attention for either good or bad.

The first consideration should probably be height as that will determine the relationship or proportion of the plantings to the container. It is important that the ratio be pleasing — that the height and mass of the plants be neither too small nor too large for the container.

We have all seen examples of both and it spoils the whole effect of an otherwise pretty arrangement. Even the untrained eye can detect this.

An eclectic mix can create elegant and inviting home décor.

Have you been enticed by the latest in modern furniture and the uncluttered approach to decorating? The popularity of modern designs in furniture is growing, as can be seen in most retail furniture showrooms. This sleek and sophisticated look may be very appealing, but often creates a somewhat cold, even stark, appearance in your home. The entire room does not have to be modern. Using accessories and accent pieces that are more traditional or completely opposite in style is a great solution.

ECLECTIC APPROACH

Mixing contrasting styles is known as “eclectic decorating” and the trend is leaning more in that direction than ever before. This is the perfect way to add personal items and create a home that reflects your interests. Several manufacturers have introduced sofas designed with straight lines, tight backs, no skirt and visible wood legs. A great example of that style is the sofa available in the new collection by Interlude Home, Inc. They also introduced several interesting chairs and ottomans  with a modern flair.

Whether you are planning a move just across town or a longdistance move across the country, being “PREPARED” is the key word. But where to start, and what to do first – now, this is often the dilemma.

Most people moving into the “Lowcountry” are excited about their move because of the weather, beautiful environment and recreational amenities. They may be moving because of a career opportunity and can be faced with considerations for their family such as schools, the best neighborhoods and the basic adjustments a family must make. No matter what the actual reason may be, the research and gathering of necessary information is essential.

Now that almost everyone owns a computer, or has access to one, making use of the Internet can be most helpful in your move to a new area. Check out The Chamber of Commerce (www.hiltonheadisland.org), real estate companies, moving companies, the Town of Hilton Head Island (www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov) and some general sites such as www.moving.com and www.monstermoving.com.

A thorough examination can help homebuyers avoid unpleasant surprises.

Many people wonder if they really need a home inspection. Home inspections are an added expense and usually optional, but experts highly recommend them. Imagine moving into your dream home only to discover the air conditioning is not able to cool the house. Or, what if you move in during the middle of winter, only to discover the heat is not working.

If you are planning to put in an offer on a home, make sure the offer includes a detailed statement regarding your rights to a home inspection. Your real estate professional will be able to guide you through this process. The standard contract used by real estate agents may give you the right to back out of a contract if a home inspection uncovers more problems you  are prepared to handle.

Be sure to discuss this with your agent  before you get to the point of making an offer on a home. If  the contract does not allow you to back out of the deal, look  into having a contingency added to the contract. But be sure  this is done before you get to the point of signing anything.

Take the things you love and give them a little space. With a little time and some elbow grease, any room in the home can become your spot to unwind, entertain or have fun!

Living rooms. Family rooms. Sitting rooms. It seems sometimes like there’s a room in the house for everything but the things we love. We stuff our passions into boxes and keep them in the upstairs attic. We do the activities we enjoy in the same places where we fold laundry or cook dinner. But why? Why not take the things you love to do and all of your prized possessions, and give them a place to call their own? For inspiration on giving your passions some space, please enjoy our guide to cool rooms.

Have you been enticed by the latest in modern furniture and the uncluttered approach to decorating? The popularity of modern designs in furniture is growing, as can be seen in most retail furniture showrooms. This sleek and sophisticated look may be very appealing, but often creates a somewhat cold, even stark, appearance in your home. The entire room does not have to be modern. Using accessories and accent pieces that are more traditional or completely opposite in style is a great solution.