Katy - South Fulshear Edition | July 2023

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Local businesses oer home improvement tips

2023 HOME EDITION

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

ASK A HOME STAGERINTERIOR DESIGNER

Rhonda Conchola launched her business, The Home Staging for Houston Design Team, a little more than a decade ago in the Spring community. Together with her designers and logistics team, Conchola said the home staging and interior design company has since cultivated a loyal and consistent client base that spans the entire Greater Houston area.

COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR & HANNAH BROL

ASK A WATER FILTRATION EXPERT

of the home and is a high-impact area for potential buyers. Upgrading kitchen features, such as countertops, cabinets, appliances and ooring, can signicantly enhance the overall appeal and value of the home. Bathrooms are another critical area where investments can make a dierence. Updating xtures, installing modern vanities, improving lighting and enhancing the overall aesthetics can greatly improve the appeal and functionality of the space. Another important space is the primary bedroom or owner’s retreat. It is a sanctuary for homeowners, and investing in its comfort and style can have a positive impact on resale value. Upgrades such as high-quality ooring, well-designed closets, fresh paint and appealing lighting xtures make a big impact. WHAT INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING RIGHT NOW? Warm and earthy color palettes are very trendy at the moment. Neutral and earthy tones have been favored, such as warm beige, terracotta, ochre and olive green. These colors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The minimalist trend—characterized by clean lines, simplicity and a focus on essential elements—has remained popular. Clutter-free spaces, uncluttered surfaces, and a curated selection of furniture and decor items contribute to a sense of calm and simplicity.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF STAGING A HOME PRIOR TO PUTTING IT ON THE MARKET? There are only pros when it comes to home staging—no cons. Ultimately, staging a home prior to putting it on the market can signicantly increase its marketability, improve the chances of a quicker sale and potentially lead to higher oers. It is an investment that can yield a positive return and help sellers maximize the value of their property. WHAT’S THE AVERAGE PRICE RANGE FOR YOUR STAGING SERVICES? WHAT FACTORS GO INTO THESE PRICES? Staging has to be considered as an investment when it comes to selling a property. While there is a cost associated with professional staging services, it is often viewed as an investment that can yield a positive return. Our staging services start at $3,500, but with that price you will achieve a higher sales price, quicker sale time, competitive advantage on the market and a perception of a well- maintained property. IS STAGING MORE SUCCESSFUL IN A VACANT OR OCCUPIED HOME? It’s important to note that the success of staging, whether vacant or occupied, is inuenced by various factors ... Pricing, market conditions, location, property condition and marketing eorts also play signicant roles in [successfully selling.] WHAT SPACES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND A HOMEOWNER INVEST IN TO MAXIMIZE RESALE VALUE? The kitchen is often considered the heart

Justin Carrol, owner of JTECH, a water softening company, conducts free home water analyses, does routine maintenance, and installs new and replacement systems for clean, drinkable water. Carol talked about the state of Katy’s water and how water

quality aects your home and your health. WHAT’S THE SOURCE OF OUR WATER IN KATY? Most of the city water is either retention water, well water or … river water. The Fulshear area, western Katy and some areas of Brookshire are starting to use recycled wastewater. One of the problems here in Katy is that the water is over chlorinated. So there’s so much chlorine in the water, you can basically go straight from your water hose to your pool. Chlorine is used in water just to keep bacteria from growing in it, but it’s usually very, very low amounts. But when you recycle wastewater, there’s enzymes, there’s bacteria living in the water for that sole purpose, and they have to kill this stu. It’s pretty nasty. WHY DOES A HOME NEED A GOOD WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM? Water is a natural resource, so you have to know there are things that are naturally dissolved in the water when it’s not treated in any way. We consider water potable water if it does not contain minerals, does not contain bacteria. When you talk about city water, there’s no one really holding them to their guns on what the water quality should be. They’re given a basic standard. They don’t really lter anything out; they just basically collect the water, then

they break it down to a certain particle size by adding chemicals like chlorine and bromide. ARE ALL THE WATER SYSTEMS IN YOUR HOME CONNECTED, FROM BATHTUBS, TO KITCHEN SINKS TO THE FILTERED WATER THAT COMES FROM YOUR REFRIGERATOR? Yes. There are points of use, like your bathtubs, your kitchen sinks. … Then there’s your point of entry—that’s your main water line, where the source comes into the home or facility. WHAT ARE SOME COMMON SIGNS THAT YOU NEED YOUR FILTER REPLACED OR YOU NEED TO PUT A FILTRATION SYSTEM IN PLACE? Any type of smell or color in the water, so if you have any type of taste, smell, discoloration. Obviously water should have no taste, no smell. HOW CAN CONTAMINATED WATER HARM YOUR HOME OR YOUR PLUMBING? Chlorine for instance—it’s a very common household chemical that’s used for pools and to do your laundry—but it destroys things like your seals in your dishwasher, your hot water heater, your commodes and your seat valves—it eats the rubber out.

Rhonda Conchola Owner

Justin Carrol Owner JTECH 1512 Dan Cox Ave., Katy 254-979-2874 https://jtechhouston.square.site

99 TOLL

The Home Staging for Houston Design Team 3332 Spring Stuebner Road, Ste. M, Spring 832-301-5696 www.homestagingforhouston.com

NELSON DR.

SPRING STUEBNER RD.

Call 1-888-884-4174 for your FREE brochure. NOW OPEN See the NEW homes at Eagle’s Trace

Conceptual Rendering

KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION • JULY 2023