Sweep First

We aren’t saying that you don’t, just reminding you that you should. With your soft-bristle broom (or vacuum with brush attachment) in hand, there’s not a spec of dirt or dust that can stand in the way of you and sparkling tile floors. While we recommend you sweep floors at least once a week, this is most important when you’re prepping the tile for a deep clean. After all, this is your dry run before bringing out the bucket.

Know Your Type of Tile

Before you start pulling out the many miscellaneous cleaning products under the kitchen sink—be sure you know what material you’re dealing with. Some surfaces are more porous than others and could cause absorption and damage if you use the wrong cleaning solution. Know your tile, know your tools.

Cleaning Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

This is not the place for a sponge mop. They push dirty water into the grout and only make it harder to clean. Instead, using a rag or chamois-mop and a bucket of warm water and mild detergent, clean one section of the floor at a time while changing out the water as you go to keep from accidentally “cleaning” with dirty water.

Also, if soap spots or film-like residue become a problem, add lemon juice and/or vinegar to the water and dry up the excess with a quick buff dry using a microfiber or lint-free cloth. Those tiles will gleam for days.

Cleaning Stone Tile

Slate, granite, travertine, and marble require a little more maintenance and a gentler touch. Be careful not to use abrasive solutions or bristles to prevent scratching and use stone-specific cleaning solutions that are pH neutral to avoid permanent streaking or discoloration. We recommend a thorough buff dry all your floors for the best results.

Get into the Grout

Once your tile is looking its best, you’ll want the grout to fall in line. While cleaning grout is slightly more labor-intensive, when done right, it only needs to be done on an “every so often” basis. That’s what we’re going for.

For this job, combine equal amounts baking soda and water until worked into a paste-like consistency, then use a grout brush (or toothbrush) to gently scrub the paste into the grout lines. If stains are especially stubborn, put on rubber gloves (safety) and mix a solution of ¾ bleach ¼ water to use for scrubbing—the ratio for elbow grease is up to you. Step away for 45 minutes, activity up to you, then finish with a sealant to keep each grout line stain-free so you won’t have to do this again for a while.

While these tips should make every floor in your home blindingly clean, if you’d like a fresh start (and grout), we have the home for you. Find the perfect tile and other finishes for your next new home with MileStone Design Studio. Our wide selection of premium, durable, and beautiful materials make your home feel like it.

The post How to Clean Tile Floors appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Appliance life expectancy hinges on a number of factors, from model and brand name to frequency of use and quality of maintenance. Here’s how long you can typically expect your appliances to last, and what you can do to get the longest life out of them.

Dishwasher (12 years)

Staying on top of routine maintenance (like cleaning the filter) and minor repairs will make your dishwasher last longer. Most models will live well beyond the decade mark if you take care of them.

Refrigerator (14 years)

Refrigerators that include a freezer compartment—which is to say, most refrigerators—won’t last as long as those that don’t. In fact, the latter can keep chugging along for 20 years or more. Your fridge may need some small repairs over the years, like fixing a broken ice maker or replacing a failed gasket, but most models won’t kick the bucket until the compressor goes.

Range/stove: Electric (16 years) or gas (19 years)

Gas stoves typically last longer than their electric counterparts. Regardless of which range/stove type you have in your home, you can keep it in shape through good everyday care, such as cleaning after each use and checking the burners regularly.

Microwave (8 years)

Microwaves are among the shortest-lived household appliances. Fortunately, they are also among the least expensive to replace. If you want yours to last longer, avoid microwaving anything you shouldn’t (we all know that metal and microwaves don’t mix) and keep it clean.

Central HVAC (15 years)

Central HVAC systems last considerably longer than room air conditioners, which typically conk out after about 10 years. Make your system last longer by having an HVAC pro service it once a year, and by keeping up with filter changes.

Washer (10 years) and dryer (13 years)

Dryers often outlive washing machines, but both should give you at least a decade of reliable service. Life expectancy for these appliances depends almost entirely on how frequently they are run, along with how well you treat them. Remember to empty out the lint traps between uses and avoid overloading.

Water heater (11 years)

The life expectancy of a water heater varies widely. Traditional gas and electric water heaters often die around the 11-year mark, but modern tankless water heaters—which come standard in many of our communities—can live for 25 years or more.

Garbage disposal (13 years)

A larger family that cooks at home a lot will probably wear out a garbage disposal more quickly than, say, a couple that eats out most of the time. That said, the average garbage disposal should keep grinding away for 13 years or so. To significantly increase your disposal’s life span, always run cold water when you use it and don’t dispose of hard objects.

Thermostat (35 years)

There’s not a whole lot you can do to extend the life of your thermostat—and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since it’s already the longest-lasting appliance in the average home. The Nest programmable thermostats that come standard in most MileStone homes require little more than an occasional battery change.

Now that you know the basics, you can mark off finding out “How long do appliances last?” on your first-time homeowner checklist! To learn more about appliances and features in MileStone community homes, contact us today. We take pride in creating beautiful, modern homes that include some of the most advanced features around.

The post Your first-time homeowner guide to appliance life expectancy appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Owning a home is a big responsibility that comes with some incredible rewards. However, many new homeowners are surprised to learn just how much work goes into maintaining and caring for a house. If you’re on your way from your last apartment to your first home, this first-time homeowner checklist will help ease the transition.

Interior checklist

• Change HVAC filters. Some experts recommend changing HVAC filters monthly, but every two to three months is enough in most homes. Take a look at your filter monthly, and if it’s dirty, change it. If not, check back next month.
• Clean out the garbage disposal. Freeze some vinegar in an ice tray and run the cubes through the garbage disposal once a month to clean and freshen it.
• Inspect fire extinguishers. Make sure fire extinguishers are easily accessible and their gauges show adequate pressure.
• Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. Hit the “test” button every six months to make sure the alarm works, and replace batteries as needed.
• Run water in unused spaces. In areas like guest bathrooms that don’t often get used, run the sink and flush the toilet every few months to prevent grime and other buildup.
• Vacuum your refrigerator coils. Refrigerators can use up to 15 percent of your home’s total power, so it’s no surprise that the coils get dirty over time. Clean them with a vacuum cleaner every six months or so to help your fridge run more efficiently.
• Test your water heater’s pressure relief valve. Performing this test every six months will help the water heater run more efficiently, and also prevent mineral buildup and corrosion.
• Flush your hot water heater to remove sediment. Annual flushing will prolong the life of the heater.
• Locate the main water shutoff valve. In the event of a broken or frozen pipe, you’ll need to know the location of the shutoff valve in a hurry.

Exterior checklist

• Check exterior drainage. Inspect the slope of the soil around your foundation once a year (preferably in spring, when it’s rainiest) to make sure water drains away from the house.
• Clean out gutters. Do this at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
• Take a look at your home’s exterior. Conduct a periodic visual inspection for chipping paint, damaged siding, cracked bricks and other issues that may need to be repaired.
• Get your HVAC serviced. Air conditioners get used the most during the hot summer months, which makes spring the best time to schedule annual HVAC maintenance.
• Repair/replace damaged window screens. Inspect screens annually for holes and tears that could let bugs inside.
• Care for trees and shrubs. Landscape plants need annual pruning to look their best and stay healthy. Take special care to trim back branches that brush up against your house or that may interfere with electric lines.
• Inspect roofing. Check your roof every spring and fall for leaks and damage.
• Clean the deck and patio. A good washing once or twice a year usually does the trick, but a deck may occasionally need re-staining as well.

This list is thorough, but it is by no means exhaustive. Consult our New Homeowner Orientation Manual to learn more about caring for your new home.

If you’re a first-time homeowner, you have some work ahead, but the rewards of homeownership are well worth it. Use this new homeowner checklist to guide you on your way, and be sure to contact us at MileStone Community Builders anytime to learn more about owning a home in Austin, Texas!

The post First-time homeowner checklist: What you need to know as you transition from apartment to house appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Becoming a homeowner comes with a lot of new experiences, but also a lot of questions. Chances are, you’ve found yourself wondering about everything from how to find your perfect home to how best to lay out your living room. Our Pinterest boards offer great resources for every aspect of home ownership and feature everything from virtual home tours to Pinterest home decor ideas tailored specifically to your new Austin home.

Find your home

Your home search just got easier! These Pinterest boards will help you make an informed decision when searching for your new home in Austin, Texas.

• Austin, TX Dream Homes: Filled with features, floor plans and amenities, this board has everything you need to make sure your new Austin home is your dream home.
• New Home Tours | Austin, Texas: Take the guesswork out of the home search process with these virtual tours that take you inside the homes of our MileStone communities.

Decorate your home

A big empty house can be overwhelming, so we’ve made these boards to get your creative juices flowing. Time to make that house your own!

• Decor in the Heart of Texas: Learn how to get that classic Texas Hill Country look in your new home.
• In the Home | Living Rooms: Transform your living room into the kind of place where you feel at home and your guests feel welcome.
• In the Home | Kitchens: By improving everything from form to function, find out how to make your kitchen everybody’s favorite room in the house.
• In the Home | Bedrooms: Get ideas on how to transform your bedroom into a relaxing space that reflects your personality.
• Beautify Your Land: Keep the outdoor part of your property looking beautiful year-round with these landscaping ideas.
• DIY & Hack Your Home: If you like to get your hands dirty, then you’ll find tons of fun DIY projects and ideas here.

Mark your milestones

For the major milestones in your life, these boards will help ensure your home keeps pace with your changing lifestyle.

• Your First Home: Get tips and advice to take the stress and guesswork out of becoming a first-time homeowner.
• Bringing Home Baby: Make sure your Austin, Texas, household is ready for its newest member.
• Home for the Holidays: Find decor ideas for every season and occasion.
• Home Ideas for Families: Keep your home functioning and looking its best as your family grows.

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Get to know Austin

Here you’ll find a ton of useful information on Austin’s great sights and sounds, as well as attractions and lifestyles.

• Austin, TX Adventures: Learn why Austin is our favorite city in the whole wide world!
• Good ol’ Home Cooking: You’re a Texan now. Therefore, it’s time to learn how to cook like one!
• West Cypress Hills: Get a glimpse into one of our favorite Austin neighborhoods, West Cypress Hills.
• Cedar Park, TX Discoveries: Find out why Cedar Park is one of the best family communities in the Austin area.
• Texas Pride & Places: Expand your horizons by checking out these incredible destinations all over our beautiful state.

We’re all about fun and easy home ownership, so we hope our Pinterest home decor ideas provide everything you need! If your next milestone is buying a home, then contact us to learn about exciting new home options in Austin, Texas.

The post Pinterest home decor ideas: A board for every milestone appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

The arrival of cold weather means it’s time to take a good look at your home and see what you can do to get it ready for winter. Luckily, you live in Austin, Texas, so “cold” is a relative term, but there are still plenty of ways you can get your home in shape this season. These home winterization tips will help you reduce energy costs, protect your home from the elements, and stay prepared for the occasional winter storm.

Have your heating system serviced

Chances are, you haven’t had to heat your home since last winter, which means it’s definitely time for a checkup. Changing furnace filters regularly and having your HVAC serviced at least once a year will extend the lifespan of your system and allow you to heat (and cool) your home using less energy. It also lessens the likelihood of needing more expensive repairs down the line.

Check the fireplace

If you have a fireplace in your home, the onset of winter is the opportune time to perform some annual maintenance. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and swept to get rid of creosote buildup and blockages. Also, remember to always keep the damper closed whenever a fire isn’t burning so that cold air can’t get in.

Clean the gutters

Once fall is over, it’s time to clean all the leaves and debris out of your gutters. Buildup in gutters prevents water from draining properly, which is one of the biggest causes of roof leaks. If temperatures dip below freezing, water collected in your gutters will turn to ice, leading to even more serious problems.

Watch for drafts

Cold air can find its way into even the newest and most well-insulated houses, so do a quick check to make sure your home is reasonably weather-tight. Check the weatherstripping and caulk around all exterior windows and doors, and replace any that appears cracked, damaged or worn. Other cold air entry points to check include electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls, as well as anywhere that pipes, wires or ducts pass through walls and ceilings.

Check smoke detectors

One of the greatest winter hazards isn’t the cold itself, but the fires started by homeowners trying to stay warm. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re operating properly. Don’t forget to make sure they have fresh batteries, too.

Be ready for ice

Ice is pretty rare in Austin, which is why so many local homeowners aren’t prepared for it. That said, it’s not unheard of. Trim back the trees and shrubs around your house so they won’t cause damage if they become laden with ice. Additionally, have ice scrapers, a snow shovel and rock salt handy in case you need to remove ice from your driveway, sidewalk or vehicle.

Protect your pipes

Frozen pipes are another thing that southern homeowners don’t often have to deal with. However, unprotected pipes can freeze and burst during an unexpected cold snap, so it’s best to be prepared. To prevent this from happening, drain outdoor plumbing, cover outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers and wrap exposed pipes with insulated foam or fiberglass pipe sleeves.

Austin may not experience the coldest of temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you should completely ignore the arrival of winter. When the weather turns cold, these home winterization tips will help you get through it unscathed. Check out our blog to learn more about maintaining your Austin home throughout the changing seasons.

The post Home winterization: How to prepare your home for colder weather appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

1. Keep a calendar

One of the best tips for back-to-school organization is to keep your schedule organized. Once school’s back in session this can be one of the biggest challenges you face. The more kids you have, the more complicated it gets! A great tip for back-to-school is to have an up-to-date calendar will help everything else fall into place. Oversized dry-erase calendars are the best because they have more room to write and you can reuse them every month!

2. De-clutter

Your home is about to house an endless supply of books, backpacks, clothing, homework, hand-outs and who knows what else. Before the school year starts, go through all your closets and storage areas. Organize what you need, and donate what you don’t. You’ll be glad you did!

3. Make a snack station

Set aside a drawer and a section of your fridge for healthy snacks—things like fruits, vegetables, granola, cereal bars and fruit juice. That way, snacks for school and healthy after-school treats are always easy to grab.

4. Create a system for backpacks

What parent hasn’t been frustrated by kids who immediately dump everything on the floor when they get home from school? Devise a better system for backpacks, like adding cubbies or extra hooks near your front door. That way, coats, shoes and backpacks are always neatly organized in the same area.

5. Plan kids’ clothing

You and your kids can plan a week’s worth of clothing ahead of time. Getting it all laid out at the beginning of the week—tip: hanging closet organizers are great for this—will take the drama out of picking an outfit each morning.

6. Make a lunchbox station

Similar to the snack station mentioned above, the idea is to make lunchbox-packing a lot simpler. Set aside some cupboard space for things you routinely need for school lunches, and keep essential sandwich-making supplies together in the fridge. Also, it helps to prepare lunches the night before, and why not make it a fun project by having your kids help out?

7. Set up homework central

Create a fun homework “command center” where your kids can get their homework done. Keep it well-stocked with all the supplies they need to work, but without any of the distractions. Another great option is to put together portable homework caddies, so each youngster can take all the supplies they need to work on homework someplace they feel comfortable.

8. Organize the bathroom routine

It’s a universal fact that when a houseful of kids get ready for school, somebody ends up fighting over the bathroom. Streamline the process by setting up individual cubbies or hangers in the bathroom or a nearby closet. This way everybody can easily find their own personal towels and toiletries.

9. Keep track of library books

Place two baskets in an easy-to-find location. One is for library books that are still being read, and the other is for books that are ready to be returned. No more lost books and late fees this year!

There are countless ways to get your home ready for the new school year, and now is the time to get moving! It’s also a great time to check out the new Back to School Sale from MileStone. Rather than fighting the crowds for school supplies, you could be saving up to 8% off a dream home perfect for implementing these tips for back-to-school fun and organization.

The post Keep calm and try these 9 tips for back-to-school home preparation appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Spring rains might keep you indoors, but the rainy season also brings an opportunity to get your house ready for the summer months ahead. It’s a great time to take care of your home inside and out, and these April home maintenance tips will have you ready for summer before you know it!

Outdoor maintenance

Contrary to the popular saying about April showers and May flowers, the greatest rainfall of the year usually hits Austin in May and June. That makes April an ideal time to tackle outdoor maintenance so your home will be ready to take the rain when it comes.

• Look for lawn damage. Low areas next to the foundation should be filled in so water drains away from your house, and bare patches should be re-seeded to revive the grass.
• Check for loose and leaky gutters. When your gutters don’t drain correctly, it can lead to all kinds of problems, including leaks in your roof and damage to your foundation. Be sure to clear the leaves and other debris out of your gutters, but be careful—if you plan on climbing up on a ladder, have a friend around who can keep the ladder steady.
• Check your deck. Power-wash your deck to clear away winter grime, and re-stain if needed. Before staining, check the forecast to ensure you have a few rain-free days ahead.
• Inspect your roof. Using a pair of binoculars, look for loose shingles, broken flashing around vents and chimney damage. Contact a professional for repairs.
• Have a look at your walkway. Look for cracks in concrete slabs, and fill them in with a concrete crack filler if necessary. Make sure all walkways, driveways and other concrete surfaces drain away from the foundation.

Indoor maintenance

When rainy weather keeps you indoors, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways you can keep busy when the rain falls, like catching up on these home maintenance tips and taking care of these essential indoor spring cleaning jobs.

• Replace your HVAC filters. A dirty filter reduces energy efficiency and may cause your system to wear out more quickly. So, always start the spring with a clean filter.
• Deep-clean your carpets. Dirt builds up in carpets over time, so you might not even notice them getting dirty, but you’ll sure see the difference once they’ve been cleaned!
• Test smoke and fire alarms. Replace batteries if necessary, and don’t forget to check your carbon monoxide detectors as well.
• Tend to your air conditioner. You’ll be using your AC a lot in the months ahead. Be sure to clean both the indoor and outdoor units. It’s a good idea to have them professionally serviced at least once a year, and spring is the perfect time.
• Clean out your refrigerator. While you’re at it, why not defrost the freezer and vacuum the coils to boost efficiency?
• Clean and adjust ceiling fans. Chances are good that your ceiling fans haven’t had much use over the winter. A lot of dust can hide on the upper surface of the fan blades. Make sure your ceiling fans are set to spin counterclockwise to give you the most cooling power.

Don’t let the rainy season get you down! This is the perfect time to dive into all your spring cleaning and home repair tasks. So, when the summer comes, there’s nothing left to do but sit back and enjoy it. Contact us today to learn more about life in our Austin, Texas, communities and view our blog for more home maintenance tips.

The post 11 rainy season tips to empower the exterior & interior of your home. appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Birds return, flowers bloom, the sun comes out at last—there’s nothing quite like the feeling of spring in the air. Now is a great time to head outside and enjoy the perfect spring weather, but it’s also important to tend to your home with home maintenance tips. Spring offers an opportunity to boost your home’s energy and appearance, inside and out.

Check your gutters

Spring is prime time to clean and check your gutters. Look for leaks, and make sure the gutters are draining properly and are firmly connected to the roof. Gutters that overflow and leak can eventually lead to foundation and basement damage. Also, check your downspouts and ensure they are draining away from the foundation.

Have a look at the roof

Roof inspections are important, but there’s no need to climb up to the roof yourself. From ground level, a pair of binoculars should give you a good enough view to tell if your roof needs maintenance. So, look for shingles that are missing, broken, askew or have nails popping out.

Inspect your HVAC system

Even a relatively mild Austin winter can put your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system through its paces. Make sure you start the spring with a fresh filter in your air conditioner. Spring is also a good time to get your system professionally cleaned and serviced. With very little maintenance, the 14.5 SEER high-efficiency heating and air conditioning system in your MileStone home will provide efficient heating and cooling for many years.

Beware your windows

Top home maintenance tips can also double as energy-saving tip. This includes maintaining your windows. You can lose a lot of heating and cooling energy through them if you’re not careful. Before summer arrives, inspect the areas around your windows for cracks, gaps and signs of air leakage. Caulk, spray foam and weather stripping are easy and cost-efficient quick fixes for leaky window and door frames. While you’re paying attention to your windows, make sure each has drapes, blinds or an awning—especially the ones that face south—to help keep the sun’s “greenhouse effect” from driving up your cooling bills.

Check your thermostat

Your programmable thermostat is a handy tool, but make sure you re-program it for spring. It’s easy to forget about, and that can waste a lot of energy heating your house unnecessarily. A programmable thermostat can potentially save you a lot on heating and cooling costs year round; check out this handy guide from Energy Star for properly setting your thermostat!

Trim overgrowth

Having big, adult trees in your yard is great! They look wonderful, and they provide shade for your house that can reduce air conditioning costs. However, watch out for trees and shrubs that brush up against your house. Spring is a perfect time to trim back any overly enthusiastic trees, which will reduce potential moisture damage and keep pests from finding their way into your home.

Watch out for bare wood

While this should not be an issue in your MileStone community home for many, many years, it’s always a good idea to do a quick check around the outside of your house, looking for places where paint has chipped and bare wood is exposed. Sand away chipping or flaking paint, and spot-paint any areas where you see the wood underneath. Take a look at brick and stucco sections of your house to find trouble spots there, too.

Spring is a wonderful time of year to get out and enjoy the fresh air and the sunshine! These top home maintenance tips will ensure that your home enjoys the upcoming season as much as you do. But, before tackling your home improvement task list, we encourage you to follow home repair safety guidelines and check out these handy home improvement apps!

If you’re on the search to find a home with energy-efficient features, explore the following communities in the greater Austin area:

• Buda: Shadow Creek and Meadows at Shadow Creek
• Downtown Austin: Eastwood at Riverside
• South Austin: Enclave on Cooper Lane
• Cedar Park: Park at Brushy Creek, Scottsdale Crossing and Woodford Estates
• Georgetown: Teravista

The post Top springtime sprucing tips to renew your home’s energy and appearance. appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.