This year’ picks, like last year’s, include a wide and sometimes wild array of colors, from very bright to quite neutral, with a panoply of nature tones in between. Pantone, the company that started it all, chose the boldest of reds. Viva Magenta is “a pulsating color… one of the strongest and brightest the world […]
The housing market started the year at a brisk clip, and the industry, beset due to COVID disruption, was challenged to meet high demand. By spring, demand began to taper somewhat by rising interest rates. The year was a busy one for Gulick Group. We broke ground in Hudson Quarter, with two-thirds of the homes […]
Many buyers choose a custom home to get exactly what they want. But it can be surprisingly challenging to translate personal vision into reality. Because a custom home is unique, there’s no model a buyer can walk through and experience. It’s hard to anticipate the feel and functionality of a layout based on floor plans […]
We’re about to put the bow on another interesting year, in which supply chain challenges continued, housing demand and prices soared, inflation persisted, and some pundits predicted we’re barreling toward what may (or may not) be a recession. From an historical perspective, it’s unlikely we’ll see a significant, sudden depreciation in home values. Persistent decreases […]
Thanks to inflation, chances are good that the cost to repair or rebuild your home have increased significantly since your last policy renewal. If your renewal is coming up, it’s smart to review your coverage with your agent. There are several things you want to consider in a policy “checkup.” First, a homeowner’s policy typically […]
For most homeowners, the preference for airy, light-filled spaces with a spa-like qualities continues. People are still spending more time at home and seeking a welcoming and warm design aesthetic. Accordingly, the focus on sparsely furnished, minimalist interiors is waning, along with the popularity of all white or white with cool gray, which can feel […]
Even in an empty basement, water can damage structural integrity and any systems located there. In a finished basement or one used for storage, finishes and property can be destroyed by water damage or mold from sustained humidity. It takes a well-executed, multi-tiered approach, based on sound building science, to keep water out of below-ground […]
Functional yet attractive storage is a perennially favorite home amenity. That’s why, with few exceptions, built-ins are a value-added home feature. The Pros: They are a great way to control clutter, keep less attractive items at hand but out of sight, and showcase art, collectibles, or mementos. They can make good use of awkward space, […]
Today’s access options for patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces are a far cry from the dysfunctional sliders of years past. There are many styles that are well constructed, easy to operate, more secure, weather tight, and offer features like double or triple insulated glass panes for energy efficiency. From a functional perspective, there are […]
It’s not unusual to have 40 or more days of 90°+ weather annually in the DC area. With rising electric rates, choosing an efficient central air conditioning (AC) system is a priority if you’re replacing an old system or choosing one for a new home. There are three key measures for central AC: BTU, or […]