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If you have a back patio, you have an extra room for entertaining! Are you doing what you can to extend the life of that space? You can enjoy it throughout the seasons by adding just a few more things.

It’s no secret it is very hard to buy a home right now. Utah is one of the toughest markets in which to buy a home due to limited supply and a high demand. Perhaps it is time to look at another option, whether it be a temporary option or long term. Here are some reasons to consider buying a condominium.

Are you making these pantry mistakes when designing for more space? We are sharing five DON’Ts you want to avoid. DON’T install a door that only opens inward. That immediately causes a problem for what it behind it when it’s open creating a tough access point. A swinging door might just alleviate that problem. DON’T skimp on the lighting. Install adequate lighting so you can see what is there. Also, consider adding a motion sensor. You usually have full hands when going in and out. This creates less fumbling around to find the switch. DON’T forget electrical outlets. Housing toasters, blenders and other appliances not needed daily are best kept in the pantry. You may not think you need an outlet in there now, but sooner or later it will prove to be needed. DON’T just fill it with shelves. What do you plan to store in it? Use storage bins and Lazy Susans. Don’t forget to incorporate flat surfaces for appliances, recipe books and maybe even decor items. DON’T disrupt the flow of the kitchen. Position the pantry to accommodates the traffic flow. Keep in mind where you want to unload those armful of groceries. If your pantry wall is adjacent to the garage, consider putting in a small door to shove those big bags through to save trips.

We all know this year is one for the history books. In particular, the movie theaters are all suffering from COVID. However, according to the latest Nielsen study, with families at home looking for entertainment, TV usage is up 60 percent. It is easier than you think to mimic that theater experience at home. With home technology becoming more affordable and an increased quality, there are many reasons to consider transforming a room in your basement. This year we completed two basements to include rooms where families can gather to watch a movie in their personal and intimate setting. What is unique about these rooms is they are often located under a garage or patio where no windows are involved adding to the dark and secluded feel of a theater. It also aids in utilizing the overlooked space some might just write off as a storage area. With a larger screen and a designated space, often closed off, families can enjoy more time together watching movies, streaming shows or even playing video games. “Our family is down here all the time now,” one homeowner told us. We think it might just surprise you how often this room would be used. Since we are talking movies, to borrow a phrase from a popular one, “If you build it, they will come.” Let us know if you think you’re ready to transform a space into a fun theater area.

Did you know people spend an average of 30 minutes a day in the bathroom? That is more than 182 hours per year. Now, who wants to spend it in one that is clean and updated? We do! We get many requests to update bathrooms, in fact, bathroom remodels account for 81 percent of all remodels. What is often changed in a bathroom remodel? Simple remodels include changing out old tubs, putting in new tile, new countertops and cabinetry. More extensive remodels can include changing the layout, eliminating walls and expanding the room. One of our favorite bathroom remodels included a little of both. This family was tired of the dark and dated space. So, we changed out the cabinetry to a bright color and added a granite countertop. We painted the walls to cheer up the space as well. Given they weren’t planning on bathing as much as showering, we expanded the shower space to make it so big we could include the tub inside it. That is a growing trend now seen more common and we are loving it. Large, white shiny tile now adorns the shower with a line blue herringbone tile giving it a splash of color. We didn’t knock any walls down in this bathroom which saved on cost, and keeping the same plumbing configuration helped as well. The dramatic change in the end has kept everyone smiling. Now this family can enjoy their 182 hours this year in a more vibrant, happier place.

Are you taking control of your kitchen, or is your kitchen controlling you? The kitchen is arguably the most utilized room in the home, so clutter can be inevitable. We have a few ways we have helped homeowners free up space and become more organized in their kitchens.

Now that we have all been sequestered in our homes, per se, we may think we are hiding from the virus there. Just as a precaution, maybe it’s time to reevaluate just where germs could be lurking that we may not think about. We have a few places you may want to clean to keep a more sanitary home. Drawer Handles Think of how many hands are opening and closing your refrigerator door. Faucet handles, drawer handles and other doorknobs could be an unsuspecting place germs can be spreading. Oven Panel Many fingers are pressing numbers on your microwave and oven controls. You will want to wipe those down with a disinfectant wipe as well. Garbage Can So many times we open our garbage cans with dirty hands. It’s time to take some Clorox wipes or a heavy disinfectant to the lid, and if time permits, clean out the inside. Let it soak outside with soapy water to loosen any accumulated grime. Kitchen Sink The saying, “Everything but the kitchen sink,” doesn’t apply here. It is one of the biggest culprits of germs. A daily habit of wiping down the kitchen will keep a lot of bacteria at bay. We recommend Bar Keepers Friend for a quick cleanser. Countertops Don’t forget the countertops! Used for nearly everything in your kitchen, we can’t imagine what gets placed on them. Take some time to wipe them down with a countertop spray — one of our favorites is Mrs. Meyers . It not only cleanses but has a beautiful scent. Hopefully these quick tips can help create a cleaner place for you and your family as you hang out in the most used room in your home. Please stay safe and enjoy your time in your house.

They say you learn something new every day. Well, as we gradually become smarter, that doesn’t mean we can’t help our home be smarter. It, too, can be learning something new. We have a few ways to gradually make your home closer to ranking as a smart home.

There are six different materials most often used as a fireplace surround: