A well-designed home theater is one of the best features that can increase the resale value of your home. Think it might be a good investment? To get started, you'll need to take a close look at the room in which it will be housed. After all, the room's size will determine the most suitable size and type of video display. You should also consider the following:

• How much ambient light is there?
• Is the room carpeted?
• What type of wall construction does the room have?
• Will you be placing your components in free space, or will you house them in a cabinet or closet and install speakers in the wall or ceiling?
• Where will you sit in relation to the screen image?

The next step is to figure out what type of video display device to get. Choices include:

• large-screen traditional CRT-based television
• rear-projection TV
• flat-panel LCD or plasma TV
• video projector/screen combination.

Most home-theater experts say the TV needs to be at least 27 inches (diagonal) to be considered home-theater compatible. Also, since HDTV programming is becoming increasingly popular, you'll probably want to consider an HD-compatible TV or projector instead of a traditional analog TV. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, nearly half of all consumers in a recent survey said their next TV "definitely or probably will be an HDTV."

2007 Risa's "Thank You for Being my Client" party was the BEST party ever!! Go see the pics at Risas Party

This months joke:

Question:Where does the Easter Bunny get his breakfast?

Answer: IHOP

HD-compatible televisions and video projectors will deliver the most from new HD sources, but will also work with your older analog components, such as a VCR. Before embarking on buying home-theater components, especially for a medium-price to high-end system, consider consulting with a home-theater installer who can assess your space, budget and goals. The consultant will help you select the best components for your needs and can answer any questions about all the available options (and there are many!).

ALL DECKED OUT
What better place is there to enjoy the great outdoors this spring and summer than your own backyard? Building or designing a deck can be a creative, manageable project that makes your yard an extension of your home. When designing decking patterns, think outside the box. Decking is typically 2 inches by 6 inches, but you might want to try 2-by-2 or 2-by-4 decking instead. Alternating sizes can create a spectacular effect. Redwood decking is popular for its beauty and resistance, but it is a dwindling resource. Pressure-treated pine and cedar are other durable materials that withstand decay, insect damage and the effects of water and sun. Or you may prefer a man-made alternative such as Trex or Timbertech. Both of these products use recycled materials.
Railings are a deck’s most prominent visual element and may be made of wood, rope, metal and a host of other materials, according to DoItYourself.com. When choosing a railing design, find one that complements the style of your home.
Make sure your deck meets or exceeds local building codes, especially if your deck is elevated. Support systems should be able to withstand the weight of the deck and a crowd of people standing on it. Railing spaces should not exceed 4 inches by 4 inches.
Finally, make your stairs safe for everyone. Your deck steps should be at least 6 feet wide — 3 feet wider than code typically demands — so that two people can comfortably pass by each other. Risers should be no higher than 7 inches tall, and the treads should be 10 inches deep. ¦

Question:GOT MOLD?

Answer: There's no way to sugarcoat it: Mold is an unwelcome guest in any home. And like your unpredictable cousin Harry, it can show up without warning, even in the cleanest abodes. Mold is a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air. It can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and a temperature of between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The most common type of mold, called mildew, is easy to spot. It's the black stuff you see in the grout lines in your shower, on damp walls and outdoors on the surface of deck boards and painted siding, especially in damp and shady areas. To test for mildew, dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew. If the area remains dark, it's probably just dirt.
Besides being unsightly, mold can cause health problems, including hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. More seriously, mold can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.
To get rid of minor mold and mildew infestations, disinfect the area with a mild bleach and water solution, then seal with several coats of a primer/sealer and repaint with washable paint. Improving the ventilation in damp areas of your home, such as the bathroom, will tend to minimize mold problems. For more extensive mold infestations, contact a professional who can help you determine the best way to deal with it.

Have questions? email Risa at questions@risa.net or call her at 1-800-699-4901

April favorite links:

The History of April Fool's Day

Use This Moving Truck for FREE      

RE/MAX Town & Country Realty has a moving truck (pictured above) that our clients can use FREE for their local (inside the Metro-Orlando area) moves. When Risa helps you buy or sell a home, just let her know that you would like to use the RE/MAX Moving Truck. Then Ray, the Moving Truck Coordinator, will coordinate your reservation to use the truck for a 24 hour period and outline all of the details for the truck’s use. Tell Risa early on in your transaction that you’d like to use the truck to make sure that you can reserve the best time for your move! We’re glad to be able to offer this additional service to our clients. Risa Saltman wants to help make your moving process as smooth, enjoyable and efficient as possible.

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