Parking in Downtown Covington

Downtown Covington is a popular spot, especially on the weekends. Parking spots are scarce during busy times and special events. City officials have been looking into this problem and have come up with a good solution.

The solution is to borrow the St. Tammany Parish Courthouse garage when large crowds plan to be in the area for a special event. A very popular event in the area, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, brings in crowds from all over.

The good news for the courthouse parking garage is that it is going to get a bit of a facelift. The city will start by improving the one-block area of the Tammany Trace that provides access to downtown from the courthouse parking garage. In its current state, it is not conducive for wheelchair-bound visitors.

“We all know that parking in downtown is one of our biggest challenges,” Mayor Mark Johnson said. By enhancing the walkway, “people will be able to park at the justice center (parking garage) and have easy access to downtown. It’s a win-win, win for us.”

The two hundred thousand dollar grant that was given to Covington from the state capital will pay for the improvements to the part of the Tammany Trace that runs between North Theard and East Lockwood streets. This area sits behind the old train depot and is at the north end of the pathway that runs from Covington to Slidell.

Since the courthouse is not open during the weekends, this is a great solution for the time being. The city does know that there is a need for more parking especially since there are many redevelopment projects underway in downtown Covington.

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Five Different Staircase Looks for Your Home

 Floating staircases have been popular for a while and they are designers’ favorite choice because they make a statement. They can be used as the focal point of a space. Here are some of the floating staircases that can set your home apart.

Mono-Stringer Stairs

When designers use mono-stringer stairs, they are usually going for a classic look. This type of floating staircase uses a single steel beam that runs underneath each tread step. The classic look is seen through the exposed beam handrails made from cherry walnut or mahogany. This type of floating stair is great for a family room or a foyer.

A twist to the design is to use glass railings, aluminum handrails and tread wood such as maple or oak. This style lends itself to being flexible and can be built as a straight stairway, L-shaped, U-Shaped and switchback styles.

Dual-Stringer Style

A dual-stringer style staircase has two exposed steel supports that are at both ends of the treads. This gives the floating stair look with a grounding look as well. If you want to make a sleek yet dramatic look this should be your choice.

This type of floating staircase makes a great focal point for the space. If you want to draw your eye down towards your sitting room, then use this look. It especially draws the eyes with dark steel sup[ports and pale steps. Another idea is to use a glass railing which gives an added safety measure.

Cantilever

Many homeowners do not like the look of exposed steel so this is a good alternative. These stairs have a hidden support behind an adjacent wall. A true floating stair experience due to only the treads and railing being exposed. A glass railing is a perfect addition to this look and is great for a modern space.

Stacked Wood Stairs

Stacked wood stairs, also known as enclosed floating stairs is a great idea if you do not like exposed steel. The steel stringers are hidden in the wooden boxes that make up the tread. So that causes the tread to be stacked up on each other in a neat fashion. This is a softer touch to the more modern looks. Paired with a glass railing, heavy wood or metal handrail make them a nice artistic style for any space.

Spiral

One that is unique to its own is the saved for last and is the spiral staircase. The most modern design of floating staircases, this style is perfect for compact spaces. The open riser treads ascend helically around the weight-bearing steel pole and are enclosed on the other side by curved rod infill. LED lighting is a perfect touch underneath each step and will be a conversation piece.

 

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Wood Siding vs. James Hardie Siding

 Both wood siding and fiber cement siding are popular materials to use on the exterior of your home. Although both are popular, they are both quite different.

When it comes to weather protection fiber cement siding such as James Hardie siding wins. Wood siding is great for insulation but as it gets older it will split, crack and splinter. This makes the material a bit more vulnerable to the elements. Hardie siding is built to withstand the outdoor elements including freezing temperatures, blizzards, hail storms, heat, humidity, rain and wind.

Hardie siding is moisture resistant due to the material that it is constructed out of. Hardie siding is a blend of sand, cement, water and cellulose fibers and will not swell, crack or warp from moisture. Wood siding will contract and expand when exposed to moisture. This is what causes it to crack and split which leads to deterioration. Mold, mildew and algae growth is also harbored in the damp wood.

To make a fire outdoors, you usually need wood, so with that being said, wood siding is not fire resistant. There are flame retardants that can be used on wood siding but have to be reapplied in order to be effective. Hardie siding is made from fireproof materials and is fire-resistant to a point. If exposed to a direct flame, it will not ignite or combust.

Wood will also attract a wide variety of pests. Natural wood is loved by termites, woodpeckers, squirrels and many other little critters. Hardie siding however is not a desirable material for any pests. It cannot be eaten or burrowed in.

Natural wood is beautiful and a timeless material to use for the outside of a home, but it does come with a lot of upkeep. It has to be painted or stained and well-maintained. Hardie siding comes with the look of natural wood with ColorPlus Technology. This means the fiber cement has the color baked on and factory-applied so it is resistant to cracking, chipping and fading.

Hardie siding is a perfect choice because it looks like natural wood with all of the benefits of the fiber cement. With Hardie siding you will have a timeless look for all types of designed homes.

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Winter Weatherproofing For Your Home

 As a homeowner, you want to keep your home well-maintained and this is especially important during the harsher winter months. Not only can weatherproofing your home protect it from the elements but can also add curb appeal and increase the value of your home.

EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish System which is a synthetic stucco. The material will protect your home from moisture intrusion and keep your home well insulated. A well-insulated home will not only lower your utility bills but it will also add an extra layer of insulation. This can also help enhance your curb appeal as well.

Your windows and doors can also let in the warm air in the summer and the cool air in the winter. A good way to make sure that the warm air stays in and the cool air stays out during the winter is to weatherproof your windows and doors. Replacing your windows and doors with energy-efficient ones can reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency. Plus a new window will boost your home’s curb appeal and add value to your home.

Another thing that should be well-maintained is the roof and the foundation. A roof is very important to your home’s protection from the elements. An energy-efficient roof will lower energy consumption and utility bills. All homes whether they have a basement or not, have a foundation that needs to be safeguarded from moisture. Water damage in a basement can not only damage the home’s structural integrity but can also cause an unhealthy indoor environment.

Weatherproofing your home is a great way to keep the outdoor elements out. You will not only help with making your home energy efficient but will also add value to your home. For more information on ways to finance one of these projects look into a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

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Plans to Renovate Abita Springs Town Hall

 The Abita Springs Town Hall is a historical building that dates back one hundred years. The building is also the home to the Abita Springs Opry and is slated to be renovated. The plans for the renovation have been shared at a community meeting.

The plans for the design include a new foyer that will connect the original town hall to the town hall annex. The annex also has a history as it was once a fire station to the community. The annex serves as the office space for several departments including planning and zoning, finance and events.

The chosen architect, Ron Blitch of Blitch Knevel Architects also shared the other upgrades that will happen. The faces of the building will get a new exterior along with a larger porch and covered side gallery. Also, there will be a larger stage added for performances and space for concessions. For weddings, there will be a bride’s room now and a courtyard that will be added that will make a perfect spot for a reception garden.

This will be a great benefit for Abita Springs, and now the timeline and budget just need to be agreed upon. The rain runoff which has also been an issue, will also be remedied.

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New Construction Demand Is on the Rise

 Existing housing has become a Debbie downer for buyers in the market. The market for existing homes is still on the short end with higher home costs than in recent years. This coupled with the spiking interest rates has detoured buyers. In fact, the industry reports that homes haven’t been this unaffordable since 1984.

According to reports, the US mortgage rates have slowed a little, stopping the five-week straight of gains. There is no relief in the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage as it remains high around 7.18%. This time last year the 30-year fixed rate was only 5.66%.

Those buyers in the market are going for the new construction, making home builder stocks more desirable. The market is frustrated with the huge buyer competition and so few existing home listings which has caused massive bidding wars. This has been avoided with buyers focusing now on new construction. Home builder stocks are jumping, Pultegroup has jumped 80%, Toll Brothers 64% DR Horton up 34% and Lennar up 32%.

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September Reported A Jump in Homebuilding

 According to CNN, US homebuilding is on the rebound. This comes after the drop seen in August of what was reported the lowest levels since 2020. This can be blamed mostly on the climbing mortgage rates. 

September saw a 7% jump in new home construction housing starts. The housing starts measure new home construction and rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.358 million. The Census Bureau predicted a rate of 1.38 million, higher than data proved.

The number of units was also lower than a year ago by 7.2% as well as the building permits at the same 7.2%. Building permits declined 4.4% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.473 million.

“September numbers were a mixed bag, with starts up and permits down, but both remain low by historical standards, suppressed by high mortgage rates,” said Robert Frick, corporate economist with Navy Federal Credit Union.

“Builders continue constructing smaller homes using less land, and offering incentives, but to build our way out of the housing shortage we’ll need mortgage rates well below current levels,” he said.

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What A Home Inspection Covers

 Once you find your dream home, you now need to do your due diligence before closing. Part of your due diligence is the home inspection. A home inspection is a professional evaluation of the property. There are many important parts of a home inspection, so it is important to know what is covered during a home inspection.

Foundation, Basement, and Structural Components

The foundation of your home is one of the biggest aspects that must be up to standards. A firm, sound foundation ensures a safe and long life for a home. An inspector wants to make sure your home’s foundation is in tip-top condition. In order to do this, they will look for problems with the foundation, including signs of cracking, shifting, or settling. If you have a basement, they will look for correctly installed insulation and ventilation and signs of structural damage, decay or water intrusion. Structural components in your home such as beams, posts and all load-bearing structures also need to be inspected.

Interior Plumbing and Electrical System

Your home will not run if these systems aren’t in check. When a home inspector checks these systems they will test all faucets and showers for pressure and drainage. They will also make sure there are no damaged pipes or leaking pipes. For electrical, they will make sure the electrical panel has proper labeling, ground and capacity. They will also make sure that all of the outlets, switches, and fixtures are working.

Roof and Rain Gutters

If your roof is not in working order, then you and your home is not protected from the outside elements. A roof inspection will make sure there is no damaged, missing or curling shingles. Water also needs to be directed away from your home. An inspector will make sure your flashing around your chimney and vents is installed correctly along with examining your gutters and downspouts. They will make sure there is proper drainage and no blockages.

Attic and Visible Insulation

The inspector will make sure the heating system is in working order. They will test the system and check for gas leaks or blockages in the flues.

Central Air Conditioning System

If the weather permits, the central air conditioning system will be inspected. An inspector will make sure it cools, the filters and vents are in order and there are no blockages or damage.

Windows and Doors

Another part of your home that can keep the outdoor elements outside and not in. An inspector will make sure they are insulated properly and open and close properly. They will test the windows and doors for safety. Another thing they will look for is rotted or damaged frames as well as broken locks.

Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

The inspector will check the walls for cracks, holes, or any other damaged spots. They will make sure there is no mold, mildew, or water damage along the ceiling or walls. They will make sure that the floors are level and stable with no cracks, creaking or structural issues.

Remember that having a home inspection is a must when you purchase a home. Understanding what is included in a home inspection will help you along wiht your due diligence.

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How To Create an All-Tile Bathroom

 Tile can last throughout time in bathroom designs and really never goes out of style. Tile can make it easy to clean your space. “The appeal of an all-tile bathroom is multifaceted. The look conveys luxury and is on trend right now,” says designer Morgan Farrow of Morgan Farrow Interiors. Here are several tips when creating an all-tile bathroom. 

Pick your look.

“I first consider how the space is being used. A Jack-and-Jill bathroom shared by siblings should be treated differently than a primary bathroom shared by siblings should be treated differently than a primary bathroom used by adults, both in terms of materials and colors,” explains Tess Twiehaus of Tess Interiors.

If you are focusing on a kid’s space, start with using ceramic or porcelain tiles which are the least expensive. They are easy to clean and kid-tolerable. For a master bathroom, going with a higher-end tile like marble or travertine is a plus. They do require more maintenance so be picky about where you install. Tile shops around offer tons of materials from natural stone to ceramic to porcelain. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Mix it up.

“We love mixing tiles, and often use two or three in a single space,” says Farrow. You do not have to worry about the colors and textures clashing but you just have to make sure the color tone in tiles that will be adjacent meshes.

“The benefit is that mixing allows you to get layers of color and pattern,”says Farrow. You can mix and match high-end pieces with budget-friendly pieces to help with the cost.

An accent tile can add intrigue but isn’t required.

When adding an accent tile, it can brighten the space and elevate the room. This is just a bonus but you do not have to add accents to have a great-looking space. Remember that there’s no need to check every box on some imaginary design checklist. “If the room feels special with it, then go for it. But if the addition feels random, take it out,” adds Farrow.

Don’t underestimate your order.

This can be a little tricky because you do not want to order too much tile or not have enough. A rule that Twiehaus offers is to order 20% more than you think you will need. “I wouldn’t stress about it being too much. You will absolutely need extra tile in case you have a discoloration or a few pieces break,” she says. You want to confirm with your designer about any specifications before you order.

Following these tips can be a great way to get your bathroom up -to-date in a great style that is easier to maintain and clean.

 

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Things to Look for In A Home Inspection

 A home inspector’s job is to make sure you as a homebuyer know what you are buying from the inside out.  Their job is to point out items or conditions on your property which may be in need of repair, maybe a risk to other components of the building or its occupants, or may affect the property’s ability to qualify for certain types of financing or insurance.  Home inspections will vary by home inspector and the location of the country the home is located.  There are eight important factors that will be in every report.

1. Exterior

Not every defect is noticeable on the exterior of a home.  A good home inspector will look for cracks, peeling or damaged siding.  This includes looking for stains, old paint or peeling paint.  They will look to see if you have a clearance between the ground and siding materials on the walls.  This also leads to an inspector checking to make sure there are no climbing vines going up the wall or that trees are planted too close to the home.  The last thing will be to make sure the windows, doors and flashings are in working order and the vents and hoods installation is done properly.

2. Roof/Attic

A bad or damaged roof can lead to big problems.  An inspector will inspect not only the exterior roof but also the attic.  They want to make sure that the structure and integrity of the roof and roofing materials are strong.  They will inspect what type of shingles are used, the conditions of the shingles, if there is proper flashing, the condition of the vents, and the chimney condition on the roof.  In the attic, they will inspect the insulation, the soffit vents, gable vents, ridge vents, exhaust vents, appliance vents and the electrical splices.  They will make sure there is no evidence of damage or decay and look for water spots or staining.

3. Foundation/Grounds

When inspecting the home inspector will make sure the foundation is in good shape.  They will look for proper grading (drainage) away from the base of the home, standing water near the home or in the yard, the condition of the gutters and the downspouts, and make sure the downspouts and the gutters are directing water away from the foundation.  Also, any sheds, detached garages, fences or any other structure in your yard will be inspected making sure they are in good condition and free from rot or termite damage. They will also make sure that the driveways and sidewalks are not cracking or shifting.

4.  You definitely want the interior of your home to be kept up and damage-free.
There will be normal wear and tear, but an inspector takes this into consideration.  They will make sure the walls and ceilings are painted and in good condition. Other things will note are cracks on the walls or ceilings, cracked windows, doors incorrectly closing and opening and not sealed, moisture spots, and level flooring with no moisture or soft spots.

5.  Structure

A very important part of the inspection involves the bones of the house.  An inspector wants to make sure it is liveable. They will make sure:
-Foundation is in good condition – if the foundation is cracked or shifting this will affect the structural integrity of the home
-Door frames are straight allowing doors to swing in and out of the frame with ease
-Window frames are straight on all four sides & without gaps
-Ridge and fascia board lines are level & straight
-Baseboards around all interior walls are flush with the flooring & not lifting or separated
-Flooring (especially hardwood) is flat and not bowed or lifting
-Exterior walls are straight and free of bowing or sagging
-Digitally measure the foundation to see if it is flat and level

6. Electrical

An electrical problem can not only be a fire hazard but can be very expensive to repair.  They will make sure:
-DIY repair jobs – electrical systems should never be DIY jobs as this can cause significant damage to the entire system
-Light switches work & all bulbs light up (a bulb that isn’t lit may just need to be replaced, but can also mean faulty wiring)
-Absence of electrical faults
-All cables are attached to service panel with cable connectors
-Visible wiring is in good condition, secured, protected, & without exposed splices
-Branch circuits are free from aluminum cables
-All wall outlets are working & intact (not pulled out of the wall)
-GFCI outlets are installed where required (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, crawl spaces, exteriors & anywhere a water source is present.)

7. Plumbing

Another expensive project so it should be working and in order before you purchase the home.  An inspector will look for:
-Visible pipes intact, free from damage
-Pipes are free from signs of leaking or staining on surrounding materials
-Toilets are dry around the base & free of warped or water-stained flooring
-Water heater working properly, free of rust, vented properly
-Well water pump produces steady flow and doesn’t short cycle
-All faucets (indoor & outdoor) in working condition, sealed, & without leaks
-Hot water available at all indoor faucets
-Water runs clear through all faucets
-All drains are clear, don’t bubble, and drain at a reasonable pace
-Yard is free from soft spots, without pooling or soggy areas

8. HVAC

The HVAC is the heating and cooling system of a home.  They will make sure everything is working properly and has been well maintained.

-HVAC is in working condition, properly sized and properly fused
-Air conditioner system produces adequate cold air
-Air filters are clean and maintained
-Condensate is properly and safely drained from the evaporator coil
-Type of heating/cooling system (gas, electric, heat pump)
-Furnace flues slope up to vents with no open seams
-Vents are clear and properly ventilated
-Ductwork isn’t damaged or old
-Absence of odors from gas

Remember that no home is perfect, but make sure there are imperfections that you can live with or easily fix.  An inspector’s goal is to make sure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision on if the home is right for you.

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Financing Tips From the Experts

Your finances play a huge part when it comes to buying a home. Sometimes it can be an unexpected move, a company relocation can happen and you need to be ready. Here are several tips on getting your finances up to par.

1. Know What Lenders Look For

Knowing what a lender will want to see can really help you along the way. Be familiar with what they look for on a home loan application. Basically, they will want to make sure you are able to afford to pay back the loan and closing costs. Not only will you need money in your pocket, but will also need to be credit-worthy. The better your credit score, the better the interest rate. Lenders will want to know your income, employment history, recent banking activity, debt-to-income ratio, credit score, estimated down payment and assets.

2. Boost Your FICO Score

A FICO score is high on the list for lenders to look at when it comes to a loan. As mentioned before, the higher your credit score the better your interest rate. If you need to boost your score, make it a priority to pay your bills on-time, keep a diverse mix of credit, and keep the balances low.

3. Pay Down Your Debt

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is also important because it can determine how much home you can afford. It can also play a factor in the terms and rates you will receive. This basically is the total monthly debt divided by your gross monthly income. The goal is to keep your DTI around 43% or below. Lenders would like to see you keep your DTI under 36%. Many say to keep it around 28% that will go towards housing.

4. Save For a Down Payment

The amount you put down for your down payment will depend on the type of mortgage you obtain. An FHA loan has the smallest down payment of 3.5% of the home’s purchase price. If you are dealing with a conventional loan, then you will want to try to put at least 20% down so you will not have to have private mortgage insurance (PMI). A USDA and VA loan will not even require a down payment.

5. Know How Much House You Can Afford

This can be tricky to determine how much you can afford. Remember that this is a big financial commitment for years to come. A good tool is to use an affordability calculator to see how much you can afford. Have your finances in order so you can have a good base for what you can afford in your home search.

When you start a home search, choose a local real estate agent who can help you with the home-buying process from start to finish. They can also recommend a lender who can help you with your mortgage needs.

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Tips To Keep Cozy in Your Home This Winter

 We are already in the fall of 2023 and the weather will soon be a bit colder. Professionals in the industry have come up with some fall maintenance tips to help you ensure a cozy winter. 

1. HVAC Check-Up:

The colder months can be hard on your heating system, especially if you live farther north in the country. Before the cold weather hits, make sure to have a professional HVAC inspection on your unit. An inspection will include replacing filters, checking for leaks and making any necessary repairs.

2. Fireplace and Chimney Inspection:

Everyone enjoys a nice fire in the fireplace during those cold winter days and nights. In order to make sure you can enjoy them worry free, you will want to have your fireplace and chimney inspected. Do this by a certified technician who can ensure it is done correctly to make sure everything is safe and efficient.

3. Roof and Gutters:

During the winter, snow and ice are not your roof and gutters friend. Before winter, check your roof for damaged shingles. Also clean your gutters out to make sure they are clutter free to prevent ice dams and water damage.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks:

Start by checking all your home’s windows, doors and the exterior. There should be no gaps or cracks for cold drafts to seep in. The object is to keep the warm in and the cold out by sealing any cracks and gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.

5. Insulate Pipes:

A frozen pipe can burst and leave a big mess. You want to make sure that any exposed pipe is insulated so that it will not freeze. Areas such as the basement, garage or crawl space are unheated and get very cold.

6. Yard Cleanup:

Once the leaves fall during the fall months, you will want to clean up your yard. When you are tidying up, trim back overhanging branches, remove leaves and cover all of your outdoor furniture.

7. Test Alarms and Detectors:

Every change of season it is a good idea to test your smoke detectors and your carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are working correctly and will work when the power is off. It is a good idea to go ahead and replace the batteries during this time.

Create a Winter Emergency Kit:

This can be a lifesaver! A winter emergency kit includes things such as blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit. You always want to be prepared for the unexpected.

Remember when following these tips, you will ensure you have a cozy and safe winter!

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The Southern Hotels’ New Addition to Gloriette

 Gloriette is the newly renovated restaurant located in The Southern Hotel in Covington. The restaurant will now have a new chef. The new executive chef will be Alex Harrell.

Harrell is no novice to the industry as he comes from the Virgin Hotel’s restaurant Commons Club. Before that, he was well known for his own restaurant Angeline and was also the executive chef at Hotel Peter & Paul in Marigny. He is excited to be on the Northshore so he will be closer to more of his vendors.

“It gets me closer to some of the farmers that are on the north shore and explore what’s there for growers and producers. It’s an opportunity to explore a different part of the area and meet and get to know a different part of the clientele,” Harrell explains.

Gloriette has a perfect local atmosphere that just gushes Southern Louisiana. This makes it a perfect place for locals to go for a night out on the town. The food is a nice mix between classic French and contemporary Louisiana flavors. It has a nice garden theme that blends into the hotel setting.

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