Page 109 - HBG 2019-watermarked
P. 109
may have a more limited selection if you choose your window treatments
after painting.
Opacity: one of the most important factors to consider is the opacity level
you want for a room.
For living areas, you may opt for light-filtering shades, which allow
light to filter in even when closed, preserving your privacy.
For bedrooms, where people often have room-darkening shades,
consider shades that can open from the top, to allow in light
without compromising privacy.
For high-traffic areas like playrooms and kitchens, solar shades,
which are light-filtering and can easily be wiped down, are a
popular choice.
Lighting the Way
This section has been prepared with the assistance of Abe Berger of Lighting
Direct.
Spots or fixtures? When overwhelmed by the myriad lighting choices
available, many people opt for the path of least resistance and put in
spotlights. However, wiring each spotlight adds up fast, so it might be
economically efficient to leave in builders grade fixtures and eventually
upgrade to a permanent fixture, which may cost less than the spotlights in
the long run.
The dining room is usually the most expensive room in the house to light;
budget $700-800 for its fixture, and roughly the same amount for everything
else on the first floor combined.
When building or renovating, most builders will include installation of
lighting fixtures if they are present at the time the work is being done. Try to
develop a lighting plan 4-8 weeks in advance to leave yourself ample time
and save money.
The Big Move
Summer is far and away the most popular time to move, as families are anxious
to settle in before the school year and yamim tovim arrive. If you can schedule
your move for the off-season, you may be able to negotiate a better price. Also,
weekday moves tend to be cheaper — and easier to reserve — than Sundays.
Book as far in advance as you realistically can; although keep in mind that
closings are often delayed, so don’t be too optimistic about your time-frame.
2020 Lakewood Home Buyer’s Guide | 109
