Do It Yourself Firepit & Flagstone Patio

Here's a fun summer project that can improve the value of your home by adding more entertaining space in your backyard. The project took my husband and I one long weekend plus a few evenings. The cost is relatively minimal if you take the time to find a good deal on flagstone. We got ours on ksl.com for a fraction of the price that it would have cost us at a stone distributor.



Supplies:

• Firepit Kit from Lehi Block Company- This includes the stones for the firepit and also the metal ring. You can choose one with or without grates for barbecuing. www.lehiblock.com  
• Flagstone or pavers for the patio area- We used about a 1-1/2 tons of 2" thick flagstone to cover our 10X12 area.
• Concrete sand- We used about 3/4 of a cubic yard. You can purchase this by the bag at Home Depot/Lowes etc. or get it loose from Lehi Block or similar companies. 
• 2X4 for leveling sand
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow for hauling dirt in and out 
• Level
• Rubber Mallet
• Masonry Adhesive (We used Liquid Nails brand from Home Depot)

Step One
Check with your city and neighborhood regulations to be sure firepits are allowed. Many cities have requirements that dictate how far your firepit must be from your home or other buildings.

Step Two
Clear the area where you will build your firepit and patio. Then dig the entire area down at least 3-4". You will need to dig deeper if your flagstone is very thick or if you are using thick pavers for the patio surrounding the firepit.

Step Three
Use your firepit ring to determine exactly where the firepit will be located. Be sure to allow space for people to sit and gather around the fire without sitting too close to the flames. Fill the area in and around the ring with 1-2" of concrete sand. Use the 2X4 to compact, smooth and level the sand.



Step Four
Place the first stone against the ring and use a rubber mallet to pound the stone tightly into the sand. Make sure the stone is level in every direction. You will probably have to add or remove little bits of sand. It helps to wet the sand slightly with a watering can or hose. -You can see my husband's cute pink watering can in the background of this picture. :)

Step Five
Continue setting stones around the firepit to create the first layer of stone. Make sure each stone is level to the next and not tilted in any direction. Spending extra time on this first row of stones will ensure that the next layers go smoothly. It took us about 3 hours just to create this first layer of stone, but the next 3 layers took only 20 minutes total.

Step Six
Once your first layer of stone is complete you can remove the fire ring and continue adding layers of stone until your firepit is the desired height. Make sure to offset the stones so that the seems do not line up. Use masonry adhesive to bond the top 3 layers to each other. Adhesive is not necessary on the lower levels as the weight of the stones will hold everything in place. Check to make sure each layer is level as you continue.


Step Seven
When all layers are complete, reinsert the metal fire ring and fill your firepit with sand and/or gravel to 1-2" above the bottom of the ring.

Step Eight
If you will be laying flagstone, first spread out and level more concrete sand. Next lay out your flagstone in the pattern you would like. Take the time to arrange the stones tightly, like a puzzle. Set each stone using a rubber mallet and level, adding or removing sand as needed. When all stones are set, fill the gaps with more sand or use fill dirt if you will be planting moss in the cracks of the patio. Click here for more detailed instructions on building a flagstone patio from American Stone.


Finally, invite over your friends and family and enjoy!

Interest Rates as Low as 4.375%

Interest rates as low as 4.375% have been announced by several of McArthur Homes' preferred lenders, but will they stay this low for long? Here's what Pierre Alley had to say about current interest rates:

Okay, so everyone was holding their breath anticipating where LeBron James would end up playing basketball. This topic has been discussed for months. But, the more important question for all of us is have we seen the bottom for interest rates? My guess is YES. The week started out with the European Banks showing a stronger position. French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde stated that after “stress” tests, European Banks are “solid and healthy. You may recall after the U.S. Banks went through their tests, the positive results helped boost stocks nearly 40%. A jump in our stock prices will most likely cause bond prices to fall. Claims for unemployment benefits were lower this week as well. Bonds have been priced for perfection and so any misstep in economic news provides a good reason to take out profits, which we have seen the last couple of days. I believe bonds have been overbought and so there could be a dark cloud hovering in the near future. This morning an executive board member on the European Central Bank stated, “the worst of the sovereign debt crisis seems to be over.” The jury is still out as Italy might be the next country to reveal debt problems. But for now enjoy these historic low interest rates.




Pierre Alley

Utah Mortgage

Work: 801-561-4700 Fax: 801-561-8585 Cell: 706-9763

Pierre@utahmortgageloan.net / www.utahmortgageloan.net

Senate votes to extend US home tax credit deadline

WASHINGTON June 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate voted on Wednesday to give homebuyers another three months to settle on their contracts and take advantage of a popular tax credit that sparked a rush of activity in the housing market.
The Senate, with a vote of 60-37, accepted an amendment by Democratic Leader Harry Reid that extends the closing deadline to Sept. 30 for buyers who met the April 30 deadline to have a signed contract.
The current deadline requires buyers to close by June 30 to get the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Existing homeowners buying a new primary residence are eligible for a $6,500 credit.
Reid offered the measure as an amendment to a bill that would extend some popular business tax breaks and extend unemployment insurance benefits for jobless workers.
The proposal would not have a significant impact on future home sales as the extension would be only for home buyers who already had a contract in hand by April 30.
The popularity of the tax credit has caused some anxiety because settlement offices are inundated with buyers trying to close on transactions by the end of this month to get the tax break. (Reporting by Donna Smith; Editing by John O'Callaghan)

For All the Procrastinators: Only 2 Days Left for Federal Tax Credits!

I have always been one to put off things to the very last minute. So, if you're a procrastinator like me, and you've been thinking about purchasing a new home to take advantage of the $8,000 or $6,500 Federal Tax Credits....

Now is the time!!!! You still have the opportunity to find a home and get under contract by April 30th (this Friday). The great news is that you don't have to close on the home until June 30th, 2010. So if you find a new home that's nearly completed, you've got the time to wait until construction is complete. In addition, many builders are offering special incentives now, like McArthur Homes' 110% Guarantee of the Federal Tax Credit. 

If you'd like additional information on the credit and who is eligible, email me at kristi@mcarthurhomes.com or go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

To view some beautiful McArthur Homes that will be ready for the Federal Tax Credits, click here!

More Energy Saving Tips- Save Water, Gas & Money

Happy Earth Day!

Here are some simple tips for saving water, gas and (as a bonus!) money. If you're lucky enough to be building a new home, you can start with a more energy efficient home by installing 90% efficient furnaces, blown-in or fiberglass insulation, and Energy Star Appliances, among other things. McArthur Homes offers a wide range of green-friendly products for your new home in our Personal Selections Catalog, available online.




If you're already in your new home or you own an older home, here are some things you can do to save water and lower your bills:

• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
• Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.

You can also help the Earth and save money by conserving gas:

• Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
• Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving such as speeding, rapid acceleration and braking wastes gasoline. You can lower your highway gas mileage by 33% and city mileage by 5%!
• Replace clogged air filters to improve gas mileage by as much as 10% and protect your engine.

 

Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival

This week my husband and I took our two-year old to visit the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. We all loved it! The blooms were amazing, the weather was perfect and there were fun things for everyone to do. The Tulip Festival continues until May 1st, so if you live in the Lehi area (or even if you don't), check it out!

Tulip Festival
Thanksgiving Point Gardens
April 16th-May 1st
Closed Sundays
10am-8pm
$10/adult
$8/child
2 and under FREE
Click here for $2/off COUPON (you may have to enter your email address)
More Information: http://www.thanksgivingpoint.com/calendar/events/tulipfestival/index.html


If you go:

• The biggest hit for most of the kids there seemed to be the giant grass hill that you see right as you enter the gardens, there were tons of kids rolling down the hill and running back up. It's a great place to let your kids get their energy out!
• Make sure you walk up behind the waterfalls, from above you can look down and see two nesting birds- a goose and an owl! Each has built a little nest in the rocks near the waterfalls. According to a guide we talked to, they are there pretty much 24 hours a day with short breaks to stretch and get food.
• There are concessions, but I would recommend a picnic lunch or dinner. Perfect for a romantic date or a family outing!
• You may want to bring a ball and glove or frisbee. With so much open space, there were tons of kids (and adults) playing catch and just enjoying the outdoors after a long winter.
• On Friday evenings and Saturdays they have live entertainment. Check out the website (above) for more information. One of the days I saw there would be strolling bagpipers- that's something you don't see every day. :)
• While you're in the area, stop by one of our nearby McArthur Homes neighborhoods. View our model homes and see how you could own a brand new home just a few minutes walk from this amazing venue!

Thanksgiving Meadows
Homes starting at $220s
Townhomes starting in the mid $100s
 3779 N. Meadow Springs Lane
801-766-4462

Thanksgiving Village
Golf course homes starting in $250s
2802 W. Crooked Stick Drive
801-768-2910

Go Green- Save Energy & Money in Your Home

With Earth Day coming up this month, I've seen a lot of helpful tips for being more Earth friendly. Here are some tips for saving energy in your home, that will also save you money!

• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out. They last longer and use 75% less energy!
• Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use. You can also plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips then turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use. TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power.
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
• Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees F.
• Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing. 

New Home Construction with Jared Berry

McArthur Homes' own, Jared Berry, was recently featured in a youtube video about building a new home. Check him out below!



The video was filmed at our Thanksgiving Point model home. For more information on this golf course neighborhood, or our beautiful model home, click here.

Building a New Home- Part 3, Closing

The final step in building your new home involves getting ready to move and "closing" on your new home. Here are a few tips:

Preparing for Closing
Once your home is nearing completion and you're busy packing and dreaming about your decorating plans, don't forget to set up your utilities! While your builder will physically connect most utilities during construction, it is your responsibility to arrange for service to be provided.
Here is a quick checklist of services you'll want to contact:

Electrical- Rocky Mountain Power: 1-888-221-7070 or City Government
Gas- Questar: 801-324-5111
Telephone- Qwest: 1-800-244-1111 or other local provider
Water- City Government (maybe included in HOA)
Garbage- City Government (maybe included in HOA)
Sewer- City Government (maybe included in HOA)
Local Cable or Satellite Company

At this time you should also touch base with your lender for permanent financing and make certain your lender is ready to close your loan.
Confirm that your lender:
1. Has all personal selection choices and that the total price is correct
2. Has all information from you required by underwriting
3. Has made contact with your title company

Closing
“Closing” (sometimes called settlement) actually refers to a variety of activities that must occur to transfer Ownership of the property to you. It involves the following:
1. Your lender prepares and delivers all necessary documents to your title company
2. Buyers (you) sign documents at title company office
3. Buyers (your) provide down payment to title company- this should be in the form of a Cashier's Check
4. Any lender insurance such as FHA may require paperwork to be completed. This is also coordinated by you through your lender.
5. Your lender must fund the loan; meaning the money must be sent to and received by your title company
6. Sellers (your builder) sign closing documents provided by title company
7. When all of the above are completed, your title company personnel will personally visit the County Recorder’s office and “record” the deed conveying title to you.

Only when all these have been completed, is the transfer of Ownership complete. Although you can sign all of the documents in just an hour or two, it usually takes until the next business day for the loan to fund and recording to occur. So if all goes smoothly, you will usually receive the keys to your new home the business day following your visit to the title company.

Now comes the fun work of moving in and setting up your new home! Congratulations!

For more details on the home closing process, visit McArthur Homes website by clicking here.

Spring Maintenance Tips for your Home & Garden

Here are some fantastic tips on maintaining your home from HGTV.com

OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE

Divert Water

Gutters do their job best when clean. Check yours for foliage build-up, particularly if trees hover over the roof. The rainy season is a prime time to ensure all drainage areas remain unblocked by leaves and/or debris. Trapped moisture can leave a house susceptible to moss and mildew and cause major damage to your roof and walls. While you’re at it, make sure the downspout is clean and pointing 2-2-1/2 feet away from foundation walls.

Retain the Roof

It’s easy to take for granted the one thing that shields you from the elements. But doing so could cost you unnecessary repair costs. Be diligent about roof maintenance. After the next rainy day, inspect your ceiling for wet spots. Ask a licensed professional to inspect your roof for wear and tear. "If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, it’s time to replace the roof," according to Dan Cornwell, president of CC&L Roofing in Portland, Ore.

Check Your Paint Job

Look for chipped, cracked paint along the exterior of your home. "The worse thing you can do is leave wood exposed, because that’s when it will begin to rot," says Brian Gummel, president of The Painting Company in Edgewater, Md. Scrape off any failing paint. Sand it down so there are no rough edges, prime the bare wood surface and paint it with a high quality paint product. Don’t wait until siding accumulates too much dirt. Brighten up the house with a good power washing.

Cut Shrubs and Trees

Trim overgrown trees and hedges away from your home to discourage the growth of mildew and moisture. Branches should be at least 7 feet away from the exterior of your house to prolong the life of your siding and roof. Get rid of out-of-control vines, as they can help crack siding and allow moisture and pests entry into your home.

Love Your Lawn

Rake up the excess leaves you didn’t get around to last fall. Too many can suffocate your grass and stop it from growing. "Pull up weeds, and remove foilage from the lawn, shrubs and any plants," says Neal Julien, landscaping expert with Neal Works Landscaping in Capitol Heights, Md. Pull up dead flowers and replace them with a low-maintenance variety such as pansies, begonias or mums.

INDOOR MAINTENANCE

Keep the Air Fresh

With warm, sticky days ahead, do yourself a favor and give your air conditioning unit a little TLC. Not only does it cool you down, but an efficient air conditioner removes moisture and humidity from your home, which in excess, can damage its foundation. So if you aren’t changing air filters monthly, start now. A unit free of dust and dirt runs more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill. While you’re there, check hose connections for leaks. Make sure the drain pans are draining freely. If you suspect a problem, contact a certified technician.

Watch Windows and Doors

Investigate all doors and windows for leaks and drafts, particularly near the corners. Look for peeling and chipping paint, which can signal water intrusion. Seal any open areas between the frame and the wall to keep out water, which can deteriorate building materials. Neglecting these tasks can open up potential for environmental hazards like mold growth, experts say.

Control Pests

Keep garbage and debris under control around the exterior of your home. "Do what you would do inside, and get rid of junk," says Genma Holmes, owner of Holmes Pest Control in Hermitage, Tenn. Inside, check the house for entrances and gaps where mice and insects may be tempted to come through. Seal up cracks, even if you just did so in the winter. Mulching the yard this spring? Use a liner underneath. "It’s good to keep a barrier between your mulch and your home," she says.

Take a Peek at the Plumbing

Except for a coffee maker, anything dripping in your house is a bad sign. Check for leaking faucets or sweating pipes, clogged drains and faulty water drainage systems. On laundry day, look at the washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or dampness. Check under the kitchen sink for leaks, and make note of wetness around the dishwasher. Inspect your water heater for leaks and corrosion.

Tackle the Tiles

While you’re in spring-cleaning mode, pay attention to worn grout between floor tiles in the bathroom or kitchen. A small crack in the grout or caulk can lead to an expensive repair later. If necessary, re-seal as soon as possible. For the bath, get into the habit of wiping down shower walls and tub after each use to eliminate soap and scum build-up.