Category: Luxury Home Care

Luxury homes in Las Vegas serve as an oasis where you can escape the summer heat after you enjoy exploring the city. While you should be able to rest comfortably indoors, the truth is that keeping your house cool can get challenging once the temperatures start to rise. The good news is that you don’t have to work too hard to keep your new home cool when you know these simple tips and upgrades for making sure that your house is always cooler indoors than it is outside.

Do a Few Simple HVAC Maintenance Tricks

Luxury real estate in Henderson, NV, typically comes with the best HVAC systems already installed, and you’ll want to plan for annual inspections to make sure the unit on your house is ready to work all summer long.

You’ll want to have a professional technician handle major repairs, but you can do several simple tasks each year to make sure your home’s system operates at peak efficiency. Try adding these tasks to your summer prep list to give your home’s HVAC system a boost.

 •Change the air filter

 •Clean the intake vents

 •Remove debris and leaves from the outside unit

 •Listen for any unusual sounds that signal a need for repairs

Install Energy-Efficient Windows

When you are building a custom home in Las Vegas, you’ll be provided with an opportunity to select the windows. Although the most energy-efficient windows will cost more, most homeowners find that it all evens out when they save more on summertime utility costs. Asking the builder which windows they recommend for your house can help you choose to stay cooler. 

Consider Window Tinting

Residential window tinting has come a long way from the bubbly cling film people once had to use in the past. Today’s window tints come in more subtle shades that can enhance your property while also adding a layer of privacy that also blocks out the sun. You can also opt to only tint windows that allow large amounts of sunlight to come inside, such as a back kitchen window that adds unnecessary heat to the space where you need to cook. If you’re replacing windows, look for tinted glass with built-in light-blocking qualities.

Hang Light-Blocking Window Treatments

Many luxury homes in Las Vegas are built with large picturesque windows that allow for gorgeous views. But, you might find that floor-to-ceiling windows come with the slight drawback of allowing way too much sunlight in on a hot day. Adding strategically chosen window treatments is the perfect way to preserve your view without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you choose light-blocking drapes made from a heavyweight fabric or special honeycomb shades for a more delicate touch, you’ll find that this part of cooling your home is quite fun since it allows you to express your personality.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

People often make the mistake of shutting the HVAC system off while they are at work all day to try to conserve energy. However, this technique tends to backfire when the system has to work that much harder to get the house cool again. Plus, you’ll be sweating until the temperature finally starts to go down sometime around your bedtime.

Programmable thermostats give you more control over the indoor temperature during your time away. You can choose to have the house start cooling down before you head home from work so that you’re greeted with a cozy interior as soon as you walk through the doors. Smart thermostats are also great for maintaining the ideal temperature inside when you’re traveling or prefer a specific temp for better sleep. 

Pick the Right Placement for the Thermostat

Having a thermostat that is located in the coldest part of your home might cause it to fail to register that the rest of the house is hot. The same effect can also happen if you have a fan blowing directly on the thermostat, which makes the room feel colder than it is. If you believe the thermostat is located in a less-than-ideal location, then having it reinstalled in a better location can help it operate more efficiently.

Keep the Air Circulating

When you’re selecting features for luxury homes in Las Vegas, make sure to include ceiling fans throughout the various rooms. Similar to window treatments, you can pick from various styles and models of fans to add a decorative touch to each room that also serves an important function. 

Maintaining good air circulation helps to push the cold air downward where it hits your body rather than staying up high. Just make sure the blades are set to spin counterclockwise to generate the best effect. In the winter, you can reverse the blades to achieve a similar effect for keeping your house warm. 

Plan a Backyard Cookout

Cooking on a hot day rarely pans out well since you’ll be making the kitchen piping hot with every burner you turn on. If your luxury home has an outdoor kitchen or grill, then now is a great time to use it. Whether you plan to make a fancy steak dinner for two or grill some vegan burgers for your family, you’ll find it’s easier to enjoy your meal when your home’s dining area is cool. 

If you want to add a social touch to your dining experience, then consider using a grill in one of the many parks that make your new MacDonald Highlands neighborhood so friendly. Or, you could opt out of cooking entirely and drop into the Montrose for a luxurious dinner or spend time by the pool during one of the many themed dining events the community hosts each summer.

Minimize Your Use of Other Hot Appliances

The stove isn’t the only appliance in your home that gives off heat. Large flat-screen TVs, computer monitors, and dryers can all make your house hotter. You’ll naturally need to use all of these things at some point during the day, but you can choose when to do so. Choosing to do laundry earlier or later when the temperatures aren’t so high can help keep the appliances from impacting your comfort. Turning off the TV when you aren’t actively watching it is another temperature-lowering measure that works for keeping your house cooler.

Add Shade Around the Exterior of Your Home

Depending upon where you choose to build a luxury home in Las Vegas, you might have a few mature trees scattered about your property that help provide shade for your house. Or, you may need to plan for some additional plants in your landscaping design. Adding trees and shrubs can help block the sun from hitting your house. Pergolas and awnings are additional ideas for features to add that help shade the outer parts of your home during the summer, and these can also have the effect of blocking sunlight from entering the nearby windows.

Read about: The Art of Luxury Home Design: Trends and Tips here.

The location you choose for your home is an essential factor that affects how easily you can keep it cool. Many of our Macdonald Highlands homes are built on thoughtfully planned lots that are angled to provide relief from the hot desert sun while also allowing for strong energy flow throughout the space. When beating the heat is a priority, just let us know when you reach out by calling us at 702-614-9100 for more information. We’ll point you to the best lots and architects for designing a home that is a true desert oasis where you can enjoy a respite from the heat.

Autumn is on the way, and it will be bringing more comfortable weather with it. It is the time of year when people order pumpkin spice lattes, watch charming movies and turn on the fireplace. The fall season is the perfect time to make a few changes to the interior or exterior of your home. Here are luxury home upgrades that are perfect for Autumn. 

 1. Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior Fixtures 

When you pull up to the front of your house, do you think about installing new outdoor lights or putting in a mailbox with a more modern look? Autumn is the perfect time to make these changes to the exterior of your home. 

New exterior lights, house numbers, and a mailbox will give your home a subtle update. They also give Las Vegas luxury homes a finished look that will inspire your neighbors to do the same. 

 2. Freshen Up the Kitchen Cabinets 

If you’ve been living in your dream home for several years, it might be time to freshen up the kitchen cabinets. Fall is a great time to complete this update since you’ll have the project done before the busy holiday season arrives. Updating your kitchen cabinets before the holidays is sure to wow your guests. 

You can give your kitchen cabinets a small change by replacing the hardware. Modern hardware will elevate your cabinets. If you want to do a little more to update your kitchen, consider painting your cabinets. Paint them a neutral shade or a bright color. Either option will give your kitchen an updated look. You can also go with a complete replacement if your cabinets are more than 25 years old. 

 3. Apply Oil to Wood Cutting Boards 

If your kitchen features a permanent cutting board, clean it regularly and maintain it using natural oils. This home update for fall is easy and will keep your cutting boards in good working order. The experts recommend using mineral oil or an oil that’s food-grade quality. You can buy these kinds of oils at food supply stores or online. 

 4. Invest in a Cool Roof 

The editor of Green Builder magazine, Matt Power, commented on the heat wave that has made its way through the country. He said, “Heat is a problem everyone is interested in tackling right now.” Consider investing in a cool roof to save money and enjoy peace of mind. 

A cool roof reflects the sunlight and takes in less heat than regular roofs. This type of roof will improve your home’s indoor comfort. It will also decrease the amount of energy that you need to use to keep your home cool. Materials used for cool roofs include: 

 • Reflective coatings 

 • Tiles 

 • Shingles 

 • Sheet covering 

 • Metal roofing 

 5. Radiant Heat Floors 

Radiant heating systems are installed underneath the floor. This is an excellent update for fall because radiant heat warms the rooms in your home from the ground up. They’ll provide evenly distributed heat, which is also nice and cozy on your feet. 

If you decide to install radiant heat, remember that you’ll have to tear out your home’s existing floors. This is a major project, but it has benefits like being quieter than other heat sources, and it’s also more energy efficient and something that you can add to several rooms in your home. 

One of the most popular places to install radiant flooring is in the main bathroom, but it can be a whole-house project. While you can pair radiant heat with particular vinyl and laminate floors, this upgrade works best with porcelain or ceramic tile or natural stone. 

 6. Paint the Inside of Your Home 

One of the easiest ways to update your home for fall is to paint it. Color trends tend to change every two or three years. When you change the color of your walls, it makes your home look new. Also, painting is easy to change since it can be done quickly. 

 7. Wallpaper an Accent Wall 

Wallpaper is back in style, and you can freshen up your home for fall by wallpapering an accent wall. A wallpapered accent wall adds personality to a space, and it will also give the room texture. To make applying the wallpaper easy, consider purchasing the peel-and-stick kind. 

 8. Change the Front Door 

Painting or changing your front door is a minor fall update that can significantly impact the look of your home. Changing your front door is fast and easy whether you decide to paint it or install a new one. You can even change it by sanding and staining your door to reveal the natural wood grain. 

 9. Organize 

Organizing often transforms a space or a home instantly, but this project will probably take more time than money to complete. If you decide to upgrade your home for fall by organizing, then be sure to add new organizational pieces to your home. 

Purchase pretty containers, storage bins, and boxes to store your holiday and seasonal items. Also, use color to make your storage spaces and closets look nicer. Take time to make these spaces tidy. This will give your home a fresh look. 

 10. Redo the Mudroom 

While the mudroom is utilitarian, it doesn’t have to be dull. It’s easy for the mudroom to become cluttered and dirty looking. Keep yours clean and bright with a new coat of paint. Purchase fun containers like wicker bins or linen boxes for leashes and shoes. Also, install hooks for coats and hoodies. 

If you have the space, add a bench with comfortable cushions where people can sit and put on their shoes. Decorate the mudroom area with a round mirror that you like and a wallpapered accent wall. 

 11. Create Entertainment Space Outdoors 

Las Vegas luxury homes usually have plenty of outside space. An excellent luxury home upgrade is to create entertainment space outdoors by investing in a nice patio set, a firepit, and adding shade. 

In Vegas, the fall months start to cool off, so this is the perfect time to hold a party. Your guests will love chilling on the patio in front of a fire, roasting marshmallows, or relaxing with a glass of wine. 

 12. Purchase an Indoor Air Quality Monitor 

According to air quality professionals, the air inside a home can become a breeding ground for bacteria, odors, dust, and mold. Poor ventilation and air filtration usually cause indoor air quality issues. 

Most homeowners keep their windows closed during the fall since it’s colder, making it easier for airborne illnesses to spread. Advanced indoor air quality units make your indoor air healthier. They can also increase the value of luxury homes in Henderson, NV, by decreasing energy costs. 

Where to Purchase Luxury Real Estate in Henderson, NV 

To get away from the hustle and lights of the Las Vegas Strip, purchase your dream home in the MacDonald Highlands Community. As a resident, you’ll have access to a pretty view, luxury amenities, and outdoor places to play. 

A luxury home for sale in Henderson, NV, can be your dream home with one or more of these fall updates. To learn more about MacDonald Highlands, contact us at (702) 614-9100.

While most homeowners clean many areas of their luxury homes regularly to maintain a healthy environment, it’s tough to clean every single part of a home weekly or even monthly. This is why many people engage in spring cleaning. When you schedule a time of the year for deep cleaning, you can ensure that every area of your home continues to look its best. To help, here’s a spring-cleaning checklist for your luxury home. 

Print Your List 

To help you track the spring-cleaning tasks and make sure that you’re covering every area, print a list. There are checklists available online, or you can type out a personal one. Be sure to include areas like the: 

 •    Kitchen 

 •    Bathrooms 

 •    Bedrooms 

 •    Living and family rooms 

 •    Offices

 •    Garage 

Before you start deep cleaning a room, dust the area’s countertops, shelves, décor, and light fixtures. That way, you’ll only need to vacuum or mop once. Use Windex to clean the windows and wipe the blinds with a damp cloth. You can use cleaning wipes to clean the walls, but make sure that you purchase ones that don’t include chemicals that would damage the paint color. Remove any trash or excess clutter in each space, and be sure to vacuum or mop under the furniture. 

Kitchen Checklist 

The kitchen is one of the most labor-intensive areas to clean because people use this room more than any other. In the kitchen, be sure to clean the:

 •    Refrigerator 

 •    Stove 

 •    Microwave 

 •    Cabinets 

Go through the refrigerator and toss any food products that are expired. Also, pull out the shelves and wipe them down, and be sure to clean under them too. Organize the food products that you intend to keep. For instance, position your salad dressings and condiments together. If you spot products that are close to expiring, you may want to place them toward the front of the appliance to ensure that you use them first. 

If you have a stove with a built-in cleaning feature, use it on a warm day because you’ll want to open your windows. Stoves that clean themselves automatically may activate your luxury home’s smoke detectors. The process is also a smelly one. If you’re using a chemical to deep clean the stove, plan to apply the product in advance. Some need to sit for anywhere from one or two hours to overnight. 

For the microwave, heat a wet cleaning cloth for about a minute. Then, use the cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave. Heating a wet cloth creates steam inside the appliance that loosens any leftover food that may be cooked onto the walls. 

Wipe down the interior of your kitchen cabinets. Remove the food products, dishes, and cooking supplies. This is an excellent time to search for expired products through your food items. You might also consider assessing your kitchen gadgets so you can donate the ones that you never use. 

Don’t forget the area under the sink. Often, homeowners store cleaning supplies, dish detergent, and plastic bags in this space. It can quickly become cluttered with items you don’t know what to do with. Sort through the things you have stored there and organize the area by placing dish cleaning products, furniture cleaners, and floor cleaners together. 

Bathrooms 

The spring-cleaning checklist for luxury homes includes cleaning areas of the bathroom like the: 

 •    Space around the toilet 

 •    Grout 

 •    Shower and sink fixtures 

The toilet area may be missed during your regular cleaning routine, so be sure to tackle it when spring cleaning the bathroom. You may want to slide a cleaning wipe underneath the edge to remove any gunk or dust bunnies that have accumulated during the last year. 

If you have a steamer, then use it to clean the grout. A steamer will help you eliminate any spills or stains, and Steamers also disinfect your tile and fixtures. 

For spring cleaning, disinfect the bathroom fixtures. You can do this with a steamer or a disposable cleaning wipe, and this is also a good time to scrub off any areas with hard water stains. 

Bedrooms 

Luxury homes in Las Vegas typically feature spacious bedrooms. When you get to your luxury home’s bedrooms on your spring-cleaning list, start by wiping the walls, floorboards, and crown molding. Then, shift your focus to the closet. Go through your shoes and clothing to get rid of anything outdated, doesn’t fit, or you don’t wear. Also, consider whether your closet may function better with an organizing system. For instance, you may want a closet organizing company to build shoe racks and install built-in cabinets. 

Organize and conceal any clutter hanging out on the nightstands or dressers and find a home for corner clutter. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to toss them in the washing machine or send them out for dry cleaning if you have curtains. Run a duster over the lampshades and ceiling fan. Also, wipe down the blinds and Windex the windows. 

Living or Family Room 

This space should be easy to deep clean. The checklist for these spaces includes:

 •    Cleaning under the furniture

 •    Wiping down the walls

 •    Dusting 

Be sure to organize any bookshelves in these areas and remove any excess clutter. 

Home Office 

Since the office is a space where you need to be productive, it’s important to keep it clean to prevent distractions. When you’re working in a cluttered office, it will likely have a negative impact on your concentration and overall mindset. The spring-cleaning checklist for office spaces includes: 

 •    Cleaning your computer screens 

 •    Disinfecting high touch items like computer keyboards and mouses 

 •    Dusting shelves and décor 

If you have any decorative items in your office, be sure to dust them. Also, sanitize your work phone, headset, earbuds, and other frequently used devices—clean cords and outlets. If you don’t already have a filing system or work cabinet to store your paperwork in, consider investing in one. Organize and store any paperwork that’s cluttering up the top of your desk. Along with this, get rid of any documents you no longer need. 

Go through the junk drawers in your home. Most homeowners have a “catch-all” drawer or two that they use for things that don’t have a natural storage place. While spring cleaning, go through your junk drawers and toss out anything that doesn’t have a purpose. 

Garage 

Las Vegas luxury homes include large garages, and the garage is another area where you might have a lot of things that you no longer use or need. Sort through your yard equipment, bikes, tools, and other outdoor gear to see what you can donate. Consider installing shelves that you can use to organize your outdoor things. Once your garage is organized, you’ll have more space for your car. You might even find out that you have enough space for a workbench. 

Luxury Homes in Henderson NV 

Luxury homes require spring cleaning. With a checklist, not only can you make sure that you hit every spot, but you can also ensure that you’re cleaning efficiently and effectively. At MacDonald Highlands, we offer the kind of luxury living that you deserve. As a resident of our community, you’ll enjoy extras like onsite dining establishments, well-maintained hiking trails, and impressive views. To learn more about living in MacDonald Highlands, call us at (702) 614-9100.

Family heirlooms are often priceless pieces. When a relative passes a special piece down to you, it can be challenging to find a space for it in your home. This means that you might want to put the item away so that you can pass it down to the next generation or until you own a home where you’ll want to display it. Luxury homes in Henderson NV usually have extra storage space for important possessions. Here are a few tips for how to correctly store and preserve family heirlooms like: 

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The exterior of your home is its first impression to everyone who sees it. Luxury homes in Henderson NV with great curb appeal are likely to sell faster than those without it. When a home has noticeable curb appeal, it may also increase the value of the community. If you’re ready to improve your home’s curb appeal, be sure to put some time and effort into its: 

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Luxury homes Las Vegas are often open and spacious, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t become cluttered. Organizing your home can be an intimidating goal. However, when you develop a solid strategy, it will help you arrange your home in a way that makes it easy for you to keep your home neat and clean. For most people, home organization is a big job, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to do it right. Here are a few tips for how to organize your luxury home this spring.

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Do you ever walk into a room and instantly become more relaxed? The room may have hints of the meaning of color use in feng shui, invoking certain feelings to happen based on a color choice. Whether you want to give a specific room a calming effect or give it a color to surge more productivity, a feng shui home full of lively hues helps bring these energies to life.

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With such a stressful 2016, our Las Vegas real estate community imagines that a lot of our residents are looking for ways to have a peaceful 2017. Whether you join yoga, go on more vacations, find new hobbies, or find a new luxury home, we want to help our residents find ways to destress. Here are a few relaxing activities our luxury real estate agents explored last month.

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