HAVE A QUESTION?  JUST DIAL 311!

The times they are a changin' and even the City of Sacramento is changing how it does business.  As of Wednesday, August 13, 2008, the Sacramento City "Operator" is history.  In its place is the newly reorganized and expanded services with a new name and a simplified phone number.  It is now the "Sacramento City 311."  Residents of the Sacramento can contact the City of Sacramento with questions simply by dialing 311. 

City of Sacramento 311 agents are available 7/24/365 - even holidays - to assist residents and businesses with questions regarding City services, as well as take and process requests for City services.  In addition, agents are responsible for after hours and weekend municipal emergencies - expect for Fire and Police emergencies which remain under 911.

Agents are able to do the following:

• Receive and process all calls for Code Enforcement (abandoned cars, graffiti, substandard housing, etc.);
• Receive, process and dispatch all calls for Animal Care (injured, stray, aggressive animals, etc.);
• Development Services Help Line: all calls for Development Services Department are first routed to 311 for triage;
• Street Maintenance: receive and process all calls for potholes, cracked sidewalks, lighting problems, etc.;
• Facility Maintenance: receive and process all work order requests related to repair/maintenance of City buildings;
• Citywide directory assistance and information about all things related to City services;
• Receive and process all calls requiring the response of a City crew for drains, water, solid waste, along with general inquiries; 
• Accept credit card payments for City Utility bills; and
• Much, much more.

STAYING COOL FOR FREE!

That's right.  Stay cool for FREE!  As a Sacramento Municipal Utility District customer your home may be eligible to receive up to ten (10) FREE shade trees.  SMUD has partnered with the Sacramento Tree Foundation to help homeowners reduce their energy bills through good old fashioned shade. 

Not only does planting trees provide shade to cool your home and yard, but it is an easy way for homeowners to make a positive impact on the environment.  Trees help remove the carbon dioxide from our air and produces oxygen in return.  Best of all, it's fully automated!  You plant them and they do it naturally.

To get up to ten free trees you must contact the Sacramento Tree Foundaton and make an appointment with a Community Forester.  The Forester will come to your home and site the best locations for your trees to provide maximum shade protection for your home.  Approximately ten days after the Forester's visit the trees will be delivered along with instructions for proper planting.  Then, all you need to do is plant them.  As the trees mature you will begin to recognize savings. In fact, as the trees mature you may receive savings of up to 40% on your home's cooling cost. 

Call the Sacramento Tree Foundation today at 916-924-8733 to do your part to help the environment and reduce your energy bills with free shade trees.  

 A sign of the season

We are quickly moving into winter from fall.  The air is getting chillier and the leaves have mostly dropped.  Here in Sacramento - the city of trees - the fall is both a lovely time and a time spent raking, blowing and sweeping up leaves.  All this leaf business got me thinking about mulching and laying down bark around the garden.

I did a quick search and found out through the Sacramento Tree Foundation that our very own utility, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District or SMUD, provides FREE wood chips for customers to use around our trees.  Free pick up of wood chips is available weekdays from 9:00am to 2:30pm at the SMUD yard in East Sacramento on 59th Street between Folsom Blvd. and the Light Rail. 

To pick up you free mulch all you need to do is:

• Bring your own tools to load the mulch
• Bring bags or a tarp to fill or cover a load
• Apply mulch to an area around your trees or shrubs at least 4' in diameter and 4"-6" deep, keeping it a few inches from the trunk

If you do this you will be helping utilize the green waste and helping your garden all at the same time.  And for FREE!  Sounds like a bargain to me. 

Oh yeah, don't forget about SMUD's FREE SHADE TREE program in conjunction with the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Now is a great time to plant one in your yard. Trees are a great way to let nature help keep you cool and lower your energy bills in the summer.

As the colors outside our homes begin changing this fall and we begin to spend more time indoors the fall is a great time to make some changes inside our homes as well.  Whether you are thinking of putting your home on the market or simply sprucing it up for yourself painting can be a fun and rewarding project indoors as the days become cooler.

But before you begin a project there are five steps that when taken will end with a successful painting result.  They are:

1. PREPARATION:  Like most things in life proper preparation is 70% and always gets the best results.   Whatever you are painting be sure the surface is clean and smooth.  Wash the surface to remove fingerprints, marks and scuffs.  Then spackle any voids in the surface such as dings or gouges from the normal wear and tear of life.  Of course, use a pimer over spackle and over very old and hard to cover colors.
2. THE PAINT:  With paint you get what you pay for.  Saving $10-$15 a gallon usually doesn't save you money in either the short or long term.  My personal experience I have found Pratt & Lambert to be an outstanding paint.  It doesn't splatter and applies and cleans up easily. 
3. APPLICATORS:  Again, like paint you want to use good rollers and brushes.  After all, once you've gone through all the prep work you will want your results to look smooth and well covered.  Substandard brushes and rollers can leave fibers on your walls and trim.
4. THE SHEEN:  No, I'm not talking about Martin or Charlie, but the correct finish on your painted surfaces.  Rule of thumb is the higher the sheen the great the durability.  For example in kitchen, bathroom, or heavily traveled hallways you will want to use a semi-gloss or satin finish because they hold up better and are easier to keep clean than flat paint.  Personally, we don't use flat paint any longer because my wife and I like a bit of sheen on our walls.  It makes the room look crisper. 
5. EXTERIOR SURFACES:  If you are planning to paint the exterior the fall may not be the best time.  Paint is very weather sensitive.  If it is too cold or damp the paint may not properly dry and will not adhere properly. Similarly, if the weather is too hot or humid in the summer it may dry too quickly and it can fail from that as well.

So, now that you know the basics of painting go visit your local paint store and grab a bunch of color chips.  Bring them home and see what they might look like in the light of your home.  Then you might want to get a quart of the color you chose and try it on a wall and really see how it will look before purchasing all you will need.  It is always best to get the color adjusted to what you want before you order 5-10 gallons of it!  Finally, don't be afraid to go bold with your color choices. 

Well there you have it.  A primer on painting.  If you get started now you can enjoy your new look during the holidays! 

BUILDING PERMITS

  WHEN DO YOU NEED ONE?

 Wednesday, September 27th the Development Services Department of the City of Sacramento is offering another in its "Lunch & Learn" series.  The primary purpose for these monthly programs is to provide continuous education to the citizens regarding the development review process. The presenters are experts in the field of the topic being presented. 

September's program will be an evening event from 6:00pm-7:00pm in the Training Conference Room of the City's North Natomas Permit Center located at 2101 Arena Blvd.   The topic covered is entitled "Homeowner's Guide to Permits."  

Areas covered in the program will be:

• When you need a building permit
• Minor repairs
• Other improvements
• Tips

For anyone interested in doing work around their home beyond basic maintainence, particularly if you are a do-it-yourselfer this is an informative and valuable opportunity to learn about the permit process .  As a homeowner it is important to know these rules and guidelines because when you go to sell your home or rental property the buyers will get a home inspection and having work done with a permit will ensure it is done correctly and up to code which can save you time and money as well as help get your property to "closed"  quicker.

So, take an hour this Wednesday the 27th and learn when, or if, you will need to get a permit for your next project around the house.  You will be glad you did.  For more information or to attend please contact Gloria Bacani in the Development Services Office at 916-808-7467 or by email at gbacani@CityofSacrament.org.

To paraphrase William Shakespeare: to remodel or not to remodel, that is the question.  I often speak with homeowners comtemplating "fixing up" their home in order to get top dollar for it when they sell.  Given the recent slowing in the market this poses a problem.  With home price appreciation leveling off to normal year over year increases instead of the 20%+ increases of the past couple of years the idea of plowing money into a home in order to sell it needs to be looked at very carefully. 

First, it is always prudent to put the best face on your property when preparing it for sale.  Things such as colorful flowers out front and a spruced up yard add to your home's initial curb appeal which is important...and generally inexpensive.  Next, fresh paint can be done inexpensively and will add to the appeal of your home.  Avoiding clutter and removing photos that personalize your home to you will enable buyers to envision it as their home. 

Now, comes the hard part.  If the exterior siding is worn and weathered, your windows are old inefficient single pane, your floor coverings and window shades looked fabulous in the 1970's, or your kitchen or bathroom(s) are outdated and perhaps not as functional as they ought to be then you are probably considering a much greater expense.  Will you be able to recapture that expense?   Depending on materials used, the extent of the remodel (purely cosmetic or involving structural issues as well), length of time until sale, and amenities in neighboring homes you may or may not be able to get 100% of your money back.

One interesting source that compares construction costs with resale value in 60 markets nationwide each year is RemodelingMagazine.com.   Of course, being a nationwide survey you need to keep in mind that values for various projects will vary regionally. 

If you are remodeling for yourself and your family then these considerations are ancillary because it is about creating the environment you want.  But when resale value is a major factor in your decision to remodel, the best course of action is to consult an experienced Realtor® about the amenities and home prices in your neighborhood and speak with a local contractor to get an estimate of costs.

Home staging has become a cottage industry...and that is a good thing.  Staging, like most aspects of real estate, is about differentiating.  While your home is certainly special to you it is important to remove some of your personality from your home in order that buyers will be able to see it as "their" home.

There are many practical steps for staging a home - both inside and outside.  Obviously, curb appeal provides the first impression and in selling your home that often can be the difference between getting an offer and not. 

However, while the exterior is what attracts buyers initially it is what's inside that counts. Just like those we love, we need to see the inner beauty!  So showing buyers the inner beauty of your home is critical.  To be successful you must be able to show your home in its best light.

Several things you can do to make your home more attractive to buyers are:

• Remove clutter or excess furniture:  This will make rooms larger and allow buyers to see where they can place their own furniture;
• Odors:  If you have pets of any kind (yes, even fish tanks can smell) it is important to properly ventilate the home before and during the sales process.  You may need to have carpets professionally cleaned or use cleaning materials with live enzymes which will permanently remove the odors.  Don't use air fresheners.  They only cover up scents and most buyers can tell something is being covered up by all the vanilla candles, bowls of potpourri, or other plug-ins.
• Colors:  Keep colors to a minimum and preferably neurtal.  If carpets are worn, outdated or unusual colors replace them with neutral a color carpet.  Beige may seem dull but it neutral and most buyers would prefer to work with new neutral colored carpet than to think about having to spend money on new carpet.  Don't list your home saying "seller will credit for carpets."  you will get more money from them.
• De-cluttering:  This is really important.  Don't just consolidate all the extra furniture into the spare bedroom and jam it into the garage.  Move it off-site to storage or have that garage sale prior to putting the home on the market.  Who knows the extra dough might even cover some of the new carpet or paint you will be buying to spiff up the home.
• Minimize decorations:  Along the lines of de-cluttering you will want to reduce decorative items as well.  Keep items such as candles, pillows, magazines on tables to 3.  To much looks cluttered or messy.  Remove appliances in kitchen such as blenders, bean grinders, toasters, etc. from the kitchen counters to showcase the counter space rather than the appliances.

Preparing your home for sale is critical when bringing it to the market.  Presenting your home in the best possible light can make the difference between receiving a quick offer and a home that lingers on the market. 

Along with pricing your home to sell staging is one of the most important things you can do to get the most for your home.  If you would like help with staging or have questions about it I have some great resources that I would be glad to share.  Please let know and I will be glad to help you!  Together we can make your say, "TA DA!"

Last week I attended a lunch meeting at the Building Department called "Building 101."   It was put on by the Development Services Department and was intended primarily to teach the general public about the development and permitting processes in the City of Sacramento.  

Among the many things I learned were some answers to questions I am frequently asked by both homeowners and homebuyers.  Perhaps the most asked question I get is regarding building permits.  Specifically, when do I/we need one?

Simply put you will need a permit for new construction, remodeling and repairs to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems.

Some typical projects requiring permits include:

• New homes and buildings
• Room additions and patios
• Enclosures and carports
• Decks and patio covers
• Garage conversions
• Landscape irrigation
• Retaining walls*
• Water services
• Sewer services
• Water heaters
• Fences*
• Fireplaces and fireplace inserts
• Skylights
• Sheds*
• Shower/tub enclosure replacements
• Swimming pools and spas
• Re-roofing
• Ceiling fan

A building permit is NOT required for:

• One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, etc., providing the floor areas does not exceed 120 square feet
• Fences, other than masonry walls, under six feet in height
• Retaining walls not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge
• Platforms, walkways, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work

Please bear in mind this list is only meant to be a general guideline.  For specific information about permit requirements for your project you can call (916)808-5656 or visit one of the City's Permit Service Centers.

The City of Sacramento recommends that before you begin any project you check the zoning code, Design Review, and/or Historic Preservation for anything that may impact your specific property.  You can call them at (916)808-5656.

Lastly, please make sure to protect yourself by using a licensed, reputable contractor and architect.  You can go online to the California Contractors Licensing Board or the California Architects Board to verify licenses.

Whether you are moving into a home or simply fixing up your existing home to meet your specific design tastes, painting and decorating can be great fun and very satisfying.  But, before you begin your project you need to be aware of the possibilities of lead in your home if it was built prior to 1978. 

Lead, like most toxic substances when kept under control it poses little risk.  However, there are specific actions you should take for you and your family if you are contemplating work on a pre-1978 home. 

Before the work begins:

• If your home was built pre-1978 presume the paint is lead-based unless testing proves otherwise; it is recommended testing be done by a State-Certified professional;
• Contain the work area by covering interior and exterior exposed areas with plastic sheeting; secure with duct tape;
• Turn off forced-air heating and air conditioning.

During work on lead-based painted surfaces:

• Keep all non-workers outside of the work area;
• Wear protective clothing and shoes while doing the work;
• Use a properly fitted respirator equipped with HEPA filters
• Water-mist the work area as you scrape to reduce dust; collect all chips and dust on plastic sheeting;
• Be cautious when using paint strippers since they contain toxic chemicals;
• Don't eat, drink or smoke in the work area;
• Don't dry-sand, blast or power-wash to remove lead-based paint;

When work has been completed:

• Remove the plastic sheeting used to protect surfaces by rolling or folding inward;
• Dispose of construction debris in a heavy-duty plastic bag and tightly secure it;
• Wash the exposed areas with a general household cleaner diluted in a bucket of water; use a wet sponge or wet cloth to remove all the dust and dispose of the waste water to the sewer;
• Vacuum carpeted areas with a HEPA vacuum cleaner;
• Change clothes and shoes before leaving the work area and machine wash them separately;
• Shower and wash your hair after finishing work;
• Consider hiring a State-Certified professional to test the area for lead dust contamination after the final clean up;

Today I attended the inaugural "Lunch and Learn" program hosted by the Development Services Department of the City of Sacramento.  This was the first of the Development Services Department's "Community and Staff Brown Bag Education Series." 

The purpose of the series is to introduce to community residents, developers and interest parties to the process one goes through to build or remodel a home or commercial property in the City of Sacramento.  Or, as they said, "To continuously provide our customers with the tools to get them to success."  The Department's motto is, "We help build a great city." 

It was encouraging to listen to Bill Thomas the director of Development Services as he outlined the program and the topics to be discussed. 

Topics included:

•  "MATRIX":  a new and novel program established by the City of Sacramento to create a team concept within the department to expedite the development process;
• Application Process: When do I need a building permit;
• Development Review Process for residential and commercial projects; and
• Submittal Requirements:  What do I need?

The reasons by the customer friendly Development Services Department are essentially that in order to build a great city you must plan for it while allowing developers to get their projects done in a timely and orderly manner. 

Permit Services Manager Richard Heins presented detailed information and answered questions about the actual building permit process.  His department is incredibly busy.  In 2005 they handled almost 50,000 customers - not including 65,213 phone calls received by the Help Desk.  In 2005 the department issued 18,450 permits and processed 20,092 permit applications essentially issuing a permit every 61/2 minutes.

Keith Winkle, the City's Chief Plumbing Inspector, took us through the building inspection process.  Again, in 2005 the City's building inspectors handled 98,639 requested inspections, approving 59,775 or an average of 402 inspections per day.  Keith stressed the reason for field inspections is not to slow the building process but to check for building code compliance and to protect the public's health, safety and welfare. 

The City of Sacramento is working hard to create a positive environment for well planned growth and development.  The Development Services Department is leading the way. 

For the two dozen of us at the meeting it was a refreshing and eye opening discussion about the City's development process.  I would highly recommend you attend one of these sessions if development is in your future.  Take the time to go to "lunch and learn."  You will be glad you did. 

Throughout the year but particularly during the winter in Sacramento we often run into problems with ants.  The rains drive the little creatures inside like the rest of us.  If you suffer from ants you are not alone.  Ants are one of the most prevalent pests in the Sacramento area.

Spraying chemicals is the most common way we try to get rid of them.  However, it is not the most effective way to rid your home of the pests.  The most essential thing you can do is to prevent them from entering your home.  And, while ants are annoying when they breach your house they are often very beneficial outside because they feed on fleas, termites, and other pests in your garden.

According to Master Gardeners affiliated with the University of California's Intergrated Pest Management Program there are some less toxic and very effective ways of keeping ants out of your home.  They are:

1. Caulk cracks and crevices that provide entry points;
2. Store food that would attract ants in closed containers;
3. Clean up grease and spills right away;
4. Find and remove indoor nesting sites - potted plants are often a prime source;
5. Ant-proof kitchen garbage containers with sticky barriers of petroleum jelly under the rim and pet dishes by placing them in a moat of water; and
6. Remove sweet food sources next to your house such as ripened fruit on trees and aphid-infested bushes.

And, if the pesky ants invade your home:

1. Sponge invaders with soapy water as soon as they enter;
2. Plug up ant entry ways with caulk or petroleum jelly;
3. Clean up food sources;
4. Rely on baits to control the ant colony; and
5. Indoor sprays are not recommended.

Hopefully, by following these few environmentally friendly ways of dealing with the little critters will succeed.  But, if you want more information and tips on less toxic ways to control pests around your home please call the Master Gardeners Program at (916)875-6913 or visit their website at www.ipm.ucdavis.edu.

Above Left: The Sacramento River as it winds it way south toward Sacramento

Above Right:  The bank of the Sacramento River in Old Sacramento.

Being located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers, Sacramento is blessed with an abundance of water. We are also cursed by the abundance of water.

Obviously, proximity to rivers and streams can result in flooding.  Though it is rare in the Sacrament area, prudence requires residents to be prepared.  In the event of a flood are you ready?

While less than 25% of the City of Sacramento is within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), any property in or out of the zone is at potential risk because the city is protected by levees. 

According to FEMA, Sacramento is in a 100-year regulatory floodplain.  What does that mean?  That means that in any given year there is a one in 100 chance of the area flooding. 

There are three things you can do to be prepared in he event of a flooding emergency:

1. Make sure you have adequately insured in the event of a flood;
2. At a time of rising river levels the National Weather Service Alerts local entities of the pending problems. Warnings are provided by sirens as well as warnings on television and radio stations.  The emergency broadcast station for Sacramento is KFBK Radio 1530 A.M.
3. Plan ahead.  Be prepared.  Keep emergency supplies on hand such as, battery operated radio, flashlights, first aid kits, extra batteries, food and clean drinking water.  For more detailed preparations visit FEMA's "Are You Ready?" webpage for more information.

In Sacramento, thanks to our abundance of water and some of the most fertile land in the world, we live in a phenomenal climate. Yet, we are susceptible to potential flooding. No one wants to go through a disaster but being prepared in the event of one is important.  Be vigiliant and be safe.