Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Mini refrigerators are great for storing beverages in your room. They can also be useful if you are just 1 or 2 people living in a house. A portable refrigerator allows you to save a lot on electricity, space and the cost, which you would otherwise have to spend on buying a regular-sized refrigerator. Some mini fridges also come with a freezer which is an added bonus at this price range. So, if youre looking to buy a new mini fridge for your room or just something to compliment your main fridge, check out our list of the best mini refrigerators mentioned below: '; var randomNumber = Math.random(); var isIndia = (window.geoinfo && window.geoinfo.CountryCode === 'IN') && (window.location.href.indexOf('outsideindia') === -1 ); //console.log(isIndia && randomNumber LG offers a pretty nice range of small and compact mini fridges that offer nice features along with quality freezing. This direct cool refrigerator from LG comprises an ample 45 liters capacity. Additionally, a gasket is designed to form an air-tight seal that serves as a barrier between the cool air inside the refrigerator and the warmer external environment. It has a slightly large door space for storing bigger bottles and works without a stabilizer. The fridge has a separate freezer compartment with an ice tray and can be even used as a personal bedroom refrigerator due to its compact profile.

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Mini Fridges That Can Be Conveniently Carried Around And Even Placed On Countertop - Times of India

5 Ways 2020 Will Change the Way We Clean Forever

Take these cleaning lessons with you into 2021.

In 2020, the pandemic changed every aspect of our livesyes, including how we clean. Suddenly, cleaning was less about getting our places sparkling before guests came over, and more about properly disinfecting surfaces. Then, as we spent more time at home and cooked more often, we had to learn the easiest way to clean that burnt pot or pan. Here are a few of the major cleaning lessons we learned in 2020, and plan to continue in 2021. Our cleaning routines will never be the same.

RELATED: The 20 Best Cleaning Tips Weve Learned Over the Past 20 Years

When the pandemic began, many of us realized we needed a refresher course on a basic kindergarten lesson: the proper way to wash our hands. Most of us admit we weren't washing them long enoughat least 20 secondsor frequently enough.

And while hand sanitizer is a convenient solution when we're not at home, we learned that it's not a replacement for regular old hand-washing with soap and water.

RELATED: You're Probably Making These 7 Hand-Washing MistakesHere's What to Do Instead

Before 2020, disinfecting a countertop meant quickly rubbing a cleaning wipe along the surface. But this year, we learned the importance of contact time. Check the labels on your disinfecting wipes or spraysmost will tell you how long they need to sit on a surface in order to kill the most germs possible. Don't dry off the countertop until the recommended contact time is up.

Plus, did you know that disinfecting works best if you clean a surface first? Translation: remove visible grime, crumbs, and dust before using a disinfecting wipe.

RELATED: 7 Things You Should Sanitize Immediately to Avoid Getting Sick

Most of us had probably heard the term before, but it was in 2020 that we became intimately familiar with every single germ-infested "high-touch surface" in our homes. Some were obviouslike countertopsbut others we'd neglected cleaning for far too long (we're looking at you, light switch plates, steering wheel, and game controllers). We'll be adding these oft-forgotten spots onto our regular cleaning routine from now on.

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For those of us who weren't exactly home cooks in pre-pandemic life, making our own meals resulted in a scorched pot or two. Luckily, we learned that deglazing isn't just a cooking termit's also an effective cleaning method. By adding water to the pot while it's still hot on the stove, the heat helps loosen up burnt-on food bits, so you can spend less time scrubbing. Follow these steps to make a scorched pot look shiny and new again.

After enough time spent at home this year, we started to notice dingy spots we'd ignored before, including soap scum-covered glass shower doors. The secret to making them sparkle: a homemade cleaning spray crafted from that bottle of white vinegar in our pantries. In 2021, we'll be using this easy cleaning hack to make our daily showers a little more spa-like.

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5 Ways 2020 Will Change the Way We Clean Forever - Yahoo Lifestyle

The kitchen is meant to be a workspace, which is likely why people like them big. Would you look at all that counter space. But dont knock a small kitchen too quickly, because it can be a powerhouse of efficiency if you know how to maximize its utility.

If you have worked in a restaurant, you know that smooth workflow in the kitchen comes from just about anything other than bountiful space. Line cooks are squished into tiny workstations with their elbows tucked to their sides and everything they need within reach, while those buzzing around in their nonslip shoes yell corner, knife, or behind to avoid getting accidentally stabbed or scalded.

One can hope your home kitchen isnt this intense, but the point is that function comes more from a well-planned kitchen than from a sprawling one.

You dont want to have to make laps around the kitchen to cook. The design concept that helps avoid this is the work triangle. The triangle is made of the three most used work centers of a kitchen. The sink, refrigerator and cooktop.

The food is stored in the refrigerator, prepared at and around the sink and cooked on the cooktop. If arranged in a triangle, these work centers will be near each other and free of obstacles between them, allowing your movements about the kitchen to be streamlined. Whether you have enough room to walk between these areas or only pivot, a triangle formation will optimize your flow.

Avoid storing items on the countertop. The lack of clutter maximizes your preparation space, streamlines your workflow and keeps the counters cleaner. Move appliances and cooking utensils to cupboard or drawer storage if possible and forgo extra decorative items.

Use as much vertical space as possible, especially if youre also short on cabinet space. Hang cooking utensils, pot holders and oven mitts, pots and pans on the wall space using racks, hooks and magnets. Store fruit and vegetables in a tiered, hanging basket. Hang paper towel rolls under the cabinet. If you have a little extra floor space, add a tall shelf to house things like spices, kettles, spoon rests and scales.

Try moving things that dont require cooking to another part of the home. Display alcoholic beverage items like glassware, bottles and utensils on a bar in a sitting room or space nearby. You can do the same thing with coffee items such as mugs, electric kettles, coffee makers, pour overs and coffee beans. This frees up space for the main kitchen operations and makes for cute entertaining areas.

Create convertible spaces in the kitchen. This is most easily done with a rolling kitchen or cart. Its mobility gives you more prep space when and where you need it without taking up valuable walking space. Pull it up to the sink, counter or stove when in use, then move it against the wall when youre done. Add even more surface area with drop leafs. Use it to store extra seating, appliances or pots and pans.

The most obvious yet underrated tip is to declutter. A small kitchen forces you to prioritize, but that can be a benefit. Ask yourself what you want to make most often in your kitchen and get rid of the rarely used spices, condiments, utensils or gadgets that dont serve those aspirations.

The best part of enhancing the utility of your kitchen is that it makes you want to use it more, and thats what really makes it a workspace in the end.

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Water Cooler: Make the most of a small kitchen - The Spokesman-Review

Project details Cost

$2 to $6 per linear foot, average. (Over $20 for copper).

6 to 8 hours

For homes in most regions of the country, rain gutters and downspouts are necessary to collect and carry away rainwater. Without them, water would erode the soil around the foundation, splash dirt onto the siding and likely leak into the basement or crawlspace.

Gutters are most often installed by professionals, but there's no reason you can't do it yourself. All the materials and accessories are readily available at home centers, lumberyards and through roofing-supply firms. And if you're going to replace your gutters and downspouts, you may as well upgrade the entire look and performance of the rainwater system.

Here, we'll show how to install reproduction half-round gutters that are exact replicas of the size and style gutters found on older homes. This system features corrugated downspouts and decorative cast-aluminum brackets.

Many homeowners nurse their battered, leaky gutters along because they just don't see the reward of new gutters outweighing the effort required to replace them. That's why we enlisted Agustin Crookston, owner of Classic Gutter Systems in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to show how attractive gutters can beand how easy to install.

His company makes distinctive, half-round reproduction gutters, which have been featured on several This Old House TV projects. The dark-green aluminum gutters used here ($2.75 per linear foot, materials only) were attached to the fascia with cast-aluminum, closed-curl brackets ($8 each), which the homeowners spray-painted antique gold. At the ends of the gutters are 4-inch-diameter corrugated aluminum downspouts ($1.75 per linear foot), which were ordered in white to match the house trim.

To ensure that gutters drain properly, make certain they slope ( inch for every 10 feet) toward a downspout. For gutter runs longer than 40 feet, it's best to pitch the gutter down from the middle to a downspout at each end. Or you can slope the gutters down from each end toward a single downspout placed in the middle of the run. Determine what works best for your house before ordering gutters and attachments.

Tip: Check the fascia for rot and make repairs if necessary before installing the gutters.

Tip: Rub soap on the lag screws so they'll be easier to drive through fascia and into rafter tails.

For instructions, scroll down to the end of this article.

Tip: Locate screws or rivets in the sides of the gutter, never in the bottom.

Tip: Aluminum gutters and brackets can be spray-painted to match or contrast with the house trim.

Tip: Use two downspout brackets on a one-story house and three brackets on a two-story house.

See Gutter Rain Barrel Video Above for Demonstration

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Rain Gutters: Installation in 8 Steps - This Old House

By Brendan LaChance on December 11, 2020

CASPER, Wyo. A new gutter bin was installed Wednesday near the southeast corner of Second Street and David Street.

The gutter bins are designed to capture refuse that would otherwise get washed into the storm sewer system and potentially into the North Platte River.

The gutter bins are an original design of FrogCreekPartners who have installed similar bins at other storm drains near David Street Station and in other communities.

Article continues below...

The gutter bin installed on Wednesday was sponsored by the Wold family of Wold Oil Properties, LLC. The gutter bin features Casper Colleges logo on the grate.

Since Frog Creek is the only company offering these gutter bins, owner Brian Deurloo noted that this was the first gutter bin installed in the country to feature a college logo.

Since the bins are designed to capture cigarette butts and other refuse, Deurloo said other colleges and universities may be interested in the concept.

Deurloo participated in the 2016 Casper Start-Up Challenge. That challenge helped bring his innovative stormwater filtration system concept to fruition.

The Gutter Bin is designed to remove pollutants like cigarette butts, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and plastics from stormwater.

Further details of the concept and Deurloos story are available in this article.

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PHOTOS: Wold family sponsor new gutter bin to help keep North Platte River clean - Oil City News

ORDINANCE NO. 14,605

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 18 "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE II "BUILDING CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS," DIVISION 3 "BUILDING CODE," SECTION 18-93 "SIDEWALKS," SUBSECTION (C)(1) AND SECTION 18-95 "DRAINAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS," SUBSECTIONS (A) AND (B); AND DIVISION 4 "BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT PERMITS," SECTION 18-126 "SURVEY OR SITE PLAN REQUIRED; ACCESS MANAGEMENT," SUBSECTION (B) AND SECTION 18-127 "FLOODPLAIN" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS; AMENDING CHAPTER 34 "ENVIRONMENT," ARTICLE VIII "WATERSHED PROTECTION," SECTION 34-423 "DEFINITIONS," SECTION 34-425 "PERMITS AND SITE PLANS," SUBSECTION (K); AND SECTION 34-426 "IMPACT STUDY" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS; AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER TO BE NUMBERED AND ENTITLED CHAPTER 109 "ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS"; AMENDING CHAPTER 110 "FLOODS" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS; AMENDING CHAPTER 114 "SEWER AND WATER LINE EXTENSIONS," ARTICLE III "DEVELOPMENTS," SECTION 114-66 "APPLICATION," SUBSECTION (A); AND ARTICLE IV "IMPACT FEES," SECTION 114-103 "DETERMINATION OF SERVICE UNITS" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS; AMENDING CHAPTER 122 "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS," ARTICLE I "IN GENERAL," SECTION 122-3 "OBSTRUCTION OF VIEW; VISIBILITY TRIANGLE," SUBSECTION (A) AND ARTICLE II "CONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS AND CURB AND GUTTERS," DIVISION 1 "GENERALLY," SECTION 122-31 "CURB CUTS; CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS REQUIRED WHERE CITY INSTALLED CURB AND GUTTERS"; DIVISION 2 "LICENSE," SECTION 122-63 "PERMIT REQUIRED FOR EACH JOB"; AND DIVISION 3 "SPECIFICATIONS AND OTHER REGULATIONS," SECTION 122-91 "CONCRETE WORK"; SECTION 122-92 "RECONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALKS ON CHANGE OF LINE AND GRADE BY CITY"; SECTION 122-96 "PRIVATE DRAINS"; SECTION 122-97 "INSTALLATION OF DRAINAGE CULVERTS"; AND SECTION 122-99 "GENERAL REQUIREMENTS" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS; AMENDING CHAPTER 126 "SUBDIVISIONS," ARTICLE IV "IMPROVEMENTS," DIVISION I "GENERALLY," SECTION 126-453 "INSPECTION," SECTION 126-454 "AS-BUILT OR RECORD PLANS," SECTION 126-455 "FINAL ACCEPTANCE," SECTION 126-458 "TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES"; SUBDIVISION II "STREETS," SECTION 126-507 "PRINCIPAL ARTERIALS, MINOR ARTERIALS AND COLLECTORS," SECTION 126-508 "RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTH," SECTION 126-509 "CURVES," AND SECTION 126-510 "INTERSECTIONS"; SUBDIVISION III "LOTS," SECTION 126-546 "SCOPE"; SUBDIVISION IV "EASEMENTS," SECTION 126-581 "DRAINAGE EASEMENT" SUBSECTION (C) AND (D), SECTION 126-582 "UTILITY EASEMENTS," SECTION 126-583 "PRIVATE EASEMENTS"; AND ARTICLE V "ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS," DIVISION 1 "GENERALLY," SECTION 126-611 "ENGINEERING DATA"; DIVISION 2 "STREETS"; DIVISION 3 "STORMWATER DRAINAGE"; AND DIVISION 4 "UTILITIES" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PRESCRIBING A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF FIVE HUNDRED AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($500.00) FOR EACH VIOLATION; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.

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ORDINANCE NO. 14,605 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF | Legal Announcements - The Baytown Sun

While many growers may view the substrate, nutrients and water as the major determinants of crop success, we may overlook the very thing that holds it all together: pots. Aiming to provide growers with innovative potting solutions that favor root health, Plantlogic is constantly finding new ways to innovate upon the square and round pots of old.

Established in 2013, Plantlogic specializes in the development and production of horticultural pots for substrate-based production of soft fruit, various tree crops, vegetables and, most recently, release of its Kratos slab base. "Our lineup is only limited by growers imaginations, as our products are driven by the demands of customers. Our designs support customer ideas and feedback. These custom solutions fit every goal and budget," says Ana Cristina Garcia, marketing manager at Plantlogic. "When one of our growers wanted a different type of 7L pot for raspberry production but with specific dimensions for cold storage, and to hold irrigation pipes, we found a way to make it work."

Substrate production and root healthThe biggest difference between us and our competitors is the careful consideration for the needs of substrate production and root health such as careful consideration of how water flows through the pot resulting in the pyramid base, whose shape ensures airflow to the center of the roots and drains water at the edges - our trademark long legs temperature control and labor savings, says Ana.

Proof of Plantlogics commitment to innovative product design is the companys Zephyr V2, which was meticulously designed to balance moisture and aeration in the root zone. With its jagged sidewall shape, the Zephyr V2 improves root architecture by preventing the compaction and spiraling of roots. Also unique is the Zephyrs bottom, which has non-draining central holes and a pyramidal base to increase oxygen uptake, force water to the edges and minimize the wetted area. We think about the optimal way to drain water, so we always keep that in mind, says Ana. The Zephyr V2 also has the tallest legs at 70mm, and wider base of any horticultural pot. We listed to our customers feedback on the previous designs and went back to the drawing table, and have developed a completely new product.

Similarly, the Kratos slab base allows hydroponic growers using slabs to properly support the slab, improve drainage through its V-shape, utilizing a low cost yet open-flow gutter design with no legs standing within the gutter to obstruct flushing.

Plantlogic's Kratos slab base (left) and Zephyr V2 (right)

Plantlogics pot anchors are simply another response to growers concerns over plants being blown over by wind or during mechanical harvesting. Our pot anchors system has sufficient stability to remain upright under strong winds. The rigidity of the anchor enables holds the pot securely, allowing them to use machinery to harvest, without tipping the pot, and is easy to install, explains Ana.

With its products being based on customer demands and strong customer relationships, Plantlogics products have been well received and are used across the Americas, Africa, Oceania, Europe and China.

For more information:Ana Cristina Garca Plantlogicsales@getplantlogic.comwww.getplantlogic.com

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"Pyramid base of our pots ensures airflow to the roots and drains water at the edges" - hortidaily.com

Winter looks very different depending on whether you're above orbelow the Mason-Dixon Line. Below that imaginary line, which runs alongon the northern edges of West Virginia and Maryland,winter weather might mean highs in the 50s and snow on rare occasions. Above, youre talking about black ice, gusting winds, inches upon inches of snow, and road and school closures (particularly for those living in mountaneous regions or along the Snowbelt of the Great Lakes). If youre not used to it, your first real winter can be disconcerting. How do you prepare? Do you need an ice scraper (and what does it look like)? How are snow boots different from regular winter boots?

A common misconception is that our recent spate of record-breaking winters runs counter to a global warming crisis. Others believe the crisis only makes warm summers hotter. The full picture, however, is that global warming makes both ends of the weather spectrum more extreme, and that means even harsher winters. Take this past winter, for example, when Arctic air blew across the country in a highly publicized Polar Vortex.

Whether you believe in the science behind the impending brutal winter season or wish to ignore the cold while you still can during the fall months, were guessing youd still rather be prepared head-to-toe far ahead of time. When the next morning of waking up to another record low or record snowfall arrives, itll be better if youre stocked up on proper insulation, snow gear, warm socksand favorite canned soup.

We know preparing for extreme winter weather can seem overwhelming. Thats why Stacker compiled the following recommendations from the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other government organizations, in addition to meteorologists and experts. Follow these 30 steps and youll be prepared for anything the weather throws at you: freezing rain, sleet, snow, even full-on blizzard conditions. Once you have a good pair of gloves, snow tires, and an emergency plan, the weather report doesnt seem so dreadfulafter all.

You may also like: States where people live the longest

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Preparing for winter in 30 steps | Health and Fitness | hickoryrecord.com - Hickory Daily Record

It goes without saying that plants are some of the most beautiful and important organisms we have on our planet. As a child I was always interested in the world of plants. A world seemingly so familiar yet so estranged from common understanding. As kids we run barefoot and play on the soft grass, take refuge under the shade a tree provides amidst a hot California day, and take a deep breath of the fresh air the leaves so selflessly gift to us. All while the plants remain sessile, unassuming and ask nothing of us.

In grade school we are taught of the important things that plants provide in terms of food and materials to build our world. It was not until continuing my education in college that I began to fully grasp the ecosystem services plants truly offer to us. As we built our world through the power of plants, engineered our cities, pushed our civilization to the likes of which this world has never seen before, we find every alteration requires a new remediation. And as we look to science to provide the next breakthrough it is often plants, unassuming, and quietly taking matters into their own hands.

We built our cities and found ways to channel water, divert creeks and move storm water out as fast as we can to provide a suitable place to develop upon. Rightly so, we do not want our homes and our businesses flooding year in and year out. And yet, with this approach we have willingly surrendered so many services nature often provides us.

Cities developed an underground storm drain system, a network of pipes beneath our streets and homes solely dedicated to diverting storm water, as a way to compensate for the impervious concrete surfaces we cast upon the land. Without the natural uptake of rain through pervious soils storm water quickly runs into our gutters, into our storm drains and into our creeks.

Unsurprisingly, this increases the possibility of pollutants being conveyed from our city streets and into our waterways. Pathogens, for instance, have become a pollutant of concern in which our paved and engineered world has perpetuated from a water quality perspective. The Regional Water Quality Control Board has identified particular concerns associated with our urban developed world such as dog waste accumulation along pedestrian trails or back yard drains, accidental spills, potentially leaking septic tanks, illegal dumping in storm drains or waterways, and illicit discharges into street gutters. These sources can introduce pollutants of concern which may accumulate on impervious surfaces during dry weather months. During our first rains, rather than decompose and cycle into the soils, pathogens can flow into our storm drain system and directly into our creeks without any treatment. It is here, our wonderful riparian plants quietly grow and act as the last line of defense.

Riparian species such as sedges, rushes, cattails and so many others have the amazing ability to uptake organic and inorganic pollutants. As storm water contaminated with pathogens passes through riparian species, the porous membrane called xylem tissue uptakes water from its roots to its shoots, acting as a filtration system which studies have shown can effectively filter bacteria such as E. Coli and Enterococcus up to 90%. As a function of species composition, species density, and water surface contact time, pathogen intake from riparian species can efficiently and cost effectively decrease pollutants in our waterways. Some species are more effective than others, and studies are constantly underway to find ways in best applying riparian species to constructed wetlands and waterways for the goal of pathogen intake. Here in Sonoma County we have basket sedge (Carex barbarae), nutsedge (Cyperus erogrostis), grey rush (Juncus patens), broadleaf cattails (Typha latifolia), smartweed (Polypogon hydropiperoides) just to name a few.

As the rains fall, our gutters flow and our creeks begin to rise, I implore you to think about our silent saviors growing at the toe of the bank.

Find a local creek trail and observe what is growing in the channel.

Educate yourself and others on the importance of our native riparian vegetation.

Join a volunteer group and help with a restoration project along a creek.

Go yourself and plant a native species along a creek bank. Work with your city or town representatives to ensure plant species and creek bank location is appropriate.

Get your kids involved, or your neighbors, or your friends.

Take a look at the Streets to Creeks website (streetstocreeks.org) to learn about other ways you yourself can take steps in your daily life to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff.

Perhaps look at installing a Low Impact Development (LID) feature in your home landscaping to capture runoff and naturally filter pollutants before they ever enter the City storm drain system.

Next time you find yourself along a creek, take a look at the plants along the waters edge and send thanks to them for quietly doing their humble little job.

This article was authored by Aaron Nunez, Environmental Specialist, City of Santa Rosa, on behalf of RRWA. RRWA is an association of local public agencies in the Russian River Watershed that have come together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, habitat restoration, and watershed enhancement.

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Commentary: Riparian plants and their humble little job - Sonoma West

Dont miss out on this spectacular 3 bed/3 bath ranch home offering over 2600 sq ft. living space. You are welcomed by the open & inviting living/dining room with both vaulted and archway ceilings, beautiful refinished hardwood floors. Relax this winter by the large brick woodburning fireplace. Kitchen was previously updated with high-end appliances, GE Profile gas top, double oven, granite countertops. Check out the tastefully updated lower level with a spacious rec/family area, large full bath, wine fridge, dishwasher, granite top, office, built in bookshelves, storage area and wired for surround sound in LL (speakers excluded). You will love the large newly sodded/fenced backyard with spacious patio for entertaining, LeafGuard gutters, down spouts with buried drains, oversize shed. Other amenities: upgraded fixtures, window treatments, custom closets in all bedrooms, new HVAC, security system, keyless entry. Close to I-44, shopping and restaurants, walk/bike to many wonderful parks.

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Homes Recently Listed in the Park Hills Area - McDowell News