This Potomac, MD residence is another version of a home reaching over a hillside and floating into the trees to enjoy a 360 degree connection with nature from inside the room.  Notice the traditional windows on the right ease the transition between contemporary and traditional aspects of this house. 

August is a transitional month. Summer is winding down, and preparations have begun for the school year. Now is a great time to examine your home and take steps to get ready for colder weather.
Outside
Check the exterior of your home for problems that should be repaired before winter. Make sure the outside walls of your home are free of debris. Lumber, ladders, or toys stacked against the house can attract spiders, mice, and insects. As colder weather arrives, these pests have incentive to enter the warmth of your house.
If you stock firewood for the winter, don’t stack it against the house. Besides attracting wood-boring insects and other pests, it can prevent air circulation and trap moisture against the house. This can rot siding or trim. Store firewood 2 feet from the house and elevate it 18 inches above the ground.
Inside
Check your hot water heater and the surrounding areas for leaks, rust, or corrosion. Check lines and connections. Look underneath the tank with a flashlight. If you see water or signs of moisture, replace the tank.
Hot water tanks have a safety feature called a pressure release valve. If the pressure in the tank gets too great, this valve allows hot water to escape to keep the tank from exploding. Test this valve yearly for proper function. (Do this test during regular business hours in case you need help.) The valve has a small handle and is located on the top of the tank. A section of pipe is attached to allow the water to drain onto the floor. Put a bucket under the pipe before you test the valve. Carefully, because the water will be hot, pull the handle to open the valve for 5 seconds, then close the valve. A small amount of water should drain into the bucket. If the valve doesn’t close or if no water drains out, the valve may not be working. Call a plumber immediately.
Cover your water heater with a fiberglass insulation blanket to retain heat, particularly if you have an older water heater that has less-efficient built-in insulation. Do not cover heater controls.
Have your furnace systems inspected and serviced before winter. Use a qualified HVAC contractor.
Check sinks for slow drains. Each household sink is equipped with a J-trap—the pipe section underneath the sink with a J-shaped bend. This trap seals the drain with water to keep sewer gas from entering your home. The J-trap is a common place for clogs. To clean the drain, mix equal parts salt, baking soda, and vinegar. Add the mix to the drain, and then add two quarts of boiling water. You can also physically disconnect the J-trap and clean it with a garden hose or coat hanger. There will be water and other material in the trap, so wear protective gloves and be ready to catch the spill.

Curb appeal is the overall attractiveness of the exterior of your home. The more attractive your home appears, the better the first impression. Whether you are preparing to sell or planning to stay in your home for years to come, ensuring your home has great curb appeal will always pay off.

If you are selling, curb appeal can be the difference between a potential buyer wanting to see the inside of your home and deciding that it’s not worth the effort. Improving your home’s exterior reassures the buyer that you’ve taken care of the property, and sets an expectation for what’s inside.

Not selling? You still want to pay attention to your home's curb appeal. The look of your home and the attractiveness of your neighborhood overall, help maintain values for everyone. Now that warm weather is here, spend some time focusing on your home’s curb appeal.

An attractive yard. Keep the lawn neat, trimmed, and free of weeds. Trim or replace overgrown, tired looking shrubs. Make sure that the landscaping extends all the way to the street. Add seating areas, grouped plantings, and ornamental trees to break up an endless, boring lawn. Make sure the borders of your planted areas are well-defined, either with sharp, trenched edges or stone borders. Use fresh mulch to make plant beds look new. Give the mailbox a fresh coat of paint. Get rid of any distracting clutter.

Emphasize pathways. Make sure that pathways from the driveway or from the street to the house are well defined for approaching guests. Concrete walkways are a basic choice, whereas natural stone pavers can give the path a more organic feel. Try to choose a material that complements the exterior of your home. Make sure that walkways are well lit, particularly if the slope of your yard requires steps in the path.

Don’t ignore the driveway. If the old driveway is crumbling and full of weeds, consider resurfacing. Try pavers or stamped concrete in place of regular concrete. Make sure the garage door is freshly painted and doesn’t sag.

Make your entryway inviting. Your front door should match the style of your house. Replace worn door handles and locks. Swap out worn outdoor light fixtures (hang wall-mounted lights above eye level to reduce glare). Update house numbers so they can be seen easily from the street. Make the front door a focal point by framing it with attractive containers containing colorful seasonal plants.

Consider more expensive changes if necessary. New windows can make a huge difference in your home’s curb appeal. Choose windows that match the style of your house. Check that your roof is in good shape and free of mold. Your home’s exterior should be fresh and clean. Touch up exterior trim and paint if necessary. New windows, some siding, and roof materials qualify for the home improvement tax credits that are available through 2010. These credits can help offset some of the expense of the improvement.

Keep your curb-appeal plan simple. A few careful touches in the right places can ensure a beautiful home for everyone to enjoy.