Fireplace Energy Efficiency: How To Save Some Money
Fireplaces are features of beauty and enjoyment; they serve as design focal points and warm havens on cold winter nights. However, fireplaces can also offer certain economic advantages. In addition to their aesthetic function, fireplaces contribute to the overall heating of your home. Because of this, your fireplace could help decrease your energy bill and increase your savings. There are several specific ways to truly maximize the resources of your fireplace. The following are some tips for increasing the energy efficiency of both wood burning and gas fireplaces — so that you can keep more money in your pocket every month.Read more
Back to School Real Estate Marketing
August is a transitional month, at least in Indiana. August marks the end of the summer vacation and the beginning of the new school year. It also marks the end of the on-season (spring/summer) for real estate and the beginning of the off-season (fall/winter). This time of year, the summer surge of potential homebuyers is dying down, and many agents are experiencing a lull. That said, don’t despair. Any change of season offers the perfect opportunity to redouble your marketing efforts and combat the real estate doldrums. Our advice: employ some back to school real estate marketing.Read more
6 Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Tackle in August
In August, you’re savoring the dying embers of summer, enjoying the last few pool days and cookouts before fall sets in. Understandably, catching up on home maintenance may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, it’s a good idea to take a break from the summer’s last hoorah to do some house and yard upkeep. Your preparation now will give you peace of mind during the autumn months. The following are 6 home maintenance tasks that you should take care of before the Indiana temperatures start to drop. Read more
Selling an Older Home? Brick Restoration Can Add Curb Appeal and Value
There are good reasons why brick homes have a history of being in demand with home buyers. Unlike wooden surfaces, a brick home can maintain its strength and attractive appearance without undergoing the cost and expense of a new coat of paint or stain every few years. Read more
Should You Hang Your TV Above the Fireplace?
If you’ve ever moved into a new home and had the honor of arranging the living room, you’ve probably come across a problem. Where to put the TV. Should you put it above the fireplace? That may be the best option but here are some points to help you think through your decision.Read more
Meet David!
Meet David: B+E's Outfitter of the Month for July.
David has been a part of Brick + Ember Outfitters since 2012. He is one of our sales outfitters and has recently taken charge of our commercial division and has handled it with excellence. He has also taken great care of our HOA and apartment managers. David and his family currently reside on the south side of Indy.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Patio
Summer is the time for outdoor gatherings and neighborhood cookouts. However, this increases your exposure to other people’s patios, and patio envy sets in. You may decide that you’re ready to invest in your own patio to enjoy this summer. But what material do you choose to build your patio? Concrete or stone? Brick or pavers? It’s a significant choice. We’ve put together a guide evaluating these materials to help you make this decision and build the right patio for you. Read more
Make Your Masonry Patio Spotless for Summer
It’s patio season in Indiana! These warm, long summer days provide the perfect opportunity for gathering outside. Whether you’re having a cookout, hosting a garden party or just enjoying an evening outside with family and friends, you want your masonry patio to look its best. Chances are your patio has accumulated some dirt, mildew or other build-up over the winter months. The following are a few tips for cleaning your masonry patio so that it’s ready to shine this summer.Read more
5 Up-and-Coming Suburban Neighborhoods in Indy
Last month, we wrote a blog post on 5 Up-and-Coming Urban Neighborhoods in Indy. The post examined — in light of Indianapolis’ recent housing market boom — some of the burgeoning neighborhoods near the city center. In this month’s post, we move out to the burbs for those looking to enjoy the advantages of Indianapolis from a slightly removed locale. For buyers in search of the perfect family home, or just a personal suburban oasis, the following are some promising neighborhoods to explore.
Carmel
Located due north of the city, Carmel is Indianapolis’s largest and perhaps best-known suburb. Admittedly, Carmel is not exactly “up-and-coming” as its low crime rates and high median income have always been compelling for homebuyers. However, more recently, Carmel has made itself attractive to younger millennials and professionals in addition to more established families. The suburb is not just a sleepy little town. Carmel has recently undertaken public projects like the Art and Design District and the Monon Community Center. Located near the city center, the district offers countless events: gallery walks, performances and more. The community center expands fitness opportunities along the Monon Trail for residents. With these and other projects, Carmel offers peaceful suburban living with some of the excitement of downtown.
Fishers
Another northern suburb, Fishers has experienced significant growth in the past decade and now rivals Carmel as one of the most desirable places to live. The suburb features top-notch schools and hospitals, as well as an incredibly low crime rate. In addition, Fishers offers several cultural attractions. The nearby Klipsch Music Center, a large open-air venue, draws major concert acts from all popular music strands. The Conner Prairie Interactive History Park is an impressive living history museum that recreates 19th century daily living in Indiana. Geist Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing and water sports, while Hamilton Town Center offers great shopping. All-in-all, Fishers is an attractive and vibrant hub of suburban living.
Zionsville
Located near the northwest corner of Indianapolis, Zionsville is perhaps the perfect destination for homebuyers in search of historic, small-town charm. Downtown Zionsville is known for its brick streets, period architecture and excellent shopping and dining. The abundant farmers market in the village is a Saturday event. In addition, Zionsville boasts a low crime rate, a high median income and truly stellar schools. Unsurprisingly, this quaint, family-friendly suburb attracts many homebuyers with children.
Brownsburg
On the northwest border of Indianapolis, Brownsburg has seen a recent influx of industry and is poised for continued growth; residents have benefited from a very low unemployment rate. The suburb is home to a warm, close-knit community of people that many homebuyers seek to join. Brownsburg also offers several recreational opportunities, including parks, golf courses and the B&O walking trail. The suburb borders Eagle Creek Park, a wonderful place for fishing, sailing, hiking, bird watching and zip lining. Brownsburg offers homebuyers the promise of modernization with small-town charm — the best of both worlds.
Westfield
To the north of Carmel and Fishers, Westfield has been aggressively growing and is now home to more than 37,000 residents. The suburb features shopping, parks, gardens, golf courses and even a children’s museum. In addition, Westfield recently built Grand Park, a massive multi-sport facility. The sports campus is still growing and plans to incorporate dining, retail and entertainment venues as well. This attraction is projected bring in millions of visitors and many more homebuyers in search of a suburban haven near Indy.
Meet Sheldon and Vince!
Meet Sheldon and Vince: B+E's Outfitters of the Month for June.
Sheldon and Vince have been working together at Brick + Ember Outfitters since 2013. As they progress, they are perfecting their craft and taking on heavier masonry jobs. Sheldon has consistently gone the extra mile to provide excellent service no matter the cost and is always looking to improve and grow in his position. Vince takes tremendous pride in his work. He is constantly dedicated to quality and thinks outside the box looking for the best way to provide it. We have heard countless reports from our homeowners of their knowledge and professionalism and we are proud to have them as part of our team.