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Northwest Art and Air Festival, Albany Oregon 2010

August 27th, 2010 • By: Dava Albany Community, Fun Stuff

2010 Albany Art and Air Festival

Sure to be a really fun weekend. Plenty of good music, hot air balloons, art and food. Early balloon fill and launch is awesome to watch.  Went last year and loved every minute of it. This year’s Saturday night entertainment is America.

Vist the site for details

Dava’s Amazing Corvallis House Story: Chapter II–Well, It’s a Deep Subject…

August 26th, 2010 • By: Dava Fun Stuff

Chapter II — Well, It’s a Deep Subject…

Venturi to Submersible: Better Efficiency

The “old” well system at our “new” house in Corvallis, was based on something we were told is called a Venturi System (it may also be called a “Double Drop Jet-Pump System). It involves physics and back pressure. The pump actually had to pump water back into the well, to create pressure to bring water to the house.  We learned that this was not the most efficient process to use and in fact the water pressure was much less (about 3-4 time less) than with a submersible pump.  So, the first official house project after moving was… (drum roll please) to change the well over from the old pump system to a new one.

One challenge we had is that the well (in the ground) was located in the driveway. Part of putting in a submersible pump meant that we had to raise the wellhead to 18″ above the ground (this is a good practice for keeping your well un-contaminated and is actually code in Oregon now). We want to be able to use the driveway without obstacles so putting a structure over the well was not acceptable.

The solution: put the well in a vault.  We (Adam, see blisters)  had to dig up the well to see how deep the well head really was so that the vault could be spec’ed out. We waited a while for a specific vault to be built.  Meanwhile, we (Adam) dug a hole big enough for the vault and a trench to expose the rest of the pipes and  electrical and such so that the well team could deal with it.  Huge blisters from that work…

The slide show pretty much shows how the workday went. We were without water for a few hours, but nothing excessive.  Hat’s off to Mainline Pump and Irrigation, in Philomath, Oregon  for the great job!

We have GREAT water pressure now and a quiet pump.

NEW PRICE!! HOME FOR SALE- 1780 Clover Ridge Rd. NE, Albany, Oregon $359,900

August 25th, 2010 • By: dava Albany Real Estate, Listings

HOME FOR SALE- 1780 Clover Ridge Rd. NE, Albany, Oregon

Beautiful horse property or other hobby farm uses. Exceptional acreage close in to Albany; easy commute to Salem and Corvallis. Partially fenced acreage with level pasture, seasonal pond, oak and other trees, and fenced front yard. Very private, yet not isolated. Single level living has gorgeous master suite with jetted tub, shower and plenty of storage, nice sized secondary bedrooms, updated windows and attached 2-car garage. Large shop and RV parking provides all the space you could need. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2132 sq. ft. on 5.26 acres


Solid single level home on 5.26 acres located in Northeast Albany is near to local schools, parks and shopping. Also has convienent access to both Corvallis and Salem and everything that those communities have to offer.

Living room is cozy and spacious with large bay garden window and wood burning fireplace with insert. Built-in niche with shelves and firewood storage, inset ceiling lights, and arched doorway to kitchen adds a touch of character. Family room is light and open with large sliding glas door that maximizes your living space by providing access to the back yard and patio, an ideal place for back yard barbeques and outdoor parties.

Kitchen is neutral and bright with large window above the sink with calming pastoral views, ample cabinet storage and counter space, microwave niche, and access to the living room, laundry room/mudroom, and 2-car attached garage. Laundry room/mudroom has tons of storage with cabinets, shoe cubbies and coat hooks, wash sink, attached full bath, and access to the kitchen and 2-car attached garage.

Master suite is private and spacious. Private hallway with motion sensor entry lights, ceiling fan, large walk-in closet with built-in storage, additional closets, and private deck with calming pastoral views. Luxurious master bath is complete with jetted soaking tub, step-in shower, large linen closet, and dual sink vanity. 2 additional bedrooms, one “double sized” with ceiling fan and built-in desk, both with pastoral views, and main bath with soaking tub and linen storage tower completes the floor plan.

Outbuildings include a machine shed and a 32′ x 28′ shop with 2 roll-up doors and attached covered RV storage/parking.

5.26 acres also has level pasture, seasonal creek and pond, fenced front yard, perimeter fencing, RV parking, Oak and other trees, room for horses and other animals, gardening, play, relaxation, and more.

 

MLS#628419

Search for more homes for sale in Albany and Corvallis here.

HOME FOR SALE- 6298 SW Grand Oaks Drive #G-204, Corvallis, Oregon $180,000

August 25th, 2010 • By: dava Listings

Home For Sale– 6298 SW Grand Oaks Drive #G-204, Corvallis, Oregon

Fantastic 3 bedroom, 2 bath one-level contemporary living with balcony overlooking wooded area. Hardwood floors, granite counter-tops, stainless steel/black appliances and alder craftsman style cabinets in kitchen. Gas fireplace in living room. Baths have travertine tile counter-tops and floors. Master bedroom with large closet and attached bath with jetted tub. Top floor unit enhances privacy and quiet enjoyment. Covered balcony with storage. Carport parking space near entry. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1108 sq. ft.

Single level contemporary condo located in the West Oaks Condos complex in the Southwest Corvallis neighborhood of Grand Oaks. Close to Oregon State University, Sunset Shopping Center, and the Benton County Fairgrounds. Just minutes from downtown Corvallis and Philomath. Enjoy outdoor recreation activities at the nearby Grand Oaks ParkBald Hill Natural Area and the Irish Bend Covered Bridge bike path.

Great-room style living room, dining room, and kitchen is the hub of the home. Living room is cozy and inviting with  vaulted ceilings and gas fireplace with tile surround and TV or art niche above. Access to the covered balcony maximizes your living space and is great for entertaining. Kitchen has dramatic black granite tile counter-tops, alder craftsman cabinetry, black/stainless steel appliances, and breakfast bar.

Enjoy simple luxury in the master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, spacious walk-in closet and attached bath. Master bath has vanity with tumbled travertine tile and jetted tub. Two secondary bedrooms, full bath, and laundry closet complete this unit’s floor plan. Covered balcony has secure storage closet and wooded views. Carport space is conveniently located close to the front door. Top floor unit is quiet and private.

MLS#631943

Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.

10 Tricks to help you Slash Your Electric Bill

August 25th, 2010 • By: Dava Home Maintenance

If you’re looking for ways to help you save more and spend less, one of the best places to start could be right at home. Put these tips to work to help cut your next electric bill.

10. Install Motion Detectors on Lights: Kids are notorious for leaving lights on by accident. This easy trick can help you say goodbye to wasted electricity – and sky high bills.

9. Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Since most of the energy used by top-loading washers is to heat water, washing in cold can help you save each month.

8. Tint Home Windows: For windows that get a lot of sun, you can add a layer of solar window film to deflect sunlight and help conserve energy.

7. Program Your Thermostat: Simply set it to raise or lower your thermostat for the times when you’re not at home.

6. Unplug Appliances: Even when they’re not in use your toaster, laptop and can opener drain power. So unplug them and save.

5. Wash your Lint Trap: Since dryer sheets can cause a transparent film that burns out the heating unit, it’s vital to wash your lint trap with hot soapy water every 6 months.

4. Change your Showerhead: Replacing it with a low-flow head can use less water per minute – so there’s less to heat.

3. Cook on the Back Burner: By turning on your exhaust fan and using the rear burner on hot days, warm air will be sucked out which minimizes AC use.

2. Change your Light Bulbs: Compact florescent bulbs use a quarter the electricity and last longer than regular bulbs. And, they’re a more environmentally responsible choice.

1. Check Furniture Placement: Rugs or furniture that block a vent can really cost you. Move them and save!

These ideas were sent to me via an American Home Shield newsletter. The American Home Shield (AHS)/Coldwell Banker Home Warranty Program has saved my buyers and sellers thousands of dollars on covered repairs. I highly recommend a warranty with every transaction.