The home-buying process shouldn’t start just before you’re ready to make a purchase. Instead, it’s best to begin preparations about a year in advance. Around this time, scheduling a buyer consultation with a real estate agent can provide valuable insights. About three months after your consultation, meeting with a lender is a smart move—the earlier,…
Even the smallest air leak in your home can make a big difference to your energy bill. It’s important to check for drafts in your home and to fix them as soon as possible. Sealing up cracks and keeping out drafts will keep your home more efficient. Check the electrical outlets in your home for insulation.…
If you own a home with a basement, you may already have big plans for using it as additional space. Some people use it as an office, mother-in-law suite or even storage. Whatever the purpose you have in mind, keeping the space dry is important. To combat dampness in a basement, common home maintenance tips…
A warm fire can be relaxing and cozy on a cold winter night. But if you live in warmer weather or are worried about the upkeep, you can upgrade your fireplace into a stylish storage area. Clean it out and seal everything up before you start, and pick a paint color that complements your room…
You’ve heard the sage advice to “keep grounded,” right? Well that goes for your house as well as for you. It’s shocking to realize how many homes are not properly grounded. It’s a good bet that much of this problem ties back to amateur electricians or undertrained appliance installers. Some of the rest may involve…
Does your ceiling have a small plastic barrier to separate the attic insulation from the drywall? Here’s how to find and fix a leak in this area. Step 1 Move aside the insulation. Look for any stains indicating water flow on the plastic barrier. Step 2 If you can’t spot any water stains on the…
There are many ways to create a more energy efficient kitchen, but few changes will make a bigger impact than addressing your major appliances. If your refrigerator, dishwasher or oven are more than 10 years old or aren’t energy star certified, it may be time for an upgrade. Older appliances may not run efficiently, wasting…
One of the arguably most fun parts of home décor is the incorporation of different textures. In winter, many people seek the indoors for warmth and coziness, so bring both function and aesthetics to your home with bold textures! Knitted blankets and even sweaters can break apart plain designs and give something comfortable to cuddle…
Thanks to modern printing technology, homeowners can now add luxurious finishes to their home without the hefty price tag. One of the top design trends that homeowners are taking advantage of is using faux finished looks at a fraction of the cost. From floors to backsplashes to fireplace surrounds, faux finishes are a great way…
We all love our water heaters because without them we couldn’t enjoy a hot shower or the ease of clean dishes and clean clothes thanks to modern appliances. Water heaters are responsible for keeping hot water ready for our use. If your water heater uses gas, such as propane or natural gas, it will require…