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Summer Home Maintenance Tips
The warm summer months area here, along with heat waves, storms, insects/pests, and other nuisances that threaten the integrity of your home. Read on for helpful tips to keep your home in great shape all season long. Prioritize Energy Efficiency Summer cooling bills can climb quickly with the outdoor temperatures. Make sure your home is optimized to use the least amount of energy while keeping you and your family comfortable inside. Consider sun and UV blocking window film that applies to the inside of windows quickly and easily. There is no adhesive or mess to deal with, since they apply by “static cling”, and can easily be removed when no…
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Insulate Yourself Against Rising Heating Costs This Winter
We’re now used to hearing the word “inflation” on a regular basis. It seems to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind these days. There seems to be nothing that is immune to the rising costs associated with our current economic climate and heating costs are certainly no exception. Home heating bills are expected to increase significantly this winter, due to a combination of higher fuel costs and a predicted colder winter. The Department of Energy has estimated that those using natural gas could see a 28% increase in their heating bills, while those using heating oil could see a 27% increase, and those using electric heat could see a…
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Not Home for the Holidays? Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away
Sometimes, going “home” for the holidays means leaving your own home empty for a period of time. With the number of people who travel over the holidays, it’s a prime time for would-be thieves to take advantage of your absence. Follow these tips to keep your most valuable asset safe while you’re away. SAFETY FIRST The risk of a break-in is only one consideration if you’ll be traveling in the upcoming weeks. Fire safety is a big concern during the holiday season. Dried out Christmas Trees make great kindling for fires – so make sure that yours is well away from heat registers or radiators, and unplug any lights that…
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Fall Home Maintenance Tips
The seasons are changing, and with those changes come new challenges for your home. Falling leaves, colder temps, and upcoming winter storms can pose major problems for your home if you’re not prepared. Starting your Fall home maintenance now will ensure that you and your home are ready for what’s to come. Clean Out Gutters If your gutters are clogged, it can lead to problems with water backing up that can’t drain properly. This can result in damage to your home’s exterior and even water in your basement. Keep your roof’s drainage system flowing by removing leaf litter and other debris that accumulates over time. Installing leaf guards on your…
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Kitchen Design Trends 2021
We took a peek at the latest kitchen design trends from the 2021 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. While there were many innovative designs, we narrowed it down to the top 5 that you can integrate into your next kitchen update. Engineered Countertops If the past year highlighted anything for us, it was the importance of hygiene and disinfection. Our kitchens are high traffic areas, that see “bio-hazards” like raw meat on a regular basis. Engineered countertops, like quartz, provide a durable, attractive, and non-porous surface that can easily be sanitized and will resist stains and daily wear and tear. This year highlighted light colors in natural stone patterns, like…
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Spring Cleaning Tips + Printable Checklist!
Cleaning has become a theme in many of our homes this past year, thanks to a global pandemic. Spring cleaning might actually be the last thing you’re thinking about after spending the entire year scrubbing and disinfecting your home’s surfaces. However, if you’re the type that still gets the “cleaning bug” as soon as the weather warms enough to crack your windows open for some fresh air, then these tips are for you. Spring is a time of renewal, and a great time to tackle deep cleaning and organizing projects around your home. Have a Plan Take a look around your home to identify what areas need the most help.…
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Are “Energy Vampires” Draining Your Bank Account?
The term “vampire appliances” refers to appliances that continue to draw energy passively, even when they are not in use. These appliances are not just a seasonal concern – items like computers, small kitchen appliances, and cable boxes will draw energy all year long. This can add up to hundreds of dollars each year on your energy bills, and wasted energy. Learn how to identify these “energy vampires” below and prevent them from draining your bank account. In the Kitchen Most of us have small appliances in our kitchens. Toasters, coffee makers, blenders, and counter-top ovens (like pizza or toaster ovens) are common. Since you use these appliances on a…
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Home Updates That Will Stand the Test of Time
Any major home improvement project requires planning and thought. Design, budget, timeframe for completion, and opting for “DIY” or choosing a contractor are common considerations. Something you might not consider (but should) is the update’s “universal appeal” down the road. At some point, you will likely sell your home and move to a new one. Potential buyers of your current home might not share your enthusiasm for uniquely colored walls, or a bold and trendy kitchen design. If you can’t get a good return on the investment into your home, it might not be a wise choice. Read on to learn about designs that will be appealing to a broad…
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Tips for Virtual Learning Success
COVID-19 has changed the way we work, learn, and live our lives. This school year is no exception, and many kids are heading back to a virtual classroom instead of a physical one. For those that suffered through technology glitches and organizational nightmares this Spring, Fall should (hopefully) be a little smoother. School districts and teachers have had time to plan this year/semester out more thoroughly and adapt curriculum, instead of scrambling to roll with the changes on short notice. Even with better planning, virtual learning can present challenges to students and parents alike. Here are some tips to help you navigate (and maybe avoid) any hurdles. Get Organized… Both…
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Working From Home? How to Stay Productive and Sane
Many people find themselves working remotely from home these days. Working from home can be beneficial for some (there may be fewer distractions) but it can also present challenges. It can be hard for some employees to remain productive and happy while working in extended isolation. If you find yourself struggling, these tips can help you stay on task and keep your sanity too. Have a Dedicated Space Try to avoid working from your couch, or even worse, your bedroom. If you are not fortunate enough to have a separate home office, set aside or create a space just for work. This can be a nook in your living room,…
