How-To Winterize Your Home This Season

winterizingHome winterizing checklist: Ways to stay warm and save energy this winter

(BPT) – Fall means colorful leaves, apple cider and cooler temperatures. It also means winter’s on its way, so now is the time to winterize your home.

Improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency with a home energy audit. Making energy efficiency upgrades identified in a home energy audit can save 5 to 30 percent on your monthly energy bill, according to Energy.gov.

If you would rather perform your own walk-through, this checklist can help you prepare your home for colder weather:

Exterior home maintenance tips

* Clean those gutters. Remove leaves and debris, then flush your gutters with water. This will help prevent clogged drains and reduce the potential formation of ice dams, which can cause excess water to get backed up and seep back into the house.

* Clean your window and patio door screens and put them into storage. Better yet, consider investing in Pella Rolscreen products that roll out of sight when not in use, keeping them cleaner and eliminating the need for seasonal storage.

* Install storm doors. Storm doors help insulate your home against drafts and strong winds.

* Clean the tracks of patio doors and windows. Use a dry paintbrush to loosen dirt and debris and then vacuum to remove.

* Wash windows.

* Touch up exterior paint where needed.winterizing 2

* If you live in a coastal region, hose off exterior windows and doors to remove damaging salt from ocean spray. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider installing Pella windows and patio doors with impact-resistant glass, to help provide year-round protection.

Indoor home maintenance tips

* Schedule a furnace check-up by a professional to prepare it for the season. Also check to see if the filter needs changing.

* Add insulation. The amount of money you’ll end up saving in heating costs is likely well worth the investment of adding additional insulation to the attic.

* Check with your utility company to see if they offer rebates for energy-efficient home improvements including replacing windows or adding insulation.

* Clean and repair air ducts.

* Wrap pipes. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst. To help prevent this, insulate pipes with a pre-molded, foam rubber sleeve, available at most local home improvement or hardware stores.

Modern Design Tips for Home Remodeling

reModern styling, technology help homeowners refresh their nests

(BPT) – Flipping through the television channels, it’s hard not to find a home improvement show about remodeling and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. From “Property Brothers” to “Design Star,” these popular programs give homeowners ideas on how to modernize their spaces. If you’re planning your own DIY projects, here are three areas of the home that will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to a makeover.

First stop: the bathroom

Bathroom remodels are the most popular remodeling projects because they have a high return on investment, according to the National Association of Home Builders. When you’re ready to sell your house, renovating the bathroom typically has a return of 62 percent. A low-cost way to modernize the bathroom is installing new faucets. With signature styling featuring cylindrical, geometric shapes and distinct 90-degree angles, the new Moen Arris collection is an ideal choice for an iconic, modern update. Sleek, contemporary pieces like the new Arris faucet can add instant luxury.

Another idea for modernizing the bathroom is to add additional light sources. Bringing in more light will open up the space and make your bathroom come to life. The bathroom is often a place to unwind, and adding the right lighting can set the tone for a spa-like atmosphere. One way to do this, without breaking your budget, is by simply replacing the light fixtures. Add a modern touch to your bath with dramatic choices like chandeliers and sconces.

Second stop: the living room

Modern design doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. Homeowners love modern interiors for the sleek and streamlined look, which leads to less clutter and visual stress. Expand the modern theme throughout the home by updating furniture with unfussy and relaxed pieces. You don’t need to buy everything new. Fabric covers, in an array of prints and colors, can instantly bring new life to old furniture. For pieces that need to be replaced, consider purchasing solid and neutral furniture. As trends change, you can switch out pillows and blankets to stay up-to-date.

Keep neutrals in mind when selecting paint colors, as well. White, black, brown and gray will go with just about anything. For a pop of color, paint an accent wall with a bold color, or add extra personality with drapery or area rugs. Use lamps, paintings and accessories to give a personal touch throughout the rest of your living space.

Final stop: the kitchenrere

Opening up shelving is a way to put a fresh, modern spin on your existing kitchen layout. You can order new cabinets with glass panels or simply remove the doors from your existing ones. Just make sure the exposed areas are not cluttered. Open shelving is a perfect place to display dishes. For a crisp look, try stacks of white plates and bowls. If you’re looking for an edgy feel, try patterned or bright-colored ones. Adding new hardware to cabinets is also an inexpensive way to improve the look of your kitchen.

Since faucets are the most-used item in the kitchen, a new model can make a big impression. Swap out your old one for the new Align suite from Moen. Align faucets feature high-arc spouts and a geometric handle, emphasizing the simplicity and elegance of the design. To complement your new faucet, look to update your counters as well. Granite remains a popular choice because of its high style and durability.

Integrating technology into home design