Posts

Should You Get a Storm Door?

June 7, 2021

A storm door can be a nice finishing touch to your home’s entryway. The storm doors of today have long evolved from the old screen style that your grandparents might’ve owned. They come in a variety of styles and colors to make finding the right fit easier. But aside from looks, what other purpose do storm doors serve? Are they a worthwhile purchase, or simply something you can go on without? Customization You have a ton of options when it comes to choosing a storm door. They can come in vinyl, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass material depending on which you prefer. Storm doors feature either a full-length window, or some models have a half or three-quarters window that can slide down into a screen. Privacy screens can even be placed in between the glass, and handles and hinges can all be designed to match the rest of your home’s facade. More Than Looks Storm doors offer more than just a quick spruce-up for your home. Just as their name implies, they add an extra layer of protection from extreme weather like rain and snow. A locked storm door can also deter burglars from trying to break in. Along with keeping

Celebrate Home Safety Month by Improving Your Home!

June 1, 2021

With June being National Home Safety Month in both the United States and Canada, it’s a great opportunity for you to give your house a thorough checkup! Even if you just moved into a new build, there could still be any number of hidden issues with its components. Take some time over the next month to protect you and your family from some of these commonly overlooked problems. Radon Reduction Radon is very common in both the U.S. and Canada, and it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer. It’s an odorless and colorless gas which makes it practically impossible to detect without some sort of monitoring device. Homes both old and new are susceptible to radon, so you shouldn’t assume you’re completely free of it. The most effective way to know how much radon is in your home is to buy a tester. Consistent testing lets you keep an eye on accumulation levels so that you can act quickly to stay safe. Check Wiring Electrical fires account for nearly 24,000 home fires each year. Your home’s wiring is one of its largest components, so you need to be certain it’s in top condition. Loose outlets should be repaired or

Bonfire vs. Pit: What to Know for Your Next Summer Party

May 24, 2021

In summer, (and especially on summer holidays) burn injuries increase exponentially due to out-of-control flames, unsupervised grills, and other mishaps. If you plan on gathering around a campfire this summer, here’s how you can keep safe. BonfiresBonfires are great for larger groups since they’re generally bigger than a small fire pit. They give off intense heat that’ll definitely keep you warm should the night get chilly, plus a bonfire provides adequate lighting to let the party continue into the night. Yet with all of the benefits, there are some points to consider before you start. First, the larger size of bonfires can make them harder to control if it’s windy out. They also need a fair amount of clear space to burn safely. Lastly, unlike a fire pit, bonfires don’t usually have a protective barrier around the base to keep people from getting too close. Fire Pits Although bonfires are nice if you’re going to have a lot of guests, fire pits include some of the safety measures bonfires might not. Portable or stationary pits tend to be smaller and don’t need as much clear land when they’re burning. Having the fire in a bowl or surrounded by a metal

Top 10 Summer Home Maintenance Projects

May 17, 2021

Summer is the perfect time to tackle all those big tasks on your to-do list. Here are the top 10 chores you should do to keep your home looking great and its components running smoothly. Clean Your HVAC Cleaning your HVAC system can help prolong its life and improve its efficiency. Inside your home: Outside your home: Clean Your Grill Grease accumulation on your grill could present a fire hazard. Consider a cleaning routine after each use, and a more detailed cleaning 1-2 times per season. Deck and Patio Maintenance Lack of maintenance with your deck can present numerous safety issues. In addition, a run-down deck can detract from your home’s curb appeal. Pest Control Warmer weather brings about more wildlife, which can be both a concern to your home’s physical structure and your personal health. It’s a good idea to have your home professionally treated on a scheduled basis. Clean Ceiling Fans One of the possible reasons your fan “wobbles” while running is that the fan blades have a dust or dirt buildup. Clean Window Screens Cleaning your windows is one of those routine maintenance items that’s often forgotten. Generally, all you’ll need is a bucket of water with

7 Interesting Things Found in Old Homes

May 10, 2021

Older homes are full of one-of-a-kind features you won’t find in today’s new builds. Maybe your home’s retro elements are even why you chose to purchase it in the first place! Below are a few of our favorites, some rarer than others. Do you still have any of them around your house? 1. Conversation PitsGaining popularity in the 1950s and holding strong until the 1970s, the conversation pit is easy to recognize. Often found in the living room, pits were intended to get people talking–perhaps inexplicably, in a sunken nook a few steps below the regular floor. While it seemed like a cozy idea, conversation pits faced harsh criticism, mainly for the fact that they’re a falling hazard. Yet, some modern designers are reviving pits for the current homeowner. 2. Phone NooksBack when phones didn’t fit in your pocket, you’d need a central, out-of-the-way place to put them. Enter the phone nook or “niche,” as it’s sometimes called. This little cutout in the wall served as a hideaway for that otherwise bulky landline. If you don’t want that awkward blank opening, try converting it instead of covering it up. A few plants, some photos, or your favorite books can make

5 Easy Ways to Save on Your AC Bill

May 3, 2021

Everyone looks forward to the warm weather that the summer season brings–until it turns their house into a sauna. With above-average temperatures projected for this year, you might find yourself staying inside more and cranking up the air in an effort to beat the heat. However, running your AC on high all summer puts a strain on your cooling system and your bank account. Here are our tips on how you can still keep cool, extend your HVAC’s life, and lower your bills all at once! 1. Open Things UpIt seems counterproductive to open your house during a heat wave, but doing so during certain periods of the day can actually help cool it off. The early morning or late night hours tend to be cooler than the middle of the day and you can use it to your advantage. A nice, refreshing breeze through your home simulates your air conditioner and blows out all that stuffy air that comes from keeping your house sealed up. Check out the weather forecast to determine the best time to crack your windows. Setting up a few box fans by your windows can really get air moving. 2. Block Out Direct RaysYour home’s

Throwing the Perfect Backyard Get Together

April 26, 2021

Before we know it, summertime will be here, and there’s nothing better than having your friends and family over for a backyard cookout. But if you’ve ever thrown a party, you know it can also be quite a bit of work to pull off the perfect gathering. Here are some tips to create an entertaining night without a hitch. Bring Your Yard Up to Par Your yard can say a lot about you and what you think of your guests, so you definitely don’t want them to get the wrong impression. If your lawn is looking a little shaggy, a quick once-over with the lawnmower will get it in shape. Use your bag attachment (if you have one) to collect the clippings and dispose of them so your guests don’t kick them everywhere. Don’t forget to pick up after your pets as well. The last thing you want is for someone to step in a “present” left behind by your furry friend. To give a welcoming look to your guests, spruce up your front yard too. Decorate to Keep Things Private It’s not only important to be thinking of your partygoers, but also your neighbors. While you may be having

High and Dry: Making Sure You Optimize Your Dryer’s Life

April 19, 2021

Your washer and dryer are two of the most used appliances in your home. And if you don’t take proper care of them, you could drastically cut their lifespan. There’s also potential for danger. Almost 16,000 house fires are started each year by dryers that have large amounts of lint stuck in the trap and in the vent. Just a small bit of maintenance every so often can help protect your home and your family from a scary situation. When to Clean If you’ve noticed that your clothes are taking more cycles to dry, it’s the right time to clean. A full trap obstructs airflow and prevents your dryer from fully heating. Your dryer’s lint trap should be cleaned after every use in order to avoid blockages and keep it working correctly. Even if there isn’t much to clean off, you shouldn’t let the lint accumulate into a big pile. For your vents, it’s best to give them a deep clean once every 10-12 months. What You’ll Need Luckily you won’t need special equipment to clean your dryer– you can find what you’ll need around your home. You can also pick up specialized brushes that’ll allow you to get into

5 Ways to Get Your Green Thumb in Gear this Spring

April 12, 2021

April is Lawn and Garden Month, so what better time to start a new landscaping project? A simple garden can add curb appeal to your home, and it’s a fun hobby for warm days. But sometimes it’s frustrating if you seem to have more of a brown thumb than a green one. Try out these tips to turn your yard into a colorful explosion of flowers this spring and break your “cultivating curse.” Know what’s in the ground around you. Mixing your garden’s soil to just the right combination of fertilizer, mulch, and other nutrients is like a balancing act. So how do you get to the sweet spot for optimal plant growth? The first step is knowing what’s in your soil naturally. Clay, sand, silt, and loam are the four main soil types, and each has their own effect on growing. Figuring out your soil’s pH balance also plays a big role in how well your plants grow. You can perform a pH test yourself, and they’ll help you gauge what other organic substances to add. You might have to experiment a bit with different mulches and compost, but when you strike soil gold you’ll be growing in no

Getting Your Gutters in Shape for Spring and Summer

April 5, 2021

Your gutters do a lot of work to protect your home, and it’s essential that they’re in top condition. Heavy rains, harsh sunlight, and time all take a toll on the effectiveness of your home’s gutters. As we approach the wet part of the year, one of the things at the top of your spring cleaning list should be to prepare your home’s drainage system. Check for Winter Damage If you experienced a deep freeze over winter, your gutters could’ve been pushed to their limit. The weight of snow and icicles can cause them to bend and pull away from your house. Freezing rain and hail can also create dents and holes in gutters and affect how well they funnel water. As it starts to warm up and things begin to thaw, go outside and thoroughly examine your gutters. Check for holes and any signs that your gutters are coming loose. Take note of small issues and keep an eye on them, as they could become larger problems in the future. Clean Debris Out To get a better understanding of how well your gutters are holding up, you’ll first have to give them a good cleaning. Scoop out leaves, twigs,