| ...br />
* Destroyed insulation
* Nesting
* Excrement
Be sure to call in a professional if you find any sign of pests.
2. Assess the Basement: Your basement deserves similar treatment. In the
subterranean areas, you'll also want to keep an eye out for water damage.
Basements are at risk of flooding, which can lead to mold and m... |
| ...colors in cool hues, you may find that your space feels cold visually. Vinyl plank flooring with a wood-grain texture can help combat that feeling. From man caves to entryways, living rooms, and even basements, ADURA®MaxAPEX Rivermill vinyl plank in Axel adds a warm and robust feel to any room in a home. Now you can have the comforting appearance of hardwood floors with the water-resistant propert... |
| ...of the easiest and most impactful DIY projects for homeowners
to quickly update their homes. Whether it's a new look in a master bathroom,
adding a pop of color to the guest room, finishing off a basement remodel or
anything in-between, a fresh coat of paint provides a fresh spin that's all your
own.
To make your painting project go smoothly, consider following these import... |
| ... is easy way to add
texture and interest to any room.
Next-level entertaining: The idea of the home as a haven is catching on. One
concept to consider is turning that extra room or basement into an intimate,
inviting space tailor made for unwinding and entertaining. To create that
escapist vibe that calls back to the speak-easy, go with dark-hued walls and
cabinetry to cre... |
| ...han 12 inches of insulation, chances are heat is escaping.
Add insulation in the attic to prevent warm air from escaping. Also consider
adding insulation in crawl spaces, under floors and against basement walls to
stop the transfer of cold through the house.
Take back your clean, fresh home today
Tackling each of these simple projects will help you take on winte... |
| ...han 12 inches of insulation, chances are heat is escaping.
Add insulation in the attic to prevent warm air from escaping. Also consider
adding insulation in crawl spaces, under floors and against basement walls to
stop the transfer of cold through the house.
Take back your clean, fresh home today
Tackling each of these simple projects will help you take on winte... |
| ...red blinds are
operated with the remote. The solar products and installation costs are also
eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit. Learn more at whyskylights.com.
Finish the basement.
Adding finished square footage to your home is nearly always a way to increase
its value. For many homes, the basement is the most practical place to gain that
space. Ins... |
| ...ly need. Now that you've determined that downsizing is your best option, you'll need to figure out what size, space and things you need. Maybe there's a pile of stuff collecting dust in your attic or basement that can be sold or donated, or maybe you believe you can move all of your belongings into a more compact area. Either way, a downsize means going through storage spaces, closets and room in ... |
| ...d welcoming. Light-hued walls of white, cream or pale yellow or blue not only make a room feel bigger, they evoke the visual qualities of natural light.
Large windowless rooms, like a basement play room, can benefit from large framed art. Select scenes that mimic the view you might get from a picture window, such as a seascape, mountain scene or city skyline.
Filter... |
| ...ng>Seal out the elements
If you live in a place where heavy rain or snow are always trying to find a way into your house, know that weather can lead to serious issues in your basement or foundation. To prevent water damage and leakage stains, inspect masonry on the interior and exterior of your home. Fill any defects you find with fast-setting hydraulic cement and clean up... |
| ...people who decide to share a living space with extended family members will need to stay put and remodel their current homes. But it’s no longer good enough to simply convert an attic room, garage or basement into an extra bedroom to accommodate the extra occupants.
Modern multi-generational dwellers want privacy when they need it, the ability to be together in shared living spaces, and th... |
| ...e Good Housekeeping Seal, a symbol of quality and trust."
The gas furnace also features a compact 33-inch cabinet profile to fit more comfortably in less space, including closets, attics and basements with low ceilings. Homeowners who install the furnace in their homes will also appreciate the unit's quiet operation and the ability to remotely monitor and adjust temperature settings for u... |
| ...r hunting excursions or decor emblazoned with the logos of your favorite sports teams. This is the room that allows you to relish in the hobbies you enjoy most.
If there isn't a spare room or basement available, the garage can serve as a good alternative. With specific spots for tools and lawn care products - or even that car or motorcycle collection - the garage can meet the same needs as... |
| ...other pests.American cockroaches, "camel crickets" and springtails can enter homes through tiny cracks and are attracted to damp areas, both in the attic or crawl space and indoors in the basement, kitchen or bathroom. Small steps make a big difference. Fix leaking faucets, water pipes and A/C units and eliminate standing water on the roof or in gutters to help prevent an i... |
| ...ng way toward making your home more efficient. Give your home a thorough inspection to identify and repair leaks and cracks around windows, doors and duct work. Remember that poorly sealed attics and basements are also common culprits of energy loss.
Appliances and major systems
Upgrading your appliances and temperature control systems also helps drive more efficient energy use throughout the... |
| ...xpenses. You take time to close windows and doors to prevent heat from escaping, but that's only half the battle. Sealing cracks around those windows and doors, and other leak-prone areas such as the basement and attic, will help keep heat inside and costs down.
To protect your wallet with more seasonal energy-efficient savings tips and products, visit www.geappliances.com or www.gelighting.co... |
| ...s may not drain properly and pose a risk of detaching and leaking water into the home. In addition to structural damage, the leaks provide breeding grounds for mold to grow in areas like ceilings and basements.
* Garage and Basement Clutter
Remove trash and clutter from around the home and be sure not to let it build up for more than a few days. Unattended trash can be a breeding ground for pes... |
| ...allow room for outerwear and seasonal items such as coats, boots, scarves and umbrellas, which you can rotate as the weather requires. (When not in use, store items away in airtight containers in the basement, garage or attic.)
If defining space for all of these items seems unmanageable, consider a storage solution that helps organize your possessions while adding a touch of color and flair. F... |
| ...
F Fix leaks to prevent mold and mildew.
Mold spores need moisture to grow and thrive in warm, humid conditions. Inspect your home for excess water and moisture build-up from leaky roofs, faucets, basement drains, dishwashers and washing machines, and fix them immediately.
E Exercise caution around appliances.
Before using appliances such as space heaters and toaster ovens, make sure they a... |
| ...
Cost-effective solution
Fortunately, creating a new bath need not be costly - especially in spaces that lack below-floor drainage; that is, where a bathroom does not currently exist, such as a basement, an attic, a garage or even a bedroom closet. In these situations, many plumbers recommend installing macerating, above-floor plumbing.
"With a macerating, or up-flush, toilet, there is n... |
| ...m in the home, so be sure to look around window and door frames, electrical and gas service entrances, outdoor water faucets, where dryer vents or cable lines pass through foundation walls, and where basement walls meet the ceiling or floor. You should also check insulation levels in the attic and basement ceilings, inspect heating and cooling equipment and replace old lighting with energy efficie... |
| ...From re-organizing the home office to cleaning out the basement, there are small projects that you can tackle year-round that will help make environmental improvements to your home and enhance your living space. For your next task, consider updating the "lightscape" of your home - it's as easy as changing a light bulb...literally. Lighting is approximately 20 percent of the average household's ene... |
| ... a unique rug - something signature to your style. You can find great pieces by shopping at designer sales and discount showrooms, or uncover treasures in your own house. Rummage through the attic or basement to rediscover pictures, vases or your grandmother's antique chest. You'll be surprised with what you may find.
Accent on accessories: Fancy towels aren't just for your guests' bathroom - tre... |