With spring coming to an end, it is time to prepare your home for all things summer. Whether you want to play host to summer barbecues or just want a place to relax in the sun, there are lots of options for outdoor recreation spaces. Working to build a premier outdoor area can not only serve as the ideal place to spend time with family and friends, but it can also add value to your home. Here are some ideas for equipping your ultimate summer backyard:
Category Archives: Home Improvement
Common Scents
There is a strong connection between smells and human emotions. Given that homebuying can be a very emotional process, you’ll want to make sure home looks and smells good to appeal to more buyers. Make sure your home passes the smell test by following these tips from HGTV.
If there are any foul odors in your home, don’t just cover them up by baking cookies — try to identify the source and focus on eliminating the odors. Old carpets are often the biggest culprit. If you don’t have the time or budget to replace old rugs with new carpet or hardwood floors, wash the carpet with mild detergent soap and water solution, then go over it with a damp towel to neutralize the odor. And open the windows on opposite walls to circulate fresh air.
Lock It Up
With all the advancements in smart-home security technology and systems, some homeowners may overlook one of the most basic keys to home security — door locks and keys. According to This Old House, nearly 3 million U.S. homes are broken into each year. Locks have come a long way in terms of the protection they provide, and it’s a good time to examine some options for improving home security with a simple upgrade of door-lock hardware.
Water Sense
While some regions of the country have been battling severe flooding conditions, a considerable chunk of the U.S. is struggling with the opposite problem: drought. Communities across the country face tough challenges to help them maintain a healthy and affordable water supply. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends several simple tactics to help homeowners limit their water use — which averages 260 gallons of water each day per household.