Month: November 2010

How to bring the outside in when the weather cools

For many folks, connecting with nature has calming and invigorating effects. However, cold and short days make getting outside a little more difficult. If you find yourself coming down with a case of cabin fever every winter, try bringing the outside in and decorating your home in a way that will make you feel more connected …

Keep warm and dry by sealing your home

(HIB) – Winter may cause many homeowners to contemplate a new heating system or other major investments, but some small, smart investments can often go just as far toward protecting your home and saving you cash. Through the proper home maintenance techniques, you can keep typical damage caused by snow, ice and rain at bay and …

Protect your home by making minor mortar repairs

(HIB) – With colder temperatures looming, now is the time to check your home for deteriorating mortar joints and loose mortar – and make any minor repairs before they turn into major headaches. Freezing rain, ice, snow and deicers, as well as freeze/thaw temperature cycles have the potential to cause costly damage. Unrepaired damage can allow …

Money in the attic? How a simple project can lead to big savings

Most homeowners rarely venture up to their attics, but as winter approaches, many will make the annual trip upstairs to put away warm-weather items and retrieve holiday decorations. While a home’s attic is ideal for storage, smart homeowners realize that their attics also represent a great opportunity to save money. How? Similar to the human body, …

Decorating tips to help you add warmth and welcome to your home

(HIB) – No matter where it is, no matter how it’s decorated, a home should always provide a sense of warmth and welcome for family and friends – and at no time is this more important than during the holidays. As you get ready to celebrate, consider adding homey touches throughout your home to help everyone …

Snow thrower safety and maintenance tips for winter

Soon it will be time to clear snow off driveways and walkways. Before starting up the snow thrower this year, it’s important to follow proper safety procedures to prevent injury and review maintenance tips to keep your snow thrower in tip-top shape all winter. “One of the most important things to do when getting ready to …

Safely store and preserve your holiday decorations

As seasons change, so do the holidays being celebrated. Pumpkins and gourds make way for twinkling lights and snowmen, and the big question is: What is the best way to store this year’s decorations so I am more organized next year? There is nothing more upsetting than pulling out Grandma’s vintage tree-topper to find that it …