House and Home

Washing windows can be a pain, but routine care does more than improve outdoor views or enhance curb appeal. A few simple maintenance tasks performed annually can actually increase the function, efficiency and lifespan of your windows.

As the cost of living continues to rise, forgoing HVAC maintenance may seem like an easy way to save money. But the small savings you enjoy today could end up costing you in the years to come. Routine inspections can help correct small problems before they require costly repairs. But that’s not all. Here are some of the key benefits associated with professional HVAC maintenance.

Owning a home does come with responsibilities (like basic upkeep and occasional repairs). But that doesn’t mean it has to feel like a chore. With a few simple swaps, you should be able to cut back the time you spend on home maintenance.

Houseplants can help create a welcoming space for family and friends and a celebratory mood for holiday entertaining. The right plants can also make festive gifts. The best part: Holiday plants don’t have to be temporary. With proper care, many popular seasonal plants can actually be grown and enjoyed year-round.

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Your bedroom setup could be partially to blame. Believe it or not, your environment can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. If your bedroom isn’t conducive to consistent, uninterrupted sleep, your mental and physical well-being could suffer, both short- and long-term.

Taking a run-down, bargain-priced house and turning it into your dream home is a tempting idea — especially when it looks so fun and even easy on TV. While buying and renovating a fixer-upper may not be easy as it looks on reality shows, it can be rewarding if you go in with the right knowledge.

Just as it’s important for you to keep detailed records of your home business, your bills, income tax information or medical history, so too is it imperative that you keep a detailed record of all maintenance you perform on your home. After all, it is your biggest investment and it requires constant TLC to maintain its value and to ensure it continues to be able to protect your family from the elements and keep them secure.

Just about everybody dreams of turning an okay-but-not-perfect home into a dream home. That’s why home improvement stores and do-it-yourself television programs have become so popular in recent years. And there’s no reason you shouldn’t remodel… as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into, so you can avoid the pitfalls that often snag unsuspecting homeowners.

Copper and brass fixtures are coming back in style. Complementary to many kitchen and bathroom designs, these classic fixtures provide a touch of warmth and elegance. And while copper and brass age well, they also require an added dose of TLC compared to other options.

Chances are that after spending so much time at home, you may be feeling a little burnt out on your surroundings. But just because you’re indoors more often doesn’t mean you have to feel that way. Your home should be welcoming and peaceful.