Although the Fall season is approaching, the summer heat is still lingering. The warm weather has been anything but bearable for many while staying inside these last few months. Of course, you can always blast your air conditioning all hours of the day, but there are more efficient ways to help cool your home off without making your electric bill skyrocket in the process. Here are a few ways to heatproof your home during the warmer months.

Focus on your windows

You can install energy-efficient windows to help make a difference in the temperature in your home. You can also install Low-E film to reduce the amount of solar heat gain or try out some blackout curtains to keep the sunlight to a minimum. Closing your blinds between peak hours is also beneficial. Keeping your blinds closed when the sun is out the most helps to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.

Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise

Rotating your ceiling fans counterclockwise will allow the blades of your ceiling fan to push the cooler air downward. It also makes the air feel cooler when your air conditioning is on and allows you to turn your thermostat up a notch.

Let the air in at night

Take advantage of the cool evenings during the summer and give your a/c a break once the sun goes down. The cooler air will circulate throughout your home without having to use your air conditioning all hours of the night. 

Start grilling dinner outdoors

Using your stove during the warmer months can cause your home to heat up quite a bit. Consider pulling our your trusty grill to prepare family meals outdoors. Give your evening meals a change of scenery and spend some time with the family on the deck as you watch the sunset all while saving energy. 

Use a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you to save on your energy costs and lessen the amount of heat you feel in your home. You can program your thermostat to specific temperatures and times so that your home is just right when you come home at the end of the day.

Add foliage to around your home

It may be a good idea to add a few shade trees and bushes around your home to not only add curb appeal but also to assist in keep the smoldering heat from entering through your windows and roof.

Make sure your home is insulated

A well-insulated home can reduce the amount of heat that comes through surfaces like your roof, attic, and walls. This is beneficial during both the warmer months and cooler months to keep the home warm.

By applying a few of these tips before and during the warmer months, you’ll be able to enjoy the summer with a lot less hassle. 

Moving into a brand new home can you give you a fresh start in life. Whether you’ve purchased a new construction or an older build, giving your new living space a good clean sweep is always a great idea. Deep cleaning will not only give you peace of mind, but it also allows you to clear out any dust and debris that may be left behind before moving in. 

Purchasing those must-have items for your new home has most likely created an extensive list, but don’t forget to include cleaning supplies that you will need on a daily basis to ensure your space is neat and tidy. To help you along, we’ve compiled a short list of eight must-have cleaning essentials you need when moving into a new home. 

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaner

This item is one of the most important things you’ll need to get started with your cleaning spree before the big move. Without an all-purpose cleaner, you would be moving dirt and bacteria from one end of the home to the next. Although there are plenty of cleaners on the store shelves that claim to do the job, choosing an eco-friendly cleaner is beneficial to your health and wellbeing as well as the earth. There are many brands available that produce cleaners specifically for bathtubs, tile, granite, marble, and stainless steel.  

Micro Fiber Cloths

These clothes may not seem like much, but microfiber cloths have several uses and benefits. You can use these in every inch of your new home from the kitchen to the bathrooms, and even to dry the car off after a weekend wash. Here’s a fun tip, sprinkle a little water on your mirrors and windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth to get a sparkling reflection without using harsh chemicals to clean your glass surfaces.

Heavy Duty Vacuum Cleaner

Selecting the perfect vacuum cleaner for everyday use and a good deep clean is a must. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for so investing in a good vacuum cleaner that can live up to your standards is key. Be sure to find one with removable attachments that make it easier to clean those hard to reach places like stairways and small corners and can grab those tricky pet hairs on couch cushions. It’s also a great idea to make sure your vacuum cleaner is versatile. Rather than having two different machines for the carpet and the hardwood, you can have one for all floor types. One with a detachable canister makes disposing of dirt and debris a breeze and saves you money on having to replace vacuum cleaner bags.

Broom and Dustpan

One of the most essential items you’ll need is the trustworthy duo of a broom and dustpan. Give those floors a good sweep prior to mopping to make sure you catch any trash or small particles like dust or wood chips before mopping them.

Mop and Bucket

Whether you plan on having a house full of children or a couple of cats and dogs or maybe all three, having a mop handy is essential for your move. Pick up a lightweight mop with interchangeable heads that you can grab at a moment’s notice from a simple sippy cup spill to a few muddy paw prints. Some mops allow you to detach the head and throw it the wash to easily disinfect as well.

Scrubbing Sponges

Grab a value pack of scrubbing sponges for use throughout your new home. You can use them to wipe down the inside of your refrigerator before placing groceries in it. You can also use them to wash dishes, wipe down countertops, sinks, and bathtubs.  

Extendable Duster

Both new and pre-loved homes can collect dust over time as they sit waiting on their next family to settle in. Purchasing a duster is a necessity when cleaning blinds, ceiling fans, baseboards, and crown molding. Make sure your duster is extendable so that you can get to all of those hard to reach places. 

Storage

Now that you’ve gathered up all of your cleaning supplies and went to town on deep cleaning your new home, how and where are you going to organize your essentials? You can pick up a few caddy’s at your local dollar store to keep all of your sponges, cleaning cloths, and all-purpose cleaners organized. You can also roll up your towels to save more space. An over the door shoe organizer is also great to repurpose and use for things like towels, sponges, and hanging spray bottles if you’re tight on space. You can also designate a small closet space to keep your vacuum cleaner, mop, and bucket, and broom and dustpan tucked away neatly rather than becoming an eyesore. 

In addition to these eight essentials, here are a few other items you may find handy:

Trash bags

Trash Can

Paper towels

Toilet paper

Dish Soap

Scrubbing Brush

Carpet Cleaner

Furniture Polish

Oven Cleaner

Baking Soda

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

You can add these must-have cleaning essentials to your list right alongside the appliances and décor items.  Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to having a squeaky clean home to create long-lasting memories in for years to come.

The world leader in structural product solutions, Simpson Strong-Tie, has recently launched a video series directed toward both homeowners and contractors on how to build a strong deck. This educational series is featured on YouTube and covers how to easily build a stronger, safer deck that will endure life’s everyday conditions.

Simpson Strong-Tie is best known for creating structural solutions and technology that assist people in constructing safer and stronger homes and buildings. They provide several useful products in the residential and commercial construction industry such as structural connectors, fasteners, fastening systems, lateral-force-resisting systems, anchors, software solutions, and product solutions for repairing, protecting, and strengthening concrete. In the last two decades, Simpson Strong-Tie has expanded with products for infrastructure, commercial, and industrial construction.

With more people at home during this time and more time on their hands to work on projects around the house, the Build a Stronger Deck video series is the perfect solution for those looking to complete their “honey-do-list.” This series goes over the appropriate options and standard solutions for safe post bases. The second episode in this exciting series covers deck ledger installation and is followed by a string of engaging content that reviews good to know tips such as how to install beams, joists, guard posts, stair stringers, and deck boards.  The last episode in Simpson Strong-Tie’s YouTube video series will discuss the selection process of choosing the best anchors and fasteners to attach hangers, joists, and angles to deck ledgers and railings. 

Simpson Strong-Tie is airing brand new episodes of the Build a Stronger Deck series on their YouTube channel throughout the summer. With the tips and tools you receive from tuning in to these detailed videos, you’ll have your new deck up just in time to fire up the grill this summer and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can also take a look at deck center on their website for more in-depth information and content such as ideas and inspiration, the planning and building process, and safety and maintenance to ensure that not only your deck looks aesthetically pleasing, but that you have taken all of the necessary precautions to ensure that it is safe and sturdy.

The Christmas holiday is finally over and you’ve probably got plenty of excess wrapping paper leftover that will most likely collect dust for another year. But it doesn’t have to! You can easily use again, just not in the most conventional ways. Rather than letting rolls of wrapping paper take up space in your garage or storage closet, there are many alternative ways to make use of it. if you're looking to revamp your home, a great and affordable way to decorate is to do it with wrapping paper! We’re sharing four ways to decorate with leftover wrapping paper.

Line bookshelves 

Turn a drab bookshelf into eye candy by lining them with fun gift wrap. This may even encourage you to pull a few more books off of the shelf this year!

Line your kitchen and bathroom drawers

You can save a few dollars by lining the drawers in your home with your leftover wrapping paper that you already have. If you’re not too fond of the traditional green and red designs, you can always grab different colors and designs at your local Walmart or Target. This adds a fun little pop to your kitchen, bathroom, and dresser drawers.

Fill empty photo frames

Decorate the blank walls in your home with a few picture frames from the dollar store with your wrapping paper. This is a very affordable and unique way to create an eye capturing piece in any room in your home.

Cover your lamp shades

Add a little pizazz to your lampshades with fun colors and designs that will add to the room’s flow.

Whatever you decide to do with your leftover gift wrapping paper, make sure you’re having fun while doing it. Get creative and think outside the box. The possibilities are endless!

There are many benefits to having indoor plants.  Plants can boost your mood, productivity, concentration, and creativity. They also can reduce stress, fatigue, and the common cold. Plants can clean indoor air by absorbing toxins increasing humidity and producing oxygen. Your indoor plants are also great for bringing in color and life to your living space. The best part of adding greenery to your home is that it’s an affordable way to decorate. If you’re looking to liven up your humble abode, we’ve created the perfect list of simple ways to decorate with the use of plants.

Place your plants on display with shelving

Place your prized leafy babies on display with simple shelving that is sure to catch the eye. Use a simple bookcase that you already have or install a few floating shelves on the walls.

Take advantage of your window seal

One of the most common places to put a plant in your home is the ledge of a window. There’s typically an ample amount of sunlight and a great way to view your new addition. 

Consider using potted paper plants

For those who don’t quite have that green thumb, paper plants are the perfect alternatives! No water needed. You can either purchase your paper plants online or make it a DIY project! Your guests will never know the difference.

Spice it up with some fun pots and planters

Make decorating with your plants less drab with fun pots that match your décor! Choose a few cool pots and planters with funky designs that will accentuate your gorgeous greenery. Another option is to pick up a few terracotta pots, grab some paint and have at it to give your pots a personal touch. Or get creative and try placing a few plans in a couple of soup cans. Of course, you might want to eat the soup first. 

Hang your plants in style!

For an extra touch of flair, consider using a macramé hanging plant holder. These can be purchased or made by hand. This is a great option to include greenery in a small space. Install a few hooks in your ceiling and hang away! You can also place your hanging plants in your entryways, patio and balcony areas. 

Fill in those empty spaces

Adding a simple plant or two or three is a great solution for those empty spaces in your home that you just can’t seem to fill. Throw in a nice Yucca plant or a Fiddle leaf fig or scale down a few sizes and place a few Ferns, Succulents, or Air Plants in your space.

Use a rolling cart

If you don’t already have one, grab a bar cart from your local thrift store or Target or Walmart and fill it with all of your favorite small house plants. The awesome part about this is that it’s on wheels. You can easily move your plants from room to room if you ever change your mind about their position in the home.

No matter how you decide to decorate your home, make sure to put your special touch on it and be creative. Choose plants and pottery that reflect your personality and style.

We all fantasize about upgrading our home - but, the thought of overspending almost always turns our dream into a nightmare. According to today’s home improvement shows, the only way around spending a small fortune on DIY home upgrades is to dedicate a minimum of 40 hours a week to DIY projects. Most of us have been scared into thinking that we simply don’t have the time or the money to take on meaningful home improvement projects. However, there are many easy ways to upgrade your home when you’re on a budget! The following five tips will help you turn your house into your dream home and save money and time while doing it.

Add a tile backsplash to your bathroom or kitchen.  

A tile backsplash makes for a gorgeous statement piece - but they’re expensive and require professional installation, right? Nope! Thanks to products like Smart Tile, you can add a professional-looking tile backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom in minutes. Smart Tiles are adhesive sheets that come in many colors and designs and feature an adhesive backing that allows you to quickly install a jaw-dropping tile backsplash without any experience or expertise. 

Give your kitchen cabinets a makeover.

Cabinets define the look and feel of a kitchen, so a simple cabinet makeover will completely transform your kitchen and make it look brand new. Instead of replacing your cabinets, here are a few cheap and easy cabinet upgrades to give your kitchen a custom look:

• Add task lighting or up-lighting with light strips

• Add etched glass door inserts

• Replace the old hardware with modern (or vintage) pulls and handles

• Install crown molding to the top of the cabinets

• Remove the cabinet doors completely

• Apply a fresh coat of paint

Apply fresh caulk in the bathroom.

Facing old, deteriorating caulk in a bathroom is a terrible experience for homeowners everywhere. Over time, your floor begins to look grimy, as the once-white caulk becomes brown and flakes away to leave space for mold and mildew. Thankfully, it is cheap and simple to apply a fresh layer of caulk in order to refresh the look of your bathroom.  

Add texture to your walls with 3D peel-and-stick wall panels. 

Instead of hanging a painting, use adhesive 3D wall panels to add a unique statement to any wall. The trendy panels come in various designs and will breathe life into any room. Plus, the simple peel-and-stick design allows you to apply them or remove them in a single afternoon without damaging your walls.

Renew worn-out floors with paint. 

An easy way to bring personality back into a room is to paint your wood and vinyl floors. Use your favorite paint colors to create a large checkered pattern or keep it simple with a single color that will balance out your walls - either way, using floor paint is a great way to refresh dull floorboards and impress guests.

Your home holds a great deal of value in your life - aside from an investment, your home acts as a sanctuary for you and your loved ones to live, love, laugh, cry, and grow. With the significance of your home as both an asset and as the place you and your family lay your heads, it is important that you continuously make upgrades to your house. Many people believe that money is what stands in the way of upgrading to their dream home, however, there are numerous ways to renovate your home on a budget. So, if you want to make some serious home renovations, but don’t want to spend a fortune, use this list of the best ways to upgrade your home on a budget.

So, you’ve just gained the title of “homeowner” and the stress and anxiety of the home buying processes are finally over with. Now, what do you do? Don’t think that the work is done once you sign the dotted line. There are a few steps you should make after the home buying process that will make your life a little easier. We’ve got 10 helpful tips below to help you along the way.

Change the locks

Many people don’t think about taking this step when purchasing a home. With all of the open houses, realtors, and past homeowners trafficking through the home, you never know who may possess an extra set of keys or even the garage door opener. The cost to change the locks is minimal compared to both your peace of mind and the possibility of a break-in. When changing your locks, be sure to replace the hardware as well.

It’s also best to wait until the day after closing to schedule a locksmith to come out to make this change. You never know how closing can go. Sometimes it can drag on for a few more days than expected and you want to make sure that the entire deal is finalized before changing your locks.

Set up your utilities

This is probably everyone’s least favorite part about having their own living space when it’s apartment living or being a homeowner. It’s time to set up those utilities and pay deposits.

Say hello to your new neighbors

A bowl of jello or a plate of fresh-baked cookies is not required for this step. We’re not living in the ’60s, but it’s still nice to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. It’s great to form a relationship with the people you live next to. You’ll see them on a daily basis leaving and coming in and in most cases, it’s a great way to look out for one another’s homes when you’re away or form a carpool when the kids go to school.

Put your mortgage documents in a safe place

All of your documents may already be saved somewhere in the cloud or right in your email and that’s great! We may be in a new age with technology, but it’s always a good idea to make hard copies of your official mortgage documents and place them in a safe place for future reference. If for some reason, you cannot access your documents on a computer, you’ll always have a backup copy in hand.

Give your home a good deep clean

The best time to give your house a deep clean is when it’s completely empty. You won’t be able to see every spot, stain, or spider web with your house fully furnished. Take the time out to steam clean the carpets, buff the floors, wash windows, and deep clean in and around your appliances before your home becomes lived in with the day to day wear and tear. If you prefer to do it yourself, that’s great and you’ll save a few dollars, but there’s also nothing wrong with hiring a professional to get the job done and save some time.

Purchase a home warranty

A home warranty is a service contract that will repair or replace things around your home like a broken dishwasher. A warranty on your home may have come with the purchase of your home, but be sure to read the fine print. If you find that you may need extra security with another warranty, take the steps to do so.

Set aside an emergency fund

It may not sound very appealing to start yet another savings fund after shelling out the last of your savings on your new home, but this is a very important part of homeownership. Now that you’re a homeowner, there is no longer a maintenance man to fix the garbage disposal and there’s no leasing office to complain to. When something goes wrong, it’s up to you to fix it, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and has a few dollars stashed away for emergency purposes only.

Create a maintenance plan

The same way you have a maintenance plan for yourself when it comes to routine salon visits, dental appointments, and doctor visits, you should also have a maintenance plan for your home. Keeping a plan in place will prevent future problems around the house like the A/C going out in the summer or a pipe bursting in the middle of the night potentially flooding your brand new floors. Keep important numbers handy for your homes maintenance repairs.  Keep track of how long your warranties are for your major appliances and schedule “checkups” routinely to ensure everything is in good shape. 

We hope you find these tips helpful as you get settled into your new residence. 

As the weather is beginning to warm up, so are those home sales. There’s nothing worse than attempting to purchase your first home without prior knowledge of what steps to take. Grab your wishlist and use these five tips to help you prepare to buy your new home this spring.

1. Get rid of your debt and clean up your credit 

The number one thing you need to do in preparation for purchasing your first home is to clear up your debt. You’ll find it much easier to save money toward your new home as you pay down your debt. You’ll also find that you’ll have better buying options with less debt and a better credit rating.

2. Make a wishlist that’s realistic

You probably have a list already made up of all the must-have features and amenities that you just can’t live without in your new house.  The gourmet kitchen and spa-like bathroom you’ve seen on television may not exactly come in your budget or be in the neighborhood you’ve got your eyes set on. Make sure to do your research on both what you can afford and what the areas you’d like to live in have to offer. Think about revising your wishlist and compromising in some areas. The home you select may not come with granite countertops or hardwood floors, but you can make it a DIY project and save a few dollars along the way.

3. Hire a licensed real estate agent

Whether it’s your first time around searching for a home, or you are in need of an upgrade for your growing family, hiring a licensed real estate agent is always your best bet.  Do your research and find the best realtor for your needs. They are more equipped than you will be when it comes to tackling the hard stuff during the buying process.

It is also a plus to hire an agent that is a neighborhood specialist. When you have an idea of the specific area that you would like to move to, an agent that specializes there is truly beneficial when choosing the perfect home for you and your family. 

4. Get preapproved by a local lender

To ensure that you have a smooth loan process, make it a point to get preapproved by a local lender. Avoid applying for loans with online lenders or lenders outside of your local area. Offers that are received from a local lender will most likely get preference when purchasing a new home. This will also help in having a timely closing and smooth process. Local lenders have a better reputation for closing on time. They will also ensure that they give you the best service because they want you to refer their business to others within the local community.

5. Don’t hold off too long on making a bid

Making a bid on your first home can be a difficult decision. If you come across the perfect home during your search, try not to hesitate too long to make an offer. Your dream home may not be available for long. Home prices typically begin to rise during the warmer months, so there would be little chance of the home you want decreasing in price.

As you take the steps to prepare to buy your first home, take these tips into consideration and always do your research as well as seek professional help to ensure that you’re making the best decisions for your investment.  

Without doing your research, it may seem like the only major step in the home buying process is to find the home of your dreams.  There is so much more to the journey of becoming a new homeowner and it can be easy to make a few mistakes along the way.  Here are 4 major mistakes to avoid when purchasing your first home.  

1. Emptying your savings 

You’ve worked hard for your money and worked even harder to save every dime for the ultimate goal of one day purchasing a new home.  Where would your finances be if every penny went into your new home purchase and you were forced to begin the process of saving all over again?

Be sure to save enough money to cover both the expected and unexpected costs of buying your first home.  This will include your down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, and cost of possible repairs. Don’t rush the process of buying a home if you are not ready financially.  Take your time to become financially prepared and save as much as you can. This is a lifetime investment.  You should be able to have a little breathing room when it’s all said and done.  Who wants to eat Top Ramen in their brand new gourmet kitchen?

2. Not taking advantage of first-time home buyer programs

First time home buyer programs can provide you with so much knowledge prior to going through the home buying process.  It is very beneficial to spearhead the process head first with as much knowledge as possible. Make sure to take all of the necessary steps to ensure that you are fully equipped to proceed in the home buying process and take advantage of the free recourses that are available to you.

3. Thinking a home inspection is not needed

Some buyers want to save a few dollars by not having an official home inspection completed prior to purchasing which in turn puts them in a position where they are actually spending much more than they initially expected. 

Real estate agents see this type of thing happening more often than not.  In today’s climate, many home buyers are more interested in closing in on a home before someone else does.

Avoid falling through a rabbit hole of ongoing repairs because you were blindsided by a nice paint job.  Be sure to include the price of a professional home inspector into your home buying budget so that there are no surprises or hiccups on your journey to becoming a homeowner.  Think about it.  You’ll have to get an inspector either way, so why not start off right. 

4. Making decisions based on your emotions

House hunting can be a very joyous experience. You can easily fall in love with that claw foot bathtub in the master bathroom or the stainless steel appliances in the gourmet kitchen.  Leading with your emotions rather than common sense and your budget in mind can place you in a difficult position when making wise decisions.  The home may seem perfect at first glance, but there may be underlying issues that may come up down the line that you may not be prepared for. When making decisions based on how you feel rather than what you know, you may find yourself trying to make your budget fit the house rather than the house fit the budget.   You can put yourself in a bind when spending more money than you can actually afford.  Try your best not to allow your emotion to guide these important decisions. 

All and all, be mindful of each step you take during your home buying journey.  Be prepared and gain the knowledge it takes to make smart moves when closing the deal on the home of your dreams. 

As you begin to set your goals for the New Year to refresh your way of living, don’t forget to include your living space on that list as well.  It’s common to make changes with your physical activity, eating habits, and finances, but leave your living space in the exact same state it has always been. Giving your home a slight makeover can provide you with a better outlook on life and assist you with accomplishing those goals even more so.  Think of it like buying new workout clothes to motivate you to exercise more.  Switching up the Feng shui in your home can give you that same energy.  So, here are a few home décor trends to implement as you step into the New Year.

Change out that headboard with a Canopy 

Enhance the room you spend the most time in by adding a four-post canopy to your bed.  Begin and end your day in a picturesque oasis with only the slightest of change in décor.

Add a backsplash that pops

A bold backsplash speaks volumes in a kitchen that may lack a little flair. Add personality to a minimalist kitchen with touches of color and texture that peek through behind the cabinetry. 

Keep the white space and add a touch of color

All white spaces are still in, but the new addition to this trend in 2019 is including hints of color throughout the space using the 90/10 rule.  Take a blank canvas of a once 90% white room and add in 10% of color in the form of décor, pieces of furniture, or even an accent wall creating vibrant vocal points. 

Put down the paintbrush and add wallpaper

Pull in both color and texture to the walls in your home with the addition of agate wallpaper.  Agate wallpaper consists of an organic textural pattern that is sure to add depth to any room design.

Bring concrete inside the home

This year, concrete will make appearances beyond the driveway and inside of the home in a major way.  You can create a more industrial modern look with large forms of concrete in the form of flooring, walls, bathtubs, and sinks.  If you’re looking to add smaller touches of texture, add concrete pieces in the form of planters, shelves, and even candle holders that still make a statement.

Whatever trends you decide to revamp within 2019, be sure that they reflect your own personal style.  Leave a touch of personality in your living space and allow it to inspire you to proceed through the year ready to accomplish all of your goals.