Four 2013 Home Improvement Trends to Watch

Prior to the decline in the housing market, homeowners were focused on supersizing their homes and installing over-the-top upgrades fit for shows like the “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” While homeowners have not completely fallen out of love with McMansions, they have turned their attention more to function (how they really live in their homes) by asking themselves: “Do we really need more space, or do we need to reconfigure our existing space?”

These home improvement trends for 2013 continue on this path to practicality:

Open Floor Plans: With the average home in the United States at least 30 years old, there are many floor plans that need updating to align with how homeowners actually live in their homes in the 21st century.  Homeowners are aligning form and function by connecting the kitchen (what has become the heart of the home) to adjoining eating, drinking, and socializing areas. They are also modernizing other areas of the home and making changes that accommodate multigenerational households.

Energy Efficient Upgrades: Instead of making a series of energy efficient upgrades one at a time, homeowners are taking a ‘wholistic’ approach and making them at the same time so these upgrades can work together to provide the most benefit.  This ‘wholistic’ approach allows homeowners to increase their home’s performance and comfort while maximizing their energy and financial savings.

Aging in Place: There is no place like home for vibrant older homeowners who want to maintain their independence and stay in their homes instead of going to a nursing or retirement home. In anticipation of potential decreased mobility, these homeowners are making the appropriate alterations to their homes for increased safety and accessibility.  A few examples of these alterations include, but are not limited to:
*    Barrier-free entryways that help eliminate tripping and make it easier to gain access to your home if confined to a wheelchair, crutches or a walker
*    Roll-in showers with height adjustable handheld and fixed showerheads
*    Ample clearance beneath bathroom and kitchen counters

Low Maintenance Yards: The reality is that lawns require a lot of care.  Water-wise homeowners are eliminating their lawns altogether and replacing them with plants native to their region.  Or, for those not ready to eliminate their lawn, they are maintaining a small lawn as an accent area, instead of having a lawn that dominates the yard. By doing so, they’re saying good-bye to high water bills.

Resource: eHow.com

January Home Improvement: Weekend Projects

Tips to get your home in tip top shape for the season

The holidays are over and the New Year has begun. January is the time to get cracking on lots of little winter home improvement projects, avoiding big winter woes later on. Here's where to start.

WEEKEND #1: Put Away Holiday Decorations

The holidays are officially over, so January's first weekend is the perfect time for a home improvement project: putting away those sparkly decorations. Remove all of your holiday decorations and while you are taking them down, examine them for any damages. Check to make sure all the lights are working, replace any burned out bulbs and make certain the holiday season has not caused wires to fray. This January weekend is the best time to make sure your lights will be in good working order next season. Plus if any damage is found, you can replace them while they are still 50% off!

To store your holiday lights, cut some cardboard into 12 by 9 pieces and wrap the lights around it to keep them tidy and at the ready for next year. Be sure to store decorative items in clear plastic bins so you know exactly what is in there, and to be sure moisture does not deteriorate any of the cheer. Place all stored items at the back of your storage area to allow the current seasonal items to be accessible.

WEEKEND #2: Fix Unsightly Wall or Ceiling Cracks

By now you have spent some time indoors due to the wintry weather, and you have no doubt noticed a few cracks here and there. This January weekend is a good time to repair them. Here are a couple of tips to help. If you see cracks where your walls meet the ceiling, don't worry.  While unsightly, they pose no structural risk. These cracks are just from the normal expansion and contraction of your house where two pieces of drywall meet. You might notice cracks in either ceiling or wall seams. This cracking can happen anywhere pieces of drywall meet and is normally caused by the joint compound over the seam drying out.

To fix these unsightly cracks, start by removing the old piece of drywall tape. This is going to cause some damage to the surrounding area but will ultimately allow you to make a repair that will stand the test of time. Next, apply a continuous piece of meshy fiberglass drywall tape over the joint.  Then apply a thin layer of joint compound using a wide spackle knife and let dry. Continue to apply layers, allowing each to set before applying the next. You can apply three layers, and on your last layers, use a narrow spackle knife. Once the tape is fully covered, sand the area using a fine sand sponge or paper to smooth the texture of the wall or ceiling, and then repaint.

If you see cracks along your crown moulding and the ceiling, you can easily fix those cracks with a latex paintable caulk. Be sure to smooth the bead of caulk with your finger. Once dry, you can paint the caulk to match the trim if necessary.

WEEKEND #3: Clean Tile And Grout

Whether it is used for floors, backsplashes or walls, grout is possibly everywhere in your home. Grout does not have to be darker than it was when first applied. Here are some home improvement tips to get dirty grout clean and bright once more and do a little something to help it stay that way.

The type of tile you have and the amount of discoloration on your grout is going to determine how you clean it. If you have an unglazed tile, you want to always use a natural cleanser; glazed tiles allow you to work with a stronger chemical cleanser. You can use a homemade solution of baking soda and a bit of water. Make a paste of the baking soda and water and apply with a toothbrush, working in small areas so the baking soda doesn't dissolve and loose its abrasiveness. Rinse the area with water once you are done cleaning the grout. 

For more stubborn stains on your grout, use diluted bleach before bringing in chemical striper for the most difficult projects. Once the grout is clean and thoroughly dried, apply a grout sealer, epoxy or acrylic, which is going to help the grout to not absorb any dirt and stains. Do it once, do it right, and your grout will look as nice as your tile for the long haul.

WEEKEND #4: Lubricate and Eliminate Squeaks and Creaks

Does old man winter have your joints aching this January? No doubt it has the joints of your home aching and creaking as well. If you notice any doors that are not opening as smoothly or sliding the way they used to, that is an easy fix. Grab some WD-40 and attack the working parts of those creaky doors. Lubricate the hinges and the sliding tracks to help smooth out the sticky situation.

You can also lubricate the hinges on medicine cabinets and kitchen cabinets with WD-40. Also, every so often, place WD-40 on your key and slide it into the lock to keep those parts working. Once you start you will find yourself working to lubricate just about anything that opens. That's okay, home improvement addictions are perfectly allowed!

Resource: The Money Pit

10 easy, New Year's resolutions for the eco-slacker

These resolutions will help you save money, cut your carbon footprint and decrease your home's waste.

Going to farmers markets and becoming a weekend vegetarian are two easy green lifestyle changes you can make in the new year. (Photo: JohnnyRokkit/Flickr)

It's easy to think about all the big changes you're going to make in the New Year as the old year comes to an end — but by the second week of January, most of us are already finding reasons to skip the gym or break the spending freeze. That's why we've come up with ten green New Year's resolutions so easy you'll have no excuse not to keep them — and as they help you save money, cut your carbon footprint, decrease your home's waste stream, and improve the quality of the Earth, you'll be glad you did.

1. Never buy bottled water again

Trade your bottled water habit for an at-home filtering pitcher and you can help make a dent in the 1.5 million barrels of oil used to make plastic water bottles each year; pair it with a reusable bottle (like one made of glass, aluminum, or recycled plastic), and you'll always be prepared to tackle your thirst. Bonus: With bottled water no longer on your shopping list, you could save as much as $1,400 this year.

2. Brew your own Fair Trade coffee

Carrying your own coffee in an insulated travel mug helps you reduce waste from cardboard cups and carrying sleeves — which are thrown away at a staggering rate of 58 billion each year. For greener at-home brewing, choose a Fair Trade blend that supports farmers; add organic milk instead of artificial creamers; and try a French press (instead of a traditional brewer) to save electricity.

3. Remember your reusable bags

With more than 1 million plastic bags ending up in the trash every minute, taking reusable bags to the store is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint — but the hardest part about using them is simply remembering to take them with you. A set like this one from Blue Avocado is almost impossible to forget: It comes with six different bags, sized for everything from frozen goods to fresh fruit, and the entire collection folds down into a slim packet for easy transport.

4. Cut back on paper towels

If you're grabbing a paper towel for everything from wiping up spills and cleaning your counter to scrubbing the bathroom and keeping your hands clean at dinner, it's time to make a change. Instead, invest in a few cotton cloths and some fabric napkins; then drop them in the wash when you run a load of laundry. Using the cloth alternatives is just as easy as using the paper versions, and you only need to buy them once — plus you can help eliminate the 3,000 tons of paper towels that end up landfills every day.

5. Use a bike for short trips

It takes a certain amount of dedication to permanently give up a car in favor of a bike, but even an eco-slacker can make it work for short trips that don't require hauling a lot of stuff: picking up milk at the local grocery store, after-dinner ice cream at your favorite dessert spot, your morning yoga class, brunch with friends at the coffee shop. Ride your bike for trips shorter than 2 miles and you could cut your carbon footprint significantly, save money on gasoline and car maintenance, and increase your fitness level — all at the same time.

6. Order from your local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Going to the farmer's market always sounds like such a great idea — until Saturday morning rolls around and you realize you have to get up early, have enough cash, and fight other customers for the best strawberries. Instead, have your local CSA program do the hard part for you by putting together a box of their best produce each week — and, if you're really feeling lazy, have it delivered right to your door so you get fresh, local fruits and vegetables without giving up your lazy coffee-and-crossword mornings.

7. Become a weekend vegetarian

Cutting meat out of your diet just two days a week can decrease your carbon footprint by about 1/3 of a ton — and coming up with meat-free meals for Saturday and Sunday isn't as hard as it sounds. Try pancakes and fruit for breakfast; fresh salads or roasted vegetable sandwiches for lunch; and veggie pizza, bean soups, and creamy risottos for dinner. And since doubling a recipe rarely adds any time to your prep work, you can make extras to eat throughout the week (and trim your carbon footprint even more).

8. Eliminate phantom power

It takes approximately one second to unplug the charger for your cell phone, mp3 player, e-reader, or iPad — but if you really can't be bothered, then let nifty, energy-efficient gadgets do the work for you. Use power strips to turn off all your appliances at once; put your television, DVD player, game system, and stereo on a timer so they automatically shut off overnight; and invest in chargers that stop drawing current when the device's battery is full. You could cut your energy bill by as much as 10 percent annually — without lifting a finger.

9. Switch to green power

Switching your home to run on green power sounds like a big job — installing solar panels, geothermal energy, or a tankless hot water heater is not a job for the construction-impaired. But you can also make this happen without getting out of your chair: Call your local energy company and see if they offer renewable options (most do). You might see a small jump in your bill, but it's an easy way to make a big change.

10. Replace your lightbulbs

Replacing your lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lights may be the ultimate change for the eco-slacker. Despite all the jokes, it takes only one person to change a lightbulb — and since CFLs last longer than traditional bulbs, you'll be saving time for years down the road while cutting your energy use by as much as 80 percent. Can't even face the hardware store? Order your bulbs online and have them come straight to your door.

Resource:  Mother Nature Network

How to decide if you should buy or rent a house

We've always been told buying a house is one of the best investments you can make. But is it really?

When it comes to buying a home, there are many things to consider besides the mortgage payment.

 

 

WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU?

So before you make a down payment on your dream home, take a long, hard look at your finances and make the best decision for your situation.

More than just a mortgage

Many people think if their current rent payment equals a possible mortgage payment, then they should be putting their hard-earned money into something they can call their own. This seems like solid logic, but owning a home is much more than paying your mortgage. When you buy a house, you are first required to pony up a down payment (you'll want to lower your mortgage), which will be in the thousands. But more than that, you have to pay property tax, homeowner's insurance and shell out a lot of dough for home maintenance and repairs. All this adds up, and according to financial guru Suze Orman, when figuring out the real total of your monthly payments, you should add 40 or 45 percent of your mortgage to determine what you'll actually be spending.

Future plans

If you have the down payment and are prepared for all the extra costs, the next thing to consider is how long you plan to live in that house. If relocating is a possibility, renting is probably the best option so you won't have to go through the hassle of selling or, even worse, losing money on your investment. Job security should also be a factor when deciding what to do. If you're just out of school or if there's a possibility you could lose your job or get downsized, you might want to hold off on making such a large purchase.

Resale value

If you plan to live in your home for several years, it could be a great investment for you. But if you buy a home and try to sell it shortly thereafter, especially with the market the way it is today, you'll probably lose money. If something changes in your life and you need to make a quick exit (if you get transferred or the new job you find is in another city, for example), you might not be able to unload your house for a decent price.

Benefits of home ownership

Of course, if you have the money, plan to live in your home for years and don't foresee needing to make a quick getaway, then there are many benefits to buying a house. Not only is it a good investment, but you'll receive tax breaks, be eligible for home-equity loans, free yourself from landlords and be able to make any kind of improvements you wish, which will only add to the resale value.

Rent or buy?

Buying a house is a big decision and has many benefits, but it's also all about timing. So take a hard, realistic look at your finances and where you plan to be in the next few years. If financial planning isn't your thing, you can even consult a financial planner, who will not only give you insight on whether you can afford a house, but can help you make a plan that will allow you to do so in the future.

Resource:  Sheknows.com

Top 5 Tips for Getting Your Car Ready for Winter Driving

1. Check (and change) your coolant

Driving on worn-out coolant is a bad idea all year-round, but it's especially bad in winter. Worn coolant can freeze and destroy your engine. You can test its freeze protection level with an inexpensive gauge (less than $10) from any auto parts store. But there's more to coolant than just freeze protection. Fresh coolant prevents corrosion damage to your heater core, radiator and water pump. Once corrosion starts, the heater core plugs up and you lose heat. That repair alone can cost upward of $1,000. If you can't remember the last time you changed the coolant, change it now. It's cheap insurance against expensive repairs later.

2. Service your battery and charging system

Have a pro check and service your battery and charging system. On a cold winter night, you're likely to have all your electrical accessories (headlights, wipers, heater/defroster and rear window defogger) running at the same time. That puts tremendous stress on your vehicle's electrical system. So it's important to have clean connections and a fresh battery. Old batteries just can't the handle frequent discharge/recharge cycles and can actually cause premature alternator failure. If your battery is four years old (or older), it's living on borrowed time. Replace it now with the best battery you can afford.

3. Tune it up

In cold weather, new spark plugs and ignition wires can mean the difference between a rapid start and an engine that won't fire up. Check your owner's manual to find the manufacturer's recommendation for when to replace spark plugs. If you're within 20 percent of that mileage, change them now and enjoy better starting all winter.

4. Replace your wiper blades

The winter blade on the right is covered with a rubber boot to keep snow and ice out of the support arm.

Replace your wiper blades with "winter wiper blades." Winter blades are covered in a rubber boot that prevents snow and ice from packing inside the squeegee's support arms. So they keep your windshield clean even in heavy snow. Many newer vehicles come with beam-style blades that don't have support arms. If you have those on your vehicle, make sure they wipe without streaking. If you see streaks now, they'll only get worse as road salt and grit wear them down even more. Replace them now for better visibility.

5. Check your headlights

The UV coating on plastic headlights degrades over time and the lenses turn cloudy, reducing road illumination by 70 percent. You don't have to replace the entire headlight to see clearly again. Just buy a headlight restoration kit (about $25) at any auto parts store. Then pull out one of your low-beam headlight bulbs and examine it. The glass should be crystal clear. If you see gray or brown deposits on the inside of the bulb, it's time to change headlights. Those deposits can reduce nighttime visibility by almost 300 ft.

Resource:  The Family Handyman, Rick Muscoplat, Automotive Editor

Holiday Health and Safety Tips

The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. They are also a time to pay special attention to your health. Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips.

Wash your hands often.
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

If you don’t have tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Stay warm.
Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.

Manage stress.
The holidays don't need to take a toll on your health and pocketbook. Keep a check on overcommitment and overspending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make sure to get proper sleep.

Travel safely.
Whether you're traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive.


Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age.

Be smoke-free.
Avoid smoking and breathing other people's smoke. If you smoke, quit today! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk to your health care provider for help.

Get check-ups and vaccinations.
Exams and screenings can help find potential problems before they start. They can also help find health issues early, when the chances for treatment and cure are often times better. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Schedule a visit with your health care provider for a yearly exam. Ask what vaccinations and tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history, and family health history.

Watch the kids.
Children are at high risk for injuries. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they’re eating and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids' reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly. Develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including electronic media.

Prevent injuries.
Injuries can occur anywhere and some often occur around the holidays. Use step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations.  Leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Wear a bicycle helmet to help prevent head injuries. Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or skateboarding to help prevent head injuries. Keep vaccinations up-to-date.

Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

Handle and prepare food safely.
As you prepare holiday meals, and any meals, keep yourself and your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often.


Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.

Eat healthy, and be active.
With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Select just one or two of your favorites from the host of tempting foods.

Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

Resource:  CDC.gov