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5 Home Projects

There’s only so much Netflix you can watch before you start getting restless. Renovating your entire home or yard isn’t likely right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some great changes while you’re at home. Here are five home projects that the whole family can do together: Straighten, Fix, or Redo Your Wall Decorations From TVs to artwork to photos, wall decor becomes crooked after a while. Take a moment to stroll through the house and straighten them all up; it makes a big difference in the overall look of your home. If you’re feeling especially motivated, take down all of your old decor and rearrange it, or create a new gallery by moving art around the house to keep things fresh. Rearrange the Furniture One of the easiest ways to freshen up your home is by rearranging your furniture. Try moving the couch to another wall, adjust your armchair, or mix and match prints from another room. This is a great way to introduce your kids to interior design and home projects, so let them take the lead on this project. Touch Up Your Paint Most of us have at least a few cans of paint stowed...

4 Ways to Smarten Up Your Home

Your home just got smarter, and more efficient. With smart home technology, you can control cooling, heating, doorbells, locks, and lighting from the comfort of your smartphone. Smart technology isn’t just a way to make your life easier, but also a way to save energy, strengthen security, and differentiate your home on the market when you decide to sell. The convenience, luxury, and security smart technology creates can change your life forever, for the best. To help get you started, we’ve highlighted some essential smart upgrades for your home below. Thermostat A thermostat may seem like the most basic feature of the home, but it has a large impact on your energy bills and overall comfort. Half of your monthly energy costs are controlled by your thermostat, and a smart thermostat can reduce your energy expenditure greatly. What if you could use your phone to tell your thermostat you were on your way home? Or what if your thermostat could sense your proximity and calculate the exact time to make your home warm and cozy when you arrive? A smart thermostat can learn these household’s patterns and adjust heating and cooling according to when the home is occupied or not....

Building a Deck – What To Plan For

Whether you’re looking for another DIY home project or you simply want to add a deck to your house for functional purposes, the process is completely doable and enjoyable no matter your handyman abilities. Depending on the type and design of deck you want, there are variations in the procedure. In addition, you should consider your needs and your lifestyle before beginning the design process. Planning Your Deck Before diving right into the construction process, it’s important to consider the type of deck you want, what function you want it to serve, the size you can afford, and your budget. It’s a smart idea to start small, and then if down the road you decide you want to upgrade the size and quality of building materials, you can. Will the deck be a simple aesthetic piece, or will it be a frequent place of gathering for your large extended family? You should also consider the current layout of your yard — trees, bushes, patio space, etc. — before creating a game plan. Size and Shape A common homeowners’ rule of thumb is that the deck size should be no more than 20% of the size of the house. If you...

5 Home Projects

4 Ways to Smarten Up Your Home

Building a Deck – What To Plan For

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