DECEMBER 6, 2017 • Volume 12 • Issue 49
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TIPS OF THE WEEK CLEANING
CREDIT AND HOMEBUYING
How to clean grout using ingredients you already have
Learn how credit affects the homebuying process
To clean tile grout at home using ingredients you likely already have on hand, consider these tips from bobvila.com. • Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. Spray on the grout, let it stand for five minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. • Cover grout lines with a paste of baking soda and water, then spray on the vinegar solution listed above. Once the mixture stops foaming, scrub with a brush and rinse with plain water.
Whether you have experience buying homes or are about to buy your first home, it’s important to review how credit impacts the buying process. To get a home loan that has the lowest interest rate usually requires that you have a higher credit score. This demonstrates that you are skilled at managing debt and are less of a risk to the lender, according to credit scoring model company VantageScore Solutions. Before you go to your first open house, check your credit score to better gauge your finances and get you on the path to owning a home.
SECURITY DIY home security alternatives
IMPROVEMENTS Tips to stay within your home-improvement budget
A survey by Strategy Analytics found many Americans are interested in home security but dislike the high costs associated with major security system providers. To keep your budget in line when tackling a home-improvement project, follow A DIY home security system could be a solution, according to Lowe’s. these tips from Oakley Construction. DIY systems offer the same components and monitoring as professionally • Do your homework beforehand to know what bills to expect. installed ones, but without the costs of pro installation and long-term contracts. • If the total cost of the project is terrifying, see if the project can be done pieceThey can be customized for your needs with the exact combination of compo- meal. Handling — and paying for — smaller portions will make it easier on you nents you desire.They also allow you to monitor and control the system remotely and your budget. through a mobile device. • Unexpected costs can arise in any project, so set your budget 20 percent above what you initially projected and you’ll be ready for any unexpected surprise. — Brandpoint
LAUNDRY ROOM Upping the wow factor Here a few ways AskForPurple.com and TV personality and award-winning interior designer Anitra Mecadon recommends to ramp up the wow factor of your laundry room: • “Smart” appliances offer allergen cycles, less noise, moisture sensors and more. • Laundry rooms can be decorated to complement other rooms in your home. Check out Pinterest and Houzz to spark your creativity. • In addition to washing and drying — sorting, folding, hanging and ironing all need their own space, supplies and storage.
VISUALHUNT
YARD WORK Trim trees to avoid damage Look for weak trees or those with dead branches, particularly those near your home. As snow accumulates, the weight may bring down a tree or branches, potentially damaging your house. Eliminate this risk by removing any dead trees or dangerous b�anchesnow before the first snow. Be safe by using the proper equipment for tree trimming and removal, or, consider hiring a pro to do so. Handling this issue now could prevent costly damage to your home down the road.
WIKIPEDIA
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How to winterize
Winterizing your home often seems to conflict with the healthful lifestyle you aspire to — potentially impairing your indoor air quality and increasing fire hazards and other safety issues.
By Laura Firzst Networx
Winterizing your home often seems to conflict with the healthful lifestyle you aspire to — potentially impairing your indoor air quality and increasing fire hazards and other safety issues. So how do you get your home ready for winter and at the same time keep yourself and your family healthy?
Try eco-friendly insulation
PIXABAY
Tips to keep your home healthy, safe when the temp drops
in place. Did you know you can install a permanent filter to eliminate wasteful disposables? Then just clean the filter once a month throughout the season of heavy furnace use. If you suffer from allergies, wear a breathing mask while doing so. Clean your ductwork Winterize your home by having dust, pet hair, and mold removed from your ductwork. This keeps your HVAC system from circulating unhealthy contaminants.
Here’s a basic principle for winterizing the house: Keep icy air out of your home by insulating your attic, Take care of your chimney basement, and/or crawlspace. Stay healthy by choosClean your flue of any creosote and debris before ing insulation materials like cellulose, that don’t offgas you start using your fireplace or woodstove this volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may be winter. This is important for 2 health-related reasons: harmful to human health. 1) reducing fire hazard and 2) safeguarding indoor air quality. When you’re not using the chimney, stop icy Have your HVAC inspected drafts with a chimney balloon or chimney sheep. As winter approaches, make sure your furnace, gas Improve indoor air quality fireplace, or other home heating system is running efficiently and safely. Call in an HVAC professional With your home sealed up tight in winter, indoor air for a tune-up and any necessary repairs. quality is likely to suffer … unless you take measures to ventilate your home. A heat recovery ventilation Find a better furnace filter system can be a very practical tool to winterize your Keep your furnace running efficiently while you home in colder climates; it is designed to admit fresh breathe freer by always having a fresh furnace filter air and exhaust stale indoor air without wasting heat.
Install a smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm. These two simple, affordable items are must-have safety devices for your home, especially in winter. If you already have them installed, good for you. Don’t just stop there, though — check the batteries today. Then test the unit itself and replace if necessary.
Take care with a generator Power outages can be disastrous in winter, particularly if your household includes cold-sensitive individuals such as small children, invalids, or elderly members. An important part of winterizing your house might be purchasing an electrical generator to back up your electrical supply. Install outdoors, at least 20 feet away from the building.
Have a fire safety plan Crackling log fires, glowing candles, and holiday lights are all a part of winter cheer. Unfortunately, they are also winter fire hazards. Prepare your home for a safe and cozy season – make a fire safety plan with your family before an emergency happens. Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure you know exactly how to use it, fast and effectively. — Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.
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