Home improvements can raise the value of your property, impact your mood and even enhance your health

THAT ENHANCE HEALTH

There are numerous ways a home in poor condition can a ect its occupants. In some cases, necessary upgrades can be lifesaving or boost the healthy livability of a space.

If your home is older, it’s especially crucial to analyze it for safety conditions that may be impacting your and your family’s health.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead paint in residential properties in 1977. Asbestos is another hazardous material used in insulation, drywall, fl oor tiles and cement.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the substance was banned to manufacture, distribute or process in 1989. If your home was built before this time, it’s imperative to hire an expert to determine if dangerous wall covering or insulation is present and prepare a strategy to remove it safely.

Check out these other dangerous conditions that may be found within the place you call home as recommended by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

COOL INDOOR TEMPERATURES

It’s crucial that your HVAC system and home’s insulation is operating correctly to warm and cool your house. The National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that low indoor temperatures can lead to these serious health conditions.  Infl ammation of lungs and circulation inhibition.  Increased risks of respiratory illnesses like asthma.  Cardiovascular damage like heart disease, stroke and even death.

If you have trouble staying warm during the winter, consider talking to your electricity company about performing an energy audit. They can easily analyze your home to fi nd out where you’re losing heat and recommend steps to correct the problem.

PEST INFESTATIONS

Homes that are infested with pests and rodents have a risk of more than just degraded structural integrity. Inhabitants are also exposed to harmful bacteria when these nuisances are present.

If your property is overrun with pests, don’t be embarrassed to call a professional exterminator. Check out these statistics from the National Pest Management Association to realize you are not alone in the struggle.  Nearly 30% of American homeowners have had a rodent problem in their home.  Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually.  About 63% of homes contain cockroach allergens, which can cause severe allergic reactions  One in fi ve households have had a bug infestation or know someone who battled an infestation.

ADD A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

The cooler weather of fall can be a great time to update the exterior of your home with a fresh coat of paint. Here are some tips from HGTV on how to get your home looking great in no time.

Step 1: Clean it up

You can’t put paint over dirt. Get the best coverage by removing dirt and debris from your house using a pressure washer. Work from the top to bottom, overlapping each stroke.

Step 2: Repair

While you’re washing, make note of any damage to wood, brick, stucco or siding. Use epoxy filler to cover cracks or holes. Once the filler is dry, lightly sand it using medium-grit sandpaper.

Step 3: Remove loose paint

Scrape or sand loose paint off the surfaces around your home before painting.

Step 4: Caulk the trim

Fill any gaps between the house and trim around your doors and windows using caulk made for exterior finishes. Caulk wherever different materials meet.

Step 5: Cover stains

Put a coat of stain-blocking primer over any stains to help your paint cover it.

Step 6: Protect

Keep those doors, windows and lights clean. Cover anything you don’t want painted with plastic sheeting and tape.

Step 7: Paint!

Here’s the fun part. Load a

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paint sprayer with your chosen exterior paint (pick a flat or eggshell finish for the best look). Work your way from top to bottom, moving smoothly and overlapping your strokes, just like you did when you power washed. If your color is very different from what’s already on the house, you may need a coat of primer, too. Talk to the professionals at your local paint store for advice.

Step 8: Paint the trim

Remove the plastic sheeting and get to your windows and doors using an exterior semigloss paint and a paintbrush. Use drop cloths to make clean up easier.

Step 9: Touch up

After you get everything cleaned up, walk around your house and touch up any sur faces that may have gotten missed or scratched during the process. Then, sit back and enjoy your fresh curb appeal.

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