Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, and with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride. And the right kitchen design details will keep your kitchen in style long term so you likely won’t need a next kitchen remodel!

With proper planning and some creativity, you can recover a significant portion of your kitchen remodeling costs through the value the project brings to your home. That’s especially true if you incorporate classic kitchen design ideas.

A complete kitchen renovation with a national median cost of $80,000 recovers about 75% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS®.

The project gets a big thumbs-up from homeowners, too. Those polled in the report gave their new kitchen a “joy score” of 9.8 (out of 10!), a rating based on those who said they were happy or satisfied with their remodeling.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for Home Improvement

To help ensure you get a good return on your kitchen remodel, follow these seven tips:

#1 Start With a Kitchen Home Improvement Plan

Planning your kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual construction. If you plan well, you can minimize the amount of time you’re inconvenienced by construction mayhem. Plus, you’re more likely to stay on budget.

How much time should you spend planning? The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends at least six months. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction and create change orders, which will inflate construction costs and hurt your return on investment.

Some tips on planning:

Study your existing kitchen: How wide is the doorway into your kitchen? Many homeowners make the mistake of buying an extra-large fridge only to find they can’t get it in the doorway. To avoid mistakes like this, create a drawing of your kitchen with measurements for doorways, walkways, counters, etc. And don’t forget height.

Think about traffic patterns: Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.

Design with ergonomics in mind: Drawers or pull-out shelves in base cabinets, counter heights that can adjust up or down, and a wall oven instead of a range are all features that make a kitchen accessible to everyone — and a pleasure to work in.

Plan for the unforeseeable: Even if you’ve planned down to the number of nails you’ll need in your remodel, expect the unexpected. Build in a little leeway for completing the remodel. Want it done by Thanksgiving? Then plan to be done before Halloween.

Choose all your fixtures and materials before starting: Contractors will be able to make more-accurate bids, and you’ll lessen the risk of delays because of back orders. If you’re not sure what you want, opt for white. White features are always in fashion in the kitchen and are considered a classic kitchen remodeling option.

Don’t be afraid to seek help: A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Most kitchen designers charge $65 to $250 per hour, or 10% to 20% of your total project cost.

#2 Get Real About Kitchen Appliances

It’s easy to get carried away when planning your new kitchen. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle.

Appliances are essentially tools used to cook and store food. Your kitchen remodel shouldn’t be about the tools, but the design and functionality of the entire kitchen. So, unless you’re an exceptional cook who cooks a lot, concentrate your dollars on long-term features that add value, such as cabinets and flooring.

Then choose appliances made by trusted brands that have high marks in online reviews and “Consumer Reports.”

 

#3 Keep the Same Kitchen Floor Plan

Nothing will drive up the cost of a remodel faster than changing the location of plumbing pipes and electrical outlets, and knocking down walls. This is usually where unforeseen problems occur.

So, if possible, keep appliances, water fixtures, and walls in the same location. Not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction costs, you’ll cut the amount of dust and debris your project generates.

#4 Don’t Underestimate the Power of Lighting

Lighting can make a world of difference in a kitchen. It can make it look larger and brighter. And it will help you work safely and efficiently. You should have two different types of lighting in your kitchen:

1. Task lighting: Under-cabinet lighting should be on your must list, since cabinets create such dark work areas. And since you’re remodeling, there won’t be a better time to hard-wire your lights. Plan for at least two fixtures per task area to eliminate shadows. Pendant lights are good for islands and other counters without low cabinets. Recessed lights and track lights work well over sinks and general prep areas with no cabinets overhead.
2. Ambient lighting: Flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights create overall lighting in your kitchen. Include dimmer switches to control intensity and mood.

#5 Prioritize Quality in Your Kitchen Remodel

Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. If you’re planning on moving soon, products with substantial warranties are a selling advantage. Resist low-quality bargains and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods.

Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time. Flooring is another example of a feature to invest a little extra money in. In particular, hardwood flooring is a classic kitchen design choice that’s high quality and great for resale value. In fact, more than half of home buyers who purchased a home without hardwood floors say they would have paid an extra $2,080 for them, according to the “Home Features Survey” from the National Association of REALTORS®. And among buyers of any age, upward of 80% say hardwood floors are “somewhat” or “very important.”

 

 

 

A door snake is one of the quickest insulation tips. It only takes a few seconds.

A little bit of DIY home insulation can protect you from a drafty house and a scary energy bill. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air-sealing their homes and adding insulation.

Though most people ask a pro to do the big job of insulating walls and ceilings, here are some quick insulation tips you can do in 15 minutes or less.

#1 Get a Door Snake — the Simplest DIY Home Insulation Ever

Keep drafts from sneaking in with a door snake, an object you place along that crack under your door. A 1/8-inch gap can let in as much cold air as a 2.4-inch diameter hole in the exterior wall, so a door snake makes a difference.

A rolled-up blanket makes a great snake — or you can buy the real deal for less than $10.

#2 Caulk Around the Dryer and Bathroom Vents

The hole in the wall where your dryer and bathroom vents exit the house leaks air, too. Go outside and put silicon caulk on the outside edge of the vents, where it meets the wall.

You’ll also keep bugs and other critters from sneaking in through the vent gaps.

#3 Hang Heavy Curtains

Hang curtains or shades made of thick material that will keep in your expensive, man-made heat during the winter and keep out room-baking sun in the summer.

Open the drapes during sunny winter days. The light lifts your mood and heats your home.

#4 Put Weather Stripping Around Doors and Windows

Gaps around doors and windows are a top source of heat loss.

Install weather stripping — a narrow piece of metal, vinyl, rubber, or foam — around them to stop conditioned air from escaping, and outdoor air from coming in.

#5 Install Window Insulation Film

Window film adds a layer of cold-blocking plastic that reduces heat loss by around 10%. It comes in sheets you cut to size, tape to the window glass, and heat with a blow dryer to fit snugly and smoothly. It won’t block natural light, so you can have your sunshine and your insulated window, too. You can also use this on sliding glass doors.

Make sure to clean your windows first, or the adhesive on the film may not stick.

#6 Add Foam Board to Patio Doors

Cut the heat loss from that glass door by installing rigid insulation board over any doors or portions of doors you don’t use during the cold months. Cut the panel to fit the door, and slip it into the doorframe in the winter. Come spring, pop it back out.

#7 Put Insulation Sleeves on Water Heater Pipes

Keep pipes from losing heat (or worse, freezing and exploding one very cold day!), by wrapping them in a pipe sleeve. They’re strips of fiberglass insulation that fit around the pipe. You can tape them to the pipe.

Bonus: You’ll raise water temperature by two to four degrees, so you won’t have to wait as long for hot water.

#8 Wrap Your Water Heater in an Insulation Blanket

If your water heater is old or in an unheated area of your house, consider insulating your water tank. It could reduce standby heat losses by 25% to 45% and save you about 7% to 16% in water heating costs, according to Energy.gov. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets from around $20.

You’ll need to wrap a gas heater differently than you do an electric one. For safety and access reasons, different elements of each type can’t be covered. Read the instructions for your heater type carefully.

#9 Get a Fireplace Plug

Traditional fireplaces draw in as much as 300 cubic feet per minute of heated room air for combustion, then send it straight up the chimney, according to Energy.gov A fireplace plug — an inflatable piece of urethane that you stick in the hearth when you’re not using it that looks a lot like a square balloon — keeps cold air out and warm air in.

#10 Install an Attic Stairway Insulator

The door in your ceiling that leads to the attic is another source of money-sucking drafts. An attic stairway insulator (also called a stair cover) is a tent-like insert made of foam, aluminum-coated fabric, or fiberglass that you can strap or staple into the doorway.

Look for one with a zipper opening so you can crawl into the attic without pulling out the insulator.

 

Hardwood is a top choice for flooring. What options are right for you?

For years, homeowners have preferred hardwood flooring. These floors are an investment because they’re timeless and durable. On top of that, you can choose from different colors, stains, and grains to get the look you want.

Because hardwood floors are popular, they can help homes sell faster and increase your home’s value. Installing new wood flooring can recoup 118% of their cost, according to the National Association of REALTORS® “2022 Remodeling Impact Report.” That made it one of the survey’s top two interior remodeling projects for cost recovery, behind hardwood floor refinishing.

Another benefit of wood flooring is you don’t need to replace it, unlike carpet or tile flooring. Instead, you can simply resand or refurbish it, saving money over time.

Even though wood floors have so many benefits, they have a few downsides. For example, wear and tear can easily dent and scratch them, and mold, detergents, water, and termites can damage them.

If you’re considering replacing or updating your floors, follow these basics to help you find the right hardwood flooring.

Refinishing vs. New Floor Installation

A new hardwood floor has a lot of selling points, but it may not be in your budget. In that case, you can refinish your existing floors to make them look brand new without the high price tag.

If you’re unsure which way to go, have a professional look at your floors. With an objective opinion, you can more easily decide if refinishing is right for you.

Of course, if you refinish your existing floors, you’ll spend less than you would on installation. Refinishing can cost $1.50 to $5 per square foot without staining and $2 to $7 per square foot with it. But new hardwood floors run $9 to $12 per square foot.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring

In choosing the type of hardwood you want, you’ll select from engineered or hardwood flooring, and prefinished or finished on-site. You can also pick from different wood types and plank widths.

Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood planks are single pieces of wood, while engineered hardwood combines multiple layers of hardwood. Interlocking options make installing engineered hardwood easier.

Another plus for engineered hardwood floors: They reduce moisture problems you’d usually find in standard hardwood flooring.

Both types typically cost $5 to $15 per square foot.

Prefinished vs. Finished On-site

Prefinished hardwood floors are finished at a factory, and a coat of polyurethane tops each board. Site-finished hardwood is shipped to your home unfinished, and the process of sanding, staining, and sealing is done after the floor is installed.

Prefinished boards have more uniform color and staining, and some come with anti-scratch coating. But with site-finished planks, you can test and select stains and finishes that work with your interior. Many flooring experts can provide on-site guidance to help you find the best match for your home.

Unfinished boards cost less per square foot, but prefinished boards cost a bit less overall because of installation.

Wood Types: Grain and Color

Wood flooring comes in different styles and shades, including grains and light and dark colors.

Grain

The way the wood flooring is cut and sliced determines the grain. Your floor’s wood grain is like its own unique fingerprint. Because no two look alike, this feature adds character to your home. The three common types of wood grain are flat, straight, and curly.

Color

Wood flooring is available in a wide range of colors. Trending colors include beige and gray tones, natural-looking wood, and dark charcoal or black stains.

Look for wood colors that complement your home’s overall design and your lifestyle. Darker wood floors will show scuffs and scratches more easily, while wear and tear will be less visible on lighter floors.

Keep in mind that applying stains on-site will alter the natural colors of the wood. Most floor teams will help you select stains that hit your goal hues.

Plank Width

The plank width of your hardwood floors can make a world of difference in your finished floor design. You can make a room look bigger or smaller depending on the width.

If you choose wider wood planks, you’ll get a rustic or modern upscale look to your home. The wider the planks, the fewer the seams you’ll have. Wide plank flooring ranges from five inches to 12 inches.

More narrow plank flooring boards can work well in smaller spaces and add a clean, contemporary look. Standard plank widths are between three inches and 4.75 inches.

Alternatives to Hardwood Flooring

Despite wood floor advantages, they aren’t in everyone’s budget. Here are some alternatives for a great look minus the hefty price tag.

Bamboo

Bamboo flooring is a budget-friendly option that comes from the bamboo plant. The bamboo is sliced, shredded, and pressed with heat to form wood-like boards.

Pros

Bamboo floors resist pests and are durable, easy to maintain, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. They also cost much less per square foot than most solid hardwoods.

Cons

These floors react to moisture, so they’re not a good choice in a humid climate. They also may show scratches more easily, and the range of tones and finishes is more limited.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is made of multiple layers of products combined through lamination, and it resembles wood flooring.

Pros

These floors come in planks or tiles that snap together, making them easy for DIYers.

They aren’t made from trees and are extremely durable (great for high-traffic areas). Maintenance is easy, too.

Cons

Once laminate floors start to lose their sparkle, they can’t be refinished. You’ll have to replace them.

Because laminate is made with plastic and sometimes formaldehyde, it isn’t environmentally friendly.

People with chemical sensitivities should make sure that any laminates conform to health regulations.

Moisture may damage some laminate flooring, so it shouldn’t be used in bathrooms or laundry rooms.

Luxury Vinyl Planks

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is made of several layers of vinyl and often includes a layer of long-wearing urethane. It’s available in a lot of styles and resembles different species of wood, according to FixR.

Pros

Installation uses a click-lock floating process that’s easy to DIY.

You can choose from several thicknesses and qualities.

Durability makes LVP floors a good choice for homes with kids and pets.

Cons

The material used in LVP isn’t sustainable.

It likely won’t have as high a return on investment as wood floors.

Questions to Ask Your Flooring Contractor

When it comes to your home, you want information. Here are some critical questions to ask your flooring contractor so that you’re well informed before and during the installation process.

• Are you licensed and insured to install and/or finish hardwood floors?
• Can you provide references, pictures, and online reviews to support the quality of your work?
• What’s included in your flooring warranty?
• Is my subfloor suited to this installation?
• What’s the best hardwood flooring for my home?
• How long will it take to install my floor?
• What could happen to increase the installation price?
• How will you contain the dust and debris and handle the cleanup?

You can also contact a REALTOR® to get references to area contractors who have installed wood flooring. REALTORS® have information from satisfied homeowners and feedback from open house guests that will offer you a solid foundation.

 

 

Use humidity, a car product, and more ‘wow’ ideas to save cleaning time.

When cleaning your home, why not do it in such a way that’ll keep your home cleaner with less effort?

Here are 7 ways to keep your house spring-clean fresh all year long:

#1 Use Humidity to Defy Dust

Low humidity levels cause static electricity. Not only does static attract dust, it makes the dust stick, so it’s difficult to remove. High humidity causes problems, too. It’s an ideal environment for dust mites. These microscopic critters are a double threat: They’re a common allergen, and they contribute to dust production. There are as many as 19,000 dust mites in half a teaspoon of house dust, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Yuck!

What to do: Keep your home’s humidity level between 40% and 50%. That’ll eliminate static while decreasing dust mite growth.

Tip: About 80% of dirt in homes walks in from the outside. Stop dirt with a bristly doormat before it’s tracked inside.

#2 Apply a Car Product to Keep Shower Doors Scum-Free

You can eliminate soap scum buildup by coating your glass shower doors with a rain-repellent product made for car windshields. When applied to glass, these products create an invisible barrier that causes water, oils, and debris (like soap suds) to bead and roll off.

What to do: Find this product anywhere that sells basic auto supplies. You’ll know it’s time to reapply when water stops beading on shower doors. Keep in mind, windshield rain repellents were made to treat glass, not plastic, so only use them on a glass door.

Another option: Automatic shower cleaners claim to let you clean your shower and tub less frequently — like every 30 days. After you finish bathing, the gadget will douse your shower and tub with a cleanser that prevents soap scum buildup while combating mold and mildew. You can buy automatic shower cleaners at most big-brand retailers, like Target and Walmart.

#3 Seal Your Stone Countertops

Natural stone countertops, including granite and marble, are porous, so if they’re not sealed, liquids like red wine, juice, or soy sauce can stain them. A countertop sealer repels stains by causing spills to bead instead of get absorbed. Most countertops are sealed when installed, but the sealant does wear down.

What to do: To keep your countertops in tip-top shape, reapply sealer twice a year. To see if you need a fresh coat, pour a tiny bit of water on your natural stone countertop. If the water doesn’t bead or doesn’t stay beaded for two to three minutes, it’s time to reseal.

Shopping for stone countertops? Slabs with lots of swirls or veins tend to be more porous, and, therefore harder to keep clean.

#4 Use Protectants on Furniture and Carpets

Protective furniture sprays and carpet sealants, like Scotchgard and Ultra-Guard, guard against inevitable spills by causing liquids to bead on the surface instead of being absorbed.

Some of these products also protect fabrics from fading and resist mold, mildew, and bacteria.

What to do: Apply the appropriate sealer once a year after a deep upholstery and carpet cleaning.

#5 Clean Your Oven the Old-Fashioned Way

Forget oven cleaners that promise an easy job. Most cleaners give off noxious fumes and make a horrible mess. The basic ingredient in many oven cleaners is lye, which can burn your eyes and your skin; it’s usually fatal if swallowed.

What to do: Use a wet pumice stone to scrape off dirt and grease. It’s faster than oven cleaner and toxin-free.

Tip: Need to wipe your range or anything else down? You can bust filth faster by heating up a clean, damp sponge or cloth in a microwave for 30 seconds before wiping with or without a cleaning product. Put on rubber gloves before you pick up that hot sponge.

#6 Do Quick Touch-Ups

Small cleaning projects prevent filth from building up. When you spot clean daily, you can prevent smudges from staining, banish dust bunnies, and even combat allergens.

What to do: Create a spot-cleaning kit so you can address small, dirty situations in minutes.

• Cleaning pads are great for eradicating dirty fingerprints on walls and light switches.
• Damp micro-cloths can reduce airborne dander when used daily to wipe down pets.
• Dry sweeper cloths can quickly pick up dust and dry dirt off floors, shelves, and electronics.

Tip: Keep stored items cleaner longer by shutting closets, cabinets, and drawers, so circulating dust and dirt can’t get in.

#7 Update Your Light Bulbs

OK, It’s not really cleaning. But good lighting can make you and your home look and feel great — and help you spot that spill before it gets funky.

A room lit with low-wattage incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescents can look dark and dingy. “Daylight” bulbs brighten things up. These full-spectrum light bulbs mimic natural light, so they give better visual accuracy. Bonus: Like sunlight, these bulbs can boost your mood.

What to do: When shopping for bulbs, look for those marked “daylight” that have a range between 5,000 to 6,500 kelvins.

When to look for sales on mattresses, appliances, tools, furnishings, and materials.

Buying stuff can be stressful. Cheap out and you could regret it. Overspend and you’ll cut into your budget. Knowing the best time of year to buy appliances and other household items can lessen the anxiety.

Furniture: January and July

You could save 30% to 60% buying furniture in January and July, as stores try to clear out inventory and make way for new pieces, which manufacturers introduce in February and August.

Floor samples especially often sell for a song, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Storage Essentials: January and August

In August, retailers slash prices and offer free shipping on shelving, organizing systems, baskets, and storage bins, baiting parents who are packing kids off to college or getting organized for a new school year. (No offspring? No problem. Proof of parenthood isn’t required to qualify for deals.)

It happens again in January, when stores roll out more sales — and selection — to help you find a home for all those holiday gifts and meet your organizing goals for the New Year.

Linens and Towels: January

Department store “white sales” — launched in 1878 — are still a favorite marketing tactic and make January the best time to binge on high-quality bedding and towels. If the exact color or style you’re seeking is out of stock, ask in-store for a rain check, so you can get exactly what you want at the price that can’t be beat.

Major Appliances: January, September, October, and the Holidays

The prices on this year’s appliances bottom out when they suddenly become last year’s models. Except for refrigerators (more on that below), you can pick up last year’s models for way less in September, October, and January, when stores are making room for new inventory.

For good deals on this year’s models, wait for Black Friday and the holidays. The season rivals inventory clear-out bargains as the best time of year for sales on appliances. And if you’ve got more than one appliance on the fritz, holidays are often the time to find incentives for buying multiple items.

Mattresses: February and May

Even the most obscure holiday seems to inspire mattress sale commercials. Annoying, yes, but also a reminder that you should never pay full price for a mattress. The best time of year for sales is February (courtesy of Presidents’ Day) and May (Memorial Day).

Many department stores offer coupons for additional savings on the sale price, while specialty chains — which have the biggest markups — can drop prices 50% or more. But don’t waste your time price shopping: Manufacturers have exclusive deals with retailers for each model, so the only way to find a lower price is to snuggle up to a different mattress.

Refrigerators: May

Unlike other big-ticket appliances, new fridges are released in May. Combine the need for retail turnover with Memorial Day sales, and you get epic savings nearly all month long, making it the best time of year to buy a new refrigerator.

Snow Blowers: March and April

The best time to pick up a low-cost snow blower is exactly when you DON’T need it: in March and April. That time of year, no store wants them taking precious floor space away from spring merch like patio furniture and grills.

Vacuums: April and May

New vacs debut in June, so last year’s models go on sale in April and May — just in time for spring cleaning.

Roofing: May

For the lowest price on materials, buy in May.

But if you’re paying a pro to install a new roof, contractor rates begin their climb April 1 and stay high through fall. So if weather allows for wintertime installation, you could save big.

Gas Grills: July and August

Come July 5, there’s still smoke in the air from Fourth of July fireworks, but stores are already moving on to Halloween, with Christmas not far behind. So, they’ll cook up juicy savings on grills and other summer staples in July and August. Sales peak by Labor Day, so you could pick up a new grill and still have time to host one final summer hurrah.

Lawn Mowers: August, September, and May

August and September are the perfect times to retire an ailing mower. You’ll find the lowest prices of the year (but also the slimmest selection) as stores replace mowers with snow blowers. Retailers also kick off the season with sales every April. You generally won’t save quite as much, but you’ll have more choices.

Perennials: September

Unlike nonperishable goods, there’s not much retailers can do with last season’s perennials, so September brings savings of 30% to 50% and two-for-one offers on plants like hostas, daylilies, and peonies. And note that independent gardening stores can typically offer deeper discounts than big chains.

Cooler weather also makes this a great time of year to plant. How’s that for a win-win? If you prefer planting in the spring, many nurseries offer 10% to 20% off when you pre-order in February or March.

Power Tools: June and December

Power tools are a favorite go-to gift for Father’s Day and the holidays, so June and December are the best time to buy tools like cordless drills.

Paint: January, May, July, November, and December

Prices for interior and exterior paint bottom out when the mercury (and demand) falls — in November, December, and January, but also when it rises back up, in May and July.

HVAC Equipment: March, April, October, and November

Just like with snow blowers, the best time to buy furnaces and whole-house air-conditioning systems is when you don’t need them. Prices are lowest during months with moderate temperatures — generally March and April, then October and November.

Many installers also run promotions during these slow seasons to help load their books. They also may be more willing to negotiate a lower price or throw in a free upgrade like a fancy thermostat.

Flooring: December and January

From mid-December into January, homeowners tend to take a break from major remodeling projects because of the holidays. Flooring retailers and installers are looking for business, so that gorgeous wide-plank flooring or luscious carpet can be yours for an even more scrumptious price. Happy holidays to you.

 

For one thing, they’re less breakable than other lights.

 

Yes, LED holiday lights save energy. Up to 75% less energy than the old-fashioned kind, according to the U.S. government’s Energy Star program.

But there are more advantages to LEDs than energy savings. Here are 5 other reasons to switch to LED Christmas lights.

#1 They’re More Durable

They don’t have filaments or glass, so they’re less likely to break or be damaged as you string them up and down.

#2 LED Holiday Lights Last and Last

LED bulbs can keep your season bright for as long as 100,000 hours, says Cathy Choi, president of Moonachie, N.J.-based Bulbrite, which manufactures LED and regular bulbs. That’s substantially longer than the life of your old holiday light strings.

#3 You Can String a BIG Strand of Lights

Safety wise, you shouldn’t connect more than three traditional light strings, but you can connect at least 10 with LEDs and up to 87 in some cases, totaling a whopping 1,500 feet, Choi says. So blow your neighbor’s display away by cocooning your house in lights:

• You won’t have to buy as many extension cords.
• You can take your holiday lighting display further away from the outlet.

#4 They Reduce the Risk of Fire

They stay cooler than incandescent bulbs, according to Energy Star.

#5 They Now Come in Warmer Hues

Some people stick with their old lights because they don’t like the brighter hue that white LED holiday lights emit. But manufacturers now offer a “warm white” bulb that more closely mimics the glow of an incandescent light. Be sure to read the label to choose a bright or warm white and to ensure what you’re purchasing is Energy Star-certified.

 

Quick-and-easy tasks that’ll brighten up your interior.

The year’s coming to an end. Time to do four small tasks for a bright (and money-saving) new year.

#1 Clean Light Bulbs and Fixtures

Two great reasons to clean your light bulbs: You want as much light in your house as you can get as the days grow shorter, and, you’ll save money.

Dirty bulbs apparently shed 30% less light than clean ones, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Wipe bulbs with a cloth dampened by a mix of 1 oz. dish soap, ¼ cup white vinegar, and 3 cups of water. Get to it Dec. 1 so you’re ready for the curtain fall on the shortest day of this year: Dec. 21.

#2 Evaluate Homeowner’s Insurance

The holidays. You love them, but they do seem to eat up more cash than other times of year. Sure, you can scrounge around for change under your couch cushions, but that’s not going to offset much.

Why not get a home insurance checkup? Call your agent to go over the type of coverage you have, how much you really need, and how you can lower your premiums before your next monthly installment.

#3 Pack a Home Emergency Kit

The last thing you want during the holidays is for an emergency to chill your family’s cheer. Prepare for power outages and weather-related emergencies with an easy-to-find emergency kit.

Some items to include are bottled water, a hand-crank radio, a flashlight, batteries, a portable charger for your phone, warm blankets and, of course, a first-aid kit to patch up any boo-boos. Singing carols ’round the flashlight may not be ideal, but it’ll beat trying to celebrate in the dark.

#4 Buy Holiday Lights (After Dec. 25)

It’s tough to think about next Christmas when you’re still stuffed from a holiday dinner with all the trimmings. But think you must if you want to save on next year’s holiday. From Dec. 26 through year’s end, big-box stores try to clear the shelves of all that glitters.

Why does the oven go kaput on a holiday? No worries. Here’s how to go on the offense now.

Imagine you’re preparing to host your annual holiday party, and you’re past the point of no return. The veggies and meats have been bought. Guests are braving busy airports and crowded highways to get to your home — and then your oven won’t turn on. Your home-cooked meal has quickly turned into a frantic search for to-go meals from a local restaurant. That’s just one holiday hosting nightmare that can end your holiday party before it begins. We collected five of the most common issues and give you preventive tips to keep your party on track.

That’s just one of many hosting nightmares that can end your holiday party before it even begins. Thankfully, some of the most damaging mishaps can be easily avoided. We collected five of the most common issues and give you preventive tips to keep your party on track.

Problem: The Oven Doesn’t Heat

For any holiday occasion, the oven is the most important appliance in your house. If it fails to work, the centerpiece of your meal could go from roasted beef, ham, duck, or Tofurky to Peking Duck from the local Chinese takeout joint.

How to avoid:

• There are any number of reasons a stove can break, but one common cause is easy to prevent. Don’t self-clean your oven until AFTER the holidays. You risk blowing a fuse or a thermostat, and tracking down an oven technician around the holidays can be tough.

Problem: The Kitchen Sink Clogs

The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest of the year for plumbers. The prime cause of this clog-a-thon is the mistreatment of drains when cooking holiday feasts. We hope your Thanksgiving went well, and that you avoid clog-a-thons for the rest of the holidays.

How to avoid:

• Fats and cooking oils can solidify in your pipes, so never dispose of them in your kitchen sink.
• If you have a garbage disposal, make sure it’s running before anything goes in it, and never feed it any stringy, fibrous, or starchy foods like poultry skins or potato peels.
• To fix, don’t rely on chemical drain-clearing products that can harm your pipes. Use a drain snake instead, available for $25 at your local hardware store. Some experts say if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could damage the pipes. So, hiring an expert is another, maybe safer, way to go. But finding a plumber around the holidays can be harder than cooking a five-course dinner.

Problem: The Heat Goes Out

When you’re holiday hosting, you’re supposed to hang guests’ coats — not apologize that the guests have to keep them on. A lack of heat can stop a holiday party dead in its tracks.

How to avoid:

• The key to avoiding freezing your party to a standstill is regular maintenance of your HVAC. Every 90 days, install a new one-inch pleated furnace filter. If you haven’t done it in a while, now’s a good time to replace it.
• Also inspect insulation on refrigerant lines leading into your house. Replace them if they’re missing or damaged.

Problem: The Toilet Stops Up

Toilets have a way of clogging at the worst times, such as during parties and when you have overnight guests. This is especially true if you have a low-flow toilet from the early 1990s.

How to avoid:

• Don’t flush anything other than sewage and toilet paper down the toilet. And there’s nothing wrong with putting up a polite note to remind your guests to do the same.

Problem: The Fridge Doesn’t Cool

Without a properly functioning refrigerator, your meat could get contaminated, your dairy-based treats could go sour, and you may not be able to save your yummy leftovers. To avoid discovering a warm fridge after it’s too late, take these simple precautions.

How to avoid:

• Get a thermometer for your refrigerator to make sure each shelf stays below 40 degrees and you can be aware of any temperature changes.
• Make sure the condenser coils located on the back of or beneath the unit are free to breathe. Coils blocked from circulating air by cereal boxes atop the fridge, or dirtied by dust or pet hair can prevent a fridge from keeping cool.
• 

Don’t Scrimp on the Screen

Do you have rambunctious pets that make durability a top priority? Or do you want to avoid blocking a beautiful view with an obtrusive screen? There’s a type of screen for just about any need.

Screened-In Deck Ideas to Make Yours Extra Special

Add electrical outlets for lamps, ceiling fans, and phone chargers and add a skylight to the adjacent room to avoid the loss of light will result from enclosing your deck.

 

 

Start saving those egg cartons!

Give or take a Scrooge or two, everybody loves the holidays: Decorating the tree, hanging lights, hanging holly — all those things! But you know what nobody loves? Taking all those things down.

Because, wow, what an unorganized mess.

Before you go all Scrooge, get your jolly back with these simple holiday decorating hacks.

#1 Protect Ornaments With Holiday Recyclables

Trimming the tree should feel like the happy ending of a Lifetime holiday movie, not a game show where contestants guess which box will contain broken memories.

Keep ornaments safe for next year by stowing them in leftover party cups, hot-glued onto a piece of foam board cut to fit inside a storage bin, recommends Lisa Woodruff, founder and CEO of Organize 365 in Cincinnati.

Or pack ornaments away using bubble wrap from holiday packages or egg cartons from those countless cookies you made.

All of these options make for shock-absorbent padding that’s more durable than paper towels or tissue paper.

#2 Create a Year-Round Focal Point

You dream of decking every hall, every year, but when the holidays roll around, you’ve got a brisket to bake and cocktails to clink.

So, focus your festive energy on just one iconic focal point — a wreath on the front door or greenery on the mantel — something you can easily change with the season.

Or, create a display that makes you feel merry year-round. (Try repurposing storefront letters to spell out “LOVE” or “JOY” — sentiments that never go out of season.)

#3 Get a Decorating Toolbox

Before you can hang a single strand of lights or sprig of mistletoe, you have to find the gosh-darn zip ties, track down the floral wire, and repurpose a few extension cords.

Just thinking about the prep work makes you ready for a long winter’s nap. But this year’s gonna be your prep for next year and the years to follow.

As you put everything up, keep a running checklist of what you need. Then stock a toolbox and replenish it every year.

#4 Leave Your Light Hooks and Nails in Place for Next Year

If you like to trim your home’s roof and siding with holiday lights, you know what a hassle it is to find last year’s nail holes while balancing on a ladder with your extremities slowly freezing.

So, this year, use hooks that match your siding (not nails because they fall out easier) or paint them so they are indistinguishable from your siding or trim before you put them up.

Then leave them up when you take down your lights.

Come next year, just rehang your lights and bask in your twinkling success.

#5 Wrap Lights Around Cardboard

There’s nothing like a multicolored knot of lights to dampen your bright holiday spirit.

So, as you take down this year’s lights, wrap them around empty gift boxes or cardboard. Make a small notch on each side to keep the ends snugly in place.

Next year you’ll spend less time untangling your lights and more time basking in them.

#6 Hang Wreaths on Rods or in Rafters

All year you look forward to hanging that wreath you got for a steal at an after-Christmas sale.

Rather than tossing it in a trash bag, where it can too easily get seriously mushed or even forgotten, hang it on a rod or from nails hammered into the attic rafters or garage walls, Woodruff recommends.

It will be easy to find and in pristine shape for next year.

#7 Store Your Tree With the Decorations on It

No, seriously.

If strategizing the placement of dancing Santa and his 107 dangly friends is your least favorite part of holiday decorating, skip it after this year.

Ask someone to help you tightly wrap this year’s decorated (artificial) tree — yep, ornaments and all — with heavy-duty stretch plastic wrap (the type that professional movers use, which you can find at home improvement stores).

Next year, just cut the wrap and reshape the branches.

Happy holidays indeed.

#8 Or Give In and Buy a Tree Bag

Every Dec. 26, you begin to dread wrestling your artificial tree back into its original packaging.

This year, go ahead and spend the 30 to 50 bucks on a tree bag or box, Woodruff says. It will seal out dirt, dust, and bugs, and won’t smash the branches. Plus, some styles even allow you to store your tree fully or partially assembled.

Just knowing you can skip the reassembly next time makes for an extra happy New Year.

#9 Trim Those Trimmings

Getting out decorations should be a welcome walk down memory lane — not a guilt trip through items you “should” display — but ugh.

So when you take down this year’s decor, follow the old rule for paring down your wardrobe and get rid of anything you didn’t use. You know, that carol-singing mounted fish from your dad or Nana’s crocheted coaster set. And donate them.

“If it’s a sentimental item, take a picture of it,” Woodruff says.

You won’t waste storage space and come next year, you’ll be greeted only by items you love and use.

#10 Organize by Room

If you’ve got snowmen in every bathroom and a jingle bell on every drawer, you may end up with mountains of half-empty boxes piled everywhere for longer than you spend enjoying the decor.

Get your halls decked more efficiently by sorting your boxes of trimmings by room, Woodruff suggests.

Then, label each light strand by location — mantel, doorway, tree, etc. Decorating is merrier when you can grab a bin and make an evening of it, one room at a time.

#11 Create a ‘Must Have’ Bin

Put all your favorite decorations in one first-up, last-down bin.

Next year, you’ll spend more time enjoying your cherished menorah or manger and less time rummaging to find it.