Home maintenance is an ongoing process. From raking leaves and replacing shingles to cleaning disposals and replacing batteries in smoke detectors, there’s always something to do around the house. The following home maintenance checklist has items you can tackle now and throughout the year to keep your home running smoothly. Monthly home maintenance checklist Owning...
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If winter weather catches you off guard and your home is not prepared for heavy snow and cold, you can experience damage ranging from burst pipes to a collapsed roof. Costs for repairs of this scale add up quickly, so prepare in autumn to protect your house during the colder months. Follow these winterizing tips...
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Want an outdoor space to entertain friends and family when the nicer weather comes? Before starting construction, you may want to consider whether a deck or patio is best for your home. Here are some of the factors you’ll want to carefully weigh before making your decision. What is the difference between a deck and...
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Many people are inclined to stay inside when temperatures drop, and to be fair, there’s no shortage of entertaining indoor winter activities. But if you’re wondering what to do on a snow day, the great outdoors has plenty to offer. Physical activities in the cold, such as hiking, skiing and building a snowman, offer huge...
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What happens if lightning strikes your house Did you know that every year, the probability of your house getting struck by lightning is 1 in 2001? Luckily, the probability of you getting struck by lightning is only 1 in 500,0002, but that begs the question – what happens if your home is that 1 in...
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Driveways are one of the most used areas of your house, often overlooked until they stain or crack. Give them the attention they deserve by making repairs quickly. Not only can you extend your driveway’s life and attractive look well into the future, you can save money in the long term. Consider these seven tips...
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While many people think tornadoes impact only the Midwest, every state in the country is vulnerable to tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. each year, causing an average of $24,000 in home damage and $4,000 in auto damage Strong winds from tornadoes can seriously damage the structural...
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Even though the fence is an often-overlooked aspect of a home, it serves a variety of useful purposes. From protecting your yard from animals and potential intruders to providing an extra barrier against inclement weather and loud neighbors, a privacy fence is a great way to ensure your property truly stays private. Putting up a...
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Whether you’re buying or selling a home — or you want to make sure you’re taking great care of the one you already own — the age of the roof is something that’s important to keep in mind. While a roof is designed to last years, it won’t last forever. Knowing how long a roof...
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If you live in a region susceptible to extreme weather, such as heavy storms, hurricanes or tornadoes, you may want to consider building a safe room. Here are some considerations when it comes to home safe rooms and storm shelters. What is a safe room? A safe room is defined by the Federal Emergency Management...
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For car owners, a visit to an auto repair shop can cause as much anxiety as a trip to the dentist. Who knows what unforeseen problems will turn up? It’s the reason finding a reliable, honest mechanic – someone with your best interests in mind – is so important to car owners, especially those with...
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A new driveway or patio can make your home more comfortable and welcoming. Your main decision when installing or updating is which material to use. The choice depends on local zoning, your budget and your needs. In many communities, building codes may specify what types of driveway materials are – or aren’t – allowed. These...
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If you’re looking to buy a house, one of the first questions a real estate agent will ask is what kind of house you’re seeking. Everyone usually has a preference, and knowing what yours is can help your agent understand what options to show you. Because buying a home is a long-term commitment, it’s important...
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Termites can be stealthy and they can show up anywhere. Particularly in warmer climates these insects can be an issue, cautions Brian T. Forschler, PhD, professor of entomology, University of Georgia, Athens. “I’ve lived in the South for 30 years, and I’ve heard many in the Southern states say, ‘There are two kinds of houses...
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Learning some NASCAR etiquette will help you fit right in and have more fun Watching NASCAR on television is one thing; experiencing it live is a different experience altogether. Knowing such things as what to wear and what not to bring can separate the rookie attendee from the seasoned pro, and it will help you...
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