Have you been craving some extra space in your home? Maybe you have a little one on the way and you need an extra bedroom or you’d prefer to get work done in a quiet space. If you’re considering renovating your attic with the help of Summit Point Roofing, ponder these four tips.

[Attic bedroom” by Ben Husmann from Chicago, USA /wikipedia.org]

1. Will you be following fire codes and safety precautions? Usually, 50% of a finished attic has to be a minimum of seven feet high, seven feet wide, and 70 square feet. For safety reasons, you should have an engineer make sure that the house’s foundation and frame can withstand extra weight.
2. During the summer months, expect your attic to get much warmer than the rest of the house. Add ceiling fans to help regulate temperature.
3. With all that attic planning, you forgot about the rooms downstairs! Shuffling feet in the attic will carry through to the rooms below. Keep things quiet with heavy duty floor joists and add a carpet or area rug.
4. If you’re installing a bathroom upstairs, match it up with a kitchen or bathroom below. This will help streamline the plumbing, keeping costs down and limiting damage to the walls. Sometimes, a plumber will even be able to connect new pipes to the old ones, although this isn’t always the best option.

Are you ready to expand your home’s usable space and start utilizing that attic? Learn how today!

Owning your own home doesn’t come without its challenges. One of those is keeping on top of home maintenance. Sometimes it seems as though there’s a never ending to-do list of repairs. It’s not surprising then that we put off those niggling minor tasks that are so annoying.

1. Excess Moisture

Excess moisture presents itself as steamed-up windows, rotting wood, damp and mold. If the problem is severe you may even find that you feel clammy. In order to fix this, there are a few steps you can take.

[Photo courtesy of Brett_Hondow/pixabay.com]

Ventilate by installing fans and ventilation systems in problem areas. This is particularly important in the kitchen and bathroom. Open the windows to allow air in and moisture to escape. Don’t forget to do this after a long hot shower. Check that ventilation fans are working properly and are not clogged with dust.

Install a dehumidifier to collect excess moisture. There are lots of systems on the market, so ensure you choose wisely by reading reviews like dehumidifierweb.com.

2. Smelly Kitchen Sink

If you notice nasty odors emanating from the kitchen sink, it’s likely to be due to a buildup of food and grease. The first step is to fill your sink with hot water and detergent. Turn on the garbage disposal and let the water drain through. For minor problems, this will do the trick. If the problem persists run ice cubes and rock salt through the unit to clean the blades. Follow by a few lemon peels for freshness.

If you don’t have a garbage disposal unit, boiling water may be all that’s needed to clear the nasty smells. In fact, pouring boiling water down the sink regularly will help you avoid this problem from reoccurring. If boiling water isn’t enough, pour down a cup of baking powder following by two cups of vinegar. There’s usually no need for harsh chemicals. Household products are enough.

[Photo courtesy of condesign/pixabay.com]

3. Small Scratches On Wooden Furniture

If you’re sick of seeing scratches on your wooden furniture, there’s a simple way to restore it. All you need is a walnut. Yep! Just a simple walnut. Rub the nut over the scratch and watch as the oils darken the area. It works like magic with the minimum of fuss.

4. Smears On The Windows

Each time the sun streams through the windows, it reveals just how grimy they are. A simple solution to this is to add a little white vinegar to a spritzer and spray it over the glass. Remove with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks. It also works on water stains on the outside of the glass. The smears and dirt will be gone in no time, and you can enjoy the sunshine. Check more tips at cooldehumidifier.com

5. Squeaky Door Hinges

That squeaking closet door is so annoying, especially when your partner is still sleeping. It can be resolved quickly and easily by a little WD40 on the hinges. It’s as quick and simple as that.

6. Stained Bathtub

If your bath is looking a bit dingy, apply this tried and tested formula. Make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda and apply to the affected areas. Leave for half an hour and then scrub away. The tub will look as good as new in no time.

Most problems have a quick and simple solution. Don’t let them get you down and don’t let them escalate. Stamp them out so you can enjoy your home again. 

The concept of a “forever home” is not a new one. It is most often used to refer to rescue animals, destined for a trouble-free life when they have found their new owners. It can also be used for humans – when we have found the house we intend to spend the rest of our lives in.

It can’t hurt to dream… can it?

[Photo courtesy of GregoryButler/pixabay.com]

In some ways, this is a lovely sentiment. The idea that there is one place out there that will be our forever; the homely pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But… it’s also not so nice, in a way. If you think about it, it tends to mean that every other house you live in – i.e. the majority – is your… temporary home.

That sounds less pleasant. 80% of the places you live are just temporary? Stepping stones on the road to “the one”? There’s pretty much no area in life that we’d accept this. We don’t wait until we are nearly pensioners to marry our significant other, having tried out plenty of others. We don’t buy anything else “forever”, either. Our cars have dates of exchange, our clothes go out of style and our tastes evolve. So why are our homes expected to fall into one of two categories: the mythical “forever home” and then the just… all the others?

Life is too short for this kind of thinking. A forever home is a great concept for a rescue pet, but not so much for humans. The idea that you might one day want to move on from your current dwelling doesn’t mean that you don’t care about it, right?

Unfortunately, it’s easy to fall into the trap of leaving things for the “forever home”. These are the things we have on our wishlist and can’t imagine parting with, such as custom backyard pools and converted wine cellars. We’d never want to sell a house with something we had designed, so it waits for the forever home. And thus, we spend much of our life in a house that isn’t quite as we want it.

Reality or for the future only?

[Photo courtesy of sasmita/pixabay.com]

And… not to be the bearer of bad news, but – well, the house you’re in right now might be your forever home. You just don’t know it yet. By putting off the things and denying yourself in the quest for something better one day, aren’t we selling ourselves short?

Or is there some benefit to the concept after all? Time to examine the pros and cons, and then you can figure out what works for you.

PRO Forever Home: It’s A Dream

Dreaming the days away…

[Photo courtesy of PublicDomainPictures/pixabay.com]

Sometimes, we need something to look forward to. After all, we know that there is not really gold at the end of a rainbow – but that doesn’t stop us wishing that there is.

Is the idea point of the idea of this end house, that will meet our every desire, actually in the wishing? Perhaps it is the aspiration that is important – something we can anticipate. We all need to have our idea of perfection in mind.

CON Forever Home: It’s A Dream

Can something be a pro and a con at the same time? I’m making the rules here, so, yes!

For some of us, we will never live that reality. So we spend our lives in houses that are good enough, never doing the things we want to really make us love them. That’s a pretty depressing situation, meaning nowhere is ever fully satisfied. You keep putting it off and dreaming of the next step, but you will ultimately end up with a lost dream you never lived out. Perhaps it is better to focus on reality.

PRO Forever Home: It Might Actually Happen

Maybe there is something at the end of it.

[Photo courtesy of brigachtal/pixabay.com]

This is the area that makes it difficult to argue against. While some of us may never reach that perfect home, some of us will. We will find the perfect place we want to spend our lives; our dreams will come true; the sky will glitter with our delight.

In these circumstances, waiting and saving money to lavish on our eventual end property seems sensible. There are many things we save up for and then can go wild and enjoy – so something as fundamental as the home we live in is a tangible goal.

CON Forever Home: You Don’t Appreciate The Space You’re In

It’s said that envy is the enemy of peace, and there is some truth to this with the idea of a forever home. When you think of this blissful property you one day intend to inhabit, it can mean that you are effectively envying the you of the future. That person will have their desires; the crisp interiors they love; the rooms they never want to leave.

In the moment, that can be rough – because it means you don’t have what you want. It means you are settling, and that means you are not appreciating the now. It means you are not getting enough of the home you currently have, which is a shame, as it probably wasn’t cheap.

So Where Do You Fall?

It all depends on what motivates you as a person. If you need targets and goals, then the idea of a dream property in the future can be enough to keep you going. If you can fix it in your mind and try to make it a reality, then you can handle any temporary upsets because they are just that – temporary.

Reality or aspiration?

[Photo courtesy of geralt/pixabay.com]

If, however, you are not sure how you will get to the point of the perfect home, then why waste your time dreaming of it? This is particularly true if funding your dream home would mean a massive change in financial circumstances that is unlikely. Take a deep breath and learn to appreciate what you have. Furthermore, don’t just accept – if you need to make changes, then have the energy to do them. Get the swimming pool; fix the dodgy plumbing; go for the wine cellar; paint a thousand accent wall! Make your custom alterations and do things that make you happy. There is no point wishing for a future and saving your energy for it, if it isn’t going to happen.

When you are the owner of a swimming pool that is outdoors, investing in an energy-efficient pool pump can help you to save money on your energy bill while also allowing you to keep your pool running as efficiently as possible. A pool pump not only allows you to save money on the energy you are using, but it also allows you to better maintain any set temperature you have in mind for your swimming pool throughout the year.

Choosing the Size of the Pump

Before you can begin looking into purchasing a new swimming pump, it is important to factor in the size of the pump you are interested in based on your budget, the type of swimming pool you own and any preferences you have when you are browsing for a new pump yourself. Choosing the right size of pump is a way for you to save on energy costs, especially if you choose a smaller pump that is fitting for the type of pool you own.

The larger the pump you choose to install for your own swimming pool, the higher the maintenance costs will ultimately be each month. Smaller pumps often allow you to not only save on energy, but they also allow you to maintain the pool’s temperature to any setting you prefer with ease.

[Photo courtesy of William LeMond/pexels.com]

Managing the Pump

When you want to keep your pool pump as efficient as possible, you can do so by limiting the filtration period to 6 hours each day, keeping energy costs low while still allowing your pool to stay as clean and to run as efficiently as it can at all times. You can also limit to pumping your pool just 3 times a day, which can drastically reduce your electric usage and bill by nearly 60% depending on where you live and the size of the pump you are using. Running the pump on a few times each day but for less time overall is ideal for most pool owners who are looking to save but also want to keep their pool clean at all times.

How to Search for an Energy-Efficient Pool Pump

Once you have determined you would like to invest in a new energy-efficient pool pump, you can do so by searching locally at a pool supply shop and also by doing so online. Looking for a pool pump online is a way for you to compare sizes, energy output and even the compatibility each of the pumps has with the pool you are seeking to upgrade. When you look online for the type of energy-efficient pool pump that is best for you, you can easily compare the type of energy that each pump gives out as well as the prices of each pump that is available and fitting for your own pool. You can also research testimonials and reviews from those who have also purchased the pool pumps you have in mind when you begin to search online. You will notice your energy bill spent on pool cleaning  will decrease significantly, leaving money in your pocket for the more important things in life.

Written by Jamie Lovelock

Jamie runs a landscaping business. Jamie loves DIY at home and spends lots of time in his workshop when he’s not in the backyard.

When creating the perfect room for your new baby, the two most essential elements are baby crib bedding and headboards. Between the hardware of the bed and the “software” of the linens, you can decorate your baby’s room with common sense and vibrant style. With the right choices, your baby is sure to enjoy a safe, comfortable and restful room in the few moments of peace that he or she allows you.

[Photo courtesy of ErikaWittlieb/pixabay.com]

Baby crib sheets are the first element you might think of when creating your perfect baby room. Colorful sheets, comfortable textiles and hypoallergenic fabrics are all high on your list of home goods, but remember to include both baby crib bedding if the articles are for a gift. Some babies have only the crib to worry about, while others prefer the bassinet. On a few occasions, you may find that baby gets to enjoy both. However, whatever the furniture arrangement or the type of bedding, you should consider the possibility of brass headboards as a great choice for your baby’s room. Brass sparkles and shines in a way that simple wood does not, creating a unique option for the adventurous decorator.

Creating your baby’s perfect room is a simple matter of patience and persistent exploration. With so many options for decor, you and your baby may enjoy the decorating process as a fun and lengthy bonding experience.

One of the homeowner’s biggest dreams is to make their residential property as visually appealing as possible. Nevertheless, many homeowners try to accomplish this objective only to find that their living space still looks drab or somehow lackluster. If you’re having challenges enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your house, there are several mistakes that you could be making. Here are three of them:

1. You Haven’t Updated Your Furniture.

If you really want your house to become the epitome of beauty, order, and organicity, updating your furniture is a must. In addition to growing decrepit and losing tonality, old furniture can pose health challenges and safety issues. Thus if you’re serious about making your home as beautiful as possible, be sure to get in the habit of regularly replacing your old furniture with new items. If you’re looking for a great furniture store where you can buy the products that you want, consider Boyles Furniture & Rugs. The company offers several wonderful brands, including Thomasville Furniture.

2. You’re Not Investing In Home Maintenance Services.

Another mistake that could be precluding your home from looking absolutely amazing is a failure to invest in home maintenance services. These services are important because they ensure that your appliances, equipment, and furniture are in optimal condition with respect to both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Thus if you haven’t already started investing in regular maintenance services such as HVAC inspection, be sure to do so immediately. Having your carpet professionally shampooed at least once a year is also a good home maintenance tip to implement.

3. You’re Not Getting Professional Help.

Although you may occasionally be able to successfully complete a home improvement project on your own, major work requires the experienced eye of an industry professional. Yet in some cases, homeowners attempt to do a major overhaul on their own. Don’t make this mistake. DIY projects are oftentimes hit and miss endeavors, and you want to be sure that your home improvement projects are successful. To make it happen, hire an experienced, educated home decor professional who can implement all the strategies necessary to make your home glow.

Conclusion

While many homeowners want their house to look incredible, they oftentimes fail to implement the strategies that would help them realize the goal. Yet by referring to the information and advice listed above, you can identify any oversights you might be making while simultaneously attaining the instructions necessary to really get your home in great shape!

Your home should be your castle. And as the reigning monarch, you undoubtedly want pristine living conditions. That’s hard to achieve on your own, especially in the big cities. Not only is Southern Michigan still battling pollutants from industrial leaders, but over 840,000 residents county-wide track some of that dirt and debris into their homes on a daily basis. Your residence is an investment in time, money, and effort. If you really want your home to maintain or increase its value, sometimes you have to trust a professional carpet cleaner. Believe it or not, professional carpet cleaning is far less of a luxury than a requirement in this day and age. And if you don’t believe it, just read on to find out why hiring a pro is so important.

Material Matters

Modern store cleaners and products offer a one-size-fits-all type of cleaning. But not all carpet is the same. Do you know the material and cleaning instructions for your carpet? Is it wool, silk, shag, or a modern blend? Even if it looks similar to your friend’s or neighbor’s carpet, it may be quite different. A wrong move on your part could lead to a worse situation than you began with. Why take that chance when the pros can easily adjust to the specific needs of your carpet?

[Photo courtesy of kropekk_pl/pixabay.com]

Say Goodbye to Stains

If you have kids, pets, or older carpet, chances are you’ve adjusted at least one piece of furniture to hide a specific stain. The longer you let that sit, the harder it is to remove. And if you use the wrong cleaners or application, it can spread. Regardless of your stain or issue, chances are the pros have tackled worse. Let them show you how temporary those “permanent” stains really are.

No Standard Equipment Here

Rental and handheld equipment may look impressive, but it often barely cleans any deeper than a high-end vacuum cleaner. Either option simply can’t compare to professional grade equivalents. Deep cleaning brushes, special edge cleaning equipment, and an entire team of knowledgeable stain and cleaning masters ensure the best chances of refreshing and reclaiming the beauty of your carpet.

Low Moisture = No Mold

Mold can’t grow on dry substances. But it can grow on food or on wet materials. If food or beverages are permitted in or on carpeted areas, chances are you have your share of nasties trapped inside your carpet fibers. You could vacuum daily and still never reach all the spores, dust, and allergens stuck in your carpet. However, professional carpet cleaning has been scientifically proven to remove up to 85% of mold spores and almost 80% of all common household allergens. Why not invest a little to be able to breathe a lot better?

Effort-Free Cleaning (On Your Part Anyway)

Professional carpet cleaning can be scheduled around your needs or even be completed while you’re at work. They know all the newest tricks of the trade, and can work with you to ensure all furniture is well protected. Imagine the luxury of coming home after a long day at the office to professionally cleaned carpet right in your home. It’s a fraction of the cost of carpet replacement and 100% guaranteed, so why wait another moment to experience your happily ever after?

Contact Nu-Way Carpet Cleaning in Macomb, Michigan, to discuss your carpet cleaning needs today.

A music room is about your love for music, and your family’s delight in the refined musical expressions can be an extraordinary motivation for planning the music room. It is imperative to pick fitting furniture for the music room, to upgrade the nature of the music and make listening a great deal more pleasurable. Here are five improving answers for your music room, in no particular order:

Seating

Seating is essential in your music room, as it offers an unwinding place for your family and visitors to appreciate the music introduced. Foot stools can be made out of old piano seats or comparable music-themed things, and these can likewise be an extraordinary friendly exchange or ice breaker after the music closes.

[Photo courtesy of unsplash.com/pexels.com]

Lighting

It is anything but difficult to be extremely innovative when you plan lighting for the music room. Unusable musical instruments, for example, woodwinds, clarinets, violins, guitars, trumpets, cornets, and even saxophones can be changed over into interesting lighting for the room.

Accessorizing

Beautifying the room can be as fun and intriguing as getting a charge out of the music, so don’t hesitate to get extremely imaginative with this angle. Awesome illustrations incorporate a piano, wardrobe containing guitar grimoire books with voicings and chords ever written guitar, maracas, bongos, and comparable musical instruments.

[Photo courtesy of ponce_photography/pixabay.com]

Instruments

At long last, it’s a given that you will need to have the absolute best instruments in plain view for your picked musical instrument. Take uncommon consideration to have fitting sheet music or going with soundtracks available, so you can enthrall visitors. Set aside time for practice, and keep your instrument perfect and prepared for use at whatever point you wish to stimulate companions or build up your aptitudes. All things considered, the playing of the instrument is the thing that drove you to make the music room so you can celebrate the music.

There are some people that consider their bathroom as one of the great place of investment from stylish decor to modern tub and a Jacuzzi. It is also the place where most people spend their time to relax while dipping in a bubble bath, drinking wine and so on. Furthermore most of our time in the morning is spent in the bathroom grooming ourselves to start our day. Imagine a bathroom without a good lighting it simply looks like a dim place to start your day.

Well you should know that one of the important factor that everyone should consider is the having perfect bathroom lighting, a good lighting can add perfect touch and complement the look of your bathroom . You must select lights that are in good quality and safe for your bathroom use no matter what your style is, modern or traditional.

[Photo courtesy of William LeMond/pexels.com]

With so many styles and types of bathroom lighting to choose from you should also be keen enough to understand what is the perfect bathroom ceiling lights that will complement the size of your bathroom. Ceiling lights are usually very simple to install and does not require a lot of work. If you are planning to remodel your bathroom at home you should consider hopping at bathroomlightingoutlet.com they offer a wide range of bathroom lights, vanity lighting and mirror, wall sconces, bathroom accessories that will surely satisfy your needs.

If you have thoughts what is the best lighting for your bathroom you should take time time to read their lighting guides that will help you to understand what are the other things you should consider in choosing the best bathroom light. It is easy, safe and secure to shop at bathroomlightingoutlet.com and they also offer free shipping. With their 20+ years in the business you find the right place to shop for your bathroom needs.

Owning your own property is its own reward. Your home is yours and you can do what you want with it. You don’t need to abide by the decoration rules of a landlord; it is full of its own touches and delights. It feels more like your home than any rented property ever could.

Despite all of the benefits, there is one downside to home ownership – you are totally responsible. If something goes wrong, there is no landlord to call to ask for help. Your insurance can cover some things, but most policies require you to at least make the effort when it comes to maintenance.

Maintenance is one of those thankless tasks. Rarely does it feel like you have made a difference; the whole point, of course, is to keep things running as they should as http://www.thepackratwifey.com/why-household-prevention-is-better-than-cure/ shows. It doesn’t feel like an exciting way to spend money, especially if you have design and decor ideas that are clamouring for investment.

Yet not only does poor maintenance damage your insurance policy, it damages your quality of life. If you’re living in a house that is not fit for purpose, it goes without saying that there are changes that need to be made.

There are so many areas of your home that need constant updating, improvement and quality checking. To try and exercise some kind of control over this most fluid of things, below, there’s an A-Z rundown of all those little tasks. Run through it at least once a year, or setup a calender like this: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-set-up-an-annual-home-maintenance-calendar-176043 (or as advised; some things are seasonal). If you do that, then you can be sure that your home is always working as it should be.

A is for Antifreeze

[Photo courtesy of Dmcroof/wikipedia.org]

When winter rolls around, the last thing you need is your gutters freezing and water gathering. That’s no joke: it can lead to gutters collapsing, which is expensive to replace. Try and run antifreeze down your guttering at least once a week.

B is for Boiler

If your boiler is more that four years old, have it serviced annually. If it’s younger and under warranty, check the terms of the warranty. Some require annual services from the off to remain valid.

C is for Cavity Wall Insulation

If your home is not insulated, make it so as a priority. You are likely spending more than you have to on heating bills. If it is, get into the attic and check it annually to ensure there’s no damage.

D is for Drains

[Photo courtesy of CharlesHodgson/flickr.com]

Especially important in fall with the fallen leaves, clear drains out regularly.

E is for Energy Efficiency

Smart Meters can help maintain proper energy efficiency, but there are less hi-tech ways of doing it. Do you turn lights off when you leave a room? Turn off devices rather than putting them on stand-by? You should be, so think over your habits and make changes where necessary.

F is for Flooring

As floors age, they become more susceptible to heat variations. When it’s cold, they will contract, and the expand again when the weather warms up. This can cause cracks and weaken the whole flooring structure, so check every year that a bigger problem isn’t developing.

G is for Gas Central Heating

Along with the boiler servicing mentioned in “B”, there is another step to take to ensure your central heating is working as it should. Bleed radiators with the change of every season to keep them at the top of their game.

H is for Home Invaders

[Photo courtesy of Earth’sbuddy/wikipedia.org]

No, not aliens, though that would be far more entertaining. Move kitchen appliances and check the attic every few months to check for signs of invasive pests. If you see signs of such an invasion, act as quickly as possible to prevent the spread.

I is for Internal Holes

Terrorised by spiders every fall? Wondering how bugs keep getting inside? Mouse problems? The solution to keeping the wildlife outdoors is to check for any holes in walls. A mouse can fit through a hole of less than an inch in diameter, so be thorough.

J is for Jagged Cracks

Vertical wall cracks are usually due to use and stress, rather than structural problems. The ones you need to worry about are jagged, horizontal cracks. Call an engineer the moment you see anything fitting that description.

K is for Kitchen Sink and Waste Disposal

Even if you practice the best methods possible, every sink is prone to blocking. Run a dose of unblocker through the kitchen sink system every six months to prevent any such issues developing.

L is for Limescale

If you live in a hard or well water area, then you will likely suffer from limescale issues. Not only can this tarnish taps, but it can also render your washing machine unusable. You can find some ideas to combat it at https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/aug/23/how-to-remove-limescale

M is for Mildew and Mould

[Photo courtesy of Gil mo/wikipedia.org]

Mildew is the product of a house being too damp. Check corners and edges of window frames for any sign of small black spores. If identified, be ruthless with regards to cleaning. Tea tree oil works well.

N is for Nail Holes

This is only a particular worry if you are planning to sell the house soon! But from an appearance point of view, nail holes in the wall can be unsightly and leave the buyer feeling that they have to patch them up. Even if you’re out of the home by then it can leave residual bad feeling. Any time you remove a nail from a hole, patch it up. Then there’s no need to go around looking, should you ever sell up.

O is for Organisation

Some order to your home maintenance plan is essential. For one, basic reason, there is the fact that some jobs will get in the way of others. For example, would you paint a skirting board before sanding down the wall that is above it? No – that’s just asking for trouble. Order will save time, and extra work.

P is for Preparation

Before the season changes each time, check you have everything you need to survive it. For fall and winter, flooding and freezing are the major hazards. For spring and summer, access to water and sensible shaded areas to be in when outdoors are required.

Q is for Quotes

There will possibly be some jobs around the house that you find yourself struggling with. It’s worth having a go, but you also need to know the things you can’t do, such as http://www.nextavenue.org/home-repair-when-not-do-it-yourself/. If you decide you need to bring in help, get three quotes from different contractors. Don’t just listen to the prices – hear what they say about the job too. Anyone can quote a low price for something they won’t do properly.

R is for Roof

[Photo courtesy of DMahalko/wikipedia.org]

Your roof not only keeps your home dry, but it plays a part in the structural integrity of your home. If you have any leaks or see missing tiles, then bring in the professionals such as www.fergusonroofing.com/metal-roofing/ as soon as possible. It’s not an area to leave to chance.

S is for Smoke Detectors

Make sure they’re working, obviously. Test them by lighting a match underneath and see if they go off. Also, if any are emitting regular “chirp” noises, chances are that they’re on the way out. Replace the batteries once a year, even if they’re showing no sign of running down

T is for Trashcans

Yes, just screams glamor, doesn’t it? But it is essential to check the trash cans and dumpster every once in a while and clean them regularly, ideally with a jet washer. The reason? Well, they may get emptied on a regular basis, but particles cling on. Left to fester for too long, these will rot. Your garbage will become a haven for pests who may then decide to move to the house.

U is for Underneath

Everything above ground level is easy to keep an eye on, as you go through it every day and see it with a keen eye. But in the basement, unless there is a bedroom or living space down there, things can happen unnoticed. Check for water ingress, as this can affect the foundations.

V is for Vanities

One of the most popular bathroom improvements you can make, a vanity makes use of space in a room where there is usually so little. On the larger models, which are enclosed, do make sure you check for any issues in the pipes regularly. Leaks can lead to pooling of stagnant water, which is no-one’s friend.

W is for Windows

Cracks around the outside of a window, or even any minor gap between window and wall, can become a way in for water, and a starting point for mold. Ensure that yours are in order.

X is for eXtremes Of Temperature

We pick the materials that we do for housebuilding because they are durable and hard wearing. But depending on where you live, temperatures over the year can go from below freezing to over 100 Fahrenheit. Things contract when cold and expand when hot. This can cause damage, so look out for cracks outside after a cold snap.

Y is for Yellow

Some white gloss paint, within months of application, can turn yellow on wood. This is believed to be as a consequence of weaker solvents being used in the paint. It’s something to check for if you have recently painted door frames or window sills.

Z is for Zzzzzzzzzz

Okay, maybe a little bit of a cheat. But finally, it is most important to pay attention to the bedrooms and particularly where you lay your head to sleep. This is the most important place to check for nasties like mold. If they are allowed to make their way in, and get close to where you sleep, they can be inhaled and make you very ill. And as sleep is the only time you’re in the same spot for six to eight hours a day, you’re a captive audience. So be careful.