Have you pulled out your fall decor yet? Hoping to get ours done over the weekend! Here is some pretty awesome ideas ...
http://www.bhg.com/…/pretty-front-entry-decorating-ideas-f…/

I like this one below, it's simple, elegant, and welcoming! It's got curb appeal!

The cold months are soon to be here, is your home ready to hold in the heat? Properly insulating your home can save you hundreds of dollars a year in your heating bills. You can hire a pro like us or DIY to save some money, helpful hint... purchase the blow in insulation at Lowe's and you can borrow their blower, just make sure you have an extra set of hands to assist you during the project!

Interior painting - quality isn't cheaper

We have all seen the ads for $100.00 a room we paint! But just what are you paying for?

Is the paint included, if so what quality of paint, will it be sprayed or rolled, does it include walls, trim, inside closets, doors if needed?

Low quality paint vs High quality: What's the difference they all look the same? Difference is the durability and long term effect. Low quality paint has fewer solids and more solvents. When the solvents evaporate it becomes thinner leaving paint film less durable and covering less. In the long run you will spend more time and more cash repainting.

Rolled or sprayed: is one better than the other? You bet! Spraying maybe a quick and easy task, if not done correctly it won't be leaving that flawless finish you were looking for. Spraying also leaves a thinner coat than putting elbow work into an old fashion brush and roller. For long term effects it's best to brush and roll, spraying does not last as long either. So again the cheaper route will leave you spending more time and cash down the road.

Average cost of interior painting is around 1.25- 4.00 a sq ft, however there are many factors that can adjust the price with a painting contractor.
Are there drywall repairs to be made or wallpaper removal?
Are you painting just the walls or walls, trim, closets, and ceilings?
Height of ceiling?
Will the painter be moving and covering furniture and wall decor?
What type of paint will be used and who is supplying the paint?

Keep in mind a high quality painter will not use cheap supplies such as rollers and brushes that are not as effective when you are expecting a professional finish.

In the end cheaper is not always better ☺

Does your home have Curb Appeal?

Curb Appeal is the attractiveness of the exterior of a residential or commerical property as viewed from the street. The exterior of your home is your guests first impression and makes a statement on your lifestyle.

There are several simple and cost effective ways to transform your home's curb appeal into a warm welcoming eye catcher. First of all the shell of your home, siding covering should always be in tip top shape, not just for the eye to see but to protect your home. Some easy low cost DIY curb appeal ideas are:
Update Entryway, replace or paint the entry door, red is one of my favorites it pops and looks great year round. Update hardware on the door and catchy porch light fixture. Check the clearance sections at your local hardware store, usually some great deals in the lighting section! Whats your drive and walkway like? How about edging out that driveway with pavers or bricks, add some solar lights along the walkway to welcome those evening guests right to your door. Mailboxes are often forgotten, is your post rotted with an old beat up mailbox on top? Replace it with a new post painted or stained and put a new maillbox up there, to catch even more attention consider a brick or stone column to hold that box, that will for sure make yours stand out from the rest. You can also add some plants and flowers around the base to add some color. Then of course there is the landscaping of your lawn, keep your trees, bushes, and scrubs trimmed nice and neat, add some mulch to your flower beds or dead areas in your yard and plant some flowers or plants to add some color throughout the lawn.

Most importantly keep up the maintenance on the exterior of your home as it is the glue that holds your home together and protects the interior of your home.

Winter can be harsh on the home....

You could be throwing away hundreds of hard earned dollars on your electric and heating bills! If your home is not properly sealed and insulated, you are blowing money away.

Check for drafts around windows, doors, attic opening, and plumbing outlets. Seal with weather stripping and caulk where needed.

Insulation in the attic should be at a R30-60 rating, floors should be R25-30 ratings and wood framed walls at a R5 rating.

You could save upto $200.00 a year on your electric by installing the proper rating of insulation in your home.

Recommended Insulation Levels from Energy Star

Low Cost Home Improvements that add value and style ....

Did you know you don't have to break the bank to update your home? Add value and style with a few low cost home improvement projects. A fresh coat of paint and new floor covering are always the easiest way to go, but check out these other helpful tips to get your home up to date and in style....

• Kitchen: updating appliances, lighting, and cabinets. Without the high cost of replacing your cabinets consider a facelift! A fresh coat of paint, sanding along with restaining, and adding new fixtures will have those warn out cabinets looking brand new. 
• Bathroom: Change out the old warn vanity, replace the sink top, change out the lighting fixtures, and hardware ... a whole new look is as easy as that. 
• Througout the  home: Changing out light fixtures and ceiling fans, door hardware, and all the little forgtten outdated things in the home are easy DIY projects that are inexpensive ideas to bring your home to date. 

Always be sure to check out clearance sections at your local hardware stores or even look for a Re-Store warehouse near you for some amazing deals. 

How to Prevent Water/Rot Damage on your home...

Moisture control is the key to avoiding water and rot damage to your home. If you have had a leak even a small one be sure to correct any issues no matter how small they are that have been caused by the leak. Be aware of hidden water damage that could have taken place behind walls, in the floors, the attic, etc ...Delay in repairing these issues can be a costly mistake for your wallet and health. 

Gradual damage is when the damage starts small and visable and no action was taken in repairing it. This causes it to spread and allows mold growth. Mold can start to grow on a surface within 24-48 hours. 

Hidden Gradual damage is when you have a hidden leak from an internal water supply that has caused rot, mildew, and or deterioration. If you know of any leaks in your home, fix them without delay. It's wise to perform regular inspections around your home to check for leaks you may not have noticed. 

The delay in water damage cleanup can be a very costly mistake. It can spread and result in walls, sub floors, roofs, insulation, exterior of homes etc.. to have to be replaced which can really put a damper on your wallet.

Stay tuned for an article on mold coming up.