November Newsletter 2018

4 Easy Ways to Update Your Home Outside with Color, Paint & Lights to Add Curb Appeal

Brought to you by: Debbie Wysocki

Update your home’s curb appeal with pops of color that add a cheerful touch this time of year.

  • Get a Step Up with Railings

    Chipped, tired railings can make a home look outdated and unkempt, but making those pieces look new again is a relatively quick and easy project. Keeping the railing monochromatic in a color that complements the rest of the house’s paint and trim creates a clean look. If you want to add some variety, use a secondary shade in the same color family and apply it to the main posts or the spindles.

  • Create DIY Doormats

    An affordable and unique way to create a “wow” moment at your home’s entry is to craft a DIY doormat with spray paint. A chevron pattern is an easy way to make a statement by simply using painter’s tape and two different colors of spray paint.

  • Put the Spotlight on Light Fixtures

    Small splashes of color can go a long way, especially with a feature like exterior light fixtures. For light fixtures to stand out against a neutral-colored home, try spray painting them a bold hue, such as bright yellow, for a burst of color.

  • Refresh Patio Furniture

    Over time, patio furniture loses its luster. If it’s still in good shape, you can bring it back to life with a fresh coat of spray paint. All the angles can make it difficult to cover every surface, so choose a product that promotes easy application. Remember to tilt furniture back and apply color to the feet and legs for an all-over finish that’s ready to weather the season.

Fall Home Considerations to Make Before Winter

It’s that time of year again. The fall season is winding down and we’re about to hit the thick of winter. Are you ready to stay warm and cozy, or does your home need a once over to be prepared? A final run at refreshing your living space before winter can pay real dividends. Here are a few ideas.

  • Safety first. Did you know that three in five home fire deaths are the result of fires in homes without smoke alarms, or with no working smoke alarms? Oftentimes, this is due to intentional device deactivation. Instead of getting frustrated at your beeping alarm, make sure the batteries are working now or install new alarms where needed. You should have a smoke alarm on every floor of your house, and in every bedroom.

  • Stay warm. Is your furnace in working order? You don’t want to find out the answer to that question when the temperature really drops. A maintenance appointment from a certified technician should cost about $80-$100 and will ensure that everything is functioning and that your furnace will be operating efficiently. The tech should also measure to see if there’s any carbon-monoxide leakage from your furnace.

  • Stop the leaks. Drafty doors and windows are not only a huge annoyance, they’re costly. Why pay all that money to just let the heat escape? You can find problem areas by running your hands close to windows and trying to feel a breeze. Use a quality silicon caulk or weather stripping to seal up any leaks. And if you notice a draft on an exterior door, consider installing a