Tag Archives: outside

Mar29

Social Distanced Outdoor Activities For Warm Weather

Posted on by
Standard
Social Distanced Outdoor Activities For Warm Weather

Howdy! The warm weather brings us the exciting promise of seeing friends more safely in an outdoor setting. However, it is still so important that we maintain a social distance because COVID-19 and variants of the virus are still a very real threat. Today, we’re going to look at a few outdoors activities that can be done from a social distance and are a lot of fun too. Try incorporating the following into your next outing with friends:

Paint A Masterpiece:

Pre-COVID, paint nights were insanely popular and for good reason – they’re a blast! And now, they can make a comeback because having a painting party outside is a possibility. For a project, you could all find something different to try your hand at painting or even hire a local artist to walk you through a summer landscape. Set up blankets six feet apart from each other with some snacks, drinks, and art supplies on each one. You could host the party in your own backyard or at a local park. No matter how your masterpiece turns out, it will be so nice to create with your friends in the fresh air.

Food Wars:

Everyone who likes to grill more than likely thinks they are the best at it lol so put the skills of those in your friend group to the test with a good old fashioned cook off. Every week you could have different categories like appetizers, main dishes, and desserts so the less grill savvy can participate and keep track of how everyone is faring on score cards. By the end of summer, you will find out who is the master chef!

Gardening Group:

Gardening is such a rewarding hobby and can be done from a social distance. Perhaps you and your friends could start a garden together. You can opt for growing food in the garden or beautiful flowers and everyone can enjoy the bounty all summer long. Of course, it doesn’t have to end there! Look up recipes that utilize the veggies you are growing and host a garden party to showcase your hard work.

Games Tournament:

Work hard play hard, amiright? But seriously, there are so many fun outdoor games that can be played from a social distance so why not put together a backyard tournament for your friends? Cornhole, bocce ball, croquet, and horseshoes are all great places to start. Don’t forget that there are huge outdoor versions of classic games like Jenga, chess, checkers, and Connect 4. If anyone has children, you could all work together to create an outdoor Candy Land board for them to enjoy.

For bonus categories in your tournament you could include best sidewalk chalk art, best bubble soap, most Pogo Stick jumps, and the like for even more fun in the sun.

Backyard Water Park:

Okay, stay with me here but how cool would a backyard water park that you and your friends put together be? I have been thinking about this so much because the pool at my apartment community won’t be open again this summer and it would be nice to have somewhere to cool off! Now, when I say water park, I don’t mean huge slides and a wave pool. No, I’m talking an ultimate Slip n’ Slide, sprinklers, water balloons, a kiddie pool to soak your feet, a sand castle building set up, and an area to work on your tan. And, of course, an endless supply of concession stand style snacks and lemonade. I think that would just be the best!

I feel like people hear the phrase “social distance” and they instantly think “less fun” but that isn’t the case at all. You just have to get a little creative, like with the ideas above, and you will safely enjoy each other’s company in the great outdoors all while having a ball. 😀

What are you looking forward to this summer? How do you plan on seeing your friends social distance style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar23

Warm Weather Projects For Your Property

Posted on by
Standard
Warm Weather Projects For Your Property

There’s just something about the combination of spring cleaning and the improved weather that turns the “curl up and relax” mentality of winter completely on its head. When the sun comes out, it puts a renewed pep in our step and I’m sure many of us have been thinking about home improvement projects both big and small that can be worked on during the warm weather.

If you’re experiencing the “get up and go” attitude of spring but nothing immediately comes to mind, consider the following projects:

Windows & Doors:

Replacing old windows and doors will give a welcome facelift to both the interior and exterior of your home. A bold front door is a must and if you get new replacement windows, then it is all the better to let the sunshine in with. New windows and doors are also an instant curb appeal booster so it will raise your property value! If you’d like to take this idea one step further, you could even turn one of the rooms into a sun room with floor length windows. A bright, sunny room will be a nice change of pace after the darkness of winter. If this is a project you’re looking to complete, simply type in a search for “Replacement windows Greenville” or your local area to find the experts who are right for you.

Backyard Fun:

It’s safe to say that absolutely everyone will be outside as often as they can in the warm weather so make sure your backyard is well equipped. This could mean arranging a patio area or a deck for social distanced hang outs or preparing your barbecue pit for the season. If you enjoy woodworking you might want to try your hand at making and decorating cornhole boards for tournaments. Don’t forget a net for volleyball and badminton!

Of course, if you want your backyard to be the ultimate place to hang out this summer, you will want it to look its best. Flowers, gardens, soft green grass to play on, and solar lights and other decor are all great places to start. Remember, a well kept outer property will only help boost your curb appeal so don’t be afraid to go all out with your gardening.

Nature Window:

Creating a nature window ties the two ideas above together for an activity you can enjoy inside. Outside of a large window place bird feeders, baths, and houses, hummingbird and butterfly feeders, butterfly bushes, and insect condos. Basically, anything that will help attract local wildlife. You will have the perfect view of all of the birds flying in and out and all from the comfort of the air conditioning! Not to mention that all of the animals will thank you. 🙂

Don’t let your get up and go energy get up and leave! Try out some of the projects above to welcome back the warm weather.

Mar19

4 Benefits Of Greenery In And Around Your Home

Posted on by
Standard
4 Benefits Of Greenery In And Around Your Home

It’s said that nature can be beneficial for our health and well being in a variety of ways. It not only adds beautiful color to your home but can lift your spirits as well as improve your air quality. Here are four benefits of greenery in and around your home:

Nature Makes You Happy:

As humans, there are core connections that we need. One is that we need human connection with others in order to feel content and fulfilled. Whether that’s being a social butterfly or simply connecting with others over the internet or with a small family unit. The other thing is that nature and being around nature can also help make us happier on the inside. There’s something about seeing a flower blooming or that stark green color on a leaf that can improve our mood for the better.

That’s why it’s good to have plants in all of your rooms, especially in places where you need that little bit of extra life, perhaps the bedroom where you’ll wake up feeling tired or sad from a dream you’ve had. Seeing something so colorful and alive can be uplifting.

It Keeps The Air Cleaner:

Whether you’re working with a bud trimming machine in your job or doing some casual gardening outside in your backyard, having greenery around you can impact the quality and cleanliness of the air. Plants and flowers help to purify the air, making it healthier for us humans to be able to breathe in and out. It’s important to incorporate a lot of greenery in your home and around it to help contribute to this science that’s proven to help with your health on the inside.

Helps Improve Mental Health:

Gardening is an amazing activity to take up if you struggle with your mental health. It will feel so good to get outside in the sunshine, breathe fresh air, and help something grow. Gardening is a true testament that if you nurture and care for something, you will achieve beautiful results – much like tending to your own mental health. A new hobby also helps fill excess free time and will provide a deep sense of accomplishment when your first flowers begin to bloom.

You’re More Productive:

Productivity or a lapse in productivity is something that most of us will tend to experience on a daily basis. Sometimes we’ll have good moments of productivity and others, slightly less to none at all. It’s always good to find ways of inspiring and motivating you whether it’s in your personal life or work life. Plants and flowers can help bring that productivity, sending good vibes to your brain to stimulate it. So if you’ve been feeling a lack of it recently, then be sure to invest in a few more plants for your home.

The benefits of greenery in and outside your home are proven to be helpful in creating a happy environment so use these tips for yourself this spring!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar18

Spring Has Sprung!

Posted on by
Standard
Spring Has Sprung!

Hello! While there is an actual calendar date for the first day of spring, it has already sprung for me because of the bulbs and flowers popping up in my parent’s yard. My dad is an incredible gardener but, unfortunately, just had surgery for a dislocated shoulder and broken arm which means he will have to sit this gardening season out.

My family has all agreed to step in to tend to the yard and garden this spring and summer under my dad’s watch and I’m excited! I used to love helping out in the garden when I was younger and this past week as I walked around the backyard, I was delighted to see some flowers already poking out from the dried grass and leaves. Check it out:

CF2E1C02-0389-459C-B194-34FB3F09AAFD6D18CD22-B52D-4941-87D8-B97665426BC662F19395-32E0-498B-8AB5-311F1C518FC2

This has been a crazy past few weeks for my family with my dad’s injury on top of other personal matters and seeing these sunny little flowers during a beautiful day made me feel hopeful. Yellow was my grandma’s favorite color and one of mine too. She also loved planting flowers, herself, and catching sight of my dad’s crocuses and his “buttercups” as he calls them was like getting a special hello from her.

Despite the much needed transition into warm weather, things still feel so dark right now due to the pandemic. However, stepping out into the sunlight and having the first flowers of the season there to greet me put a smile on my face. It made me feel genuinely happy and I am looking forward to spending time outside with my family in the nice weather. My gardening skills might not be up to par with those of my dad but I’ll give it my best shot so he can still have his yearly flowers and veggies during his recovery. ❤

When do you feel like spring his sprung? What is your favorite flower? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar12

Gift Ideas For Warm Weather Birthdays

Posted on by
Standard
Gift Ideas For Warm Weather Birthdays

Hi! In my family, there are eight spring and summer birthdays that I have to shop for so I am never lacking in gift ideas for warm weather birthdays. Shopping for birthdays that take place when the weather is nice is a great opportunity to purchase outdoor activity based gifts. Activity gifts always go over well but will be an even bigger hit this year since we are all itching to get outside and enjoy the weather. Let’s go over some of my favorite ideas:

Gardening Supplies/Outdoor Decor:

Spring and summer are, of course, the prime gardening times so if your giftee has a green thumb, then you can’t go wrong with gardening supplies. From raised planters and pots to seeds, tools, and insect hotels – any garden improvement supplies are sure to be appreciated. You could even offer your help weekly to tend to the garden since that is an activity that can be achieved from a social distance.

If your giftee is not so gifted in the garden, outdoor decor can really help enhance their space. Bird baths, houses, and feeders, wind chimes, decorative solar lights, and benches are all great places to start. Setting up a bird feeding station in your giftee’s backyard will allow them to enjoy nature without having to get their hands dirty.

Outdoor Games:

At this point, I’m sure everyone is bored of board games so anything that can be played outside is sure to please. Bocce ball, cornhole, croquet, and horseshoes can all be played from a social distance. There are even huge outdoor versions of classic games like checkers, chess, Connect 4, and Jenga. Outdoor games are such fun and can be used year after year so they are perfect for friends who love to entertain when the weather permits.

Summertime Treats:

What is the warm weather without popsicles, smoothies, snow cones, and ice cream? Nothing, I tell you! All of the treats that I just mentioned to help cool you down on a hot day can be made from home so you could gift the appliance or supplies needed to make them. Don’t forget a recipe book so they have plenty of ideas to work with and your gift doesn’t become just a one time use item. Perfect for the person on your list with a sweet tooth.

Warm weather is also a great time to enjoy spritzers and cocktails so if you are shopping for an amateur bartender, the ingredients for light and refreshing drinks would make a nice addition to the home bar.

Painting Supplies:

Paint nights are insanely popular and are fun for the artistic and not so much alike. They can also be done in the great outdoors so how about preparing a paint night kit for your giftee? Find inspiration for a painting project on Pinterest, get the necessary supplies, a blanket to sit on, and a picnic basket to hold everything. You could even double the order to make it work for a date night for your giftee and their significant other! Whomever it is you are shopping for will love getting in touch with their creative side while enjoying the weather and will be touched by how thoughtful the gift is too. 🙂

Get started on your warm weather birthday shopping with the ideas above that will keep your giftee smiling in the sunshine for as long as the weather allows!

What season is your birthday in? What is your favorite outdoor activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Feb17

How To Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

Posted on by
Standard
How To Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

Whether you have a nondescript colonial house that needs a bit of a makeover or a cottage that you would like to improve its personality, it can always be tricky to decide on the changes to make. When it comes to exterior home makeovers, a straightforward trick of achieving a great look is to avoid forcing a particular style, especially unrelated to your home. However, with the best exterior enhancements, you stand a higher chance of improving your home’s overall appeal.

If you are not sure what aspects of the exterior of your home to change, here is a brief guide to help you:

Update the Front Door:

The front door of your house says a lot about it. There is a new trend where the focus is to create a meaningful sense of arrival by updating the door. Most traditional houses have asymmetrical windows, a front door that is not at the center, or even a jagged roof line. A bolt-on addition, such as a porch, would put the needed emphasis on the house’s entrance. Another way to update the front door for your home’s appeal would be to upgrade its hardware – change the door number and apply a new layer of color.

Add an Enclosed Entrance:

Including a cover overhead at the entryway would be a perfect way to make your home’s exterior stand out. An even better idea would be a covered entrance; it will go a long way to giving your home’s appearance a boost. If yours is a colonial-style home, opt for a minimalist portico with a pediment – it will define the entrance elegantly.

Even with the significance of such entrances, it is worth minding pests and other crawly creatures. Termites tend to hide in wooden structures similar to the ones used to create doorways. Find a pest control company near you to ensure that the right measures are in place; you don’t want a case where termites infest your entrance within a week of construction.

Work on the Roof:

Another significant way to boost your home’s appeal is by having an updated roof. You can do this in a variety of ways, including painting the existing roof or replacing it entirely. Whether to repaint or replace the roof with the help of commercial and residential roofing and roof repairs depends on the roof’s condition, your budget, and aesthetics. If the roof is in poor condition, repairing it might not be an option, especially if it’s nearing the end. In such a case, a replacement or an addition to the roof’s cover would give it a much better appearance. The roof installation service may be necessary, for safety and longevity reasons.

When it comes to roofing projects, this is a task that should always be left to the professionals. DIY skills can be dangerous any time, but especially on top of your house! Well reviewed companies like Wilson Roofing, who offer roofing residential in Austin or in your own hometown are a must. This is a job that you want done right the first time – the safety of your family and home depends on it!

Replace the Old Windows:

How would your house look with a revamped door and new roof but old windows? Replacing the windows should be on your to do list to give your home’s exterior a facelift. You will have many options when it comes to window replacement – you can opt for powder-coated aluminum frames if you are a fan of contemporary styles or choose from PVCu, single-glazed, or period-style windows. No matter what design of replacement windows you choose, they should always complement the property and be installed by experts to give your home the ultimate makeover. This is one of the final steps in a full exterior revamp so choose wisely. You will want to explore several window options before making a decision so take the time to research “St. Paul replacement windows” (or your local area) and find some examples that fit your style.

Revamping your home’s exterior is something that you should occasionally do to keep it in perfect condition and align with the trends. Your focus should be on the yard, doors, windows, roofing, and perhaps the paint.

Featured Image By: Expect Best via Pexels

Feb14

Making Your House Pop From The Outside

Posted on by
Standard
Making Your House Pop From The Outside

If you are planning on selling house, it is not only important for the inside to be perfect but the outside too. The outside of your home is what your curb appeal is based on, after all, and you want it in its best condition because it will be the first impression potential buyers have of your home. An unsightly outdoor property can turn off potential future owners instantly as they will want a home that is move in ready in all aspects. Moving is expensive and the last thing a buyer wants is to take on another big project, like getting the landscaping in order.

Raising your property’s curb appeal is all about adding visual interest with expertly placed splashes of color as well as tending to any outdoor care or maintenance to keep your home looking in tip top shape. To make your house pop before anyone even steps inside, try the following:

A Bold Front Door:

The entrance into your home should make a statement, which means no boring front doors allowed! A bold front door whether it be painted brightly or has interesting glass shapes will set your house apart from all of the others on the block. It is a simple fix that will definitely make a big difference. You can get inspiration from Pinterest and home decor blogs for the right door for your property and the experts at NorthShield Windows and Doors will take care of the rest! Don’t forget that your front door should be reflective of what the inside of your house looks like. A huge wooden door doesn’t exactly mesh well with a sleek modern interior.

A New Fence:

An improvement for the exterior of your home that will be especially appealing to potential buyers is a fenced in yard. There are so many possibilities that come with it – a safe space for kids to run around, an outdoor escape for your pups, or maybe you might want to put a pool in! You will want to opt for a style that blends seamlessly with your home’s exterior for a cohesive, classic look. To get this project underway, simply enter a search for “West Hartford fence contractor” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed company to work with.

Pops Of Color:

If you don’t want to go with a colorful front door in turquoise or buttercup yellow, give the exterior of your home some pops of color with a lovely landscape design. A well manicured lawn with lush green grass paired with bright, beautiful flowers will do the job just fine! There is nothing like some blooming flowers to put a smile on your face. If you are lacking a green thumb but love the idea of an improved yard, simply do a search for “Landscaper in Clarksville, TN” or your local area. A landscaping team will help bring your vision to life!

You can take things one step further by creating unique shapes with your greenery too. Crisp edges and soft curves can be achieved with the help of something like Steel Garden Edging from The Ideal Garden and the results are sure to boost your curb appeal. You can also think about painting your mailbox or, perhaps, the shed in your backyard to a shade that will stand out. As mentioned before, curb appeal is about making your house different than the rest and pops of color in the right places are sure to do that as well as make potential buyers smile.

A Smooth Driveway:

A driveway that is cracked or has potholes can be a massive eyesore on an, otherwise, well kept outdoor property. Potential owners want a driveway that they can park their car with pride in so tending to cracks and bumps is a must. And, speaking of cars, extending your garage to fit two cars instead of one will not only boost your curb appeal but property value too! Remember that you will want a smooth transition from your driveway to your lawn so utilizing creative garden edging ideas is a must. This will ensure a fully cohesive appearance to make the improvements look even better.

When selling house, it’s all about looking at the big picture of your property and its exterior is a part of that. Tend to your front and back yard as well as you do to the inside and your house will have the best curb appeal on the block!

Feb11

Prepping The Outside Of Your Home For Spring

Posted on by
Standard
Prepping The Outside Of Your Home For Spring

The thought of spring fast approaching is like a lighthouse amidst the gloom of the COVID-19 pandemic. Warmer weather means the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors social distanced with friends and loved ones and I know we are all looking forward to that! If your outdoor property is going to be the place to be this spring, start considering the following to get everything prepared for the first few warm days:

Tend To Landscaping:

Whether you plan on working on your landscaping yourself or hiring the experts from a landscaping company in Scarborough, this is definitely the first step you want to take when prepping your outdoors for spring. From installing fences and decks to the planting of lush greenery and flowers, you want your outdoor space to be just as welcoming to guests as your kitchen is. Get inspired about your dream yard from Pinterest, home design shows, or check out this landscape designer and see where your creativity takes you in a whole different setting!

Not only will beautiful landscaping boost your curb appeal and the overall aesthetic of your home, but it can also do a world of good. When you grow native plants, it encourages the growth of biodiverse ecosystems and a safe haven for endangered species like Monarch butterflies. You can purchase the best plants for your area to create a stunning display and a habitat for local species with companies like Direct Native Plants (or a similar one in your local area). Do your research, get to shopping, and open up your yard to wonderful wildlife. 

Fix Problem Areas:

It will be hard to enjoy your outdoor property if your home isn’t looking its best from the outside. As the warmer weather hits, do a walk through around your house to locate problem areas that need fixed. Whether this means giving your place a fresh coat of paint, patching holes, solving problems with pests, or, perhaps, tending to reinforcements. This can include providing additional structural support or contacting retaining wall experts in your area for extra help.

Spring also means a lot of rain and you will want to ensure that your yard is capable of handling the downpours. Standing water can turn your pristine yard into a swamp in no time at all and will bring a swarm of mosquitos and a host of landscaping issues. This will make it hard to enjoy the weather and all of the fun of the outdoors. It will be important to fix standing water in your yard before transitioning to spring. You want to deal with it all now instead of wishing you had already taken care of it halfway through spring. Then, you can fully enjoy the outdoors without constantly thinking about your to do list.

Garden Get Together:

Gardening is a hobby that can be done from a safe distance with friends and can be a lot of fun. How about hosting a get together to do just that? Visit a garden center for lovely flowers or plants and then hit up the craft store for pots and paints to create your own potted masterpiece. This is a fantastic way to let your creativity shine by decorating your pot and arranging your plants just so. Make one or a bunch to outline your patio with and you will have a beautiful display!

Contact Free Games:

A beautiful, manicured yard is just begging to be used and there are plenty of contact free games to enjoy playing with your friends. Invest in a set of bocce ball, croquet, or cornhole. All of these games can be played while social distancing and the bocce and croquet balls can be easily sanitized after using them. Despite being outdoors, it’s still important to keep following COVID-19 guidelines and contact free games will provide safe and fun entertainment for your guests.

Protection From The Sun:

There is nothing better than settling outside with a good book and a glass of lemonade but this can be difficult to do if there is no protection from the sun on your property to help keep you comfortable. Consider having a space on your deck or patio where you can cool down in the shade with a sun setter or a table with a nice big umbrella. This will be a welcome spot to beat the heat after a couple of games of bocce!

Spring hasn’t quite sprung yet but it’s never too early to start thinking about it and getting excited to break free from your living room. Work on getting your outdoor property ready for spring now and you will be ready to be the first one outside when the warm weather finally hits!

 

Dec27

Looking After Your Home’s Roof: 5 Tips For Homeowners

Posted on by
Standard
Looking After Your Home’s Roof: 5 Tips For Homeowners

Looking after your home’s roof is crucial to protect the structure of your property and ensure that all premises are safe and sound for your family. However, looking after the roof is something that can definitely be a task! Indeed, most parts are often inaccessible or extremely difficult to examine. Nonetheless, there are some easy ways to ensure that your home’s roof is healthy and bound to withstand the test of time. Start with the ones below:

Consider a Renovation:

One of the first steps is to check whether your roof needs a renovation. This type of project is undoubtedly time-consuming and can be quite expensive. However, your home’s roof is extremely important, and it is paramount that it is in its best shape at all times. This is not a task that should be left to DIY skills so be sure to do your research for the best roofing contractor in San Marcos, TX or your local area. You will want someone well recommended as this is a big undertaking.

If you have opted for a complete renovation of your roof, your investment will last for years to come, guaranteeing you to have the best structure over your head! When renovating your roof, you also have the chance to take into consideration more modern materials and alternatives, such as the best metal roof for residential properties.

Winter Proof Your Roof:

If you have opted for a metal roof, you can be sure that it will protect your family home against the elements for years to come. However, independently of how old your roof is, it is important to winter proof it. Cleaning it, removing debris, and preventing ice dams are just some of the important tasks to cover before the winter months come around. It is also vital to ensure that the roof is healthy and stable before any rain or snow happens.  

Of course, your roof should be weather-proofed according to the climate you live in. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, taking extra precautions is crucial. High winds and flying debris can cause significant damage, sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately visible. That’s why it’s wise to get roof damage assessment after a hurricane, even if your home appears unscathed. A professional inspection can help identify any underlying issues early, preventing more costly repairs down the line. Having a trusted expert lined up before storm season hits can make all the difference in protecting your home.

Regular Maintenance Is Key:

It would be impossible for homeowners to check what condition the roof is in at all times. Because of the limited accessibility this area offers, many homeowners tend to quickly check their roofs once a year or even less regularly. However, if you are looking to increase its lifespan, you should consider getting your roof professionally inspected and maintained once a year, at least.

To make this easier, it is usually best to simply hire a professional roofer to do it for you. With their help, you will know exactly what is going on with your roof, as well as whatever repairs might need to take place in order to keep it in good shape. Your roofer could then carry out those repairs, sometimes even on the same day as inspection. This will help with the regular maintenance of your roof, so it’s well worth it.

Make the Most Out of Your Roof Space:

Your home’s roof should not just be an extra surface to look after. The roof is a valuable space that is actively part of your home, and if you feel like it is not used at its best, then you might consider investing in alternative projects. For example, you could decide to install solar panels. This might represent an unnecessary investment at first. However, once your solar panels are up, your whole household can count on clean energy for years to come.

Check It from the Inside:

An excellent way to check the health of your roof is from the inside. Head up towards your attic and check the ceiling. If you see signs of mold, humidity, or mildew, you might consider a more extensive inspection. Humidity might have damaged the inner part of the roof. Cracks and peeling paint are also telltale signs that a thorough inspection is in order. However, if none of these signs are visible, you might consider postponing a more comprehensive check until after the winter season.

Keep the roof over your head in best shape for years to come with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov19

How To Ace Winter At Home

Posted on by
Standard
How To Ace Winter At Home

Winter varies from place to place but unless you’re somewhere on the equator the likelihood is that it’s going to be cold. Sure, some places are worse than others and will need better home preparation but, in most cases, there’s usually a few things needing to be done to ensure the home is a functioning and comfortable place to be during the winter months. Some people love winter. The coziness of it is what attracts people, and Christmas, of course. Others hate it. They don’t do well with the darkness and cold, and that’s fine. Either or, here are some tips to help you succeed over the winter months:

Get your energy solutions sorted:

Energy prices fluctuate year in and out which is why you need to change your provider often. If you want a good winter, you don’t want to pay too much money for your energy, so make sure you consider changing providers. You might also want to look at your insulation. Of course, a heating and cooling company can check this out for you. If you know you don’t have any it could be a worthy investment which could save you a lot of money on energy. In the same vein, you’ll want to get your boiler and other burning devices serviced so that you know they’re safe to operate.

Clean the gutters:

Winter usually brings rain and snow. This will increase water flow and really clog up your gutters, especially if you live somewhere close to trees. The leaves are usually the key culprits of gutter blockage. You can buy the tools for these on amazon but you might just be better off approaching someone to do it for you. If you do it yourself, make sure there’s someone under you holding the ladder so you don’t fall.

If you are having consistent issues with your gutters, you might want to consider a new approach. Aluminum Seamless Gutters provide long lasting and durable protection and can make a huge difference if you live in a rainy climate. A reliable gutter system will better protect your home during inclement weather.

You might also need to clear the drains which the gutters run into. These can be more important because they’ll cause standing water issues around your home, small puddles might be manageable but when you get the bigger ones it’ll be a lot harder to handle in most cases. It’s just a case of lifting the lid with a gloved hand and pulling the leaves out.

Check the alarms:

You’ll be at home more often due to the winter weather and this is even more prevalent this year due to coronavirus. So make sure it’s safe. Check your smoke alarms first, then make sure you’ve got a working carbon monoxide alarm in place around any fossil burning appliance. Then you need to ensure the house alarm is working. If it isn’t, think about upgrading or at least making the current one work properly. If you can’t afford it don’t panic, just make sure your doors and locks are secure and be sure to check the windows too.

Get your home in tip top shape before the winter comes with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay