Simple steps to keep your second home safe from costly repairs

(BPT) – Whether it’s a cabin up north, a villa down south or a quaint cottage near family, many people in the United States own second homes. You spend time at these vacation properties during some seasons, but for much of the year they remain empty. That’s why it’s important to take precautions to ensure your property and belongings stay safe even when you’re not there. Not only are vacation homes a target for thieves, but empty homes are often vulnerable to the elements and the unexpected. For example, can you imagine the damage that a water leak would cause …

Common House Problems to Keep an Eye Out For

Your home should be a relaxing haven, not a place riddled with problems. Don’t let those get the best of you: watch out for these common household problems. No place is quite as relaxing as your home. If problems strike, however, they can cause quite the headache—not to mention a money drain. Be wary of these common house problems, and deal with them as soon as they arise. Faulty heating or air conditioning Nothing is more uncomfortable than a house that’s too hot or too cold. All too often, though, people have issues with their heating or air conditioning. Worst …

7 Ideas to Improve Curb Appeal

(Family Features) Whether you’re hoping to sell in the near future or simply looking to touch up outdated areas, there’s one aspect of home maintenance most homeowners agree is important: curb appeal. It’s a broad term that may reference any number of visible features, meaning there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance of your house. Consider these ideas – some big, some small – for bringing new life to your home’s look from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Swap Out Your Front Door As one of the first things a guest, passerby or …

House Beautiful Whole Home Concept House

Open daily for tours October 18-November 3 is the nearly 6,000 square foot Whole Home Concept House, powered by LG and built by Castle Homes in the historic Belle Meade neighborhood in Nashville. The pages of House Beautiful will come alive with the magazine’s second annual Whole Home Concept House, constructed in the English Arts and Crafts style. Inspired by early 20th century architect C. F. A. Voysey, who embraced the simplicity of the Arts and Crafts movement, the home has been designed by Castle Homes with architect Kevin Coffey. Designers from across the United States are participating in the home …

Parade of Homes Returns to The Grove

Construction is wrapping up on the houses taking part in the 2019 James Hardie Building Products Parade of Homes™. The highly anticipated custom home tour will open Saturday October 12 and continue daily through Sunday October 27 at The Grove community in College Grove. Hours are from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 per person and children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Memories of Honor is the designated charity to benefit from ticket sales. Sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee (HBAMT), this year’s event features five custom homes built by area builders. The homes …

5 Garage Remodeling Ideas for a Workable and Livable Space

Use our garage remodeling ideas to turn your garage from a dirty dumping ground into a livable and workable space that you’ll enjoy spending time in. In a lot of homes, the garage is a place to park the car, keep the lawnmower, or store a lot of junk. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The garage can be a place to store all those things as well as a place to get some work done and hang out once the work is complete. A few garage remodeling ideas can transform your garage into a brand-new space that you’ll want …

5 Tips to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Improving indoor air quality is not as difficult as you think. If you want to achieve clean air, we offer five tips to improve air quality in indoor spaces. Most of us are so comfortable in our homes that we often overlook small details, such as air quality. Between open windows, pets, and old filters, it’s important to keep the air in your humble abode clean. If you have concerns, we provide five simple tips for improving your home’s air quality. Keep Your Home Clean It may seem like common sense, but keeping a clean home is the first line …

4 Signs That You’re Ready to Sell Your Home

Have you thought about putting your property on the market? It may be time to move. We reveal four glaring signs that you’re ready to sell your home. If you’ve had second thoughts about whether you want to stay in your home, it may be time to move. Below, we highlight five clear signs that you’re ready to sell your home. Your Current Home No Longer Suits Your Lifestyle People often put their homes on the market when they realize they’re about to outgrow their homes or that they’re no longer attached to their neighborhoods. Whether you’re expecting more children or …

Five Outdoor Home Maintenance Tips to Use This Summer

Soak up the summer sun and spruce up your house at the same time. These five outdoor home maintenance tips will make your house the talk of the town. After those long winter months, your house may need a little TLC. Spend some time sprucing up your house this summer with these five outdoor home maintenance tips. Your house is sure to be the talk of the town in no time. Examine your chimney During the hot summer months, sitting down in front of a warm fireplace may be the last thing on your mind. While you may not use your …

Which Design Trends Can Wreck Your Sleep Quality

A bedroom where you feel comfortable and relaxed can help you sleep well. Good design can help you achieve that, but if you’re not careful, some design trends could be a problem for sleep quality. Too much exposure to light, overwhelming colors, even noisy surfaces might look good but be an issue for getting the quality sleep you need each night. Basic window coverings. Your circadian rhythm relies on light to tell you when it’s bedtime (dark time) and daytime (light time). So when you’re exposed to light at night, it sends the wrong message and could make you too …