How to Enjoy a Debt-Free Holiday

Nov 18, 2020|Source: Mortgage Architects

The holidays are coming up! As much as these celebrations bring us joy and harmony, they can also bring us stress. This is particularly true when it comes to your finances! However, don’t lose hope that this will be another draining year on your pocketbook. In fact, with a little planning, there are a few ways you can make sure your holidays are stress and credit-free.

Manage Your Expectations

Did you find the holidays refreshing last year, or were they somewhat draining and you’re still trying to figure out how to pay off your credit card bills? If you are someone that wants your holidays to be energizing and provide that feeling of togetherness, there is more to it than just spending money. Once you decide your expectations, it becomes easier to work towards things that create that result.

Determine Your Holiday Goals

Are you looking to plan an extravagant black-tie party or have a more low-key celebration? Maybe you just want to hang out with lots of family and friends and enjoy some good food? Or maybe you usually get away and are finding yourself homebound this year. No matter how you normally spend your holidays, sharing your thoughts with family will help determine your goals and come to a decision that works for everyone!

Create a Budget

Once you have decided your expectations and goals for the holiday, it is time to create your budget. A little planning can go a long way to creating a credit-free holiday, and will help you spread out the costs. The first step is to create a list of everything you need, from individual gifts to decorations to baking ingredients and meal items to clothing!

Start Now

Early planning can make all the difference when it comes to the holidays. Instead of lumping your entire budget into a couple paychecks, try keeping an eye out for gift ideas and cute decor all year long. While it may be too late this year, it could be a good strategy to try for 2021! Starting early will help reduce stress and give you more opportunities to scoop up incredible deals throughout the year, which means you can spread your budget even farther!

Accept Help

While I know many of us try to do everything during the holidays so our families can just enjoy themselves, it is important to remember that the holidays are a time when we are supposed to support each other, and celebrate together! If you are hosting a dinner this year, don’t be afraid to ask your family to bring appetizers or drinks. If you are buying gifts for friends, set a limit or challenge everyone to make something by hand! Homemade gifts can often feel more special and it creates a fun exchange for you and your friends. There are many incredible ways to reduce stress and help get others involved so that the holiday is perfect for everyone.

It is easy to get caught up in the consumerism and expectations of the holidays. Is dinner perfect? Did you buy enough gifts? Did you invite everyone? Is everyone happy? But don’t forget yourself in your efforts to please others.

Even though the holidays can feel hectic, it is important to celebrate YOU and be grateful for what you have - even if you weren’t able to check off all the boxes. Life happens, but the most important thing is that we celebrate when we can.

The holiday is YOURS, so make sure you spend it whichever way brings you the most joy - and the least amount of stress on your pocketbook.

Top 3 home renovation scams – and how to avoid them

 

                                   Thinking of Real Estate?
Top 3 home renovation scams – and how to avoid them

(NC) Home makeovers and repairs are on the rise, as we try to make our spaces more livable and functional. But even if you prefer to DIY most projects, some inevitably require the help of a professional. Finding a reliable contractor is where you can run into trouble, as there are many contractor scams in the industry.  

“While on the ground supporting our customers, some have told us that they have been approached by contractors going door-to-door to offer repair services with deals that seem too good to be true,” explains Bryant Vernon, Chief Claims Officer at Aviva Canada. “It’s important for everyone to protect themselves against contractors who may be taking advantage of homeowners especially after a severe weather event.” 

Here are some of the most common scams to beware of, and some tips on what you can do about them: 

The storm chaser. 

These nomad roofers go across the country chasing hailstorms and other natural disasters. They are quick to show up on your doorstep after a severe weather event. Familiar with how insurance companies work, these contractors charge a hefty amount using inferior quality products and promise to help you close your file quickly with the insurance company. But they are nowhere to be found should you find yourself with a leaky roof a few years later. 

The unbelievably low bid.

This roofing contractor will offer a bid that is far lower than any other construction companies in the area. But once the job starts, unexpected costs and unforeseen problems may suddenly appear. Some contractors may even resort to removing the old roof or threaten to leave the roof bare if additional payments aren’t made. 

The door-to-door free roof inspection. 

Similar to the storm chaser, this door-to-door salesperson will come knocking offering a free roof inspection. They will go up on your roof and possibly fabricate damage to mimic storm damage or show you a photo with roof damage from a different home and claim it came from your roof. 

What you can do 

Always do your research and get a couple of quotes from reputable companies to compare before deciding on the one to hire. Be cautious of those asking for upfront deposits and make sure the payment structure is clear from the beginning. Ask about all the steps of the project, completion times, and liability insurance. While not required by law, a company that does not have liability insurance means any damage to property resulting from the renovation may not be covered by them. 

Find more information at aviva.ca/en/tools/approved-vendor-and-contractors-program.  

 

                                                               Thinking of buying or selling?

Top home renovations to invest in this fall

(NC) Today, many families are focused on improving their homes instead of spending money on vacations and entertainment outside. With autumn as your last major chance to renovate before the winter, here are some of the best projects to tackle now for maximum enjoyment of your space.

Upgrade your kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home, and where you’ll be spending lots of time cooking for the holidays and entertaining your small social circle. So, give it a facelift to make sure it’s a bright and welcoming environment. A great DIY project is painting the cabinets in a bold or warm shade and updating the hardware in a metallic neutral. You can also invest in sleek, energy-efficient appliances for a clean, modern aesthetic and get fresh seasonal linens for your tablescape.   

Finish your basement
A finished basement extends your living space and has an excellent return on investment. It’s also the perfect place to turn into a spacious dedicated home office, so you can finally stop working on your dining table or couch and boost your productivity and comfort. But whether you want to turn your basement into that, a rec room or in-law suite, the first step is installing a high-performance subfloor. The best option for this is Dricore subfloor panels, which are designed with air gap technology to help protect against mould and moisture and keep floors dry, comfortable and cozy all year. It’s an easy DIY project, as the panels are easy to install and a room only takes half a day to do.

Elevate your exteriors
Not only does the exterior of your home make the first impression, it can also extend your living space – which is crucial when we’re working, living and playing at home. Make the most of it with areas you can spend time in even when the temperature drops. For example, you can create a sitting area to relax in or host smaller outdoor get-togethers for your social bubble by screening in your porch or installing an awning over your backyard patio. Laying down Dricore panels can work here too, as they will make cold surface feel warmer, softer and cozier for your feet. Complete the space with a heating lamp and you’ll be able to enjoy your exteriors almost all year-round.

Real Estate market Update of August 2020

 

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

Date: September 3,2020

Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Lisa Patel announced that the strong rebound in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) home sales continued with a record result for the month of August. GTA REALTORS® reported 10,775 residential sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in August 2020 – up by 40.3 percent compared to August 2019.

Sales were up on a year-over-year basis for all major home types, both in the City of Toronto and surrounding GTA regions. It should be noted that the low-rise market segments, including detached and semi-detached houses and townhouses, were the drivers of sales growth. Condominium apartment sales were up on an annual basis for the second straight month but to a lesser degree.

“Increased demand for ownership housing has been based on improving economic conditions, in terms of monthly GDP growth and job creation, and the continuation of very low borrowing costs. In addition, fewer households have chosen to go on vacation as a result of COVID-19 and instead have remained in the GTA and been active in the housing market, satisfying pent-up demand from the spring,” said Ms. Patel.

Both the number of new listings entered into TRREB’s MLS® System during the month and the number of active listings at the end of August 2020 was up on a year-over-year basis. While new listings were up strongly for all home types, growth in new condominium apartment listings far outstripped growth in the other market segments.

“Generally speaking, market conditions remained very tight in the GTA resale market in August. Competition between buyers was especially strong for low-rise home types, leading to robust annual rates of price growth. However, with growth in condominium apartment listings well-outstripping condo sales growth, condo market conditions were comparatively more balanced, which was reflected in a slower pace of price growth in that segment,” said Jason Mercer, TRREB’s Chief Market Analyst.

Thinking of buying, selling, or investing in real estate?

The MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark was up by 11.1 percent in August 2020 compared to August 2019. Over the same period, the overall average selling price was up by 20.1 percent to $951,404. Annual detached and semi-detached sales growth was stronger in the comparatively more-expensive City of Toronto compared to the surrounding GTA regions, which helps explain why growth in the overall average selling price outstripped growth in the MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark.

Thinking of Pre-Construction?

If you are curious about the regional real market update, feel free to reach us at 647-760-7061 or leave a  message here. Contact us!

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Yes, even resale homes can come with a warranty

(NC) Are you looking to buy – or have you just bought – a resale house or condominium unit that is less than seven years old?

If so, there’s a very good chance you still have some warranty coverage. That’s because the standard warranty on new homes in Ontario stays with every home even after it’s sold by the original owner.

Knowing how much coverage you have and how the warranty works will come in handy if you notice any issues. Read on for answers to the most commonly asked questions by buyers of resale homes that are still under warranty.

How do I find out if my home still has a warranty?

With the online Ontario Builder Directory, it’s easy to figure out if your home is enrolled in the province’s warranty program. Enter the address on the Tarion website, the private corporation set up by the Ontario government to administer the new home warranty program. It only takes a few moments to determine if your home is covered and how much warranty is left.

How do I transfer the warranty to my name?

If you want to take advantage of remaining warranty coverage, provide the home warranty administrator with a copy of your purchase agreement. As soon as your name is on file as the current owner, you’re good to go. You can even register online to submit claims and access your home’s warranty history.

What does the warranty cover?

Ontario’s new home warranty is broken down into one-, two- and seven-year coverages. The one-year warranty is a comprehensive warranty that covers general defects in work and materials. The two-year warranty covers the following: defects in your home’s plumbing; electrical and heating systems; water penetration through the foundation or other parts of your home; defects related to exterior cladding; and, Ontario Building Code violations that affect health and safety. Finally, the seven-year warranty provides coverage against major structural defects.

Whether you have one, two, or more years left in your coverage, make the most of it. Find more information at tarion.com.

www.realtorpankajpatel.com

Around the house – fall clean-up tips

(NC) As the cooler weather hits and the garden growing season ends, getting your home organized inside and out is a must. Here are some easy fall clean-up tips:

• For the yard, trim back overgrown and dead limbs in your hedges to protect them for the winter. Don’t forget to trim your trees, especially those close to the house, garage or shed.
• Clear old plants and weeds from your garden bed or pots to make it easier for spring planting and keep insects at bay. If not using winterized pots, bring them indoors.
• Clear leaves from the lawn, aerate and consider a fall fertilizing.
• Decks and garden furniture will need a good cleaning and, if appropriate, staining. Don’t forget to properly store cushions and outdoor tablecloths so that they can be used again next season. Garden tools also need a good cleaning or wipe down before storing for the winter.
• Moving inside, plan and prepare before you start. Make sure you have reusable boxes and bags on hand and create some storage space indoors or out. If outside, make sure the space is sheltered.
• Organize room by room. When swapping out seasonal clothes in your closet, take some time to make sure you still need or use each item. If not, recycle or donate it.
• Keep in mind that you can donate unwanted clothing, textiles and small household items, such as small garden tools, instead of throwing them out. Charitable organizations like Diabetes Canada are always looking for donations. You can donate your wares at one of their donation bins or schedule a home pickup at declutter.diabetes.ca.

How to avoid Moiture Damage to your home?

Avoiding Moisture Damage

Today's energy-efficient homes are built tightly to seal out the cold weather in winter and keep in the air conditioning in summer. Because of this, it is possible that a new home can be severely damaged by lack of ventilation or by excess moisture.

It is important to remember that moisture damage caused by improper or inadequate use of your ventilation system, is not covered by the new home warranty.

What causes moisture damage?

Your home can be damaged if weather-related water is allowed to enter and remain in the structure. Water from leaking pipes or fixtures that is not immediately cleaned up, and indoor humidity levels that are not properly controlled, can have serious consequences. Sometimes this damage is easily seen, at other times the damage is hidden inside wall and roof spaces. Regardless of where it occurs, moisture damage can lead to serious problems, such as rot, mould, and even structural failure.​

How can I control moisture?

Always use your home ventilation system to control moisture. In a typical home, over 20 litres of water are added to the indoor environment every day. That’s 7,300 litres in a year, enough to fill a medium-sized swimming pool. Bathroom fans, kitchen range hoods and packaged ventilators such as heat-recovery ventilators are specifically installed in your home to help you control moisture and contaminants. Regular use of your home ventilation system will exhaust excess airborne moisture caused by bathing, showering, doing laundry and cooking.​

What else can I do to control moisture?

Here are some extra tips you can follow to help prevent moisture damage to your home.

Outside the Home

1. Keep flowerbeds or landscaping at least six inches or 150 mm away from the top of the foundation. Placing soil near or above the top of the foundation allows moisture to come into direct contact with the structure of the building.
2. Ensure that land adjacent to the foundation slopes away from the home so that rainwater and snow melt will run away from the foundation.
3. Clear eavestroughs of debris regularly and extend downspouts so that water is directed away from the building. Water flow can erode the ground near the foundation and create depressions where water collects. Standing water near the foundation can force its way into the basement.
4. Fix the caulking around windows and doors and on the roof if it becomes cracked or separated.
5. Have your roof inspected regularly to ensure shingles, flashing and chimney caps are in place and sealed properly.

Inside the Home

1. In the winter, keep the relative humidity in your home in the range of 30-45%. Lower humidity levels may affect your health and cause things made of wood to shrink. Excess humidity can cause condensation on windows and damage the surrounding wall. When using a humidifier, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In the summer, dehumidify the basement to avoid condensation buildup on the cool foundation walls. Relative humidity levels should not exceed 60%.
3. Repair leaky pipes and fixtures immediately. Clean and completely dry any areas that are dampened or wet within 48 hours.
4. Store organic materials such as newspapers and clothes away from cool, damp areas. Keep storage areas tidy so that air circulates freely.
5. Purchase a “hygrometer” to monitor the relative humidity in your home.
6. If you are adding a hot tub to your home, or have a large collection of plants, consider the amount of moisture they will add to your indoor air and ventilate accordingly.
7. Never vent your clothes dryer inside your home. If you have a gas- or propane-fired dryer you may also be venting carbon monoxide inside your home!
8. Investigate and identify any musty smells and odours. They are often an indicator that there is a hidden moisture problem.​

 Source: Courtesy Of Tarion

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What makes Reunion Crossing such a great investment with such strong ROI potential?

Something GREAT is happening along St. Clair street.

The tired and old is replaced with NEW, Modern and Functional.

5 years from now this entire area will be unrecognizable!

Will you be one of the early ones to see and profit from the Vision and Change or will you wait until prices are sky-high?

Register for your unit now!

What makes Reunion Crossing such a great investment with such strong ROI potential?

✅An outstandingly low $815 average PSF - making it one of the last sub-$1,000 PSF areas near the Downtown core
✅A massive 17% neighborhood price appreciation (compared to the rest of Toronto at 10%)
✅No shortage of renters with a streetcar right outside the front door, new transportation options, and being one of BlogTO's most desirable neighborhoods.
✅8.09% annual growth for condo rentals over the past five years indicates continued strong ROI and growth

💲Future Price Appreciation will be Significant.💲

Call: 647-760-7061 to get details.

This excellent west Toronto location also offers easy access to many of the GTA's top destinations.

Steps to Streetcar

Reunite with great local shopping

Reunite with A+ Transit & Highways!

Reunite with Nature!

Call: 647-760-7061 to get details.

Steps to The Streetcar 🚋
The St. Clair Streetcar is one of the easiest ways to get across the city from Reunion Crossing. A ride east provides connections to St. Clair West Subway Station, and continues all the way to Avenue Road. It's perfect for heading to work, or just going out on the town!

GO Train & UP Express 🚆🚉
Just south of Reunion Crossing, Bloor Station offers residents access to GO Transit and the Union Pearson Express. Both are excellent options for getting into the city and getting out to discover the world. Travel to Union Station in as little as 11 minutes, or head to Pearson International Airport in about 20 minutes. Two amazing options to get literally anywhere you want to go! There are also plans to open a future SmartTrack GO station even closer to home right at the southeast corner of St. Clair West and Old Weston, which will make it even easier to travel across the region!

Hop on the Hwy. 🛣
Travel north from Reunion Crossing for an easy connection to Hwys. 401 and 400 just up Black Creek Drive. This is some of the most convenient highway access in the city, providing effortless connections to many of the GTA's top destinations.

Bike with Ease 🚲
Head south down Old Weston Road and you'll soon find access to some of the best biking infrastructure in the city. Options here include traveling along the West Toronto Railpath from Osler St. just south of St. Clair all the way south to Dundas Street. Heading east? Take the Davenport Bike Lane right into The Annex, with easy connections to additional bike lanes throughout the downtown core.

Call: 647-760-7061 to get details.

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7 BEAUTIFUL WAYS TO USE WHITE SPACE IN YOUR HOME

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SEP2016

White walls are a tried and true decor option found predominantly in our bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. There are many versatile styles associated with white space, including scandi and pared-down minimalism – these are styles that flourish most in areas with an abundance of natural light.

To gain a better appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of white space, here are 7 ways to integrate this timeless décor trend in your home.

1. White with Pastels

Image Source: Decoholic

Use chalky pastel accessories, art, and furniture to soften stark white walls. You can even try using patterned vintage floral designs to create more of a statement.

2. Wallpaper Accents

Image Source: Waplag

If you like taking décor dares and are looking for a quirky look, try putting some funky wallpaper accents up to dress up your white space.

3. Modern White Kitchen

Image Source: st.hzcdn

Create a modern kitchen by spicing up white walls with black light covers, dark colored flooring and dark window trims. The contrast looks so chic!

4. Scandinavian Black and White Bathroom

Image Source: Taizh

Scandi décor style consists of a large amount of white space broken up by high contrast tones and statement accessories (like marble countertops or a bright pink bathmat). Bold and dramatic, this décor style works great in bathrooms and gives off a very modern ambiance.

5. Purple Highlights

Image Source: Qarmazi

A purple combination (especially on the walls) will make your all-white bedroom more charming and personalized. This is a great, youthful style suitable for teenager bedrooms and dorm rooms.

6. All White Living Room

Image Source: Magic 4 Walls

Try an all-white living room look, interspersing colorful paintings, pillows, couches and a glass table within the space to create a cozy space that’s perfect for entertaining.

7. Simple All White Bedroom

Image Source: Drawhome

We love the tranquility and simplicity of a white-walled bedroom. Be sure to use dark accents, artwork and furniture throughout the space, too!

Which white wall look is your favorite? Let us know on Facebook or tweet us at @HomeLifeIntl.

5 savvy renovations to make your kitchen look like new

(NC) The kitchen is the heart and focal point of any home. But if yours is looking a little tired, a few simple renovations can change the feel of the entire space.

Whether you’ve just moved in, have been meaning to update for years or are experiencing life changes, remember that a kitchen uplift doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag. These small-scale projects could be the change your kitchen needs: 

1. Brighten it up. Adding LED lights below your cabinets will brighten your backsplash and counter and provide a warm glow. Place your favorite containers below to act as focal points – those copper canisters that are hiding under the island and the marble coasters you couldn’t resist can now all be on display.
2. Swap the old with the new. The backsplash is the first thing you see, so replacing it can be enough to give the space a whole new look. Try a unique shape or color to change things up, like turquoise or patterned tiles, hexagon-shaped tiles or even a full slab of stainless steel.
3. Rework what you have. People often think new cabinets are necessary for a kitchen reno, but a lot can be done with what you’ve got. Repainting the cabinets and switching out the knobs to chic new handles will do wonders for a makeover.
4. Don’t hide away. Try adding some open shelving in an unused spot, such as above the sink or window, or next to the cabinets. Display your most beautiful dishes and add some decorative pieces to give the space a modern, airy feel.
5. Add new materials into the mix. Changing the island to a butcher-block counter adds warmth and practicality.

Taking on a renovation can often feel overwhelming. But if you talk to your contractor about budgeting and spreading out payments through services like The Home Depot Project Loan, it can be easier than you think. The service allows you to finance any home projects, big or small and is available at locations across Canada.

Why should you invest in SAGE KINGSTON?

SAGE KINGSTON Student housing proves to be a lucrative niche for investors SHIRLEY WON SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL PUBLISHED JANUARY 21, 2019 Download Kingston Fast Facts - why Kingston is the strongest rental market in Ontario and why you should invest today for half the price of Toronto! About Queen's University: Queen’s University has the largest endowment fund per student in Ontario •    #1 graduation rate with 87% graduating in 2016 •    94.8% retention rate from 1st to 2nd-year students •    The highest number of A+ students of any university in Canada •    Average grade of A+ or 89.2% for incoming students •    The highest number of award-winning faculty •    Bloomberg Businessweek ranks Queen’s MBA #1 in the world for teamwork •    Maclean’s 2016 Rankings report ranked Queen’s #1 in student satisfaction Rental Market in Kingston: •    Kingston has the lowest vacancy rate in Ontario •    The healthy vacancy rate is considered to be 3%. Kingston has a 0.7% vacancy rate •    Among the new building (built after 2005) vacancy rate is only 0.3% •    Kingston has the 3rd highest rental rates in Ontario only behind Toronto and Ottawa •    Rental rates increased 3.6% 2016-17 •    The current supply of student rentals are 50-100-year-old houses in poor condition, no amenities, and high maintenance costs •    1- and 2-bedroom new purpose-built luxury accommodations are scarce and highly sought after •    Students at Queen’s pay $750-800/month for a bedroom in a 5-7 bedroom house. More than 40% more than the same type of accommodation in Waterloo or Hamilton •    Low supply has led to record low vacancy rates and very high rental rates •    In addition, wealthy students and a growing number of international students desire luxury private accommodations and they can afford higher prices Reasons to invest in SAGE KINGSTON: SageKingston Condos, a purpose built off-campus student residence which is literally walking distance to Queen’s University. Queen’s on-campus housing only has 4,500 beds for 27,149 students which leaves an enormous lack of on-campus student residences which brings us to this no risk and guaranteed returns based opportunity. Kingston has the lowest vacancy rate in Ontario that decreased to 0.4%* in 2018 for 1 to 3 bedroom units. - 15-minute walk to Queen's University - The supply shortage of housing in Kingston - Kingston has the lowest vacancy rate in Ontario - Kingston has high rental rates only Toronto and Ottawa have higher - Queen's University has the highest number of A+ students of any University - The number of foreign students increased by 187% in Kingston over the last 3 years - 53% increase in student enrolment 2000-2016 - The first Sage Condo in Kingston - Protected water view of Lake Ontario Kingston has the lowest vacancy rate in Ontario and the problem is even worse for students. Queen's student body has grown by 56% in the last 10 years and the housing available is old, poorly maintained, and more expensive than any other university town in Ontario. Queen's has a large proportion of mature graduate students, international students, and students from wealthy families. They desire brand-new, private, luxury accommodations and Sage Kingston will deliver just that.    ⌛️LIMITED TIME OFFER!!⌛️ Buy Now & Get Platinum Incentives!! 💰VIP Incentive Package 💰 SageKingston Condos LIMITED TIME INCENTIVE OFFER 2 YEAR LEASE GUARANTEE (Up to $ 2600 / Month ) 2 YEAR FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FREE FURNITURE PACKAGE TO FURNISH ENTIRE SUITE Call:PANKAJ PATEL @ 647-760-7061  Register Now here ; Call us: 647-760-7061 or Email us to schedule an appointment. Looking for more Investment opportunities? Keep in touch by following VIP Platinum Access Club Register for all upcoming Investment opportunities here. https://www.realtorpankajpatel.com/node/add/contactSite

How to prepare your home for the cold

Winter inspection: How to prepare your home for the cold

https://www.realtorpankajpatel.com/

(NC) It seems like every year the colder months are bringing increasing unpredictability. From your morning commute to local power lines, we know that sudden cold snaps, hail and ice storms can do some serious damage. With this checklist, you’ll know how to best ready your home for the coming months.

Foundation. It’s easy to overlook this area, but it’s key to start from the bottom up. In times of milder weather, you may not have noticed slight marks in your foundation, but now is the time to do a thorough check. The warming and cooling over the summer and fall months may have caused the concrete in your foundation to expand, contract and potentially crack. With a cold winter on its way, it’s important to get these cracks fixed so there’s no space for snow and ice to get in, potentially creating larger cracks later on.

Roof. Take a quick look around your attic or crawl space to ensure you have the right amount of insulation between your living space and roof. When your heat is on, you don’t want to be trapping condensation that may eventually freeze.

Pipes. Another item on your checklist should be your pipes. Those located on or near exterior walls can freeze and burst throughout the winter, causing havoc to your home. Make sure you consult a professional to confirm your household pipes are in good shape, so you can take on the unexpected with this important behind-the-scenes part of your home’s system.

Home insurance. When inspecting your home, be mindful to prepare for the things you can’t guarantee won’t happen, like an ice storm that could cause serious damage. Make sure you’re covered for the unexpected. With PC Home Insurance, you can determine the best plan for your family.

            Give your home new life with these tips

(NC) As the change in weather has us retreating indoors, take some time to spruce up your interiors with these design ideas.

Play with paint. One of the most budget-friendly ways to change up space is with paint. You can use it to refresh antique or dated furniture, or you can create a whole new ambiance with a new wall color. For the cooler months, try dark, nearly black walls to add depth to a room. Keep it warm and inviting with lighter furnishings and décor; the deep shade will accentuate their silhouettes for a striking finish.

Re-theme a room. Whether it’s your bedroom, kitchen or living room, switching up the style of a room can dramatically improve the overall look and feel. Try a new color palette, or a different aesthetic like rustic, contemporary or cottage to create a renewed environment.  For an affordable makeover, focus on smaller but impactful elements like textures, accents, furniture, and décor.

Frame your view. Transform a boring basic window with gorgeous shades that do more than add style and polish. Hunter Douglas’ innovative custom window treatments offer light control for the perfect amount of natural sunlight, elegant performance fabrics for energy efficiency and UV protection, and intelligent shade operating systems for convenient smart home integration. Purposeful, polished window coverings give any room a finished look.

Organize chaos. Improving your home’s organization can make your entire living space feel fresh and welcoming. So take some time to clear out the clutter and use drawer and closet organizers to find an out-of-sight place for every trinket. If you have a small space, choose smart storage solutions that work double duty. And don’t forget your entryway. As the first impression of your home, it’s essential to keep neat and tidy. Use a coat rack and bench that doubles as shoe storage for an organized and seamless appearance.