Consider these six trends in home remodeling as you contemplate your own renovation projects in 2013:

1.  Making Your Home Healthier  

Many of us are trying to live healthier lives and improve our planet so it too is healthier and sustainable.  Therefore, it should be no surprise that there is a growing trend to make our homes healthier.  We can create healthier homes through a number of ways such as using low volatile organic compounds (voc) paints & coatings, materials free of toxins and harsh chemicals and making sure we have sufficient light and ventilation in our homes.

2.  Having an Open Concept Layout 

 The trend for homes to have an open concept layout with few, if any, walls separating key living spaces has been around for a while yet it doesn’t seem to be declining in popularity.  For houses that were built years ago, it often means walls need to be removed to create the desired openness.

3.  Creating a Simpler & Cleaner Aesthetic That’s Low Maintenance  Look around a good many home design magazines, stores and web sites and you’ll notice a trend for homes and home furnishings to have a simpler aesthetic with clean lines.  Also, it’s no surprise that there’s growing desire for our homes to require as little maintenance as possible.  After all, who wants to spend our precious time cleaning?

4.  Renovating for Greater Energy Efficiency & Utility Savings  

Relatively straight forward projects like replacing older doors and windows with ones that are more energy efficient or adding insulation in our attics, walls and floor cavities can have a significant impact on your home utility expenses.  So, it’s no wonder why the trend continues for remodeling that will result in greater energy efficiency and lower your cooling and heating expenses.

5.  Improving Your Home’s Security  We’ll continue to see an increase in home remodeling projects that involve improving the security of your home.  We’ll continue to see more upgrading of doors, windows & locksets with improved security features and more ‘smart home’ security system installations.

You have moved into your new rental home but are you Settled?  Does it feel like home?   Here are some ideas that will help you get comfortable quickly in your new nest.

1. Unpack it all
Nothing says ‘not quite settled in’ like boxes that still haven’t been opened. Of course, you want to make an extra effort to unpack and organize every single thing that’s coming into your home right away. If you encounter a box, however, that you truly can’t make yourself sort, place today’s date on it. If in one year you still have not opened the box, everything in it needs to be thrown out, donated or sold.

2. Have a housewarming party
A party to celebrate your new home and show all your friends and family where you now live is a great way to settle in. Don’t underestimate the power of a first dinner party or any kind of gathering that lets you eat, drink and chat with the people you care about in your new surroundings. And perhaps the most powerful aspect of a housewarming party is that it forces you to pull your new household together before your guests arrive!

3. Plant something
Adding a living thing inside or, perhaps, outside your home is a symbolic way of claiming your new ground. Unless your lease specifies that you cannot add to the current landscaping, you might plant a tree, flowers or an entire garden to officially begin your time as caretaker of your new home.

Make your rental house a Home.

#1 Roof Repair or Replacement

Repair any loose shingles, leaks or replace your roof during the cool months of Fall.  Roof repair can cost more in the summer due to the hot weather and time it takes to complete the job due to the temperatures.

#2 Flooring

Add new flooring for a fresh look in your home.  Fall is the best time to add or repair flooring b/c of the temperatures.  Some types of flooring adhesives need the temperature of the house to be between 75 and 80 degrees for the glue to adhere properly.

#3 Window Replacement

if you want new windows for your holiday season or to repair old ones, now – while the weather is mild – might be the time to get on it.

#4 Heating Systems Check

If there is one thing you want in Winter, it’s to be warm and cozy.   Make sure the water pipes on the water heater are insulated and protected from the cold.  Turn on your heater to make sure it is working properly.  Check the filters, gas flow and the flame. Make sure you have a proper flame,with the right amount of gas and oxygen.

#5 Painting

A fresh coat of paint and new colors can add so much warmth to a home.   Paint dries the best at temperatures between 70 & 90 degrees.  Perfect home decor project for the Fall.

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Fall Season is here and it’s time for Fall Cleaning!  Every season brings about new changes, temperatures, traditions and house maintenance priorities.  Below we have listed a few maintenance tips to help you get started this Fall to help prevent costly damage to your home.

1. Cleaning Gutters & Downspouts

  Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and  other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems, pest infestations, wet basements, foundation damage and many other expensive complications.Check to ensure water drains properly and doesn’t pool, which can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.

2. Windows and Doors

Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and lower heating bills. Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames.  Clean and lubricate garage door hinges, rollers, and tracks and be sure screws are tight

3. Heating Systems

Clean your ducts to better your heating system’s efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems. Also check for air leakage especially around joints.  Replace the filter in your furnace.

4. Landscaping

Although grass appears to stop growing in the fall, the roots are actually growing deeper to prepare for winter. Now is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn.  Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth in the spring.

These are just a few ways to prepare your house for the Fall & Winter months.  Now put on a pot of chili and start cleaning!

Make a Stylish First Impression with this simple decorating idea.  Add a little bit of style and character  to any home by painting the front door with a bright color.  This door painted shrimp pink adds personality and contrast, drawing attention to the entrance.

What Do You Think Of This Idea?  Would You Consider Trying This On Your Home Or Beach House?  What Color Would You Paint Your Door?  

Here at the Highland Group, we strive for Gold every day, not just every four years.  We know how important it is to work hard every day & stay focused on our main goal:

To Provide Our Clients With Superior Results That Will Most Benefit Their Needs.

The Highland Group is a diverse organization offering a variety of services to our clients.  We undertake each of the services we offer with a high level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to a higher standard while minimizing our impact on the environment in which we all live.
In fact, our organization has adopted this as the core principle which drives everything we do. We believe in doing what we say, when we say we are going to do it. We believe in providing value, open communication, and a commitment to doing the right thing.

To make changes to your home or ‘Brighten It Up’ does not always have to involve renovating or tearing down walls.  You can simply add color to your existing decor for a Bright Change.  Brighten Up Your Home With These Home Decor Ideas.  

Make an impact on your bookshelf through more than just your book arrangement.  Paint the back wall of the book shelf a bright color and then cover all of the books in a white book cover for contrast.  Add color and be creative!

Revive the Patio! Keep your outside alive and energized with bright colored patio furniture and accessories.   A bold color added to existing or new furniture brightens any outside atmosphere.

 
For an added element of surprise, add an unexpected splash of color to the inside of your bathroom vanity, dresser or nightstand by painting them a bold hue. This is an easy and inexpensive way to Be Bold in a surprising way.

How Will You BE BOLD This Season? 

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