Not all home improvement projects have to be massive undertakings. There are several easy projects that homeowners can do themselves to take their home from drab to fab. Here are a few of our favorites. 1. Beautify the entryway. The entryway makes the home’s first impression on visitors, so make sure it makes a statement. Paint the door and exterior trim, and add a large plant to enhance curb appeal. Update house numbers and lighting fixtures for a fresh new look. 2. Add character to rooms. This can be done by adding crown molding, picture molding, or baseboards to the walls. This is easier than it sounds; most home improvement stores will cut the pieces themselves so that homeowners don’t have to worry about doing much more than the installation. Updating curtains and curtain rods will give a room a whole new look, as well. 3. Give cabinets a facelift. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in updating the kitchen to make cabinets look bright and new. For even more of a change, new handles and knobs can be installed on drawers and cabinets. 4. Update that tiny bathroom. It can be difficult to make the most out of small spaces like hallway bathrooms, but a few, quick updates can make a huge difference. A bold paint color will make the walls pop, and adding extra mirrors in unique designs will make a room seem larger. Unexpected design elements can really make a small room come to life. 5. Add wallpaper in unexpected places. Covering a door with wallpaper, or wallpapering the inside of a closet, can add a touch of beauty to an otherwise drab room. Guests will be pleasantly surprised when they go to hang their clothes. With a little creativity, any homeowner can update their space without spending a fortune. [...]

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Anyone who has owned a cat or dog knows it’s next to impossible to keep floors completely clean and well-kept with furry friends running around the house. But, there are simple steps that homeowners can take to extend the life of their floors. An organic fiber rug can be laid on hardwoods to protect them from cat and dog claws. Materials such as seagrass, mountain grass, and sisal are ideal for this, and they are easy on the animal’s feet. Plus, they look very stylish in the home. Carpet lovers should try wool carpet tiles, which can be replaced one at a time. They can also be pulled up and rinsed under cold water to maintain their new look. Even regular carpet can be an option for homeowners whose pets are well-behaved and always groomed with short nails, but it does require frequent vacuuming. Vinyl is one of the most resilient and durable flooring materials. It is also extremely easy to wipe clean. Vinyl is cheap, but to maximize longevity, homeowners should avoid the cheapest options available. Linoleum has a bad rap, but today’s options are sustainable, durable, and scratch-proof, so they hold up to wear and tear from critter claws. More stylish linoleum floor choices are available now than ever before. Polyurethane finishes can cause cats and dogs to slip and slide, which encourages them to use their claws to gain traction. Oil finishes, however, offer a shiny look with minimal slickness. Waxing floors has the same effect. It’s difficult to keep floors completely free from damage when pets are in the home, but there are easy ways to maximize the life of the floor. Every cat or dog owner knows dirty floors are a small price to pay for the love of an animal. [...]

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The bathroom is the most-visited and most used room in the house — so why should it receive less design attention than the rest? Homeowners who want to invest in an easy update with a big impact should consider these reasons for a bathroom remodel. 1. Comfort Bathrooms have come a long way from the cold, hard-to-clean tubs and purely-functional sinks of past years. Now bathroom appliances are both functional and luxurious, with features like water pressure and temperature control; artful shower doors and curtains; and beautiful floor and wall tiling, as well as stone options. Updating to heated floor tiles means no more chilly toes! 2. Value Remodeling the bathroom has been shown to significantly increase an entire home's value, combining the short-term benefits of the upgrade with long-term benefits from a future sale. Remodeling the bathroom will make the room look better, function more efficiently, and bring in a quicker, more lucrative sale in the future. Getting rid of negative features like broken tile, an ugly bathtub, or low water pressure can help dramatically increase the value of a home. 3. Safety Safety should be a homeowner's number-one concern when considering whether or not their bathroom is up to date. Whether it's a wet floor, narrow doorway, or curb-less shower, older bathrooms often have many "invisible" dangers that aren't apparent until it's too late. Updating the bathroom to include modern safety features such as walk-in safety tubs, grab bars, and temperature control valves can grant homeowners with peace of mind to know that family members are secure in a safe, updated bathroom. With a few updates, drab, and out-of-style bathrooms can transform into beautiful feature rooms that are safe, efficient, and luxurious — a great investment for homeowners. [...]

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When you live up north, that biting winter cold has a tendency to creep right in through your doors and windows. Westfield, MA residents are no strangers to sub-zero temperatures. When the thermometer starts to plummet, there are a few simple things you can do to winterize your house. With a little elbow grease, you can keep the house warmer and save on heating costs. It's a win-win. First off, a few basic cleaning tasks. Make sure your gutters are cleaned out lest snow and ice form dams that clog up your drainage all winter. Next, flush out your water heater. Sediment and other debris can build in the heater during the warm months. Flushing the unit will ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency throughout the winter. On a similar note, replace the filters in your central heating vents — this will also ensure that your system operates efficiently. Next up: insulation. Though it's not stylish, get insulation film for your windows. This film is inexpensive, and it can keep up to 70% of the heat from leaking out of your windows. Westfield, MA locals may already know that weatherstripping also helps seal the cracks against Jack Frost. In addition, get some draft guards for your doors. These are affordable cushions that slide onto the door's bottom edge, insulating the gap while the door is closed. Now the obvious one: make sure your walls and ceilings are insulated. Most importantly, make sure that your attic's floor is padded with insulation. Heat rises, so containing it to the rooms you occupy goes a long way. In addition, consider getting a programmable thermostat. These automated devices can be set to lower the temperature when you're at work, then raise it shortly before you return. With a few gadgets and some work on the doors and windows, Westfield MA residents can keep the bone-chilling cold out of the house. [...]

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Many people have a love-hate relationship with cleaning. They love it for the result, but they hate it because they don’t know where to begin with the process. Here are the areas homeowners should focus on most with cleaning. Outside Gutters should be secure, free of leaks, and free from debris. Any soil sloping toward the basement should be evened out to prevent foundation damage, which may be indicated by cracks in the concrete structure. Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned by a professional. Shrubs and trees should be cleared of winter damage. Safety Features All smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should have their batteries tested and changed regularly. Homeowners should make sure all doors and windows open and close properly; ones that don’t could indicate a problem with the home’s foundation. Bedroom Flipping or rotating mattresses will help eliminate dust and allergens, as will washing pillows, bedding, and curtains. The homeowner should take care to wash and dry bedding before storing it because moths and insects are attracted to natural body oils. Each bedroom should be dusted thoroughly, starting with the highest points and ending vacuuming of the floor. Living Room Living areas can easily be updated with a coat of paint or a change in light fixture. New pieces of art or furniture can be found at local thrift shops at a low cost. Even adding two large mirrors on opposite walls will create the illusion of an entirely different room. Floors Carpets should be cleaned thoroughly with a vacuum and shampooer or carpet steamer. Rugs should be shaken and laid to air out on an outdoor clothesline. All sidewalks, porches, and entryways should be regularly swept to keep dirt outside. These are just a few cleaning tips that will enhance your home.[...]

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