home improvement
DIY Home Upgrades to Add Style and Beauty

(Family Features) Home upgrades are necessary for a variety of reasons, but many homeowners look to update their homes to add comfort and beauty. While a complete renovation can be appealing, it can also be costly and time consuming.
However, if you’re willing to take on some of the work yourself, there are ways to upgrade your living spaces to add style (and value) without the assistance of a contractor. Consider these DIY ideas to spruce up your home’s aesthetics and create a more attractive place to live.
Freshen Up Paint
When it comes to simple DIY projects, a new coat of paint can drastically update your spaces without making major renovations. Light colors like gray, beige or white can make smaller spaces feel more open while darker shades like navy and purple can create a dramatic look. If you don’t want (or need) to paint the entire room, adding a pop of color with an accent wall or touching up the trim are quick and easy improvements. Adding paint to a less traditional spot like the ceiling or refreshing cabinets with a new color can also help bring your spaces to life.
Install Mess-Free Stone Accents
If you’re looking to add warmth and texture, easy-to-install stone veneer can provide the look of natural stone without the expense. A mortarless option like ClipStone is designed to be installed with screws and common tools, making it easy to achieve the look of traditional masonry without the hassle and mess. Durable and low maintenance, you don’t have to worry about sealing or painting and it’s a perfect option for exterior or interior installation that can be installed in any weather conditions. Available in a variety of styles and colors, homeowners can mix and match to create a custom look. Plus, it features a built-in water management system, overlapping edges to minimize gaps, reversible outside corners and a variety of available accessories.
Upgrade Window Treatments
Windows can often be overlooked or left with the simple paper shades or aluminum blinds the builder initially installed. Consider replacing them with plantation shutters, wooden blinds or drapes that better suit the style of the room. In addition to blinds, curtains provide another opportunity to add design elements that align with your tastes. From geometric panels to sheers, the possibilities are nearly endless. Or simply match the curtain panels to the color of your walls or an accent color for a look that can match almost any style.
Update Accessories
Cabinet pulls, outlet covers, curtain rods, switch plates and doorknobs are easily ignored, but replacing them can be an inexpensive way to add small touches of elegance to your home. With a variety of designs and finishes to choose from, including bronze, brushed nickel, copper and stainless steel, updating worn pull handles and knobs can create an affordable look that appears expensive. The same is true for metal switch covers and outlet plates. While decorative curtain rods may be on the pricier side, adding a coat of paint in a metallic finish could provide a cheaper alternative.
Improve Curb Appeal
There are a multitude of inexpensive ways to give your home’s exterior a makeover. Start by pressure washing your siding and windows, which can make your house look almost as good as a fresh coat of paint for a fraction of the time and money. Remember to also clean your driveway, patio and walkways to maximize your investment. Pulling weeds, trimming trees and bushes, and patching bald spots in the yard can also go a long way as can planting greenery in front of your home and making landscaping upgrades like adding mulch beds, water features or decorative edging. Another idea: replace your front door or give it a fresh coat of paint to add a pop of color to your porch.
Find more ideas for improving your living spaces at myclipstone.com.
DIY Home Upgrades to Add Style and Beauty
SOURCE:
Cornerstone Building Brands
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner
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Consumer Corner
Stay Cool and Save Money

7 summer energy efficiency tips for homeowners
(Family Features) As temperatures soar during the summer months, many homeowners find themselves relying heavily on air conditioning to stay cool. Comfort doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills, however. With a few smart strategies and routine maintenance, you can efficiently and affordably keep your home cool. Here are some top tips to maximize your air conditioning system’s energy efficiency this summer. 1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance Just like a car, your AC unit runs best when it’s well-maintained. A dirty or poorly functioning system uses more energy to do the same job. Maintenance checklist:- Inspect or replace air filters every 2-3 months. The frequency of air filter replacement depends on several factors, including the type of filter, the system and living conditions.
- Check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
- Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.
- Have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system annually, ideally before peak usage.

- Use weatherstripping on doors and windows.
- Seal leaks around ducts, vents and pipes.
- Add insulation to attics and walls, if needed.
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
- Consider installing reflective window films or insulated blackout curtains.
- Use awnings or plant shade trees to block direct sunlight.
- Cook with a microwave or grill instead of the oven.
- Run dishwashers and dryers at night.
- Switch to LED lightbulbs, which produce less heat than incandescent ones.
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home improvement
Combatting Cracked Concrete: Causes of failing concrete and how to solve them

Cracked Concrete
(Family Features) Concrete is a strong, durable and easy-to-maintain material that is popular for driveways, walkways, patios and more. Like most materials, though, it can inevitably wear down over time. When signs of failure show themselves, homeowners commonly face two options: repair or replace. Prepare and plan for eventual concrete deterioration with this advice from the experts at Thrasher Foundation Repair, which has served more than 150,000 families over the last 50 years. Reasons for Concrete Failure Natural elements like weather, water and earth are often to blame, but man-made mistakes can also contribute to concrete failure.- Poorly compacted soil: When a home is constructed, a lot of soil is moved around and put back in place. This often results in loose, poorly compacted soil, which allows water to seep in, saturate and dry out. The constant expansion and contraction can create voids beneath the concrete, which it eventually sinks into.
- Weather: During hot weather, concrete expands and causes pressure throughout the slab, often resulting in cracks. Conversely, during cold weather, the moisture in the ground freezes and can cause the slab to shrink, causing concrete to lift, heave and crack.
- Excessive weight: Concrete is strong but not indestructible. Excessively heavy objects, like snow, can cause cracking.
- Shrinkage: When concrete is installed, water is used to facilitate mixing and pouring. As concrete cures, excess water evaporates and causes a reduction in concrete volume, sometimes leading to cracking.

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Consumer Corner
A Functional Facelift: Explore the benefits of a bathroom upgrade


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