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Published with permission from RISMedia.

Air quality has a direct impact on our health, both in and outside of our homes. While much is being done to improve the air outdoors, maintaining a healthy level of air quality inside is evenly important.

A range of triggers can lower indoor air quality, including carpets, chemical cleaners, heat sources and humidity. Build-up of these pollutants may result in Sick House Syndrome, which poses health risks to residents if not addressed. Airborne lead particles and radon are especially harmful.

Opening windows can significantlyimprove the quality of the air in the home, but in many households, doing so is just one of several necessary steps. A checklist:

Clean your home frequently, preferably with natural or non-toxic cleaners, a HEPA-filter vacuum and a mop. Regular cleaning eliminates dust, which could be contaminated withlead if the home was built prior to 1978.
Aim for less than 50 percent humidity inside the home; a higher percentage can lead to mold. A hygrometer can help determine the humidity level. Use an exhaust fan while bathing, cooking or using the dishwasher. Invest in a dehumidifier, if necessary.
Take care not to disturb lead-painted surfaces, especially if remodeling the home. If the paint is peeling, consult a lead removal specialist as soon as possible.
Test for radon. Most hardware stores carry do-it-yourself testing kits, and some utility companies offer the service free of charge. A qualified professional can conduct a longer-term test to determine radon levels at varying times throughout the year. He or she may recommend installing a radon mitigation system.
Dispose of paint, gasoline or any other chemicals at a certified hazardous waste disposal center. Visit search.earth911.com to locate a local facility. For future paint projects, purchase products labeled low VOC.
Replace the furnace filter every three months to reduce the amount of airborne dust circulating through the home.
Remove wall-to-wall carpeting, if possible”it traps particles that can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms, and may even contain formaldehyde, depending on the manufacturer. (Pressed wood materials, such as cabinets and furniture, may also release formaldehyde.)
Place plants where possible. House plants filter out airborne toxins, including ammonia and benzene, that can be detrimental to health. To reap the most benefits, use these NASA-approved species.
Remove shoes when entering the home, and place a floor mat at each entrance to deter any pollutants tracked in by guests. Dirt and pesticides brought in from outside can become airborne inside the home.
Insist the home remain smoke-free, if possible. Secondhand cigarette smoke, which lingers long after the smoker leaves, can have devastating effects on members of the household, including children and pets.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Looking to update your basement? Here are a few ideas…

Home Theater

Basements are the perfect place to design the home theater of your dreams.

Fitness Area

A fitness area in your basement is rather simple, with the most important features being mirrored walls and a durable floor.

Relaxing Spa

A place to unwind at the end of the day, a home spa is a luxury youre sure to appreciate.

Wine Cellar

The ability to store bottles collected from around the world under ideal conditions will set your house apart.

Home Office

The basement might be the best place to put a designated workspace away from the rest of the house.

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Improving your home before you sell it can seem like wasting money. After all, if youre not going to live there much longer, why remodel or add features you wont get to use much?

Because, as any real estate professional will tell you, the upgrades can help you recoup the cost and more in a higher selling price for your home. Without some updates, home sellers may realize their home is not worth as much as they thought.

Here are some of the features that increase the resale value of a home:

1. Laundry Room
Starting at $1,000, adding a laundry room to a home helps clean out other rooms where clothes may be stacked and can keep the living space tidier.

The basement is the easiest place to put a laundry room. Another option is to add a laundry closet that fits a washer and dryer and some shelves.

2. Energy Efficient Items
Energy Star-qualified windows and appliances can be good selling points for buyers looking to save on their utility bills.

A water-efficient washing machine can cost anywhere from $500 ” $1,800, while a dishwasher that senses how dirty the dishes are so that less water is used costs about $225 ” $1,600.

3. Ceiling Fan
For as little as $50, a ceiling fan can lower cooling costs when used with an air conditioner. After chilling a room, a ceiling fan can keep the room cool and allow the thermostat to be raised a few degrees.

4. Patio
For about $950, you can add a 120-square-foot concrete patio. This feature can be very appealing to buyers and can make a backyard look much more inviting. Add a table and some patio furniture, and buyers can envision themselves sitting outside with friends at a party.

5. Hardwood Floors
Since they are easy to maintain and have a clean look, hardwood floors are gaining ground in popularity. If refinished periodically, hardwood floors can last a lifetime, compared to about 10 years for carpet.

6. Garage Storage
Storage space always seems to be lacking in homes, especially for growing families. Add some storage to a garage to keep clutter out of a homes living areas and youve essentially created a bonus space.

Storage in a garage can include cabinets, shelves, rows of boxes, and improved lighting and extra electrical outlets.

7. Exterior Lighting
Light fixtures are relatively inexpensive, and illuminating the outside of your home doesnt have to be a Disneyland-at-night event. At the very least, put spotlights on walkways and the driveway so that nighttime visitors wont stumble to your door in the dark.

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When it comes to home improvement, the options are endless. While many homeowners have their sights set on a huge overhaul (hello five-star kitchen complete with the latest and greatest appliances and gadgets), simple home updates that can be completed in a timely manner”without breaking the bank”typically offer the best return on your investment.

If youre itching to upgrade your home, whether with your own two hands or by bringing in a certified contractor, consider the following ideas:

Change the Hardware. If a complete kitchen or bathroom overhaul is out of the budget, dont write these rooms off your list just yet. By simply replacing the hardware (drawer pulls, knobs) and faucets, you can create an entirely different look. If youre feeling really adventurous, and in the mood for a more drastic effect, you can even paint the cabinets. Or, dress up the kitchen with a decorative backsplash that ties the whole room together.

Add a Little Paint. Do all the rooms in your home blend together because theyre painted the same color? Painting an accent wall is a great way to help a room pop. Whether its in the kitchen, living room, dining room (or any other room in the home), an accent wall is a simple way to incorporate a color you love into the space without going overboard. If youre content with the walls just the way they are, another popular alternative is to paint the ceiling.

Update the Entryway. An inviting entryway is just as important for creating a good first impression among visitors as it is among prospective buyers. Wow your guests”and even your family”with an updated facade. From (re)painting the front door to incorporating vinyl door decals to welcome visitors in style, updating the front of your home is a surefire way to create a welcoming environment.

Install Hardwood Floors. Hardwood floors are a popular choice among homeowners looking to update their space, and with a little elbow grease and know-how, avid do-it-yourselfers can complete the look with their own two hands. Tongue-and-groove flooring that fits together like a puzzle is a safe bet for anyone looking to get their hands dirty in home improvement projects this season.

Add a Porch/Patio. Whether theyre semi-enclosed, attached to the homes front entrance or built at ground level, the addition of a porch/patio extends a homes living space. From adding value to your home to upping its curb appeal, if you have the space, this is one project you should move to the top of your to-do list.

No matter what type of home improvement project you choose to undertake, its important to remember that its okay to call in reinforcement, especially when it comes to projects you might not be able to tackle on your own.

When considering completing any home improvement project, you should consider the value of hiring a general contractor, says Lance Malcolm, chief operating officer of Contractor Connection. An experienced contractor can be the difference between keeping the project moving forward smoothly or being delayed.

Published with permission from RISMedia.