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These are the best spaces to have in your home for a digital detox.

Library

Theres nothing quite like curling up in a cozy chair and getting lost in a good book.

Fitness Area

Forget your worries while connecting with your body and taking care of yourself.

Meditation Room

A meditation room is the perfect antidote when youre feeling burnt out on technology.

Game Room

Choose one night a week and spend time connecting with each other instead of your devices.

Home Spa

Having your own little spa area at home is a surefire way to help you unplug and spend some time with your thoughts.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

One of the first things that often draws us to a house is its color. While various hues go in and out of fashion on the color-trend charts”and the occasional research report will claim that certain color homes sell faster than others”the color we choose to paint our home ultimately reflects our personal taste…and our personality.

According to Psychology Today, these colors may reflect the following about our personalities:

Charcoal: This darkest shade of gray is as close as you can get to black when it comes to house paint colors. People who like black are often artistic and sensitive, and may be closely guarded about sharing the details of their lives.

White: One of the most common colors for a home, people who are drawn to white are usually organized and logical. Dont expect to see a lot of clutter in their lives…or homes.

Blue:Available in myriad shades when it comes to house colors, those who lean toward blue seek harmony, are reliable, sensitive and often put others before themselves. Blue lovers also like to keep things neat and tidy, valuing stability above all else.

Green:Love a green home? Chances are you may be affectionate, loyal and straightforward. Those who like green are also quite conscious of maintaining a good reputation.

Yellow: Its no surprise that those who love yellow usually have a very sunny disposition. Yellow lovers find happiness easily and are people-oriented, readily learning and sharing knowledge with others.

Brown: If brown is your shade of choice, youre probably reliable, trustworthy and down to earth. Being flashy is not your thing.

The options are many when it comes to house paint, so choose the one that speaks to you and will make you happy for years to come. And when you want to experiment with a new color, get creative and try it out on your front door or trim.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

The yard is one of the first things people notice when they arrive at your home for a visit. It’s also something that you and your neighbors see every day. A well-maintained yard can add curb appeal to your home and can even increase your property’s value.

If you’ve been neglecting your yard, summer is an excellent time to tackle some projects you have been postponing. Many of them can be completed in a weekend, leaving you with a clean and vibrant-looking yard that is perfect for summer barbecues.

Clean Up
Overgrown grass and unruly shrubs can detract from the appearance of an otherwise beautiful property. Take some time to mow the lawn and collect the clippings. If your bushes need a trim, you can do that yourself, provided you have the right tools and skills. If you dont, ask a neighbor to loan you tools and give you some pointers.

If you have a garden, pull up any weeds you see. If you don’t have a garden, you can plant some flowers to line the walkway to the house or place flowers in planters to create a more manicured look.

Check the trees in your yard for signs of disease or decay. Unhealthy trees look unappealing and can also create safety hazards since they can fall in a storm and damage the house or a car or injure a person. It’s best to leave tree pruning and removal to professionals.

Mark the Path
Make sure the pathway from your driveway or the street to your house is clear. If you have a paved walkway, check to see if any of the stones need to be cleaned, repaired or replaced”an easy task you can do yourself. If your house doesn’t have a clearly defined path to the front door, you can have pavers installed to create an inviting walkway. Place a welcome mat outside your door to add some color and make guests feel at home.

Install a Fence
If your neighbors don’t take care of their yard, it can detract from the curb appeal you’re trying to create at your own home. If you’re tired of looking at your neighbors overgrown grass, you can install a fence around your property. This can be done in as little as a day or two. Be sure to research your local ordinances, find out exactly where your property line is located and obtain any necessary permits first.

Quickly Improve Your Homes Appearance
You want your house to have curb appeal that makes guests feel welcome. Improving the appearance of your yard can also make it easier to attract buyers if you plan to put your house on the market. Sprucing up the yard can deliver immediate benefits, but it doesn’t need to take up a lot of time. You can breathe new life into your yard in just a weekend.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you have a damp basement, you may notice mold, mildew, damp areas, a musty odor or salt deposits on the floor and/or walls. If the basement has windows, you may see condensation. You may notice pools of water on the walls or floor, water stains or blisters on the walls or rotting columns.

Possible Sources of Basement Moisture Problems and What to Do About Them
A basement is cooler than the rest of the house. Cool air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air. Warm, moist air can condense in a cool basement. If you have a washer and dryer, a kitchen or a bathroom downstairs, moisture that is released can condense and make the basement damp. You may be able to address the issue by improving ventilation and air circulation with vents and fans.

Water can also seep into a basement through the foundation and condense. You can have a contractor add insulation to create a barrier to keep moisture out.

If you see water in the basement, there may be an internal leak coming from a pipe, toilet, sink, stove, washer or dishwasher. If a pipe leads to an unused sink in the basement, water can gradually leak out of the pipe and into a wall. You may need to hire a plumber to make repairs.

Your yard should be graded or sloped so that water runs away from the house. If the grading is off, water can cause cracks in the foundation. Water can then seep into the basement and cause interior damage. A structural engineer can inspect the foundation and advise you on how to fix the problem. You may need to use dirt to change the grading to redirect water away from the house, preventing further damage in the future.

Gutters and downspouts should direct rainwater and melted snow away from your house. If your house doesnt have gutters, you may need to have some installed. If your existing gutters arent doing a good enough job of carrying water away from the house, you may need to have them repaired or replaced.

If the problem in your basement is due to a lack of sub-surface drainage, you may need to install a sump pump to address it. A professional may need to tear up the floor to install a drainage system. If your house already has a sump pump, it may need to be repaired.

Get Professional Help to Address a Basement Moisture Problem
Moisture in your basement can cause structural problems and mold that can affect your familys health. A house with a moisture problem in the basement can also be difficult to sell. If you notice signs of moisture in your homes basement, hire a contractor or a plumber to identify the cause and make any necessary repairs.

Published with permission from RISMedia.