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If you are looking for a new home, you may be focusing on the number of bathrooms and their sizes and amenities. One important factor that you shouldnt overlook is ventilation.

Why Humidity in the Bathroom can be a Problem
Each time a person takes a shower or turns on the sink faucet, moisture is released into the air. A bathroom can become very humid without adequate ventilation, which can be uncomfortable and possibly even dangerous.

Potentially harmful bacteria can grow in moist conditions. Mold can also grow in humid areas and can be harmful, especially to individuals who already have respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. Widespread mold can make a house dangerous to live in.

Moisture in the bathroom can also damage surfaces and fixtures. If humidity builds up in a bathroom, water can collect on the walls and ceiling, seep into the drywall and paint, and eventually work its way into the wood behind the walls. That can lead to mold on and inside the walls and can produce unpleasant odors.

How Ventilation can Help
A vent fan can remove air from inside the bathroom and transfer it to the outdoors through a tube or metal duct to keep the level of humidity under control and to maintain good air quality. Removing moisture from the bathroom can make it a safer and more comfortable place for your family and guests. Ventilating the bathroom can prevent conditions that would allow bacteria and mold to grow and reduce condensation on the shower door and mirror. In addition, an exhaust fan can remove chemicals from bathroom cleaners that might otherwise linger in the air.

How Bathroom Ventilation Works
A vent fan can be wired in much the same way that a ceiling light is wired. In some cases, a vent fan and a light are part of one unit. A vent fan can be turned on with a wall switch and may have a timer that can keep it running for a period of time after a person has finished showering.

The fan should be an appropriate size for the bathroom and should direct air to the outdoors. In many areas, local building codes require bathroom ventilation fans and have specific guidelines related to size, but some houses have fans that meet minimum requirements yet dont provide enough ventilation to remove moisture. In some areas, a ventilation fan is not required at all if a bathroom has a window that can be opened.

Think About Your Familys Health and Comfort
When looking for a new home, its important to make sure the bathrooms would be suitable for your familys needs. In addition to the number and size of bathrooms, the amount of storage space and the size of the shower or tub, consider ventilation so your family can feel comfortable and stay healthy.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

House care doesnt come naturally to some, and for those for whom it does come naturally, there is always room to improve in the hopes of enjoying your home even more. If you want to improve your home and your knowhow around the house, these books should be on your reading list.

Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House
Written by Cheryl Mendelson, this book is a must-read for any homeowner who wants to learn more about housekeeping, home economics and even rules for electrical safety. A book written for a generation who lost the art of housekeeping once modern-day life hit full-swing, Mendelsons pithy and charming way of speaking about the chore and rewards of keeping a home make you want to care for yours like never before.

New Home Journal: Record All the Repairs, Upgrades and Home Improvements During Your Years at
Authored by Laura Agadoni, this book is ideal for the DIY guru and new homeowners alike. This book is packed with fill-in-the-blank prompts and places to organize all your homes important information. Keep your home warranty, your paint color choices, flooring materials and other helpful information all in one place. This book makes it painless to track all your amazing updates to your home and to dream about new ones down the road.

Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff
A slob-turned-decluttering-expert, Dana K. White writes with the messy person in mind. If keeping your home decluttered and organized is a dream that simply feels too overwhelming, this book may be for you. Every homeowner who feels like their drowning in clutter faces challenges, but if sentimental attachments and constant life challenges continue to stand in your way, White will show you the path of a clean and organized home”all from the perspective of someone who hates cleaning and organizing. This book is perfect for the dreamer who has tried other solutions from decluttering experts but needs a pragmatic, not perfect, approach.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Babyproofing your home is an essential step to keeping your child safe. All over the house, spanning from the bathroom to the fireplace, their nursery to your kitchen, there are potential threats and risks that can cause serious harm.

First things first, youll want to take a good look at common factors throughout your home, such as electrical outlets, smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors and doorways. Each of these commonalities can create a potentially dangerous situation that can be easily avoided.

Outlets, for example, are generally low to the ground and accessible for walkers and crawlers. Cover each open outlet with a plastic cap, and for those where items are plugged in, you can either move a large piece of furniture in front to block the cord or purchase plastic cord covers.

Be sure to check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If batteries are low or have never been changed, change them! You can also consider upgrading the tech in your home and purchasing detectors that you can keep an eye on from your phone, featuring notification updates before a service is required.

Baby gates are another great safety solution. If you live in a home that doesnt have an open floor plan, you risk your baby crawling or walking into another room unsupervised. With a baby gate, you can keep your baby confined to the area where you can keep an eye on them, even when youre cooking, cleaning or doing laundry. These are also important to keep at the top and bottom of a staircase, preventing your baby from a potential fatal fall or injury.

Next, go room by room, inspecting features that could cause harm or pose a threat to your baby.

Start in the kitchen, where you get easily preoccupied – cooking, cleaning and conversing – and will inevitably turn your back from your child. Remove all the cleaning supplies from under your sink or any other low cabinet and place them into a top cabinet. Add safety latches to the lower doors, however, ensure that whatever is inside is safe for a baby to get a hold of, such as pots and pans and Tupperware. Also purchase stove-knob covers and avoid the possibility of a small child turning on a burner.

Move into the living room, where there are most likely low tables and plenty of sharp corners that you will want to guard with corner bumpers. If you have a fireplace with a hearth, be sure that its properly secured or blocked off. Fireplaces themselves should also be blocked off, especially when lit. Buy a screen or gate to ward off babies and small children from getting close to the flames. Be sure to mount or secure large bookshelves and televisions so they cant topple over. Its also helpful to install cordless blinds and store away delicate items that can be easily broken.

Now for the bathroom. Like a kitchen, a bathroom can be one of the most dangerous rooms in a home for a baby. Again, remove all cleaning supplies and store them in a closet on a high shelf, out of reach. Keep medicines and razors in a medicine cabinet with a latch for added safety. Also get yourself a thermometer to test the temperature of bath water, making sure its not too hot. Remember to never leave your baby or small child alone in a bathroom, especially in a bathtub filled with water, to avoid drowning.

Lastly, take a final look at the nursery. This room will likely be the safest in the house, as well as where your baby may spend most of their time playing and exploring. Be sure to purchase a crib that meets safety standards. If you happen to acquire a hand-me-down crib, check that all safety regulations are met before you take a chance. Keep toys and stuffed animals in reach, as long as they arent small enough to be a choking hazard.

Double check that all safety precautions are taken in each room of your house. Youll want to avoid as many potential injuries or risks as possible, so ask other family members to play a part in making sure that your house is prepped for safety and ready for a baby.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Heres what you need to know before installing concrete countertops in your home.

Sealing Is Essential

Similar to marble, concrete is naturally porous and will stain if not protected with a sealant.

Enjoy Durability

Youll have the benefit of a seriously durable surface thats heat and scratch resistant.

Customizable

Concrete is completely customizable and can be cast in any size or shape you desire.

Extra Versatile

Concrete isnt limited to modern and industrial spaces. Its equally suited to giving rustic and minimalist aesthetics a trendy look.

Sustainable (Sometimes)

Some companies produce sustainable concrete that you can bring into your home in good conscience.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

A standard homeowners insurance policy covers damage to a house and its contents in many circumstances, but not all. Perils that are typically covered include fire, lightning, water damage, wind, fallen objects, damage caused by a vehicle or aircraft, theft, vandalism, explosions and damage caused by the weight of ice, snow or sleet. Other perils, such as earthquakes and floods, are often excluded from a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Coverage for Additional Perils
If your home is located in an area where there is a significant risk of a peril that isnt covered by a standard policy, you may be able to buy extra insurance to cover that peril. The types of optional coverage available depend on state laws and each insurance companys offerings. With extended coverage, you wont have to worry about suffering major damage or a total loss and not receiving any compensation.

Insurance Coverage for Other Structures
Homeowners insurance covers damage to a principal dwelling, but it may not automatically cover damage to another structure on the property, such as a detached garage or shed. If your policy doesnt cover those structures, you can purchase extra coverage so you wont have to pay for expensive repairs if, for example, a tree falls on your garage.

Protection for Valuables
A standard homeowners insurance policy will cover the contents of your home if they are damaged or destroyed by a covered peril, but the total amount of coverage will be limited. If you own expensive electronics, jewelry, artwork, antiques or other valuables, you may need to purchase extended coverage to protect them.

Coverage for Sewer Problems
Damage resulting from a sewer system failure can be expensive to clean up and repair. Some insurance companies offer extended coverage for sewer backups. You might want to purchase that coverage if your neighborhood has an older sewer system.

Inflation Protection
A homeowners insurance policy typically provides a set amount of coverage in the event of a loss. If that amount isnt adjusted for inflation and your house suffers catastrophic damage, you may not receive enough money to repair or rebuild it. With an optional inflation guard endorsement, your coverage limits will be adjusted each year to account for inflation.

Do You Have All the Homeowners Insurance Coverage You Need?
Making sure you have the right forms of homeowners insurance coverage and high enough limits is essential. If you dont and you suffer a loss, you may find yourself with a house that you cant live in and cant afford to repair. Read through your homeowners insurance policy so you understand what is covered and what is excluded. Consider any risks specific to your location and contact your insurance company or agent to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Published with permission from RISMedia.