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If youre a new homeowner, this may be your first summer in your new house, and one of the things you should be doing to take advantage of the warmer weather is replacing your glass windows with window screens, and adding screen doors to your entryways.

There are myriad advantages. First, they can limit sunlight and heat gain, which will lessen sun damage to furniture and floors, plus keep cooling costs at bay. They also allow plenty of fresh air, yet protect from bugs or debris getting into the house. Plus, an open window with a screen will allow far less water in during a downpour than one without a screen.

For those who purchased in the fall or winter, you may not have even thought of this, but the screens could be stored in the basement or garage. Its rare for a home seller to take the screens with them, so they are most likely around.

Always start by cleaning the screens before putting them up. Simply spray them down with a hose before putting them in the windows and use some laundry cleaner to get out any tough dirt that may have built up. Once the screens are in for the season, use a duster to remove dirt or vacuum with the brush attachment to lightly go over the surface.

If you notice a small tear on the screen, that doesnt necessarily mean you need a new one. Your local hardware store should have screen patch kits, and the mend is as simple as adhering it to the problem spot. A really small hole can be fixed simply by using clear-drying glue.

For those who do need a new screen, its not too expensive to replace but be aware there are lots of options. Window screenscan be made of aluminum, fiberglass, metal wire, nylon or polyester, and depending on where in the home youll be adding them, different options work best for different rooms. Fiberglass is usually recommended for the main rooms of the house.

When its time to take out the screens come fall, place a piece of masking tape or other label on each one identifying what window it goes in (such as play room), so when its time to repeat next year, theres no confusion.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Home improvements are sometimes necessary to make a house safer, more comfortable or more functional, but they are often very expensive. Many homeowners struggle to save money for upgrades and consider tapping into their retirement savings to fund projects, especially for urgently needed repairs, such as a roof replacement. Dipping into money set aside for your golden years may or may not be a wise move, depending on your circumstances.

How Close Are You to Retirement?
Borrowing from a retirement account could help you avoid high interest rates associated with credit cards or loans, and the money could be used however you saw fit. However, youd reduce your retirement savings, and money that you contributed later might not have enough time to accumulate interest and get your savings back to the level they were at before the withdrawal.

This means that how far you are from retirement is a key part of the equation. Generally speaking, borrowing from retirement accounts is not a good idea if youre nearing retirement age. If youre decades away from retirement and you can continue to make regular contributions and allow your money to grow from compounded interest, you should be able to build your savings back up by the time you retire.

Potential Taxes and Penalties
If you withdraw money from a 401(k) or a traditional or Roth IRA before age 59 1/2, youll have to pay a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty and income taxes. In addition, the money that you withdraw wont be able to accumulate interest. The total hit to your retirement savings could be much larger than the amount of the withdrawal because you could lose years or decades of potential savings with compounded interest.

Talk to a Financial Professional
If your home needs repairs as soon as possible, tapping into your retirement savings may seem like an attractive option. In some cases it makes sense, but in other situations it can be too risky. Consider the type of work your home needs, how urgent it is, the cost, how much money you currently have saved, how far you are from retirement, and the potential taxes and penalties you could have to pay. A financial advisor can help you understand the implications and weigh the pros and cons so you can make the right decision for your circumstances. If youre considering cosmetic changes or improvements that can wait, you might be better off exploring other financing options.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

With marble countertops being all the rage, its time we talk about how to care for this stunning surface. While it lends a timeless and elegant look to your kitchen and bathrooms, truth be told, the beloved stone can be rather high maintenance. Take the proper measures, however, and its totally worth it for a classic look that isnt going out of style any time soon.

Here are a few tips to keep your marble countertops looking as new as the day you got them.

Use a Sealer

Unlike quartz or granite, marble is a porous surface. That means that a spilled glass of red wine could potentially be the end of your all-white kitchen. To avoid that from happening, youre going to have to apply a marble sealer. Your supplier can likely do this upon installation, as well as provide advice on how often to reapply the sealer. Typically, once a month will do the trick.

Avoid Acids

Acidic substances, like lemons, should never be in direct contact with marble because they will etch the surface. Be sure to use a cutting board and stay away from cleaning agents that may have vinegar or lemon in them. Although marble is heat resistant, its also a good idea to always use a trivet or pot holder when placing a hot pan on the countertop.

Clean Carefully

For daily cleaning, you can use a mild dish or stone soap, then rinse with water to keep marble spick and span. If you do end up with a stubborn stain that refuses to come out, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia can be applied to the surface and repeated as necessary. One major benefit of marble is that, unlike other surfaces, it can be sanded down to remove the impossible stain if necessary.

Whether you go with a classic Calacatta or a sophisticated Statuario, take these proper precautions and youll be enjoying a flawless kitchen for years to come!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Living in a neighborhood with houses close together can make you feel as though eyes are upon you whenever you set foot in your yard. With some relatively simple modifications, though, you can have more privacy.

Ways to Make Your Entire Yard More Private
A fence can keep strangers from peering into your yard while youre relaxing outdoors or while your kids are playing. A fence can also keep strangers and wandering animals out of your yard to protect your family. Before you install a fence, check on the location of the property line and local zoning rules and discuss it with your neighbor.

Some people are offended if a neighbor puts up a fence. Hedges can be an effective way to shield your family from prying eyes that may be more appealing than a fence to the people living next door. If you plant shrubs and small trees in a variety of species, you can have beautiful colors along the perimeter of the yard that both you and your neighbors can enjoy. Visit a local garden center to ask for advice about species appropriate for your regions soil and climate.

If your backyard doesnt have any naturally occurring hills, you can create one or more berms, or small hills. They can raise any shrubs you plant to provide more privacy. Berms also drain better than flat plant beds.

A solid wall can be an attractive addition to your property that can increase privacy. You can make a wall seem less imposing by including a gate or some plants.

How to Make One Part of Your Yard More Private
You might be able to use an existing structure to your advantage. For example, putting a patio next to your garage or building a deck on a side of the house that already has trees can block that area from view.

Lattice panels are easy to install and can block one section of your yard. If you have a patio that you use for entertaining and dont want your neighbors to be able to see you and your guests, a few lattice panels can do the trick. Vines and flowers can add some color to the area. Just make sure the vines you choose arent too heavy for the lattice panels.

A pergola is another way to create a secluded space in your yard. A pergola can be an ideal location for a table and chairs to relax with family and friends. Vines and lattice panels can offer additional privacy.

Choose the Best Solution to Increase Privacy
Many homeowners find their dream home and realize after moving in that they crave more privacy. There are many ways to accomplish that goal. Explore a range of options, and familiarize yourself with local zoning codes and homeowners association rules before you make changes to your property.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Most homeowners are bound to use a portable ladder at some point, whether it be for cleaning out the gutters, painting, inspecting the roof or hanging festive holiday decorations. When up on that ladder, though, its important to stay safe and avoid falls.

Every year, thousands of people across the country are treated in emergency rooms for ladder-related injuries. Although you might think you already know how to use a ladder safely, a little refresher couldnt hurt. Check out these 10 tips to help prevent an accident from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

1. Use a ladder that’s the proper length for the job. It should extend a minimum of 3 feet over the roofline or working surface. Never stand on the top three rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.

2. Make sure the ladder can support both your weight and the materials you’re putting on it by checking the ladders maximum load rating. Allow only one person on the ladder at a time.

3. Place your ladder on level and firm ground. It’s also best to have a helper hold the bottom of the ladder.

4. Never place a ladder in front of a door that isn’t locked, blocked or guarded.

5. Because metal ladders can conduct electricity, don’t use them near power lines or electrical equipment. Stick with wood or fiberglass ladders in these situations and use extra caution. No type of ladder should ever touch live electric wires.

6. Straight, single or extension ladders should be set up at about a 75-degree angle. To test if you have the correct angle, stand up straight with your toes touching the feet of the ladder as it leans away from you. Extend your arms in front of you. Your palms should touch the top of the rung thats at shoulder level.

7. Check all rung locks and spreader braces on your ladder to make sure they’re set.

8. Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times. Leaning too far to one side while working is dangerous and can cause you to fall.

9. Only use a ladder for its intended purpose, and follow the ladders instruction labels.

10. When youre done with the ladder, put it away immediately. Never leave a raised ladder unattended.

This brief list doesnt cover everything, but remembering these tips and practicing caution can help keep you safe the next time you need to use a ladder.

Published with permission from RISMedia.