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Most homeowners understand that regular maintenance can help them avoid expensive repair bills, but with work and family responsibilities, its easy to postpone or forget important chores. Sometimes homeowners want to take care of their properties but are unaware of potential dangers and how to prevent them. Here are some of the most common tasks homeowners overlook that can lead to costly problems:

Roof
The roof can become damaged by storms, fallen branches or animals, and you may be unaware of a problem unless the roof begins to leak. Make a habit of inspecting your roof or having it checked by a professional every year. Any problems that are found should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent much worse damage.

Gutters
Gutters should be cleaned twice a year to remove leaves and other debris and to prevent clogs. This is a messy chore that no one likes, but it can prevent roof and siding damage, flooding, mold, and ice dams. If you dont want to clean the gutters yourself, hire professionals, and consider installing gutter guards to cut down on cleaning.

Chimney
If your family enjoys relaxing in front of a fire in the winter, your chimney has probably accumulated a layer of soot and creosote, a highly flammable substance thats produced when wood burns. The chimney should be professionally cleaned to prevent a fire. Even if you dont use your fireplace, birds and other animals may have built nests in the chimney, and they might wind up inside your house.

HVAC System
Heating and cooling units and ducts can become clogged with dust and condensation. Replacing the filters is an easy way to address this issue, but many homeowners forget. You should also have your HVAC system inspected once a year by a professional who can spot problems you might miss.

Water Heater
Sediment that builds up in the bottom of a water heater can lead to discolored tap water. Flushing your water heater is a simple way to remove sediment and protect your family from health problems caused by contaminated water.

Dryer Vent
A plugged dryer vent is a frequent source of high utility bills, and it can also cause a fire. A vent can become clogged with lint, and pests can also build nests there. Removing the vent and cleaning it out with a wet/dry vac can help you save money and prevent a fire.

Refrigerator
Refrigerator condenser coils cool and condense refrigerant. If they get clogged with dirt, dust or pet hair, the refrigerator wont work efficiently, which will lead to higher utility bills and cause the appliance to wear out faster than it should. Condenser coils should be cleaned at least annually.

Make Maintenance a Priority
With everything going on in your life, its easy to put home maintenance on the back burner, but that can lead to unsafe conditions and expensive bills. If you havent completed these important tasks recently, set aside some time to tackle them or hire professionals.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Before you put your home on the market, its important to make sure everythings in tip-top shape in order to maximize value. One of the challenges, however, is knowing which improvements are going to make a difference. Here are five updates that buyers are willing to shell out a little extra cash for.

Updated Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it can often make or break how buyers feel about a residence. You dont have to undergo a top-to-bottom remodel before listing your house, but upgrading your appliances and replacing dated countertops can transform your cooking space.

Outdoor Living
High-end buyers are looking for homes with outdoor spaces where they can both enjoy family time and entertain. If your patio or deck is looking a bit tired, you can make it more appealing by adding a fire pit or barbecue area where people can envision themselves hanging out.

Eco-Friendly Features
Spend a little more money to make your home eco-friendly and youll surely see a return on your investment. Energy-efficient windows and appliances have major appeal to buyers who are looking to lower their impact on the environment while also lowering their utility bills.

Well-Appointed Bathrooms
If you want your home to fetch top dollar, you better have luxurious bathrooms. High-quality fixtures for the sinks, showers and baths are a must. It doesnt have to be a total overhaul, but refreshing the bathrooms with new tiles and countertops can go a long way in the eyes of potential buyers.

Curb Appeal
You only have one chance to make a first impression. When buyers arrive at your home, theyre going to have formed an opinion before they even step inside. A new front porch or walkway can pay off when its time to sell your home.

If youd like more insight into how to get your home ready to sell, Id be happy to discuss further and provide you with personalized advice for your property.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Multi-generational living spaces are seeing an increase in demand. Here are four features that lend themselves to multi-generational living.

Separate Living Areas

Whether its a fully-equipped guesthouse or an in-law suite with a kitchenette, multi-generational living is much easier with separate living areas.

Flex-Spaces

A versatile layout that can be adapted to meet a variety of needs is always appreciated. A flex-space allows you to get the most out of your home.

Two Master Suites

If you dont need an entire separate dwelling, this feature can make a huge difference.

Adjoining Units

For city dwellers, one popular solution is to purchase adjoining units in a building and knock down the shared wall.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Its official: Wet rooms are a rising trend in luxury bathroom design. For years, theyve been used as a solution when space was limited, but this style is increasingly being seen in high-end homes for many reasons. Before we dive into them, however, you might be asking yourself, What exactly is a wet room?!

While they can vary in design, wet rooms are bathrooms that tend to include a shower area thats not completely enclosed. Sometimes, there may be a glass panel that separates the sink and toilet from the shower and bath, but it still maintains an open-concept feel. If this sounds like something you might be interested in bringing into your home, here are a few things to know about wet rooms:

Surprising and Stylish
For starters, if youre putting your house on the market in the near future, a luxurious wet room can be a pleasant surprise for potential buyers who appreciate a fresh, modern design that breaks the mold. With no curtains, doors or shower trays, the clean aesthetic provides a spa-like bathing experience, and whats not to love about that?

Functional
An open-concept shower and bath area has numerous functional advantages. Being more easily accessed than a traditional shower, wet rooms can be a great option for elderly couples who are concerned about getting in and out of the shower. Additionally, wet rooms are often easier to clean because the entire bathroom can be sprayed down and a slight gradient in the floors allows it to effectively drain.

Efficient Use of Space
If you dont have the space for both a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower, this can be a great solution. By breaking down the divider between the two and simply turning it into a wet room, your bathroom will feel more open and fluid.

Bring in a Pro
Although theyre easy to envision, wet rooms certainly require professional expertise to install correctly in order to avoid exposing your home to water damage. Working with a designer will ensure your bathroom is fashionable and functional.

Published with permission from RISMedia.