The Allstate Blog » DIY

Spring is Here: Get Your Home Ready!

Melissa — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:32 +0000

Spring weather was a little late in arriving in many parts of the country this year. Chances are, by now, you're probably seeing some daffodils and tulips and hearing birds singing in the budding trees. The arrival of spring brings thoughts of spring cleaning -- and getting some maintenance projects under way before summer means you'll be able to relax and enjoy your home by the time spring gives way to summer. Here are some home maintenance tips to help you welcome the arrival of spring weather.

Weatherstripping

The U.S. Department of Energy says weatherstripping the windows on your home is an easy and effective way to save money on your energy bill. Weatherstripping is a material you can apply around your window and door frames to ensure there's a good seal. During the harsh winter months, it can help keep the warm air inside the house, and the cold drafts out. In the spring and summer, weatherstripping works the opposite way, helping to keep the cool air inside and the warm air out. If you didn't install weatherstripping before the winter cold set in, you may want to take this opportunity to seal your windows before you have to turn on the air conditioner -- which could help save you money on your energy bills year-round. In the summer, if the cool air is contained inside, then the AC will not have to work as hard, and that may help you save money on your energy bill. The same can be true of your furnace when winter rolls back around. Thinking about installing weatherstripping? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you apply weatherstripping to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Click here for more information.

Indoor Maintenance

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, an opportunity to sweep the cobwebs from your home, clear out the dust that accumulated during the winter and let the sunshine in. While you’re up to your elbows in soap, washing the windows, defrosting the refrigerator and tackling what seems to be a never-ending list of spring cleaning chores, you might as well make a maintenance checklist, too. On those warmer days, you may want to do the following: Test and clean ceiling fans. According to the the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, an efficient ceiling fan in each room you want to cool can help allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without reducing your comfort level. Ceiling fans are not only a good way to air out the house and generate a cross-breeze, but they have the potential to help you save money on your energy bill. With ceiling fans keeping the house cool, you may not have to turn up the AC as high. So, now might be a good time to make sure your fans are clean and ready to start cooling you off this spring. Replace your AC filter. While the warm weather is still technically several weeks away, you want to make sure your air conditioner is prepared and ready to go. The National Center for Healthy Housing recommends you replace the filters in the air conditioner in the spring. A new filter will optimize the efficiency of the unit. Replace torn or damaged window screens. If you don't have an air conditioner, or if you simply like to keep the windows open in the spring and summer, it's a good idea to make sure your screens are in good shape -- you don't want to let flies in with all that fresh air! Winter storms and wind can damage window screens, so it may be a good idea to assess any damage and replace what needs to be fixed. Exterior Upkeep Your window screens aren't the only parts of your home that can fall victim to nasty winter weather, so you may want to take stock of your home's condition. The National Center for Healthy Housing suggests that in the springtime, you may want consider these outdoor maintenance projects: Check your roof shingles. This should be done by a licensed professional, as working on the roof can be dangerous without the proper training. You should ask the roofing professional to make sure the shingles are not curling or clawing. If they are, they are susceptible to leaks and may need to be replaced. Replace rotten siding or trim. Make sure your home's siding and trim aren't damaged from windy, icy conditions. If your home is made of brick or stucco, look for any crumbling or deteriorated mortar. If you find a problem, contact a professional for help with repairing or replacing the damaged materials. Clean gutters and downspouts. You're making sure the inside of your home is clean; why not make sure your gutters are, as well? Get rid of any leaves of other debris that accumulated during the winter to make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready to take on those April showers. This job, too, is best left to a professional, as climbing on a ladder is required. So, now's the time to get those spring maintenance projects under way. By the time those May flowers start to bloom, you will be able to enjoy them with the peace of mind of knowing your home maintenance is up-to-date. If you need a reminder to perform maintenance tasks at your home, click here to sign up for the Allstate Maintenance Reminder tool.

10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Your Life Easier

Quicken Loans Guest Blogger — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:42 +0000

Despite the chill that still lingers in the air, spring is here. Whenever I hear the word spring I almost always associate it with cleaning. And as much as I really despise cleaning, dusting off the dirt and polishing things up puts a smile on my face. For many, it means it’s time for a fresh start. Spring cleaning is no small task, though. In fact, it can often turn into a huge beast of a project that some of us may give up on. To make your spring cleaning adventure a little less painful, I’ll share a few tips that always help me tackle my dirty house.

Make a list of what needs to be cleaned in each room.

Lists help me stay organized – especially if I have a huge project, like spring cleaning, on my plate. Before I even get started, I walk through each room and write down what needs to get done. Writing a list out also helps me make sure I have all the cleaning materials I need before I get started, saving me tons of time later. It’s a pain in the butt when you have to stop everything to run out and buy more carpet cleaning solution.

Make your playlist.

I have a cleaning playlist that includes the Black Keys, Boston and the Rolling Stones. Listening to music while I clean just seems to make things go by faster. Of course, you don’t have to make a playlist; you could always just turn the radio on to your favorite station.

Get a trash and donate box/bag.

As you go through each room, make sure to declutter. Throw away old magazines and papers from the previous year. Put items you no longer use or need, like that book you bought 10 years ago but never read, in the donate box. Once you’re done cleaning your whole house, itemize your donate pile because you may be able to deduct those donations on your taxes.

Work on one room at a time.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you want to clean your entire home all at once. Try writing down all the rooms in your home on a piece of paper and checking each one off as you go. If you can work on at least two or three rooms each weekend, you’ll get a lot more done and still have free time on the side.

Set an amount of time to work on each room.

I know I can get easily distracted, looking at items I'd forgotten or old photographs, and before I know it I’ve spent the entire day cleaning just one single room. Set a timer so you don't fall into this trap. You can also use the timer to give yourself a little break here and there. Much like a list, it helps keep me on track. Trust me, I get easily distracted.

Get some help.

Don’t do all the cleaning yourself. Recruit your kids, significant other or roommates to help you out. I know that when my roommates and I pitch in together to clean the kitchen, it takes about half the amount of time that it takes when I do it myself. To be honest, if those who live there make the mess, they should also help clean it.

Start from the top and work your way down.

This is just the law of gravity – clean from the top of the ceiling to the floor. Knock all the dusty cobwebs from the corner, wash the curtains, clean the windows, dust the furniture, vacuum the furniture and finally vacuum the floor.

Use natural cleaners.

Many chemical-based cleaners emit hazardous fumes. Some cleaners when mixed together can even emit toxic fumes that can seriously hurt you. Vinegar is a great substitute to use in your bathroom or kitchen and as a general household cleaning solution. Although it sounds crazy, vodka can also substitute for chemical cleaners. My grandmother had sworn off “newfangled” chemical cleaners some years ago. She only cleans with vodka and vinegar. It makes sense, though, because the acidity of vinegar is extremely high at a pH level of 2. A study in the Journal of Environmental Health found that vinegar is comparable to bleach when killing harmful bacteria like E. coli.

Be patient.

My dad always told me to work smarter, not harder. Take your time and let grimy surfaces, like the ones in your bathroom and kitchen, soak in your cleaning solution. Work on something else on your list while your cleaner does the hard work.

Reward yourself at the end.

For me, having something to look forward to at the end of a long day of cleaning sure makes things go a lot faster. Plus, you worked hard and deserve it. Treat yourself. OK, so these ideas won’t make all the dirt magically disappear, but the tips above can make the process a little less agonizing. Just remember to pace yourself. You don’t have to do everything in one day. Want more spring cleaning inspiration for your home? Check out these helpful tips for cleaning up the outside of your home. What kinds of things do you do around the house to get ready for spring? Share what you do with other readers! Krissy Schwab is a writer at Quicken Loans, focusing on sustainable living, home, money and life for the Quicken Loans Zing Blog.

Fluids: The Lifeblood of Your Ride

Joe Campanella, CARCHEX — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:00:14 +0000

Your vehicle has a lot of different fluids running through it to keep it working properly. Keeping an eye on these vital fluids and maintaining them at healthy levels will increase driving performance and help to reduce maintenance costs.

While many car repairs require a skilled professional, maintaining the levels of essential car fluids is easy and possible for even the most automotive repair-challenged drivers. Knowing which fluids you can easily maintain yourself can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run, so consider the following six important car fluids that should be maintained as recommended.

1. Engine Oil

Checking and changing oil is critical to keep your engine running properly and efficiently. Check the oil level with the engine off and the car parked on a level surface. After opening the hood, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag or cloth. Then, return it to the oil reservoir. Take it out again and see if the level is within the acceptable range marked on the dipstick. If you’re adding oil, be sure to not overfill, as this can damage the engine.

Most car manufacturers provide guidelines for changing the lubricant – typically, every 3,000 miles or three to six months.

2. Transmission Fluid

Checking the automatic transmission fluid is another vital item on the car maintenance checklist. Find the transmission fluid dipstick and follow the same steps as monitoring the engine oil, but this time while the engine is running. If the fluid appears brown or has a burnt smell, have it checked immediately.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing transmission fluid, usually about every 30,000 miles.

3. Power Steering Fluid

If you have a power steering fluid reservoir, check the level visually; otherwise, follow the dipstick method. The fluid should stay level, so if you need to add fluid, have it checked as soon as possible for a leak.

Power steering fluid should typically be changed every three years or 50,000 miles.

4. Brake Fluid

Most, if not all, vehicles on the road today have a brake fluid reservoir that allows you to see through so you can check the fluid level without opening the cap. Once you locate the brake fluid reservoir, you will see markings on the side that tell you if you need to add any brake fluid. If your brake pads are starting to wear, the brake fluid level will drop. If the fluid drops below two-thirds full, you may want to have it checked.

5. Coolant

When you check the coolant, make sure your car has had time to cool down. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and eyeball the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators. The engine can be damaged from overheating, so make sure that the reserve tank contains adequate coolant and never allow your car to redline.

Replace most engine coolant or antifreeze every 30,000 miles – or every two to three years. Newer formulas, however, may last up to 50,000 miles.

6. Windshield Washer Fluid

You can check the windshield washer fluid level by looking at the marker on the opaque chamber or by looking into the reservoir. Check the wiper fluid reservoir every week or so and keep it full.

By taking the time to periodically check these fluids, a car will enjoy a healthy and safe level of operation.

Joe Campanella is the EVP of business development at CARCHEX. Headquartered in Hunt Valley, Md.,CARCHEX is the premier provider of Extended Auto Warranties and Mobile Vehicle Inspections. CARCHEX is the preferred partner to the most trusted names in the automotive industry, including Pat Goss of TV’s MotorWeek, Carfax and Kelley Blue Book. You can read their automotive blog here.

Super Vehicle Emergency Car Kit: How to Equip Yourself for Most Any Calamity

Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:02:16 +0000

No one enjoys being stranded on the side of the road, but when you have a well-equipped emergency car kit packed away in the trunk, the situation can be more bearable. This emergency car kit checklist covers the basics, but also has suggestions for items you may have overlooked. Consider packing these supplies for a super vehicle emergency car kit you can bring along on a spring or summer road trip, or just your next long-distance excursion with the kids:

Sanitation

Toilet paper. Keep a 4-pack handy; remove the cardboard tubes and flatten.
Hand sanitizer. Store in a quart-size zip-top bag to avoid leakage.
Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Travel sizes make these easier to pack. Pack a set for each member in a zip-top bag labeled with each person’s name.
Plastic tablecloth. This can cover questionable surfaces when you’re ready for a meal or a diaper change.
Trash bags. These are good for lining an emergency potty, which could be a 5-gallon bucket or a toddler potty.
Baby wipes.
Bar of soap. Store in a zip-top bag or soap box.
Disinfecting wipes.
Feminine protection.
Small box of tissues.
Zip-top bags in different sizes. These come in handy for holding dirty laundry, dirty diapers or trash, and can even be used to hold water.

Sustenance

Energy bars. Choose high-calorie options; they're lightweight but provide the calories you'll need in a small dose.
Almonds.
V-8 juice.
Sport drink, premade or a mix.
Peanut or other nut butters in foil packets.
Jerky.
Dried fruit.
Applesauce/fruit cups.
Hearty, whole wheat crackers.
Hard candies.
Tuna packs.
Dry cereal.
Jam/jelly cups.
Trail mix. Make sure there’s no chocolate (which would melt in high temperatures).
Shelled sunflower seeds.

Survival

Water. A case of water bottles or cleaned 2-liter soda bottles, refilled with tap water, and tightly capped. These bottles can be reused.
Water filter. I like the Life-Straw or PurifiCup, which are both lightweight and highly portable.
LED flashlights and/or headlamps.
Rain ponchos.
Emergency radio. Choose a model that is both solar- and battery-powered.
Heavy-duty trash bags.
Reflective emergency blanket/sleeping bag.
Duct tape. (There’s always a use for duct tape.)
Fleece blankets. I roll these up and store them under the back seat for easiest access. They can be used as a window shade, ground cover, changing pad and in so many other ways.
Tarp.
Paracord. 50 yards, or more. Paracord is a lightweight nylon, general purpose utility rope.
Multi-purpose knife.
Extra batteries. For everything in your kit that requires a battery.
Hand/foot warmers.
Work gloves.
Small shovel.
Fire-starters, such as waterproof matches, flint or a Blast Match, which shoots sparks with three times the heat of a standard match.
Multi-tool.
Binoculars.
Light sticks. These are great to keep the kids entertained but also helpful for keeping track of them after dark.
Maps.
High quality first-aid kit.
Bandannas.
Small pair of scissors.
Collapsible nylon bag or small backpack. If you ever have to leave your vehicle for safer ground, this will enable you to take the most essential items with you.
Shoelaces.
Walking shoes for each member of the family. You’ll give thanks for having sturdy, comfortable shoes stashed in the car if you ever have to hoof it to safety.
Floppy cotton hat.
Sunblock.
Medications. Make sure you only pack those that aren’t temperature-sensitive.
Face mask. Even a simple dust mask comes in handy around a forest fire or high level of smog.
Bug repellent.
Moleskin.
Survival and first aid manuals.

Security

Whistle.
Cash, coins. Power outages also take out ATM machines. Having cash for gas, a restaurant meal or hotel room might put you ahead of those who only have a debit or credit card.
Disposable camera. This could be very helpful in documenting a car accident, license plates, injuries or storm damage.
Pepper spray. This is good bear spray if your travels take you through bear country.
Emergency phone numbers on a laminated card.

Sanity

Deck of cards.
Foam ear plugs.
Books on CD, paperbacks.
Inspirational or motivational book.
Small journal/pen or pencil.
Lip balm.
Battery-powered fan.

I keep my emergency kit packed in an opaque, under-the-bed bin that fits perfectly in the back of my SUV. To help with organization and keep track of inventory, I keep a laminated copy of this checklist on top of everything. Once your list is laminated, use a china marker to keep track of what you have packed in the kit. Lisa Bedford, author of “Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst Case Scenarios," also blogs at www.thesurvivalmom.com. She believes there is power and peace in being prepared. Recommended by the editors:

5 Things to Consider Before Taking a Loan for Home Repairs

Linden Garcia, Credit Sesame — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:00:25 +0000

The National Association of Home Builders reports that the Remodeling Market Index, an important indicator of remodeling robustness, climbed 5 points in the third quarter of 2012 (up over second-quarter numbers). In fact, the index is at its highest point since 2005—before the economic downturn. So how can we interpret this index? Activity was particularly strong when it came to owner-occupied homes. This may mean that homeowners are interested in investing in remodels as home prices begin to stabilize and the ability to sell at a better price becomes a possibility. So, do you fall in that group? Are you thinking about making your own improvements? A good remodel can boost the value of your home (not to mention give you something pretty to look at). But, of course, not all home remodels are good remodels. Pick your projects—or the way you’re paying for them—wrong and you could be in a world of financial hurt. Here are some things you should consider before tackling any project: When you’re making repairs, are you planning to put in upgrades? If so, make sure you’re not “overdoing” it for the neighborhood. You don’t want those upgrades to price your home out of its current neighborhood. While it might be nice to have the largest, most expensive home on the block, it could make the home much harder to sell. It may also make it more difficult to get the home appraised at its proper value, since comparisons are generally drawn from nearby homes that have recently sold. Consider updating the areas of your home that have the greatest return-on-investment. While the statistics vary, in general, updating your kitchen and bathrooms will have the highest return, adding 80 to 90 percent of their cost to the home’s value. Be realistic about what your budget can achieve. You probably can’t remodel your entire house for a budget of $10,000 (unless your home is very small). Be realistic about what your budget can get you. If you’re unsure, talk to a few contractors and budget out how much the materials to do the updates would cost you. Select your contractor carefully. You can consult your local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, the State Attorney General or your Local Consumer Protection Agency to identify any red flags on projects a prospective contractor has done in the past. Talk with people your contractor has done work with before. And be sure you receive a contract (read it carefully) before starting a job. Many people have been swindled by “contractors” who say they can do the work, but bail midway through a project. Without a contract, the homeowner has little recourse. Finalize your plans before you start remodeling. Changing up your plans after the remodeling is under way can break your budget. It may cost additional hours in labor for your contractor or cause a delay in how quickly the work is completed if you suddenly decide on an item that will take two weeks to ship. If you plan on remodeling, talk to your agent about your property coverage limits. An improvement to your home can add to its value and, as a result, you may need to increase your limits. This post comes courtesy of the editors at Credit Sesame. Credit Sesame is the best way to see your free monthly credit score and find out how you can save on your credit, loans and mortgage. Using a proprietary algorithm, only Credit Sesame shows you the best ways that you can stop overpaying on your credit and loans and start saving

Adapt Your Home for Elderly Parents with a Home Safety Checklist

Sue — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:00:55 +0000

Earlier this year, my 84-year-old mother slipped and fell. Her accidental fall left her with a broken pelvis – and me with the realization that my aging mother could simply no longer care for herself at home. When we made the tough decision for her to move in with my family, I knew that our current home – with its second-floor guest bedroom and narrow stairs – would need to be changed. According to Caregiver.org, about 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, "informal" care each year for adult family members and friends. While everyone’s situation is different, we all face a shared challenge of adapting our homes for an elderly parent. If you are preparing to care for an elderly parent in your home, you may need to modify your house to meet her mobility needs and to reduce her risk of falling. Consider the following safety checklist to help adapt your home to senior-specific home safety. Main Entrance

Install a threshold ramp and chair railings to make it easier to leave and enter the home.
Repair cracked sidewalks or uneven pavers that pose a tripping hazard.

Bathroom Safety

Install grab-bars by the toilet and in your bathtub or shower.
Add a no-slip rubber mat to the bottom of your bathtub or shower to prevent slipping.
Add a shower chair or bench for enhanced stability and ease of bathing.
Use a nightlight in the bathroom and hallway to illuminate the path from the bedroom to the bathroom at night.

Stair Safety

Reinforce handrails. An adult should be able to securely wrap his or her hands around the entire handrail with ease.
Add a second handrail on the opposite wall, if possible.
Increase lighting on stairs. Use a two-way switch so the light can easily be turned on and off from both upstairs and downstairs.
Remove rugs from the top and bottom of stairs.
If possible, convert a downstairs room into a bedroom to reduce stair use.

Living Space Safety

Remove throw rugs and runners or use double-sided tape and a non-slip backing to securely hold them in place.
Secure extension cords against the baseboards and out of high-traffic areas.
Reduce clutter. Remind children to keep toys and books off the floor.

Kitchen Safety

If your elderly parent will be cooking or preparing meals, place pots and pans at waist level for easy access.
If your elderly parent should not be cooking due to impairment, consider disconnecting the stove when you're not be home to prevent him or her from turning it on.
Place a microwave on the counter (rather than over the stove) to reduce bending and stretching while preparing food.

Caring for an elderly parent at home? Tell us -- how did you prepare your house for your parent’s arrival? Recommended by the Editor:

Hoarders or Just Messy? Reclaim Your Kid’s Room with These Tips

Sue — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:00:07 +0000

Dead spiders. Cicada carcasses. colorful leaves and rocks. My 10-year old nephew’s bedroom is filled with these “treasures” he collects while exploring the woods behind his family’s country home. His closet is stuffed with Matchbox cars, Star Wars action figures, assorted Lego blocks and Harry Potter paraphernalia. Then, there’s his ever-growing collection of Xbox games that threaten to overtake the family media center. On a recent visit, my normally affable nephew had a full-on meltdown when his parents tried to throw away his old Happy Meal toys. Is my nephew a victim of our consumer culture – or should he be staring in his very own episode of “Hoarders: The Elementary School Years”? Children are notoriously messy, and in a culture that increasingly values object accumulation over quality time, it’s no surprise that my nephew’s room looks like a Toys “R” Us exploded. And while my nephew’s room may look like a disaster zone, psychology professor Randy O. Frost says this is not a cause for concern. “Collecting is very important for kids, starting at about age 2, when they learn the meaning of the word 'mine,' up until early teenage years,” says Frost, co-author of “Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things” and a professor at Smith College in Massachusetts. So, if it’s perfectly normal for a kid to have collections – even extensive ones like my nephew’s collection of bug carcasses – is it still possible to achieve order in the chaos? Absolutely, says Leo Babauta, author of the popular Zen Habits blog. According to Babauta, the key is regular de-cluttering, kid-friendly organization bins and constant containment. Follow these five home organization tips to reclaim your child’s room:

Start with a massive purge. Identify the important items and then donate or dispose of the rest. We started with my nephew’s closet, saving the toys he still plays with while thinning down his bug collection. Many older toys were in great condition for donation, while the Happy Meal freebies went straight to the garbage.
Create kid-friendly storage. Containment is vital for clutter management. Bins and cubbies make it easy for kids to toss their toys inside after playtime. Create a bin for sports gear, stuffed animals, Legos, etc. We also created an inbox for my nephew’s school papers.
Clean as you go. Kids are not perfect; they’re naturally messy and enjoy collecting objects. Teaching kids to clean up what they mess up can help control the clutter. If my nephew wants to play Xbox, he needs to first put away his bug collection.
Buy less, enjoy more. As a doting aunt, I bear part of the blame for contributing to my nephew’s toy chaos. Changing a child’s thinking about toys starts by changing our thinking: Focus on quality over quantity, experiences over objects. Rather than showing up with a new Xbox game whenever I visit, now I plan trips to the amusement park, an afternoon baseball game or a hike through the woods. We may come back with a few new bugs, but that’s part of the experience.
Develop clean house habits. Regular de-cluttering is essential to keeping the mess under control. After holidays and birthdays, ask children to identify toys to donate in order to make space for their new gifts. This same rule applies to the adults. Do you have stacks of old magazines sitting in your living room? Gently worn clothes at the back of your closet? Never-used appliances taking up space in the kitchen? Set an example by donating objects with your kids.

What are your home organization tips for children’s rooms? Do you keep a list of all the items in your home? Share your ideas below!

5 Best Home Renovations for Under $5,000

Brendan — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:00:01 +0000

Regardless if you own or rent, your home is at the center of your universe. It's where you eat, sleep, socialize and store all the things that matter most. So why does it look like such a mess? I'm guessing two reasons: time and money, or the lack thereof. In other words, your busy life keeps you from taking the time to be organized and implementing the latest interior design trends, and the plethora of other demands on your wallet prevent you from hiring someone to do the job for you. Fret not, because we've compiled a list of five efficient ways to spruce up your home without breaking the bank.

1. Paint it out

It's easy to take the small things for granted. Applying a fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to take an old room from drab to fab... provided that your new coat's color is indeed fab. If you're not blessed with an eye for color coordination, snap some pictures of the rooms you want to repaint, take them to a local home improvement store and ask for some help. There's no shame in admitting you don't want your dining room to have the color palette of a Warhol painting and need assistance to avoid that fate.

2. Get some light

Dimness is great for romantic dinners... but not so much for cooking, doing laundry, taking showers and all the other things you do at home most days. Practical matters aside, low light also makes everything look kind of dingy. So brighten up your life! It'll change everything, and with a $5,000 budget, a half-day's worth of time and a trip to an affordable retailer, you'll be able to outfit your entire home, no sweat. Important: Remember to treat lights like furniture. They should be functional and fashionable. The monstrosities you had in your college dorm won't work anymore.

3. Caulk and tile

Bathroom renovation can seem awfully unappealing, especially if you only have one. The prospect of navigating around a demolition zone every time you want to brush your teeth or take a shower isn't something anyone wants to think about, but with a little planning, your worst washroom fears can be easily avoided. Start by re-caulking around sinks, showers, toilets and tubs to get rid of unsightly grime. Then pick out some affordable new tiles for the floor, and you'll be in business. Sure, new sinks and toilets are great — and probably within range for a $5,000 budget (provided you didn't go with marble flooring) — but caulk and tile is probably all you'll need to make an impact. Unless you've got plenty of experience, though, hire a professional to do the job. It may be relatively cheap, but it sure ain't easy.

4. Clean up your act

Simple and free. The perfect combo. Yes, all you'll need to do to clean up your house is...clean up your house. Set aside a weekend and collect all the useless items cluttering up your abode. (You probably don't need any electronic device made before 2000, and that cargo-pocket phase you went through? Mistake.) Throw out the junk, sell anything that might yield more than $5 at a yard sale or on Craigslist, and revel in the newfound order you've created.

5. Knobs, pulls, and counters

Kitchen renovations and panic attacks usually go hand in hand, but it doesn't have to be that way. The most expensive part of doing your kitchen over is replacing astronomically priced appliances — a superfluous expense as long as they're clean and functional. New cabinet knobs, drawer pulls and countertops can all be installed on a very reasonable budget, and will rejuvenate even the stalest of kitchens, panic-free.

What DIY projects will you implement this fall?

For more tips on home improvement, home maintenance and protecting your home, visit Allstate.com.

Thinking of Remodeling? Go Certified!

George — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:00:52 +0000

Dreaming about your perfect home but stuck in a house you don’t love? You’re in good company! Thanks to shrinking home resale values, thousands of homeowners are choosing to fix up their current home rather than upgrade to a new house. In fact, while home sales remain stagnant, remodeling permits are up 23 percent over last year. “We're swamped right now,” says Don Van Cura, the owner of a Chicago-based remodeling firm told Crain’s Chicago Business. “People who might have been expected to move up to a bigger house some years ago are now staying in place.” Inspired by the home renovation projects on HGTV or Pinterest boards? Before you get started with your remodel, be sure to do your research. A successful remodel starts with selecting a certified contractor. "Anybody out of work who owns a hammer and screw gun can decide to get into remodeling," says Ronald Cowgill, president of D/R Services Unlimited Inc. inGlenview,Illinois. "Some of these guys have no corporate names at all. It's 'Chuck in a truck.' And they offer what we call taillight warranties: Watch them drive away from the job and as soon as you can no longer see their taillights, your warranty has expired." The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is working hard to change this. NARI calls itself the “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry” and is dedicated to upholding strict standards for quality craftsmanship, accountability and ethics. Nationwide, more than 800,000 individuals and companies identify as professional remodelers. NARI membership is comprised of only 63,000 contractors. Like NARI, the Associated General Contractors of America is a trade organization dedicated to improving the quality of construction. Both NARI and AGC contractors are committed to strict standards of integrity and craftsmanship. Whether you’re remodeling your home or building a new addition, be sure to select contractors and remodeling professionals that are members of NARI or AGC. Not sure about which contractor to choose? Check with your local NARI or AGC organization to find a list of certified remodelers and contractors in your area. When talking with potential contractors, watch out for these warning signs:

#1: You feel pressured to sign a contract.

A professional will never pressure you into signing a contract before you are ready. Be wary of contractors who are impatient and do not listen to your concerns. Once you do sign a contract, you should receive notification in writing of your “Right of Recision.” This notification, required by law, states that you have three days to change your mind and legally declare the contract null and void without any penalty.

#2: You are unable to verify license or insurer information.

The remodeling company should be found in the telephone book, listed with the local Better Business Bureau and local trade organizations. The remodeler should also give you up to date license and insurance information. Never use a contractor that provides information that is out of date or unverifiable.

#3: You are promised a “special, low rate.”

Some unscrupulous contractors and remodelers will promise a “special” discount rate if you sign the contract on the spot. Other remodelers may promise a special deal if you pay in cash or pay in full up front. Yikes! Promises of a special discount are a huge red flag.

Are you a remodeling veteran? Share your tips for selecting the right contractor below.

Lead Paint: Lovely, but Lethal!

Brendan — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:00:38 +0000

Young children put everything in their mouths, even things that seem in no way tasty. Despite protests from Mom and Dad, toddlers want to taste everything from the TV remote to Fido's toys to things that may be even more dangerous--like paint chips. Even if your kids can resist the urge (or are old enough to know better), lead paint is still hazardous. Kids can absorb it through their respiratory systems and through their skin and are affected more seriously than larger, adult bodies. Long-term exposure to lead can cause brain development problems. Bottom line: lead paint can be a home safety hazard. Whether you have kids or not, it’s worth finding out if your home was painted with lead-based paint. Primarily, homes built before 1978 are the ones most likely to have had lead-based paint applied to them, but don’t forget that old furniture can have lead paint too. (In other words, the cute, antique dresser you wanted to put in the baby’s room may not be such a great idea.)

Bring in the Pros

If you suspect that your home may have lead paint, the EPA recommends conducting a professional paint inspection. While there are home test kits that you can purchase, the experts at the EPA say they’re about as reliable as a mood ring. A professional paint inspector will remove several square inches of paint from various areas around the house and have it sent to a lab, where it will be tested to obtain more accurate results.

When it comes to lead paint, you don’t want to play guessing games. Consider hiring a professional paint inspector.

The inspector may want to take soil samples around the outside of the house, as lead can collect in the ground from runoff. If you have kids playing outside or are growing vegetables, you’ll want to know what’s in the ground and how it can affect you. In addition to testing the paint, some inspectors are also certified to perform a risk assessment, which helps determine the level of danger that exists (if any exists at all). If the risk assessment determines that there is significant hazard, you may want to go the extra step of having your water tested, as well. By the way, if testing reveals the need for lead abatement, you are not obligated to use the same firm that conducted your testing. So, if what you know about your home encourages you to have testing done, how do you know that you’re getting a credible lead specialist and not some fly-by-night outfit? The EPA can help you find a certified specialist by filling out a form online. For in-depth information on how to deal with lead paint, the EPA also provides a helpful pamphlet that is chock full of good information. Remember, if you suspect that your home has lead paint, consider having it properly tested, assessed and – if necessary – abated. Parents will always have to keep a sharp eye on what their kids are trying to eat, but crossing lead paint off the list of potential hazards removes a significant worry.