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Top Projects
for New Homeowners
More than
1,000 homeowners in several of the nation's largest suburban neighborhoods
were polled about the most popular projects they undertook within
the first year of owning new homes. Here's the list:
Ceiling Fans
Over the life a home, nothing will
save more money than a ceiling fan. With 50-year or lifetime warranties,
today's models cost little to run. Ceiling fans quietly help heat
your home in winter, cool your home in summer and make it more
comfortable all year long.
Garage Door Openers
If the garage door opener is more
than 10 years old, consider a new, safer, easier model. They are
relatively inexpensive- usually under $300 installed. That means
you should be able to get one that needs no adjusting, has sophisticated
measures to ensure the safety of kids and pets and uses an electronic
code that no one else will have. Add a coded keypad and the kids
won't need to carry keys and you can conveniently come and go.
Garage and/or
Closet Organizers
No need to be embarrassed by piles
of rakes, tools, tires, bikes and all other sorts of outdoor gear
in your garage. Most garages have wall room at least for a few
hooks for gardening implements and a small built-in workbench
with storage cabinets. Many also can hold larger storage cabinetry
and heavy-duty shelving.
Decks
A deck is the least expensive way
to increase your living space during good weather. And today's
decks, made from rot-resistant lumber or composite materials,
are likely to last longer than you'll own the home. Although contractors
can supply everything you need, many people take pride in designing
their own deck. There are several computer software programs that
let you endlessly change and redesign the deck that's right for
you.
Storm Doors
Storm doors have come a long way
from the flimsy aluminum models that first replaced the wooden
screen door. Storm doors now have built-in security measures,
save energy, protect your entry door, and are made from long-life
materials such as aluminum-clad composite lumber. Popular styles
offer full-length glass doors to show off your entry door, trendy
colors, fancy hardware and beveled glass.
Furnace/Duct Cleaning
and Inspection
Duct cleaning removes up to 99 percent
of the dust and debris in your ductwork. This service will improve
the air quality in the home and is especially beneficial to people
who suffer from allergies. If you hire a contractor for this service,
make certain they also clean and inspect the A-Coil, Heat Exchanger,
Pilot Assembly, Burners, Forced Draft Fan and test for deadly
carbon monoxide.
Landscaping
Landscaping can mean many things,
from design to planting trees and shrubs to laying sod. Many nurseries
and home centers now offer services including experts who can
do a complete landscape design for your home with trees, shrubs,
ornamental plants, decorative rock and ground cover, sod and even
a complete sprinkler system.
Window Treatments
When moving, your new home usually
needs window treatments. There are a myriad of attractive and
stylish options to choose from, including mini blinds, vertical
blinds, pull down shades, valences, window scarves, cafes and
full drapes. Window treatments do wonders in creating an intimate
ambiance and atmosphere and can especially help to fill up a room
that is furnished sparsely.
Mailbox Installation
If planning to replace or add a new
mailbox, check post office and neighborhood association regulations
for size, location and installation rules.
Solar Screens
Depending on how much sun hits your
windows, consider reducing intense sun inside your home by covering
your windows and sliding doors with solar screens. Not only does
it cut the cost of air conditioning, by removing harmful ultraviolet
(UV) rays drapes, carpets and furniture last longer.
Window Cleaning
There are new do-it-yourself cleaning
solutions that fit on the end of your garden hose sprayer, and
systems you can buy or rent such as pressure washers. However,
hiring a service to clean first and second floor windows inside
and out is not that expensive compared to more involved home services
such as construction projects.
Basketball Hoop
Installation
Whether it's for the kids or the
kids at heart, a basketball hoop next to the driveway is a great
way to provide an inexpensive outlet for fun and fitness. While
retailers sell rolling models, you may prefer to install a safe
and sturdy, all-weather pole, backboard, hoop and net.
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