How To • Shop the Room!

4 Easy Ways To Protect Your Home

by Josie
Backyard & Garden • Shop the Room!

5 Deck Ideas to Transform Your Backyard!

by Josie
Decorating ideas • Shop the Room!

Budget Ways to Entertain Your Guests at Home This Holiday Season

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How To • Shop the Room!

4 Easy Ways To Protect Your Home

by Josie

In a world where the safety of our personal space can never be overemphasized, taking the appropriate steps to protect our homes is not just advisable—it’s imperative!

With a few simple adjustments and a bit of conscientiousness, you can significantly bolster your home’s security and enjoy peace of mind. For homeowners and families looking to safeguard their sanctuaries, here are four easy methods to ensure your castle remains a bastion of security.

Secure Your Doors and Windows

The main entry points to your home can also be the most vulnerable. Begin your home protection routine by fortifying your doors and windows, ensuring that potential intruders are kept at bay.

Use Quality Locks and Deadbolts

Invest in high-security locks and deadbolts. Look for Grade 1 locksets, which are some of the most secure options on the market. Assess the strength of your doors and frames to determine if they can withstand forced entry. Simple strike plates are often inadequate; consider adding longer screws or metal reinforcements for added protection.

Keep Up With Garage Door Maintenance/Repairs

Many homeowners overlook their garage doors as a potential weak link in their home’s security. Ensuring your garage door is in good condition, with functioning and secure openers, can prevent intruders from accessing your home through this less-monitored entry point. Maintenance of garage doors is more important than most people think. If you live in the midwest and are in need of a tune-up, search “garage door repair overland park ks” to find a local contractor.

Enhance Outdoor Lighting

A well-lit home exterior is a powerful deterrent to would-be intruders. Darkness offers anonymity and concealment, so shine a light on security concerns before they become problems.

Motion Sensor Lights

Install motion-activated lights around the perimeter of your home. At the first movement, these lights will turn on, illuminating the area and likely scaring off any uninvited guests.

Well-lit Pathways and Entry Points

Maintain regularly illuminated pathways to make your home less appealing to burglars. Strategic lighting also makes it easier for you to identify and address any activities outside your home, enhancing overall awareness.

Invest in a Home Security System

Home security systems have evolved to offer comprehensive protection and peace of mind. Modern systems offer sophisticated monitoring and alerts, effectively turning your home into a formidable fortress.

Alarm Systems

Install an alarm system with loud sirens that will alert you and your neighbors to any unauthorized entry. Visible signage of your alarm system can also act as a deterrent.

Monitoring Services

Enlist the services of a home security monitoring company for 24/7 surveillance. These professionals can notify you and emergency services immediately if there’s any sign of trouble.

Practice Home Safety Habits

Even the most advanced security measures are ineffective if not properly used. Adhering to simple home safety habits can be the final line of defense, stopping potential threats before they escalate.

Lock Doors and Windows When Away

Develop a routine to check that all doors and windows are locked whenever you leave your home, even if only for a few minutes. This consistent practice is a fundamental aspect of home security.

Avoid Sharing Vacation Plans on Social Media

It’s natural to be excited about a vacation, but resist the urge to broadcast your absence on social media. This information can be a green light for burglars, revealing your home as an easy target.

Safeguard Your Home Today

Your home is your sanctuary, and safeguarding it should be a top priority. By implementing these four strategies, you can protect your home against potential threats without overcomplicating your daily life. Remember, home security is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s always evolving. Stay informed about current security practices and routinely reassess your home’s protection needs. With these simple measures, you are well on your way to creating a safe and secure living environment for you and your family.

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Backyard & Garden • Shop the Room!

5 Deck Ideas to Transform Your Backyard!

by Josie

That time of year is coming again when barbeques, cookouts and outdoor fun will soon be in full swing! If you don’t have a deck built it might be a great investment to expand your living space. Here are 10 inspirational deck ideas that might get you building one soon!

Make Your Deck an Extension of Your Home

A deck can be an extension of your living space perfect for relaxation, dining, and entertaining. Consider making a deck that flows seamlessly from your indoor living spaces to the outdoor deck, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. You can choose materials like composite decking that can withstand the outdoor elements and require less upkeep. Consider the color scheme of your home and use materials that complement it. This will help create a harmonious transition from your indoor space to the deck!

Create a Deck on Multiple Levels

If your home has a very specific design and call for it, a multi-level outdoor deck is the perfect addition to your home. This type of deck is made up of two or more levels, creating a tiered structure that can accommodate different activities and purposes. The first level is usually connected to the main living area of the house, providing easy access to the deck and creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The lower levels are typically used for various purposes such as dining, lounging, or even for a hot tub!

Turn Your Balcony into a Deck

If you don’t have a large backyard you can always turn a balcony into your own deck! A balcony deck is versatile and can be turned into a relaxing retreat, a dining area, a place for entertaining guests, or even as a mini garden for those with a green thumb! The possibilities are endless, and it all depends on how you choose to design and utilize your balcony deck. However, our friends at KP Contracting say it is important to note that building a balcony deck may require proper permits and approvals from building authorities, depending on the location and regulations.

Build a Covered Deck

If you live in a place that receives a lot of rain or wind, a covered outdoor deck will be a lifesaver! This beautiful deck even has a mini kitchen and barbecue area that is fully covered to protect you from outdoor elements. This kind of deck allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while still being protected from bad weather. Covered outdoor decks are also great for hosting parties and events. With the sheltered space, you can set up tables and chairs, a barbecue, and even outdoor heaters to keep your guests comfortable. It’s a perfect spot for summer barbecues, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations.

Build a Small Deck for a Small Backyard

Whether you have a small backyard or a limited budget, a small deck can be a perfect addition to your outdoor space! One of the biggest challenges when building a small deck for a small backyard is maximizing the available space. You can achieve this through clever design techniques and building things that are multi-use such as a planter that doubles for searing.

In conclusion, building a deck for your backyard is a great way to add value and functionality to your outdoor space! With careful planning and smart design choices, you can create a beautiful and functional deck that will enhance your outdoor living experience and allow you to make the most of your backyard!

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Decorating ideas • Shop the Room!

Budget Ways to Entertain Your Guests at Home This Holiday Season

by Josie

The holiday season almost in full swing, here are a few budget friendly ways you can keep your guests entertained at home!

Having guests over at your home doesn’t have to mean an overpriced dinner, expensive wine and fancy dinner table decorations! With creativity, it’s easy to create unique holiday experiences together that won’t take too much time or money. Whether it’s finding an inventive way of decorating your home, or cooking up traditional family meals, there are plenty of inexpensive ideas to host your guests this holiday season.

1. Make dinner at home with recipes that are easy to prepare.

There’s something special about cooking a dinner at home with family and loved ones. It allows you to spend quality time together in a cozy, intimate setting without the distractions of a busy restaurant. And the best part? You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to create a delicious and romantic meal. You can impress your guests with culinary skills by following tutorials on YouTube for easy-to-prepare recipes without breaking a sweat.

2. Make your home feel cozy and warm with incense and candles

To make your home feel cozy this holiday season you want to definitely light your fireplace if you have one, and set up lots of candles to create that intimate cozy cabin feel! Another great way is to put out candles that are scented or burn incense that smells like cinnamon to make your home extra inviting. If you don’t have adequate heating in your home, now is the time to call some like Confident Comfort Heating and Cooling to take care of this. You wouldn’t want your guests cold when coming over!

3. Play board games instead of watching Netflix

Looking for a way to bring some excitement into your evenings without breaking the bank? Why not open a pack of cards or grab your favorite board game? Games like Yahtzee and Uno are classic choices that never get old, and they’re perfect for both a chill night in or a lively get-together with friends. Plus, with prices ranging from just a few dollars to less than twenty, you can enjoy hours of entertainment without spending a fortune. So why not trade in your usual Netflix binge for a game night full of laughter and friendly competition? Your wallet (and your inner child) will thank you.

4. Hit up a local park and take a walk after dinner

Spending time in nature can be incredibly grounding, especially after a long day. So why not hit a local park and walk while you chat about your day? Not only will you get some fresh air and exercise, but you’ll also have the opportunity to catch up on old times with your friends and family! Whether venting about a frustrating project at work or gushing about an exciting new opportunity, sharing your thoughts and feelings in a peaceful setting can be incredibly therapeutic. And who knows, maybe the park’s beauty will even inspire some new ideas or solutions to whatever challenges you may be facing.

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