Tips on maintaining and improving your home in St. George.

For many fall is when life gets a little crazier after a relaxing summer—school starts, schedules get busier, and the holidays inch closer. As life gets crazier, doing a beginning of fall clean of the house will help you keep your days organized. Here are a few things you should do both outside and inside the house at the beginning of fall.

Outside

-Wash your exterior windows—this can be done with a squeegee or a hose.

-Clean your patio furniture—even though you will still get plenty of use out of these in the fall, it is still a good time to clean them after being used all summer.

-Inspect your windows and doors—make sure they are all closing and sealed properly.

Inside

-Organize the closets—with a more hectic life, there is less…

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On a recent trip to my parents, my mom discussed changing the carpet in the bedrooms of their new (to them) home. The carpets had been in the house for ten years and smell like the previous owner's dog. She knows she needs and wants to replace them, but can’t decide on the right carpet. It’s an expensive and long-term decision so you want to make sure you make the right choice. Here are a few things we learned when researching carpet.

Start with the Padding

The padding isn’t something you initially think about when choosing carpet because it isn’t visible, but it makes a bid different to the feel of your carpet. Padding helps hide imperfections on the floor and adds extra cushion. It may be tempting to skimp on the padding, but a good padding…

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The area your washing machine and dryer are located can be the least favorite part of the house. It is often a mess, filled with junk, and in many cases an impractical space—laundry rooms in garages, unfinished basements, or small spaces off the kitchen. Having a well-designed laundry room can bring organization to your home and make the never ending process of laundry more enjoyable. Below are a few things to consider if you are finally creating your perfect laundry room.

Make a Place for Everything

While in the design stage, think of everything you could possibly store in your laundry room and give it a home. Make sure there is a place to hang laundry, store folded laundry, and store any laundry supplies such as soap, ironing boards, etc……

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Whenever I move it takes me months to finally hang pictures on the wall. I’m always nervous I’ll hang them in the wrong place or hang them the wrong way. I know I shouldn’t be intimidated by something that isn’t permanent, so I did some research on how to hang a picture correctly the first time.

Find the Place to Hang It

It’s hard to tell if the placement of a picture looks good from up close. Have someone hold the picture where you want it so you can step back and look at it from different angles. You can tell the person to move it around on different parts of the wall until you are satisfied with the location. A few things you should keep in mind is lighting and wall studs. Pictures might look very different depending on the time of day, so…

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Most people realize that owning a home is an investment, but less realize it is an investment that you can keep adding to. Home upkeep and renovations can add serious value to your real estate when it comes time to sell. Below are a few investments you can start making in your home.

Basement Remodel

Most basements, especially in older homes, come unfinished. Finishing the basement can greatly add to the amount of living space in your home—all without actually adding onto your home. Adding an entertainment room is a popular option right now that will also add fun to your home.

One thing you may want to look out for when remodeling a basement is flooding issues. Getting an expert to check it out before you begin construction can save you from…

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It can be hard to tear kids away from their technology during the summer. Making the backyard a place they want to spend time can help get them up and outdoors all summer long. Here are a few fun home improvement tips the whole family can enjoy.

Fire Pit

A fire pit is a perfect way to get the family to gather together outside. You can use it to grill marshmallows with the kids or tell ghost stories until the late hours of the night. In addition to the fun it provides for the family, it is a great addition for entertaining guests year round in St George.

Sand Box

Adding a sandbox to your backyard can be as easy or elaborate as you want to make it. It can be as simple as building a base out of two-by-fours and filling it with sand. More…

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As we approach summer, it's important to consider landscaping for the heat. The hot, dry climate creates a unique situation for growing vegetation and creating a welcoming yard. Use these tips to grow your St. George garden.

Choose the right plants

Research what plants will work well in the summer heat. Buy seeds that are meant for the desert and plants that can withstand the climate. Plant flowers that are native to the area like autumn sage and columbine. Different types of cacti can also add the look and charm you want. Use this article to help you pick some vegetation for your yard.

Treat the soil

Desert soil is tough and sandy. If you want to plant a vegetable garden or or other vegetation, you’ll need to lay down the proper soil.…

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Summer is right around the corner and the perfect time to start thinking about sprucing up your interior design. You won't only love it, but keeping your decor up to date can increase the value of your home as well.

Navy Blue Invasion

Navy blue is the accent color of the summer. You can start by incorporating accessories like throw pillows, blankets, curtains or rugs. Alternatively, you can paint navy blue onto an accent wall to really make it pop. Navy has the benefit of being a trendy color with a classic feel. You can make subtle shifts in your current design or make a navy blue statement, whichever you choose.

Feeling the Faux

While marble and granite have long been considered the optimal materials for a sleek and updated look,…

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During the summer months, you can spend hundreds of dollars on cooling costs. It may sometimes feel like you have to choose between being comfortable in your own home or saving money. This isn’t necessarily the case, however. Use these tips to save money on cooling cost without sacrificing comfortably.

1. Adjust the Temperature

One of the biggest mistakes people make with their air conditioning is allowing it to run automatically all the time. You should adjust the temperature at night and when you leave the house. That way you can keep your home comfortable when you’re home during the day, but you don’t have to pay to cool an empty or sleeping house.

2. Service Your AC Unit

At least once a year you should get your HVAC unit serviced.…

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It’s that time of year when fireworks become a huge part of the scenery all around Utah. With Independence Day on Saturday and Pioneer Day on July 24th, fireworks can be heard around the desert almost all year long. If you are one of these firework enthusiasts, it’s important to keep these safety tips in mind.

Stay a Safe Distance From Any Buildings

It is important as you light off fireworks to keep your explosives a good distance from your home. In St. George, people usually light off fireworks in the street, but stay away from buildings, cars and other people.

Maintain Adult Supervision

An adult should be present whenever fireworks are being lit. Children and teens often lack the forethought, experience and knowledge necessary to remain…

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