This time of year, we seem to spend a lot of time finding just the right gift for those that are dear to us, and appropriately so. This is the season for giving! But how many of us remember the family member who never says a word, yet keeps us warm and dry, gives us shelter and a place to gather, a place to lay our weary heads?
Here are four quick ideas for a holiday gift for your home. It’s almost a gift to yourself and your family, because the home is where the heart is.
If you feel generous this year, here are some practical ideas that may pay off big time in the days (or the years) to come:
Replacement smoke alarms: This season brings an emphasis on lighting, candles, and extension cords, and each can be a fire hazard if used improperly.
This may be a surprise to you, but most smoke detectors have a useful life of about ten years. And there’s a good chance the detector in your home is older than that already. Your best bet is a “dual-sensor” model that can warn your family in advance of different types of fire.
Expect to pay between $20 and $30 each for the best models, and install them as instructed on the packaging. You can also call your local fire department for help in deciding where to place your detectors.
The good news is that smoke detectors have become less expensive and more effective over the years, but they still need your help. Experts warn that at any time, around 30 percent of smoke detectors are not functional due to dead batteries. Don’t let yours fall into that category.
Truck-mount carpet cleaning: If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, a quality professional cleaning will help extend the life of your carpet. In addition, it will freshen the house for the holidays and provide a cleaner surface for all your activities.
I’ve tried almost every conceivable way to clean carpets, and I’ve come to the conclusion that you just can’t beat a truck mount system. It’s not perfect, but it’s fast and effective, and if you hire the right people, they move the furniture. Besides all that, it’s cost-effective.
Whole-house window cleaning: When I was a teenager, my grandmother persuaded me to help her wash the inside and out of every window in her house every year. To this day, I am averse to window-cleaning. But I found out I can simply pay to have it done and the results are remarkable. I promise you will be surprised at how much more light enters your home through sparkling glass.
A brand spanking new home loan: I guess this isn’t really a gift for your home, but I checked with your house, and it doesn’t really mind if you use it as collateral for a new home loan.
Whether to replace your existing loan or to consolidate and pay off other debts like credit cards and auto loans, now is truly a remarkable time to lock in a long-term, low-interest-rate home loan. Call your financial adviser and ask for a home-loan review as a way of getting started.
Perhaps these ideas are not exactly what you had in mind for the holiday season. You have my permission to substitute your own notions. I predict your house will love you whatever you decide. Stay safe and warm through the new year.
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