Home Care

Tips To Get a Jump Start on Fall Home Maintenance

With the summer coming to a close, it's time to take a closer look at your fall home maintenance schedule. Your home is going to be more energy efficient and less maintenance issues when you inspect your property every season and make any small repairs necessary. To get a jump start on your fall home maintenance, it's time to inspect your home and get to work on your maintenance list.

Inspect Your Property Carefully

When it comes to getting a jump start on fall home maintenance, it's important to inspect your property. Look for damage to your roof, windows, trim and make a list of any problems that you find. If the exterior needs to be painted, get this done before the winter weather hits. Consider your landscaping, and check on the health of the trees and shrubs around your home. Look at the gutters, and get ready to clean them out once all the leaves have fallen.

Come Up with a Maintenance List

The easiest way to get started on your maintenance is to create a list of tasks. Good preparation will help you stay focused when you have limited time on the weekends to get your maintenance done. For any tasks where you need help, schedule service to come and do the work for you before the season gets busy. Get the work done early so that you are ready for the cooler weather that you know is coming.

Focus On Fall Prevention

If you expect icy cold weather within a few months, a focus on preventing falls should be part of your home maintenance each autumn. Look at your walkways and make sure there aren't any loose bricks or other hazards. Check the railings to see if they are secure. Once the ice and snow pile up, you want to be sure that it is easy to keep your walkways free from ice so that no one falls.

Get Your Heating System Serviced

Your heating system should be checked before you need to turn it on every day in order to prevent problems. The efficiency of your furnace should be tested, and your furnace cleaned for the upcoming season. Your air filters should be changed and any fuel supply topped off. If any repairs are needed on your heating system, they should be done before the weather turns cold.

Get Your Gutters Cleaned

Gutters should be cleaned twice a year, and not until after all the leaves have fallen this fall. Your downspouts should be cleaned out and ready to move water from your roof and away from your home. If you can't get up to the gutters, get them professionally cleaned before the cold weather hits to protect your home.

To get a jump start on your home maintenance this fall:

• do a careful inspection both inside and out to identify areas that need to be addressed.
• take care of basic maintenance like gutter cleaning and furnace servicing.
• make a list and schedule time to do each task.
• contract for any help that you need early on to avoid problems with scheduling.

If you are trying to complete your home maintenance tips for fall and you need help, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More in West Caldwell, NJ at 973-435-4230. We provide home maintenance tips and tricks so you can complete your fall checklist and be ready for the cold weather to come.

by RWC

Spring Outdoor Maintenance Tips For Your Windows and Doors

Adding Spring Curb Appeal to Your Home

Now that you've cleaned your home's windows and door and completed other seasonal home maintenance tips, here is a May checklist of updates that can add exceptional spring curb appeal to your home. After inspecting your windows and doors, and checking the hardware to determine if locks and window frames are in good shape and functioning properly, it's time to make a summer checklist of home improvements that can take your exterior and interior to the next level.

Open Your Home to More Light

Changing your window treatments to a lighter fabric and brighter colors are a standard go-to for homeowners who want to reflect sunny spring and summer seasons within the home's decor. When you open your home to more sunlight, even the dreary winter season can seem more cheerful. So why not make a spring home improvement change that will benefit your family all year!

According to a NC State University study, more natural light in the home can benefit vision, boost energy levels, provide better sleep quality, and improve your mood. Here are some creative ways to allow more light to filter into your home. And if you discovered damaged or drafty windows, here's your chance to increase your home's efficiency and beauty:

• Add Sidelights to your entry door- Narrow, vertical panes of glass that flank your home's front entry door that adds light into the homes foyer and provide greater visibility to your home's landscaping. Consider a complete redesign of your window and door openings to increase your home's overall curb appeal.
• Consider door sidelights that have exquisite design patterns which include etched glass, stained glass, or beveled and leaded glass sidelight windows.
• Install Transom windows - These fixed pane windows are mounted above an entry door or above other windows in the home, acting as a type of skylight without the need to modify the home's roof. Many homeowners are updating walls to include a collection of different sized windows called 'window groupings' as a creative interior design option.

Because of the height of transom windows, homeowners still have the privacy they desire while enjoying a beautiful starlit night sky or waken to a stunning morning sunrise.

• Update to Architectural Style Windows - Today, modern homes feature multiple styles of oversized windows that can turn a bleak space into a dynamic room flowing with energy. Picture windows, along with Bow and Bay Windows offer a striking architectural effect while dramatically increasing the home's natural lighting.

If your home is of an architectural style such as a Dutch Colonial, Craftsman, or Victorian period home, the window styles may have been changed by previous owners. Speak with a professional window and door installer about restoring your home’s true architectural style window.

• Change Window Trim - If your windows are in great condition, but you feel they still need an update, consider changing the window trim to a different style. The true look of a window from the outside of your home has everything to do with the window trim.

While updating the windows exterior trim, you can opt for a better quality material that is low maintenance, does not rot, and can be painted to add striking visual contrast.

The Difference Your Doors Can Make

As you inspected your home's door frame and hardware and completed your to do list around the house, also consider the difference your doors can make. Most homeowners consider doors as purely functional -- access and security. But, one glance at this Architectural Digest of unique and beautiful door ideas, you can see how you can create contrast and style with replacement doors for your home's interior and exterior.

• Replace Patio Door with French Doors
• Add Door Seating or a Widow Seat
• Install a Double Entry Door
• Install an Antique Door or a Patina Finish
• Frame Door with Boxed Planters
• Try a Non-Traditional Glass Panel Door

You can significantly change the exterior and interior impact of your home by adding oversized windows or a window grouping and upgrading your doors to a modern style that is either classic or eclectic. RWC Windows, Doors, and More offers design services and can guide homeowners in navigating the wide variety of home improvement design ideas that are now available.

*Note: This is an updated version of the blog post below, originally written in May 2018.*

It’s that time of the year again; spring, when you have to give your home a tune-up to return it to its former glory. The winter season can leave your home exterior in bad shape, and therefore it’s important to undertake some spring home maintenance to avert costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Two of the crucial areas of your home to inspect thoroughly during spring are windows and doors. Well-kept windows and doors are vital for the home’s security, air conditioning, and even aesthetics. Winter can be tough on these structures, causing them to operate inefficiently or lose their aesthetic value. The experts at RWC windows and doors recommend the following spring home maintenance tips to ensure your home’s guard stays up!

1. Inspect your windows and doors thoroughly

A lot can happen to your windows and doors during the past winter or summer seasons. An annual check-up is necessary during spring. Check for both minor and major problems so that you can know what needs fixing or replacement. Some of the common issues you may find with your structures include loose nuts and bolts, rotten wood, loose weatherstripping, chipped paint, squeaking hinges, clogged door tracks, and more.

2. Clean your windows and doors

You can clean dirty window glass surfaces with water and a cloth or soft sponge to remove dirt particles or other foreign materials that may have accumulated over time. You may add some glass cleaner to the water but make sure it does not have scouring agents. When cleaning your exterior doors, consider their stain or paint finish. It is advisable that you request advice from a professional on the best cleaning products to use on the doors.

Also, clean sliding door tracks and window casings to ensure that the doors and windows close without making noises or jamming on the tracks.

3. Repair or replace worn out hardware

Inspect all hardware parts of your windows and doors for tight-fitting or wear and tear. If bolts and nuts are loose, try to tighten them with a screwdriver. If they are worn out or damaged and need replacements, contact a professional to handle it for you. In addition, check all the moving parts on windows and doors to see if they are well lubricated. All gliding parts should be well lubricated at least once per year to reduce friction and prolong the life of hinges and bearings among others.

Test the door and window locks to see if they are operating seamlessly. Your main exterior door should remain sturdy at all times for security reasons.

4. Repair or replace the weatherstripping

The sealant or caulking on your windows or exterior doors is imperative in keeping these structures watertight and ensuring energy efficiency. Check the weatherstripping to see if it’s broken, loose, damaged or has gaps. If it’s destroyed and requires minor repairs, you can do buy a sealant and handle the repair on your own by following the manufacturer’s instructions or calling the experts at RWC for expert advice. But if it’s extensively damaged, have a professional look at it and possibly replace the whole weatherstripping.

5. Install window treatments and coverings

Consider installing window coverings such as blinds, shutters or draperies. They will not only help improve your home’s aesthetics but also boost your energy savings. They help reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.

Tuning up your home’s windows and doors this summer will go a long way in helping you identify and resolve issues early before they become expensive problems in the future. Contact the professionals at RWC windows and doors today for timely, affordable, and reliable inspections and repair for spring home care!

Takeaways:

The spring maintenance checklist for your windows and doors include:

• Inspecting windows and doors thoroughly
• Cleaning them and their components
• Lubricating, repairing or replacing their hardware
• Fixing or replacing weatherstripping
• Installing window blinds, shutters or drapes

by RWC

How To Brighten Your Home in The Winter

If you've been wondering how to brighten up a room, it’s smart to first look at the reason why certain areas in your home seem so dark. The most obvious is that the room is not getting much natural light, which could be due to a lack of windows or the house's orientation to the sun.

Also consider your decorating choices. Darker colored wood flooring, dark upholstery, and dark paint colors can all prevent light entering the room from being reflected. Dark surfaces absorb light and fool the eye, making a room feel smaller and darker than you would like.

Ways to Brighten Up A Room

Add Windows and a Skylight

Your first tactic to a dark room is to let the light in! Install an additional window or two, change to a different window style, or if possible add a skylight that filters in sunlight from dawn to dusk. If it is a dark living room or dining room, consider adding a plate-glass picture window for maximum light infiltration. A dark entryway can be accentuated with an accent window above the door.

Kitchens, bathrooms, and upper level bedrooms that seem dark can be instantly brightened by adding a skylight. Work with a professional contractor that specializes in window replacements when installing a skylight, to prevent poor quality workmanship that could lead to water invading your home.

Redecorate With Light Colors

Dark colors absorb light, while light colors will reflect light and make a room seem brighter. You may love the warmth and charm of natural wood furnishings, but dark woods like cherry and mahogany can make a space seem gloomy and ill-lit. Add light colors with linen tablecloths, sheer window coverings, and well-placed mirrors to effectively reflect the outdoor light.

Consider a colorful rug to liven up a dark space. Even chairs or sofas without arms can fool the eye into thinking the room is brighter. Repainting the ceiling and walls with colors that are bright yet muted is the best way to redecorate with light colors. The 2019 Pantone Color Chart is opening up design ideas with many new and lovely colors to brighten your home, such as Living Coral.

Install Brighter Light Fixtures

Make sure your home incorporates some light fixtures with LED lighting. LED light is brighter and crisper than traditional incandescent bulbs - which should only be used when you desire a softer glow in your living spaces. You will also save a lot of energy, as a 12 watt LED bulb gives off the same brightness as a 60 watt incandescent bulb.

Adding new technology light fixtures will add increased overall light, but it can also improve task and ambient lighting.

• Recessed Lighting - general kitchen and dining lighting
• Pendants - task lighting for islands or cubby areas
• Chandeliers - a touch of elegance to dining areas
• Track Lighting - to provide ambient task or accent light
• Fluorescent Fixtures - bright whole-room illumination
• Under Cabinet Lights - task lighting where you need it

Bring Greenery Inside

There are many ways to add greenery in your home besides potted plants near a window. You can add a mantle dressed with greenery, hang low-maintenance succulents, or add floating greenery in a beautiful bowl of water placed on a table. Take the time to grab a bunch of fresh flowers from the grocery store each week to brighten a darker entryway or dining room.

If you don't have house plants, certainly adding a few large plants in sunny locations will balance a room with fullness and light. An empty corner makes the perfect home for a fig tree or palm.

Add Glass Exterior Doors

Solid glass doors are the newest trend to opening the home. You will find many sleek options; some even use tempered glass for increased safety, with polished edges milled flat to prevent accidental snags. An etched glass design can add a dramatic style statement to any home.

Also consider adding sliding glass doors to the back of the home, and replace some interior doors with French doors to allow uninterrupted light infiltration throughout the entire house.

Takeaways

• Replace dark colored paints and furnishing with lighter choices.
• Add accent windows above doors or a skylight for more natural lighting.
• A picture window is an exceptional way to flood a room with light.

RWC Windows, Doors & More provides bathroom and kitchen remodeling, including design, along with door installation and window replacement to homeowners in northern New Jersey.

by RWC

New Year Resolutions for Your Home

When making your New Year resolutions to exercise more, start a new hobby, or save money for retirement, don't forget to include your home improvement resolutions. Making a plan for home improvements at the beginning of the year can serve as a guide for short-term projects and larger renovations that will make a big difference for years to come.

Plan For A Kitchen Renovation

When it comes to new year home resolutions, a new kitchen ranks as number one according to HomeAdvisor.com. The benefits of a kitchen renovation go beyond the added beauty, dining convenience, and improved kitchen functioning. Expect a substantial payoff from a kitchen renovation, most likely reflected in an increase of your home's value.

A budget-friendly kitchen remodel plan for the new year can simply improve the details - replacing fixtures and lighting, painting walls, and installing new tile backsplash and LVT flooring. But, when you plan for a kitchen renovation, there are ways to get that must-have peninsula, upgraded sink, cabinet refacing, and granite countertop by working with a kitchen and bath remodeling service with an array of design plans to fit your budget.

Homeowners should plan to spend between 5 and 15 percent of their home’s total value on a kitchen remodel, as this is the optimal range for homeowners to spend and expect to recoup at resale.

Purge and Declutter

HGTV suggests home improvement resolutions to purge and declutter your home - getting rid of old shoes and too-small clothes, organizing closets and drawers, donating unused toys and electronics, and tossing out old makeup, pantry items, and medications. Find unique ways to stash less used items in woven baskets and decorative bins.

And if you don't already have a system for keeping your house clean, the new year is a good time to create a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedule.

Reduce Your Energy Bills

If you're looking to find ways to save money in the new year, consider home resolutions to reduce utility costs in demanding summer and winter months. You can contain your heat and cool air better when you replace your old windows with energy efficient windows and replace drafty doors along with the addition of storm doors to keep the cold out.

Similar to kitchen and bath renovations, replacing your home's windows and doors will add beauty, value, and increased home performance. You want window styles that allow an abundance of sunlight to filter into the home. This improves the ambiance and natural light, while still maintaining privacy and security. And when it comes to door replacements, consider a double entry door for gaining dramatic curb appeal and allowing for easy wheelchair or motorized scooter access.

Organize Basement and Garage

You can gain useable living or hobby space when you organize the lawn and gardening accessories, sports equipment, and automotive tools using pegged wall hangers and custom storage solutions. Not only will you gain more room for vehicles or fun activities, it will save you time when looking for things.

If you dread going into your basement or garage, and want to eliminate any safety hazards that are lurking midst the clutter, turn what was storage space in living space. Today, homeowners see the value in having an at-home gym in the basement or a climbing wall for the kids in the garage. And for teenagers, a dedicated space for virtual reality games is also trending.

Transform Your Bathroom Into a Spa

Who wouldn't want a spa experience in the convenience of their own home? With a master bathroom remodel, you can turn that dream into a reality. Imagine a free-standing soaking tub, a double walk-in shower with rainfall shower head, and heated floors to vanish cold feet.

Add some dreamy lighting, a digital music system, and natural elements like wood seating, weaved baskets, and cottony window treatments, for a new year's resolution you will not regret.

Takeaways

• A kitchen renovation is the number one new year home improvement resolution, while a bathroom remodel is number two.
• For the greatest energy savings, replace windows, exterior doors, and add storm doors to prevent hot and cold air transfer caused by drafts.
• Decluttering your home, purging unused items, and organizing your basement and garage are small home improvement projects that increase safety, add to home functioning, and support occupant comfort.

The New Year is the perfect time to speak with a RWCNJ representative and start planning for both large and small home improvements.

by RWC

How to Prepare Your Home and Family for a Remodel

If your family is about to venture into a home improvement project, it can be an exciting time. The idea of an updated decor, improved efficiency in the kitchen and baths, can be invigorating and unnerving at the same time. Knowing how to plan a renovation is key to surviving the inconveniences and stresses of living in a construction zone.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 75% of homeowners have a greater desire to be in their homes after remodeling, but getting through a remodel doesn't have to be chaotic or stressful. To prepare for a remodel, there are home improvement tips and tricks that can make this time easier for your family. It all begins with a plan. For each section of the home undergoing renovations, provide alternate living areas with a clear plan for your family will reduce the confusion, noise, and disruptions to your everyday lives.  Here are some renovation tips and tricks to get you through your home remodeling project:

How to plan an exterior remodeling project

The top 3 exterior home improvements continue to be vinyl replacement windows, new roofing, and a new garage door. With new doors and windows, plan to remove all artwork from walls and any breakable decorations away from the windows. Professional window replacement companies usually take note of any adverse weather conditions and will guide you on any special preparations or delays due to the inclement weather.  New windows and doors can usually be installed the same day as removal.

Preparing for the initial demo phase

This is the noisiest and dirtiest part of any renovation project and it will demand patience from everyone in the family. Talk with all family members to discuss if staying at a family or friend's home during this time is the right decision.  If you have young children, it may be best for them to stay with a relative during this phase. When you consider the drywall dust, airborne wood chips, and strong odors - a few days away can be the best idea. You may also consider making arrangements for the family pets to live off-site for awhile, as the loud noise and unknown visitors will cause stress. If not, coordinate with the contractors to completely seal off demolition areas from the rest of the home.  RWC’s, professional team cleans the job site each day; meaning no dust or debris is left behind.

Plan for Unforeseen Problems

Knowing how to plan a remodeling project includes preparing for problems that may arise.  Once walls come down, issues may pop up; this could mean altering your construction plans.  Make sure you plan for extra expenses and follow the advice of HGTV experts:

Make a list of the rooms you wish to remodel. Beside each project, determine who will be impacted, how the space should function and when the remodel needs to be completed.

Prior to tackling your renovation, do your own research.  Make a list of your projects and research the construction methods, the material options, and local service providers. You will find that having more knowledge beforehand, makes the entire process go smoothly.  It’s important to mention, the best home improvement tips and tricks come from those who have been through many renovations! Talk to your contractor ahead of time to outline a timeline for your project, budget, materials and more. This way, expectations can be set early on.

Takeaways Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

• Talk with your family about the inconvenience, noise and confusion that may be part of a renovation.
• Move all artwork, breakable decorations, and photos to a safe area until after the remodel
• Consider leaving the home during the demolition phase for large renovation projects
• Talk to your contractor about possible delays from weather, manpower shortage, or slow material supply
• Reduce surprises by viewing home remodeling videos and read about the methods your contractor will be using

Before you plan your next home renovation project, contact RWC Windows, Doors, and More for expert kitchen and bath remodels since 1959. Our design consultants know how to plan a renovation and will help you select the right products for your home's style and budget.

by RWC

Spring Outdoor Maintenance Tips For Your Windows and Doors

It’s that time of the year again; spring, when you have to give your home a tune-up to return it to its former glory. The winter season can leave your home exterior in bad shape, and therefore it’s important to undertake some spring home maintenance to avert costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Two of the crucial areas of your home to inspect thoroughly during spring are windows and doors. Well-kept windows and doors are vital for the home’s security, air conditioning, and even aesthetics. Winter can be tough on these structures, causing them to operate inefficiently or lose their aesthetic value. The experts at RWC windows and doors recommend the following spring home maintenance tips to ensure your home’s guard stays up!

1. Inspect your windows and doors thoroughly

A lot can happen to your windows and doors during the past winter or summer seasons. An annual check-up is necessary during spring. Check for both minor and major problems so that you can know what needs fixing or replacement. Some of the common issues you may find with your structures include loose nuts and bolts, rotten wood, loose weatherstripping, chipped paint, squeaking hinges, clogged door tracks, and more.

2. Clean your windows and doors

You can clean dirty window glass surfaces with water and a cloth or soft sponge to remove dirt particles or other foreign materials that may have accumulated over time. You may add some glass cleaner to the water but make sure it does not have scouring agents. When cleaning your exterior doors, consider their stain or paint finish. It is advisable that you request advice from a professional on the best cleaning products to use on the doors.

Also, clean sliding door tracks and window casings to ensure that the doors and windows close without making noises or jamming on the tracks.

3. Repair or replace worn out hardware

Inspect all hardware parts of your windows and doors for tight-fitting or wear and tear. If bolts and nuts are loose, try to tighten them with a screwdriver. If they are worn out or damaged and need replacements, contact a professional to handle it for you. In addition, check all the moving parts on windows and doors to see if they are well lubricated. All gliding parts should be well lubricated at least once per year to reduce friction and prolong the life of hinges and bearings among others.

Test the door and window locks to see if they are operating seamlessly. Your main exterior door should remain sturdy at all times for security reasons.

4. Repair or replace the weatherstripping

The sealant or caulking on your windows or exterior doors is imperative in keeping these structures watertight and ensuring energy efficiency. Check the weatherstripping to see if it’s broken, loose, damaged or has gaps. If it’s destroyed and requires minor repairs, you can do buy a sealant and handle the repair on your own by following the manufacturer’s instructions or calling the experts at RWC for expert advice. But if it’s extensively damaged, have a professional look at it and possibly replace the whole weatherstripping.

5. Install window treatments and coverings

Consider installing window coverings such as blinds, shutters or draperies. They will not only help improve your home’s aesthetics but also boost your energy savings. They help reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.

Tuning up your home’s windows and doors this summer will go a long way in helping you identify and resolve issues early before they become expensive problems in the future. Contact the professionals at RWC windows and doors today for timely, affordable, and reliable inspections and repair for spring home care!

Takeaways:

The spring maintenance checklist for your windows and doors include:

• Inspecting windows and doors thoroughly
• Cleaning them and their components
• Lubricating, repairing or replacing their hardware
• Fixing or replacing weatherstripping
• Installing window blinds, shutters or drapes

by RWC

Why You Should Perform A Yearly Home Check Up

You get your health checked every year; a physical exam, an eye exam, a dental visit are standard practices to identify any issues that need resolving.  Using the same logic, why wouldn’t you complete a home check up every year?

The purpose of an annual home check up is the same as your yearly checkup. Spotting problems as they develop and fixing them on a timely basis, prevents more serious issues from developing.  Here’s what you should be checking yearly or in some cases bi yearly.

What Needs to be Checked

According to Kudzu.com, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) recommends that a home check inspection includes the plumbing, HVAC system(s), roof, electrical system, attic, visible insulation, windows, doors, walls, ceilings, floors, foundation, basement (if present) and structural components.  

Small leaks are deserving of special mention. A single-drop leak can cause structural damage behind a wall, under flooring or cause other structural components to rot out over time. Like a constantly-dripping faucet, that "small leak" turns out to be gallons of water in just a few hours - an amount easily delivered in a single rainy day.

Are Semi-Annual Checkups a Better Idea?

This depends on how old your house is. A newer house is fine with an annual inspection. However, if you have an older home, it’s a good idea to look everything over twice a year. With New Jersey’s harsh, seasonal climate, the start of spring can show aspects of your home that were damaged by the cold and snow.  Likewise, autumn is the perfect time to identify any cracks, leaks or other issues before the cold weather rolls in.

As You Inspect

Write down everything you see that is amiss. Prioritize repairs according to their type and severity. Anything that could bring danger to people or pets in the house needs to be fixed first. Then, repair the things that can easily lead to further damage, such as leaks in the roof or at the windows. Cosmetic issues should go last.

Keep a Running List Throughout the Year, Too

Don't save things you notice throughout the year for your planned inspection day. Instead, keep a running list of things that randomly crop up. Put the list in a place everyone else in the home knows about so they can add items that they see, too. This way, you can be sure you won't overlook anything that was spotted earlier and forgotten.

Do You Need a Home Check Service?

Home check services can make things easy, but they're generally not necessary when you've been living in the house for more than a year or so. In fact, This Old House's site has a DIY checklist of things to examine on a yearly basis. Items to check include:

• pipes for both leaks and poor drainage
• electrical outlets
• caulking

Takeaways

• A yearly home check up finds problems before they get too big
• You'll likely have noticed some things before your planned inspection day
• Safety issues should be fixed first

Here at RWC, we have over 50 years of experience doing repairs, renovations, and remodeling projects of all sizes. Give us a call at 973-227-7123 for anything your home inspection reveals the need to fix. If you decide to upgrade instead, we can handle that as well.

by RWC

Keeping Your Home Safe with the Best Smart Home Technology

Safe Home Technology

With modern computer technology, upgrades and new home designs allow lifestyle improvements for the savvy homeowner. While you may have heard of voice controlled entertainment systems, programmable heating and air conditioning units, or ways to check on your house via smart home technology, there are some practical applications which may be useful. 

In today's world, security is an important aspect of most people's lives. Some essential tips keeping home safe start with locking windows and doors, and preventing strangers from peeking inside. An additional aspect of home security is fire prevention, which can be achieved with programmable kitchen appliances which can be set to turn off when you leave the house.

Doors and Security Features

Over time, the house may settle a bit. Weather conditions, wood framing and doors can shrink or swell.  While this is normal, it becomes an issue when doors don't open or close as easily. At this point, it is time to consider installing a new home safe door.  There are numerous safe materials to choose from, including: 

• Steel
• Wood
• Fiberglass

Due to their durability, these options are the most secure options to prevent break ins.  As another safety precaution, installing new locks with a remote access features will allow give you peace of mind when not home. The best smart door locks can be checked remotely so if you leave in a hurry you can “call” your house with your phone and lock the door. Likewise, if you're expecting a service call, you can unlock the door then lock the door when the person leaves, without having to be there and leave the door open all day.

Windows and Smart Technology Options

Windows can incorporate a Smart feature by closing blinds at night or when you’re not home. Additionally, if your house uses security cameras, you can conduct a routine security patrol with your phone. When out of town, you can check your windows, open them, or lock them remotely.

Kitchens and Cooking

Kitchens are another aspect of your house which is especially adaptable to smart technology. Imagine setting up dinner in the oven and being able to turn it on when you leave work, thirty minutes before arriving home. By using new kitchen technology, many aspects of your daily cooking chores can be automated, leaving you more time to relax. Kitchen automation simplifies cooking and makes safety a priority.

Conclusion

The latest smart home technology might seem intimidating at first, but it is fairly intuitive and easy to learn. Once incorporated, it will make your life better in a number of ways according to your needs.

• You can check on doors while away from home to make sure you remembered to lock them.
• You can unlock a door while away for someone you've hired, or for a friend.
• It allows you to control security aspects of your windows.
• Smart technology simplifies kitchen and cooking tasks.

What to Do Next

For more information about Smart Home technology and how to incorporate it at your house, call us at RWC to schedule an appointment with a representative.

by RWC