Ontario

Here are some ideas to spruce up your home and also brighten your day. Best of all, these luxuries are not expensive.

• House plants or fresh flowers in every room. Green plants provide quality air quality.
• Music in every room.
• Candles. An inexpensive way to decorate and brighten a room. Scented ones also add to the atmosphere.
• A writing desk with beautiful paper and a selection of pens, envelopes and a comfortable chair.
• Clean windows. Nothing compares to natural sunlight.
• Bowls with fresh fruit scattered through the home. Red apples in the dining room, lemons in the kitchen and figs on the coffee table.
• An assortment of bubble bath products.
• Using the ‘good' dishes everyday.

Learn how you can sell your own home on the Durham Region Real Estate website for private sales.

With winter approaching, it is a good time to check the roof on your home. Correcting a situation now can eliminate big problems next spring.

You can do an evaluation of your roof yourself. If there are shingles missing or they appear dried out and are 'saucering', you should seek immediate help. Chances are there is a leak and it should be repaired.

Another test is to open the cover going into the attic. Standing on a step ladder and using a flash light, check out the underside of the roof. If you see wet spots or stains from previous leaks, have they repaired as soon as possible.

If your home is an older one, you should check to ensure there is proper attic ventilation and a uniform airflow. Without proper ventilation, attic temperatures can reach 150 degrees fahrenheit. The excessive heat can cause severe damage to your home and your health. Utility bills will be higher if there is not proper ventilation.

Durham Region roofing companies are happy to check your roof. The condition of the shingles, possible leaks and the ventilation will be inspected to determine if there is a problem. By correcting any of these now can save a lot of damage and expense.

Selling your home? Check out our Durham Region Homes For Sale website. Control your own sale and save paying thousands of dollars in real estate agents commissions.