Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2024-05-31T09:01:00

(BPT) – While you probably know your deck needs waterproofing, did you know many other materials outside your home like concrete, masonry and fabrics also need protection? To help keep exterior parts of your home in good condition, waterproofing is key. Here are tips from the experts at Thompson’s WaterSeal to help safeguard your home.

1. Maintain exterior wood

Whether for your deck, fencing or siding, wood sealer provides durable protection from water and sun damage.

When wood absorbs water, it swells, and as it dries, it contracts. Repeated cycles of expansion and contraction cause small cracks that grow over time. In cold climates, this cycle is worsened by seasonal freezing and thawing. Without protection, excessive moisture in wood also supports fungi that causes wood rot.

While sunlight doesn’t structurally damage wood, it will turn the upper layer of wood silver over time. Sunlight also affects stains and finishes, leaving wood more vulnerable to water damage. This is especially true in warmer, southern climates.

How to waterproof wood

High-quality wood stains protect decks for four to six years, and fencing and siding for five to 15 years. To see if re-application is needed, try the “splash test”: Sprinkle water on various sections of the wood. If water absorbs and darkens the color of the wood within five seconds, the surface should be treated. If water beads up on the surface, it doesn’t need treatment. Reapplication timing depends on climate, deck use and sealer opacity. More opaque stains like solid color wood sealers provide the longest protection.

Select a product with minimum required coats to provide year-round protection. You can choose solid color wood sealer, which adds the most color and shows the least wood grain, or transparent wood sealer, which adds subtle color and shows the most wood grain.

Before applying wood sealer, use deck cleaner to remove contaminants like dirt, oil and mildew. The wood surface should be completely dry before sealing, so it’s best to wait at least 48 hours after rain or cleaning. The air temperature should be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during and for 48 hours after application. For best results, follow all instructions on the product.

2. Consider your concrete surfaces

Although you might think concrete is indestructible, over time, weather conditions can take a toll. Waterproofed walkways and patios are stronger and last longer — reducing the need for costly maintenance and repairs.

Especially in climates experiencing freezing and thawing, waterproofing safeguards against moisture and helps prevent cracks. Waterproofing also helps protect against oil stains and other spills. Well-maintained concrete looks better, with minimal effects from weathering, fading, cracking, fungus and mold growth.

How to waterproof concrete

The length of protection varies depending on where you live. You can perform the “splash test” once a year to see if reapplication is necessary.

Choose a high-quality multi-surface waterproofer that can tackle exterior waterproofing needs including concrete. As with wood sealer, the surface and air temperature should be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during and for 48 hours after application. Concrete should be thoroughly cleaned and dry for 72 hours before applying sealer.

Concrete with a smooth, flat finish must be opened first, using a concrete etch product. Follow instructions carefully for using and removing the etching product, as well as the concrete sealer.

3. Protect brick and masonry

With brick or masonry (including stone), waterproofing helps protect it from environmental damage over time. Due to their porous nature, bricks are susceptible to water damage, including cracking or spalling (flaking or chipping due to subsurface cracks). Waterproofing also protects against mold.

How to waterproof brick and masonry

The length of protection from waterproofing will vary, depending on your climate. As with concrete, perform the “splash test” once a year to see if reapplication is necessary.

Use a high-quality, multi-surface waterproofer designed for exterior surfaces like brick. Your brick or masonry should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying sealer, and the outside temperature must be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Read and follow application instructions on your product.

4. Safeguard outdoor fabrics

If you use fabric elements for your outdoor spaces including cushions, pillows, umbrellas, canopies or shade sails, you’ll want to keep them looking great as long as possible. Waterproofing fabric helps prevent water damage and reduces color fading from the sun. It can also repel spills and stains, while allowing fabric to breathe.

How to waterproof fabrics

Reapply waterproofing annually, after every cleaning, and use a waterproofer designed for fabrics. First try a small patch, as waterproofer can darken fabric, and apply only on colorfast fabrics. Fabric must be clean and dry before applying waterproofer. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s care and warranty information before using on furniture and follow all product instructions carefully.

Caring for outdoor surfaces is crucial for maintaining your home’s appearance and value. Waterproofing helps keep all the elements of your home’s exterior — and the outdoor spaces you love — looking beautiful for years to come.

2024-05-29T05:01:00

(BPT) – It’s time to welcome the freshness of the warmer months into our homes and embrace the new season. For many of us, this time of year is a chance to renew and re-organize. Spring and summer cleaning isn’t just about dusting and decluttering; it’s also an opportunity to modernize and improve your living spaces.

This includes updating your window coverings, especially if you have infants or young children. Let’s explore the reasons why switching to cordless window coverings can enhance both the aesthetics and safety of your home.

Hazards of Corded Window Coverings

Traditional corded window coverings may seem harmless, but they pose significant risks, especially in homes with young children. The dangling cords can become entangled, leading to accidents such as strangulation. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), corded window coverings are one of the top hidden hazards in the home. Find out more from the Window Covering Safety Council.

Style Benefits

Cordless options not only eliminate the risk of entanglement but also offer a sleek, modern aesthetic. Opt for durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear and choose colors and patterns that complement your existing decor. With cordless window coverings, you can achieve a clean and clutter-free look while ensuring the safety of your loved ones.

Save Money with Cordless Window Coverings

Did you know using the right window coverings can help you SAVE money? When selecting cordless window coverings for your home, consider energy-efficient window coverings, which can help you save on energy bills as window attachments help regulate the amount of sunlight and heat that enters and exits a home. With today’s high inflation costs, this is a no-brainer. Find out how you can increase your energy savings and comfort with AERC certified products.

2024-05-24T09:11:00

(BPT) – Looking to update a room that is short on space during this home improvement season? Converting traditional swinging doors into pocket doors is a simple, practical way to increase the amount of usable floor space. Pocket doors slide along a jump-proof track and disappear into the wall cavity, optimizing space in a way swinging doors cannot.

When installed with the correct pocket door hardware, today’s modern pocket doors are customizable for varying doorway sizes, making any room in the home more fun and functional. These room ideas are proven winners that are sure to enhance your home.

1. Accessible Home Office

As the share of remote workers in the U.S. workforce continues to rise, so does the need for accessible home office designs. Pocket door frame kits equipped with ADA-compliant features bring an effective solution to this growing need, particularly with the rise of work-from-home opportunities for individuals with disabilities. To address this demand, Johnson’s 1500SC Series pocket door frame was designed to improve accessibility and functionality in home office setups. The built-in soft-close hardware ensures smooth, fingertip operation and prevents door slamming, important features for those using mobility devices.

2. Semi-Private Dining Area

With a shortage of senior care facilities and their rising costs, aging in place is now a crucially essential option. The 1560SC Series Soft-Closing Pocket Door Frame Kit seamlessly integrates mobility considerations into home design. Supporting doors up to 4 feet wide and 8 feet high, nearly any type of solid-core door weighing up to 165 lbs. can be installed with the frame.

To put your own spin on the pocket door design, choose a decorative raised handle. Only 5 lbs. of force is needed to effortlessly open or close a door installed with the hardware, ideal for individuals with mobility challenges.

3. Walk-in Kitchen Pantry

Perfect for frequently used pantry doors, the 2000SC Heavy-Duty Pocket Door Frame Kit’s versatile design can handle nearly any extra-heavy door style weighing up to 330 lbs., up to 5 feet wide and 9 feet high. A jump-proof design means the door cannot fall off the track, and a quick-release locking tab allows for door removal without tearing apart the wall. Heavy gauge all-steel split studs provide wall rigidity and galvanized steel plating resists corrosion, giving peace of mind that your door installation will last.

4. Ensuite Bathroom

Need more space in your bathroom? Pocket doors cover your doorway when they’re closed but disappear inside your wall cavity when they’re open. This 2060SC hardware holds large custom doors like this attractive walnut veneer slab, and includes a soft-close feature that is essential in a bedroom. When replacing traditional swing doors, pocket doors save as much as 14 square feet of floor space that is needed for the swinging motion.

Other ingenious features of this pocket door hardware contribute to installation ease and trouble-free use. For instance, self-adjusting floor brackets compensate for floor settling, ensuring pocket doors remain level over time.

5. Multi-Purpose Room

With their open and airy aesthetic, two converging pocket doors with glass lites in a wide entry allow sunlight to pass while giving privacy and reducing surrounding noise. Multi-purpose rooms benefit from the extra usable floor space gained by using pocket doors. Imagine more room for furniture, shelving and wall décor.

Johnson’s durable pocket door hardware exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standard for door width. The ADA requires a minimum clear width of 32” from door face to opposite stop, but Johnson’s hardware accommodates up to 60” for greater accessibility.

For more information, visit www.johnsonhardware.com, or call 574-293-5664.

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2024-05-23T12:53:00

(BPT) – This renovation season, DIY projects are more popular than ever as people look to keep costs down. And whether you’re planning a full bathroom remodel or a refresh of fixtures, paint and style, one of the most impactful and easiest DIY upgrades you can make is adding a bidet seat to your toilet. Haven’t considered it before? There are so many reasons why you should.

You may have come across a bidet in your travels. They have long been a central feature in European toilettes, and bidets are found in almost every bathroom in Japan. Finally, their popularity is growing in the U.S. where they have become a huge bathroom trend. Part of the newfound demand is due to innovative bidet seats like the TOTO WASHLET, which transforms your toilet into a bidet by simply replacing the seat! These allow discerning homeowners and renters to incorporate the luxury and comfort of a bidet into their bathrooms in minutes without having to install a completely new fixture or hiring a plumber.

From improving health to helping the environment, here are nine reasons to add a bidet seat to your bathroom upgrade, from the industry-leading experts at TOTO USA.

Improves hygiene. It’s simply a fact that using a bidet increases the level of cleanliness of your bathroom routine. Thanks to a strong adjustable flow of aerated water and an effective warm-air dryer, you’ll experience a superior clean than toilet paper alone.

A more comfortable bathroom experience. A bidet seat is a refreshing and pleasant way to cleanse. It’s a mini spritz-off, exactly where you need it. A gentle stream of warm water cleanses, followed by a warm air-dry. And all WASHLETS have warm, adjustable heated seats, too — creating a spa-like experience in your own home!

Use less TP. The average American uses more than 140 rolls of toilet paper each year. If you measure that in miles, it’s nearly the distance between Denver and Dallas! The French use half that much. Why? The French use bidets, which clean and dry without the need for toilet paper, as a regular part of their bathroom routine. Switching to a bidet seat is a simple, easy way to help the environment and elevate your bathroom routine in the process.

Better for your plumbing. All of that toilet paper Americans use tends to back up toilets and it also can cause clogs down the line in your pipes, which can lead to costly repairs. With a bidet seat, you’ll experience fewer plumbing issues, backups and headaches.

Easy to install. The TOTO WASHLET attaches to your existing toilet. Setting it up is a simple DIY project that takes all of 15 minutes, with no need to call a plumber. Really. All you need is a toilet and a GFCI power outlet within three feet of it. There’s even an app to guide you through the installation process.

Renter friendly. Because WASHLETS attach to your existing toilet, renters can install them to temporarily uplevel their bathroom without the worry of losing their security deposit. And notably, they are also able to take their bidet seat with them when they move into a new place.

Helps people with mobility issues. This is especially important for older folks who want to stay in their forever homes safely, people with aging parents, or for those who have temporary or ongoing issues with mobility that make wiping difficult. A bidet seat cleanses and dries much better than toilet paper alone, and for people with these issues, it’s a lifeline to help with hygiene, privacy and independence. Bonus tip: If you’re an empty nester renovating your own bathroom with an eye toward the future, make sure you add a bidet seat now.

Keeps your toilet clean. High-end bidet seats like those from TOTO don’t just clean you. They can help clean your toilet, too, with deodorizing and bowl-cleansing misting actions before and after use that keep your toilet and bathroom fresh at all times.

Affordable with a range of price points. There is a bidet seat for every space, budget and need. You can choose what fits your lifestyle best from the introductory WASHLET C2, intermediate WASHLET C5, or new WASHLET S7A, which offers the very latest in TOTO’s technology and design.

All in all, whether you rent or own your home, upgrading your bathroom with a bidet seat is an easy, quick and affordable way to elevate your daily sojourns to the loo into a spa-like experience while keeping you and your family cleaner. For more information, visit TOTO USA.

2024-05-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Balance and harmony. These are two important principles of design to consider during the initial phases of conceptualizing a space. This is especially true in the kitchen, the heart and soul of a home, which must be both functional and visually inviting; a place where people can utilize the space effectively while nurturing purposeful and hospitable surroundings. Create a space of working beauty, while cultivating an environment of imperfection, to fully embody the Japanese design philosophy known as Wabi-Sabi.

Organic Curves and Textures

Form has a distinct impact on the feeling a home evokes. Enhance the home through Wabi-Sabi by incorporating pieces that exhibit shape and fluid movement, instead of highlighting perfectly precise lines and hard angles. Consider the alluring appeal of a curved archway that influences a softer atmosphere or feature a live-edge wood dining table to spotlight the beauty in natural imperfection.

Use organic forms and materials like rounded furniture, a neutral color palette and natural lighting to not only increase the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen, but also foster a sense of tranquility. Mix textures throughout the kitchen via linen curtains, a concrete backsplash, hand-woven rugs and personal touches of pottery to add both visual and physical texture, ultimately eliciting a feeling of quiet luxury. Every detail should be beautiful, and every beautiful object should serve the overall purpose of the space.

The Evolution of Japandi Style

The epitome of balanced harmony can be seen through Japandi style, which artfully merges Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies. With fluid lines that speak to minimalist sensibilities and crafted touches that reflect an artisanal soul, the Kintsu^® Kitchen Collection by Brizo perfectly embodies these tenets.

Drawn from “kintsukuroi,” the Japanese method of joining pieces of cracked pottery with gold, “Kintsu” represent the way that Japandi style merges two design philosophies. The Kintsu^® Widespread Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet unites understated sensibility with an avant-garde spirit through the creative use of negative space in the knob handle. Combining this with the functionality and versatility of the new two-handle configuration, the faucet looks to Wabi-Sabi philosophy for abstract, conceptual geometries.

Essential Elements

When it comes to the backdrop of a space, being intentional with the color palette can lead to a cohesive look that highlights the beauty of various elements within the room. Take inspiration from Scandinavian design — cozy, bright and inviting aesthetics — which promotes intentionality when choosing colors, paired with natural light, to create a fresh take on neutrals. Grays can be replaced with warm browns and taupe, providing a natural background to plan around.

Incorporate metals such as chrome, steel and aluminum in the kitchen to add a gleaming finish that is instantly eye-catching and is sure to incite instant glamour. Choose an unexpected, but striking finish such as the Black Onyx finish in the Kintsu^® Kitchen Collection to create a distinctive and intentional focal point in the space.

When deciding which elements to include, consider the concept of mise en place. A place for everything and everything in its place. An organized kitchen is an efficient kitchen, and an efficient kitchen is a thing of beauty.

Through the fusion of Japandi style’s harmonious balance and the timeless elegance of Wabi-Sabi, our kitchens can become more than just places to cook; they can be sanctuaries where we find solace in our surroundings.

2024-05-22T09:41:00

(BPT) – Homeowners across the country are going undercover. It seems no matter where you live, the growing popularity of covered outdoor spaces is evident in backyards from Buffalo to Bakersfield. Here are 10 ways to add shade, shelter and style to your home’s exterior.

Perk up a porch. A covered front porch provides an inviting entryway to any home, offering an elegant stage to greet guests, enjoy a morning cup of coffee or simply sit and watch the world go by.

Throw some shade. A pergola provides shade and style to any outdoor setting, while still allowing for open air flow and sunshine. It also lends definition to deliver the look and feel of an outdoor room.

Create a nature-inspired nook. Turn an underutilized area into an outdoor oasis by installing outdoor flooring, a ceiling and a cozy fireplace. In this design, the neutral Trex decking, exposed roof beams and modern furniture set the stage for relaxation.

Raise the roof. If you love spending time outside in all conditions, consider adding a roof to a portion of your outdoor space. This small shelter paired with privacy curtains provides protection from the elements and prying eyes so you can enjoy a relaxing soak any time and in any season.

Gaze from a gazebo. A deck gazebo provides many benefits, offering shade and protection from the elements while also establishing an elegant space to relax, dine and entertain guests.

Go below deck. The space beneath an elevated deck is loaded with potential. With the addition of a deck drainage system like Trex RainEscape, which diverts water to keep the area beneath a deck dry, this space can be outfitted with furniture, lighting and appliances to create an outdoor room with comfort and function.

Enclose for year-round enjoyment. Optimize usability by enclosing an outdoor space with screens or windows. This affords the benefits of enjoying views, fresh air and natural light without having to worry about insects, rain or fluctuating temperatures.

Bolster a balcony. Make a bold, architectural statement on your balcony with a stylish pergola. Covering half of this elevated outdoor space, the pergola’s dark beams offer the perfect contrast to the home’s light exterior and provide shade over the outdoor kitchen and sitting area.

Bring the indoors out. Seamlessly transition between your home’s interior and exterior living spaces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a covered outdoor area perfect for al fresco dining and parties.

Retreat from the rays. Turn the space beneath your deck into a poolside paradise perfect for escaping the sun’s strong rays after an afternoon of swimming. This covered area features an underdeck drainage system paired with a soffit ceiling and integrated lighting to deliver the finished look and feel of an outdoor room.

For more inspiration, visit Trex.com.

2024-05-22T06:01:00

(BPT) – Move over, gray. Green is having its moment this year in bath and kitchen design and décor. Whether dark, light or somewhere in between, these luscious hues are on trend right now, but they evoke a deep sense of nostalgia, optimism, style and panache.

Kohler knows a bit about that. The kitchen and bath fixture giant was the first to bring bold, coordinated color into kitchens and bathrooms in the 1920s. In 1927, Kohler launched precisely matching colors for cast-iron enamel and pottery glaze — meaning toilets, sinks and baths could be coordinated in matching, vibrant hues. Back then, America took a collective gasp when it saw Kohler bathrooms in living color. It set the design world on fire, with this country’s elite clamoring for color, color, color in their kitchens and baths, culminating in an exhibit of a color-coordinated Kohler bathroom at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1929.

Last year, Kohler celebrated its 150th anniversary with a limited-edition Heritage Colors collection, and this year, that collection expands with the addition of Heritage Greens — Fresh Green, with its bright, lush vibes that bring the garden indoors; Teal’s dark, rich, vivid drama; and Aspen Green’s soft, soothing shade. These historic Kohler colors were selected to be revived this year because of their connection to nature, relation to well-being and diverse design sensibilities.

Eager to get started? Here are 5 ideas to green up your kitchens and baths.

Paint! The easiest and least expensive way to add a splash of green into your kitchen and bath is to paint one, or all four, walls in this trending shade. For kitchens, painted cabinets are all the rage. Why not give yours a facelift in green? For baths, accent with green towels and floor mats, and go for a vintage feel by including black or pink in the mix.

Large appliances and fixtures. Go for it! Stainless steel reigned supreme for years, but color is the emerging trend in kitchen appliances now. Major, high-end appliance manufacturers are offering lines in many shades of green, from light and subtle to dark and dramatic. But with this trend, you don’t have to go all in at once. One statement piece, like a deep teal farmhouse sink within a white countertop, is a showstopper.

Smaller kitchen appliances. If you’re not in the market for a major kitchen remodel, you can still add a pop of green with smaller kitchen appliances like toasters, ceramic tea kettles, coffee makers and even tools like can openers, corkscrews and other gadgets. Bonus tip: Don’t forget to accent with kitchen towels, hot pads and even new curtains.

Bathroom fixtures. Hold your breath and imagine your bathroom transformed into a spa, courtesy of vibrant green fixtures. A green clawfoot tub? Yes, you can. A pedestal sink in quiet Aspen Green with a toilet to match? It’s yours. These hues evoke the elegance of the past while wrapping you in the comfort of the present, making your bathroom a true oasis.

Tiles. You don’t need to do a major renovation to add some color to your kitchen’s backsplash or around your tub in the bath. Opt for mosaic tiles in various shades of green, or go with the sleek elegance of just one color.

Color can soothe the spirit, lift a mood, brighten a moment. It can make a small room feel bigger, or turn a dark room into an open, airy space. Kohler’s Fresh Green, Teal and Aspen Green can inspire you to bask in living color.

2024-05-22T01:01:00

(BPT) – As spring and summer approach, it’s time to consider how you’ll use your outdoor spaces this year. Your backyard, patio, front lawn and garden aren’t just for outdoor activities. They are natural living areas that you can use to cook, eat, entertain and relax.

Belgard wants to help you take your outdoor spaces to the next level. From eye-catching driveways to stunning patios and serene landscapes, the company offers an array of products to complement any home. Here are four hardscaping design ideas you can add to your home to extend your living spaces and maximize your time outdoors.

1. Pave the way

Paved pathways are a practical and striking addition to front or back lawns. They guide guests through your outdoor spaces while adding visual interest and definition. Consider incorporating curves and bends in your pathways to create a sense of discovery and intrigue. You can also enhance paved pathways with landscape lighting that illuminates the way during evenings for added safety and ambiance.

In addition to a paved pathway, you can also consider a paver patio. Paver patios create a relaxing outdoor space that you can enjoy after a long day at work or use to entertain friends and family. Also, adding a paver patio to your home can potentially increase your home’s value.

Once you choose what you want to pave, you’ll need to decide on the materials you’ll use. Whether you prefer the modern appeal of concrete pavers or pavers that mimic the rustic look of natural stone, there are various options to suit your style and budget.

Choose a style like Papyrus pavers for an organic textural experience with a touch of modern elegance. Need material with style and installation efficiency? Check out Basalt pavers for a flame-textured stone design engineered to maximize pallet layout. For homeowners seeking a more traditional aesthetic, choose Charlestone pavers reminiscent of early American streets and walkways for a distinctive look of weathered hand-cobbled stone.

2. Retaining walls and freestanding walls

Retaining walls are a multipurpose outdoor structure that serves functional and aesthetic landscaping needs. They can help prevent soil erosion, create terraced levels for planting, and define different zones within your yard.

Retaining walls can also double as seating areas or garden beds. Whether you’re a gardener or regularly host family gatherings, retaining walls can maximize your outdoor living areas for planting and entertaining while adding visual appeal to your environment.

Freestanding walls are most effective when the ground is flat and often used to divide landscapes into distinct areas to enhance the visual appeal of the yard.

Shelton Wall is a small freestanding wall that exudes old world charm with its rustic finish and earth tone blends. You can create intimate outdoor spaces with the privacy offered by this charming and durable wall, great for moderate height retaining walls to add terraces and more usable space in your landscape. Shelton Wall was also featured in Belgard’s recent project with Tan France to help create his dream home in Salt Lake City.

3. Outdoor living spaces

Think of your backyard as an extension of your home and find ways to seamlessly incorporate indoor luxuries in outdoor living spaces. Whether it’s a cozy patio, a spacious deck or a stylish pergola, these structures provide comfortable areas for relaxation and entertainment in nature.

Integrate features like built-in seating, fire pits or outdoor kitchens to enhance functionality and create a welcoming atmosphere that your friends and family can enjoy. Choose durable materials that can withstand the elements and require minimal maintenance. Doing so ensures you can enjoy your outdoor living areas for a long time.

4. Water features

Create a visual focal point, add tranquility and mask noise pollution from nearby streets or neighbors in your outdoor spaces with water features. From elegant fountains to serene ponds, water features create a vibrant and dynamic outdoor ecosystem.

Once you choose a water feature that suits your taste and space, find other elements to complement it. Rocks, plants and lighting enhance the natural beauty of your water feature, creating a harmonious balance with the surrounding landscape.

These are just four hardscape and design ideas you can easily add to your home this spring. To find all the products you need to build your outdoor oasis, visit Belgard.com.

2024-05-13T12:01:00

(BPT) – May is Electrical Safety Month! It’s a great time to remind yourself of the potential dangers associated with electricity and be proactive about electrical safety in and around your home, workplace and community. People tend to take electricity for granted — our lights, appliances, technology, and everything else we plug into a wall outlet should just work, right? — but it’s important to be mindful of safety to prevent electrical accidents, injuries and even fires.

Here’s an electrical safety checklist from the pros at Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company, one of the leading electrical installation and repair providers to homes and businesses nationwide.

Check cords. When was the last time you checked the cords on your lamps, appliances and electronics? The obvious first step is to look for fraying or other damage. But also be mindful of how they’re placed. Are your cords snaking their way under a carpet or furniture? Make sure they have a clear run from the unit to the outlet. And about those outlets…

Check outlets. Overloading is a no-no. Make sure you’re not plugging too many electrical devices into one outlet. But, just as important, and maybe more so, is checking the outlets themselves. Are any loose? Do any of them have discoloration or burn marks? If you see this, call Mr. Electric immediately. That’s a potential sign of electrical danger.

Be mindful of water. Remember to keep countertop appliances away from water sources like sinks and bathtubs. And check the outlets in your kitchen and bathroom to ensure they are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which cut power if there’s a ground fault.

Monitor extension cord use. If you have extension cords crisscrossing your rooms or using extension cords for appliances like window air conditioners that specifically advise against it, it’s time to rethink that.

Unplug appliances. We’re not talking about fridges and washing machines. But the toaster, the coffee grinder or your hairdryer — unplug those when not in use. Not only will it save money on your electricity bill (they draw electricity when plugged in), but it will add a layer of safety, too.

Consider a whole-home surge protector. With storm season in full swing, it’s time to think about protecting your appliances, technology and other devices with a whole-home surge protector. They work in much the same way as power strips (You have your computer plugged into one, right? If not, do it now.) but they protect the whole house and are built to withstand multiple power surges. To find out more or to get one installed, contact Mr. Electric.

Get an electrical home inspection. Not only is this important for the safety of your home and everyone in it, but getting your home’s electrical system checked by a professional will also offer you peace of mind. When Mr. Electric does an electrical home inspection, they thoroughly examine your entire electrical system to ensure that all electrical wires, systems and components meet legal safety standards, using the National Electrical Code (NEC) as their primary guideline. Upon completion of your electrical home inspection, a Mr. Electric inspector will provide a detailed, prioritized checklist, including areas needing immediate attention, recommendations for improvements, and potential upgrade possibilities.

To learn more or schedule a home electrical safety inspection, contact the pros at Mr. Electric. And then exhale, knowing your family is safe from electrical hazards.