Halloween Safety Tips

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For many people, autumn events like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

(1) Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

(2) Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

(3) Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

(4) Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

(5) Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.

(6) Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

(7) Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

(8) Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

(9) Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

(10) Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

(11) Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

(12) Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

(13) Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

(1) Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.

(2) Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.

(3) Keep candle-lit jack o’lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.

(4) Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!

http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

Featured Home of the Week: Rock Hampton 3000

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The family needing lots of room will enjoy this spacious six bedroom three bathroom home. Conveniently located on the main floor the master suite boasts large bathroom and walk in closet. Three additional bedrooms and one bathroom are also on this floor. With this many bedrooms the family is sure to use the oversized laundry room. Upstairs find two more bedrooms, another bathroom and 23′ by 15′ family room. There is plenty of space for everyone in this beautiful home.

Tips and Advice from Professional Movers

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Relocating can be a daunting task. In addition to having to deal with all of the logistical details and potentially stressful situations, you are facing the uncertainty of a new environment. To relieve your anxiety we put together this simple step-by-step timeline guide. Now you can check the items off the list and move into your new situation with confidence and peace of mind.

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Four to Six Weeks before the Move

  • Clean out your closets, cupboards, toy chests, shelves, attic, garage and basement. It is a good idea to discard anything you do not want or need. A rule of thumb is if you did not use something in the last year or two, chances are you do not really need it. Consider having a garage sale, gift unwanted items to friends and neighbors or donate them to charities. You may be able to collect a tax receipt on the value of your donation.
  • Arrange to collect any advance or security deposits on utilities or rentals. These could be a nice addition to your tight relocation budget.
  • Evaluate whether to ship your appliances and old furniture. Consider how old they are and how well they will fit into your new decor. Make sure you do not bring a gas stove into an electric home. Also, if your refrigerator, washer or dryer will not fit in your new home, consider leaving them behind.
  • Make a complete list of items to be moved. Decide which plants will come with you and which will stay behind.
  • Use up your food. Frozen foods can not be shipped safely. It is likewise unnecessary to carry a heavy load of canned or packaged foods with you.
  • Notify the security company and all other regular service providers such as lawn or snow removal companies of your moving date.
  • Notify your post office, subscription publications, and other correspondents of your moving date and provide them with your new address.
  • Check your homeowner’s insurance and make arrangements to renew your policy. You should contact an insurance company at your destination.
  • Check the status of your club memberships. The money you paid in advance may be refunded or you might consider transferring the membership to a friend.
  • Consult your veterinarian regarding your pet’s travel needs and make the necessary preparations
  • Collect the items you lent to your friends such as books and CDs and give back all the items you borrowed. Do not forget to return library books and video rentals.
  • Research schools in your new neighborhood and register your children. Make arrangements to transfer all necessary school records.
  • Check your checking and savings accounts. Plan for transfer of deposits so you will not lose interest. If needed, your bank or Credit Union can be used as a credit reference.
  • Plan your moving date and take into consideration your travel plans and the closing date of your new home.

Two to Three Weeks before the Move

  • Verify the date of your departure and contact the telephone, electric, gas and water companies to confirm the date to discontinue services. Notify your realtor or landlord. Make arrangements with utility companies at your new location to start services on the date of your arrival. Absence of vital utility service is very uncomfortable and often leads to unnecessary expenses for temporary accommodations and meals.
  • Discontinue newspaper delivery, sanitation and any other regular services.
  • Make sure to check fitness club, school or gymnasium lockers for stored belongings.
  • Ask your friends or your current doctors for referrals in the new location. Transfer medical records and get all necessary prescriptions. If any family members have ongoing medical or dental treatment programs, arrange for prorated payments with professionals in your new area.
  • Check the contents of your safety-deposit box. It is advisable to carry all valuables (such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents and important collections) with you or send them by insured or certified mail.
  • DO NOT SHIP combustible or flammable items such as oil-base paint, bleach, cleaning and lighting fluids, matches, ammunition and aerosol cans, including hair sprays, shaving creams, deodorants and household cleaners.

One Week before the Move

  • Keep detailed records and receipts of all your moving expenses. In Canada, depending on your situation, Canada Revenue Agency allows you to claim these expenses on your income tax as long as you are moving farther than 40km.
  • Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws, snow blowers, gas grills and kerosene heaters. If you are shipping cars and motorcycles they should have only a quarter of a tank of gas.
  • Prepare a “safety box” for last on and first off the van. Include all essentials from your kitchen and bathroom as well as medications and first-aid supplies. Also, include a set of tools with a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, nails and screws.
  • Prepare your children for the move by encouraging them to prepare their own special treasure box with toys, games and snacks for the trip.
  • Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer at least a day before the move.
  • Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways and steps.
  • Put linens and pillows in dresser drawers to have handy for making up your beds the first night. Place draperies lengthwise on hangers and hang in a closet, the movers will place them in wardrobe cartons.
  • Keep your telephone connected throughout your moving day.

Day before the Move

  • If you ordered a packing crew, it will usually arrive the day before loading. Make sure to stay at home and supervise the packing. Pack all valuables you want to take with you by yourself.
  • Make sure fragile items receive special attention. Label each box with the contents and location in the new home.
  • Collect all house keys and arrange to leave them with the new owners, your real estate agent or landlord. You may want to notify the police if your home will be unoccupied for some time.
  • Notify a close friend or relative of your itinerary in case of an emergency.

Day of the Move

  • Compare the mover’s inventory with your records and make sure you agree on the condition of your household goods. You may want to take photographs incase a dispute arises. Make sure you get a copy of the inventory list.
  • Give a last minute check to every room and closet before the van leaves. Make sure the water, furnace and air conditioner are shut off, windows are shut and locked, and the lights are switched off.
  • Check the Bill of Lading for accuracy and completeness before you sign it. Keep a copy for your records.
  • Make sure you have the van driver’s name and contact information, and give him contact numbers at the destination. Confirm directions to your new home with your driver.
  • Turn off the water heater. Set the thermostat at 15 degrees.

Moving in Day

  • Be at your new home before the movers. You may be charged for waiting if you are late.
  • Contact utility companies to verify service start dates.
  • Check the appliances, furnace and hot-water heater. Contact a repair service if something is not working.
  • Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, so the movers know where to place each piece of furniture.
  • Check the condition of each box or household item as it is unloaded. Make a list of all missing or damaged items on the mover’s copy of the inventory form. Since you will do most of the unpacking after the movers leave, it is a good idea to make a “subject to inspection for loss or concealed damage” note on the inventory form. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to your salesperson or move coordinator.
  • To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used before they have a chance to adjust to room temperature.
  • Call Canada Post to find out if they are   holding any mail for you and ask the services to start.

After You Settled

  • Obtain necessary IDs such as driver’s license, health card, etc.
  • Register your car at the new address. Most provinces allow 90 days grace period.
  • Contact newspapers and other services for home delivery.
  • Walk in your neighborhood to get a good idea what is around and where to find things.
  • Check opening and closing hours of stores and service facilities.
  • Make friends with your neighbors.
  • Consult an attorney about any local laws that might be different from your previous residence. These will affect your family as soon as your new residence is established.
  • Register to vote.

 http://www.moveinandout.com/moving_tips.aspx

10 Tips for Choosing Carpet

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by  and 

Nothing compares to the soft, luxurious feeling of carpet under your feet. Carpeting provides a safe, comfortable spot for kids to play and may even reduce the risk of injury during a fall [source:Carpet and Rug Institute]. Sure, carpet requires a bit of extra maintenance compared to vinyl or tile, but there’s simply no substitute in terms of sound absorption, warmth and overall comfort.

With so many different colors, materials and designs available, it can be difficult to choose the best carpet for your home. Some materials may require frequent cleanings that simply won’t fit into your busy schedule, others come with a high price tag and some may even have an effect on your health. The wrong carpet may wear out quickly, fade or show stains that stubbornly resist your best cleaning efforts. Protect your investment and choose the best carpeting for your home with these 10 carpet-buying tips.

10: Pick the Perfect Padding

Don’t be tempted to skimp on carpet padding to save a few dollars. Just as a building needs a solid foundation, carpeting relies on a layer of padding for support, strength and a bit of extra cushioning. You can’t see the padding, but you’ll definitely spot the extra wear and tear on your new carpet if you pick an inadequate padding material.

Made from rubber or foam materials, carpet padding conceals subfloor imperfections to improve the appearance of the finished floor. It also acts as insulation to help control the temperature of your home, and it even absorbs sound to protect your privacy and eliminate neighbor noise. Most importantly, padding supports your carpet through years of use, since it prevents carpet backing and fibers from coming apart over time.

Consult your carpet manufacturer for padding recommendations and advice. Typically, high-traffic areas require firm, dense padding, while guest bedrooms and other light-traffic rooms may need less protection.

It’s also important to match the padding to the type of carpet you plan to use. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends a 7/16-inch (11-millimeter) padding with 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) of density per cubic feet to support cut pile or cut loop carpeting. For Berber or thin loop rugs, look for a 3/8-inch (9.5-millimeter) pad or thinner, with 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) of density per cubic foot [source: Carpet and Rug Institute].

9: Consider Various Carpet Styles

Carpet comes in many styles, including plush, Saxony, Berber, textured and frieze. These terms apply to its pile, which is the surface you see, created from yarn tufts that are either folded over into loops, cut straight across or both. While each style has a distinctive look, that shouldn’t be your main consideration. Instead, look at how well your lifestyle meshes with a particular carpet style. Plush carpeting, for example, is made from tightly twisted pile, and is thick, soft and inviting. But it also shows footprints and vacuum tracks, and can develop something called “pooling,” or areas that appear shaded because the normal direction of the carpet fibers has been reversed. Saxony, the most common type of carpeting, is similar to plush [source: Becker]. These carpet styles work best in low-traffic areas like formal living rooms and master bedrooms.

Berber carpeting, in contrast, is crafted from continuous fiber loops and is flat and dense. It can have a level loop, cut-and-loop or multi-level loop design. All of these attributes mean Berber is extremely durable and doesn’t show tracks, soil and stains — perfect for high-traffic areas, or places frequented by kids.

Textured carpeting is made from fibers cut to different heights, which causes them to reflect light. This makes it difficult to see tracks and dirt. So this type of carpeting is also great for high-traffic areas. Some Berbers are textured.

Friezes are a cut-pile carpet made from slightly twisted fibers. The look is less formal than plush, but fancier than many textured pieces or Berber. The carpet feels soft on your feet, yet its fuzziness hides footprints and dirt well.

8: Don’t Blow Your Budget

Even the most luxurious carpet doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Shop around to find carpet that fits your lifestyle and budget. Always request separate pricing for materials and installation so you can make an “apples-to-apples” comparison among different suppliers.

Make the most of any budget by choosing the best carpet for each room. For example, stain-resistant products may be worth the splurge in your busy family room, but more affordable low-traffic carpeting may be just fine for your guest rooms.

Consider lifetime replacement and maintenance expenses to keep costs even lower. If you have kids or pets, try carpet tile instead of rolled carpeting. Rather than replacing the entire room after a few years of spills and stains, you can replace single tiles as needed to keep your carpet looking fresh and new.

Explore different material options before you buy to balance price and comfort. Wool represents the very best in carpet materials but also comes with the highest price tag. Nylon and other synthetics feel similar to wool but are available at lower prices. For moisture-prone areas like basements or stairways, try cut-rate options like Olefin or polyester [source: Consumer Reports].

7: Select Your Carpet Provider with Care

You can purchase carpet in a variety of places — carpet showrooms, of course, but also flooring companies, furniture stores, large department stores and even online. While you can end up with beautiful carpet that’s expertly installed using any of these options, your best bet is to select a reputable establishment that specializes in carpeting.

A quality carpet store will carry a large, varied carpet selection, including different fiber options such as wool, synthetics, blends, sisal, linen, jute, coir and woven vinyl. Staffers should be able to easily answer all of your questions and let you take samples home.

The quality of your carpet’s installation is just as important as the quality of the carpet itself. A second-rate job can leave you with obvious seams, lumps, bumps and other issues, so look for stores that employ their own installers. This can be difficult, as most carpet dealers use subcontractors. While subcontracted carpet installers aren’t necessarily inexperienced, they do tend to be less experienced and less skilled than full-time employees [source: Landry & Arcari]. If you can’t find a good shop with its own installers, make sure your carpet dealer’s subcontractors have worked with them for many years.

6: Understand Maintenance Requirements

One of the best ways to ensure you’ll be satisfied with your new

carpet is to stick with carpeting you can maintain easily. Homeowners with young children or dogs and cats may want to avoid hard-to-clean shag or high-end rugs. Stain-resistant carpets can eliminate the frustration associated with spills and may cut your cleaning time.

Always ask a salesperson about cleaning and maintenance requirements before you commit to buying. Find out how often you’ll need to clean and what special equipment or products the manufacturer recommends. Skip carpets with extensive maintenance requirements unless you have the extra time to perform these tasks.

The type of material and carpet style you choose can also have a major impact on maintenance. Pick textured rugs to conceal footprints and vacuum cleaner tracks. In high traffic areas, look for textured Saxony, level loop or high-density loop carpets to resist dirt and make cleaning easier. You should only install cut pile and multilevel loop carpets in low- to medium-traffic areas, as both of these designs tend to trap dirt and resist cleaning efforts [source: Consumer Reports].

5: A Word on Warranties

Talk about mind-numbing. Carpeting carries an insane number of possible warranties, including five- and 10-year options, matting and crushing warranties, and guarantees against stains, wear and even overall appearance. In general, the better quality the carpet, the more coverage you’re offered via warranties, stain protection and the like. However, never purchase a particular carpet solely because the warranty seems really great — because most warranties actually offer little true coverage [source: Carpet Buyers Handbook].

For example, the most common warranty is a “wear” warranty. Manufacturers offering these typically define “wear” as a bald spot, while many homeowners consider a carpet to be worn as soon as it loses its original appearance. Similarly, a crushing warranty may state that if the pile height can be restored to a certain degree, there’s no issue. But most carpets’ pile can be restored through hot water extraction and a pile rake (even though it will be crushed again once you walk on it), so manufacturers will say the warranty doesn’t apply [source: Carpet Buyers Handbook].

The most common carpet complaints aren’t for manufacturing defects, anyway, but rather for improper installation. These complaints should generally be taken to the retailer; before you purchase a carpet, inquire what recourse you have if you’re unhappy with the installation.

4: Compare Color and Patterns

With so many colors and designs available, selecting the right finish just might be the most difficult part of your carpet-buying decision. Narrow your search by choosing shades that match the overall mood or tone you want to set for each room. Try cool blues or greens to create a calm, peaceful setting, and warm reds or golden shades to make a large space feel cozier. Light colors can make small rooms feel larger and more open, so try cream or tan if you’re feeling claustrophobic.

Before settling on a neutral shade, decide whether you want your carpet to serve as a focal point or fade into the background. Only go neutral if your walls, furnishings or artwork serve as focal points, as this can help you avoid a plain, monotone design.

Dark shades or patterns can hide stains, as can tweed or textured carpet designs. To make patterned rugs work with other patterns in a room, stick to designs within the same color family [source: Schmidt]. For maximum versatility, use carpet tiles to create your own patterns and designs or to add a border around the perimeter of the room.

Always ask for carpet samples of each color you’re considering. Try to get the biggest samples available, and take them home to examine them in natural light before you buy. Keep in mind that sun exposure can fade colored carpeting, so choose fade-resistant products if your carpet will be in direct sunlight [source:Carpet and Rug Institute].

3: Treat Stairs Carefully

It’s critical to select the right carpeting for your stairs, since stairs get a lot of wear, plus the carpeting has to be bent over the edges of each step. A cut-pile carpet is a better choice than a looped pile, as the spaces between the loops will tend to open up where the carpet curls over the stairs in an effect called “grinning.” Looped carpets can also snag, especially at any seams or transition areas [source: WFCA].

Density is another factor to consider. If the carpet isn’t that thick, you may end up seeing the unsightly backing when the carpet is curved over the steps. One test of the density is to stick your fingers deeply into a carpet sample. If you can easily separate the fibers and feel the backing, it’s probably not the best choice for your stairs.

The ideal choice, actually, is a woven wool carpet. Woolen carpets are the most durable, and their woven backing helps keep each piece of yarn in place, which is especially important for stairs [source: Becker]. Unfortunately, wool carpets are pricey.

2: Go Green

Many people are shocked to learn just how much carpet, padding and adhesives can impact air quality and health. If you’ve ever been around brand-new carpet or other building materials, you probably remember that distinctive “new” smell. That odor is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs, such as formaldehyde, cause poor indoor air quality and can contribute to a host of health problems, including asthma and allergies [source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]. Protect your family by choosing carpet made from natural products, including wool, jute and otherorganic materials. Also, look for organic or chemical-free dyes to keep toxic fumes out of your home.

In addition to impacting your health, your choice of carpet can also affect the environment. Reduce your impact with recycled materials, such as carpets made from recycled water bottles. Many manufacturers also use recycled carpeting to produce new rugs, so check the recycled-content percentage before you buy. Keep in mind that nylon and other synthetics are made primarily from fossil fuel byproducts, so choose renewable or recycled products for maximum sustainability [source: Tremblay and Williams].

If you want to go green but feel overwhelmed by your options, consider eco-friendly carpet labeling programs sponsored by independent reviews. The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus program or the Green Seal certification program can each provide valuable information on how different carpet options will impact the environment and your family’s health.

1: Carpeting vs. Area Rugs

It’s possible you’d be better served with an area rug and not wall-to-wall carpeting. How do you know? Consider the two. Carpeting’s main advantages are that it’s soft and warm underfoot, muffles sound and provides cushioning if you fall. It’s also affordable. However, carpet holds dust, mites and other allergens, so if members of your household have allergies or asthma, it can be a problem. Carpet can also be difficult to clean, holds odors like pet urine and typically wears out within about 10 years, so you’ll need to re-carpet — and sometimes not just the one room with the really worn carpet, but the entire house, depending on where the carpet runs.

Area rugs are a popular flooring choice because they come in a larger variety of colors and designs, can be switched among rooms and are quite affordable. It’s also easier to make a statement with a fun or colorful area rug than it is with wall-to-wall carpeting, and you can take your rug with you every time you move. The main drawback to an area rug is that it requires you to have reasonably nice flooring underneath it, since some of your floor will almost certainly show. If you’ve got a beautiful hardwood floor, perfect. If you don’t, you’ll at least need a floor that’s in reasonably good shape. The other negatives to area rugs are that they can slip and/or be a tripping hazard if you stumble on an edge. But you can often remedy those issues with a rug pad or double-sided tape.

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/carpet/5-tips-for-choosing-carpet.htm

 

 

Featured Home of the Week: Rock Hampton 1968

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Those needing more space will enjoy this four bedroom two bathroom home. The separate master suite includes shower, garden tub and double sinks and adjoining large walk in closet. Family time will be spent together in the large open living area with workable kitchen and corner pantry.

How to Choose a Color Scheme

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By Kathy McCleary

Pick a color, any color.

If only choosing a color palette for your interiors was that easy. It can be, thanks to designer Mark McCauley. The author of Color Therapy at Home: Real Life Solutions for Adding Color to Your Life, he offers eight tips to help you discover your color preferences and take on white walls.

Tip #1. Choose a color scheme from the largest pattern in the space.
If you’ve got patterned upholstery, an Oriental rug or large piece of artwork, pluck colors you like from the pattern. For a neutral wall paint color, look to the pattern’s whites and beiges.

Tip #2. Start with the formal areas of the house.
Specifically, the living room, dining room and entry way. Choose a color scheme for those areas first, then pull one color from the scheme. For example, take the red sofa and tone it down (say, to burgundy) for an accent in more private spaces such as the den, office or bedroom.

Tip #3. Decorate your space from dark to light, vertically.
A real “cookbook” way to make any space look good without much risk, McCauley says, is to use darker color values for the floor, medium color values for the walls and light values for the ceiling.

“Any interior space replicates the outside world,” he says. “The exterior environment is generally darker below our feet (the earth itself), medium-valued as you look straight ahead (buildings/trees) and lighter values skyward.”

Tip #4. Study the color of your clothes.
Most people buy clothes in colors they like to wear and think they look good in. Similarly, you should decorate your rooms in colors you look good in. “If you don’t wear yellow, don’t get a yellow sofa,” McCauley says. “You’re going to look sickly on it.”

Tip #5. Use the color wheel.
In general, analogous color schemes — colors next to each other on

the color wheel, such as blue and green — are more casual and relaxing, and work best in informal or private spaces. This is a good strategy for a bedroom, where you want to rest and recover.

Whatever color scheme you choose, McCauley advises to put something black in every room. “The black clarifies all the rest of the colors in the room,” he says. Try a black lampshade, a black vase or a black picture frame.

Tip #6. Use the rule of 60-30-10.
“When decorating a space, divide the colors in the space into components of 60 percent of a dominant color, 30 percent of a secondary color and 10 percent of an accent color,” McCauley says. The walls will most likely be the majority, the upholstery would represent the secondary color and accessories such as a floral arrangement or throw pillows would make up the rest. “Works every time!” he says. “The colors are properly balanced and there is a shot of color (the 10 percent color) for interest.”

Tip #7. Go with the architecture.
If you have a small room in your house, don’t paint it white to make it seem bigger. Instead, cozy up to its architecture with a rich, warm color scheme. Let your big rooms expand with light, and your small rooms wrap you up and nurture you.

Tip #8. Follow your personal style.
If you decorate honestly, other people will appreciate it because it’s you, even if they’d never decorate their own house in the same way. That means if you want to make every room in your house red, white and blue, go for it. You can make any color look good as long as it’s your taste.

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/how-to-choose-a-color-scheme/pictures/page-4.html

5 Things You Need To Know When Building A New Home

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Building your new home is an exciting and at times overwhelming experience, but for your builder it is very routine, which is why you need to be an active participant in all aspects of the home building process to ensure you end up with “YOUR” dream home.
Building your new home cannot be a passive exercise, because there are so many decisions that “must be” made by you. If you are unable or unwilling to make these decisions, you will force your builder to make them and run the risk that your new home won’t turn out the way you envisioned it or cost what you thought. Here are 5 things you must know and take into consideration when building your new home:

1. Know your numbers

Before you start building your new home, run some numbers to determine whether you can afford to build the home you want. Most house plans offer a cost to build tool (usually for a nominal fee) to give you an accurate estimate of construction costs based on where you’re building. The numbers include the costs of construction, tax benefits, funds for the down payment and slush account, and other related calculations.

Once you’ve determined you can afford to build the house you want — purchase your house plan and head to the bank to arrange for financing. Keep in mind that home construction lending is a little different than regular mortgage financing. First you’ll need a home construction line of credit that will be used to pay subcontractors and suppliers who perform work and provide supplies. Once your house is constructed, you will need a residential mortgage to pay off the construction line.

2. Check the reputation of your builder

Many builders are out there, but not all are created equal. Do a little research to find out which builders have the best reputation. Whether you search for information online or get recommendations from your family and friends, find out whether a builder is respected for doing quality work as well as being punctual. Our architects and designers recommend that you use only builders who are members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

3. Build with resale in mind

No matter how much you love the house that you are building, it’s unlikely that it will be the last home you will ever own. Knowing that, you should be mindful of its potential resale value. Don’t add so many upgrades that you overprice your home for the neighborhood. And don’t choose anything too out of the ordinary. Ask yourself if the features you’re considering installing are likely going to appeal to others.

4. Think Green

Make sure you do your research to maximize energy-efficiency in the design of your new home. Your architect and builder can help ensure that your windows are South-facing so you get as much sunshine as possible heating your home. You’ll want to makes sure that bathrooms, laundries and garages are on the south side of your home and have small windows to minimize heat loss. Spend time choosing your insulation and HVAC systems, as well as energy-efficient appliances and WaterSense faucets and toilets.

5. Don’t forget the punch

Part of the final phase of building a new home is to go over your “punch list.” A punch list is a list created at the end of construction that shows what needs to still be done or what needs to be repaired on the new construction. You and your contractor will create this list the week before closing when you go through your final walk through. You should be taking notes every time you visit your construction site or do a walk through.

If you have a real estate agent, it’s a good idea to have them participate in the punch list because they are not emotionally attached to your home and may have a better eye for identifying flaws.

When creating a punch list for your new home, keep in mind that problems typically fall into two categories: reasonable flaws and unreasonable flaws. Reasonable flaws are flaws that fall within the tolerances of building construction (or insignificant flaws that generally do not affect the quality of the new home). On the other hand, unreasonable flaws are flaws that have to be fixed. These problems do affect the quality of the home. Once any unreasonable flaws are corrected in your new home, this is called substantial completion, which means the new home is livable and can be occupied. Before closing on your new home, you’ll have one final walk through to verify that the items on your punch list were fixed. As long as the new home has reached the point of substantial completion, you should be able to proceed with closing even if everything was not completed.

Be sure you put the money for the completion of your punch list in escrow. This will allow you to move into your new home while still requiring the builder to complete the items on the punch list. The punch list marks an exciting time in the process of building your new home, because your home is almost done! Remember not to get so excited that that you breeze through your punch list, because you don’t want regret that you didn’t take the time to fix these problems.

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No matter what type of heating system you have, everyone is feeling the heat with rising energy costs. Typically, 45% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling with more than half of homeowners in the U.S. using natural gas to heat their homes. The good news is, no matter what kind of heating or ventilation system you have in your home, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and purchasing the right energy efficient equipment.