If the temperature in your home is too hot at night, then you can’t sleep. If it’s too cold during the day, then you have to wear excessive layers. Everyone has his or her own idea of the ideal temperature, but to keep it on that perfect number can get expensive. So, below we’ve outlined five ways you can take care of your heating and cooling system and help it run more efficiently.

1. Set It And Forget It
To maximize the effectiveness of your heating and cooling systems, you need to program your thermostat and refrain from changing it. Adjusting the thermostat makes your system work harder. The best way to avoid tempting temperature changes is to choose a thermostat that fits your schedule, such as one with 7-day, 5-1-1, 5-2 or 1-week programming…

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In your imagination it seems like a great idea – you purchase an older run-down Santa Cruz property and you have the chance to fix it up and turn it into the home of your dreams. However, the renovation project that is simply a quick montage in your imagination will actually take several months or years and thousands of dollars in real life. The concept of renovating a “fixer-upper” property is exciting, but the reality is a lot of work and investment. How can you make sure that you are making the right choice for you?

One of the main advantages of buying a fixer-upper property is that you will usually be able to get the property for a much cheaper price. But is it worth it for the amount of time and money you will need to invest in the property?

…

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Besides your kitchen, the restrooms in your home probably get the most use. Not only is it nice to step into a clean, modern bathroom, but also giving this room a makeover will increase the value of your home and see a return when it’s time to sell. Below are five ideas to brighten up your morning routine and make you feel like you’re stepping into a spa.

1. Refinish Your Tub
After a while, every white bathtub starts to get a little dingy. Hiring a professional to refinish your tub could cost you upward of $300. Don’t spend the big bucks when you can do it yourself. You can purchase a refinishing kit for around $30 at any hardware store.

2. Install His And Her Showerheads
If your shower is large enough, then install custom his and her showerheads. Put…

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If you have started working from home, whether you are a freelancer or running a business, having a home office in your Santa Cruz home is very important.

It is a place where you can separate your home life and work, so that you can get “in the zone” and concentrate on the important work tasks that you need to complete. But where should you place your home office?

If you have a spare bedroom in your home, the answer is easy – but what if you don’t have this extra space? Is it possible to squeeze a home office into an already full home? Of course it is, you just have to think outside of the box. Here are some ideas:

Convert Your Attic
If you have an attic in your home, why not use that space for a quiet and private home office? It will be separate…

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Out with the old, in with the new. The beginning of 2014 can have you wanting to reinvent yourself — and your home. It’s time to start fresh. Paint the walls, change the curtains and get new furniture. It’s important to have your home be a reflection of you; however, all that remodeling can get expensive.

Take a cue from Auld Lang Syne by buying a few new pieces, but keeping some of your older furniture. If they have sturdy bones, then you can update their look by reupholstering them to fit your new home vibe. Below are DIY steps to help you modernize your furniture and save money in the process!

Take Photographs
It’s important to take photographs of your piece of furniture before and throughout the reupholstering process. You’ll want a visual…

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A good roof should last you between ten and twenty years. A new one can be an expensive investment so you’ll want to make sure you get the most out of the one you’ve got. There are several ways a roof can be damaged, but lucky for you, most of them are completely preventable. With a few simple tips, you can extend its life

Prune The Trees

Trees that brush up against the shingles are bad news. The branches blow in the wind and can scrape your shingles to pieces. It’s like creating an open door for water to get in and cause damage.

Keep limbs about a dozen feet away. This ensures they won’t scrape, and makes it less likely, squirrels and birds will be on your roof. Critters can scrape holes in your roof as well.

It’s best to leave tree trimming to…

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If you enjoy history and fixing things, then it may be hard to drive by historic Santa Cruz homes for sale without feeling the urge to buy one and fix it up. Before you do, you need learn the three R’s of fixing up historic homes and the differences between them.

The three R’s of fixing up historic homes are restoration, renovation and repair. Some of the differences are minor, but they can make all the difference in cost, time and problems.

Restoration

“Restoration” literally means returning something to its original state.

Restoring historic Santa Cruz homes for sale involve city and state programs. It’s essential that you check to see if the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or if it’s located in a historic…

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When buying Santa Cruz real estate, you may find some unexpected problems. Generally, these issues revolve around plumbing, wiring or sticking doors and windows. Although they aren’t as expensive to fix as other issues, there’s always a possibility that they indicate bigger problems.

Sticking Doors/Windows

Spotting wear and tear on doors and windows is fairly easy. Check the hinges and locks. Squeaking hinges or locks that stick indicate wear on seals and metal.

Although sticking doors and windows aren’t a big deal in and of themselves, these issues can be indications of moderate to severe foundation problems. If you find these issues in Santa Cruz real estate, make your way to the basement and look for cracks or dips in the floors and walls. Pay…

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