Five Resolutions for a Healthy Home in 2019

Last Updated on January 11, 2019

The holiday season of 2018 has come and gone. You either have, or will eventually, begin the task of post-holiday cleanup. All assorted ornaments and trimmings are taken down and packed away till next season and you more or less get your home back in order. Let this cleaning and reorganizing serve as inspiration for other home improvements – whether big or small – for you to undertake in the new year. In fact, we at Granite and Trend Transformations suggest you think of these projects as New Year’s resolutions which will benefit not only your home, but you and your family as well.

Resolution 1: To de-clutter means to de-stress.

After you’ve put away your holiday decorations, use this momentum to get rid of anything that you no longer use. Old clothes and toys your kids no longer play with can be donated to charity. Books, CDs and videos may find new interest at your local library. In short, if some items in your home are only taking up space and collecting dust,  they no longer serve a purpose. Once you’ve accomplished this, not only will there be more free space in your home, but you will feel freer and happier.

Resolution 2: Energize your home through energy conservation.

It can be taken for granted, but whether you realize it, major home resources – which include electricity, water, and heating – might be going to waste. Be mindful of turning off light switches when leaving a room and use energy-efficient light bulbs. Run the dishwasher when it is full, and at night. And make sure the ductwork for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are properly sealed and insulated. You will save energy and money, and even your health, as our next resolution explains…

Resolution 3: Cleaner and purer indoor air.

The EPA reports the quality of the indoor air as a major health concern; especially during the winter season. With doors and windows closed more often at this time of year, dust, mold spores, pollen and viruses have greater chance of spreading. As listed above, fix and maintain ductwork for HVAC systems. Additionally, purchase a portable air cleaner to improve indoor air quality. Have a fireplace? Avoid pressed wood and only burn real firewood. If you are painting a room in your home, select paint with low volatile organic compounds (VOC). And for more safety tips…

Resolution 4: Home safety, today and always.

No price can be put on keeping you and your family safe, so clear-cut tasks and procedures for safety in the home should be planned and practiced. Make sure the fire and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and remember to replace their batteries once a year. Also, make it a point to have your home checked for radon. Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless gas which, if not checked for, can cause lung cancer. Granite Transformations products are all certified radon-safe. Easy-to-use radon detecting devices can be purchased from your local hardware store for under $200. As stated, no price can be put on safety.

Resolution 5: Make that home renovation project a reality.

Now for a resolution where we can truly offer insight and experience. When people think of the word “renovation,” the number of dollar signs that appear in their imaginations might intimidate them from going past the consideration phase. Get proactive this year by starting a budget where you can save money for a renovation project. The general rule to follow is to reserve one percent-to-three percent of your home’s initial purchase price for yearly maintenance and upkeep.

Everyone here at Granite and Trend Transformations wish you a happy and healthy new year, which, by following the five resolutions above, can be more of a reality for you and your family.