Easy refresh ideas

• Kitchen cabinets: Replacing the handles and hardware can be quick and easy to do. There are thousands of choices available, and while some can be pricey there are lots that are not. Another way to change the look is to add some molding or trim to the doors and drawer fronts. Finally, a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets can completely change the look of the kitchen and can be a cost-effective upgrade.
• Bathrooms: There are lots of small changes that can freshen up the look of a bathroom. Swapping out the shower curtain can be a great start, and a chance to coordinate it with new towels, and drapes. Another easy change can be to replace the hardware like the towel bars and paper holder; while subtle it can bring a new look. If you are up for a slightly bigger project, consider updating the vanity and sink. This can also be a chance to add some storage. 
• Drapes: Dressing up or swapping out drapes and window treatments can be a quick and easy project. While you can spend as much as you like on custom window treatments, there are lots of ready-made options available. Another great option is to swap out the curtain rod.
• Blinds: After a while we may not realize how tired and worn the window blinds have gotten. Lots of contemporary models are available and many with convenient features that your old one don't have. Different models are designed to allow varying amounts of light through. Others use built-in counterweight systems so there aren't any strings, and some can open from the bottom or the top. 
• Houseplants: Do you have one of those house plants that has perhaps taken over a whole room? Or perhaps one that is nothing but a brown stick and a memory? This could be a great time to do a "house plant makeover"! Try pruning those overgrown ones, repotting those that have outgrown their pots, and tossing the ones that are just not coming back. One important tip is to always be careful about where to place plants for their light needs.
• Paint: A fresh coat of paint is always a great way to breathe new life into a space. For ideas, page through your favorite magazines or online. While bold colors can be fun and make a statement, remember that a whole wall can look very different from a paint chip sample.
• Lighting: Updating your lighting can be another great way to freshen up a space. If you aren't up for replacing the whole fixture, think about replacing the globes or other details. Swapping out switch plate covers and receptacle covers can be a great update too.

January is radon awareness month

   The subject of radon is often on our minds and a topic of discussion around the time of a home purchase or sale, but often fades a while later. We don't think about it until we are reminded about it. Radon is not something that we are prompted to be mindful of, as nothing about it is usually a part of our day-to-day lives.
   As a way to raise our awareness, the EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month, and they are encouraging everyone to learn more about the national effort to take action against radon.
   The EPA reminds us that you can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home.  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year.  In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure.  If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family. For information about radon, the EPA suggests the following link: http://www.epa.gov/radon/nram/public.html.
   The Maine Department of Health and Human Services recommends that all homes be tested every 2 years for radon in the air, and that all wells used for domestic water be tested every 2 years for radon in the water.