Published with permission from RISMedia.

While you might be considering adding heated flooring to your new home, there are a lot of questions to ask before you put your money into this luxury feature. If youre looking for another level of comfort in your home, its a great option”but it does come with a hefty price tag. Heres what you need to know:

Pros

• Durable and reliable. This method of heating lasts longer than a regular home furnace”with proper care it can last up to 35 years.

• Comfortable. Theres no better feeling than a warm floor on a cold day, especially when you first get out of the shower. No one enjoys stepping on cold tile, so bathrooms are particularly popular options for heated flooring.

• Saves you money in the long term. Since radiant floor heating warms from the floor up, youll be able to set your thermostat at a lower temperature to feel just as warm.

• Quiet. Because it does not require a blower, there is no extra noise produced when running it.

• Distributes heat evenly and consistently throughout each room.

• Better for allergy sufferers, since traditional central air heating pushes dust, dirt and pollen through the vents and around your home.

• Customizable. Electric floor heating allows for the option of only having heated flooring in certain rooms”so you can customize where you want it.

• Hidden, so your home has more space and less unattractive radiators.

• Versatile. Can be installed under any flooring.

• Profitable. Increases the value of your home.

Cons

• Costly. Installation will cost more than replacing a furnace, and hydronic systems are more expensive than electric.

• Not ideal for older homes as you will have to tear out existing flooring in order to install them. Wait until its time for a remodel before considering it.

• Repairs are costly. Because the system is under the floor, this also means repairs to the system are more costly as well. Since heating elements are out of sight, it can be hard to find the problem area.

• Slower to warm up the house than traditional heating. Especially true for water heating, which can take a few hours to circulate enough hot water to warm the home (but since they retain heat well, this allows for use in off peak hours, saving your utility bills).

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Bigger isnt always better when it comes to homes.

Here are some signs you should downsize

If youve retired, downsizing could lower your expenses and stretch out retirement savings.

If your children moved out or guest rooms collect dust, youre likely wasting money by heating and cooling unused space.

If maintenance is overwhelming, switching to a smaller house or rental could alleviate the burden.

If you have trouble climbing stairs due to age or medical issues, consider moving to a smaller, one-story home.

If life changes have you struggling to make house payments, paying for a smaller home may be more sustainable.

Is it time for you to downsize?

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Here are a few tips for the ultimate staycation…

Call the Cleaners

Have a cleaning service do an extra deep clean so your home practically feels like a hotel.

Pamper Yourself

Pick a few products to upgrade around the house, like luxurious bath salts or fine linens for your bed.

Make Reservations

Book yourself a day at the spa, make a special dinner reservation or buy tickets to a show.

Stock Up on Your Favorite Foods

Everyone eats well when they go on vacation, so its perfectly fine to indulge in your favorite gourmet items and sweets.

Family Activities

Plan out a few activities that the whole family will enjoy, like apple picking or taking a day trip to a nearby attraction.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few ways to create a sense of wellness throughout your home.

Reconnecting With the Kitchen

Wellness in the kitchen is about more than eating nutritious foods. The act of preparing food and gathering together to eat does wonders for our wellbeing.

Outdoor Spaces

Fresh air, natural light and open spaces have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing, meaning outdoor spaces have never been more important.

Activity Areas

While it might not fit the traditional definition of wellness, having an area at home to engage in your personal interests plays a role in helping you feel your best.

Sleeping Soundly

Its essential to design a bedroom that promotes relaxation and allows you to get ample rest each night, especially during stressful times such as these.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few exciting features that kids will love having in their rooms.

Built-In Bunk Beds

Theyre a practical use of space, and you can add a trundle bed underneath for sleepovers.

Climbing Wall

Easy enough for any avid DIYer to install, give kids an exciting way to burn energy while improving problem-solving and building confidence.

Loft Area

It doesnt require particularly high ceilings to give kids a little nook above their bed where they can keep toys and build forts.

Swinging Chair

There are tons of different features you can hang from the ceiling, like swings, chairs or even a pod where they can curl up with a book.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.