A new year offers the perfect opportunity to jumpstart your home improvement goals. Make it the year you check off those lingering tasks from your to-do list.

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Add Curb Appeal
Transforming your front yard can dramatically enhance the overall vibe of your home. Even small touches—like adding flowers near the entrance—can impress guests and catch the eye of future buyers. This year, consider boosting your home’s curb appeal by refreshing your landscaping, repainting the front door, power washing the walkway, or tackling another front-facing upgrade.

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Silence Floor Squeaks
When your floor is bare, it’s the ideal time to silence squeaks quickly and effectively by securing screws into the floor joists. You can locate the joists by spotting existing nails or screws. As you walk through the room, use a pencil to mark any noisy areas. Then, fasten screws every 6 inches, adding extras as needed until the squeak disappears. Typically, 2-inch screws work well, but if your subfloor is thicker than 3/4 inch, opt for 2-1/2-inch screws. To stop future squeaks before they start, consider reinforcing all the joists with screws.