After the pool toys and picnic baskets have been put away, it's time to head inside. As you look around your home you may see that a busy schedule of summer pool parties and neighborhood barbecues have taken their toll on the aesthetics of your home. With the promise of cool weather, calm earth tones and the aroma of warm soups and baked goods, it's time to fall into your home spruce up.

Two of the most common concerns for refreshing the home for fall are creating a fresh look and saving money. An enjoyable, comfortable space doesn't require back-breaking labor or thousands of dollars. The first step is to clean and declutter. This is a clear path to success and is virtually cost free. Getting this done is motivation to complete other projects, whether making your kitchen pie-baking ready or weatherizing your home from Old Man Winter.

Preparing Your Home for the Busy Season

Before company knocks at your door, start with the busiest room in the home -- the kitchen.

From dessert baking to family gossiping -- the kitchen is the hot spot for the whole season and needs to be kicked up a notch. Whether adding a new coat of paint, updating old appliances or installing a sophisticated, brushed aluminum backsplash, new easy-to-use products come to the rescue. For instance, affordable, decorative backsplash panels are available at most home improvement stores in a variety of colors. Simply install with Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive with a one, two, three application. Cut the panels to size, apply the construction adhesive and press in place. Not only will these panels provide easy cleanup, visitors will marvel at your handiwork.

Need more sitting or dining room? Add some ready-to-assemble furniture, a popular choice at a fraction of what you'd expect to pay. These pieces are designed for easy construction and are typically made of solid hardwoods and high-performance materials. Ensure the assembly job is done right the first time by using a quality construction adhesive at each joint.

"This simple step will lend better durability and longevity to your furniture," says Mark Stypcyznski, research and development technical manager from Liquid Nails. "Stress will not be concentrated directly on the fasteners but will be spread throughout the entire bond line for a more solid structure."

Weatherizing Your Home

Now that your home looks warm and cozy, keep Jack Frost from nipping at your wallet by weatherizing your home. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, each year the United States looses nearly $13 billion worth of energy in the form of heated or cooled air escapes through holes and cracks.

Novice and experienced do-it-yourselfers alike can benefit from a short list of adjustments in the home. Form an air seal and reduce drafts by adhering foam insulation board, such as Styrofoam, to wall sheathing in attic areas or roof sheathing. Next install garage door floor seals to lessen cold air intrusion. Adhering with a professional-grade construction adhesive eliminates the need to drive fasteners into the concrete flooring. For more information and instructions, visit www.liquidnails.com.

More importantly, do not forget the staples of fall weatherizing. Change furnace or heater filters once a month. Dust and dirt can clog vital parts making your furnace work harder. Heating systems should be inspected regularly before the start of the season. An annual tune-up can reduce your heating costs up to 5 percent. Keep curtains and blinds closed at night to keep cold air out, but open them during the day to let the sun warm the room.

With your fall spruce up complete, everyone will enjoy the warm, comfy environment that you have created. Sit back and enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie knowing your family and pocketbook are protected from impending cold weather.

Source : LiquidNails