Whether someone you know is moving into a new home or perhaps you are, there is no better way to celebrate a new chapter than a housewarming gift. Just think of a housewarming gift as a symbol of good luck, something that symbolizes an exciting journey along with a warm welcome. it is a memory that will always make you remember the first time you took those keys and anxiously unlocked the door to your new home. When shopping for the perfect housewarming gift, even for yourself, it can be difficult to throw in the towel or to go towards the baked goods section full of artificial flavored pies and treats. Here is a list of ideas next time you are shopping for that good luck charm.

Whether you are looking for a new home, renovating, or flipping a house, choosing hardwood flooring over any other type of flooring is an easy choice. Solid hardwood flooring is classic, reliable, and durable.

1. Color doesn't fade
Unlike carpets that lose their color over time, hardwood flooring is there for the long run. No accumulating stains or rips, it will have the same appearance unless if you decide to get it refinished. 

2. Simple Installation
If you hire a professional with enough experience, the installation is very easy. Good quality hardwood is designed for stable fit and uniform.

3. Better Air Quality
Many don't know that hardwood flooring is known to improve indoor air quality of a home by minimizing the accumulation of allergens. According to Hardwood Floors Magazine, wood flooring is hypoallergenic and a carbon neutral product. Flooring such as carpet, is an easy target for allergens to gather and get substances trapped in the fibers. Dusting, vacuuming, and washing can also help minimize allergens, but can also increase them and having flooring that doesn't enable these microorganisms to get tracked.

4. Easy to Clean
Remember how difficult it was to remove stains from carpet? Endless hours of trying to soak, scrub, and vacuum to get that dirty stain out? Hardwood flooring makes it easy to spray, wipe, and dry. They don't accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, or debris.

5. Variety
Whenever you think of hardwood flooring, you automatically think a plain wood color, right? Well no, you can choose from hundreds of different shades, styles, and stains of wood. No matter what look you are going for, there will always be an option.

6. Value
According to The Flooring Girl, homes with hardwood flooring tend to have more value and get sold for more. The trend of having hardwood flooring over any other flooring choice is increasing in today's market whilst increasing demand.

7. Versatile
Hardwood flooring can adapt to almost every interior design aesthetic. If you want to change the decor of your home, go for it, your hardwood flooring will be there to be the base and showcase a rich look no matter what color the furniture is.

8. Cost
Initially, hardwood flooring may cost more up front than carpeting, but over time with the high durability, it will save you money in the long run.

9. Investment
Out of the majority of flooring options, hardwood flooring will last you the longest. It's ability to stay fresh and not worn out is impeccable and as time goes by, unlike carpet, it may need to be refinished and not replaced. Saving you time, stress, and most importantly-- money.

10. Aesthetic
Hardwood flooring offers many pleasing looks, depending on the color and style you are going for. It gives off a rich quality that makes a room look of value and beautiful.

Making sure you find the perfect home best suited for you can be a stressful task, trust us, we have been in business 100 years and know how finding the home right for you can be a scary process. When you're thinking of buying a new home, you want to feel like you're making the right decision and that you feel comfortable. That new home will be the beginning of a new chapter and it is key that it is a chapter you're happy in. Home buying can be overwhelming so it is important you ask your homebuilder every question that comes to mind. There is no such thing as a bad question, for example, questions like "Is there a backyard?" or "How much does it cost?" are two important questions, but here are some others to help you along the way.

After a long and brutal winter, the warm spring sun is approaching and it is officially time to get into gear with your spring cleaning. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your home fresh, up to date, and ready to take on spring.

Inspect the roof shingles

Examine your roof shingles to see if there was any damage or loss during the winter season. Shingles that are cracked, loose or buckled may want to be budgeted for a replacement. The sun can also potentially harm shingles too, if replacement is needed, contact a qualified roofer.

Check the gutters

Look for any leaky or lose gutters, improper care can lead too water in the basement which can be potentially damaged to floor space, walls, and so on.

Check outside faucets

During the cold winters, freeze damage is likely to occur to the outside faucets. Turn the water on and place your thumb over the opening. If the flow of the water can be stopped, it is likely the pipe inside of your home is damaged and needs replacing.

Service the AC unit

Contact your heating and cooling contractor to clean and service the outside unit to make sure your system is working at its peak level. Tip: Change filters on a regular basis.

Look at your power equipment

Spring time means grass will be growing and it will be time to unleash the lawn mower. Check to make sure your power equipment is ready and clean for use. Sharper blades make for more efficient use.

Chimney sweep

It is vital to get a chimney sweep after winter due to a potential build up of creosote. When the weather begins to get warmer, the deposits in it can create a sour smell and moisture coupled with the creosote can lead to flue liner damage. Do not wait to schedule your chimney sweep. If you have a masonry chimney, check the joints between the brick and stone to ensure none have fallen out or there is no vegetation growing. If there is, be sure to schedule a chimney sweep inspection. The spring time is the best time for a professional clean.

Attend to windows

Openings and leakage around windows lead to cool air escape. If during the winter you experienced condensation on the glass, it could mean the weather seal has been compromised and replacement of the glass or window will be needed.

Smooth your deck or patio

Examine your deck or patio for splintered or loose boards, as well as sweeping off leaves and debris.

BBQ Time

Check your burner jets on the grill for any clogs and be sure that the gas hoses and connections are secure. If you are a charcoal grill owner, it is smart to make sure it is clean and rid of any grease residue. Making sure your grill is clean throughout each use is a good habit.

Keep away termites and mosquitoes

Be on the look out for termites as spring settles in, it has been said if there is an abundance of insets flying out of a hole in the woodwork then you may want to call a licensed pest control company. For mosquitoes, keep away standing water or maintain it regularly.