Winter Blues and How Decorating Your Home Can Help

By Theresa Bouchard

The cold and dark days of winter are here, and many people find themselves feeling a bit down or lacking energy. The phenomenon known as the “winter blues” is a real issue, affecting individuals emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Shorter daylight hours, colder weather, and isolation can lead to feelings of sadness, fatigue, and a general sense of being less motivated.

While there are many ways to address these challenges, one effective and surprisingly accessible way to improve mood during the winter months is through decorating your home. Research has shown that our environment plays a significant role in shaping our emotions, and creating a warm, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing space can be a powerful tool for combating the winter blues. Here’s why decorating your home can make a big difference in how you feel, and some practical tips for making your home a winter sanctuary.

Your home is your sanctuary, and its appearance can directly affect your mental and emotional state. The science of environmental psychology suggests that we are strongly influenced by the spaces we inhabit. When you spend most of your time in a dreary or cluttered space, it can contribute to feelings of stress, discomfort, and even sadness. On the other hand, decorating with intention can elevate your mood, create a sense of calm, and promote well-being.

During winter, the lack of sunlight and outdoor time can leave you feeling disconnected. But incorporating bright, warm colors and inviting textures into your home can mimic the sun’s positive effects, helping you feel more energized and content. Colors like yellow, orange, and red are known to promote happiness, while calming blues and greens can create a peaceful atmosphere. The key is to design your environment in a way that supports the mood you want to cultivate, whether that’s comfort, joy, or peace.

Here are some tips to help you combat the winter blues:

 Maximize Light
During winter, natural light is limited, so use mirrors and light-colored decor to reflect and amplify available light. Supplement with warm artificial lighting like daylight bulbs or string lights for a cozy atmosphere.

 Add Warm Textures
Incorporate soft, plush items like blankets, pillows, and rugs to make your home feel warm and inviting. Layering textiles adds both comfort and visual interest.

 Use Uplifting Colors
Bright colors like mustard, burnt orange, or soft pink can add warmth and cheer to your space. Earthy tones like green and brown also help bring nature indoors.

 Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Incorporate candles, soft lighting, and cozy blankets into your space. A relaxed, peaceful environment can help you unwind and enjoy winter more.

 Bring Nature Indoors
Indoor plants, pinecones, or branches can add life to your home. Connecting with nature indoors reduces stress and lifts your spirits.

 Infuse Pleasant Scents
Scent plays a big role in mood. Light candles or use essential oils like lavender for calm or citrus for energy. Scents like cinnamon and clove can also create a cozy, wintery atmosphere.

Conclusion

Winter doesn’t have to mean a season of sadness or immobility. By focusing on home decor and creating a space that reflects warmth, comfort, and positivity, you can turn your home into a refuge that helps combat the winter blues. Whether it’s adding a splash of color, surrounding yourself in soft textures, or bringing in the beauty of nature, the act of decorating with intention can profoundly influence how you feel during the colder months. With a little creativity and thoughtful design, your home can become an uplifting retreat where the winter blues have little chance of taking hold.

If you're unsure where to begin with the tips provided, contact TS Staging and Design to help transform your home into a comfy, cozy, and uplifting space that will chase away the winter blues! Their expert team can guide you in creating a warm, inviting environment that reflects your personal style and boosts your mood all season long.

Theresa Bouchard is the owner and designer of TS Staging and Design. If you would like more information regarding staging services, please contact TS Staging and Design at 207-400-9393 or by email at tsstaginganddesign@gmail.com or check us out on Facebook, Instagram or our website at www.tsstaginganddesign.com. We are an award-winning professional home staging company that provides superior customer service and beautiful designs that attract buyers to your home. <

Facts about 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges for Commercial Real Estate

By Larry Eliason

A 1031 like-kind exchange is a tax planning tool for deferring tax on capital gains. You can sell an investment property and reinvest the proceeds in a new property. This essentially postpones the tax liability from the sale.

The term “like-kind” refers to the nature or character of the property. There is a wide variety of property types that you could consider to be like-kind, as long as they qualify as investment type properties.

A good example is an investor who owns a small shopping center in Windham valued at $1 million. The investor has held this rental property for many years and has accumulated substantial appreciation. Now, the investor wants to diversify his/her portfolio, and they’re eyeing a mobile home park in North Windham for $1.5 million as they see considerable upside potential.

The investor decides to utilize the 1031 like-kind exchange. They sell the small shopping center and use the proceeds to acquire the mobile home park. The 1031 like-kind exchange can help defer paying capital gains tax on the sale of the shopping center.

This transaction should qualify as a like-kind exchange because it involves similar types of real estate assets. The net market value increases from one property to the next. The 1031 like-kind exchange allows the investor to seamlessly transfer their real estate investment while deferring tax liabilities.

If you are considering a sale with the intent to use the 1031 like-kind exchange, identify the property you want to sell. This must be a qualified investment property and not your primary residence. Again, personal residences don’t qualify for a 1031 like-kind exchange. The subject properties must be held for investment or used in a trade or business.

Before you sell your property, hire a Qualified Intermediary. This step is instrumental because the IRS doesn’t allow the seller “you” to touch the money between the sale and the purchase of the new property.

Once your property is sold, the proceeds minus any closing costs and debt pay-off go to the Qualified Intermediary. Again, the sale proceeds cannot go to you. If you were to receive the proceeds directly, this would be the basis for a disqualification and result in a tax event that you wanted to avoid in the first place.

You have 45 days from the date of sale to identify up to three potential replacement properties. To fully avoid paying any tax, the net market value and equity of the property acquired must be the same as, or greater than, the property sold. This is regardless of their total value or as many properties as you want, as long as their combined value doesn’t exceed 200 percent of the sold property’s value. You must document this in writing and deliver it to your Qualified Intermediary.

From the date of sale of your initial property, you have 180 days to complete the purchase of any property or properties identified in the previous step. The Qualified Intermediary then transfers the funds from the initial sale to the seller of the replacement property.

When you file your taxes for the year the 1031 like-kind exchange took place, include Form 8824 in your tax return, notifying the IRS of the exchange and informing them what property you sold and what property you purchased as part of the exchange.

The IRS rules for 1031 exchanges are very strict, so be sure to follow them closely. If done correctly, a 1031 like-kind exchange can be a powerful tool for deferring tax and building wealth through additional real estate investment.

The tax return and name appearing on the title of the property being sold must be the same as the tax return and title holder that buys the new property. Today, many properties are bought and sold using LLC’s or Trusts so keep this in mind and be consistent.

No additional value received in an exchange can be allowed that isn’t like-kind property, such as cash, property improvements or debt relief.

When you sell a property as part of a 1031 like-kind exchange, all of the equity you receive from the sold property must be reinvested into the replacement property.

When you sell and buy property as part of a 1031 like-kind exchange, both the sale and purchase need to be arm’s length transactions. Family related transfers can certainly come under a lot of scrutiny by the IRS so consult with your advisors.

A Reverse 1031 like-kind exchange is another option that allows you to purchase your replacement property before selling the property you intend to replace. This has many of the same rules and requirements as a normal exchange.

As always, consult with your professional team such as your Lawyer, Accountant, Banker, Qualified Intermediary and Commercial Broker early in the process so that you may take full advantage of this very useful tax planning and real estate investment tool.

Larry Eliason is a Commercial Broker with Butts Commercial Brokers, 1265 Roosevelt Trail, Raymond. He can be reached at 207-415-2112 or by email at LarryEliasonBCB@gmail.com. Visit www.ButtsCommercialBrokers.com <

Finding Your Maine Paradise: A guide to choosing the perfect recreational land

By Richie Vraux

Maine is a recreational paradise and buying and selling a property can be a complex process, but with the right strategies, you can enhance your property's market potential and achieve a successful sale.

Price it Right

Setting the right price is crucial for attracting buyers. Work with a real estate professional to conduct a comparative market analysis and determine a competitive price based on recent sales of similar properties in your area.

Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Maintain the lawn, add fresh plants, and ensure pathways are clear and clean. A well-kept exterior can entice buyers to see what’s inside.

Stage for Success

Staging your home can make a significant difference. Arrange furniture to highlight the best features of each room, remove personal items, and declutter to create a neutral and welcoming environment.

Leverage Online Marketing

Utilize high-quality photos, virtual tours, and detailed descriptions to showcase your home on real estate websites and social media platforms. Engaging content can attract more buyers and generate interest.

Choose the perfect recreational land when buying

When selecting recreational land in Maine, several key factors will influence your decision when buying property.

Here are some handy tips to guide you along the way and assist in avoiding pitfalls.

Recreational Interests

Hunting and Fishing – Identify areas with abundant wildlife populations and suitable habitats. Research local regulations and hunting/fishing seasons.

Boating and Kayaking – Consider access to lakes, rivers, or the coast. Check water depths, navigation hazards, and boating regulations.

Swimming – Look for properties near beaches, ponds, or lakes with safe swimming areas and clean water quality.

Skiing and Snowmobiling – Choose locations with proximity to ski resorts or groomed snowmobile trails. Consider snow accumulation and trail maintenance.

Hiking and Biking – Select properties with access to hiking trails, nature preserves, or scenic bike paths. Evaluate terrain, elevation, and trail conditions.

Land Rights and Access

Public Land Rights – Maine's strong public land rights offer excellent access to recreational areas. Research specific land management policies and regulations.

Easements and Rights of Way – Ensure the property has adequate access for vehicles, boats, or other recreational equipment. Verify any easements or restrictions.

Local Amenities

Convenience – Consider proximity to local amenities like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and medical facilities.

Community – Evaluate the local community's character, amenities, and social activities.

Schools – If you have children, research the quality and accessibility of local schools.

Location

Climate – Consider your preferred climate and weather conditions. Maine offers diverse climates, from coastal to inland.

Privacy – Determine your desired level of privacy and seclusion. Consider factors like neighboring properties and road traffic.

Accessibility – Evaluate access to major highways, airports, and other transportation options.

Commute Time

Work – If you have a daily commute, consider the distance and travel time to your workplace.

Factor in commute times to other important destinations like family, friends, or entertainment venues.

Investment

Budget – Determine your budget for land purchase and ongoing expenses like property taxes, maintenance, and insurance.

Potential Returns – Research property values and market trends in the area. Consider factors like land appreciation potential and future development plans.

Resale Value – Evaluate the property's resale potential, especially if you plan to sell it in the future.

Additional Tips

Consult with Local Experts – Seek advice from real estate agents, land surveyors, and local recreational enthusiasts who are familiar with the area.

Visit the Property – Spend time on the property to assess its suitability for your recreational activities and lifestyle. Consider factors like views, wildlife, and overall atmosphere.

Consider Long-Term Goals – Think about your long-term plans for the property. Will you build a cabin, use it for seasonal recreation, or simply hold it as an investment?

If a property is priced appropriately, it won’t be on the open market for very long. As a result, be very prepared. Unless you are making a cash offer – always, always, always have a pre-qualification letter in hand so it can be presented to the seller’s agent, at the time of the offer. Be aware that if there has been a lot of activity on a property, it has become commonplace that agents are submitting offers well above asking price.

Also, other things you should know about houses and properties include if they are: occupied, vacant, in foreclosure, short-sale or bank owned. You should know as much information as possible about each property before making an appointment. Make sure you tell your real estate professional about your timeframe for buying or selling. If you need advice about choosing which way you should go, feel free to contact me. Richie Vraux is a Real Estate Broker/Realtor with Pine Tree Realty of Maine, 76 Tandberg Trail, Windham. Call him at 207-317-1297 or reach him by email at richardjvraux@gmail.com <

Winter Home Maintenance Tips

By Jonathan Priest

Shorter days and cooler weather make it tempting to curl up under a blanket and hibernate until spring. It’s a good plan, but before the snow flies, cross these six home improvement projects off your list.

1. Clean the gutters

 
The first snowfall of the season is not the time to learn your gutters are filled with debris or too loose to handle the weight of the snow. Falling leaves can create a buildup, and when it rains or eventually snows and the snow melts, the water will need a clear path to run. Making sure you have clear downspouts has the same reasoning, so that debris does not build up. Clean your gutters, or better yet hire a pro to tackle the job. While you're at it, look for areas where gutters are loose and may have torn away from the house. Reattach them using gutter spikes, brackets or hangers. Clean, well-secured gutters are essential to protect the foundation of your home and reduce the risk of basement flooding.

 
2. Check smoke detectors

Change the batteries in your smoke detector. As you are preparing your home for cooler months, Remember, if your alarm chirps—a sign the battery is low—replace it, no matter the time of year. Once you’ve replaced the batteries, test the smoke detector: It’s as simple as pushing the button to make sure the alarm goes off. Don’t ignore hardwired smoke detectors; many have battery backups and those batteries need to be replaced, too. You should also replace any smoke detectors that are over 10 years old. Alarms are constantly checking the air for smoke, and after 10 years, the effectiveness of the alarm may decrease.

 
3. Hire a chimney sweep

A chimney sweep isn’t just a character from Mary Poppins. These fireplace pros remove soot and creosote that build up in the chimney and pose a fire risk. A professional chimney sweep, certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), will clean the chimney and inspect the entire fuel venting system for warped metal on the damper, cracked or collapsed flue tiles, cracks in the exterior masonry and other signs of fire damage. The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual chimney inspection. A clean chimney makes it safer to build a cozy fire in the winter; a chimney that has been swept not only helps prevent chimney fires but will also aid your fireplace to operate more efficiently as the smoke and other flue gases can exit the chimney more quickly.

  
4. Perform furnace maintenance

Call in the pros before turning on the heat. Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace runs at peak efficiency. Without semiannual maintenance (in the spring before running the air conditioner and in the fall before turning on the heat), airborne allergens may get trapped in the filters, resulting in poor indoor air quality.

 
5. Winterize water pipes

Data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that almost 30 percent of homeowners insurance claims were related to water damage and freezing. Make sure to drain outdoor water spigots and winterize water pipes to reduce the risk. You can winterize water pipes by locating your hose bib shut-off valve, which may be in a basement or crawl space, and turning it off at the source. For extra protection, purchase a Styrofoam cover that attaches over the outdoor spigots to keep them from freezing. These quick fixes can provide protection against the elements as temperatures drop. You may also want to shut off water to exterior faucets and drain sprinkler systems for extra protection against freezing pipes and water lines.

 
6. Assess windows and doors

Heat lost through windows and doors can account for up to 30 percent of home energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To keep heat in the house, look for cracks or gaps in the exterior caulking, check seals around exterior door and add caulking or weather stripping as needed. While these DIY fixes can reduce heat loss, a professional energy assessment can provide additional insights into areas where you may be losing heat and recommend fixes. Call your utility company to ask about their services or get a recommendation for a pro. Spending a few extra hours tackling these home improvement projects this fall will keep you warm and safe all winter long.

This article was brought to you courtesy of Farmers Insurance agent, Jonathan Priest, with an office at 57 Tandberg Trail, Suite 7, Windham and StaySafe.org. Call him at 207-893-8184 or send him an email at jpriest1@farmersagent.com <

2025 Housing Market Forecast

By Nicole Foster, Broker/REALTOR

The housing market has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of rising mortgage interest rates, and we are now past the usual lull we see in the weeks and months leading up to a contentious presidential election. Despite initial fears of a market downturn following unsustainable growth during the pandemic, the data now shows that the housing market is stabilizing rather than crashing.

Economists predict a significant increase in the number of single-family home sales in 2025 and 2026 compared to the past few years. The recent period has been characterized by tight inventory and elevated interest rates, which created challenging conditions for many. However, as these pressures ease, the market is expected to regain momentum. While home prices are forecasted to continue rising, the pace will be more moderate and reflective of the normalized growth observed in the latter half of 2024. This slower, steady appreciation is reminiscent of pre-pandemic trends, offering a sense of stability.

Home mortgage interest rates are also anticipated to stabilize at an average of approximately 6.08 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate loan. Although a significant drop in home mortgage interest rates is not expected, the stabilization will bring much-needed predictability to buyers. Additionally, increased inventory for both existing homes and new builds will provide relief to those who have been sitting on the sidelines, discouraged by the competitive conditions of recent years.

One of the key trends affecting inventory has been the "lock-in effect." Many homeowners have felt tied to their current properties due to historically low mortgage rates of 2 percent to 3 percent, making the prospect of selling less appealing. However, this phenomenon is expected to diminish over time as market conditions normalize, encouraging more homeowners to list their properties and increasing the available inventory.

Currently, the median sales price for a single-family home in Windham stands at $580,000. Projections indicate that prices will rise modestly, with increases of 2 percent to 4 percent expected in both 2025 and 2026. These growth rates reflect a healthier balance between affordability and market value creating more opportunities for buyers to enter the market without facing the extreme price surges of recent years.

Research from the National Association of REALTORS® reveals that the average homeowner has gained approximately $147,000 in housing wealth over the past five years. This has widened the wealth gap between homeowners and renters, underscoring the long-term financial benefits of homeownership. As more inventory becomes available, improved affordability could help close this divide, making home ownership accessible to a broader demographic.

The majority of single-family homebuyers in the state are local, followed by buyers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Florida, and New York. Notably, single women have emerged as a significant group, accounting for approximately 24 percent of home purchases. Another growing segment includes multigenerational buyers and those pooling resources, reflecting broader social trends in family dynamics and economic cooperation.

Another development in recent years has been the increased use of home equity by buyers. Many homeowners are leveraging their accumulated wealth to make cash offers on their next property. Buyers are also. Some 25 percent of first-time home buyers used a gift or loan from a relative or friend for their home purchase and another 20 percent borrowed from their 401Ks or removed funds from other financial assets. This underscores the resilience of the housing market, as buyers find creative ways to navigate higher interest rates and other economic pressures.

However, challenges to affordability persist. The cost of homeownership continues to rise, influenced by factors such as increasing property taxes and rising homeowner's insurance premiums. These expenses add to the overall cost burden, particularly for first-time buyers who may already face difficulties saving for down payments. Addressing these affordability challenges will be crucial in ensuring a healthy and accessible housing market. By focusing on expanding inventory and addressing affordability challenges, the housing market can foster a more inclusive and sustainable environment for all participants.

Nicole Foster is a real estate Broker with nineteen years of experience helping buyers, sellers and investors in southern Maine. Follow Nicole on Instagram 207nicolefoster or facebook.com/sellingmaine. <

Why historic weather events are stretching home insurers to their limits in Maine

By Tricia Zwirner

Maine, known for its picturesque landscapes and serene coastal charm, is increasingly grappling with the impact of historic weather events. In recent years, the state has been buffeted by a series of unprecedented storms, including severe winter weather, intense rainfalls, and damaging hurricanes. These extreme weather phenomena are not only affecting the lives of residents but are also placing immense pressure on home insurance providers. Understanding how and why these events are stretching insurers to their limits is crucial for homeowners and policymakers alike.

Increased Frequency and Intensity of Claims

One of the primary reasons for the strain on home insurers in Maine is the rising frequency and intensity of weather-related claims. The state has witnessed a significant uptick in severe weather events, leading to a surge in claims from homeowners seeking assistance for damage. For example, record-breaking winter storms have caused heavy snowfall, leading to roof collapses and extensive property damage. Similarly, hurricanes and tropical storms have resulted in severe flooding, eroding coastal areas and damaging homes. Insurers are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of claims, which has created a backlog in the claims processing system, making it difficult to provide timely support to policyholders.

Escalating Repair and Replacement Costs

The financial implications of these weather events extend beyond the number of claims. The costs associated with repairing and replacing damaged property have skyrocketed. Factors such as supply chain disruptions, inflation, and increased demand for construction materials have led to higher prices for repairs. For instance, lumber and other building materials have seen significant price increases, affecting the overall cost of rebuilding. Insurers must account for these rising costs, which often leads to larger payouts for claims. This escalation can strain their financial resources and, in some cases, lead to increased premiums for homeowners.

Limited Availability of Qualified Contractors

In the aftermath of severe weather events, there is often a shortage of qualified contractors available to carry out necessary repairs. This limited availability can lead to delays in processing claims and completing repairs, which further exacerbates the strain on insurers. Homeowners may find themselves waiting weeks or even months for repairs to be completed, resulting in additional damage and frustration. The backlog of claims, coupled with a reduced pool of contractors, puts additional pressure on insurance companies to manage customer expectations while fulfilling their obligations.

Evolving Risk Assessment Models

Insurers traditionally rely on historical data to assess risk and set premiums. However, the changing nature of weather patterns due to climate change complicates this process. As Maine experiences more frequent and severe weather events, insurers must adapt their risk assessment models. This may result in increased premiums or changes in coverage options, as companies seek to align their pricing with the evolving landscape of risk. The challenge lies in accurately predicting future weather patterns while still providing affordable insurance options for homeowners.

Regulatory and Market Pressures

The rising claims and operational costs have led many insurers to raise premiums, limit coverage, or withdraw from high-risk areas altogether. This trend leaves homeowners with fewer options and higher costs, creating a cycle of financial strain for both insurers and policyholders. Regulatory pressures can also influence insurers’ decisions, as they navigate the complexities of state guidelines while trying to remain competitive in the market. Policymakers may face pressure to implement regulations that protect consumers from excessive rate hikes, but these measures can also limit insurers' ability to respond effectively to rising risks.

Long-Term Climate Trends

The impact of climate change means that historic weather events are likely to become more common in Maine. Insurers must develop new strategies to address these evolving risks, which often involve significant adjustments to their business models and pricing structures. Some insurers are exploring alternative insurance models that incorporate climate risks more effectively, such as parametric insurance, which offers payouts based on specific weather triggers rather than traditional claims processes. However, these models require a fundamental rethinking of how insurance products are designed and delivered.

Emotional and Financial Strain on Homeowners

The consequences of these weather events extend beyond physical damage; they also take a toll on homeowners’ emotional and financial well-being. Many residents experience stress and anxiety as they navigate the complexities of recovering from storm damage, compounded by fears of rising insurance costs. This emotional strain can lead to increased scrutiny of insurance practices and heightened expectations for support from insurers.

Conclusion

The combination of rising claims, escalating costs, limited contractor availability, and changing risk landscapes is pushing home insurers in Maine to their limits. As historic weather events continue to challenge the industry, the need for innovative solutions and collaborative approaches is more urgent than ever. Insurers, policymakers, and homeowners must work together to develop strategies that enhance resilience and ensure that all parties can navigate the complexities of an increasingly volatile climate.

By fostering open communication, investing in resilient infrastructure, and promoting disaster preparedness, stakeholders can better equip themselves to face the challenges ahead. Through education, collaboration, and strategic planning, Maine can navigate the intricacies of climate change while ensuring its residents are protected and supported in the face of future storms.

Tricia Zwirner is a State Farm agent celebrating her 21st year in Windham. She and her team would love to hear from you and can be reached via phone and text at 207-892-2864 or via email at tricia@TRICIAZWIRNER.com. <

Fire Safety for Stick Season

By Warren O’Shea

I was in the midst of putting together an article about the typical winter prep suggestions like turning off and draining outdoor spigots, disconnecting garden hoses, air sealing windows, and breaking down what frequently causes ice dams when I smelled the smoke.

It wasn’t that comforting, seasoned hardwood in the woodstove on a damp and chilly morning that gets the yuletide juices flowing type of smoke. It was plastic. Nauseous and toxic plastic. White, double 4-inch with faux embossed wood grain vinyl siding plastic to be overly specific. Of course, I think to myself, “it’s only 50 degrees out, it’s way too warm to burn plastic.”

I then looked out my window and saw the smoke. And I think to myself,” it’s way too warm to burn a boatload of plastic.”

This begins my article. My neighbor’s house caught on fire. Everybody is safe, the family cat “Bob” took refuge under my ‘79 International Scout in the barn where I find him sometimes. He’s an aloof guy and for the most part, has stopped peeing on my dropcloths. I believe we have come to a silent understanding. The home appears to be a total loss. Five towns responded and a backhoe was called in to pull the metal roof off to get to the burning rafters.

No word yet as to what started the fire, but I will use this as an opportunity to convey what I know about the fire safety code in no particular order. You may have heard this before but…. Smoke detectors only work if they have power to them. Hard wired, interconnected, photo electric, with battery back-up is the standard. It is a good idea to test them monthly.

There currently is no “National Change Your Smoke Detector Battery Day” but it is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to replace old batteries with new ones every six months and replace the detector itself every 10 years. It is a common First Responder recommendation to change the batteries in your alarms when Daylight Savings begins in the spring and ends in the fall, as this is an easy way to remember to do it twice each year.

Egress windows for bedrooms

In Maine, egress windows must meet the following minimum size. A minimum of 5.7 Square Feet, a minimum height of 24 inches, a minimum width of 20 inches, and be no more than 44 inches above the finished floor. These minimums are not based entirely on the occupant’s ability to escape but by the fire/rescue personnel, and their gear, to enter the building.

Fire extinguishers

Our friends at NFPA have some more recommendations. A multipurpose ABC, dry chemical extinguisher is a good choice for homes but needs to be readily accessible, stored away from a heat source, and kept out of reach of children and a certain Black Lab named Misha (buy me a beer and I’ll tell you the story). You should also consider keeping an additional “Class K” extinguisher in your kitchen for cooking fires. Class K extinguishers use alkaline chemicals to mix with cooking oils and fats to form a foam that cools the fire. In an emergency baking soda or salt can be used only if the fire is small. It takes a lot of baking soda to do the job, so be sure to sprinkle in an even layer. The heated powder releases Carbon Dioxide which smothers the flame.

Plan for fire emergency

Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. You can share your updated floor plan with the town office, so they have it in your property file. Rescue personnel can pull that floor plan en route and be able to navigate through the home more quickly than they could otherwise.

This is just a short list of what you can do to prepare for a worst-case scenario. When it happens, it happens so fast there is little time to think. Preparation is the key.

Warren O'Shea is the owner of O’Shea Builders LLC, Maine’s most award-winning remodeling contractor. He has 35-plus years of residential remodeling experience. He is a certified home inspector and has been featured on HGTV, Food Network, and Maine Cabin Masters. He is a recipient of the Portland Police Department’s “Citizen Award,” and is a staunch consumer advocate. Warren has, and continues to, co-author articles for nationally distributed trade magazines. <