Natural lighting in your home provides numerous benefits for your well-being. It gives you crucial Vitamin D, helps ward off seasonal affective disorder (SAD), reduces stress, and much more. Natural light also ties in to your sleep schedule and how well you fall and stay asleep. If you aren’t getting enough light in your home, you might be able to artificially substitute it.

Circadian Rhythms
You may have heard about a circadian rhythm before, but if you haven’t or aren’t quite sure what it is, here’s a quick rundown: A circadian rhythm is essentially your body’s internal clock that carries out different functions during a 24-hour period. When we talk about circadian rhythms, the first thing that comes to mind is probably your sleep-wake cycle.

Change Your Lights to Improve Your Life
Swapping out old lighting fixtures in your home for adjustable ones can keep your rhythm on track and help you get that good night’s rest. Your body needs the combination of blue and warm lighting to know when it has to be alert and when to start slowing down. Only having one will make it hard for your body to balance the production of melatonin and cortisol (the hormone that wakes you up). Circadian lighting is programmed to shift between hues and intensity based on the time of day. Sunrise clocks gradually shine light in your room to make it feel like you’re waking up to the sun, replacing that annoying alarm.

Shading and Space Planning
In addition to smarter lighting, incorporating smarter blinds and shades, along with an optimized floorplan can further aid your circadian rhythm. Programmable shades with sunrise lighting give the effect of morning sunshine and allow you to wake up more gradually. Arranging your home to the sun’s path through the day helps as well. Having natural light in your home office will increase your productivity and focus. You’ll also reduce the headaches and eyestrain that come from staring at a monitor for long hours. 

What's wrong with this picture?
Our inspectors are always finding interesting maintenance issues in the field. Can you spot what’s wrong with this picture? 

Discoloration is usually undesirable in a home and indicative of a larger issue. But sometimes it’s just a natural part of the manufacturing process. This product likely came right out of the bag with brown areas similar to a toasted marshmallow. In the hard spun glass insulation pictured, the areas of discoloration were probably caused by glass that wasn’t spun properly at the factory. You can even see where the brown areas stop at the edges of the insulation roll. If the discoloration was caused by a leak, the pattern wouldn’t be quite so linear. 

A driveway is a major investment, but one that goes a long way toward upping your curb appeal. Here are some of the best options for giving your home more oomph and getting top dollar when it’s time to sell.

Concrete
The top choice for homeowners, concrete driveways have a long list of positives. First of all, the cost of most concrete installations is fairly inexpensive. Concrete also tends to be very durable and lasts for a long time in any climate. If you want something that stands out more, you can use stamps or even dye it. 

Asphalt
Asphalt is fairly inexpensive and nearly comparable to concrete in durability as well. The darker tone of asphalt can make your home pop and set you apart. If you live in a particularly snowy climate, the black color may also help melt any accumulation. However, you may find that it’s a double-edged sword come summertime. The asphalt will absorb more of the sun’s rays and heat up your driveway. 

Gravel
A simpler look, gravel can still add some character to your home. If you have a longer driveway, gravel is a cost-effective solution. It’s also extremely long-lasting since the rocks used are very hardy. However, gravel can be difficult to clear ice and snow off, so it might not be as viable in winter climates. 

Paver
Paving stones have a lifespan of nearly a hundred years and are made from granite or flagstone. For a higher investment, you can get heating coils installed underneath the stones to keep snow and ice off. Of course, the biggest drawback is the amount of labor and money you’ll have to invest in to install the paving stones. 

Brick
When correctly placed, brick driveways offer reliability and affordability. You get a smooth surface that can last up to 25 years when correctly cared for. There is a bit of intensive maintenance you’ll have to do to keep your bricks looking great. Every so often, you’ll need to power wash them off to remove any dirt or fluids that have stuck.