PROVO — An unweatherized home can drain family finances, said Brian Peterson of BHP Construction and instructor for the Basic Home Maintenance Course offered by Habitat for Humanity.

Failure to weatherize can hit occupants in the pocketbook by as much as 25 percent to 40 percent, said Peterson.

Most heat loss — 31 percent — is through floors, walls and ceilings, Peterson said, with the least loss through electrical outlets. Windows are the worst for losing heat, he said. Property owners should begin insulating windows on the west because they catch prevailing winds and cause uninsulated windows to rattle in a thunderstorm and candles to flicker.

North-facing windows should come next because they face the coldest air. East windows should follow, then south-facing windows because they are the least vulnerable.

Temporary fixes can be corrected with rope caulk in the window corners, which is a temporary fix and is easily removed. Weather stripping and silicone caulk are necessary for more permanent repairs, he said.

Peterson also instructed participants on how to weatherize doors and replace thresholds and sweeps.

Interior designer Robin Olsen of the Brigham Young University planning department taught participants how to mix and match colors. Home decorating is mainly about what makes the home occupants feel good and happy, she said.

"It's important that you figure out what you like," she said.

Yet she pointed out some common mistakes that amateur home decorators make, such as making family photos a focal point and shoving all furniture up against the walls. Instead she advised that photos can be used artistically to decorate a space and that furniture is placed in grouping to encourage conversation.

Another common error, usually made by men, she said, is to hang pictures too high.

"A good rule of thumb is to hang them in the 5-foot, 6-inch range, about eye level," she said.

Olsen also said book cases aren't just for books but can be used to place objects for decorating. Even placing books in varying ways breaks up the monotony.

Other tips:

• Get rid of clutter — de-junk.

• Even old furniture looks better when it's clean.

• Renew old cabinets with new hardware and shop to find the best bargains.

• Decorate with paint, fabrics and pillows for low cost.

• Don't paint with latex-based paint over oil-based paint without using a primer first to avoid peeling.

• Flat paint is the worst kind to use for keeping painted surfaces clean, but it does hide imperfections.

• Use mirrors to visually open up tight spaces.

• Art doesn't always have to be landscapes or people. Use architectural or plant pictures as well.

• Keep the flooring, including carpeting, natural because it is the most difficult and expensive to change.

Above all, she said, shop for the best bargains.

"Don't think you can't have it because it costs too much," she said.

If you go ...

What: Habitat for Humanity Basic Home Maintenance Course: Basic Electrical Repairs, Changing Furnace Filter, Gutter and Downspout Care

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Where: 1119 S. 1680 West, Orem

When: 6:30 p.m., Thursday

Cost: free


E-mail: rodger@desnews.com

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