With each New Year comes a fresh start. And while most of us focus our hopes for the coming 366 days (Happy Leap Year!) on healthy eating or financial responsibility, we would like to encourage a new course this go-round.  Since most of us spend a significant time at home, why not make this year’s focus residential?

At Paradigm, we build homes that last, but that doesn’t mean there are not things you can do to maintain it!  As the first week of 2012 comes to an end, included below are some ideas from the Paradigm team that may help your humble abode to become more fun, organized and efficient.

Get Safe – Check and replace if needed, any batteries in all emergency devices including fire alarms as well as emergency flashlights.

Get Organized – Clean out any closets, crawl spaces and that dreaded pantry! Not only will you lighten your load and will feel great, but it is a chance to donate and help others in need. Double bonus! Here are just a few of the great organizations that you can donate to:

Get Green – Recycle and choose products that have a lower impact on your home environment. It can be as easy as replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights can last up to 10 times longer!

Get a Punch-List – Inspect outside and walk through your home to make a list of any needed repairs.  It is more likely you will remember to complete them if your paper is keeping you accountable. Making that quick fix from time to time will save you from larger, more expensive repairs down the road.

Get Artsy – Choose a fun color and paint a new accent wall to cure your winter blues.  Or purchase a new piece of art, maybe an interesting photo to freshen up the space.

These residential resolutions will possibly save you some money in the long run, but they can also save you a significant amount of time and headaches if you make the effort to tackle potential problems before they occur.  We hope your 2012 is a great one!