Want to make a huge difference in your own or other’s lives? Here are things you should say every day - to your employees, colleagues, family members, friends, and everyone you care about:

1. “Here’s what I’m thinking.” You’re in charge but that doesn’t mean you’re smarter, savvier, or more insightful than everyone else. Authority can make you “right,” but collaboration makes everyone right.
2. “I was wrong.” I once came up with what I thought was an awesome improvement plan. But a few weeks later, I had to say, “I know you didn’t think this would work, and you were right. I was wrong.” When you’re wrong just say you’re wrong.
3. “That was awesome.” No one gets enough praise. Pick someone - pick anyone - who does or did something well and say, “Wow, that was great how you…” Praise is a gift that costs the giver nothing but is priceless to the recipient.
4. “You’re welcome.” Make eye contact and say, “Thank you.” Or say, “You’re welcome. I was glad to do it.” Don’t let thanks, praise or congratulations, be all about you. Always make praise about the other person.
5. “Can you help me?” When you need help, just say, sincerely and humbly, “Can you help me?” And in the process you’ll show vulnerability, respect, and a willingness to listen - making you a great leader and a great friend.
6. “I’m sorry.” We all have things to apologize for: words, actions, omissions, failings… just say you’re sorry. Never follow with a disclaimer like, “But I was really mad, because…” Say you’re sorry, say why you’re sorry, and take all the blame. Then you both get to make the freshest of fresh starts.
7. “Can you show me?” Knowing what to do helps, but knowing how or why to do it means everything. Don’t just ask for input. Ask to be taught or trained or shown. Then you both win.
8. “Let me give you a hand.” Everyone needs help but often hesitate to ask for help. Find something you can help with. Be specific. Offer in a way that feels collaborative, not patronizing or gratuitous. Model the behavior you want. Then actually roll up your sleeves and help.
9. “I love you.” No, not at work, but everywhere you mean it - and every time you feel it.
10. Nothing. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all. If you’re upset, frustrated, or angry, stay quiet. Be quiet until you know exactly what to say - and exactly what affect your words will have.

Basement leakage is the most common problem found in houses, and over 90% of all basements are found to leak and suffer damage at one time or another. Evidence of moisture penetration can be found in almost every house. A house with water problems does not necessarily mean it was poorly constructed. Water can appear in even the best built home.

Not all basement leakage problems are solvable, but the majority of leakage problems can be solved by directing surface water away from the building regarding around the foundation and/or using downspout extension to force rainwater to flow away from the house.

Warning signs of water leakage:

• Mold and mildew: Fungus that grows in damp dark areas and causes discoloration and odors.
• Musty odors: This could be the result of the decay process from mold and dry rot.
• Peeling paint: Water may leak behind a wall.
• Damp spots on walls: Water has absorbed through your walls.
• White substance on basement walls: This is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. The white substance is a sign of possible structural deterioration.
• Cracked walls: Should need to be inspected to determine the exact cause.
• Rust on appliances or furnaces: Check behind for signs of pooling or leaking water.
• Dry rot: Black fungus grows mostly on walls or wooden surfaces, causing wood to decay.

When it comes time to sell, it’s important that your home stacks up well against the competition. In order to have it look its best, renovations are sometimes necessary.

The key to generating a decent return on your investment is to renovate in line with other homes in your area. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re thinking of renovating:

1. Get Cracking – The kitchen will often yield the greatest return on investment. A welcoming kitchen that’s functional and up-to-date will be very attractive to buyers.
2. Clean Up – The bathroom is the second most important room in the home in terms of valuation so renovating an existing bathroom or installing an additional one pays off.
3. Landscaping – Adding a few perennials is an easy way to improve your home’s curb appeal. A few well-placed trees and shrubs will reduce utility costs by providing shade and shelter.

Homeowners should try to achieve a balance between their individual wants/needs and by making sure they don’t pour money down the drain. Improvements should be an investment, not an expense.

Flip the Cushions. Make your couch look brand-new just by flipping over the cushions to the other spotless side.

Stack Books. Gather books and pile them neatly on the edge of a desk, shelf or coffee table with spines facing outward.

Clean Bathroom Magic. Light a scented candle. Dim the lights to soften the mood to camouflage a less than pristine room.

Declutter Fast. Don’t have much time to clean? Grab a laundry basket and pass through each room tossing stray items into the basket. Then stash it in a closet.

Make it Smell Great. A pleasant scent makes guests think the house is cleaner. Place scented candles in a room.