Menlo is all about giving your house a fresh, beautiful look — new kitchens, updated bathrooms, and remodels with substance. But here’s something we don’t say enough: while you’re investing in how your home looks, this is also a prime time to invest in how it works and how it’s protected.

With Black Friday deals already rolling in and inventory scant, we wanted to pull together some upgrade opportunities that are a perfect fit for clients of ours so you can grab some high-value home upgrades while the deals and inventory are hot.

1. Get Smart about Climate & Comfort

Let’s talk about wiring in a next-gen thermostat. Case in point: the ecobee Smart Thermostat  is a smart-home climate controller that learns your habits, integrates with your smart home hub, and boosts both comfort and efficiency.
Why it matters: Smart thermostats like this one can reduce heating/cooling costs by 10-23% annually by optimizing schedules, taking advantage of occupancy sensors and remote control and the ecobee was PC Magazine’s #1 out of the top 10 for 2025.

Pick up and refresh those carbon monoxide alarms while you’re at it. With holiday guests coming and going, you never know when someone might accidentally bump the gas stove knob or the furnace might go on the fritz.

While we’re upgrading your remodel, let’s integrate the smart thermostat so your finished space not only looks great but works smart — saving you money and energy from day one, and find the right spots for your carbon monoxide alarms.

2. Protect Your Home (and Peace of Mind)

Whether we’re re-doing your exterior, garage, sidelight wiring, or entryway, it’s an ideal time to incorporate security-hardware. Consider a Ring Camera  “Whole Home” Security Kit — a robust camera system that includes front-door video, side-yard coverage, and remote monitoring via smartphone in addition to the Ring Network where other homeowners can keep you in-the-know.

Another excellent, no subscription option on sale right now is the eufy Security SoloCam S3 Outdoor Camera.

Home security cameras deter intruders, provide evidence in the case of incidents, help monitor packages and even reduce homeowner insurance premiums. This industry-respected Angi article breaks it down: Angi+2SafeWise+2

We like cameras paired with some Feit motions sensing lights. This 180 degree set at Ace is an excellent deterrent.

While you’re at it, we also like the eufy Smart Lock. This is great for when you have a pet sitter, family visiting, or misplaced keys. A smart lock is an easy install, and you’ll never have to worry about being locked out.

We can make a few days of it, and overhaul all the security for your house, and let you have a new hear with a new peace of mind.

3. Empower Maintenance: Tools for the Long-Run

A remodel gives you fresh surfaces, new finishes — but a key part of homeownership is ongoing maintenance. A homeowner with the right tools is empowered. Enter the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Combo Kit — a pro-grade tool kit that’s perfect for everything from installing new shelves to handling post-project touch-ups.

Add in this handy Kobalt tool kit on sale now, and you’ll be ready for all the little things that pop up.

Every homeowner should be ready for the little things — hanging fixtures, tightening screws, adjusting trim. Good, quality power tools make that possible.

4. Weather Safety

While you’re picking up your pet friendly sidewalk deicer (most cities have ordinances that make you, the homeowner, responsible for sidewalk ice and snow), maybe consider how slippery any outdoor stairs are and get some outdoor tread.

You may want to look into a power bank like the Jackery Explorer on sale now. It’s small enough to stow away but powerful enough to get you through an emergency.

If you’re planning a remodel in the next 3–6 months (or even 12 months), let’s talk about how we can bundle these smart upgrades into your project:

• Sales come and go, but we’ll review current deals together and spot the right opportunities.
• We’ll make sure installations look clean, wiring is discrete, integration is seamless.
• We’ll show how these upgrades protect your investment, unlock future savings, and make maintenance easier down the road.

Let’s build something you’ll love and live in more confidently.