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When it comes to a house, there are things that are essential. Sure a floor, a ceiling, and walls all fall into this category, a house cant exist without them. But, once the basics are in place, a house needs certain things to make it a home. The following five things help it do just that.

A playground: If you dont have kids, you can probably do without putting a playground in your backyard. But, if the pitter-patter of little feet is a common sound in your house, a playground is a must have. Whether its something as simple as a swing set or a jungle gym complete with a bouncy bridge and monkey bars, a playground is essential to keeping your kids happy...and you sane.

Locks on Doors: This day and age, a house is not safe without locks - and deadbolts - on all entry doors. But, a home also needs locks on bedroom and bathroom doors. Without locks, people feel robbed of a sense of privacy: parents might feel insecure about being intimate, kids might feel as if they arent ever trusted, and a husband may worry that someone will come busting through the bathroom door, spotting him reading a Sweet Valley High book as he sits on the toilet. Locks on doors allow people to have time alone. Plus, locks can always be removed...say when your kids become teenagers.

A Peephole on the front door: Whenever there is a knock on the front door, its good to know whos standing on the other side before you open it: a peephole is like the caller ID for the door world. Unlike peeking out a window, an act that can cause the person at the door to see you, a peephole allows you to be subtle: you can act like youre not home whenever solicitors, nosy neighbors, or people to whom you owe money come aknockin. A peephole also gives your children the best chance at making sure they dont open the door to a stranger.

A Front or Back Porch: When it comes to spring and summer, few things are better than sitting on the porch and enjoying the nice weather. But, a porch isnt just a place for relaxation: a back porch is great for barbequing and hosting summer dinner parties, while a front porch is a great place to sit and watch your kids play, and a great place to decorate with flowers and plants. Sitting out on your front porch and speaking to people who walk by is also a great way to meet and get to know your neighbors.

A Dining Room without a TV: Sitting down and having a family meal together may seem like a lost art, but thats only true for those unwillingly to try to find it. When it comes to a quality family dinner, the television is the nemesis. Thus, the TV has got to go. This doesnt mean you need to smash your plasma in a fit of rage or treat your Sony like it betrayed the mob by throwing it overboard into a desolate lake, just make sure your TV cant be seen from your dining room. Once that happens, your family will be forced to talk to each other.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor for http://www.etodoors.com. Someone who changes her mind every five minutes, her house is in a perpetual state of home improvement.

posted by 2772  # 10:22 PM