The second full month of winter is only a week away. While newly built homes are more efficient and generally require less maintenance than older homes, it is still necessary to take proper precautions indoors and out.

If you have not begun winter maintenance on your newly constructed home, here is a checklist to follow in order to protect your greatest investment.

1. Take cover. It is critical to protect your central air conditioning unit by covering it. If yours has snow on it, simply brush it off and cover it. Air conditioning covers can be purchased online or at home improvement and hardware stores. They usually cost between $40 and $60 and are well worth it.

Here are our top five family activity recommendations so you can have fun without freezing in Southeast Michigan.

1. Check out some hot wheels.
Automotive enthusiasts look forward to two winter events all year long—the amazing North American International Auto Show and AutoRama. Start your engines and head to the Auto Show which is going on now at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit until Jan. 24th. Classic car, truck and motorcycle lovers must mark their calendars for AutoRama which roars into Cobo Hall from Feb. 26th through Feb. 28th. This quintessential hot-rod show features custom vehicles that will wow the entire family.

Last week, we presented the top five home design trends for 2016. This week, we continue with the last five trends to keep top of mind as you build, or decorate, your dream home.

1. Pendant lights outshine chandeliers and recessed lighting. Pendant lighting demand is growing because of the deep selection of styles and the flexibility they offer. Using one or multiple pendant lights in specific spaces, e.g. above an island for food preparation or a chaise lounge for reading, makes it easier to accomplish tasks at home. Recessed lighting was ideal for illuminating task areas in the past, however the aesthetic appeal of pendant lighting is now preferred. Some designs are inspired from the past and others are completely contemporary. For an intimate atmosphere, perhaps in the dining room, bowl and drum pendants work best because they shine silhouettes.