North Carolina has a treasure trove of industrial mill properties, many of which are available for creative adaptive reuse. Mill buildings have across the state have been transformed into loft and low-income apartment complexes, corporate offices and retail centers. This video shows some of the different ways those mill buildings can be put back to work productively, and profitably!

Insulating shades, shutters, heavy blinds, and lined drapes all help your windows perform better by blocking the cold and preventing heat loss. Additionally, insulating cellular shades offer many options in terms of design and flexibility while providing a low-cost barrier during the cold winter season.

Caulk around windows and doors when the temperature drops in colder months. It may seem like a small step, but this low-cost fix (a tube of caulk will only set you back about five dollars) will increase the comfort of your home and deliver a big bang for your buck. All you need is a steady hand.

Older homes can be drafty, but there are easy ways to detect and to seal holes and gaps.

Take advantage of the next cold or windy day by going hunting for draft-causing leaks and holes. Consider the smoke test — use a lit incense stick and note where the smoke travels. If it goes horizontal, you've probably located a source of a leak. Know that the primary culprits are usually ductwork and holes in the attic, around pipes, and at electrical outlets.

For even better draft prevention, use weatherstripping along doors and windows to block out the cold and to form tighter-fitting bonds.

Next step, caulk!

Your older or historic building operates differently than a modern building, so you should take deliberate steps to improve its conditions.

Keeping a tight "lid" on your building is important for blocking out water and moisture infiltration that can quickly lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.

Assess your roofing materials and determine if they can make it through another winter. Inspect flashing and other points of entry where water damage can occur and where warm air can escape.Your roof can also be a good indicator for how well your home is doing with energy loss. One quick and easy thing to do is to clean out your gutters to ensure that water can flow off and away from your home.

The attic is the easiest and most cost-effective space to insulate. It's possible to install insulation yourself, but you might want to hire a professional, especially when handling cellulose- or fiberglass-based products. A professional can also help you achieve proper ventilation. Natural insulation materials such as wood, plant fiber, or wool are especially recommended for attics because they are so breathable.