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(BPT) - Since spending more time at home, you’ve probably started eyeing projects that need attention. If so, you’re not alone — Houzz home renovation website reported a 58% increase in leads for home improvement professionals this past summer.
(BPT) - Home may be where the heart is, but the higher energy bills from staying home 24/7 are causing households across the country a hefty case of heartburn. The hot summer months were tough enough, but as we head into the cold winter months, we’re in for another peak in power bills. Altho…
(BPT) - With temperatures cooling and leaves changing from golden yellow to deep auburn, there’s no denying that it’s the season of all things cozy and comfy. And as you begin to hunker down and bundle up indoors, the thought of embarking on a deck building project might not be top of mind.
(BPT) - Never before has a home’s outdoor space been more cherished or vital. It’s not surprising then that nearly two-thirds of American homeowners have either recently undertaken or are in the process of upgrading their home’s exterior, according to Porch.com. For those of you still in the…
(BPT) - There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to bidet toilets. If you’re someone who insists on having the best, here's a tidbit to simplify your search: The evolution of the bidet largely occurred in Japan. Though the French get credit for inventing the bidet, it was actually Japane…
(BPT) - A fire department responds to a fire every 24 seconds, and a small flame can turn into a major fire rapidly. With Americans spending more time at home than ever before, it is important to be ready before disaster strikes. To ensure your family is prepared for the unexpected, make sur…
(BPT) - Data collected in recent years by the FBI has revealed that there are roughly 2.5 million burglaries a year. This averages out to one burglary about every 13 seconds nationwide. So, while many feel safe and secure at home, one can never be too prepared when it comes to protecting you…
(BPT) - Personalizing a kitchen’s design is an opportunity to showcase true individuality. The space will feel like a true reflection of self when finished with handpicked details. Adding special touches throughout a space, from unique materials to striking statement pieces, can work togethe…
(BPT) - It’s not over yet. Just past the peak of hurricane season weather forecasters have already had to resort to the Greek alphabet to name storms. And with severe storms and tornados appearing around the country, it is more important than ever to take steps and be prepared before, during…
(BPT) - A recent Houzz survey reports that 1 in 5 homeowners who underwent home renovations in the last year made exterior upgrades to their property. Breaking it down further, 1 in 8 of those weekend warriors funneled their energy into a complete deck overhaul. With the rising popularity of…
(BPT) - While health and safety concerns remain top of mind for all Americans, many are also using this season and the extra time at home to get started on long-awaited home improvement projects. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to achieve your vision for your abode safely, with a little…
(BPT) - While the office, school and home now share one roof, keeping your house and family safe has never been more important. Thanks to enhanced safety technology, you can better protect against the threats of smoke, fire and carbon monoxide (CO), allowing you to go about your busy lifesty…
(BPT) - Whether you're dreaming of a complete home remodel or a simple decor update, you may not be factoring your pets in your decision-making and overall design process. But how many times have you regretted a furniture or upholstery choice once Fido or Fluffy got their paws (and fur) on it?
(StatePoint) While real estate agents report that far fewer people than normal have been moving during the COVID-19 pandemic, that may soon change. A recent Harris Poll found that nearly a third of U.S. adults living in urban areas are considering a move to less densely populated cities in t…
(StatePoint) If buying a home is on your near-future to-do list, experts say that 2020 may be a good year to make it happen. Mortgage interest rates are near historic lows, providing you with the opportunity to finance a new home purchase at a much lower cost.
(ARA) - For many younger Americans, the dream of owning their first home is alive and well. But for others, it's still an elusive dream.
(ARA) - Now, more than ever, homeowners are adding to the value and comfort of their homes by renovating bathrooms into private retreats with luxurious touches that rival those of an upscale spa or resort.
(ARA) - Looking for a way to improve the curb appeal of your home? Re-siding your home with vinyl siding is a great investment because it never needs painting to maintain its beauty and durability.
(ARA) - Green consumers are no longer a niche group; today, they're everyday individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to save the planet - provided they receive a bit of return on their investment.
(ARA) - With the housing market still in recovery, many American homeowners are choosing to stay put and renovate. Whether you're updating the home you love or preparing your house for resale when the market finally turns around, your outdoor living space is a great place to start.
(ARA) - For small businesses, having a well-established brand with a loyal customer base is critical to both immediate and long-term success. While investing money in brand developing tools may be costly, building a suite of business cards, postcards, signs, banners, brochures and other prod…
(ARA) - The wedding's over, the thank yous are sent and the top cake tier is in the freezer, waiting for your first anniversary celebration. Now you and your new spouse are starting to act on the plans you've made for your life together, and are ready to take that big step in moving into you…
Given the recent decline in home values, more people than ever are wondering what they can do to ensure the home they buy will hold its value. When you're searching for your dream home, you're probably looking at things like the number of bathrooms, how the kitchen is configured and the size…
(ARA) - Purchasing a home can be the most rewarding - and also the most frustrating - financial transaction of your life. Especially today, when the news is filled with stories about the great market conditions for buyers. One aspect of the home buying process that's often overlooked is the …
(ARA) - It's beautiful outside and the last thing you want to do is spend all of your spare time working on your home when you could be playing or spending time with loved ones.
Renting is on the rise in America. Vacancy rates are falling across the country, and increased competition for the best units has many would-be renters turning to the Internet for help finding affordable apartments.
(ARA) - If you have decided to sell your home, that last thing you want is for it to sit on the market for a long time. Taking some home improvement steps before listing can make your house more attractive to potential buyers and put you in a better position to sell quickly.
(ARA) - A home is a place of comfort and relaxation. Many homeowners are now taking to the outdoors and making this space an extension of the dream home they've always wanted.
(ARA) - When it comes to home improvement, you can spend money in two basic ways: on things that make your home look better and things that make it function better. Under the first category, you'll find all the things you want to do, like replacing narrow casement windows with a lovely bay w…
(ARA) - Even as spring approaches, the residential real estate market continues to be rough on American homeowners more than three years after the start of the nationwide housing crisis. Although sales of existing homes are up slightly from 2010 levels, the median home price is still down th…
(ARA) - If your home will be on the market this spring, you're probably looking for every possible edge that will make it stand out to potential buyers. But even if you're staying put, you still want to make your home as attractive and valuable as your budget will allow.
(ARA) - As the weather continues to warm, you might be thinking about some of the home improvement projects you put on the back burner during the winter. As you once again consult your to-do list, it's the perfect time to think about a few small projects that can greatly enhance your home's …
(ARA) - Disaster preparedness has become more common as a result of the increasing number of floods, tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes in recent years. According to FEMA's website, there were 99 major disasters declared in 2011 alone.
(ARA) - With the housing market showing its first signs of improvement in years, many homeowners hope to attract interested buyers this spring. Replacing old or damaged exterior trim is a great way to freshen up your home today and make it stand out among others tomorrow.
(ARA) - Are you a first-time home buyer? An established homeowner? An empty nester? Whatever stage of life you're in, it pays to make sure you have the right insurance - and you're not paying for coverage you don't need.
(ARA) - Upgrading the kitchen is on many homeowners' "to do" list. And for good reason. A minor kitchen remodel ranks fourth on the list of the top 10 home improvement projects that deliver return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine's 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report.
(ARA) - When spring arrives with its bright sunshine, fresh air, vibrant colors and light, do you find yourself regretting the decorating decisions you made last fall or winter? It's natural to incorporate the season into your home decor, and the best way to do that is with design touches th…
(ARA) - A significant shift in consumer preference in new home purchases is the latest by-product of the still-struggling economy. The residential construction market is shrinking and so are houses.
(ARA) - Enlightenment isn't just a state of mind - it can also be an important energy-saving state of being for your home's roof. By "enlightening" your roof, you can use less energy, save money, and dress up the interior of your home at the same time.
(ARA) - With the new year under way, you may be thinking about needed home improvements and how you'll use your credit to fund them. While it's important to understand your credit before making major home improvement decisions, you should also consider another kind of credit - tax credits fo…
(ARA) - A gas fireplace can add ambiance and warmth to any room, and with the cold weather, you might be dreaming of adding one in your home. Because purchasing a fireplace is not something we do every day, there are some important things to consider.
(ARA) - With more and more homeowners choosing to stay in their current homes instead of selling, many are deciding to remodel.
Rural living is popular for many families looking to raise their children outside the hustle and bustle of city life. If you've imagined your children running unhindered through acres of backyard, or developing a baseball game in the field with your nearest neighbors, you're probably looking…
