Remake your bathroom with these luxurious hotel-inspired trends Life can get hectic. While it is easy to become overwhelmed with busy schedules and everyday challenges, it is important to carve out personal time for relaxation and renewal. The practice of self-care and personal wellness is becoming a trend on the rise. To incorporate this trend into your daily routine, take a page from the luxury hotel playbook. Imagine what you would see, feel, smell and experience if you stepped into the Continue Reading ...

Real estate insight: Green home improvements boost value, shorten sale time Are you thinking of selling your house and want to know some of the best ways to boost your home's value, demand top dollar and potentially inspire a bidding war? Whether you're selling in a few months or a few years, there is one strategy that gets noticed in real estate markets across the United States: green home improvements. Green homes can sell faster and for more money than comparable houses without Continue Reading ...

Cool breezes and falling leaves are around the corner, and for many parts of the country those telltale signs of fall signal the best possible season for roofing. So what makes fall a great time for roof repairs or a full replacement? 1. Perfect weather The same perfectly cool weather that makes fall a favorite time of year for camping and outdoor activities also makes it a great time for roofing — and not just because it’s more comfortable for the roofer. Asphalt shingles, the most Continue Reading ...

The kitchen may be the heart of your home, but don't underestimate the importance of your bathrooms. If you think about it, bathrooms are one of the most frequented spaces in the home. It's where you go to rejuvenate and get ready for the day. It's the place where you take the time to make yourself look and feel your best. A thoughtfully designed bathroom can start your day on a positive note and end it in a calm, relaxing and stress-free manner. With this in mind, good design becomes Continue Reading ...

Construction material costs in 2018 are up about 10 percent compared to last year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and some raw materials, like crude petroleum, are up nearly 50 percent. Labor is also getting more expensive as construction workers are in high demand due to the skilled labor shortage. So, as a homeowner getting ready to start a project, what can you do to mitigate these rising costs? 1. Don’t delay Building materials are projected to get even more Continue Reading ...

Cooking equipment is the top cause of home fires, and the second leading cause of home fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “Considered to be one of the more preventable types of fires, kitchen fires can be avoided by following a few common-sense guidelines,” says Tarsila Wey, director of marketing at First Alert. “Home safety experts recommend having at least one fire extinguishing product conveniently located in the kitchen, as well as on every Continue Reading ...

Across America, decks have become a popular place for people to entertain guests or just relax. The greatest appeal? The elevated outdoor living areas offer a convenient option for enjoying the great outdoors in a comfortable, room-like space that’s somewhat removed from the elements. Further, studies reveal adding a deck to your home pays for itself in terms of resale value. A 2016 report by the National Association of Realtors estimates new wooden decks recover 106 percent of their cost, Continue Reading ...

Home improvement projects are popular this time of year and you’ve certainly tackled your share of DIY to-dos in the past. But not this year. This year you realize it’s time to go big, to go bold, to set aside those traditional home improvement projects for another year and do something even bigger. Yes, this year, it’s time to renovate. Whether your plans include renovating one room, a floor or your entire home, there’s no denying that a renovation project greatly increases the Continue Reading ...

The words home improvement usually conjure up images of major undertakings like tiling your bathroom or kitchen or tearing down a wall, taking hours or even days to complete. The fact is there are some meaningful home improvements you can finish in under two hours. 1) Need more daylight? Have you ever wished your home had more daylight? Maybe you want to bring light to a small place like a closet or laundry room. Or maybe you have a room with a window but still not enough light. One solution Continue Reading ...

Whether it’s transforming a fixer-upper into your dream home or just giving a makeover to your kitchen or bathroom, home improvement projects are on the minds of many new homeowners across the country. While many things about renovating your home are flexible, your budget might not be. In general, not a single floorboard is laid, or a new countertop installed without money, which is why every home renovation project should begin with careful financial planning. To help homeowners with Continue Reading ...