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 ...

Think about your favorite moments and memories from past summers. The time you spent with family and friends, dining, playing games or simply enjoying one another’s company. Now, ask yourself this: How many of those summer memories took place outside, on the deck? The deck is the perfect spot for summer get-togethers and events. However, if yours is in need of a facelift or a complete re-do, now is the perfect time of year to complete a new outdoor living space customized to fit your Continue Reading ...

Across the U.S., the housing market is picking up pace moving into the peak of the summer homebuying season. In city after city, home prices are on the rise, up 2.3 percent on average between April 2017 and 2018, according to the RE/MAX April 2018 National Housing Report. And there are fewer houses on the market to choose from, with total housing inventory down by 11.3 percent. Based on home sales in April 2018, the national supply of inventory was at 2.5 months, making it a strong Continue Reading ...

It’s that time of year again when unwanted weather patterns like severe thunderstorms, rainstorms, and tornadoes can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. While certain areas of the country are more apt to face tornadoes, virtually everyone is at risk for heavy rain, winds, and hail, which can cause flooding, power outages and structural damage. Whether you’re in the Midwest, the Southwest, the Great Plains or any other part of the country, it’s important to be prepared for the upcoming Continue Reading ...

Whether you are buying a home for the first time or you are just looking for an upgrade, it is never a bad idea to arm yourself with tips that can make your search go from overwhelming to enjoyable. Rather than learning the hard way about hidden expenses and difficult neighbors, there are things you can do to feel more confident as you begin your search. With a seller’s market in many parts of the country, these tips are even more important as you battle other buyers for the home of your Continue Reading ...

If you’re like many people, the warm months of summer are when you are most active outdoors. You’re not alone. The same is also true for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. New findings show these pests are more than just an annoyance, they can pose a health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, illnesses caused by these pests are on the rise, and in recent years, nine new germs spread by ticks and mosquitoes have been identified or introduced into the U.S. Now Continue Reading ...

No one wants to pay more for something than they have to, especially when it comes to a large home improvement purchase. So, why can there be thousands of dollars difference between contractor bids for neighboring homes? And how can homeowners get an idea of what a new roof will cost? In general, labor for a new roof should make up 60-65 percent of the cost and most of the remaining cost, 30-35 percent, should be the cost for materials, according to Rick Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor Continue Reading ...

Warmer weather and more daylight hours bring renewed energy to truly enjoy your home with family and friends. Spring is a great time to get rid of the lingering grime and grit of winter to keep your clean home happening all season long. With a thorough home clean, you can create a vibrant living space for your day-to-day life, whether it’s playing with the kids, tackling your to-do list or simply relaxing. Here are three tips to help tackle some of the dirtiest places in and around your 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 ...