Curb appeal is a powerful tool that sellers use to charm homebuyers. On the surface, carefully pruned shrubs and freshly painted walls tell the story of an idyllic, well-cared for property. Still, you should never judge a book by its cover—or a home by its exterior. One way to see past initial curb appeal […]
Author: Contributor
High Tech and High Style: How to Blend Smart Home Devices with Decor
By Patrick Hearn Incorporating smart home technology into your existing decor can be tough, especially if you prefer a more rustic style to a modern look. Most smart home technology is designed with a sleek, high-tech feel, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose convenience over design. Here are a few ways you can […]
The Home Electrician’s Toolbox
By Steve Willson If you have some DIY experience, routine electrical repairs are well within your reach. Many homeowners can repair flickering lightbulbs, dormant receptacles, and switches that don’t work using the right tools and techniques. You may already have some of the tools needed for home electrical projects, especially if you do a lot […]
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My DIY Renovation
If you’ve spent any time watching HGTV, you’ve likely dreamed of a DIY renovation. Perhaps you’re looking at a house that’s in pretty good shape structurally but needs a cosmetic overhaul. There’s nothing a little elbow grease can’t tackle, right? Piece of cake. If you’re considering taking a DIY approach to a home renovation, then […]
Why Concrete Builds the Most Efficient Homes
This is a guest post, courtesy of Matt Doyle, Vice-President and Co-Founder of Excel Builders. Efficiency and sustainability have become the driving force behind many of today’s popular home building trends. There are many reasons for this: more efficient homes can be cheaper to build, longer lasting, more affordable for homeowners, and better for the […]
Wiring Your New Home for Efficiency
By Hector Seda When you’re building a new home, it’s critical that you plan your project carefully to suit your future energy needs. Take time to investigate and give significant consideration to the best options for you—and start as soon as possible. Once the wires are in the walls and the equipment is installed, it’s […]
Discreet Smoke Detectors Gain Favor in Homes
These small, unobtrusive smoke detection sampling points replace traditional smoke detectors for improved look and superior fire protection. Smoke detectors are essential for safety and mandated by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), but bulky traditional models mounted on ceilings or walls can interrupt or ruin the overall design and feel of a space, especially […]
Tub Liner or New Tub? How to Decide During a Bathroom Remodel
By Fran J. Donegan When tackling a bathroom remodeling project, the homeowner usually has two options for replacing their bathtub: ripping out the old tub and replacing it with a new one or covering the old tub with a tub liner. We’ve outlined the pros of cons of each option to help you decide which […]
3 Signs You May Need New Gutters
By Fran J. Donegan Gutters are one of the first lines of protection against the elements. Sure, the roof may bear the brunt of a pounding rain, ice or snow, but it’s the gutters’ job to make sure that water moves off of the roof and away from the house. And there can be a […]
Guide to Setting Up Your Above-Ground Pool Equipment
By Fran J. Donegan When compared to an in-ground pool, a large above-ground pool is considerably less expensive—plus it goes up in a fraction of the time it takes to install an in-ground pool. But one thing the two have in common is the need to keep the water clean with various pool equipment. Many […]