In today’s sluggish economy, it’s no surprise that consumers seem more interested in enhancing and upgrading their homes rather than moving or buying new. In addition to sprucing up their homes’ interiors, many homeowners are looking to the space beyond their four walls as a source of inspiration. Extending a home’s living area to the outside world is gaining in popularity across the country evidenced by an increase in the number of outdoor kitchens, spacious patios, multilevel decks, expanded greens and water features.
Just For Fun
Should You Stay or Should You Go?
Imagine a host of people traipsing though your home kicking up dust and dirt hammering away at the inside of your walls for days (or maybe weeks) at a time. This is what you have to look forward to if you are planning a remodel. Should you stick around for it or take off?
Shower Yourself with Love (and Hot Water)
Change your Showerhead and Upgrade your Bathroom
It can be a ritual like no other: a warm, pulsing stream of water coursing over tired, aching muscles. For a few glorious moments, we're focused only on ourselves, luxuriating in a perfect, purifying act. When it all comes together, a shower is a trip to a steamy sanctuary, a place to get clean, but also a place to relax, renew, and be alone.
Staying on Budget
Help, this Renovation is Getting Out of Control!
Tips for Saving Time and Money on Your Remodel—Cost Busters
As projects go, it was about as big as they get: homeowner Maggie McGee had budgeted $400,000 for a major remodel of her New York house. She was expanding, yet trying to retain the home's architectural character. The project was projected to take four to six months to complete.
What's the Perfect Gift for Mom? You!
Give your time and her home an upgrade.
Moms are sentimental by nature: who else would save clay imprints of your hands, your messy Valentine's Day card, or the woven potholders you made her in seventh grade? Whether or not they're still on display, you can bet that any project you did for her holds a special place in her heart. These gifts last because they come from a special place—the heart of her child.
Solar Panels
Here Comes the Sun!
Are Solar Panels in your Future?
Today an average American homeowner pays nearly $2,000 per year to heat, cool, light and otherwise power their home. As utility companies raise their rates, your future bills are certain to rise. Now, whether you're driven by economics or simply the desire to reduce your carbon footprint, a home solar system can make a big difference. For example, in California, homeowners who have installed solar panels are reporting savings as high as 20% on their energy bills.
The 7 Deadly Sins of Home Improvement
Imagine the scenario: armed with a plumber's wrench, you square off with your leaky water heater resolved to fix it in time to make your dinner date. Several hours and obscenities later, you are in the same spot, overwhelmed with frustration and rage. Instead of calling a professional, you abandon it for your date (who, incidentally, has the personality of a water heater), only to return to a flood in the basement.
What Mom Taught Me: This Jane learned everything she needs to know about renovation from her mom.
Everything I Know about Renovating a House I Learned from My Mother
Let's Get it On...Your Guide to a Sexy Bathroom
It's Friday night, the dishes are done and the kids are tucked away in their beds. For the first time this week you and your significant other are alone. Slightly woozy from that glass of wine, you look at each other and are thinking the same thing: time to pop in a movie.
Picture Perfect: How to Hang in There!
Looking to Rearrange the Art in Your Life?
Simple tips for getting artwork on the straight and level
Does your living room or bedroom need a quick makeover? Before you give in to the urge to repaint, you might just try rearranging your artwork. There's no faster way to give a room a new feel than by changing out what you've got hung on the walls.