insert_link Home Improvement Starting a New Remodel Project? Map it Out. So, you’re planning to put up a backsplash. What do you need to put into your budget? The tile and adhesive, right? And that’s about it? Try again. Big project or small, the more detailed your plan, the better prepared you’ll be for both the expected and unexpected costs that can (more like will) arise. Mapping it out ahead of time is key to your project's success. When estimating the […] todayDecember 21, 2018
insert_link Home Improvement Fancy Yourself a General Contractor? Make Sure You Hire Right If you decide to forgo the general-contractor route and hire individual workers yourself, it’s best to get at least three quotes for each service performed. Talking to professionals isn’t just about finding the most competitive price. It’s also an opportunity to figure out what services each individual contractor includes within his fee. In fact, the least expensive contractor may be a warning sign for inferior construction quality or subpar […] todayDecember 20, 2018
insert_link Home Improvement Why You Might Want to Reconsider that DIY Project Doing It Yourself is cheaper, right? Not necessarily, says Philadelphia-based interior architecture and design expert Glenna Stone. Depending on the project, amateurs beware. “If you don’t have the expertise, you could end up paying between 10% and 40% more,” Stone says. Why? While your DIY labor is technically free, your lack of know-how can be costly. And then there’s hiring and scheduling. A task like moving a wall […] todayDecember 19, 2018
insert_link Home Improvement Home Remodeling Surges in Popularity in 2018 Home remodeling continues to increase in frequency as more Baby Boomers are electing to age in place and even Gen Xers opt to improve their current homes rather than trading up to newer ones. In fact, home remodeling has surged by about 30% in the past five years, according to the latest report from BuildFax, a provider of property condition and history insights for insurance and financial institutions. “Remodeling […] todayDecember 18, 2018
insert_link Home Improvement Home Improvement Items to Buy for December According to the experts at House Logic, December and the Holidays are a great time to shop around for major appliances. The season rivals inventory clear-out bargains as the best time of year for sales on appliances. And if you’ve got more than one appliance on the fritz, holidays are often the time to find incentives for buying multiple items. Another hot home improvement item to check off your list right […] todayDecember 13, 2018
insert_link Home Improvement Redesign Your Bedroom for a Better Night’s Sleep As we spend one third of our lives sleeping, our physical and mental health depends greatly on it. Your bedroom design could actually be stopping you from sleeping properly. If you’re lacking those good quality Zs, it’s time to look at your bedroom design and layout to see if you can make any positive adjustments. Here are some tips that may improve your chances of a good night’s sleep, helping […] todayDecember 12, 2018
insert_link Home Improvement Wrap Presents Like a Pro Wrapping gifts in general is tricky, but refining your wrapping skills doesn’t have to be. Take these simple tips from Lifehacker for a beautiful holiday present you won’t be embarrassed to give. Start with the right sized piece of paper. It should come up a little more than halfway on the sides and wraps all the way around with an inch overlap. Use double stick tape for secure, flat edges. […] todayDecember 11, 2018
insert_link Home Improvement Tips to Maximize Small Kitchen Space If your small kitchen is making you feel claustrophobic, take these DIY tips from master Bob Vila to help you increase your storage options, maximize your space and get you breathing a little easier. No matter how small the kitchen, chances are it has empty wall just waiting to be transformed into the ultimate organizer. Try putting up a simple pegboard, which can serve as a catchall for kitchen […] todayDecember 10, 2018
insert_link Home Improvement Keep Insulated this Winter Did you put off insulating your home? And now Jack Frost is nipping at your nose? You can improve the efficiency of your pad by remedying this situation, and save up to $600 a year in energy costs. Of course, you can always call in a pro to get your insulation pumped up. Most will cost an average of around $1,350 to do it for you. If you don’t have […] todayDecember 6, 2018