Home Improvement
Remodeling
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2018 remodeling trends that boost your home's value
(BPT) - A strong housing market is giving homeowners the confidence to invest in remodeling. In fact, homeowner spending on improvements and repairs will approach $340 billion in 2018, an increase of 7.5 percent from estimated 2017 spending, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
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Create an outdoor oasis with a personalized shed
(BPT) - The backyard. It's your oasis. Your happy place. Your second living room. It's the place to go not only for "me" time - but quality time with friends and family. This National Barbecue Month, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association wants to help you make your backyard the best backyard it can be.
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5 spring remodeling projects sure to brighten your home
(BPT) - During the coldest months of the year, it's hard not to think about the warmer months to come - and all that they hold. You may already be planning your next vacation or outdoor activities to host in your backyard this summer. Now is the time to brainstorm about your spring home remodeling projects that can add enjoyment and value to your humble abode. Home remodeling projects on the rise
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How to repair water damaged dry wall
Unfortunately, water damage is a common home problem. Water damage can result from a leaky roof, a plumbing issue or flooding. So what do you do when your dry wall gets wet? Follow these tips.
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Home Maintenance
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The best way to clean wood floors might surprise you
(BPT) - Although most people envision their dream home with shiny wood floors, many consumers are unaware of the best way to care for them, according to a 2017 survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association.
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5 tips for financing your next home improvement project
(BPT) - 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 floor board is laid, or a new countertop installed without money, which is why every home renovation project should begin with careful financial planning.
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How to fix a ceiling fan
A ceiling fan is a pleasure when the weather starts warming up. It stirs the air and creates a delightful breeze. The fact that a fan is much less expensive to run than your home air conditioning doesn't hurt, either. What happens, though, if your fan suddenly stops functioning the way it should? Do you know how to troubleshoot a ceiling fan problem? Here's a brief guide, with 5 causes and solutions for common malfunctions, plus some general tips to help you out.
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How to ramp up your home's curb appeal
If people wanted their homes to look like all the others on the block, we wouldn't be so obsessed with "curb appeal." Doesn't matter whether you're looking to sell -- the National Association of Realtors says 49 percent of all houses are bought based on that one factor -- or planning to stay put longer than the lines for Powerball. Every homeowner craves what's been described as "that quality that makes you say 'wow' when you first see it."
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A buying guide to garage doors
Is your old garage door falling apart, sagging, or really difficult to lift? It might be the time to replace your old garage door with a new one that you can maintain and operate it easily. A new garage door will not only provide ease while using it but it will also provide enhanced safety, security and easy access to the garage. The modern day garage doors also have the quality to refresh and renew the overall appearance of your property.
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Landscaping
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DIY deck re-do: Resurface in a weekend
(BPT) - Outdoor living season means backyard BBQs, yard games and relaxing with a good book or good friends. If you own a wood deck, however, it also means considerable time and money spent on seasonal maintenance and deck repairs.
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Dominate spring: 5 easy steps to wake up your lawn
(BPT) - There are a lot of things people miss during the winter - flip-flops, shorts and warm sunshine. But one of the things homeowners miss the most is the sight of green grass. For months their lawns go into hibernation and disappear under a blanket of snow. Once the temperature starts to rise and the days start getting longer, many are eager to get outside and restore their lawns to their former glory.
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Spring lawn care is easier than ever
(BPT) - The snow has melted, flowers are beginning to bloom, and you wake to the sound of birds chirping: all signs that spring is here. Spring means time to give your lawn the TLC it needs, but most of us dread the thought of weekends spent occupied by yard work. Luckily, in 2018, getting that perfectly green grass and enviable garden does not have to be hard. Prevent disease and pests
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4 ways hardscapes can add value to your home
(BPT) - Outdoor hardscape projects add resale value to a home as well as bring extra enjoyment to homeowners while they are living in the home, according to the "Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features" by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). The report confirms that investing in landscaping and hardscaping is a win-win, whether you plan to stay in your home or prepare it for market.
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Plan an easy landscape project
As leaves begin to bud on trees across the country and temperatures finally start to climb, landscaping can become a great weekend project. Jeff Burke with Budget Landscaping has been landscaping since 1978 and has been serving Houston-area homeowners for the past 18 years. He said most landscaping projects run an average of $2,500.
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Roofing
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How much will it cost to replace your roof?
(BPT) - How can there be thousands of dollars difference between contractor bids for similar home improvement projects on neighboring homes? And how can homeowners get an idea of what a new roof will cost?
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More Headlines
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Products to improve your home in 2 hours or less
(BPT) - The words home improvement usually conjure up images of major undertakings like tiling your bathroom or kitchen or tearing down a wall, taking hours and hours to complete the project. The fact is there are some meaningful home improvements you can do that can be accomplished in under two hours.
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How homeowners can prepare for summer storm season
(BPT) - It's that time of year again when unwanted weather patterns like severe thunderstorms, rainstorms and tornadoes can wreak havoc on homes and businesses.
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4 tips to prepare for extended power outages
(BPT) - In the year 2018, it's very easy to take your home's power for granted. You flick the light switch and the lights come on. Same with the television and the microwave. It's easy. And should a storm knock the power out, you expect that it will be up again in a matter of minutes or hours.
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What you need to know when building a home
Building a home can be an exciting experience - but it can also be a little stressful. To make sure you are prepared for what to expect when you start building a home, take a look at these tips.
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