Decks are centerpieces of many backyard retreats, and these spaces can add value to properties.
Elemental features in a backyard living space can elevate a property to an exciting new level. Many homeowners already have water features that create a tranquil ambiance, and enhancing such spaces with fire can make them even more alluring. Fire features add warmth to a yard and flickering flames can be mesmerizing to watch. Fire…
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Few things are more inviting than slipping underneath the sheets and nestling into a freshly fluffed pillow at bedtime. The serenity and rest that a comfortable sleeping environment affords is something people look forward to at the end of a busy day. But that peace can be disrupted when an unwelcome visitor also is snuggling…
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Summer is a season of relaxation. Warm air, longer hours of daylight and vacations from school and work make summer a laid-back time of year. Many people enjoy the warmer air of summer, but it’s important to have a cool place to retreat once temperatures become particularly warm. That means a well-cooled home with an…
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People considering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to borrow. The Mortgage Bankers Association is projecting that 30-year mortgage rates will level out to 6.5% for the foreseeable future. That means…
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Renovations around the house require an investment of time and often considerable amounts of money. Findings from the 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study show that home renovations are becoming more expensive. The median renovation spending for homeowners has gone up 60% since 2020. Angi, a home services website, reports the average renovation cost for…
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Seasonal allergies can turn a warm and welcoming spring or summer day into something else entirely. Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes are just some of the unpleasant symptoms of seasonal allergies, which are most often triggered by high pollen counts during spring and summer. The Mayo Clinic advises seasonal allergy sufferers to stay…
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Homeowners know that the work of maintaining a home is never done. Cleaning is a daily task associated with homeownership, and such sessions can reveal more than dust buildup or dirty walls and surfaces. When cleaning a home, homeowners can pull double duty and look for potentially hazardous situations. For example, vacuuming and dusting sessions…
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As any seasoned party host knows, guests can sometimes overstay their welcome. But what about guests that were never welcome in the first place? Pests can wreak havoc on a home, contributing to significant and costly damage and potentially exposing residents, particularly pets, to harmful illnesses. Pest infestation can occur any time of year, but…
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Open floor plans that make it easy to move through primary living and entertaining areas have been popular for decades. Open concept floor plans join the dining room, kitchen and living (great) room into a communal space where sight lines are maximized, and walls are minimal. According to JJones Design Co., the origins of open…
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