Today, more people than ever are environmentally conscious and adhere to at least one green practice in their daily life. Recycling is, perhaps, the most widely practiced, but so much more than recycling goes into building, operating, and maintaining a green home. Energy efficiency, water usage, the materials used in the building process, indoor environmental…
We love our pets! In a recent survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association*, a whopping 68% of all U.S. households own one or more pet, with dogs and cats being the top pets owned at 48% and 38%, respectively. Since these four-legged friends are often considered another member of the family, why not…
Hands-free plumbing fixtures are no longer reserved just for restaurants and airports. These specialty faucets and toilets are becoming more and more mainstream as they gain in popularity and make their way into the average home. Though they evoke a sense of luxury, the reasons for installing these types of fixtures are, in fact, quite…
The front porch is making a comeback. Builders have seen the trend in popularity, as have home owners and home buyers. And why not? A front porch adds character, living space, curb appeal, and value to a home. A porch is the perfect place for neighbors to sit and visit, and for families to share…
In a previous blog, we discussed different types of cabinetry and how these add value and function to a home. Here we look at the most popular types of cabinet finishes and finishing techniques. Whether you finish your cabinets yourself or hire someone else to do the work, the products available in the market let…
Most homeowners invest in one or more home improvement projects while living in their home, whether to update, repair, or add beauty, function, or living space. Some projects return more value for the cost than others. Every year, home remodeling and real estate industry experts look at all types of home remodeling projects, including the…
Today’s windows and glass enclosures in homes and other buildings are energy efficient and designed to optimize thermal performance. That is, they are designed to keep warmth in during the winter and heat out during the summer. Windows in many older structures, however, do not even come close to providing the energy efficiency and protection…
When it comes to insulating your home, these is no one-size-fits-all solution. How and where insulation is installed, if the home is new construction or an existing home, and the R-value of the insulation material used combine to determine just how effective the insulation will be in keeping your home comfortable. In the winter, heat…
A sunroom addition to your home adds both beauty and function. More importantly, it increases your living space and can add years of enjoyment to the time you spend in your home. A sunroom can mean different things to different people, as the word sunroom is a general term that encompasses the gamut from a…
The front entrance to your home should be the main focal point of your home’s exterior. It should be welcoming and inviting. A beautiful front entryway adds curb appeal and increases the value of your home. In addition, it shows neighbors and visitors they are welcome to stop by any time. The ways to improve…