(ARA) - More homeowners want their outdoor space to truly be an extension of their house and are taking steps to create an inviting area to relax, play and host guests. If you want to update your deck or patio for warm weather entertaining, you don't have to spend a lot of time or money. You can easily refresh the items you already have and add new stylish elements by keeping some top trends and design ideas in mind.
(ARA) - There's no doubt that we're a connected society - and connected like never before through email, social networks, video conference technology, instant messaging, smart phones, the list goes on. While this influx in connectivity has made it easier to do business, it has also blurred the lines between work and home life, resulting with many of us working in our homes at least a few hours each week. If your kitchen countertop has become your go-to place for paying bills, responding to emails and conducting business, it may be time to consider adding a dedicated office space in your home.
Have you ever found yourself in this situation? You're standing in front of a hardwood flooring display in a retail store or home center and you see a sign on a sample that reads engineered wood flooring and you ask yourself, "Is that real wood?"
(ARA) - With more homeowners choosing to stay in their homes longer and the full supply of existing housing stock, decorative siding accessories are providing a touch of personal style for rejuvenating and updating America's family homes.
(ARA) - It's not uncommon for homeowners to get the itch to move when they've been in their house awhile. While just picking up and moving isn't an option for most of us, there's another approach that people are taking: Refreshing their house to create a high-impact, high-style look, but doing it in a way that's cost effective.
(ARA) - You've probably been hearing the talk of federal light bulb regulations for years, but in January 2012, the talk will become reality, and these regulations will begin to take effect. While California residents began the transition in January 2011, the federally mandated phase-out of less efficient incandescent light bulbs begins with the 100-watt light bulb on Jan. 1, 2012, so now is the time for the rest of the country to make the switch to more efficient bulbs.
A hot topic for hundreds of experts gathered at the recent 2011 Remodeling Show in Chicago was trends in wood flooring. Now in its 20th year, the show is the premier event in the nation for remodelers to look to what lies ahead in their industry.
Spring is known as the problem season for termites, but did you know that what you do - or leave undone - before winter comes could mean the difference between protecting your home from termites and having an infestation?
If you're winding down a season of gardening, backyard entertaining and enjoying your deck or patio, there's only one thing left to do - tackle a few fall projects so you're ready to pick up where you left off next year. Fall's not only a great time to enjoy milder weather and fantastic leaf displays, but also a season to take care of some simple lawn and garden projects that will ensure your outdoor space is ready to go once the weather warms up again.
(ARA) - Call the family and grab the toolbox. Do-it-yourself projects can become a family affair this fall.
(ARA) - Green consumers are no longer a niche group; today, they're everyday individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to save the planet - provided they receive a bit of return on their investment.
(ARA) - With the housing market still in recovery, many American homeowners are choosing to stay put and renovate. Whether you're updating the home you love or preparing your house for resale when the market finally turns around, your outdoor living space is a great place to start.
(ARA) - For small businesses, having a well-established brand with a loyal customer base is critical to both immediate and long-term success. While investing money in brand developing tools may be costly, building a suite of business cards, postcards, signs, banners, brochures and other products that give your business a professional look can be easily and inexpensively accomplished. When your brand acts as your identity, anything you can do to increase public awareness will only help your company.
(ARA) - The wedding's over, the thank yous are sent and the top cake tier is in the freezer, waiting for your first anniversary celebration. Now you and your new spouse are starting to act on the plans you've made for your life together, and are ready to take that big step in moving into your first real home.
(ARA) - Purchasing a home can be the most rewarding - and also the most frustrating - financial transaction of your life. Especially today, when the news is filled with stories about the great market conditions for buyers. One aspect of the home buying process that's often overlooked is the extra cost that interest from a home loan adds to the total price of the home.
Given the recent decline in home values, more people than ever are wondering what they can do to ensure the home they buy will hold its value. When you're searching for your dream home, you're probably looking at things like the number of bathrooms, how the kitchen is configured and the size of the yard. While the tangible aspects of a home will greatly affect a home's potential for appreciation, you're also probably aware that the brick-and-mortar specifications are only part of what determines its value.
(ARA) - A home is a place of comfort and relaxation. Many homeowners are now taking to the outdoors and making this space an extension of the dream home they've always wanted.
(ARA) - If you have decided to sell your home, that last thing you want is for it to sit on the market for a long time. Taking some home improvement steps before listing can make your house more attractive to potential buyers and put you in a better position to sell quickly.
Renting is on the rise in America. Vacancy rates are falling across the country, and increased competition for the best units has many would-be renters turning to the Internet for help finding affordable apartments.
(ARA) - As the weather continues to warm, you might be thinking about some of the home improvement projects you put on the back burner during the winter. As you once again consult your to-do list, it's the perfect time to think about a few small projects that can greatly enhance your home's curb appeal.
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