A one-of-a-kind, the all-seasons deck is possible in any climate — if the right features are included in the design. The key is to combine features that protect from the elements and use the right materials to make it happen. Whether you’re revamping an existing area or creating a brand-new outdoor living space to enjoy all year long, the following deck additions can turn any project into an all-seasons oasis to enjoy with family and friends. 1) The overhead covering on a deck Continue Reading ...

5 trusty tips for a room redesign (Hint: Start with the floors) To change the look of any room, start with the floor. A beautifully finished hardwood floor adds warmth and charm — and the range of options available for hardwood floors today can truly transform a room. With choices from soft natural to cool gray to dark charcoal you can find the perfect shade for your renovation. The floor sets the tone for the room's overall appearance. Don't know where to start? Here are a few tips to Continue Reading ...

How to avoid hidden dangers in the home and office furniture Awareness of health risks from potentially harmful chemicals has grown exponentially in recent years, leading to consumer demand for transparency regarding what’s in the food, personal care products and household items we use every day. But did you know that many home and office furnishings contain chemicals linked to cancer, asthma and other ailments? These chemicals can create potentially toxic air that we breathe inside — Continue Reading ...

Getting your home ready for summer means putting away the warm clothing and winter gear, clearing out clutter and making room for lighter and brighter accessories. As you prepare to tidy and organize your home for a summer of get-togethers and cookouts, don't forget to show a little extra love to those hardwood floors. The floor is the largest surface in your house, so caring for and cleaning your floors is important to keep the home healthy and dust-free. Particularly for hardwood floors, Continue Reading ...

Home is supposed to be a safe space so it can be scary to think about things like fires. Unfortunately, fires are a real threat. Seven people die each day due to home fires, so it's important to be ready. Every home needs working smoke alarms and an escape plan for exiting the house. These are essential first steps, but there is an additional tool that dramatically reduces the spread of home fires and the risk of dying from one: installing home fire sprinklers. Home fire sprinklers save Continue Reading ...

Whether you’re new to gardening or have a green thumb, summer is the perfect season to start your own garden. Now is the time to start thinking of all the possibilities the warm weather brings! “The first step to start your summer garden is considering what plants make you happy and what types of things you’ll use or enjoy most throughout the season,” says Emily Murphy, author of Pass the Pistil blog and “Grow What You Love” book and podcast. “In gardening, as in life, I Continue Reading ...

Think about how much time you and your family spend inside versus outside. From your home to the car to work and to school, it’s not uncommon that the majority of your day is spent indoors. This modern phenomenon means increased exposure to indoor air pollution. Fortunately, with a few smart, proactive steps, you can help protect yourself and your family. People vastly underestimate the time they spend inside, assuming just four hours, when in actuality they are inside more than 21 Continue Reading ...

Today’s first-time homebuyers face a variety of hurdles when trying to enter the real estate market. While interest rates have declined recently and there are signs that more inventory may be coming onto the market, many buyers continue to feel the frustration in finding and financing a home. Additionally, high levels of student loan debt and entry-level jobs that didn’t pay as much as expected have made homeownership financially difficult for millennials. Many have opted to move in Continue Reading ...

Hurricanes provide little advance notice of their arrival, and as landfall approaches, insurance companies may temporarily suspend new coverage and coverage changes. That means it's usually a good idea to review your insurance coverage yearly to make sure it matches your needs. An insurance representative can review your policy, explain limits and deductibles, and help you identify coverage gaps. "You should ask your representative for tips on hurricane risk mitigation that may lower Continue Reading ...

It's easy to accumulate a lot of things throughout your life. From clothes and household goods to antiques and treasured keepsakes, decades of living often means decades of stuff. When you get to a certain age, it can be smart to start downsizing your belongings. Sometimes downsizing is inspired by a move and other times it's simply a proactive effort to keep a home clutter-free and make things easier for the next chapter of life. Although it can feel overwhelming, with a few smart Continue Reading ...