Many products on the market today are designed to replicate the look of more costly materials without the higher price tags. User friendly DIY products also can help corral costs by cutting down on labor expenses. RESILIENT FLOORING: Resilient flooring is manufactured to mimic the look of hardwood, tile, stone, and other materials. According to Armstrong Flooring, specialized manufacturing processes […]
Real Estate
Strategies to meet new neighbors
While no single factor can be highlighted as more important than another in regard to building strong communities, a willingness on the part of residents to connect with their neighbors can greatly benefit local neighborhoods and the people who call those communities home. According to Mental Health America®, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the mental health of all Americans, […]
Smart mirrors for home gyms
Home gyms have long been a coveted addition for fitness enthusiasts. Many homeowners do not have the space to install the assortment of equipment that makes for a great workout. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people looked to transform spaces in their homes and sought innovative ways to exercise at home. Digital smart mirrors, sometimes referred to as interactive […]
Home design trends evolve for social distancing
COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action—work, entertainment and shops—and […]
How to determine if it’s time to move to a smaller home
Individuals work hard to save enough money to purchase their homes. And the hard work doesn’t end there. Once homeowners settle into a new home, they may set their sights on renovations that suit their individual needs. And even when buyers find a home that needs no such work, maintenance requires homeowners’ utmost attention. All that hard work is perhaps […]
Tools and devices that can keep homes safe
Homes should be sanctuaries for their inhabitants. Keeping homes safe and sound requires both maintenance and some caution designed to make homes less vulnerable to potentially costly issues. Promptly addressing maintenance issues around the house can reduce the risk of accident or injury. In addition, various items can alert homeowners to problems they may not otherwise recognize before issues jeopardize […]
Consider two-factor authentication in your smart home
Smart homes can make life more convenient, but a recent report suggests many smart homes are vulnerable to cyberattacks. The cybersecurity firm Avast revealed that just under 41 percent of the 16 million smart homes surveyed across the globe contained at least one vulnerable connected device. The Avast report found that 69 percent of vulnerable devices in smart homes were […]
Consider style, padding, insulation when choosing carpeting
When the time comes to choose flooring for their homes, homeowners may be overwhelmed by the vast array of options at their disposal. The choice between carpet and hardwood flooring, laminate or tile is a matter of personal preference. People have long extolled the virtues of hardwood flooring, but carpeting can be just as stylish and provides a host of […]
How to save enough for a down payment on a house
A home is the costliest thing many people will ever buy. One way to make the process of buying a home go more smoothly is to save enough money to put down a substantial down payment. Saving for a down payment on a home is similar to saving for other items, only on a far grander scale. Many financial planners […]
Upcycling pallets can create unique furniture and décor
In recent years, the trend of upcycling, or transforming unneeded or unwanted materials into new items or products, has become more popular. Do-it-yourselfers can skip purchasing wood boards and upcycle wood pallets instead. Unlike recycling, which is taking consumer materials like plastic, paper, metal, and glass and breaking them down so base materials can be remade into new, lower-quality consumer […]