Pets can bring lots of joy, but having one means making accommodations at home for both their needs and yours. Choosing appropriate flooring is a big consideration, especially for dogs. You want something durable, attractive and easy to maintain, but your fur baby is looking for comfort. What are the best floors for pets? Your… Read more »
Radiant floors are a home heating method that doesn’t use traditional HVAC air ducts. Instead of warm air blowing through vents, heat from a source beneath the floors warms the home from wall to wall. Here’s what you need to know about radiant floors. Bottoms-up heating With traditional heating, the warmed air is blown through… Read more »
If you don’t know much about construction, many aspects of building your new home may be foreign to you. Knowledge is always a good thing, so let’s begin at the beginning: the house foundation. There are three types of house foundations: slabs, crawl spaces and basements. Slab foundations Slabs are the easiest house foundations to… Read more »
If you’ve dreamed of having an in-ground pool just a cannonball leap from your backdoor, you may have an idealized image of what constructing a pool takes. Before you take the plunge and build a swimming pool, take a look at this inventory of what you need to consider. A complex project Building a swimming… Read more »
Hardwood floors have been installed in homes for centuries. No other floor has the enduring beauty and character of a fine hardwood floor. Today you have a variety of gorgeous hardwood floor options, including the latest fusion of classic woods with modern technology. Pros and cons of hardwood floors A beautiful wood floor brings warmth… Read more »
When building or renovating a home, you may have to decide what sort of home siding to install on your house’s exterior. There are several types of siding to choose from, each with its pros and cons. Let’s make the best choice for you. What to consider When choosing a siding material, cost is a… Read more »
Reality TV design shows have popularized converting old barns into homes, known as barndominiums. Do these televised showplaces work out in real life? Before you sink your money into a barn conversion, let’s take a look at the facts. Three types of barndominiums If you’re interested in barn living, you have several options. You can… Read more »
How do you find a good custom homebuilder to construct the house of your dreams on your property? As with any consumer purchase, the key is doing diligent research before you hire. Here’s how to find a great custom builder. Community reputation Look for an established homebuilder already well-known in the community, with a solid… Read more »
If you think concrete couldn’t be more bland, think again. Today’s decorative concrete can be a design powerhouse. Take a look at these eye-catching examples. Floors that don’t bore Decorative concrete’s popularity has grown over the last 20 years as residential and commercial buildings have begun foregoing tile and hardwood floors for gorgeous artisan concrete… Read more »
Many commercial buildings and retail stores have an entry vestibule, where visitors enter through an exterior door into a small space that has a second door for entrance into the building’s interior. Homes can also have a vestibule and its accompanying benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding a vestibule entry. What is an entry… Read more »
If you’re buying a new construction home, you may not have considered whether the builder had a survey done and is building within the lot’s legal boundaries. But if the builder encroaches on neighboring property, you could end up in an expensive legal mess down the road. Avoid this outcome by ordering your own property… Read more »
If you buy property in an area without a municipal water system, you’ll need to rely on well water. What are the differences between getting your water from a well compared to relying on city water? Pros and cons of city-supplied water The biggest advantage of receiving your water from a city system is simplicity…. Read more »
New home buyers traditionally have kept kitchen cabinets neutral. But the new trends are all about color, even on cabinets. Here are some kitchen cabinet designs being installed in new construction and renovations. Styles Finished wood versus painted cabinets — which will be big this year? Both! Don’t feel pressured to stick to one style…. Read more »
Seniors who wish to age in place or families who have members with health challenges often are faced with a major dilemma: Should we renovate an existing space or move to a new home that is accessible to all members of the household. Either way, here are several things to know regarding new and retrofitted… Read more »
Green building is now the name of the game in both new construction and the retrofitting of existing homes. The real estate industry has joined consumers, builders, and local government codes in recognizing the importance of green building and renovating. Here’s what’s happening. Buyer demand for green building Today’s home buyers are savvy about protecting… Read more »
When building a new home or remodeling, it’s exciting to choose from all the latest and greatest options — especially when we’re talking about kitchens and bathrooms. But many of today’s “luxuries” can become tomorrow’s nuisances. Here’s a list of high-end items worthy of adding and another list of luxury upgrades you might want to… Read more »
The island has become a fundamental part of the modern kitchen, but size limitations mean some kitchens cannot accommodate one. When an island isn’t feasible, a peninsula can be a great alternative. While peninsulas limit access to a kitchen as compared to islands that have circular flow, peninsulas can be attractive and functional. Floorplan variations… Read more »
Technology has accelerated the ability to have a super energy-efficient home. Here are seven must-have ways to slash your usage and cost. Cool roofing. The roof takes the brunt of the sun’s energy and absorbs heat, affecting the cooling of the whole house. Light colored roof shingles were introduced to help mitigate that heat, but… Read more »
Giving your home a welcoming custom feel is all in the architectural details. If your house is a bit blah, the solution may be as simple as adding trim. Moldings and trims on your ceilings, walls, doors, and windows add character and value to your home. Check out these five trim options to upgrade and… Read more »
Whether you’re shopping for a new home or updating your existing property, an upgraded shower is a great way to give your bathroom a boost. These days, sought-after showers are more high-tech and bigger than ever. In fact, some homeowners forgo tubs completely in favor of these expanded, spa-like showers in their master bathrooms. Before… Read more »
