When you're in the process of buying or building a home, you're constantly researching trends and technology that will set your home apart. Fast forward a few years and you probably don't have your finger on the pulse of home advancements like before. It's good you've settled in to your home, but a lot can change in just a handful of years. If you're finally thinking about finishing the basement, updating the kitchen or investing in landscaping, there's probably a lot of new processes and Continue Reading ...

From self-driving cars to Snapchat, digital technology continues to transform almost every aspect of our lives. While these big-ticket smart items make the headlines, many homeowners are more interested in how smart technology can be used to increase their level of home security. Today, advanced image sensors, indoor video cameras and DIY security hubs allow the average homeowner to install security systems that are directly linked to the police. Homeowners can also lock doors and check Continue Reading ...

When your family outgrows your home's available space, moving to bigger digs isn't always the best option. Maybe you really love your current home. Perhaps you can't find a bigger home in your price range in the area of your choice. Whatever your reason for staying in place, expanding the home you already have can be a cost-effective option when your family needs more room. Converting an unused attic into usable living area is a reliable, cost-effective way to gain more space in a home. It's Continue Reading ...

Finally! The economy is improving, interest rates are low and many consumers now find themselves in a great position financially to become a first-time homeowner. There's a small problem though for some locations around the country - the booming real estate market is resulting in rising home prices and increased competition for the most desirable properties. The S&P/Case-Shiller national home-price index recently estimated that 2016 prices are within four percent of the peak in 2006. In Continue Reading ...

Apple computers, the rock band U2, "Rocky" and two national football teams - of all the things that turn 40 in 2016, none have transformed the American landscape as definitively and beautifully as the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program. Since its inception with partners from the National Association of State Foresters and the United States Forest Service in 1976, the program has supported and recognized tree sustainability programs in more than 3,400 American cities, inhabited by more Continue Reading ...

If you're a part of the nearly 90 percent of Americans who believe it's important to have a well-maintained yard, you and your backyard will appreciate these seven simple steps for tending to your natural turf lawn with minimal effort. According to Grass Seed USA, a coalition of American grass seed farmers and academics, investing a little repair time in early spring and a small amount of maintenance time in summer will pay off with a lush lawn ready for all your summer activities. 1. Continue Reading ...

It's time to replace your old, energy-guzzling water heater, boiler, dehumidifier or furnace and you've done your homework. You're going to save energy and money in the long run by switching to a high-efficiency condensing heater or boiler. It's important to know the nuances of proper installation - even if you're relying on a professional to do the job. A growing number of homeowners are turning to boilers, HVAC systems and water heaters that rely on condensing to maximize the unit's Continue Reading ...

With temperatures - and therefore, electric bills - on the rise, American homeowners are looking for the most effective ways to make the biggest dent in their energy bills; however, many may be overlooking some of the most important energy-saving strategies. Homeowners are more likely to do simple things around the house to conserve energy, according to the Lennox Home Energy Report Card Survey. Those simple things may include changing air filters in a heating and cooling system on a Continue Reading ...

Gardening is a peaceful activity that eases tension, reduces overall stress and promotes longevity. One long-term study found that daily gardening reduces the risk for both dementia and Alzheimer's disease. With all of these benefits, there are ample reasons why people of all ages and lifestyles should start digging in the dirt. You don't need a big yard or lots of room to enjoy a beautiful garden. With so many options for indoor and outdoor container gardening, there's no limit on the Continue Reading ...