How a smarter home can help families reclaim their time

(BPT) - It's a Thursday evening at home, and all you want to do is relax with your family. However, the mental list of possible to-dos stops you from being fully present with your loved ones. …
6 Ways to Create a More Sustainable Bathroom
(Feature Impact) Conserving water, energy and resources is key to running an environmentally friendly household, and one of the best places to start is your bathroom. As one of the most frequently used rooms in the house, it's a small space that makes a big difference. Every flush, shower, twist of the tap and restock of restroom essentials is an opportunity to manage your ecological footprint.
Before you turn up the heat this fall, take a moment to look, listen and smell. Your HVAC system may be giving you useful information, and an inspection can help you understand what it means.
Before You Turn Up the Heat: What Is Your HVAC System Trying to Tell You?
(NAPSI)—When temperatures drop, many homeowners turn on their heating systems, sometimes for the first time in months. That seasonal startup is a good opportunity to pay attention, not just to …
Entertain Like Martha Stewart: 5 Deck Decorating Ideas for the Ultimate Gathering
(BPT) - Few people have shaped the art of American entertaining quite like Martha Stewart. Known for her impeccable eye for detail and thoughtful approach to hosting, Martha believes the best …
What are typical mistakes homeowners make when refinishing hardwood floors?
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Homeowners value hardwood floors because of their warmth, beauty and endurance.It's important to protect the appearance, value and lifespan of hardwood floors by …
Why TV kitchens have become lifestyle aspirations
HexClad reports that the trend of "set-jetting" influences kitchen design, as viewers are inspired by TV shows to create aspirational home spaces.
Caring for your home and family

5 common mistakes homeowners make refinishing hardwood floors

(BPT) - Key takeaways:Hardwood floors are valued for their beauty, warmth and endurance.Refinishing protects the lifespan, appearance and value of hardwood floors.Zack Clavin, Bona's "Floor Doctor," …

The unseen, unsung hero of the water you drink

(BPT) - By Ned MonroeIt happens so often we hardly notice: Head to the kitchen, grab a glass from the cabinet, fill it with water from the faucet.Tap water is one of many conveniences of modern …

Shortlisting a residential water softener: A buyer’s guide

Culligan Harvey reports that shortlisting a residential water softener involves assessing household demand, plumbing compatibility, system types, and long-term maintenance costs.

How Radiant Heat Benefits Homes Inside and Out

(BPT) - From warm floors to fogless mirrors to driveways free of snow and ice, radiant offers countless solutions for energy-efficient comfort, convenience, safety and sustainability.Have you ever …

The 5 stages of a remodel: Keys to a successful project

Houzz reports that a remodel involves five stages: planning, permitting, site prep, construction, and finishing. 
More ideas for your home

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 8 Steps to Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather

(Feature Impact) As temperatures cool, now is an ideal time to prepare your home for winter. Taking care of seasonal maintenance before the cold weather arrives can help protect you and your wallet from unexpected and costly repairs.

More Home Improvement News

No AC? No sweat. How to make a DIY air conditioner and 3 other heat wave hacks

HomeServe reports on DIY hacks for cooling your home during heat waves, including making a simple air conditioner, using shade, adjusting ceiling fans, and managing humidity.

The most efficient way to run your window unit

HomeServe reports that to run your window AC efficiently, choose the right size, set it to 78°F, use eco mode, enhance air circulation, and seal leaks.

10 Tips to Vacation-Proof Your Home While You're Away

(Feature Impact) Whether you're headed toward the beach, the mountains, a new city or your favorite quaint small town, it's exciting to look forward to a vacation. Use these 10 steps as a pre-vacation checklist so you can enjoy a worry-free trip.

Why More Homeowners are Making the Switch to Composite Decking

(BPT) - For decades, building a backyard deck meant choosing wood and accepting the ongoing upkeep that came with it. Today, homeowners want more from their outdoor living spaces: the timeless beauty …

Ducted or Ductless: Improve Home Comfort with an All-Climate Heat Pump

(Feature Impact) Making your home a comfortable, welcoming place starts with the choices you make about heating and cooling it. To figure out what factors you should take into account while planning your HVAC system revamp, consider this guidance.

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