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Other Home Projects
5 Steps for Designing a Mudroom
Okay, so maybe you aren’t exactly herding cattle all day, but that doesn’t mean your shoes don’t get a little dusty. And if you can think of better things to do with your time than cleaning up a trail of muddy footprints, then read on for tips for designing a mudroom. These spaces are designed…
Windows
Should I Replace Windows and Siding at the Same Time?
Home renovations can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to making decisions about major exterior updates. Among the most common dilemmas homeowners face is whether to replace windows and siding concurrently. Tackling both projects simultaneously might seem like a hefty undertaking, but it can also present unique advantages in terms of efficiency,…
Kitchen
When it comes to outdoor entertaining, most of us want to be outside, where the party is. But when you’re on kitchen duty, you can’t exactly get out and enjoy the fine weather and company. That leaves you either stuck all alone or running back and forth all night. And neither of those makes for…
Outdoor
How to Plant a Garden Butterflies Will Love
Planting a butterfly garden is so satisfying. It can attract and keep an abundance of butterflies around so you can enjoy them in all their stages of growth. You’ll be doing them a favor, too. Due to climate change, urban and suburban development, forest destruction, and the application of toxic chemicals on everything from agricultural…
HVAC
Energy-Efficient Homes Start at the Foundation
Energy-efficient homes extend beyond appliances and HVAC systems; they fundamentally begin with the home’s structure, particularly the foundation. In this article, we explore how the condition and insulation of a home’s foundation directly impact heating and cooling efficiency. From air sealing issues caused by foundation damage to the role of foundation insulation in energy conservation,…
Other Home Projects
Homeowner 101: How to Paint Brick, Cement, Laminate, or Metal
What’s the easiest way to change the mood or feeling of a home? If you ask any interior designer, they’ll answer without hesitation—paint the walls. Adding color is a surefire way to freshen up a room or add some visual interest to a home. But what if your walls are something other than drywall, or…
HVAC
What is an HVAC Zoning System?
Ever notice how the second story of your home is always stifling, while the first floor is practically Arctic all year round? That’s not a coincidence. Homes often have hot and cold spots — places where the angle of the sun, the physics of heat, and the home design all sync up to cause temperature…
Solar
Are Your Neighbors Getting in the Way of Your Solar Power?
Do you have a right to solar power? The short answer is: it depends. The long answer has to do with your state legislation, local permitting boards and zoning commissions, and the governing rules of your homeowners’ association. In many states, the government protects your right to install solar on your roof. However, where these…