The split-level home is a mid-century American classic. To remodel a split-level it’s best to retain its inherent style. Whether you own a traditional split-level or a split-entry, there are key issues to address. Split-levels often suffer from cramped rooms and entries that are not their own dedicated areas. First, enhance functionality and adding square […]

Curb appeal may just be a painted door away. The entry door can be an inviting sign of things to come for any home. There are a few things to consider when designing your entry: 1) Make the door a focal point; choose a color you love. Your doorway should be “an attention getter” without […]

California must conserve water. To accomplish that goal, a 2009 building permit law will be enforced heading into the New Year. The state law requires the installation of water-saving toilets, showerheads, and faucets in projects for homes over 20 years old. Since remodelers, builders, and officials are unfamiliar with the law, the potential for a […]

Builder confidence rose as the December figures reflected a significant rebound from uncertainty induced by the deficit debate in October and November, according to the December NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. The December index is 37 points above the December 2011 level. Current home sales rose 6 points, expected sales increased, and traffic increased 3 […]

Dan Gregory, editor of houseplans.com and blogger of Eye on Design, shares his thoughts on several distinctive waterside home designs. He reflects on how each home must respond to its natural setting, as must all homes. He states that builders and designers should “Nurture what nature gives you and make it your own.” He includes commentary […]

According to the October BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), 124,00 construction jobs remained unfilled. While openings were on pace with growth in the home building areas, hiring was not. Employment was modest, the hiring rate actually remained unchanged at 5.2% moving into the fall of 2013. It has become a home building […]

According to the national Census, nearly 36 million people packed up the moving vans and relocated. Why people choose to move is affected every year by the economy, housing availability and family factors. To track geographic mobility, it is important to study what influences population relocation. The Census for 2012-2013 indicates the most common reasons […]

When it comes to finding a reputable and honest home remodeler, research is key. Avoid the lure of the sales pitch by seeking out former customers and their answers to questions like those compiled by experts in the The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council Inc. Some questions include: 1) were they able to communicate with the […]

Blogger Matt Risinger, shared his top ten gifts for handy men. Listed from inexpensive to pricier items, there’s something for everyone. Some of the gift items include the following:  1) A FastCap tape measure. It has a dry erase panel for writing measurements, a built-in pencil sharpener, measurements that read left and right, and costs […]

Is the recent uptick in employment reason enough for the Fed to decrease monetary stimulus? Maybe. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), November’s employment figures reflect significant payroll expansion. The Federal Reserve indicated that “substantial and sustained improvement” in the job market would signal a need to reduce its QE3 bond purchases. Some […]