Realtors have rated these projects as those with the best cost vs. value. Things that make a big difference to prospective buyers. 1. Steel entry door replacements consistently deliver the highest return for money invested. 2. Lightweight manufactured stone veneer installs easily and adds to the home’s curb appeal. 3. Replace siding with fiber cement […]

There is a renewed demand for custom homes, and here are some of the hottest trends for 2015, according to northern Dallas top home builders: Technology: Home automation. Everyone wants the latest in home automation. Big outdoor spaces: The trend toward estate-sized properties is increasing, making the demand for lavish outdoor spaces top on the […]

When families set out to remodel their kitchens, style—not space or functionality—is the main concern. According to a study by Houzz, overlapping remodeling trends have been seen again and again in recent years. Typically, kitchen remodels have several things in common: First, the project ends up being more expensive than the original budget allows for. […]

Out with the old, in with the new! Want to avoid fads? Here are some tips. 1. Open floor plans: Separated by walls, rooms seem smaller. Try knocking a few out for more room and an open, spacious feel. 2. Design accessibility: Wider doorways, floating cabinets, and roll-in showers are all great ways to make […]

A recent study entitled, “Selling into The Sun,” finds that even though it is difficult to appraise exactly what the value is, home buyers are willing to spend more for a home with solar panels. On average, buyers will pay $15,000 for an average-sized solar system. Similar studies have found that each kilowatt adds $6,000 […]

A recent survey shows a vast difference in opinion about the smart grid between younger people and the older generation. Apparently, the younger crowd believes that saving energy is more important, whereas older people say that saving money and efficiency are more important. The survey shows that while the senior citizens value saving money, they […]

Homeowners searching for a way to heat their pool wouldn’t break the bank by choosing a geothermal system. Energy efficiency, reliability, and abundant heating and cooling are also benefits of this choice. In addition, not only will there be hot water for pool heating, but geothermal systems can provide supplemental hot water for domestic use […]

Building managers can cut down on utilities cost by using hi-tech, yet affordable methods for reminding tenants of sustainability’s importance. The installation of prominently displayed sustainability dashboards in commercial buildings has prompted occupants to cut down on their energy consumption, resulting in major savings in utilities bills and benefit for the environment. The energy consumption […]

Windows are vital, indispensable components of the built environment, permitting the much-needed ingress of natural light, as well as allowing occupants to view the external world from the comfort and security of their internal vantage points. However, their static and unchangeable nature serves to impede their functionality, as glass has traditionally been manufactured in a […]

A new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United States is the first in the country to quantify energy efficiency losses due to installation errors in HVAC systems. The push for more efficient air conditioners and heat pumps aims to significantly reduce the 30 per cent share of residential electrical […]