While a pretty exterior is pleasing to the eye, the outside of your home can be actively enjoyed, too. From expansive patios to resourceful gardens, there are many ways to make use of your outdoor space. Here are five external and landscaping design ideas to consider for your home:
Traditional v. Contemporary Design
For many people, the difference between a traditionally designed house and contemporary one is a matter of taste. Traditional residences are influenced by more historic styles like Victorian, Spanish, Colonial, or Neoclassical, while contemporary homes are fashioned from modern 20th Century architecture. Popular contemporary elements include sleek lines, square or rectangular shapes, heavy use of […]
What You Need To Know When Investing in Green Building Materials
One of the most important aspects of green design is using sustainable materials during construction. Any house that aims to be eco-friendly should focus on using natural, recycled, or durable resources. Here’s what you need to know when choosing green building materials:
Deconstruction vs. Demolition
Many people are quick to demolish old properties when they’re falling apart or in need of serious work. However, deconstruction is a great alternative to demolition and should be considered by all homeowners. Rather than tearing down an entire building and wasting potentially reusable materials, deconstruction allows materials to be salvaged and recycled or reused; […]
Homeowners Plan Swanky Kitchen Remodels but Have Yet to Begin
Autumn seems to usher in cozy kitchen daydreams and grand renovation fantasies. Surprisingly, only 32 percent of 7,000 dreamers surveyed in a recent Houzz study are actually contacting contractors and demolishing walls. Such a small amount of go-getting may be due to the fact that most would-be kitchen remodelers desire a full kitchen gut-job, complete […]
Does a Roof Need a Ridge Vent?
This article focuses around a person who read that ridge vents are unnecessary and even detrimental to houses with gable and soffit vents. Their sister, whose house has gable and soffit vents, is getting a roof renovation and being advised by the contractor to install a ridge vent. Is it okay for her to tell […]
8 Tips for Increasing Home Value
Different home remodels will offer different returns on their investments. For homeowners looking to increase the value of their home for a possible resale, there are some remodeling options that are better than others. It might seem wise to follow the latest trends to increase value, but sometimes simple and sound remodels can actually provide […]
Dig That Basement Remodel
When it comes to remodeling, basements have some good things going for them. For starters, a basement is already structurally laid out and will usually already have stairs leading to the main floor. That’s a good place to start. Basements also bring challenges with them, particularly if you’re looking to create a basement bedroom. Basement […]
Home Energy-Efficiency Upgrades for Beginners
Many homeowners with older homes contact the Green Board Advisory (GBA) with questions on how to make their old homes more energy efficient. While the easy answer is to hire an energy audit on your home, which will result with a tailored list of things that can be done to improve energy efficiency in a […]
Big-Ticket Remodeling Activity Up 1.1% in 1Q: Metrostudy
In Metrostudy’s most recent Residential Remodeling Index (RRI), they noted that home remodeling activity in the first quarter of 2013 was higher than expected and projected for it to increase further over the next three years. The first quarter of 2013 was the fifth quarter in a row that remodeling activity increased, showing a 1.1% […]