On May 16, 2012, the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan (BIA) announced the launch of Made In America, Built In Michigan - The Red, White and Blueprint for Economic Recovery. The program is a grass roots effort to generate local jobs by working with BIA member companies to...
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Recently, a renowned national economist noted that while the labor market is improving, high school dropouts aren’t seeing it. For dropouts over 25, the unemployment rate is 13 percent. Meanwhile, it’s just 8.5 percent for high school grads and 4.2 percent for persons with a college degree (Associates degree or...
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Pinterest is a new but very exciting platform that can lead you to great ideas and even help you find great services for your current or next home. The picture shown here caught my eye today. First, the way the light plays off the arbor and the stucco walls...
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In the past few years, battery-operated lights, particularly candles, have become an even better decorating alternative with the introduction of LED technology. The flexibility offered by battery operated LED candles even far surpasses that of first generation of battery candles with their screw-in “Christmas light” bulbs. Probably the best...
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(Guest Post written by our friend Gladys Fuentes) My son’s best friend from high school just got a professional baseball contract to play out in Texas. My son went to visit him last week with some of their other high school friends as sort of a reunion. Of course...
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As gas prices continue to rise, many folks I talk to are considering home improvement projects focused on their backyard. In fact, this trend is growing nationwide and is referred to in some circles as “outdoor living.” I was recently at a Spring Home & Garden Show that highlighted...
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Let me tell you about a company from Spring, Texas … Terra Bound Solutions. I came across their website as I was cruising the internet looking for some backyard furniture that was a bit more stylish than I have now. I’ve always enjoyed relaxing in Adirondack chairs, especially when...
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(Family Features) From June to Sept., roses add a special flourish to yards, gardens and public parks throughout the U.S. But for many gardeners, tending roses may seem intimidating. With 23 years of experience, Jamie Shiffer, head gardener at Hershey Gardens in Hershey, Pa., knows a thing or two...
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(Guest Post by Todd Hallett, AIA, President of TK Design & Architecture) Everybody loves a little extra Garage space. Custom home clients are requesting anywhere from three to six car Garages on a fairly regular basis. Having this many spaces can create challenges however; the extra spaces must look...
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(Family Features) A beautiful landscape doesn’t happen on its own. You can help your lawn, trees and shrubs get off to a healthy growing season. “Trees and shrubs add tremendous appeal to our urban home environments, but to thrive, particularly out of their natural world, they require regular care...
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This weekend, I was searching for top kitchen trends and a perennial favorite came up … stainless steel kitchens. While that wasn’t too surprising, the following design feature offered some intriguing possibilities: stainless steel mosaic tiles. Based in Ontario, Canada, MetalStainlessSteelTiles.com exclusively offers literally any style of metal mosaic...
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(Thanks to Olga Quinn) Mom and I have been looking into ADT South Franklin for her house because I worry about her being out there all alone. I really wish I didn’t have to but since dad died I worry about her being lonely and really jus not safe...
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While it’s March and still cold in the Midwest, thoughts of summertime are easy to come by, wishing for warm, sunny days. Sometimes I think of childhood memories … neighborhood friends getting together to spend a hot July afternoon and a seemingly endless day swimming, diving, jumping and playing...
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(Family Features) When you hear the word “geek,” visions of someone overly intellectual and socially awkward may come to mind. Add the title “dad” to that geek and the picture becomes a middle-aged man wearing black socks with sandals and a pocket protector. But a survey titled “Confessions of...
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(Family Features) Ever wonder how designers make the rooms you see in magazines or on decorating shows look so good? It doesn’t always depend on paint colors or fabric choices. From fresh and airy, to intimate and cozy – and everything in between – lighting sets the tone of...
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Today I began looking for possible Easter gifts for the kids. Of course, the first thing I did was do a Google search for “gourmet” Easter Gifts in hopes of finding something a little more creative than simply picking up plastic baskets and candy at the local supermarket. Out...
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Taking care care of your pool is not nearly as difficult as it may seem from first blush. With that said, starting out without any experience can make taking care of a pool a bit overwhelming. When we bought a house with an in-ground pool, it was our first...
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(Guest post written by Derick Burks) My folks are the greatest people in the world but you know, I’m all about living a larger life than the one they live. I don’t know why I say such things but they just live out there on the farm and their...
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Okay, this post is something that comes out of the “believe-it-or-not” file … well, sort of at least. At Quick Home Tips and MyHomeCoupons.com, we are always trying to find the best ideas for our readers. I did a search today on “Home & Garden becoming popular” and only...
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Looking for a quick, easy and relatively inexpensive way to increase your home’s curb appeal? Consider adding a house address plaque to your exterior. Whether it is attached to your house or placed as part of your yard decor, address plaques can provide a unique visual element that sets...
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Here at Quick Home Tips, we are trying to save families money on everything related to their home. By natural extension, this also means we hope to save you money on items related to other activities that can affect your home. Of course, your job is one of these!...
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Today, I spent time researching carpet cleaning chemicals, specifically looking for “green” alternatives that are not harmful to the environment and safe for children and pets. My search results included The Steam Team in Austin, Texas (http://www.thesteamteam.com/). Interestingly, right under their “Carpet Cleaning” menu item was a menu item...
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As the weather turns colder here in Michigan, our family loves to watch a wide variety of birds as they visit our bird feeder located about ten feet outside of our family room. From the brilliant red of a male cardinal — who always seems to be with his...
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Recently, my husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We agreed not to do anything special other than go out to a nice dinner. When I awoke that morning, my husband had left me a single, white Calla lily flower stem, with some greens and Baby’s Breath, tied...
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Nature — God’s creation — can serve as a phenomenal inspiration for centerpieces. Nature’s Centerpiece – This beautiful display can be made in about 30-45 minutes. The greens will last 6 to 8 weeks and carnations will last 3 to 4 weeks, with proper watering. It makes a...
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Candy canes have long been synonymous with Christmas. From About.com, the origin of the candy cane goes back over 350 years, when candy-makers both professional and amateur were making hard sugar sticks. The original candy was straight and completely white in color. Around the seventeenth century, European-Christians began to...
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The following three “Quick Tips” will help anyone who is making their own festive centerpiece. When working with fresh greens, tree sap from the fresh greens can make your hands “sticky” which is just plain annoying. To easily remove sap, apply some Crisco to your hands. The fat from...
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Christmas brings with it decorating ideas that can make the holiday special. This can be especially true with centerpieces that can highlight the numerous opportunities to share holiday meals and receptions. Christmas Candle Centerpiece – This beautiful display can be made in about 40-50 minutes and will last...
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(This is a guest post from Doris Dillon.) My whole life changed when my son was born. Before he was born I always told myself I wouldn’t be one of those overprotective dads, but as soon as I saw his precious face I knew that would be impossible. I knew my...
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An educated shopper is a smart shopper. This especially hold true in the world of hiring and working with contractors to make improvements to your home. As you interview potential contractors, being able to understand the terminology they use can help you avoid miscommunication and ensure a smoother remodeling...
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(Family Features) The holidays bring celebrations with friends and loved ones – as well as the stress of setting the perfect table and plenty of opportunities for spills and accidents. But don’t fret – Tracy Hutson, a designer on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” has some tips to help you...
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Homeowners can help their families and guests get in the holiday spirit right at the front door. Since many people view their entryway as a sign of the quality of their home, the holidays are the ideal time to show it off. A festive holiday entry can be the...
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(Family Features) Zipping around from one family activity to the next can be fun, but it requires a plan in order to juggle the busy schedule. “Like so many parents, it can be a challenge to keep my active family organized, especially on the go,” says Olympic gold medal...
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(Family Features) For a lot of busy moms, it seems that kids’ activities dominate the family calendar. Between school, soccer practice, ballet rehearsal and everything in between, sometimes you need to have a plan of attack for keeping the family satisfied. Eating right goes a long way to giving...
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(Family Features) From big-ticket purchases to basic household items, people from all economic backgrounds are prioritizing their shopping lists to spend wisely on items worth the investment. It is not surprising that when buying items for you or your family, it can be difficult to decide where to adjust...
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(Family Features) Traveling for business isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of itchy polyester suits, chunky flip-phones and maps the size of Texas. According to a national survey released by Hyatt Place, and conducted by Harris Interactive, 50 percent of today’s road warriors say that...
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The new 30-page FRESH Home Exterior Colors guide is now available online to help homeowners, remodelers and builders select the perfect colors for the exterior of the home. Written by national color expert Kate Smith of Sensational Color, the free downloadable tool is designed to make it easy for...
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(Family Features) Shorter days and cooler nights mean more time spent indoors. For many Americans, this is the perfect season to take simple steps toward a cleaner and more efficient home. According to a recent survey by the Cleaning Institute Organization, 96 percent of people think it’s very important...
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If you’re a person with a penchant for seasonal decorating, why not fashion the interior of your home with change in mind? By planning ahead, you can make it easy to modify your surroundings to be seasonally-or even holiday-appropriate. To accommodate changing décor, you should paint your walls...
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Fall Care for Heat-Damaged Yards (Family Features) Extreme weather over the summer left a lot of lawns and landscapes showing signs of damage. With some time, patience and work, it’s possible to get your yard back in order and ready for the winter. “Signs of typical summer wear and...
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Protect Your Deck Now (Family Features) Colder temperatures, snow, and ice can do some damage on the exterior of your home, especially to wooden decks. Harsh winter weather can deteriorate the wood, ruin the look, and depreciate the value of your deck. Take extra care of it now so...
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According to Gabe Albarian, author of Financial Swagger, as hundreds of thousands of parents send their kids off to college in the coming months, many of them will be wondering if it marks the last time their children will be living under their roofs. According to a study conducted by...
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Score a Tailgate Touchdown Mini Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Family Features) Are you ready for some football? The best thing about football, besides watching the game of course, is tailgating with delicious food and tasty drinks. So before settling in to watch your favorite team toss the pigskin, roll out...
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According to Family Features, an estimated 56 million students will be enrolled in elementary, junior high and high schools across the nation this fall. While retailers eagerly embrace the back-to-school season, many parents cringe as the costs add up for school supplies, sporting equipment, electronics and new clothes. Today’s...
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There’s been alot of matrimony talk lately. From the saccharin sweet royal wedding to the much publicized split between J’Lo and Marc Anthony – some marriages are meant to last while others fade away. The marriage that excites Todd Hallett, AIA, CAPS of TK Design & Architecture (save for...
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Want to raise happier kids? According to GE Appliances, consider getting them into the kitchen to do some chores. That may seem counter-intuitive – especially if you’ve ever had to nag a teen to unload groceries or help with dinner. But now you’ve got science on your side. Citing a...
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The Great Recession has taken a toll on everyone. Millions of Americans are going to bed at night stressing about paying their monthly mortgage. They have tried reaching out to banks, only to wait on hold for hours and suffer through re-telling their story to every customer service representative...
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(Family Features) Summer is the ideal time to have friends and family over for casual get-togethers that are centered on the grill and outdoor dining. Add some zip to your summer party with a few tips and a simple recipe that are sure to please your guests. Set the...
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Making your “Man Cave” is as much about decorating the hideout, as it is about installing the finishing touches that make life easier. “Traditional cabinet storage doesn’t usually provide easy access to items stored in the back of bar cabinets and entertainment centers,” says Al Williams of ShelfGenie in...
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Get Temporarily Trendy…There are certain nursery items that you will be able to change out easily as trends evolve and as your child grows and expresses him or herself. Trying to keep up with the latest color trends? Add a pillow and throw to your glider or buy some...
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According to the National Association of Home Builders, as America struggles with complex economic challenges in the wake of the Great Recession, longheld principles have come under intense scrutiny. Some policymakers even suggest that homeownership and housing choice should no longer be national priorities. This is in direct...
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(Family Features) Summer is the perfect time of year for outdoor entertaining. But before you start planning the menus and guest lists, make sure your house and yard are ready to take on the fun. “Your grill, outdoor power equipment and appliances play a big part in your summer...
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Who Are Today’s Homeless? According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), between 700,000 and 800,000 people are homeless on any night in the US, with between 2.5 and 3.5 million people experiencing homelessness during the course of a year. More than one million of them are children....
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(Marketwire – 05/30/11) – (Family Features) As America’s economy strengthens, remodeling and home renovations are on a rise. “Homeowners are looking for ways to refurbish their stream homes, rather than shopping a new property,” pronounced Sarah Reep, executive of engineer family and preparation during KraftMaid Cabinetry. “From simply adding...
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This blog post is the first in a series which will outline the 10 key principles of Lean Design. Before we begin, you may be asking yourself: “What is Lean Design?” “The concept of lean architectural design is often misunderstood,” according to Todd Hallett, AIA, CAPS and President of...
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The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Southeastern Michigan’s 2011 Parade of Homes is a FREE, scattered site exhibition of new construction model homes open for you to visit. We invite you to tour these outstanding homes built by the Professional Master Builders of the BIA.Whatever your plans for your...
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The Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo (HBAGK) is proud to present its 21st Annual Parade of Homes, June 3rd through the 11th. This is a great event for anyone looking to gain ideas for their current home, or wanting to buy or build a new home. This year’s...
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Home ownership is an important part of the American way of life, and there may never be a better time to buy than today.According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), today’s market provides: Outstanding Opportunities: With the country still emerging from the recent recession, many people are...
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Removing soffits can make a HUGE difference in your kitchen by providing storage that once was lost. This according to Kristen Shellenbarger, designer for Midwest Cabinet & Counter, Inc. “Typically in a remodel, my motto as a designer is: if something can live in a soffit, it can live...
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The Spring 2011 Detroit Home Magazine Special Design Awards issue hit newsstands in April. Our friends at Lombardo Homes, longtime members of the BIA of Southeastern Michigan, received both second and third place awards in the “New Model Home” category. The second place award winner is a model at...
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As Spring arrives, the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Window Safety Task Force encourage adults to recognize the importance of practicing window safety year-round. This is the perfect time to remind all households that open windows can be dangerous for young children who are not properly supervised. While the...
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With the promise of spring, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) reminds homeowners that this is the ideal opportunity to prepare their cooling equipment for the hot summer months to ensure it operates at its highest efficiency. “Heating and cooling is the single biggest energy consumer in a...
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Nationally recognized and self-proclaimed Grillologists, Mad Dog & Merrill, entertained and educated thousands of backyard enthusiasts with the finer points of grilling cuisine at the BIA Spring Home & Garden Show at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. They want nothing more than to make everyone a better griller...
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Skillful interior decorating is largely an artistic endeavor, but there’s some science involved also, and none more important than the psychology of color. “Color psychology can help you choose paint colors that create the right mood in a room, affecting not just your own feelings, but those of everyone...
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Is it really possible to gain 40% more space from an existing closet or storage area? “Yes it is possible, and maybe more,” according to Jo Golda of Jo’s Cleaning & Organizing. “Depending on the closet or storage area, the proper designed layout and the products used to reorganize...
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According to Fibrenew, these are the top five party stains to leather furniture and hints on how to (or not to) clean them: 1) FOOD OR WINE STAIN DON’T use window/mirror cleaner because it contains alcohol which will dissolve and destroy the surface coating on your leather. DO use...
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Open floor plans, energy-efficient features, and lots of closet space are among the elements that today’s home buyers are seeking in newly-constructed homes, according to industry experts at the 2011 International Builders’ Show sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders. The research and trends presented at the show...
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The Novi Home Improvement Show, held January 28-30, featured a special “man cave” exhibit, designed to show men how to create their ultimate sanctuary. The exhibit, presented by Newmyer Remodeling and Spire Integrated, included the latest design, theater and home automation trends. The design of a “man cave” usually...
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The concept of “aging-in-place” is simply allowing people to continue to live in the home of their choice safely and independently as they get older. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), modifications for aging-in-place is the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry. According to...
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Adding trim moulding to your home is a cost effective way to make it look more luxurious, according to Helen Velas of Eleni Interiors. There are lots of types of trim, like crown mouldings and ceiling beams, to name just a couple. If you are handy enough to do...
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Imagine you’re preparing to host your annual holiday party, suggests the National Association of REALTORS®and you’re past the point of no return. The veggies and meats have been bought. Guests are already braving busy airports and crowded highways to get to your home—and then your oven won’t turn on....
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According to the National Association of Home Builders, Americans overwhelmingly oppose any action by Congress to tamper with the mortgage interest deduction, but it could be eliminated or scaled back as Congress and the Administration are looking at tax increases in light of deficit concerns. The consequences would be...
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“The holidays can either be the happiest time of the year or the most stressful time of the year,” says Lou Scatigna, a financial planner, radio host and author of The Financial Physician . “The truth is, it can be easier. We all have high expectations for ourselves when the...
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From our friend Layla Palmer at The Lettered Cottage, here is a beautiful holiday mantel idea, just in time for inspiring your own December decorating efforts. “Kev and I started dreaming up ideas for our Winter mantel, back in August- but we didn’t actually finish it until this morning....
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If you are still trying to decide whether you want to move from being a renter to a home owner, what are you waiting for? According to the National Association of Home Buyers, housing affordability is at an all-time high and interest rates are at 50-year lows – the...
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According to the American Society of Interior Designers, even if you’re not ready for a major remodel, make safety a part of your next home spruce up. Here are some tips from Lisa Bonneville, FASID, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., the author of an ASID book on designing a safe home....
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enacted a new rule for professional contractors in April 2010 to help keep small children safer from the dangers of lead dust exposure. If you live in a home built before 1978 and you’re contemplating any work that will disturb more than six square feet of painted...
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ARM? GPM? PITI? According to the National Association of Home Builders, you’d have to be a cryptologist to figure out some of the terms buyers encounter during the home buying process. Doing research on how to buy a house before beginning the process can greatly improve your experience and prepare...
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Energy efficiency is all the buzz right now — it is not only earth-friendly, but it can also be friendly to your wallet. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), by combining two strategies – curtailing energy use and investing in efficiency improvements – you may create...
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During October, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) will celebrate Kitchen & Bath Month by helping you enhance the value of your home with the free downloadable NKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner. Key features of the NKBA Kitchen and Bath Planners include: A step-by-step guide to...
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It’s the weekend and you have a whole list of household chores to do. Oh, we know you’d rather be golfing or playing tennis or watching TV, but keeping your home in good shape is important. Your home may be the biggest investment you will ever make. According to...
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The average size of new homes is shrinking, but not when it comes to one room – the kitchen. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), this multi-tasking room not only serves as the family’s central gathering spot, but it also performs as a dining area, homework station and...
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It won’t be long before the crisp weather of fall is upon us. While the prospect of relaxing into a lazy Sunday schedule calls to many home owners weary from the routine of weekend lawn mowing, don’t sleep on home maintenance tasks that will see you through the winter....
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Here are some more ways to add value to your home: Replace Old Windows. Thirty percent of a home’s energy is lost through its windows. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones signals to home buyers that you really care about the house and it reflects on the quality of...
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If you’re like most of us, the “Great Recession” has probably had a major impact on both your spending habits and your lifestyle. However, when it comes to home remodeling, there’s at least one project that’s still affordable for nearly everyone: interior painting. If you plan to do it...
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Does your home, patio, deck or yard need a new look? Maybe you’re hoping to improve your home’s efficiency and cutting back on energy costs by adding “green” materials. If this or anything else related to your home is what you’re looking for then the 2010 FALL REMODELING &...
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According to the National Association of Home Builders here are just a few of the top ways to add value to your home. A Home Office Remodel – Home offices are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity, with more people telecommuting. The number of Americans...
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With much of the country experiencing high temperatures, helpfulgardener.com suggests: Watering Don’t forget to keep up with your watering, especially as the very hot weather sets in. If you don’t water enough, roots will stay near the surface, making them even more prone to the heat. An inch of...
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To make sure your home stays safe and healthy for you and your family, you should regularly check, clean and/or test a wide variety of interior and exterior systems and structures. According to the National Association of Home Builders the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a...
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There’s a lot of talk about now being a good time to buy a new home. From the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), here are the Top Five Reasons to buy a new home now: 1. Great Selection. With so many homes on the market, you can get...
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