So buying a new home tops your list of New Year's resolutions. Follow these steps to get fiscally fit. As you picture the big moment - the one where you pull up to your dream home in your moving truck, sprint up and unlock your front door - you probably understand there's something you need to do first. You need to get your finances in shape. Just like those who make resolutions to run a marathon, making this big investment starts with a plan. Runners know that if they run a certain distance Continue Reading ...

If you're like millions of Americans, you're doing some sort of home improvement project within the next year. Have you thought about how you'll select your remodeler? Here are 4 questions to ask your remodeler. Don't be wooed by beautiful before-and-after photos - they are created to grab your attention and impress you, but they don't tell the whole story. For example, when you review a restaurant, you don't base your rating just on the food. You expect an excellent experience, including a Continue Reading ...

Here's what Americans have to look forward to this winter: While the south will be drier and warmer, the northern U.S. can expect "wetter, cooler conditions," predicts the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "Regardless of the outlook, there is always some chance for extreme winter weather, so prepare now for what might come later this winter," says Mike Halpert, deputy director for NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. As a homeowner, what can you do to get ready for the Continue Reading ...

It’s late and you’re in your favorite, cozy pajamas. You get in bed and pull up the warm comforter. You turn out the light and are just about to drift off to sleep when you hear a noise coming from the attic. You sit up to listen, but it quickly goes quiet again. You lay back down and close your eyes, and just as you fall asleep, the noise is back, this time it’s coming from inside the wall. You have a visitor — an unwanted visitor. As much as we all enjoy our cozy homes, they are Continue Reading ...

4 Tips to Help Keep Your Home Warm, Comfortable and Energy Efficient This Winter With winter comes the holiday season, a time that's supposed to be associated with "comfort and joy." Learn these tips to make your home warm. But how joyful will it be if pests invade your house, or if your home is cold and drafty? Help stay warm all winter long by addressing factors like air leaks from gaps and cracks that can make your home feel uncomfortable. "Drafts and heat loss are common problems in the Continue Reading ...

As cooler temperatures begin to sweep the nation, homeowners are turning on their heat for the first time in months. With every degree increase on the thermostat, utility bills follow suit. A warm, comfortable home shouldn't cost you a small fortune. Luckily, there are some simple strategies for combating the chill while lowering heating costs at the same time. Change the filters The summer and fall months are a prime time for airborne allergens and microbes, which can clog furnace Continue Reading ...

"Where should I start?" It's a question many homeowners ask themselves. DIY is a great place to start for new homeowners. DIY projects are very versatile - they can easily be adapted to your skill level, budget and desired project. With a little extra time and creativity, you can transform your home. Take these steps from Charlotte Home Inspection for your DIY projects. Other benefits to choosing a DIY project are that they are typically more cost-effective than the alternative and they Continue Reading ...

Kitchen upgrades can seem daunting. From full renovations to hardware updates, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your dream kitchen. To make the process as smooth as possible, Delta Faucet compiled key tips to keep in mind as you embark on the remodeling journey. Learn these quick guidelines that will help you focus on the end result and ensure the overall experience is enjoyable. Storage solutions Determine storage needs based on how you work. Take inventory of Continue Reading ...