Month: February 2016
(BPT) - No wonder you're thinking of selling your home - it's a "seller's market" right now. The housing supply has dwindled, creating more demand for fewer homes.At the same time, according to Realtor Tammy Reinke, buyers' expectations are higher than...
(BPT) - Communing with the bounty of nature in your own backyard is one of the many advantages of having a deck. Not only does it boost home value, a deck gives you a comfortable venue for enjoying the outdoors - and what could be more environmentally ...
(BPT) - Homeowners undertake home improvements for two basic reasons: to please themselves or to please others who may one day buy their home. Some types of improvements are for the sake of a speedier sale, such as planting a row of shrubs between your...
(BPT) - Home is all about entertaining — barbecues, parties, pool parties, family dinners and the like. All of a sudden, your kitchen is the nexus of activity as family, friends and neighbors grab drinks from the fridge while you’re preppin...
(BPT) - Entertaining at home? Whatever you're planning - big bash or intimate soirée, cheery beer fest or elegant wine tasting - an inviting and accessible built-in bar featuring handsome hardwood cabinetry can help transform mundane household space into the life of the party. And once the festivities are over, all the accouterments such as glasses …
(BPT) - When you picture a retaining wall, do you imagine it holding back dirt? That's the most common use for retaining walls - to address elevation changes and prevent erosion. But concrete segmental retaining wall (SRW) units are multi-purpose lands...
(BPT) - In a relationship, you count on your significant other to be there with you through the good and the bad. They are your best friend, your confident and your closest ally. And you count on being able to have important conversations with them as ...
(BPT) - Longing for allergy relief? To stop the endless cycle of sniffles, sneezes and wheezes, it’s time to ready your vacuum and rubber gloves. Spring cleaning helps eliminate allergens so you can relax, breathe easy and enjoy the season. &ldqu...
(BPT) - Empty boxes, piles of paper, pens strewn about - everyone is guilty of office disorganization. What most people don't realize is a messy, disheveled office space can actually dramatically reduce worker efficiency and productivity.A staggering 9...
(BPT) - Tax season means refunds for millions of Americans. Will you blow yours on a new TV, tech toy or weekend getaway? This year, consider spending that money on something that could save you countless headaches and have a long-term return on invest...
(BPT) - When it comes to home exteriors, the beauty is in the details. Custom homes have rich, unique exterior elements, including decorative moulding and trim, which enhance architectural aesthetics and create captivating curb appeal. But you don't need a custom home to enjoy custom looks. With eye-catching details tastefully placed - from the front porch …
(BPT) - For years, consumer buying power and purchasing trends have focused around baby boomers. However, within the past several years, the spotlight has shifted to the 80-plus million Americans between the ages of 25 and 34 known as millennials. Now ...
(BPT) - Have you ever picked a paint color you loved in the store, only to hate it when it’s on the walls at home? Or purchased throw pillows that you thought would be delightful on your neutral-hued couch, only to decide they look positively gar...
How the Gardner firm approaches each design.
A new book by one of the founders of our FreeGreen Plans shows how to build cool modern home projects like kitchen islands and storage cabinets.
(BPT) - Tossing, turning and constantly waking - it can be maddening when you don't get the sleep your mind and body so desperately needs. If you constantly struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, you're in good (albeit tired) company.Millions of Amer...