Category: Home Improvement Blogs

4 tips to mitigate home improvement costs

(BPT) - Construction material costs in 2018 are up about 10 percent compared to last year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and some raw materials, like crude petroleum, are up nearly 50 percent. Labor is also getting more expensive a...

5 simple tips for a low-maintenance lawn

(BPT) - Whether it’s regular outdoor entertaining, kids playing soccer or dogs chasing tennis balls, fun on the lawn — combined with hot, dry conditions — can mean your grass gets a major workout during the summer and early fall. But ...

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Everybody knows what air conditioners and furnaces are, but their cousin in the HVAC world — the heat pump — isn’t as well understood. Don’t let the name fool you, … READ MORE How Do Heat Pumps Work? The post How Do Heat Pumps Work? a...

5 ways to beat the heat this summer

(BPT) - Everyone has had that moment when fun in the sun turns into a struggle to stay cool. And when that happens, all you want to do is get out of the heat as fast as possible.Sometimes, however, that is easier said than done, and if you’ve eve...

Military move? 5 key tips that can smooth the way

(BPT) - Changing residences can be an emotional and logistical challenge for any family.For military families, that challenge can be recreated many times over. Due to the nature of the work, the average U.S. military family relocates every two to three...

Inspiration for Creating a Farmhouse Garden

Creating a fresh garden doesn’t have to be a daunting project. Follow along as Ashley of Heirloomed shares a few easy tips for planning your own farmhouse inspired garden. Inspiration for Creating a Farmhouse Garden Hi, I’m Ashley Schoenith, the founder + lifestyle designer of Heirloomed. I’m on a mission to keep heirlooms around for... The …

Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

Welcome to the Take Charge of Your Home series from Direct Energy! Hiring a professional to perform household maintenance may offer convenience and peace of mind, but you can do many of … READ MORE Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist The post Sump Pu...

4 ways gardening is good for you

(BPT) - In this increasingly digital world, there's an app for just about everything. People are glued to their smartphones, texting instead of talking, and, in general, interacting with technology more than they do with the living, breathing world aro...

Backyard Entertainment Starts with Clean Concrete

(BPT) - The backyard truly is an extension of the home these days, so it makes perfect sense that homeowners are placing greater emphasis on the upkeep and maintenance of these areas. In fact, the primary reason homeowners start a landscaping project i...

8 Gardening Hacks for a Greener Thumb

Gardening is a hobby that you can spend a lifetime learning about. Seasons change, seeds fail or thrive, and just when you think you know it all, you realize how … READ MORE 8 Gardening Hacks for a Greener Thumb The post 8 Gardening Hacks for a G...

8 Gardening Hacks for a Greener Thumb

Gardening is a hobby that you can spend a lifetime learning about. Seasons change, seeds fail or thrive, and just when you think you know it all, you realize how … READ MORE 8 Gardening Hacks for a Greener Thumb The post 8 Gardening Hacks for a G...

3 elements to create a dream bathroom sanctuary

(BPT) - Bathrooms reign supreme, overtaking kitchens as the most popular remodeling project, according to a new survey by the National Association of Home Builders. In the study, remodelers reported on the most common projects in 2017 and 81 percent pe...

Before you renovate, have you considered this?

(BPT) - Home improvement projects are popular this time of year and you’ve certainly tackled your share of DIY to-dos in the past. But not this year. This year you realize it’s time to go big, to go bold, to set aside those traditional home...