Homeowners’ Workbook: 10 Steps to a Kitchen Remodel

Eclectic Kitchen design by Philadelphia General Contractor Kenny Grono You've decided to remodel your kitchen. Now what? Not knowing where to start, many homeowners fall into two camps. Some start…

Unexpected Renovation Budget-Busters

Source: homedesigndirectory.com.au via Drummond on Pinterest   Many renovations fall off the rails due to oversights of unplanned expenses. Do you think you have a firm understanding of all…

5 Kitchen Improvements to Enhance Aesthetics and Improve Resale Value

Nowhere else in the home does design and functionality need to be more harmonious than in the kitchen. This is the most-used room of the house, one where we spend most of our leisure time, one that…

Cabinets exposed

Knowledge is power and a basic knowledge of how kitchen cupboards are built will allow you to differentiate between the various types and help you to decide on which option best suits your needs.…

Fresh Paint is an Inexpensive and Effective Staging Technique

Experts recommend paint as a low-cost but effective way to stage your home for sale. When choosing colours for staging, it is time to set aside your own personal tastes. Showcase the characteristics…

10 Safety Tips to Remember When Using a Wood Burning Stove

A wood burning stove that is properly installed and carefully maintained can provide the warmth and comfort you need in winter. Wood burning stoves also provide the perfect heating alternative when…

Tech Tuesday Topic: Automated Bathroom Lighting

When was the last time you stumbled out of bed in the middle of the night to the call of nature? Or tip-toed to the kitchen for a late night snack or something to drink? Toe-kick lighting in the…

Decor: The Best Upgrades for Your Money

Designers at HGTV share the best upgrades for your money... "The key to any new-build is the upgrades,but they can cost a fortune. A lot of them are worth spending the money, however, because they're…

Energy Efficiency Series: Sunshades in Passive Solar Applications

In our energy efficiency series of articles featured each Thursday, we provide strategies or information on how to make your new home energy efficient and comfortable.   contemporary patio design…

Energy Efficiency Series: How to Buy Energy Efficient Windows and Doors

In our energy efficiency series of articles featured each Thursday, we provide strategies or information on how to make your new home energy efficient and comfortable. Did you know that up to 25% of…

How to Judge a Quote for Siding/Roofing/Windows

When you’ve got a major exterior home renovation project like siding, roofing, and window replacement, and you’re balancing a number of installation quotes, how do you decide on which one makes the…

How to Choose the Perfect Glazed Doors For Your Porch

Photo Credit: Freshome Your porch or some call it patio often has doors that can give you direct access inside your home. Whether yours are solid or glazed (with windows), choosing how this door…

DIY Project – How to Install a Porch Swing

Nothing says summertime quite like a tall pitcher of iced tea or lemonade while swaying on a porch swing. This DIY article from our friends at BuildDirect shows how to add this attractive addition to…

Home Improvement Trends in 2011

Homeowners in 2011 are becoming more and more savvy at reading the signs of the times. Things aren’t great right now when you consider the state of the U.S housing market, and the increasing…

Energy Efficiency Series: Energy Star Qualified Homes

In our energy efficiency series of articles featured each Thursday, we provide strategies or information on how to make your new home energy efficient and comfortable. ENERGY STAR® for New Homes,…

8 Reasons Why New Homes Beat Used Homes Every Time

With great pricing and availability today in new home communities, why would you ever buy a used home? While short sales and foreclosures may sound like a great deal, there are so many more reasons…

Plan of the Week – “Stunning 5-Bedroom Getaway”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com plan # 3912-V1 Derived from the popular recreation model 3912, this model is designed without an attached garage and relocated entrance and rear-facing panoramic views.…

How to Improve Home Cooling with Trees

While green homes often sport all manner of technical solutions to keep them optimized and efficient, the landscaping can have a significant effect on the building and its energy use. Site…

The Perfect Storm: Investing in U.S. Real Estate

They call it the perfect storm. It’s that catchy term used for just about anything these days as long as it defines the union of separate factors or events into a powerful outcome, action or…

Building a Deck: 4 Decking Essentials

When considering building a deck, there are many variables that need to be evaluated. Some considerations that need to be decided on include where the deck will be placed, and its use and the size…