Posts by koakley
Understanding home insulation
Every homeowner knows that insulating a home is important for comfort and energy efficiency. But it’s equally important to understand how home insulation works so you ensure you’re taking the right steps to effectively prevent the swap of interior and exterior temperatures. Insulation provides resistance to heat flow. Heat flow is the movement of warm…
Read MoreGarage organization: De-cluttering and storage tips
The garage is probably one of the most preferred stash places in your home. The attic is great, but it can be difficult to access. The basement is good, if you have one, but you might worry about dampness. Or you have a finished basement that’s already full. Rather than continue to pack and stack…
Read MoreLook ahead at kitchen cabinetry trends for 2018
One of the first things people notice when they walk into your kitchen are the cabinets. Your choice is a major factor in both the aesthetics and the function of this all-important room. Before you decide on the kitchen cabinets for your new home or renovation, consider some of the style shifts happening. Here’s a…
Read MoreTips for choosing the right wall colors for your home
For some people, changing colors in a room is like changing your hairstyle. It’s nice to try something different—and it’s easy enough to change back if you don’t like the result. For others, the prospect of switching is a scary proposition. Painting a room is one of the most affordable ways to make a big…
Read MoreWhich is the best smart home assistant?
If your name is Alexa and you’re an actual person, you’re probably getting asked a lot more questions these days. ”Alexa, what time is it?” “Alexa, when is the next full moon?” “Alexa, how far is it to the nearest coffee shop?” And you can thank Amazon for this annoyance. Amazon launched the Echo in…
Read MoreHome energy efficiency ratings, explained.
Energy efficiency is one of the top priorities for homeowners. No one wants to waste energy (or money) on a home, appliances, or systems when there are ways to avoid it. You’ve probably seen many of the ratings systems and codes tossed around, but do you know what they mean? Here’s a quick guide to…
Read MoreYes, you DO need a home theater system
Televisions keep getting bigger and “smarter”. Video streaming selections keep getting broader and better. Siri, Alexa, and Google make it easier than ever to find the movies and programs you want, A home theater system is no longer a matter of enjoying the occasional movie in the comfort of your home. Today, it’s how people…
Read MoreAre you ready to go from renter to homeowner?
For the past few years, you might have been watching the real estate market with interest, but didn’t feel ready to make the leap from renter to homeowner. You can still take advantage of low interest rates. Why are you hesitating? Here are some telltale signs you might be more ready than you think. You’ve…
Read More5 Outdoor kitchen trends for 2017
Outdoor living spaces have evolved dramatically in the past decade. The backyard grill has transformed to an outdoor kitchen, complete with everything you need to prepare, serve, and clean up after full-course meals. Thinking of updating your al fresco culinary space? Here are the latest outdoor kitchen trends for 2017. Expand the function. A kitchen…
Read MoreMost commonly overlooked home maintenance chores
Owning a home comes with lots of responsibilities. In addition to paying the bills, you also need to keep up with the upkeep. There are some basic, routine maintenance chores that will increase your peace of mind while also decreasing the repair bills that come with neglect. Here are the most commonly overlooked home maintenance…
Read More10 ideas for a pet-friendly home
Your pet is part of your family, so make sure your furry friends feel like they’re also part of your home. Here are 10 ideas for pet-friendly home. Remove temptation. Dogs and cats have a powerful sense of smell, so they’re drawn to fragrant items and places, which could include your garbage, pantry, and countertops.…
Read MoreTips for choosing a mover
Moving to a new home is exciting. However, packing up your home and making the move can be stressful. You can make your life much easier by knowing how to choose a moving company that is reliable and affordable. Here are some useful tips for choosing a mover that will safely transport your belongings to…
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