Home Improvement

(BPT) – Between the damage caused during severe storms and the increasing threat of fast-spreading forest fires, homeowners are understandably concerned about taking steps to protect their homes from damage due to natural disasters, whether that means hurricanes and tornadoes or flooding and wildfires. According to a nationwide homeowner survey, the majority of homeowners (76%) […]

(BPT) – Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and snowstorms can occur at any time, so preparing ahead is key. However, a study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency found that only 44% of Americans are prepared for an unexpected natural disaster. “Unfortunately, severe weather can occur throughout the year, so it is important

(BPT) – There it is — a big, messy, overgrown field of weeds, grass, tree stumps, rocks and who knows what else, just begging for some loving. It’s an eyesore that you (and your neighbors) have been wanting to tackle for a long time, but you weren’t sure exactly how to go about it. Before

(BPT) – If you love entertaining friends and family outdoors, you’re not alone. Transforming outdoor areas into extended living spaces continues to be a huge trend, as anything and everything from smaller balconies to spacious porches and patios creates an opportunity to expand your home environment well into the evening hours with one crucial design

(BPT) – Are you looking for ways to enhance your home and boost its value? The best kinds of home improvement projects provide wow-worthy results without much effort. With modern designs and numerous benefits, electric fireplaces are one of these projects, enhancing the aesthetic of any room without the extensive construction and cost of traditional

(BPT) – If you enjoy building with wood, why not put your talents to work to spoil your four-legged friend? It’s easier than you think to make something special that will get your favorite pet purring — or their tail wagging! Need ideas? HGTV personality and skilled carpenter Darren Keefe uses supplies from 84 Lumber

(BPT) – With many family budgets feeling the effects of inflation this year, it’s important to find ways to save where you can. If you own a swimming pool, there’s one way to help cut costs on pool maintenance that is often overlooked: maximizing chlorine efficiency. Here are five basic ways you can reduce expenses

(BPT) – Recent changes in how people use and enjoy their homes have led to major shifts in home design — especially when it comes to outdoor living. Whether you want to bring more of the indoors out for entertaining, enjoying family time or working from home surrounded by nature, outdoor living design has the

(BPT) – Home is where the heart is, and you strive to make it a welcoming place. Whether you’re just moving in or you’ve been living in your house for decades, bugs can become a concern at any time — even in brand-new builds. The moment you notice ants, roaches and other pests, it’s time

(BPT) – Amid a pandemic and a potential recession, Americans went on a near-record homebuying spree over the last couple of years. Many were first-time homebuyers and, according to Realtor.com, more buyers searched for homes out of state in 2021 than the previous year. If you’re a first-time homebuyer or buying a home in a