Home Improvement

(BPT) – Chances are, you’ve been through it — when severe weather hits, there’s nearby construction or just out of the blue, your power suddenly goes out. And you don’t know how long it will last — minutes, hours or days. It’s not just an inconvenience for your family, especially since everyone is spending more […]

(BPT) – Welcoming a four-legged friend into your family is an exciting time for everyone, but puppies, kittens, dogs and cats can easily find themselves in serious trouble while exploring their new surroundings. It is important to remember that pets are naturally curious and explore their worlds with their mouths, so they will want to

(BPT) – With COVID-19 cases up in most parts of the country families are weighing the pros and cons of gathering for Thanksgiving. Experts encourage maintaining a steady flow of fresh, quality air within your home to help slow the transmission of coronavirus. Proper air circulation is crucial in any home, because airflow regulates temperature

(BPT) – How healthy is your house? After spending more time at home due to quarantine and social distancing, many homeowners are asking themselves this question. This has inspired an increase in home improvements that go beyond aesthetic enhancements. Homeowners want eco-friendly upgrades that improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ), which means improvements that support the

(BPT) – According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries — and the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Cooking fires increase during the holiday season. The type of cooking appliances used makes a difference; people using electric ranges showed a higher

(BPT) – Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays … at least for the 60% of Americans who claim they will be staying put this holiday season. While that may not seem different than the past year of working and learning from home, for many, the holiday break will bring a renewed opportunity

(BPT) – When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic first hit the United States, Americans showed up by not showing up. Since March 2020, residents of more than 40 states have experienced some type of a stay-at-home order (CDC). Major life events like graduations, weddings, birthday parties and funerals have been cancelled or postponed. Schools have grappled

(BPT) – As people are sheltering in the comfort of their homes, many are spending more time in their yards, gardens and other outdoor spaces. And as a result, they’re putting more time and energy into turning those areas into well-tended natural retreats. Not surprisingly, they’re also spending money on quality tools and machinery that

(BPT) – Finding just the right gift for everyone on your list can be difficult, expensive and time-consuming. Instead of buying another generic gift from a store, have you thought about making something meaningful for loved ones instead? DIY is trending in 2020, with more people using their extra time to explore hobbies and handicraft

(BPT) – The bath space should feel spa-like in nature and create a sense of tranquility. To establish balance within the bath, coordinate different design styles and incorporate striking natural details. Bathrooms that push the boundaries on contrast, while maintaining a minimalistic tone, create the most coveted sanctuaries. Natural minimalism Consider choosing earth tones like