Category Archives: eNews

8 Best Practices for Hiring a Contractor

A homeowner and contractor shaking hands over a home improvement project.

Home improvement projects help make your dream home a reality, and to do that, you may have to hire a home contractor. A home contractor, or general contractor, is employed by the homeowner to handle the material, labor, and equipment of a home improvement project as well as oversee the day-to-day tasks. This is a huge responsibility, and as the homeowner, you want to make sure you hire the right person for the job. Here are eight best practices for hiring a professional contractor who you can trust.

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Winter Heating Efficiency Tips

A woman setting the thermostat to efficiently heat her home.

Home heating costs can quickly skyrocket during the winter. Perhaps you have puzzled over the utility bill, trying to figure out how to keep costs down. Fortunately, there are easy and affordable ways to make the most of the warmth in your home. Before you crank up the thermostat settings, try these 12 tips for efficiently heating your home during winter.

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Solar Panels: What to Know

A modern home with solar panels on the roof.

If you live in the United States or Canada, you’ve probably seen many advertisements saying you can save a lot of money by installing solar panels on your home. You might have even been told that your state or provincial government will give you incentives or rebates if you sign up. But is this true? Can you significantly cut high energy costs by installing solar panels on your roof?

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Pre-Winter Home Maintenance

A hand removing fall leaves and debris from gutters.

There are many things to enjoy during the first weeks of autumn- from cooler weather and the vibrant colors of fall leaves to the first light blanket of snow. However, the change in seasons is also a reminder that winter weather is around the corner, and it is time for some quick home maintenance chores. As you indulge in sweater weather, spiced drinks, and the pre-holiday season, take time to put a few home projects on your to-do list.

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Adding a Pet to Your Home

A family introducing a new pet to their home.

Adding a pet to your home and family can be an exciting and stressful task! There are many factors to consider:  the type of pet to choose, the space available inside and outside of your home, the time available in your schedule, etc.  In this article, we’ll review some tips to help you bring home your new pet and successfully incorporate it into your living space.

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Strategies to Reduce Water Use

A person shutting off the faucet to reduce water use.

With climate change and global warming hot topics in society today, you might be wondering if there are some ways you can reduce water use to help the environment. Reducing water use also helps you save on your monthly utility bills, which means you have more money to put elsewhere in your budget.

Here are some easy strategies you can implement to help reduce your water use.

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14 Fall Decor Ideas For Home

A sign reading "hello fall" on a mantel.

From the first change of color in the foliage to the fragrance of home-baked pie, fall offers a lot to look forward to. The kids are back in school, holidays are around the corner, spiced lattes are the rage, and it is finally sweater weather. To enjoy the season to the fullest, it is important to maximize the coziness factor in your home. Read on for fall home décor ideas and tips!

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Prepping Lawns & Outdoor Spaces for Fall

A lawn mower cutting down the grass to prepare the outdoors for fall.

The summer months are coming to a close, meaning fall is soon upon us. Some may be disappointed over the end of fun in the sun, while others celebrate cooler temperatures and seasonal delights such as Halloween and pumpkin spice lattes. No matter your stance, your lawn and outdoor spaces need some maintenance. Here are some tasks to check off to prep the outdoors for fall.

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Using Colored Concrete in the Home

A garage with a blue, colored concrete floor.

Concrete creates a solid foundation for your house, yet it doesn’t offer much pop in color. Naturally gray, you might wonder if there is a way for you to add some color to make pathways and other structures stand out. There are several affordable ways to implement colored concrete in your home.  Read on to learn more about methods to color your concrete, and how to integrate it into your home!

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