Want an outdoor space to entertain friends and family when the nicer weather comes? Before starting construction, you may want to consider whether a deck or patio is best for your home. Here are some of the factors you’ll want to carefully weigh before making your decision. What is the difference between a deck and...
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Thousands of decks have either been built by do-it-yourselfers or by contractors who aren’t aware of the latest deck building codes or are looking to cut costs. In fact, most deck codes have changed in recent decades; if you own or are planning to buy a home that is over 10 years old, there could...
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It happens every year. The weather gets warmer, more people use outdoor grills – and the number of injuries involving grills goes up. In 2017-2021, an average of 22,155 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Regardless of the type of grill you...
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Home maintenance is an ongoing process. From raking leaves and replacing shingles to cleaning disposals and replacing batteries in smoke detectors, there’s always something to do around the house. The following home maintenance checklist has items you can tackle now and throughout the year to keep your home running smoothly. Monthly home maintenance checklist Owning...
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If winter weather catches you off guard and your home is not prepared for heavy snow and cold, you can experience damage ranging from burst pipes to a collapsed roof. Costs for repairs of this scale add up quickly, so prepare in autumn to protect your house during the colder months. Follow these winterizing tips...
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The end of your lease is approaching, and it’s almost time to move. One of the key things you might be concerned about is whether you’ll get your security deposit back. Our moving-out checklist details what typically needs to be cleaned in an apartment to help you get your security deposit returned. Review the move-out...
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It’s obvious that sharper lawn mower blades are essential for keeping a good-looking and well-groomed lawn, but did you know that keeping your lawn mower blades sharp can cut down on the time it takes to mow your lawn? Mowing with dull blades can also lead to a ragged cut on your lawn and can...
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For many families, game night is a big tradition. It can be a great way to make memories in a manner that’s largely inexpensive, easy, and most importantly, fun. From board games to card games and more, there are many options when choosing what to play. Whether you’re looking to start your own game night...
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With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right apartment for you. You’ll want to consider a variety of features when looking at apartments, such as location, price and apartment type. Some common apartment types to consider are studio, loft, garden units, walk-ups, penthouses and more. To help you...
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Homeownership comes with lots of responsibilities, and one of the most expensive is replacing your roof at the end of its life expectancy. But before choosing to replace your roof, there are some things to consider—and you should always consult a professional before making any decisions. How often do roofs need to be replaced? How...
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You don’t have to live near a canyon or forest for your property to be threatened by wildfire. Nearly 1/3 of U.S. homes are in wildfire-prone areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The impact of a wildfire can be tragic and expensive. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior spend a staggering $3.5 billion a year combating the fires. Key to lessening the damage to homes and businesses is knowledge and preparation.
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While many people think tornadoes impact only the Midwest, every state in the country is vulnerable to tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. each year, causing an average of $24,000 in home damage and $4,000 in auto damage Strong winds from tornadoes can seriously damage the structural...
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From bass anglers to wave riders, folks whose leisure time includes a body of water have an armada of boats from which to choose.
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Even though the fence is an often-overlooked aspect of a home, it serves a variety of useful purposes. From protecting your yard from animals and potential intruders to providing an extra barrier against inclement weather and loud neighbors, a privacy fence is a great way to ensure your property truly stays private. Putting up a...
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The safety of a home largely depends on the materials it is made of — high-quality materials can help protect you and your loved ones from whatever weather comes your way. What is a FORTIFIED home? The FORTIFIED Home™ program, also known as IBHS FORTIFIED, uses retrofit techniques to strengthen new and existing homes, making...
Read more about Conventional Roof vs FORTIFIED Roof: Which Is Better?