Drafts, or air leaks, can come into your home through windows, fireplaces and even electrical outlets, making your house feel several degrees colder and driving up your heating bills. The potential energy savings from reducing drafts can range from 5% to 30% per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Here are several ways...
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If you lost all of your possessions today, would you be able to list each item and its value from just your memory. That’s the value of a home inventory. Making a detailed list of what you own ensures nothing will be omitted if you have to recall your home contents after a loss by...
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The workplace today knows no bounds, and more people are working from home. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, about 50% of all small businesses today are based in people’s homes, and there’s no indication that the trend will slow down any time soon.[1] Despite the numbers, many home business owners don’t have separate...
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Today’s workplace is changing, and the traditional employee-employer relationship is being transformed by contract and freelance employment. That’s a trend that is going to continue, experts say. In fact, the 2017 Freelancing in America study estimates that, by 2027, the majority of all workers will be freelancers.[1] Those looking for the best paying work from...
Read more about The Top 10 Freelance Jobs You Can Do From Home
A second house might be an investment, a vacation property or a combination of the two. Regardless of its intended use, a rising number of people are purchasing residential real estate. They see real estate as a safer investment than other investments that might come with increased risks. A National Association of Realtors survey showed...
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Here are ways to prep your house before you hit the road for vacation or holiday travel so it doesn’t look empty and attract the attention of robbers. 1. Simulate activity Controlling your lights with timers only goes so far in faking activity at your house while you’re on vacation, says Mark Clement, home improvement,...
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There was a time when opening your garage door from inside your car was the latest in personal technology. Now, an increased number of smart home appliances are making everyday life a little bit easier. Used alone or together, smart appliances and home automation systems can reduce your energy costs. You can control smart thermostats...
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When it comes to home automation devices, there are more ways to make your house safer, more comfortable and modern than ever before. You can connect appliances, security systems, doorbells and even pet feeders to the internet for automation and remote monitoring. The best home automation devices can help save you time and money. Here’s...
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If you’re looking to buy a house, one of the first questions a real estate agent will ask is what kind of house you’re seeking. Everyone usually has a preference, and knowing what yours is can help your agent understand what options to show you. Because buying a home is a long-term commitment, it’s important...
Read more about Your Guide to the 6 Most Common Styles of Homes
If you’re looking for ways to save money, learning how to reuse household items is a good place to start. These eight common items can work double-duty, stretching their usefulness and your dollar. 1. Cereal bags When you finish your favorite breakfast cereal, keep the plastic bag and reuse it like wax paper to separate...
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Owning solar panels isn’t just for solar enthusiasts anymore. With the steady drop in the price of solar panels, adding rooftop solar panels to your home has become a more viable home investment option. The benefits can include lower electricity bills and an increase in the resale value of your home. But because no two...
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With the boom in the Internet, starting an online business is more practical than ever. Potential customers are spending more time online than ever before, and many companies require internet-related services. You can run an online business part-time or full-time, and the range of options is extensive. Here are a few possibilities to explore. 1....
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Installing energy-saving technology is a great idea, whether you’re moving into a new place or upgrading your current home. Different devices and types of technology can increase the comfort of your home and help you save money. They can also help you become more environmentally conscious. There’s an increasing array of devices and software programs...
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Remodeling with sustainability in mind is easier than you think, and may generate savings through reduced energy usage. Going green, however, requires more forethought than money to make your home durable, healthy and pleasing. Here are just a few of the options and products you can use to make your remodeling projects more sustainable. 1....
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December, January and February are the leading months for home heating fires. Overall, heating equipment is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire deaths. There are between 350,000 and 400,000 house fires in the United States every year that result in almost $8 billion in annual damages, according to the National...
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