Outbuilding popularity exploded in recent years. Homeowners have latched on to innovative ways to utilize designs that now include front porches, lofts and solar-powered energy attached to roofs. Often resembling small houses, these buildings can be converted into large playhouses for children, workshops and a private escape. While pre-fabricated buildings allow homeowners a convenient alternative to spending leisure...

A backyard patio can be much more than a simple concrete slab. Patios are a place to gather, relax and enjoy your outdoor space in a variety of ways. If your backyard doesn’t have a patio or if you’re looking to update the one you have, here are some fresh ideas for DIY patio projects to try. Pavers...

Knowing how to do some home repairs can help you save money and time. Instead of having to wait for professional repairs to be done, you can tackle these on your own. While it's best to leave major repairs to professionals, consider trying the following simple DIY repairs. Torn Screens When your window screens have tears or rips,...

While landslides vary in size and severity, avoiding them is an important part of protecting your property. Even if you don't live in a landslide-prone area, there are steps you can take to prevent one from happening in your own backyard. Here are three main ways to prevent landslides: Plant Trees & Shrubs to Strengthen the Ground The...

Land contracts can be an excellent alternative to a traditional mortgage, both for the buyer and seller. The seller assumes the role of the lender and gets regular payments from the buyer while still holding the property title. There are many advantages both for buyer and seller; but from the seller's perspective, land contracts also come with some...

Natural disasters are scary for humans and pets. Animals can sense our stress levels and the more stressed we are, the worse they feel. That's why it's crucial to prepare for the possibility of a disaster so you and your pet can manage it safely and calmly. Here are some tips for how to keep your pets safe...

No matter the size of your get-together, you may want to incorporate some sort of atmosphere. An impeccable way to do this is to use music, ambient noises and mood lighting. Some may even take it a step further and incorporate patterned screen displays or put up slideshows of their new vacations or outings. Here are a few...

The right type and amount of lighting in each part of your custom home can make a big difference in the way it looks. Having a well-lit home also provides additional safety. When you’re working on your custom home design, plan to go through lighting fixture options. While there are plenty to choose from, it’s important to understand...

When you want to fix up your bathroom without having to spend a lot of time and money, simple changes are the way to go. Remodeling projects that are smaller in scope can boost your home value and enhance your bathroom’s appearance while being budget-friendly and less time-consuming. Whether you want to make several minor changes to your...

The coastal vibe is light and airy with plenty of relaxing elements throughout the home. However, overdoing the theme and decor can put a large dent in your budget and leave your home feeling "overdone." Here are a few ways to incorporate a brilliant, relaxed coastal theme while staying within budget: Invest in a natural rug Natural fibers...

A great deal of misinformation about obtaining building permits exists that sometimes results in property owners not securing one. An inspector combing through your entire home looking for violations rarely happens in practice. Of course, if the house has been significantly altered over the years without pulling a permit, it’s not unreasonable for a building code enforcement officer...

Photo byJean van der Meulen fromPexels From the moment you decide to build a new home, you are going to be inundated with decisions to make. Most of these decisions are large and can be overwhelming at times, but it's important not to lose sight of the small details that will transform your house into a home. These...