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Friday, February 26, 2021

How to Paint a Room

Choose a Color

  • The first question to ask yourself even before you pick up a paintbrush is: How do I choose a paint color?
  • Head to your home center or paint store and have them mix three or four color samples for you.
  • Test your color samples on different parts of the room to get a feel for the colors. Keep in mind different lighting in the room will change the color drastically.

Choose a Paint Finish

  • Gloss finish ­is the most light-reflective of any paint choice and is easily washable. Great for wood trim, cabinets and doors.
  • Semi-gloss finish is somewhat reflective, durable and helpful in areas that need to be cleaned regularly. Great for kitchens, bathrooms, closet doors, trim and utility areas.
  • Satin finish has just a little shine so it’s easily cleaned. Also great for high-traffic areas like kids’ bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, entryways and hallways.
  • Matte and flat finishes absorb the light instead of reflecting it, so they work well on walls with imperfections. Great for bedrooms and any uneven walls, or walls with texture.

Paint samples painting a room



Article source here: How to Paint a Room

Article source here:

How to Paint a Room

Choose a Color

  • The first question to ask yourself even before you pick up a paintbrush is: How do I choose a paint color?
  • Head to your home center or paint store and have them mix three or four color samples for you.
  • Test your color samples on different parts of the room to get a feel for the colors. Keep in mind different lighting in the room will change the color drastically.

Choose a Paint Finish

  • Gloss finish ­is the most light-reflective of any paint choice and is easily washable. Great for wood trim, cabinets and doors.
  • Semi-gloss finish is somewhat reflective, durable and helpful in areas that need to be cleaned regularly. Great for kitchens, bathrooms, closet doors, trim and utility areas.
  • Satin finish has just a little shine so it’s easily cleaned. Also great for high-traffic areas like kids’ bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, entryways and hallways.
  • Matte and flat finishes absorb the light instead of reflecting it, so they work well on walls with imperfections. Great for bedrooms and any uneven walls, or walls with texture.

Paint samples painting a room



Article source here: How to Paint a Room

What to Know About Coping Trim

No matter if you’re working on new construction or remodeling, you will rarely find two walls that are at an absolute 90-degree angle. So getting two 45-degree miters to meet perfectly tight in a corner can be frustrating, especially if the molding you’re trying to miter has an intricate profile.

The secret for tight-fitting trim on inside corners is coping the joint. Carpenters have been using this foolproof technique for years. It involves cutting the profile on the end of one molding and fitting it against another, like pieces of a puzzle.

In a coped baseboard corner, one molding has a square cut on the end that butts up against the adjacent wall. The other molding fits perfectly against the face of the first molding by cutting the end to follow the profile of the first molding.

Cope Lede

You only need a few tools for this job: a coping saw, a miter saw, and a round file. It’s always nice to have a few sharp coping saw blades on hand. Sandpaper is handy to fine-tune your work.

Coping saw

Set your miter saw at 45 degrees to the left. Now position the molding upright so the back is flat against the fence of your miter saw. Cut a 45-degree angle off the end of the baseboard.

Cope 45 Degree

Next, set your saw at 22-1/2 degrees and turn the molding upside down. Cut straight down and stop at the curvy part of the profile. Always cut the baseboard a couple of inches too long. You can cut it to the final length after the coping is done.

Cuttingdowntocurve

Now comes the fun part of cutting the cope.

First, make a few relief cuts to allow waste to fall away and your saw to make turns more easily. Carefully saw along the profile created by the miter cut using a coping saw. Angle the coping saw back about 30 degrees to remove more wood from the back of the molding. Concentrate on staying just outside the line. You can always sand or file away extra material.

Cuttingreliefcuts

Fine-tune the cope. Use files, rasps or sandpaper to clean up the cope cuts. Use a small half-round file for tight curves.

Pro tip: Glue a piece of 150-grit sandpaper to the face of a piece of scrap molding to get the exact contour of the profile.

Filing2



Article source here: What to Know About Coping Trim

What to Know About Coping Trim

No matter if you’re working on new construction or remodeling, you will rarely find two walls that are at an absolute 90-degree angle. So getting two 45-degree miters to meet perfectly tight in a corner can be frustrating, especially if the molding you’re trying to miter has an intricate profile.

The secret for tight-fitting trim on inside corners is coping the joint. Carpenters have been using this foolproof technique for years. It involves cutting the profile on the end of one molding and fitting it against another, like pieces of a puzzle.

In a coped baseboard corner, one molding has a square cut on the end that butts up against the adjacent wall. The other molding fits perfectly against the face of the first molding by cutting the end to follow the profile of the first molding.

Cope Lede

You only need a few tools for this job: a coping saw, a miter saw, and a round file. It’s always nice to have a few sharp coping saw blades on hand. Sandpaper is handy to fine-tune your work.

Coping saw

Set your miter saw at 45 degrees to the left. Now position the molding upright so the back is flat against the fence of your miter saw. Cut a 45-degree angle off the end of the baseboard.

Cope 45 Degree

Next, set your saw at 22-½ degrees and turn the molding upside down. Cut straight down and stop at the curvy part of the profile. Always cut the baseboard a couple of inches too long. You can cut it to the final length after the coping is done.

Cuttingdowntocurve

Now comes the fun part of cutting the cope.

First, make a few relief cuts to allow waste to fall away and your saw to make turns more easily. Carefully saw along the profile created by the miter cut using a coping saw. Angle the coping saw back about 30 degrees to remove more wood from the back of the molding. Concentrate on staying just outside the line. You can always sand or file away extra material.

Cuttingreliefcuts

Fine-tune the cope. Use files, rasps or sandpaper to clean up the cope cuts. Use a small half-round file for tight curves.

Pro tip:Glue a piece of 150-grit sandpaper to the face of a piece of scrap molding to get the exact contour of the profile.

Filing2



Article source here: What to Know About Coping Trim

Article source here:

8 Bad Bathroom Cleaning Habits You Should Drop Today

Squeegee

Waiting Until Cleaning Day to Clean

“You don’t have to wait until you have an hour to clean your bathroom. You can clean it a little each day,” says The Cleaning Coach and author of The Joy of Green Cleaning, Leslie Reichert.

She suggests using a squeegee on your shower daily to prevent soap scum from building up. Wiping a fine-woven microfiber cloth over your mirror and chrome surfaces daily and doing a quick sweep with a small vacuum cleaner once a week will help maintain a cleaner bathroom.



Article source here: 8 Bad Bathroom Cleaning Habits You Should Drop Today

7 Humidity-Loving Plants for Your Bathroom

Bathroom Plants Gettyimages 1189414301

Bathroom Plants To Brighten Your Space

Houseplants bring a little nature to any room of the house, and the bathroom is no exception. Some plants even prefer the humid environment of a bathroom, but many others need dry air to thrive. Keep moisture in mind when arranging your plants to be rewarded with a lush indoor garden. Here are some of the best bathroom plants.



Article source here: 7 Humidity-Loving Plants for Your Bathroom

8 Bad Bathroom Cleaning Habits You Should Drop Today

Squeegee

Waiting Until Cleaning Day to Clean

“You don’t have to wait until you have an hour to clean your bathroom. You can clean it a little each day,” says The Cleaning Coach and author of The Joy of Green Cleaning, Leslie Reichert.

She suggests using a squeegee on your shower daily to prevent soap scum from building up. Wiping a fine-woven microfiber cloth over your mirror and chrome surfaces daily and doing a quick sweep with a small vacuum cleaner once a week will help maintain a cleaner bathroom.



Article source here: 8 Bad Bathroom Cleaning Habits You Should Drop Today

Article source here:

7 Humidity-Loving Plants for Your Bathroom

Bathroom Plants Gettyimages 1189414301

Bathroom Plants To Brighten Your Space

Houseplants bring a little nature to any room of the house, and the bathroom is no exception. Some plants even prefer the humid environment of a bathroom, but many others need dry air to thrive. Keep moisture in mind when arranging your plants to be rewarded with a lush indoor garden. Here are some of the best bathroom plants.



Article source here: 7 Humidity-Loving Plants for Your Bathroom

Article source here:

10 Best Ways to Utilize Space Above the Toilet

Wall Mount Towel Rack Black

Best Above-the-Toilet Storage for Towels

This wall-mount towel rack has a sleek, modern look and can hold up to five fluffy bath towels. It fits perfectly above the toilet, utilizing otherwise wasted space. No more dripping across the bathroom floor in search of a clean towel! Now your towel storage can be conveniently within reach.

Shop Now



Article source here: 10 Best Ways to Utilize Space Above the Toilet

Article source here:

9 Best Electric Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard Heater

Choosing a Baseboard Heater

If you’re in the market for a baseboard heater, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the options on the market. One of the greatest advantages of baseboard heaters is their versatility. But that also means their sizes, heat outputs, additional features and cost varies considerably.

Convection vs. Hydronic

To start with, there are two types. Convection baseboard heaters use electrically heated metal fins to transform cool air into warm air through the heat-transfer process of convection. They’re usually hardwired into a home’s electrical system, but some portable options plug into a standard electrical outlet.

Hydronic baseboard heaters use an internal reservoir of heated liquid to produce mostly radiant heat. Like a convection baseboard heater, metal heating fins surround the liquid reservoir to promote heat production through a secondary convection process, supplementing the radiant heat. An electric element usually heats the liquid reservoir, but some models can be tied into a home’s central heating boiler system to operate without electricity. Electric hydronic baseboard heaters usually must be hardwired into a home’s electrical system.

Convection baseboard heaters are affordable and heat up rapidly, but they’re not particularly energy-efficient. Hydronic baseboard heaters are more expensive and take longer to heat up, but are more energy-efficient and stay cool to the touch.

Some features are common to practically every baseboard heater — a powder-coated exterior that resists scratches and corrosion, and an automatic overheat shutoff to ensure safe operation. Many are certified by an independent safety inspection agency, like Underwriter Laboratories (UL) or Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL). That means the heater satisfies certain safety standards.

To help you make sense of all the options and determine the best baseboard heater for your home, consider the following top-rated products.



Article source here: 9 Best Electric Baseboard Heaters

Article source here:

10 Best Ways to Utilize Space Above the Toilet

Wall Mount Towel Rack Black

Best Above-the-Toilet Storage for Towels

This wall-mount towel rack has a sleek, modern look and can hold up to five fluffy bath towels. It fits perfectly above the toilet, utilizing otherwise wasted space. No more dripping across the bathroom floor in search of a clean towel! Now your towel storage can be conveniently within reach.

Shop Now



Article source here: 10 Best Ways to Utilize Space Above the Toilet

9 Best Electric Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard Heater

Choosing a Baseboard Heater

If you’re in the market for a baseboard heater, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the options on the market. One of the greatest advantages of baseboard heaters is their versatility. But that also means their sizes, heat outputs, additional features and cost varies considerably.

Convection vs. Hydronic

To start with, there are two types. Convection baseboard heaters use electrically heated metal fins to transform cool air into warm air through the heat-transfer process of convection. They’re usually hardwired into a home’s electrical system, but some portable options plug into a standard electrical outlet.

Hydronic baseboard heaters use an internal reservoir of heated liquid to produce mostly radiant heat. Like a convection baseboard heater, metal heating fins surround the liquid reservoir to promote heat production through a secondary convection process, supplementing the radiant heat. An electric element usually heats the liquid reservoir, but some models can be tied into a home’s central heating boiler system to operate without electricity. Electric hydronic baseboard heaters usually must be hardwired into a home’s electrical system.

Convection baseboard heaters are affordable and heat up rapidly, but they’re not particularly energy-efficient. Hydronic baseboard heaters are more expensive and take longer to heat up, but are more energy-efficient and stay cool to the touch.

Some features are common to practically every baseboard heater — a powder-coated exterior that resists scratches and corrosion, and an automatic overheat shutoff to ensure safe operation. Many are certified by an independent safety inspection agency, like Underwriter Laboratories (UL) or Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL). That means the heater satisfies certain safety standards.

To help you make sense of all the options and determine the best baseboard heater for your home, consider the following top-rated products.



Article source here: 9 Best Electric Baseboard Heaters

Pro Tips for Basement Finishing

Installing an in-line duct fan | Construction Pro Tips

Boost the Airflow

The coldest room in the basement is usually the room farthest from the furnace. Boost the airflow on long duct runs with an in-line duct fan. These fans are easy to install, but they do require a power supply. Some are hardwired and some plug into an outlet, but either way you’ll need to leave access to the junction box, which can be accomplished with a panel or a cover plate. In-line fans can run 24/7 or be installed with an optional thermostat or be wired to turn on when the furnace fan turns on.



Article source here: Pro Tips for Basement Finishing

Pro Tips for Basement Finishing

Installing an in-line duct fan | Construction Pro Tips

Boost the Airflow

The coldest room in the basement is usually the room farthest from the furnace. Boost the airflow on long duct runs with an in-line duct fan. These fans are easy to install, but they do require a power supply. Some are hardwired and some plug into an outlet, but either way you’ll need to leave access to the junction box, which can be accomplished with a panel or a cover plate. In-line fans can run 24/7 or be installed with an optional thermostat or be wired to turn on when the furnace fan turns on.



Article source here: Pro Tips for Basement Finishing

Article source here:

7 Best Paints for an Outdoor Fence

Painting A Fence

What Paint to Use on Outdoor Fences

Fences around your home provide security, privacy and curb appeal. Whether they’re made of wood, metal, brick, stucco or masonry, it’s important to keep them from succumbing to the elements, age and abuse. All it takes to have a fence you can be proud of is the right paint, a little know-how and a weekend of your time.

Here are some facts about outdoor fence paint.

Types of fence paint

Oil-Based

Oil-based (a.k.a. alkyd) is a long-lasting paint that tends to be more durable than water-based emollients. Oils take longer to dry and require paint thinner for cleanup. But if you’re looking for a tough, enameled (satin, semi-gloss or glossy) finish that withstands outdoor exposure, there’s no substitute.

Water-Based

Latex (a.k.a. acrylic) paint is a water-based formula that makes a good all-purpose paint solution. Acrylic paint is flexible — expanding and contracting with changes in temperatures — to resist cracking and blistering. Latex paint is also less toxic and better for the environment.

Primer

A primer is an undercoat that creates a bonding layer on a surface to seal it for painting. Besides blocking stains from wood tannins and mildew from moisture, primers give surfaces “teeth” to make the paint adhere better.

A lot of exterior paint formulas are self-priming. If the paint you choose is not, we recommend applying a quality primer to achieve the best results.



Article source here: 7 Best Paints for an Outdoor Fence

7 Best Paints for an Outdoor Fence

Painting A Fence

What Paint to Use on Outdoor Fences

Fences around your home provide security, privacy and curb appeal. Whether they’re made of wood, metal, brick, stucco or masonry, it’s important to keep them from succumbing to the elements, age and abuse. All it takes to have a fence you can be proud of is the right paint, a little know-how and a weekend of your time.

Here are some facts about outdoor fence paint.

Types of fence paint

Oil-Based

Oil-based (a.k.a. alkyd) is a long-lasting paint that tends to be more durable than water-based emollients. Oils take longer to dry and require paint thinner for cleanup. But if you’re looking for a tough, enameled (satin, semi-gloss or glossy) finish that withstands outdoor exposure, there’s no substitute.

Water-Based

Latex (a.k.a. acrylic) paint is a water-based formula that makes a good all-purpose paint solution. Acrylic paint is flexible — expanding and contracting with changes in temperatures — to resist cracking and blistering. Latex paint is also less toxic and better for the environment.

Primer

A primer is an undercoat that creates a bonding layer on a surface to seal it for painting. Besides blocking stains from wood tannins and mildew from moisture, primers give surfaces “teeth” to make the paint adhere better.

A lot of exterior paint formulas are self-priming. If the paint you choose is not, we recommend applying a quality primer to achieve the best results.



Article source here: 7 Best Paints for an Outdoor Fence

Article source here:

‘Shark Tank’ Star and Lowes Launch Home Improvement Competition

More than 1,300 participants competed in Lowe’s first virtual pitch program aimed at supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs with home improvement products. The competition, “Making It… With Lowe’s” was hosted by Daymond John, star of Shark Tank, and had a similar feel to the popular ABC television show. Of the 1,300 submissions, roughly 400 products were evaluated before being narrowed down.

A panel of top Lowe’s executives, including CEO Marvin Ellison, gathered to hear pitches and ultimately choose which products they would feature in stores and display online at lowes.com. Five products were pitched, with three elimination rounds to eventually select a winner. All finalists were awarded grants of varied values. See some of the other inventors we’re thankful for.

Here are the final five products:

Grease Hero:  Shawn Santos, a property manager from Honolulu, HI, invented a specialized drain catcher after years of addressing tenants’ clogged drains. His pitched product was designed to prevent future sewer clogs. Made with recycled paper materials, it’s designed to fit inside a sink’s drain and absorb used cooking oil for easy disposal.

Python Plunger: Kim Huber, from Grant, Minn., pitched an innovative tool “combining the power of the rotating drain snake with the design familiarity of the household plunger.”

Handle and Haul: Joe Porche, from Metairie, La, was badly injured after being hit by a drunk driver. Looking for a way to better lift heavy and awkward items, Porche invented the “handle and haul.” Its innovative design safely grabs and moves bulk items with a tie-down strap and adjustable handle.

SoilKit: Christina Woerner McInnis, from Foley, Ala., created a product designed to allow consumers to gather and submit soil samples to receive expert lab reports. Those reports are aimed at giving farmers a road map to help keep their lawns and gardens healthy.

Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce: Taufeek Shah, from Des Moines, Ia., turned a decades-old family tradition into a successful business with his mom’s homemade hot sauce recipe. Lowe’s claims it’s the only minority-owned hot sauce company in the U.S. and uses the world’s hottest peppers.

“Acknowledgement from such a large company like Lowe’s brings such a feeling of validation that all the hard work to this point is paying off,” Santos said.

Watch the video below to see more about the five finalists, and which product was ultimately named the competition champion.

You can also watch the video here.

The Handle and Haul was named the eventual champion. Porche’s lift device beat out Shah’s hot sauce in the semifinals, and then McInnis’ soil tester in the finals. Lowe’s will sell all three products but Porche’s is already available. The online listing said the handle and straps have a maximum weight limit of 400 pounds and a one-year warranty.

“You go from an idea to a product and you work really hard — you just can’t imagine you’d be in a place like this and have an opportunity like this,” Porche said after being announced as the winner. “Words cannot explain how I feel right now.”

Lowe’s did not say if there would be a second competition.



Article source here: ‘Shark Tank’ Star and Lowes Launch Home Improvement Competition

‘Shark Tank’ Star and Lowes Launch Home Improvement Competition

More than 1,300 participants competed in Lowe’s first virtual pitch program aimed at supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs with home improvement products. The competition, “Making It… With Lowe’s” was hosted by Daymond John, star of Shark Tank, and had a similar feel to the popular ABC television show. Of the 1,300 submissions, roughly 400 products were evaluated before being narrowed down.

A panel of top Lowe’s executives, including CEO Marvin Ellison, gathered to hear pitches and ultimately choose which products they would feature in stores and display online at lowes.com. Five products were pitched, with three elimination rounds to eventually select a winner. All finalists were awarded grants of varied values. See some of the other inventors we’re thankful for.

Here are the final five products:

Grease Hero:  Shawn Santos, a property manager from Honolulu, HI, invented a specialized drain catcher after years of addressing tenants’ clogged drains. His pitched product was designed to prevent future sewer clogs. Made with recycled paper materials, it’s designed to fit inside a sink’s drain and absorb used cooking oil for easy disposal.

Python Plunger: Kim Huber, from Grant, Minn., pitched an innovative tool “combining the power of the rotating drain snake with the design familiarity of the household plunger.”

Handle and Haul: Joe Porche, from Metairie, La, was badly injured after being hit by a drunk driver. Looking for a way to better lift heavy and awkward items, Porche invented the “handle and haul.” Its innovative design safely grabs and moves bulk items with a tie-down strap and adjustable handle.

SoilKit: Christina Woerner McInnis, from Foley, Ala., created a product designed to allow consumers to gather and submit soil samples to receive expert lab reports. Those reports are aimed at giving farmers a road map to help keep their lawns and gardens healthy.

Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce: Taufeek Shah, from Des Moines, Ia., turned a decades-old family tradition into a successful business with his mom’s homemade hot sauce recipe. Lowe’s claims it’s the only minority-owned hot sauce company in the U.S. and uses the world’s hottest peppers.

“Acknowledgement from such a large company like Lowe’s brings such a feeling of validation that all the hard work to this point is paying off,” Santos said.

Watch the video below to see more about the five finalists, and which product was ultimately named the competition champion.

You can also watch the video here.

The Handle and Haul was named the eventual champion. Porche’s lift device beat out Shah’s hot sauce in the semifinals, and then McInnis’ soil tester in the finals. Lowe’s will sell all three products but Porche’s is already available. The online listing said the handle and straps have a maximum weight limit of 400 pounds and a one-year warranty.

“You go from an idea to a product and you work really hard — you just can’t imagine you’d be in a place like this and have an opportunity like this,” Porche said after being announced as the winner. “Words cannot explain how I feel right now.”

Lowe’s did not say if there would be a second competition.



Article source here: ‘Shark Tank’ Star and Lowes Launch Home Improvement Competition

Article source here:

Home Improvement Spending Expected to Surge

Home improvement spending is showing no signs of slowing down, according to a recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University. In fact, spending is expected to increase in nearly every major U.S. metropolitan area in 2021.

The projections, released annually in the first quarter, are “designed to project the annual rate of change in spending for the current quarter and subsequent three quarters,” according to the study. It found that 42 of the 46 largest U.S. cities are expected to see increased spending on home improvement projects. The exceptions: New York City, Denver, Boston and San Jose.

The Rise in DIY and Home Improvement Spending

Home improvement popularity grew immensely in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, largely due to stay-at-home orders and employees working from home. Large metro areas saw an estimated two percent rise in remodeling gains in 2020, according to the study.

Nationally, that average is expected to grow to almost five percent in 2021, with 14 metro areas projected to grow by six percent or more. Seventeen additional regions are projected for gains between three and six percent, according to the study.

There are several free tools that help estimate the cost of a DIY or contractor remodeling project. Here we’ve rounded up the top remodeling estimators, with highlights, so you can find the best one for your project.

Top Cities Where Increased Spending Is Expected

San Antonio

The cities with the highest projected growth on the JCHS list were San Antonio, Phoenix, Charlotte, Tucson, Ariz., Austin, Tex. and Oklahoma City. Those cities are expected to have the largest percentage increase in spending.

It’s important to understand not all home improvement projects offer the same return on investment. Here are the projects that have the best cost vs. value.

“The largest remodeling spending gains are projected to occur in relatively more affordable metros in the Sunbelt,” said Abbe Will, associate project director in the Remodeling Futures Program at the JCHS.

Harvard’s study supports a similar study produced by Axiom, a Minneapolis, Minn. marketing firm. Axiom found that more than 90 percent of DIYers said they plan to spend as much or more time on home projects in 2021 compared to last year, and that 56 percent of respondents intend on hiring a professional for all or part of projects. Approximately 64 percent of projects planned for 2021 are expected to cost more than $1,000, according to Axiom.

Thirty-one percent of Axiom’s survey responders said they were planning yard and landscape work, more than any other project type. Twenty-five percent listed fixing or building a deck/patio. At-home entertainment areas have increased in demand with bars and restaurants shut down at times during the pandemic.

“Homeowners said they definitely gained confidence in their own skills because of what they accomplished last year,” said Stacy Einck, building products practice lead at Axiom. “Once you know how to do something and believe you can handle the work, it becomes a big motivator to dive into the next project.”

Home Improvement’s Housing Market Impact

Approximately 5.64 million homes were sold in 2020, an increase of 5.6 percent from 2019, according to online real estate marketplace Zillow.

Mortgage rates, which dropped to record lows last year during the height of the pandemic, have fluctuated in the first month of 2021. Lower rates, coupled with historically low inventory in houses for sale, have driven up prices. In January, Zillow predicted these cities would be the hottest and coldest housing markets.

“Broad strength in house price appreciation, existing home sales, and residential construction suggest that many metros will see greater renovation activity this year,” Will said.

However, here’s why Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell believes high housing prices are unsustainable and could be dropping soon.



Article source here: Home Improvement Spending Expected to Surge

Article source here:

Home Improvement Spending Expected to Surge

Home improvement spending is showing no signs of slowing down, according to a recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University. In fact, spending is expected to increase in nearly every major U.S. metropolitan area in 2021.

The projections, released annually in the first quarter, are “designed to project the annual rate of change in spending for the current quarter and subsequent three quarters,” according to the study. It found that 42 of the 46 largest U.S. cities are expected to see increased spending on home improvement projects. The exceptions: New York City, Denver, Boston and San Jose.

The Rise in DIY and Home Improvement Spending

Home improvement popularity grew immensely in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, largely due to stay-at-home orders and employees working from home. Large metro areas saw an estimated two percent rise in remodeling gains in 2020, according to the study.

Nationally, that average is expected to grow to almost five percent in 2021, with 14 metro areas projected to grow by six percent or more. Seventeen additional regions are projected for gains between three and six percent, according to the study.

There are several free tools that help estimate the cost of a DIY or contractor remodeling project. Here we’ve rounded up the top remodeling estimators, with highlights, so you can find the best one for your project.

Top Cities Where Increased Spending Is Expected

San Antonio

The cities with the highest projected growth on the JCHS list were San Antonio, Phoenix, Charlotte, Tucson, Ariz., Austin, Tex. and Oklahoma City. Those cities are expected to have the largest percentage increase in spending.

It’s important to understand not all home improvement projects offer the same return on investment. Here are the projects that have the best cost vs. value.

“The largest remodeling spending gains are projected to occur in relatively more affordable metros in the Sunbelt,” said Abbe Will, associate project director in the Remodeling Futures Program at the JCHS.

Harvard’s study supports a similar study produced by Axiom, a Minneapolis, Minn. marketing firm. Axiom found that more than 90 percent of DIYers said they plan to spend as much or more time on home projects in 2021 compared to last year, and that 56 percent of respondents intend on hiring a professional for all or part of projects. Approximately 64 percent of projects planned for 2021 are expected to cost more than $1,000, according to Axiom.

Thirty-one percent of Axiom’s survey responders said they were planning yard and landscape work, more than any other project type. Twenty-five percent listed fixing or building a deck/patio. At-home entertainment areas have increased in demand with bars and restaurants shut down at times during the pandemic.

“Homeowners said they definitely gained confidence in their own skills because of what they accomplished last year,” said Stacy Einck, building products practice lead at Axiom. “Once you know how to do something and believe you can handle the work, it becomes a big motivator to dive into the next project.”

Home Improvement’s Housing Market Impact

Approximately 5.64 million homes were sold in 2020, an increase of 5.6 percent from 2019, according to online real estate marketplace Zillow.

Mortgage rates, which dropped to record lows last year during the height of the pandemic, have fluctuated in the first month of 2021. Lower rates, coupled with historically low inventory in houses for sale, have driven up prices. In January, Zillow predicted these cities would be the hottest and coldest housing markets.

“Broad strength in house price appreciation, existing home sales, and residential construction suggest that many metros will see greater renovation activity this year,” Will said.

However, here’s why Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell believes high housing prices are unsustainable and could be dropping soon.



Article source here: Home Improvement Spending Expected to Surge

40 Best Lawn Care Products You Need This Spring

Super-Easy String ReplacementFamily Handyman

Super-Easy String Replacement

I loved my string trimmer—except when it came time to replace the string. Then I hated it! Replacing string was practically a two-person job. So I was pretty excited when I ran across Oregon's new string trimmer head. The Gator SpeedLoad Cutting System attaches to most popular trimmers and makes string replacement super easy. The heavy-duty string comes coiled on a disk. All you do is plop the disk into position, feed out the two string ends (and not through tiny little holes, like on my old one), and snap on the cap. My property is several acres, so if I'm close to running out of string, I slip a replacement spool in my pocket before I head out. That way I don't have to walk all the way back to my shop to reload. — Mark Petersen. Get it today!


Article source here: 40 Best Lawn Care Products You Need This Spring

40 Best Lawn Care Products You Need This Spring

Super-Easy String Replacement
Family Handyman

Super-Easy String Replacement

I loved my string trimmer—except when it came time to replace the string. Then I hated it! Replacing string was practically a two-person job. So I was pretty excited when I ran across Oregon’s new string trimmer head. The Gator SpeedLoad Cutting System attaches to most popular trimmers and makes string replacement super easy. The heavy-duty string comes coiled on a disk. All you do is plop the disk into position, feed out the two string ends (and not through tiny little holes, like on my old one), and snap on the cap. My property is several acres, so if I’m close to running out of string, I slip a replacement spool in my pocket before I head out. That way I don’t have to walk all the way back to my shop to reload. — Mark Petersen. Get it today!


Article source here: 40 Best Lawn Care Products You Need This Spring

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Thursday, February 25, 2021

12 Charming Door Knockers That Add Curb Appeal

Door Knocker

Best Classic: Rejuvenation Classic Ring Door Knocker

The Rejuvenation Classic Ring Door Knocker features a timeless design that will look good on any home. This ring-style door knocker is made from solid forged brass for long-lasting durability and comes in several popular metallic finishes. It’s just as functional as it is attractive, delivering a crisp rap when used.

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Article source here: 12 Charming Door Knockers That Add Curb Appeal

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How to Install a Battery-Powered Touchless Faucet

Power to the Faucet

There are many different styles and brands of touchless faucets on the market today. They all have one thing in common – they need a power source to operate. That means you need to purchase a faucet that is battery-operated or have a 120-volt AC outlet under your sink to power your faucet.

This American Standard NexGen Selectronic touchless faucet has a five-year battery life. You can also add on a 10-year battery pack that mounts under the sink.

Turn Off Water

  • First, either shut off hot- and cold-water supply valves at the sink or shut off the main water valve for the whole house.

Smart Faucet 2



Article source here: How to Install a Battery-Powered Touchless Faucet

Article source here:

12 Charming Door Knockers That Add Curb Appeal

Door Knocker

Best Classic: Rejuvenation Classic Ring Door Knocker

The Rejuvenation Classic Ring Door Knocker features a timeless design that will look good on any home. This ring-style door knocker is made from solid forged brass for long-lasting durability and comes in several popular metallic finishes. It’s just as functional as it is attractive, delivering a crisp rap when used.

Shop Now



Article source here: 12 Charming Door Knockers That Add Curb Appeal

Here’s an Easy Hack To Prevent Your Windshield From Fogging Up

When you’re in a rush to get around in the morning, the last thing you want to deal with it a foggy car window. Sure, maybe you have a remot...