HOMESTYLE
Reface or Replace? Kitchen Cabinets:
The kitchenisa busy room in many homes.
That popularity likely hassomething to do with whysomanyhomeownersspend sizable sums renovating theirkitchens. Accordingto highlights from the2022 U.S. HouzzKitchen Trends Study, themedianspend on majorkitchen remodels grew by 14 percentfromthe previous year,and minorremodelsincreased by 25 percent. Spurredonbyincreased time spentathome during thepandemic, themainimpetus for kitchenremodelsaccording to thestudy wasthat homeowners wanted to make theseimprovements allalong andfinally hadthe time andmeans to do so.
Thereare many aspectsofa kitchenthathomeowners canchange. Houzzfound 94 percentof renovators either fully or partially replaced cabinets in theirimprovement plans. Cabinets area major componentofkitchen layouts. Cabinets help to establishthe aestheticofa kitchenand servea usefulfunction, providingnecessary storagespace to
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
ensure theroom does notappear cluttered.
Homeowners have differentoptions when it comes to cabinetrenovations,and they mayneed to decide if they need to replaceorrefacetheir cabinets.
Replacement
Cabinetreplacement involves removing allofthe existing cabinets before newcabinetsare leveled andinstalled. Accordingtothe home improvement resource TheSpruce, homeowners can expect to paybetween $13,000 and$30,000 for contractor gradecabinets. Cabinetreplacement is a good idea when homeowners want to addmore cabinetspace or create anew layout in theroom.
Refacing
Cabinetrefacingislessmessy andlessdisruptive than replacement. Allcabinetsremainthe same
size andinthe same location.The cabinetboxes must be in good shapetofacilitatea refacing.The processinvolvesinstallation of new drawer fronts andcabinet doors, as well as veneeringofthe cabinet boxes. Newhardwaretypically is installedaswell. Theinsides of the cabinets typically remain thesame. TheSprucesayscabinet refacing canbe30to50percent cheaperthana replacement.
How To Find The Right Contractor For Your Next Home Renovation
Home renovations are significant undertakings. Though some projects require more sizable investments of time and money than others, all merit homeowners’ attention and inspire some excitement when pondering the finished product.
A finished product tends to offer more appeal when the project is overseen and undertaken by a professional contractor. Small projects may be in the wheelhouse of skilled do-it-yourselfers, but most homeowners are best served leaving home renovations to the professionals. Finding the right contractor for a given job is of the utmost importance, and the following are some tips to help homeowners do just that.
• Seek word-of-mouth recommendations.
Word-of-mouth advertising has long been recognized as an invaluable tool to attract customers, and for good reason. A 2025 report on the state of the roofing industry provided by Roofing Contractor, the official publication for the International Roofing Expo®, found that 79 percent of homeowners identify word-of-mouth as the top way to find a roofing professional. Word-of-mouth is so valued because homeowners can ask friends or neighbors about their experiences with a given professional in a pressure-free setting. Word-ofmouth also can help homeowners cut down on the pool of potential contractor candidates, which is no small benefit in markets flooded with renovation professionals.
• Secure multiple written estimates. It can be time-consuming to speak to multiple contrac-
tors and secure written estimates from each one, but such legwork is well worth the effort if the end result is finding the right contractor. Secure multiple estimates even if the first one provided to you is below budget. Multiple estimates allow homeowners to compare what’s included, and not included, in each one. Some contractors offering low estimates may not include materials costs or additional factors that will increase the price. Others may seem more expensive initially but may prove more affordable than competitors if their estimates include all of the costs associated with the project. Only a direct comparison of multiple estimates, which should include details specific to the project and an itemized list of what will be provided and performed by the contractor, can give homeowners an idea of what they’re paying for.
• Stay local when possible. Hiring local contractors is beneficial for a number of reasons. Hiring locals keeps money in the community and thus supports the local economy. And working with local contractors can make it easier for homeowners to keep lines of communication open Many projects also require a little post-completion upkeep or even some tweaks, which is more easily accomplished when working with contractors based nearby. And finally, local contractors will be familiar with building codes and other details specific to a given town That familiarity can ensure a project is done in adherence to codes and not stalled by permit- or inspection-related delays.
• Confirm their insurance. Travelers Insurance urges homeowners to confirm a contractor is properly insured and bonded prior to signing a contract. Contractors should be willing to provide a certificate of insurance (COI) that indicates their provider, policy number and coverage limits. Travelers also notes homeowners can contact insurers directly to verify coverage and ensure the policy is current. Never hire a contractor who is uninsured or unwilling to provide proof of insurance.
Hiring a contractor to perform a home renovation may be a leap of faith, but homeowners can take steps to ensure they find the right professional for the job.
Soak Up These Luxurious Bathroom Features
Kitchens and bathrooms are two popular areas to address when renovating a home. Modernize Home Services says 26 percent of sellers make bathroom improvements to their homes before listing. Midscale bath remodels will net a return on investment of about 64 percent, while a luxury bathroom overhaul has an ROI of about 57 percent.
When considering bathroom renovations, homeowners may want to include some unique features that can add style and function, not to mention some much-deserved luxury. With that in mind, the following are some luxurious features to consider.
• Heated floors: There is something to be said for stepping out of the shower and being met with warmth underfoot. Heated floors are not just for people who live in cold climates, either. When the air conditioning is pumping on hot days, tile floors can feel chilly. Heated floors also are aesthetically appealing because homeowners don’t have to factor in baseboard heaters or forced-air vents.
• Steam showers: There are many different steam showers on the market, and each can turn regular showers into steamy spalike enclaves. A steam shower is similar to a sauna and utilizes a steam generator to produce steam in a single area, advises Badeloft® Luxury Bathrooms.
• Soaking tub: Although the majority of people shower as part of their daily hygiene routine, a deep soaking tub separate from the shower is ideal for those who enjoy a good bath.
The Benefits Of Energy-Efficient Homes
Dental Health Associates
haveextensivetrainingand experienceinallareasofdentistry. Pairedwiththeircommitmentto excellence,theyhaveresultedin makinghealthy,beautifulsmilesa realityfortheirpatients.
Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.
Another indicator of a growing interest in eco-friendly products is the popularity in energy-efficient homes. In fact, a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers. Among those surveyed, 83 percent desired Energy Star-rated windows, 81 percent wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80 percent preferred energy-efficient lighting.
Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.
· Save money: Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of living rose dramatically in the wake of world events. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5 percent increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of electricity, which increased by 14.3 percent in 2022. Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners overcome that spike, as the U.S. Department of Energy indicates upgrading to such products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30 percent.
· Improve resale value: As the NAHB survey indicates, modern homebuyers want energy-efficient homes. They’re also willing to pay more for such homes. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energy-efficient ratings sold for nearly 3 percent more on average than homes without such ratings.
· Live healthier: The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren’t just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect individuals from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change. The ACEEE notes that weatherization can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors. In fact, the ACEEE estimates that integrating energy efficiency programs in homes could reduce seniors’ risk for falls in their homes, potentially saving $2 billion in fall-related health care costs over the next decade, and improve asthma outcomes, which could reduce health care costs by as much as half a billion dollars.
Energy-efficient products and practices pay numerous dividends, making them a worthy expenditure for any homeowners looking to upgrade their homes.
Creating Beautiful Smiles
What To Know About Landscape Lighting
Home improvement trends come and go, and one trend that has become wildly popular in recent years is recognizable in yards every night. Landscape lighting has transformed how people see and enjoy their properties at night, making it one of the more sought-after upgrades among modern homeowners.
Curb appeal is often seen through the lens of how homes appear during daylight hours, but landscape lighting can make homes look better and more modern, and potentially safer, after the sun goes down. With such potential, landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.
Are there different types of landscape lighting?
When considering landscape lighting, homeowners should know that there are various options to consider. According to the lighting experts at Lumens, spotlights project a concentrated and narrow beam
of light that’s usually around 45 degrees. Spotlights are often chosen to highlight specific features on a property, like a component of the landscaping. Individuals who want to cast light over wider, more general areas may consider floodlights, which Lumens notes spread light up to 120 degrees. Inground lighting is among the more sophisticated landscape lighting options. Lumens notes that inground lighting illuminates the whole of a tree or structure, often creating a dramatic look These circle-shaped lights also are great at illuminating walkways and driveways.
Post lights are another outdoor lighting option, and these are often used to light up long walkways and pathways so it’s easier and safer to navigate dark areas at night.
Is landscape lighting a job a DIYer can handle?
Many homeowners consider a do-it-yourself approach when pondering a potential home reno-
vation, and a landscape lighting project is likely to inspire such curiosity as well. The home experts at HGTV note that the feasibility of DIY in regard to a landscape lighting project depends on the type of lighting homeowners want to install and where they want to install it. Replacing an existing electrical fixture may be well within the skill of a seasoned DIYer, but installing a new fixture is a job best left to the professionals. Homeowners whose homes currently have no or very little landscape lighting are almost certainly better off working with a professional
5Top Trends ForTransforming YourOutdoor Space
(BPT)- Homeowners todayare reimaginingtheir outdoor spaces,movingbeyonda basicpatio andgrill to create thoughtfully designed areasthatblend style, comfort, andfunctionality. Accordingtothe latest HouzzOutdoor Trends Study, onein threehomeownersare upgradingtheir outdoor areasasfunctional,beautiful extensions of theirhomes with an emphasis on convenience, styleand sustainability.Ifyou’reamong those looking to transformyouroutdoor spacethisyear, following are five toptrendstoconsider:
1. SeamlessSeguesFromInsideOut
Asthe linesbetween indoor andoutdoor spaces continue to blur, homeowners arefinding creative ways to bringthe comfort of theindoorsoutside.Picture largeglass doorsgliding open to reveal adeckadorned with stylishoutdoor furniture, cozy rugs andambient lighting,creatinganinvitingatmospherethatfeels just as welcomingasa living room.
2. Climate-Friendly Features
Asclimate resilience becomesa toppriority, outdoor areasare beingdesignedtowithstand everyseasonand adapttoa wide rangeofconditions. Homeowners want solutionsthatoffer a year-round balanceofcomfort,durability, ease andstyle to ensurethese spaces remain practicaland inviting.Heatmitigating compositedecking,weather-resistant furniture, and shadestructureshelpkeep outdoor spaces enjoyable, no matter theseason. Water-resistantmaterials arealsobecomingessential fordecks,poolside areasand docks, ensuring durability against moisture, sunexposureand heavyfoottraffic.Low-maintenance solutions, such as Trex® compositedecking,require only occasional cleaning to maintain theirbeautyfor years.
“People want outdoor spaces that adapteffortlesslytotheir homesand lifestyles,nomatterthe climate, setting or season,” says Adam Zambanini, COOofTrexCompany.“Our Performance-Engineered‚productsoffer theability to enjoythe outdoorsincomfort andstyle,whether youlivealong thesalty coast,highupinsnow-capped mountainsorinthe heat of the desert.”
3. Cozy,Curated Spaces
Rather than sprawling, undefinedyards,manyhomeownersare designingsmaller, purpose-driven outdoor spaces tailored to specificactivitieslikedining, relaxing or entertaining.Defined zoneswithlevel changes, pergolas,privacy screensand stylish deck railings create asense of intimacy andcharacter.And don’t forget thespace beneaththe deck.The simple addition of adeckdrainagesystem, like RainEscape,makes it possible to addfurnishings,lighting, appliances andother electronicsto transformthisunderutilized area into afully functional,all-seasonretreat.
4. Smart Features For Comfort And Convenience
Technology is making outdoor spaces more comfortable and functional than ever. Smart lighting, weatherproof entertainment systems, app-controlled irrigation, and outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots are turning backyards into high-tech havens. Features like built-in USB ports and wireless charging stations ensure outdoor spaces stay as connected and convenient as any indoor room.
5. Sustainable And Serene Retreats
More homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly choices when designing their outdoor spaces. Products made with recycled and reclaimed materials and native plants contribute to a sustainable backyard oasis. Elements like rainwater collection systems and solar-powered lighting not only help reduce environmental impact but also create a peaceful and natural atmosphere.
Outdoor living continues to evolve, offering endless possibilities for relaxation, entertainment and connection with nature Whether you’re envisioning a multi-level deck, a cozy garden escape or a poolside retreat, let these trends help you create your dream outdoor space. For more inspiration, visit Trex.com.
Small Renovations That Make A Big Impact
Homeowners may think they have to tear down walls or build room extensions to transform their homes with renovation projects. But small projects can yield impressive results, and that’s something homeowners working with limited budgets can keep in mind.
There’s no shortage of small projects that can change the look and feel of a home. Many of these undertakings can be achieved with a modest investment.
• Front door replacement: A new front door instantly improves curb appeal and can make a home more secure and energy-efficient Painting the existing front door is an even smaller project that still offers appeal
• Lighting addition: Whether a homeowner enlarges a window or adds skylights, natural light can produce incredible results. Investing in new lighting can feel like expanding a space without pushing out walls.
• Kitchen and bath fixture upgrades: Faucets and door pulls are used every day. Swapping existing fixtures for something a little more modern can unify spaces and provide subtle changes that enhance these popular spaces.
• Wood floor restoration: Scuffing and scratches can adversely affect the pristine look of a natural wood floor. Homeowners can polish a floor to restore its shine. A professional service will sand down and refinish older floors at a fraction of the cost of a new floor installation.
• Exterior lighting: Lighting isn’t just important inside. A welcoming glow in the yard is awe-inspiring There are many energy-efficient lighting options, including ones that do not need to be hard-wired to the circuitry inside the home.
• Staircase renovation: Coordinate the staircase to the style in the home with a decorative carpet runner A secure runner is attractive and can help reduce slipping down the stairs.
HowToOrganize AHome’s Interior
The dawn of anew year marksa convenient time to turn over anew leaf.Muchattention is paid to individuals’ intentions to eat healthierand exercise more at thestart of anew year,but thosegoals arenot theonly ways to embracepositive change come January.
Aquick look around ahome’s interior mayleadsometo conclude that theirhome environments couldbenefit from alittlelessclutter and some improved organization. Amoreorganized home may be easier to navigate andcan even have apositiveimpact on residents’ mental health. In fact,a 2021study published in thejournal Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology foundthatwomen whocared forinfants in clutteredhomes experiencedhigherlevelsof physical stress than those whosehomes were more organized. That studysuggestsan organizedhomeisa less stressfulenvironment,which itself canpay numerous dividends, as theMayoClinicnotes chronicstressincreases aperson’sriskfor varioushealth problems,including anxiety, depression,digestive issues, heartdisease,and weight gain,among others.
With so much to gain from an organizedhome, individualscan consider thesestrategies to make interior spaces around thehouse less cluttered.
•Avoid procrastinating. A weekly,ifnot daily, routine
that involves cleaning up spaces like thekitchen andlivingroomcan ensure ahome is notovertaken by clutter before residentsevenrealize it.Eachday,gothrough the mail anddiscard papers like grocerystore circularsand junk mail so they don’tpile up.Parents of school-aged children canorganizepapers kids return home with each daysoall that homework and eventannouncements does notcreateclutter.
•Purchaseanentrywayshoe rack.Itmight seem simple, butanentrywayshoerackcan setanorganized tone in a home.Whether theprimary entryway is throughthe front door or asidedoor,a shoe rack just inside thedoor can ensure shoesare notstrewn aboutand reducesthe chancesthatfloorsare muddied.
•Considerfurniture that doublesasstorage.Manypeopleutilize storagefurniture so commonspaceslikeliving roomsare notoverwhelmed by clutter. Forexample,a storageottoman canholdblankets,pillows andother creature comforts so theserooms projecta clutter-free vibe when notinuse.Similarly, storagebenches at theend of beds in each bedroomcan help to establisha serene, clutter-free vibe,which can promotea better night’ssleep
•Discard olderitems.Clutter canpileupwhenstorage areas like closets, dressers,nightstands,and home officesfill up with itemspeopletendto
accumulate over theyears.For example, a linenclosetcan be overrunbybathtowelsthat arerarelyused, whilenightstands canbecome junk drawersoverthe years. Periodically go
throughthese areasand discardolder items that arenolongerused. Thesetasks won’ttake long,but canfreeupample spacethroughout thehome.
Thursday, April17th • 8am-5pm
HowToKeep An Ac Unit Running Strong
Air conditioners area lifeline come thedog days of summer, when soaring temperatures make awell-cooled home awelcome respitefrom theoutdoors. Maintainingan AC unit ensuresitwillbethere tokeep everyone cool when the mercuryrises.The following are some stepshomeownerscan take to keep theirACunits in tip-top shapethissummer.
•Replace theair filter on the unit.Dirt, dust,debris, andpollencan quicklyfillthe filter on an AC unit.Replacing thesefilters priortosummercan make theunitoperate more efficientlyand keep cool aircirculating throughout thehouse all summer. Homeowners canfirst identify whichtypeofunitthey
have andthenfindanonline tutorial to seehow to replace the filter.Somefilters aremore expensive than others,but the cost is stilllow andthe energy savingscan be substantial.
•Scheduleannual maintenanceonthe unit.Routine maintenanceperformed by a localHVACtechnicianis another waytoensureanAC unit is running at peak capacity when it’s most needed.Such maintenance is perhapsmost effectiveinspring, as that ensuresthe unit is running strong from thefirst heat wave of thesummerall theway throughLabor Day. HVAC technicianscan identify problems andrecommend services that homeowners maynot rec-
ognize they need untilit’s alreadyhot out. Annual maintenanceappointments also give HVAC professionalsa chance to assess asystemcomparedto thepreviousyear, whichcan help them identify if aunitis nearingits end. That can ensure homeowners arenot caught offguard when theunit needstoreplaced.
•Helpthe unit make it throughthe summer. Whether it’s atypical summerorone marked by ahandful of heat waves, AC unitscan usea little help to getthrough theseason. Closingcurtainsthroughout thehouse on hotafternoonsis anatural waytokeep ahome cool during aheatwave, and that cancut back on home cool-
Springtime projects arearound the corner. Come check out our new decking and railings, house wash products, new exterior doors and more! See our experts at the “LumberYard” Showroom to see which low-maintenance decking, doors &windows areright for you!
ingcosts andprotect aunit from beingoverworked. Ceiling fans also canbeinstalledto keep roomscool andcirculate air, whichalsomakes ahot summera littlelesstaxingon an AC unit.
•Use aprogrammablethermostat.Programmablethermostats allowhomeownerstoset the temperatures inside theirhomes throughout theday.Ifnoone is
home during theafternoon, there’snoreasontohavethe AC cranking.Program thethermostat so thehouse is comfortable when people arehome, but raisethe desiredtemperature when no oneisaround. That givesthe AC unit abreak during theday andcan help to dramatically reduce thecostof coolingthe home
ReasonsToBuild ARetaining Wall
Homes arenot always locatedonflatlots. In fact,landscapes canfeature hills andvalleys,necessitating some extrasteps when installing certainfeatures. Retainingwalls areoften utilizedtoimprove thefunctionality andsafetyofa property.
Retainingwalls aretypically recommended to eliminatesoilerosion andimprove drainage,saysDesignOne Landscape Corporation. Over time,soilerosion or drainage issues caneat into thestructuralintegrity of ahomeand causecosmeticdamage andunhealthy conditions,suchasmoldgrowth. Here’s alook at sixinstances when installing aretaining wall canbeadvantageous.
•Remedya slopeinthe yard:Retaining walls help make sloped areasfunctional. Thewallwillhelpflatten theslope so that water andsoildonot flow downward.
•Makethe yard easier to traverse:A retainingwallcan make it easiertowalkarounda sloped yard.Ratherthancontendingwith thehillbothuphilland downhill, particularly if it’s steep,the retaining wall canbeinstalledtocreateflatareas that areeasierto navigate.
•Managewater runoff:Retaining walls canholdbackorredirect watertohelpprevent flooding. Awallcan be used to keep water away from thefoundation, whereitmay enterthe home.