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Is your kitchen due for a makeover? Do you just want to refresh the space or adapt it to your family’s changing needs? There are some great kitchen trends that could be just the facelift your culinary space needs. Top Kitchen Trends to Consider There are many trendy options for kitchens of all sizes and shapes, not to mention personal preference styles and renovation budgets. If you’re planning a kitchen redo, consider these top trends to make the most of your space. Open Shelves – Instead of banks of cabinets, open shelving adds airiness to the kitchen and can showcase...

Caulking is a fundamental part of sealing a building against water and air leaks. For a lot of folks starting out in the trades, it might be one of the first jobs they are asked to do, because it’s not always a favorite task for seasoned carpenters; as a result, the right way to caulk often gets ignored. In fact, a fair share of seasoned carpenters aren’t very good at it. But caulking correctly is essential, so let’s embrace it and dive in. Select the Right Caulk Caulking the right way starts with using the right material. That might sound...

If you look at a building's thermal envelope as a six-sided cube, the walls represent the largest surface area and have the weakest R-value. When the goal is to improve the thermal efficiency of that envelope, the walls have the most room for improvement. We can increase their R-value by making them thicker or by using insulation with a higher R-value per inch, but unfortunately, framing a thicker, better-insulated wall is only one piece of the puzzle. We also have to deal with the thermal bridging associated with traditional framing methods and we have to improve the windows. In fact,...

As winter approaches, it is a good time to finish a variety of home projects, both indoors and outdoors. Not only will these projects help make your home more comfortable, but they can also improve energy efficiency and prepare your property to safely withstand the winter storms to come. 10 Best Outdoor Projects to Finish Before Winter Early in fall when the days are still a bit longer and temperatures aren’t so chilly is a great time to wrap up outdoor projects and winterizing. There is still plenty of daylight to work with, and completing these chores in good time...

One aspect of home improvement that many DIYers don’t think about is the building permit. Not getting one, however, can make the job cost way more than anticipated. That is due to the fines and added expenses that could result. Simple repairs don’t normally call for permits but major changes, especially those that involve changes to the structure, electrical, heating or plumbing system will require permits. It’s important to note that when hiring a contractor, make sure it is clear up-front that they will be responsible for obtaining the appropriate permits. Some examples of work that will most likely require...