News

Fall is a time to look ahead and prepare for the year to come. In the home improvement industry, this manifests in numerous ways: Businesses begin to plan for the following year, trend experts release their projections for interior and exterior design, and industry experts project what will impact the industry in the coming year. At the Home Improvement Insights Summit, industry experts come together to identify and dig into challenges facing the industry and present actionable insights. The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) presents three big ideas that stemmed from the meeting of experts at the Insights Summit. 1....

Often the heart of the space and where people tend to gather, islands have become a focal point of most kitchen designs. Islands not only serve as a functional element, but also as a chance to add style with unique pendant lights, bold color choices, or sleek countertop finishes. Industry studies, including the 2020 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study and the 2019 NKBA Kitchen Design Trends Report, identify how today’s homeowners are utilizing islands and how builders and designers are using the fixed piece to make a statement and set the tone of a home’s overall design. USE: Homeowners enjoy the extra...

Sitting around the fire. It’s a tradition that goes back further than recorded history and is one that has endured for many reasons. The simplest of which is that it’s just plain relaxing. What better way to spend a summer evening than being gathered around a fire with family and friends? More and more, people aren’t waiting to go camping to enjoy an evening fire. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are gaining in popularity. Building your own backyard fire pit is a relatively simple and inexpensive project that you’ll enjoy all season long -- perhaps well into autumn. Like most...

Building your own deck can be a rewarding experience for any handyman or homeowner. If you are looking to build a deck for your home, then here a few things to consider before starting your deck project. Before you buy tools or any other materials to build your deck, the most important step you must take is to check with your local building authority to determine if you need a building permit. Learn the specifications allowed by your local building codes for support posts, beam and joist sizes, and railing styles. You many think these codes are not needed but...

Properly positioning sheetrock or drywall is essential for a smooth finish and the best strength, while minimizing the risk of future cracks. But is it always worthwhile to stagger sheetrock? Why Sheetrock Should Be Staggered Sheetrock can be hung in even, parallel rows or it can be staggered to create T-shaped junctions. Ultimately, staggered seams are stronger because the joints – the weakest part of the wall or ceiling installation – are minimized. Staggered joints are also less visible and easier to conceal for a flawless finish, offering a smoother, more professional look to the completed job. Yet there are...