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Aside from equipment breakdowns, few phrases are more likely to provoke a kitchen or bath remodel than the phrase “this looks dated.” Styles and tastes evolve constantly. So, to help keep you up to date, here are six trends to consider incorporating when your clients say they want a fresh look. Blue Cabinets Color blocking—pairing opposites on the color wheel to make complementary color combinations—is common in fashion design. Now the practice is making its way to the home design space in the form of colored cabinets. Several Design Award submissions incorporated bold-colored cabinets. Sharp blues were a common color used...

As unusually cold weather plagues large parts of the country, homeowners from South Carolina to Michigan (and even Texas) are worried about frozen, busted pipes flooding their homes, causing thousand of dollars of damage. “Water damage from busted, frozen pipes can be devastating in more ways than just the flooding,” says Jeff Dudan, CEO and founder of North Carolina-based remediation company AdvantaClean. “There can be structural damage, plus an immediate potential for deadly mold. A crack in a pipe no longer than the cuticle on your ring finger can dump hundreds of gallons of water into a home, creating more than one disaster.” Home...

Despite the hurdles we face, the housing industry is ripe with opportunity. It’s no secret anymore that the 55-plus market is among the most lucrative. This has led to many builders following the money and jumping in with both feet. But perhaps we need to take a moment to truly understand what 55-plus housing entails. Housing design matters in all walks of life, but it is especially important in homes for the 55-plus buyer. There are two schools of thought that I have observed with many builders, both of which miss the mark. Housing design matters in all walks of life,...

LBM Journal’s Dealer of the Year Awards recognize three LBM companies of different sizes that epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit. By our definition, a Dealer of the Year describes a company in which leadership excels at identifying underserved—or emerging—markets, satisfying customers, and constantly working to grow and improve business. Our 2019 winners—Sunroc Building Materials, Howe Lumber, and Taylor’s Do it Best Building Supply—represent vastly different operations. The common thread in these companies is their fierce commitment to finding ever better ways to serve their customers and their communities. Consolidation keeps Howe Lumber focused on the future Scott and Kate Norrie know...

If you just moved into a new home or you are looking to revamp the one you’re already in, you may be looking to give your house a brand new identity. Here are some tips on giving the inside of your home a new look:ResearchLook for interior decorations of homes that interest you through the internet or magazines. If you see something that really grabs your attention, print it out or cut out the clipping. You can use these for inspiration later.AssessOnce you find an idea that you like go to the rooms that you plan on re-decorating and assess...