Many homes come with a driveway. Whether leading to a garage or not, the driveway is a convenient place to park one or more cars. If a driveway is in need of repair or replacement, owners often choose between asphalt or concrete. There are certain factors that come into play when making a decision. More […]

Efficiency a useful weapon in battling high energy costs From the nation’s capital to the statehouse, energy is seemingly on everyone’s mind, particularly in light of soaring oil prices with no end in sight. It’s no wonder that homeowners are seeking more ways to lower their energy bills. According to some estimates, Americans spend 13 […]

The days of conspicuous consumption are past for Americans experiencing diminished purchasing power and rising prices. We are in a “gasoline and toilet paper” economy now, where folks generally practice “anti-consumerism,” buying basic commodities and avoiding the flashy purchases which drove excessive spending cycles prior to this recession. Even when money was plentiful, we promoted […]

Like the inviting smell of fresh bread, just out of the oven, and the comfort of a roasted chicken on a Sunday night with all the fixings and the family gathered around the table, the warmth and comfort of a fire in the hearth welcomes you home. With Maine’s weather turning warmer, we are lately […]

Being aware of your home’s carbon footprint takes targeted effort, but it can also save you money. Incorporating eco-friendly additions into your home can massively reduce energy bills and save on repairs. According to CellularWindowShades.com, up to 24 percent of a fuel bill can escape out of leaky windows. But replacing windows can cost anywhere […]

When it comes to renovating a home, homeowners expect to spend money. No home renovation or home improvement project is free, but some are less costly than others. The addition of a half-bathroom is a popular project among homeowners, and it won’t necessarily break the bank. If converting existing floor space into a half-bathroom, such […]

People have a love affair with their electronics, which play an integral role at households across the globe. Statistics from Nielsen’s Television Audience Report indicate that the average American household has 2.86 television sets, despite having just 2.5 people. It is also estimated that those in the U.S. will have watched the equivalent of 9 […]

Over the last several years, homeowners have increasingly looked for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly. From more complicated projects such as installing eco-friendly home fixtures to simpler measures like replacing incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs that consume far less energy, the options for eco-conscious homeowners are numerous. Perhaps no eco-friendly home […]

All too many homeowners have experienced the joy of completing a home improvement project only to learn upon completion that the project is not in adherence with local laws. That realization, while heartbreaking, is often the result of a homeowner’s failure to secure a building permit prior to starting the project. Homeowners who secure a […]

The term LEED is often bandied about when conversations shift to the environment. A term used when discussing building certification, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an internationally recognized green building certification system that was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council 12 years ago. The system provides building owners […]