Homeowner Resources

Who doesn't like a good man cave? It can be your refuge after a long day at work or function as a hangout area for you and your friends on the weekend. Whether you consider yourself a movie fanatic, audiophile, or cigar aficionado, you can have the retreat of your dreams. There's no limit to what you can accomplish with this year's top man cave trends! The Home Theater A home theater is every movie and sports fanatic's dream. Skip the popcorn lines and paying for a movie ticket -- instead, watch a movie in the comfort of your own home. There's no need to sacrifice surround sound or a high-quality viewing experience with these great home theater starter kits. The Arcade Center The arcade center is the perfect man cave for gamers and techies. Whether you're into the … [Read more...] about Top Man Cave Trends

Grilling season is upon us, but before you take out your tongs and basting brushes, make sure your grill is safe and ready to fire up. Whether it's gas or charcoal, you can prepare your BBQ for grilling season with these following steps: Check the hose If you have a gas grill, check the hose from the propane to the burners -- it should always be clean and intact. If it's not taken care of properly, it could light on fire. If it's worn out or damaged, it's better to replace it than attempt to bandage it. One good way to check for hose leaks is similar to a tire; simply rub on a combination of soap and water and watch for bubbles after turning on the propane. Clean the bowl, grates, and flavorizer bars Use a sponge, warm water, and soap to clean the lid and bowl of the grill. If … [Read more...] about Prepare Your BBQ for Grilling Season

Lighting upgrades can drastically change the ambiance of your home and the best part is: it doesn't have to break the bank. Brightening your home with the right types of lights can make it more inviting, charming, and efficient. Check out some of our favorite lighting upgrades for your home! Eco-Friendly Lighting An up-and-coming trend for modern lighting is eco-friendly bulbs. Energy Star lighting costs less to use, saving you both energy and money. The bulbs may cost more upfront but end up saving around 75% more energy than incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent Lighting The ambient lighting that shines from fluorescent bulbs is great for vanity areas and under kitchen cabinets. Use fluorescent bulbs as task lighting in the kitchen areas where you cut food and wash … [Read more...] about Lighting Upgrades for Your Home

Summer and hot weather are right around the corner, which means: it's time to prepare your home for fire season. Smart fire prevention cannot only protect your home -- it can save your life. Here are helpful tips to help you prepare for the upcoming fire season. Install and test smoke alarms Smoke alarms can detect smoldering and flaming fires so be sure to install them on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test them each month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, according to American Red Cross. Check your fire extinguishers Consider keeping a fire extinguisher in your home. It should be installed high on the wall, near an exit, and away from children and all heat sources. American Red Cross … [Read more...] about Preparing Your Home for Fire Season

It's time to give your backyard a facelift! From patios to pergolas, you can transform your outdoor space into a charming oasis. Get back to spending time outside with family this summer with our favorite outdoor design ideas. Outdoor Great Room Photo courtesy of HGTV An arched pergola with bistro lights creates the perfect area for entertaining on warm summer nights. Pergolas have a flexible design, allowing you to truly customize it and bring your imagination to life. This pergola stands on its own, creating an enchanting escape separated from the home. Patio-Pergola Pleasure Photo courtesy of DIY Network This patio-pergola duo beautifully accents the home by staying consistent with the color scheme of the home's exterior. The relaxing seating area right … [Read more...] about Patios to Pergolas: Give Your Backyard a Facelift