Home improvement coverage from around the web
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Tips to Maximize Your Outdoor Space

(BPT) - Spring is almost here! The rising temperatures serve as a reminder that it’s time to start preparing for outdoor entertaining. Whether you are looking to completely revamp your setup or …

The house of the future will be recyclable: Introducing the first affordable, bio-based 3D-printed house

Reasons to Be Cheerful takes a closer look behind an enormous 3D printer turning natural materials into sustainable, carbon-sequestering homes.

Experts share 6 bathroom trends to look for in 2024

(BPT) - The bathroom is arguably the most frequented space in most homes. As the place where we begin and end our daily routines, this space is a vital hub for our lives. Recognizing this, an …

These US counties are most vulnerable to tornado damage

With tornado season—March to June—upon us, Roof Gnome ranked 2024's most vulnerable counties for tornado damage.

Smart Home Trends: Top Appliance Picks for 2024

(BPT) - Each year, industry leaders premiere their latest and greatest kitchen and bath products at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) — North America’s largest trade show …

Lead from old paint and pipes is still a harmful and deadly hazard in millions of US homes

Lead is a potent neurotoxin that causes severe health effects such as neurological damage, organ failure and death. Widely used in products such as paint and gasoline until the late 1970s, lead …

7 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Costs

(Family Features) When building your budget, utility bills - especially the electric bill - are likely one of your largest monthly expenditures. To help dial down your energy costs, consider these tips.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Collaborating together on the
‘Inside Senior Living’ docu-series explores aging
In an exciting development for the local television landscape, “Inside Senior Living,” a groundbreaking docu-series, has announced its partnership with PBS North. The series, set to …
Affordable senior housing in Longfellow
With affordable housing a priority at all levels of government, state and local commissioners and elected officials joined leaders from Ecumen – a nonprofit leader and developer  of …
Fond farewell
Thirty-five years ago, at Thanksgiving, I moved to Minnesota from my Philadelphia home. I relocated back to my hometown in time for Passover and Easter. In November 1988, the Twin Cities were cold …
Original collage by Susan Schaefer
10 guidelines for a strong, long and happy life
Some time ago, after suffering the shocking and unexpected loss of my still young husband, Martijn, while we were living in Europe, I experienced what is called traumatic grief. In addition to a year …
The soaring Bob Dylan mural attracts international visitors to downtown Minneapolis. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)
Gifts of season give reason to reflect
HyggeCertainly, the long, cold, dark Minnesota winters can spark a melancholia for some. Yet frigid temperatures and spare daytime hours can also create the mood to hibernate, as other creatures of …
More ideas for your home
2024 Surface Trends Redefine Homes with Bold Elegance and Innovation
(NewsUSA) - With existing home inventory predicted to remain low in 2024, many home buyers are choosing to purchase new construction or instead electing to remodel their current home. Either option …
The most common safety hazards in home improvement projects
Bailey Glasser LLP looks into some of the most common safety hazards associated with home improvement projects.
Going Blond: How to Use Light-Toned Wood in Your Home
Going Blond: How to Use Light-Toned Wood in Your Home
(NewsUSA) - They say blonds have more fun, but there are non-frivolous reasons for choosing pale or light-finish hardwoods for floors, cabinetry, paneling, and millwork in your home. “Many species …
3 Ways to Use Propane in Your Home
(Family Features) A reliable, environmentally friendly energy source, propane can help power key home systems and appliances. Consider these ways to integrate the clean energy source into your home.
Planning home improvements in 2024? Start at the top
(BPT) - At first glance, the value of some home improvements can be hard to see — particularly when the improvements are in the attic. While a gleaming kitchen backsplash, an expansive patio …
Caring for your home and family

Do you need a standby generator? 6 things to know before you buy

(BPT) - Every day on the news, it seems, there's a report about another extreme weather event. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 was a record year for …

How to prepare for power outages and stay safe this winter: Life-saving tips from CPSC

(BPT) - When a severe weather event like a winter storm hits your town, a portable generator can power your necessary appliances, electronic devices and medical equipment. The U.S. Consumer Product …
Home ideas
More Home Improvement News

Now is the Time to Take Control Before Winter Power Outages

Now is the Time to Take Control Before Winter Power Outages

(NewsUSA) - For homeowners across the United States, cold weather can cause heightened concern each winter. Severe weather events themselves threaten safety and comfort, but they are made even more …

Simple Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill

A clean HVAC system is more efficient and doesn’t use as much energy to maintain a comfortable temperature this winter, ultimately saving you money on utility costs.

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for the 46% of U.S. households who heat their homes with natural gas this winter: it’s expected to cost 7.8% less this year than last year. Heating with electricity or …

Improve home value and safety by leveling uneven floors
(BPT) - Do you have a basement or other room with unlevel flooring? This can make the space difficult to use, plus detracts from your home's overall value. Change this problem into opportunity by …
How to maintain a healthier home on a budget
(BPT) - Living healthily remains a primary concern for many today, with homeowners looking to make home improvements with an emphasis on the health benefits of living in an environmentally friendly …
2024's most lead paint-vulnerable cities
Paint Gnome compared the 500 biggest U.S. cities to determine 2024's most lead paint-vulnerable cities.
From hobby shops to garages and storage facilities, buildings tailored to one’s lifestyle are popular across America.
Hobby Shops and Recreational Buildings Popping Up All Over
(NAPSI)—If you’re like many homeowners seeking to enhance your property and support your lifestyle interests, adding a freestanding hobby shop, vehicle storage building or recreational facility …
It’s a cool idea to know the answers to 12 important questions before you use a snow thrower.
12 Questions to Ask Before Powering Up the Snow Thrower: Keep Safety Top of Mind
(NAPSI)—Snow flurries and winter storms can be unpredictable and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) encourages home and business owners to prepare in advance before bad weather hits. …