Opening your house to guests is one of the many joys of being a homeowner. You can make guests feel welcomed and comfortable by following these simple tips. Create the Ultimate "Flex" Room Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters.
Create the Ultimate "Flex" Room
Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters. If you host frequently, the room will likely be used by a wide variety of people – from your high school bestie visiting with her kids on spring break to Great Auntie Edna who's there for the holidays to your nephew who's in town to tour college campuses. If you expect to holiday children or multiple guests at the same time, consider investing in bunk beds or at least twin beds to offer several possible combinations of sleeping arrangements. The important thing is to plan ahead and anticipate who you may be hosting. Keep this in mind when decorating the space as well. Selecting a neutral c...
Empty homes don't go unnoticed – and as travel plans pick up this season, a few simple moves can reduce risk and add home security while you're away. With the right mix of everyday habits, subtle automation and smart technology, you can step out knowing everything at home still looks and functions as it should.
Make Your Home Look Lived-In While Traveling
One of the easiest ways to protect your home while traveling is to keep it visually active. Start outside with motion-activated fixtures, solar lighting and timers that turn lights on at dusk to help eliminate dark areas and create natural movement around your property. Inside, small adjustments go a long way.
Smart plugs can power lamps, TVs or radios at different times throughout the day. Smart thermostats can mirror typical energy use, while automated blinds open in the morning and close at night. Together, these subtle shifts create a steady, fami...
Spring cleaning isn't just about dusting and decluttering – it's a yearly refresh for your entire residence. As the days get longer and brighter, now is the perfect time to assess your space, clear out what no longer serves you and start the season feeling organized and ready. You may even enjoy the process if you divvy up the tasks and take a step-by-step approach.
Whole-Home Reset
Before tackling individual rooms, begin by focusing on air quality and overall flow. This will breathe new life into your home and help boost your motivation and momentum.
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Your roof sheds thousands of gallons of rainwater every year, and most of it just disappears down the storm drain. You might think rainwater harvesting is only for farms or rural properties, but owners of urban homes are installing systems, too – and seeing real savings. Even a small roof in the city can capture enough rainwater to cut down on bills and reduce runoff.
What is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, storing and using rainwater that would otherwise run off your roof. Most residential systems gather water from rooftops through gutters and downspouts, and then filter and store it in a tank or barrel for future use. This water can be used for non-potable purposes like watering plants, washing cars or even doing laundry, which can significantly reduce your demand on city water. In urban areas where water costs are high and s...
As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, homeowners are turning their attention to one of the most important aspects of property ownership—seasonal maintenance. Staying ahead of winter's wear and tear not only keeps your home comfortable but also protects your investment for the long run. Here are the top winter maintenance trends homeowners are embracing in 2025.
Smart Home Monitoring is leading the charge. From leak detection sensors to Wi-Fi–enabled thermostats, technology is helping homeowners spot issues before they become costly repairs. These smart systems can track humidity levels, detect frozen pipes, and optimize heating efficiency—all from your phone.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades are another major focus this year. Sealing drafts, upgrading insulation, and installing energy-efficient windows are quick ways to lower monthly bills and increase resale value. Many homeowners are also switching to heat pumps or hybrid systems for...