Home Improvement

BBB: How to make your next home improvement project a success | business

Whether you are remodeling your home, making needed repairs, or sprucing things up to put your house on the market, consider the following before you get started.

“Coming up with a budget and a plan will help you set realistic expectations,” said Mechele Agbayani, President and CEO of BBB Central East Texas. “I come up with a budget and stick to it. Home improvement projects can get expensive fast. If you don’t want to break the bank, create a realistic budget to determine how much you can spend ahead of time. Be upfront with the contractors you hire about how

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Home Improvement

Investigators say acetone was used for a home improvement project that led to an explosion that injured a couple

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

LAYTON — A young couple is recovering in the hospital after their home exploded during a home improvement project on Saturday.

The couple suffered severe burns from the explosion, with Shea Kinsey receiving third-degree burns on over 50% of her body. Her husband of six months, Brandon Kinsey, who works in construction, carried her up the stairs to safety despite his own injuries.

“They’re in very difficult circumstances right now,” said Shea’s father, Kevin O’Brien. “Shea has burned over 50% of her body. (Brandon) still has very significant burns and will be (in the burn

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Home Improvement

Remodeling slows ahead of ‘historic boom’ to come

Americans looking to remodel their homes are pulling back, but better days are ahead for the industry.

“Remodeling is slowing, but there’s a historic boom coming,” Eric Finnigan, VP of research & demographics at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, told Yahoo Finance in an interview.

According to Finnigan, there are three factors likely to help this sector in the coming years.

First, there’s an expectation that the residential remodeling market will have 24 million homes in need of repairs or upgrades to roofs, floors, heating and cooling systems, kitchens, bathrooms, and more.

“[These homes are] basically going to go through

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Home Improvement

Are Home Improvement Loans Tax Deductible?

Home improvement loans generally aren’t eligible for federal tax deductions, even when used for eligible renovations or property improvements. Unlike home equity loans, which can be tax deductible, home improvement loans are unsecured debt, rendering them ineligible for tax credits.

Home improvement loans vs. home equity loans

Although home improvement and home equity loans may sound similar on paper, and can be used for the same purpose, it’s important to understand the differences between the two categories.

If you turn to a home improvement loan to finance your next project rather than an equity loan, you can leave thousands of

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Home Improvement

DIY Dutch Door – French Country Cottage

There is just something about a dutch door that has a whole lot of charm.

Dutch Doors

Dutch doors have long been something I have loved-

I think the love affair with them probably started with an illustrated storybook that was a favorite to look through when I was little.

And that love has continued along with my obsession with all things home.

and I can’t tell you what a difference it has made in how our home feels.

Though we aren’t opening the top currently since it is a bit chilly to have the doors or windows open in

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Home Improvement

Weekend View – French Country Cottage

Welcome to the weekend view.

Chickens

A favorite thing to do is sit in the sun for a bit and watch some of the chickens out in the yard. Last week we had a couple of sunshine filled days that were perfect for getting a little bit of vitamin d and holding these fluff balls.

We have named one of the naked neck silkies George Henry- he is a fancy, fluffy little guy. The other who is a frizzled silkie -we think might be a girl- but waiting on confirmation before naming her.

Moving House

Last week we moved them

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Home Improvement

5 Simple & beautiful Nightstand Decor Ideas

Nightstands aren’t just for holding lamps, books and your glass of water. They can be traditional or unique. They can be ready to hold the usual things and also create a style moment all of their own.

Nightstand Decor

You know, I like to think that I am a traditional kind of girl in many ways in design. I love symmetry -well except for when I love the mingle of 3 or 5 in a grouping in a room. I like classic styles that are traditional- other than those unexpected surprise pieces in a room. And I do love all

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Home Improvement

6 home improvements that do not add value if you’re looking to sell

It’s easy to assume that the very home improvement you make is sure to add value to your property. But as it turns out, if you’re planning a move in the near future, there are some home improvements that do not add value – particularly if they cost you a lot to complete.

If you’re currently living in your forever home, doing whatever you want to the space is a no-brainer. But if you anticipate leaving your property in, perhaps the next five years, being strategic about updating it is a wise decision.

Though your space does need to be

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