Submitted Trends suggest that homeowners are again investing in home improvement projects. The home improvement market, which includes both improvements and maintenance, has rebounded considerably from its most recent low point in 2011. The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University indicated in early 2015 that the upcoming year would surpass the $324…

Submitted Many little improvements can provide savings for you, while protecting our environment for future generations. (MS) Thinking green throughout the year can offer some significant benefits. Here are some easy ways you can go green in your own home and lower your energy bills: Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the…

Submitted Hanging laundry out on a clothes line is an easy way to save on energy costs, and reduce your carbon footprint. The fresh smell that accompanies is an added bonus. The arrival of warmer weather means different things to different people. Some anticipate opportunities for outdoor fun, while others may be considering redecorating or…

Submitted Unlike wood, which will absorb moisture and can warp, bamboo (actully a grass) repels water and can be used for flooring in areas where one wouldn’t think to put wood, such as in bathrooms, entryways or mudrooms. (MS) Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects tend to make great investments, earning homeowners significant returns when they…

Submitted Homeowners should consider as many variables as possible, including foot traffic in a given room, before installing carpeting in their homes as many factors can influence the longevity of a given style or weave. (MS) Carpets provide both practical and aesthetic appeal inside a home. In winter, carpets help keep homes warm, and the…

Submitted Salvaged doors, fences, shutters, beams, and so much more can be put to new use. (MS) Repurposing salvaged wood is a popular trend in the home improvement industry. Not only can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of-a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorporate the three Rs of green living into…

(MS) — Excessive energy bills can be a concern in spring and summer, just as much as they are in the winter. So how can you save money while keeping your home cool? The solution is simple: Top up your attic insulation. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss, forcing your…

Submitted Clover is is a lush alternative to grass that is easier to grow, lasts longer and requires less work. Who doesn’t love the look and feel of a lush, green lawn? Having your home surrounded by gorgeous green turf has forever been part of the American dream. But once reality sets in, maintaining and…

(MS) No matter the style of a homeowner’s kitchen, be it modern, traditional or farmhouse, stainless steel appliances can add a pop of shine and a touch of class. Proponents of stainless steel appliances note their easy maintenance, stylish look and durability. Plus, the neutral tone of stainless steel helps it blend in with just…

(MS) Few areas in a home can prove as perilous as bathrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says every year around 235,000 people over the age of 15 visit emergency rooms in the U.S. because of injuries suffered in bathrooms, the majority resulting from falls. Injuries sustained in bathrooms typically occur in and…

(MS) Home renovation projects can help homeowners transform their homes into their own personal oases. But such transformations do not typically come cheap, costing homeowners tens of thousands of dollars depending on the scope of the project. Each year, Remodeling magazine releases its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which helps homeowners determine which projects are likely…

Electronic devices enable us to access information, communicate and engage in entertainment. Consumer electronics also have transformed the typical household. Data from the Consumer Electronics Association, CTIA and U.S. Census Bureau paint a picture of just how immersed in new technology society has become. Statistics indicate the typical home of 2.6 people has an average…

By Scott McGillivray Americans continue to fuel remodeling spending across the country, driven by upward growth in real estate prices and the rising cost to trade up to a larger home. Basement renovations are expected to be a hot trend in 2016, as buyers look to maximize available living space rather than move, and as…

Courtesy of Efficiency Vermont Sandy LaFlamme By Sandy LaFlamme, Efficiency Vermont I’ve been working with a K-12 school for almost a year now. My main contact there is an electrician who also happens to be a parent, and he’s always looking for ways to reduce their energy costs. A while back, I brought up the…

Park will be removed from electric grid and powered by solar and battery As Vermonters enjoy the last warm days of summer and the beautiful outdoors, one state park is about to take our green image to a whole new level by going green and off the grid. Green Mountain Power is partnering with the…