For millions of Americans, pets are a member of the family. They provide companionship and countless memories that last a lifetime. Having a pet-friendly custom home increases the likelihood that these memories will be positive. These tips can make pet ownership simpler, and create a safer,...
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It’s hard to believe our front doors could hold so much potential for technology—but automated door locks, cameras, facial recognition, intercom stations, lighting, motorized shades, peepholes and smart doorbells are all making the front door a new entry point in the smart custom home. CEPro.com, a...
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Are you getting ready to buy a major appliance, like a refrigerator, oven, dishwasher or dryer for your new custom home? The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM.org) recommends the following tips: Get the specs. Ask your dealer for specifications from several manufacturers offering the type of appliance...
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As the temperatures continue to warm up outside, you may be ready to embrace the adage "out with the old and in with the new" when it comes to your custom home’s interior design. Whether you’re a homebuyer looking for ways to upgrade your new...
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Despite recent news that Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that can carry Zika, chikungunya and other viruses has spread to 30 states, the majority of Americans have yet to embrace basic recommendations to help reduce the mosquito population at their own homes. That's the result of a new...
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Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, getting ready takes lots of pre-planning. From Real Simple magazine, a moving checklist: Two Months Before • Sort and Purge – Go through every room in your home and decide what you will take and what you will get...
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Metal roofing has many advantages when it comes to energy efficiency—including a recently-added $500 credit for homeowners. Those who are planning to install a metal roof atop their primary residence in 2016, or installed one in 2015, can capitalize on the tax break. “Consumers are making...
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Did you know that the energy used by homes in the U.S. accounts for almost one-quarter of the country’s overall energy consumption? Or that the average household spends upwards of $2,200 a month on utilities? Improving your custom home’s energy efficiency can be accomplished in several...
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Mother Nature is the ultimate exterior designer, and she shows off her chops every spring and summer when backyards come alive with colorful flowers, birdsong, warm breezes and the lush aroma of newly mown grass. Is your custom home deck, patio or other outdoor entertaining...
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Open floor plans, mini-mansions, micro homes — some home design styles and elements shift with the currents of consumer tastes. However, others stand the test of time because they’re enduringly useful. Attics or lofts, for example, are a staple of American custom home design, remaining...
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