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Windows are more than just design elements. They play a vital role in the home’s energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 30% of the home’s heating energy gets lost through the windows, and 76% of the sunlight hitting standard windows passes through to heat the interior. In other words, windows affect energy efficiency in each season and …

The Southwest has produced some of the most iconic American imagery over the past century. From the Pony Express to covered wagons traveling past vast mesas and steep cliffs, the Southwest still maintains an air of mystery — even in the modern day. It comes as no surprise that many homeowners want to embrace elements of Southwestern-style design in their …

Saving water can benefit you and your entire community. It can lower your monthly bills (freeing up cash for more exciting things) while also contributing to regional efforts to reduce consumption in drought-prone areas. The city of Phoenix alone provides drinking water to 1.5 million people across 540 square miles. If everyone cuts back a little, there should be enough …

Nothing quite beats the feeling of stepping into a powerful, refreshing shower at the end of a long day. The convenience and efficiency of good water pressure make simple household activities feel rewarding. Yet, when your shower reduces to a dribble, or your washing machine seems to take an eternity to fill, the experience can quickly shift from refreshing to …

Retirement isn’t just the beginning of your career. It’s a new chapter of your life — full of opportunities to change and live the life you want to live. If you are nearing retirement or are newly retired, then one of the possible changes you can make in your life is your location.  Some retirees may move somewhere they’ve always …

In the previous decade alone, an estimated 7,348 major natural disasters caused $2.97 trillion in economic loss. The previous 20-year period saw only 4,212 natural disasters cause $1.63 trillion in damage. More than 3.3 million Americans lost homes to natural disasters in a single year, another strong indication that harsh weather events are on the rise. These events can cause …

Homeowners who are doing remodeling projects often have to balance form and function. The average homeowner lives in their house for 13 years, and the environment they and their families interact with daily impacts their quality of life.  If you are involved in renovations, the temptation may be to focus solely on appearance. However, you can’t ignore other factors in …

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the construction industry accounts for 36% of global energy use and 39% of carbon emissions. About 11% of emissions come from the manufacturing and processing of building materials. While these statistics include major commercial and civil projects, small-scale residential and business renovations can reduce their impact by opting for sustainable building materials to …

It’s not uncommon to have an area in your home that you just don’t know what to do with. This could be a small nook that isn’t big enough to be its own room or a former bedroom that you no longer need. Extra space is particularly an issue for parents after their kids leave for college. They might have …