(guest post courtesy of Hippo Insurance) With interest rates at record lows—and the end of COVID-19 in sight—a huge number of homes are likely to hit the market soon. If you’re thinking about buying a home soon (or have recently purchased one), you might be feeling excited about making a big change. But don’t forget about the flipside of that excitement, homebuyer’s remorse: the second-guessing that happens once the initial thrill of buying a new home wears off. First, the good news: Homebuyer’s remorse is normal. In fact, it happens to a full 52% of all buyers, and it seems to be generational. A whopping 63% of homebuyers between the ages of 23 and 38 have regrets about purchasing their current home. Even people who carefully weigh the pros and cons and do their research often experience some regret afterward. Homeowners work hard during the purchase process, and they expect to experience nothing but positive feelings and a sense of accomplishment once the work is done. But instead, there’s often a sense of unease, guilt and self-doubt. So is there anything you can do to avoid those feelings? Fortunately, yes. The best way to handle the dreaded home purchase “hangover” is to prepare for it ahead of time, by anticipating the common triggers and deciding how to handle them. To help you prepare, we’ve collected some regularly cited reasons why some people experience buyer's remorse below. Common causes of homebuyer's remorse Spending too much money This is by far and away the most common cause of buyer’s remorse after closing on a home. From the never-ending fees to the mountains of complicated documents, you might not even be sure exactly how much you spent. Once you add up the closing costs, multiple home inspections, mortgage interest, realtor’s fees, and future repair issues, you may end up spending more than you anticipated. Not loving the neighborhood Sometimes we gloss over the details when pulling up to what could be the house of our dreams. With rose-colored spectacles, we overlook the apparent hoarder a few houses down, trash cans out on a no pick-up day, or that this neighborhood would more than double your commute. Your neighborhood plays just a big part in enjoying your home as the structure itself, so make sure you love it as much as the house itself. Second-guessing the house The home you buy may be the one you'll live in for years to come, which can put new buyers in a sort of analysis paralysis. After considering all the locations and various school districts available, buyers may make concessions, and then second-guess whether they were worth it. Worrying that the home is too big—or maybe not big enough—is another common issue. Stop homebuyer's remorse in its tracks Remember, it's normal Whenever we do something important and unfamiliar, it’s perfectly natural to feel apprehensive. Going into the home-purchasing process with as much information as possible is the best way to thwart any difficult feelings after moving. But even then, it’s important to give yourself the space to feel any emotions that come up in the wake of this major life decision. Those feelings won’t last forever. Stay within your budget The down payment on your new home is only one piece of the equation. Set yourself up for success by thinking through what the ongoing financial responsibilities of owning your home will be. It's easy to only think of the mortgage, but it's essential to factor in everything else that will impact your budgets like property taxes, property insurance, home maintenance and utilities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household budget is $63,036 per year. This includes all living expenses, from necessities like food, housing and transportation to other expenditures like clothing and education. Make sure you’re not getting in over your head by taking all the little fees into account in your budget and try to think ahead about what your new home will cost to maintain. Run the numbers first, and you won’t be in for a nasty surprise down the line. Don't rush your decision Maybe you’re hearing that it’s a "seller's market" or that home inventory is low. Maybe even your real estate agent is pressuring you to buy a so-so house because they don't have anything that fits your checklist. Take your time. Make a list. Decide what you have to have, your like-to-haves and your would-be-nices. Of course, be realistic and reasonable, but try not to settle for something you won't be happy with in the long run, all in the name of quick homeownership. Look to the future Fancy upgrades sell. This is something that home stagers and house flippers specialize in, and now, savvy home sellers know it, too. If you buy a home because it looks just like a house you saw on Instagram last week, try to envision what you may see a few years in the future. Trends will change, and the same insta-house you were gushing over will be a distant memory. This is true of those fancy upgrades that may impress you at first sight, too, like a double staircase, spa bathtubs and theater seating in the basement. Maybe you will still enjoy these things in a few years, but the real question is, do you want to pay out of your well-devised budget for something you didn't really need that could eventually lose its appeal and may even need to be removed? Experts advise looking at the "bones" of the houses you are shopping—the architectural style and how well it's constructed. Though home decor trends will come and go, a well-built home will always hold its value. Grab a tool belt The sticker shock of home maintenance projects can sometimes cause people to rethink a home purchase, especially after years of renting. While owners have to be involved in the home's maintenance, it can actually be as enjoyable as any other hobby. Just like everything else to do with your home, a little planning and research can go a long way. DIY home maintenance can turn out to be simpler than you think—maybe even fun! Your remorse will soon be a distant memory This feeling generally only lasts for the first few months. Once you've completely moved in, started your home maintenance routines, bought furniture and splurged on a few small home projects, the big expenditures slow down and you fall in love with your home. Talk to a trusted person who also has bought a home and knows what a big decision it is. Having someone who can corroborate your feelings will help you realize how normal—and temporary—homebuyer’s remorse is. Make a love list to your home Due to the pandemic, there are more reasons than ever to love (and hate) your home. Having to spend more time inside than ever has us all a bit stir-crazy. But think about those four walls and what they have provided for you during this past year. Maybe that extra bedroom you weren't entirely sold on at first was perfect for an office or home gym you never knew you always needed. Maybe that upgraded kitchen came in handy when you had to make more meals at home. Whatever the reasons are, write them all down and then walk room by room to say thank you. It might sound silly, but this list can give your subconscious the proof it needs that you made the right decision choosing the home you did. What if you really do want out? If you genuinely feel like you made a mistake and want out of the home, you still have options. You could consider becoming a landlord and using your newly bought property as a rental. You also may be able to turn around and sell the home if you are in a particularly hot real estate market. There is a chance you will make a profit, but you should look to break even at best. Include all of your selling and moving fees to determine your "break-even" point on the sale. As common as homebuyer's remorse is, parts of it are controllable and, therefore, preventable. Do your homework before house hunting to make sure the homes in your search are the best for your lifestyle and your own personal financial situation. It’s important to remember that these moments of doubt are inevitable and that it’s okay to have some emotional highs and lows during the process. Just take a step back and look at the big picture. Then you’ll be able to allow yourself to appreciate the choice you made and love the home you are in. About the Author: Hippo Insurance is an InsurTech company that’s reimagining home insurance through the lens of homeowners – building policies with more comprehensive coverage for today's consumers at up to 25% less than competitors.

An Iconic Denver Landmark Recreates 19th Century Elegance & Beauty with Weather Shield® Historic Window Designs (guest post courtesy Will Chelak and Kate Robertson of Precise Communications) The iconic Bosler House, located in Denver’s West Highland District, has witnessed the changing story of the Mile High City – from rambunctious Colorado mining town to one of the country’s fastest growing metro areas. Designed by John G. Weller in 1875, the home was commissioned by wealthy merchant, Ambrose Bosler, who wanted a hilltop escape from the bustling city. Over the years, many stories unfolded within the Bosler walls as the home’s original splendor and elegance gradually faded into disrepair. These troubles became even more visible in 2008, when the home’s then-owner demolished the roof and began installing an historically inaccurate replacement – a violation of the home’s Landmark designation status which had been established in 1984. The city issued a stop-work order, which prompted a six-year legal battle during which the vacated property would be left open year-round to the harsh Colorado elements. By the time the city foreclosed on the home, the once resplendent estate had become a dilapidated eyesore. For lovers of historical architecture, the situation was grim. Although an historic assessment determined the property salvageable, restoration costs were estimated at $1.75 million. With few options, a court-appointed caretaker listed the property for sale as Annie Levinsky of the Historic Denver Society lamented that “we knew that this house was going to need a miracle to return to its former grandeur.” That eleventh-hour miracle came in the form of Steve and Jan Davis, veteran remodelers and the owners of Davis Investments, LLC in Denver, who made an offer on the deteriorated property and a pledge to restore the aging landmark. The couple saw only possibilities lying under the faded portico, lopsided roof, and sagging porch. “It’s a fun opportunity,” an unruffled Steve told Denver7 News. With unflappable determination and the support of Colorado’s Historical Fund and Historic Denver, the couple tackled each obstacle during the painstaking two-year-restoration while proclaiming, “The old, grand lady is coming back.” “Preservation is dynamic – it takes energy and creativity. It strengthens our identity and helps create a strong sense of place.” ~Abby Haverstock, Denver Library Historian However, the greatest scrutiny was reserved for the home’s exterior due to Denver’s Community and Planning guidelines stipulating that “these projects preserve the properties’ key historic character-defining features and qualities.” This included the meticulous recreation of the Bosler House’s Italianate-style architecture, which is expressed through the elaborate ornamentation of its cornices, porches, doorways and windows. In fact, the replacement of the tall, slim, rounded (radius) tops of the Italianate windows proved one of the project’s most pressing challenges. Mike Thiret, president of Certified Home Services, a leading Denver-based door and window supplier, worked with the Davises throughout the lengthy review process to recreate the home’s windows according to the stringent specification guidelines of the City’s Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC). Designed specifically to recognize properties of historical, architectural and geographical importance, Denver’s local landmark designation is only awarded to structures that preserve each properties’ key historic character-defining features and qualities. “Steve and I have known each other for years, having worked together on five to six jobs,” offered Thiret. “He’s an expert at restoring older homes. Over the past 10 years, he’s probably renovated close to 25 homes, doubling his investment each time. But the Bosler Home was something else altogether. Steve not only took it upon himself to rebuild the house, but had to work closely with the City of Denver and the historical commission to replicate the original architecture. The window designs alone took almost a year to approve.” While these discussions were underway, Steve’s company fastidiously completed much of the work on the ornate stone details around the exterior of the windows including the limestone plinths, keystones and sills — arguably some of the most exquisite features of the house. The exterior brick window heads determined the geometrical specifications for the radius window sash tops, since LPC guidelines designated a near-exact replication. Whereas, interior design flexibility allowed the Davises to choose accessible beige from the wide assortment of Weather Shield Window’s wood frames, a complement to the overall lighter, spacious, updated design of the interior. But one problem still persisted before the LPC would sign off. Early Bosler House drawings did not reveal enough to determine the width of the sashes. To the dismay of all, the previous owner had installed low-end vinyl windows, and the originals were nowhere to be found. That was until Davis discovered that one of his neighbors had an authentic Bosler House window on display as backyard landscape art. Without objection, Steve borrowed the 140-year old relic and handed it over to the LPC historic team who then approved the Weather Shield window design from among several competing models. “We were extremely happy with the selection,” said Davis. “Not only did the Weather Shield models match the look and feel perfectly, they were also far less expensive, while offering great quality. We’ve worked with Weather Shield for years, and this was the choice we really wanted them to make.” Using Landmark-approved specifications, the Weather Shield architectural team accurately recreated the historical windows, which included the fabrication of 42, seven to eight-foot, wood-framed HR175 single hung, tilt glass windows in four weeks once the design was finalized and approved. Weather Shield’s historic window department commonly works with customers nationwide to recreate the accuracy of historical windows down to the finest details, while helping homeowners to pass the strict zoning requirements found in many older neighborhoods. The work also builds on Weather Shield’s mission to create truly impactful window designs that significantly add to home aesthetics. Once delivered, Tim Mayer of Mayer Home Services in Denver, completed the window installation in just two weeks. After the old vinyl ones were removed, Mayer explained, “We inserted 2x4s to make each of the new windows fit into the double masonry. We then applied foam and brick to ensure a nice, tight fit. Each of the windows were perfectly sized and fit like a glove. They really looked amazing.” The Davises couldn’t agree more. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live on a site like this,” said Jan Davis. “For me, that’s the magic—the windows and what’s outside of them.” As a key showpiece of the walking tours held by the Denver Architecture Foundation and Jewels of the Highlands, the Davises have graciously opened their home to the local community, which sometimes includes up to 600 visitors in four hours. “It took a tremendous grassroots effort to get this done,” Steve acknowledged. “We couldn’t be more appreciative. You really have to pinch yourself when you live in a beautiful house like this. As redevelopers, we used to move every few years. But I doubt we’ll ever leave here. Every aspect of this house is absolutely beautiful. That includes the windows, which are exquisite.” Along with its local landmark designation and inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, The Bosler House received a 2018 Mayor’s Design Award in the “This Is Home” category. As explained by The Denver Post’s Ray Mark Rinaldi, “Preservation of this magnitude doesn’t come easy — and it doesn’t come cheap. It took more than $2 million and the fortitude of both its owners and various local and national preservation groups to keep the place from ruin. It’s a private home but a public treasure, and it stands now for generations to come.” #homedecor #window #historicwindow #historichome #weathershield #homeimprovement #renovation #remodeling #windows

(guest post by Caitlin Bigelow, CEO & Co-Founder, Maxable) With restrictions loosening nationwide, the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs, often referred to as “in-law suites” or “granny flats”) is booming. In fact, a recent national study revealed that 4.2% of homes sold in 2019 had an ADU – versus just 1.1% in 2000. Newer, friendlier ADU regulations have been a boon for both homeowners and affordable housing advocates, enabling single-family homeowners to construct a second rentable unit more easily than ever before. For those who opt to rent them out, the return on investment is excellent. And for owners who plan to use an ADU to house a family member, the costs of a monthly loan payment are typically much lower than average rent prices. While building an ADU can be cheaper than constructing a single-family home, it is still a pricey undertaking – with some hidden expenses that may come as a big surprise. Often starting at least $90,000 to build, ADUs can range from a small backyard cottage to a garage or basement apartment. Construction costs can vary greatly and hinge on whether you are starting from scratch or refurbishing an existing structure. With all of this in mind, here are several hidden costs to watch out for as you plan and budget for your new granny flat. Exterior Interior 1. Site Work Preparing your property for ADU construction is a cost many homeowners don’t consider. Depending on the property’s configuration, you may need to do a significant amount of site work, such as tree removal, excavation and land grading. As an example, if leveling a sloped back yard is necessary, the price will increase significantly. 2. Fees, Fees and More Fees While building permit fees are inevitable, there may be additional fees associated with your ADU project, ranging from environmental to architectural. For instance, architectural fees can range up to 15% of the project’s cost. A construction manager or general contractor will also charge a fee for project supervision. These projects are also often subjected to development and impact fees, which help support public improvements, services and facilities. Almost every new structure has had to pay them at some point! In California, for example, these can be avoided by keeping your ADU under 750 square feet. That’s a critical number to remember, because while the state says anyone with a single-family residence can build an 800 square foot ADU, that extra 50 square feet could raise your ADU costs by thousands of dollars in development and impact fees. By working with an experienced ADU designer, you can minimize many of these costs. 3. Interior Finishes There is a great deal of price variability associated with the interior finishes – from millwork to flooring and kitchen appliances. Are you partial to top-of-the-line appliances and custom tile? Or will your ADU be appointed with less costly options from big-box stores like IKEA or The Home Depot? When it comes to deciding on interior design costs, carefully consider how the ADU will be used. If you are building it for yourself, you might want to spend more on higher end finishes that you love, as opposed to a rental in which you might want to consider more durable finishes. 4. Direction Matters If you are considering a garage conversion but want to expand the structure’s existing footprint, remember this: Expanding from the side of your garage is more expensive than expanding from the front or back. This is often because most garages have a simple pitched roof, making the side walls load bearing. To extend through a side wall, you must reinforce that wall significantly to sustain its strength. By expanding to the front of the garage – where the main door is – you circumvent that problem. You’ll also save money because a large opening already exists, eliminating demolition costs. Similarly, expanding out the back of the structure is also easier because while you will have to demo part of the wall, it is usually not load bearing. If you opt to expand to the side, you’ll also need to replace part of the garage’s existing roof with a gable addition. This is costlier in both materials and labor than simply extending the pitched roof in the same direction. 5. Utility Meters If you plan to rent out your ADU, you’ll probably want to have the utilities on separate meters so the tenant’s bills are separate from yours. This is especially true if you plan to rent out both the main house and the ADU someday. Keep in mind that installing separate utility meters can add several thousand dollars to ADU costs. A separate electric meter alone can cost between $2,000–$5,000 or more. You could, of course, simply estimate the average extra cost of the ADU’s utilities and roll that into your tenant’s monthly rent. But this alternative can be risky. When the COVID-19 pandemic mandated stay at home orders last year, landlords who rented out ADUs with utilities included saw their utility bills skyrocket – and usually had to cover the increase out of their own pocket. To avoid that problem, another option is to install an aftermarket sub-meter that uses an app to show precisely how much water, power or gas the ADU tenant is using. While the tenant won’t get a separate utility bill, you can show them the data and accordingly add the appropriate cost to their monthly rent. 6. Going Solar Many ADUs are garage conversions, which are not required to have solar panels. But in some states like California, new-build ADUs must have solar panels. The good news: There is a 26% federal tax credit being offered through 2022 for solar panels, so even if you’re not required to install solar, it might be good time to capitalize on that credit. Costs related to installing and maintaining a solar system – including such as roof repair, storage batteries, and electrical panel upgrades – may also qualify for the rebate. An energy efficient option, solar will shrink your ADU’s utility bills, especially if you install a mini-split heating and cooling system. 7. Fluctuating Material Costs The price of things like lumber, cement and steel fluctuates every year. While there is no way to control the price of materials, consult your contractor about timing and bids. If your financing is in place and you have completed construction drawings, you’ll be in an optimal position to negotiate with different contractors and get a fair bid for labor and materials. 8. The 10% Rule This is more of a bonus tip than a “hidden cost,” but we always recommend adding an extra 10% to your construction budget as a contingency. This offers a crucial safety net should something unexpected crop up during the construction process, or if you want to do a last-minute upgrade. It is important not to let these costs deter you from building an ADU, but rather learn about them up front so there are no surprises. ADUs are a wonderful investment in the long run – both in terms of increased property values and the potential for passive income. By collaborating with an experienced team who can identify the hidden costs and help maximize your budget, designing and building your own ADU can be a rewarding experience! Exterior and Interior Editor's Note: All photos appear courtesy of Caitlin Bigelow, CEO & co-founder of Maxable, an educational platform firm that connects homeowners with the resources and tools they need to construct accessory dwelling units (ADU) from start to finish.

Here’s the tragic tale of a fine tool that never got the respect it deserved. For my money, there’s never been a better tool for installing tongue-and-groove flooring against a wall than the Lam-Hammer. Invented by Jeff Van Horne, the Lam-Hammer is a modified slide hammer, which is a tool often used in automotive applications to pull and remove ball-bearing inserts. When installing the last few rows of T&G flooring, there is generally no room to use a hammer and tapping block to close the board joints, so installers often use a hammer and pull bar. The problem with a cheap S-shaped pull bar is that over time, all the hammer strikes to the tab can bend the tab outward so it no longer catches the hammer blows, which renders the pull bar useless. The undersides of the pull bars are also notorious for marking up the new floor boards. Furthermore, with shorter pull bars, the proximity of the tab to the wall can make it difficult to swing the hammer. The Lam-Hammer is easy to use and solves all those problems. To use the Lam-Hammer, first hook the head over the outer edge of the floor board to be installed. Hold the tool with two hands, placing one hand on the sliding handle and the other at the end on the solid handle. Slide the weighted handle of the hammer toward its head on the fixed handle then quickly pull it back toward your body, where it impacts the strike plate at the other end. The impact pulls the hooked end, which in turn pulls the T&G joint tightly closed. It’s awesome! Sadly, you might never get a chance to try it out. This wonderful tool has been discontinued, and the flooring installers who were savvy enough to procure one while they were available tend to guard them with a close eye. The problem? Business as usual… The fate of the Lam-Hammer boiled down to the age-old struggle between the inventor’s commitment to quality and the industry’s demand for cheaper tools that guaranteed more sales. After speaking to Jeff Van Horne personally, it seems the tool never got the sales necessary to justify the cost of continuing to manufacture it. This is because he couldn’t land a distribution deal through flooring suppliers or the "big box" stores (Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart, etc.). Insofar as the big box stores go, acquiring distribution is a common issue in the tool industry, because those outlets have strict requirements for price points on the items they sell. In a nutshell, it works like this: To meet the lower price points, manufacturers often have to make compromises to the manufacture of said products (i.e. lower the quality) or risk losing the distribution deal. Mr. Van Horne refused to lower the quality of his Made in the USA Lam-Hammer. To manufacture the tool at a price which would ensure it wider distribution, he would have to source the tool from China where he feared its production and quality of the materials would result in a lesser tool. He stood his ground and refused to make those concessions. After all, the nature of the tool subjects it to heavy and repeated impact, and a poorly made version simply wouldn’t hold up to the wear and tear. However, since Mr. Van Horne didn’t get that coveted widespread distribution, the Lam-Hammer didn’t get the notice it deserved and thus it didn’t receive the sales it needed to survive. And, that is the sad tale of the Lam-Hammer, a fine tool that I’m proud to own and will never sell. You tool-hounds out there might check eBay; maybe you’ll get lucky. By the way, the last time I spoke to Jeff Van Horne, the patent for the Lam-Hammer is for sale and interested parties (serious inquiries only) might want to give him a call at 1-888-687-2421. - M. Weber

Our friend Caleb Stephenson of Birmingham, Alabama, sent us a tip for giving ceramic wall tile a more fully finished look. The exposed edge of wall tile usually has a blunt, square shape that is not to everyone’s liking. Caleb’s solution is to add glass border tile as decorative trim around the perimeter of the wall tile, which eases the transition and gives the installation a more completed appearance. Check out the photos to see how a glass border of a complementary color enhances this backsplash and shower surround. Before... How To You’ll need painter’s tape, a caulk gun, construction adhesive, the tile of your choice, glass-tile nippers, plus a special sanded caulk which has the appearance of tile grout. Measure the glass tile, then apply painter’s tape along the wall to mark the outer edge of the glass, leaving a consistent gap for placement of the glass tiles. Keep the tape aligned with the wall tile to mask the drywall from any excess caulk and to provide the look of a crisp grout line when the tape is removed. When installing wall tile, it’s a good idea to place the tiles in a dry run to troubleshoot any potential problems and plan any necessary cuts. Once you’ve got a plan, apply dabs of fast-setting construction adhesive along the back of the glass tile to reduce mess. Press the tile to the wall and clean up any excess adhesive that squeezes out as you go. As you align the tiles, it’s important to maintain a consistent joint size between neighboring tiles to ensure even grout lines. When you need to cut glass tile, the best tool to achieve a clean, straight cut is a set of wheeled glass-tile nippers, which is a hand tool that uses two opposing carbide scoring wheels to give the tile a clean break. Once the tiles are firmly glued in place, carefully apply the sanded caulk into the joints and seams, then tool the bead to shape. Make sure the caulk is mold and mildew-resistant and intended for sinks, tubs and showers. Carefully remove the painter’s tape to reveal crisp “grout” lines and your new decorative glass border. Note: You can reach the professional remodeling team of Randy and Caleb Stephenson at handyrandyco [a] yahoo.com.

(guest post courtesy Maureen Murray) Daniel Kirkland, owner and president of Kirkland Designs of Charleston, South Carolina, has more than a decade of experience as a deck and porch specialist in the state’s Lowcountry region. Committed to growing his business and staying one step ahead of his competition, Kirkland spotted an increase in requests for hidden fastener deck surfaces. He asked his supplier, Four Corners Building Supply of Charleston, South Carolina, for a solution to adapt to the trend. “When we told our supplier that our customers wanted hidden fasteners, Four Corners set up a demo from CAMO,” explains Kirkland. After seeing the CAMO DRIVE tool in action fastening deck boards through the edge with CAMO’s Collated Edge Screws, Kirkland was sold. “The DRIVE tool with the angled Edge guide attachment gave us the ability to stand while fastening to save our crews’ backs and knees,” says Kirkland. “The speed and spacing accuracy told us that we could really be on the cutting edge of hidden deck fastening and increase our margins.” On a previous project, the Kirkland Team rebuilt a 1,000 sq. ft. bridge over a swamp for a homeowner that was painstaking to fasten. “Pulling fasteners out of our back pockets and being bent over for three days straight really wore out our backs,” he said. “Each fastener had to be placed individually. When we saw CAMO’s demo, it was clear how much pain and labor we could have saved.” Kirkland put the CAMO system into action for a recent replacement project for Dockside Condos, a complex with high-end amenities only a short walk from the South Carolina Aquarium. Overlooking the Charleston Harbor with spectacular views of the Cooper River, the old deck was subjected to years of splashing water from passing ships, causing irreversible damage. “We installed splash guards and replaced the rotting boards with grooved Ipe, more suited to the wet environment.” For fastening, Kirkland relied on CAMO EDGE Clips, engineered with legs that hug the joist for a one-pass installation and a strong, stainless steel gusset that holds boards down. When paired with the DRIVE tool, EDGE Clips can speed up decking installations up to 5X faster than other systems, because installers can line up rows of boards and clips and fasten them all at once. “We also used CAMO’s LEVER, a newer innovation that replaces bow wrenches—it aligns and locks six or seven rows of boards at a time,” said Kirkland. “We didn’t have to wrestle with the boards to get them straight.” The LEVER tool can straighten any warped board in just one turn, adjusting to single, double or metal joists to lock boards with less effort. Kirkland’s crew used several LEVERS to align the Ipe boards, and the resulting efficiencies brought the project in on schedule and with less strain on his crew. “We’ve found the CAMO system of tools and fasteners to be the only way to fasten decks,” says Kirkland. “Our customers love the fastener-free surface and it’s just a cleaner looking, more beautiful aesthetic.” To learn more about the CAMO DRIVE, EDGE Clips and LEVER visit http://www.camofasteners.com.

(guest post by Louise Fraser for Wren Kitchens) With many people working from home over the past year, we’ve been spending more time with our pets than ever before. But with pets in the kitchen and around you, there comes challenges – Wren Kitchens can reveal that there has been a large increase in search terms around pet-friendly kitchens from 2019 to 2020. The Year of the Pet “Dog Friendly Kitchen” saw a 118% increase in Google searches from 2019 to 2020, with “dog proof kitchen bin” seeing a 33% increase. It seems like the kitchen is the place to be for all the new puppies, as “Dog Bed Ideas for Kitchen” saw a massive 2700% increase in Google searches, and “dog bed under kitchen worktop” saw a 490% increase. See all search term comparisons below: How to Design a Pet-Friendly Kitchen When it comes to designing your perfect kitchen, you want it to be perfect for all members of the family, including your pets. So, the experts at Wren Kitchens have offered their top-tips on designing a pet-friendly kitchen to keep everyone happy (and everything tidy!). 1. Incorporate a boot room Muddy paws (and muddy boots!) are everyone’s nightmare, especially in the winter months. A bespoke boot room is a designated area to keep the mud at bay and helps to prevent the dreaded dirt splattered around your kitchen and home. Create this practical yet pretty area near your door with space to store coats and boots as well as hang collars and leads off hooks. The main elements of a boot room are seating to perch, boot storage at the base, hanging racks and hooks overhead as well as integrated floor to ceiling tower units to hide away all those extra items. If you have space it will be worth considering a sink in your boot room area, such as a deep ceramic style to help clean any dirty paws (or even children!) as they come indoors. 2. Add a nook for your pet It’s important that your pet feels safe in its environment, so we’d recommend tucking your pooch or feline away in a quiet spot in your kitchen. These quiet nooks for your pets not only create a nice feature in your space, but they’re extremely practical too and can create sleek storage for bowls, leads and food. Don’t forget to tuck them away from danger and cooking areas as smoke and fumes can make your furry friends ill. 3. Choose easy-clean materials The durability of your kitchen is important to endure the drool, dirt splatters and scratches that your pet will throw at it. Prevention is always best, so we’d advise opting for finish you can easily wipe clean with a damp cloth and soapy water. High gloss units tend to show up nose smudges and waggy tail swooshes so it’s recommended to stay clear of these. Always pick an easy-clean floor, such as laminate or tiles, which are both durable and can be quickly swept or mopped to remove fur and paw marks. If tiles are your thing, then choose a dark grout such as charcoal or black to avoid nasty stains over the years. If you’re looking to add a rug for a bit of warmth, choose one that’s washable so it can be easily cleaned. 4. Stick to dark tones Even with messy animals around, you can still achieve a designer looking kitchen. Darker shades such as charcoal, navy, raven black and forest green are the perfect hues to disguise those scuffs and blemishes. 5. Add hidden storage Inevitably, owning a pet means you have a lot more stuff to store such as food, toys, leads and towels to clean them down with. Choosing a dedicated area in your kitchen is the best way to keep your furry friend’s essentials in one easy-to-reach space. If you’re lucky enough to have a utility or boot room then naturally a space should be devoted to your fluffy friends there so it’s separated from human foods and toxic items such as cleaning products.

The folks over at Groundworks have posted their picks for "Best Basement Bar Ideas." Via Youtube videos, you'll see a wide range of styles, from ultra-modern to rustic wood. Jump over and take a look if this home project is on your radar. I've built a couple of bars in my lifetime, and it's a fun way to flex your DIY muscles and get creative with the design. Below are a few highlights from the list, but you can read the entire article HERE. - M. Weber Modern Basement Tour Attribution: Finished Basement NJ – YouTube This is an ultra-modern look for the bar and finished basement. It’s characterized by a large open area with gleaming white flooring. Other features include a steam room and bath, a workout gym, and a bedroom, along with a huge home theater that includes its own concession stand. Top-of-the-Line Finished Basement Attribution: Finished Basement NJ – YouTube This tour starts with a full-wall display case for models. Then there’s the game room, playroom, gym room, wonderful bar, and home theater. There are lots of open spaces. And don’t miss the hidden entrance to the utility room. You can find lots of ideas here for your basement. Rustic Industrial Man Cave Basement Bar Attribution: Ares Playhouse Productions – YouTube This is a quite impressive basement with a bar, pool table, foosball, video, and more. The heart of this video is covering all the work that went into making this finished basement from concrete floors and framing for walls to the finished room.

I've built a couple of decks, always from the ground up. My friend Mark Clement, however, takes a different approach. He's a pro builder and blogger at MyFixItUpLife who builds his decks from the top down. It's a fairly unique approach (as far as I know), and I've watched his how-to videos enough times that I've now been convinced--the next time I build a deck, I'm building from the top down. Below are a few screen captures to show what I mean by "top down," but I highly encourage you to watch the actual YouTube videos below to get all the tips and tricks Mark suggests about the building process. -- Matt Weber (*All images and videos are copyright of MyFixItUpLife, which is a cool home-improvement blog you should check out.) CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEOS!

Bosch Power Tools today announced the release of its PROFACTOR high-powered cordless tools, powered by its exclusive CORE18V battery platform and equipped with Bosch BITURBO Brushless™ technology. From the press announcement: Delivering power that outperforms its corded counterparts, PROFACTOR cordless tools give professionals the freedom to take on the most demanding applications on one battery platform. “After thousands of hours of development, we are thrilled to cut the cord with this impressive line of professional cordless solutions,” says Corey Hinkel, Lead PROFACTOR Product Manager for Bosch Power Tools. “Offering more power and flexibility than corded tools, PROFACTOR simplifies jobsites by delivering a line of solutions designed for the industry’s most demanding applications – all powered by a single 18V battery platform.” At the heart of this new high-powered cordless system is Bosch’s best battery technology - the CORE18V battery platform. It features advanced cell technology, cutting edge design and Bosch-exclusive COOLPACK™ 2.0 technology. With a design including copper end plates, welded cell connectors and power rails, the batteries provide reduced resistance and greater efficiency, allowing tools to draw higher currents from the battery. With the PROFACTOR-optimized CORE18V 8.0 Ah and the new PROFACTOR Exclusive CORE18V 12.0 Ah batteries, professionals can power the full PROFACTOR tool lineup from a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple battery platforms on the jobsite. PROFACTOR tools feature Bosch BITURBO Brushless™ technology, which pairs a high-performance brushless motor and drive train system with powerful magnets and optimized in-tool electronics to take full advantage of the additional power generated by the CORE18V 8.0 Ah and 12.0 Ah PROFACTOR batteries. Pre-orders for the PROFACTOR lineup are available now. The product portfolio includes the following, with more coming later in 2021: Bosch GBH18V-36CN 18V Hitman Connected-Ready SDS-max 1-9/16 In. Rotary Hammer Bosch GBH18V-45CK 18V Hitman Connected-Ready SDS-max 1-7/8 In. Rotary Hammer Bosch GBH18V-34CQN 18V Connected-Ready SDS-plus 1-1/4 In. Rotary Hammer Bosch GWX18V-13CN 18V Spitfire X-LOCK Connected-Ready 5 – 6 In. Angle Grinder with Slide Switch Bosch GWS18V-13CN 18V Spitfire Connected-Ready 5 – 6 In. Angle Grinder with Slide Switch Bosch GKS18V-25GCN 18V Strong Arm Connected-Ready 7-1/4 In. Circular Saw Bosch GKS18V-25CN 18V Strong Arm Connected-Ready 7-1/4 In. Circular Saw Bosch GCM18V-12GDCN14 18V Surgeon 12 In. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw Bosch GKT18V-20GCL 18V Connected-Ready 5-1/2 In. Track Saw with Plunge Action Various kitted executions are also available for pre-order. For more information, visit boschtools.com/profactor.

According to a new press release, to help solve a crisis in "affordable housing," SQ4D Inc. (SQ4D) has listed for sale the first 3D printed home in the United States. This residential property, printed on site using SQ4D's Autonomous Robotic Construction System (ARCS), is the first 3D printed home slated to receive a certificate of occupancy and is listed on MLS for sale as new construction for $299,999. Find the listing here: https://www.zillow.com/homes/34-Millbrook-Ln-Riverhead,-NY,-11901_rb/2075583035_zpid/ The 3D printed home will feature over 1,400 square feet of living space, plus a 750 square foot 2 ½ car garage on a ¼ acre. This home includes 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and features an open floor plan. Built with concrete, this home will deliver strength and durability that conventional wood-frame construction cannot match. SQ4D will be including a 50-year limited warranty on their 3D printed structures. SQ4D developed its patent pending ARCS technology to robotically build the footings, foundations, interior and exterior walls on site of their homes. SQ4D's proprietary hardware and software enables the construction site to be safer while creating eco-friendly concrete homes compared to traditional wood-frame construction at a fraction of the cost. Solving the Affordable Housing Crisis According to the press release, SQ4D's 3D printing technology "can drive a lasting solution to this crisis by drastically reducing the cost of new home construction." Stephen King of Realty Connect, the Zillow Premier agent who has the listing, said, "At $299,999, this home is priced 50% below the cost of comparable newly-constructed homes in Riverhead, NY and represents a major step towards addressing the affordable housing crisis plaguing long island." learn more at www.sq4d.com. Editor's Note: Does $300,000 strike anyone else as a very expensive home to combat a crisis in "affordable housing?" I suppose they mean a crisis in real estate sales, because if they were truly referring to a crisis of sheltering people, it would seem to make more sense to build housing in more affordable areas of the USA where a $299,999 home is NOT priced 50% below the cost of comparable new homes. So, while I think this new building technology is nifty, I question the use of the terms "affordable housing" in this context, and I think most of America would agree with me. - Matt Weber

What’s the latest kitchen and bath technology for 2021? The latest products will soon be unveiled in February at the 2021 virtual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), but HIR is here to bring you a sneak peek at some of the highlights to come. Wetwall Wall Panel System Instead of using tile and grout when water is ever-present, the Wetwall Water-Proof Wall Panel System from WilsonArt provides a single panel that’s waterproof. It’s also a tongue-and-groove product that is easy to work with and can be installed without any special tooling in as little as 2.5 hours. Once it’s in, it’s dependable and requires little effort to maintain because it's grout-free. Ideal for bathrooms and showers, this patented walls system withstands daily use and is available in an array of nature-inspired "on trend" designs. Visit www.wetwall.com. LG Studio WashTower LG Studio WashTower is a complete laundry solution with an exclusive single-unit form factor, complete with LG's Center Control panel that's positioned with both washer and dryer controls in the middle for maximum convenience. The WashTower makes laundry day easier than ever with its AI sensors that detect fabric texture and load size and then automatically select the right wash motions, temperatures, and more. With Smart Pairing technology, the washer tells the dryer the most compatible drying cycle. Both the washer and dryer have a black tinted-glass door with decorative chrome elements and an exclusive stainless steel finish on the body that's only available with LG Studio models. WashTower owners will enjoy greater peace of mind with LG Proactive Customer Care. The industry-first personalized customer support tool provides customized maintenance tips, monthly usage reports, and alerts that warn of potential issues before they arise. Plus, the LG ThinQ app enables users to start or stop the laundry, check the remaining cycle time, or get notifications directly on their smartphone. Visit www.lg.com. Verona Appliances Unveils Innovative Designer Range Builder Tool Verona Appliances offers an innovative new tool that allows interior designers and homeowners to customize their very own Designer Series range. The “Designer Range Builder” provides users the option to preview any combination of fuel type, knob color and base color for their own personalized appliance. With six standard base colors three knobs colors, two different fuel type, and dual fuel and induction, this new unique tool melds high performance with high style for a custom-made kitchen design. Visit https://veronaappliances.com/designer-showcase. Series 11 DishDrawer Known for pioneering the industry-first DishDrawer dishwashers, Fisher & Paykel now launches its Series 11 model of the DishDrawer later this year. Each drawer washes independently and fits a half load, so you can run one while you load the other. DishDrawer Dishwashers are as easy to open and close as kitchen drawers and can be conveniently positioned at bench height for ease of loading and minimal bending. Featuring enhanced engineering technology, a stainless steel interior, additional wash functions as well as a knock-to-pause function, the single and double Series 11 DishDrawer offer innovative solutions for cleaning. Visit www.fisherpaykel.com. Montay Faucet from Pfister Sleek and statuesque, this ergonomic kitchen faucet incorporates a pull-down spray head at just the right height for no-reach cleanup. All the hidden inner workings are made to last as long as its modernist exterior adorns your kitchen. It features Pforever Seal, an advanced ceramic disc valve technology with a never-leak guarantee. The hig- arc spout adds clearance and reach. Select from three water settings conveniently in the palm of your hand. The rotating spout allows for greater versatility like hand washing delicates and sink cleaning, and the elegant forward handle design underscores ergonomic function and helps where space behind the faucet is limited. Visit www.pfisterfaucets.com. Washlet Bidet Seats TOTO’s most budget-friendly Washlet bidet seats, the entry-level Washlet C2 and intermediate-level Washlet C5, have a simple, clean-line design. Among many design improvements made to these two popular bidet seats, TOTO reduced their warm water reservoir’s height by approximately 1.5-inches, giving them a streamlined appeal. TOTO also reduced the height differences and gaps in Washlet C2 and C5’s fitting to the toilet bowl. In addition, TOTO has added EWATER+ to automatically clean the wand both inside and out, before and after each use, and redesigned the wand’s housing beneath the seat, making its design simpler and easier to clean. Visit www.totousa.com. Samsung Jet Bot 90 AI+ Created to give your house an amazing clean with minimal effort, the Samsung JetBot 90 AI+ is the industry’s first smart robotic vacuum powered by Intel AI. It uses cutting-edge object-recognition technology to navigate your home just like you do: avoiding items as large as furniture and as small as cables without missing any spaces. Utilizing a high-precision LiDAR sensor similar to those used in self-driving cars to detect distance and track location, the vacuum is capable of moving with a high degree of precision. The JetBot 90 AI+ is able to sense distances of up to almost 20 feet, rotate 360 degrees, and access hard-to-reach spaces. Visit www.samsung.com. TandemLED TandemLED, named for its unique two-wire (tandem) operation, is a patent-pending, two-wire, tunable white LED Lighting technology that adjusts LED lights from Warm White 2700K to Cool White 5000K and anywhere in between. Traditional LED Lighting products are very limited in what they can do. They only come in one color temperature (either warm white or cool white), they emit low quality light and offer no smart control features. TandemLED products allow you to personalize lighting throughout the day, set a mood, enhance lighting to perform tasks, all while maintaining high lumen output. Installation is easy using industry-standard two wires. When paired with one of the company’s WAV Smart Control receivers, the lights can be controlled through wireless remote, smartphone app or voice. Visit www.tandemled.com. Universal Infinity Drain Infinity Drain continues to simplify barrier-free bathroom design with its new Universal Infinity Drain linear drain that is compatible with most types of waterproofing methods. The convenient universal kit features a pitched channel with a clamping collar and the choice of a tile-insert frame or squares-pattern grate. Designed to adhere to both traditional and modern waterproofing techniques, the Universal Infinity Drain’s channel allows traditional membranes like vinyl or Chloraloy to be mechanically fastened to the drain channel. Alternatively, modern installation methods that incorporate a bonded waterproofing method like liquid membrane or fabric sheet will adhere to the 1-in. channel flange. Visit infinitydrain.com. IKON Farmhouse Sink with Low Divide The new IKON 33-in. Apron 1-3/4 Bowl with Low Divide sink from BLANCO is designed to make prepping, cooking and cleaning a more seamless and comfortable experience. The IKON is the world’s first apron front sink made of Silgranit®, BLANCO’s patented granite composite material available in eight trending colors. The new sink’s convenient low divide sits just 5-1/2 inches from the sink bottom, making it easier to handle large pots and baking sheets while still dividing the sink into cleaning and prepping bowls. Because apron-front designs are installed further forward and eliminate the countertop, they minimize the need to lean over as much and help to reduce strain. Visit www.blanco.com. Flo by Moen Smart Water Security System With the new Flo by Moen Smart Sump Pump Monitor, you can replace the anxiety of a flooded basement with the power of 24/7 peace of mind and plumbing protection. This device uses connected, smart technology to help homeowners reduce the risk of flooding as a result of failed sump pumps by providing monitoring and alerts when potential failures or unusual conditions are detected. The proactive monitoring allows homeowners to address and mitigate the risk of water damage from anywhere at any time, so they never have to worry if their sump pump is working properly ever again. The Smart Sump Pump Monitor detects sump-pump water levels, performance, power loss, humidity, temperature, leaks, and Wi-Fi status to help ensure the pump is working efficiently and prevent against water damage, with the ability to view real-time data, analytics, and pump status in the Moen App. If an abnormality or leak is detected, homeowners are alerted through their preferred notification method – the Moen App, text, email, phone call – or through an audible alarm to help protect their home. Visit www.moen.com.