Home Improvement Projects, What I like, Versus What I can Afford

home improvement projects

Another age old conundrum with home improvement projects is the trade off of what I like versus what I can afford. Everyone struggles with this reality where finances and costs are pulling one side of your brain, versus the emotional trigger of I really want and like “this” to be a part of my project.

One method in helping resolve this debate in your head, or worse yet with your spouse, is to have developed a detailed budget for each item in your project.  As an example, you might have a patio project that includes 10 key items like the following. Read More


Home Offices for Better Productivity

home offices

Did you know that 59% of prospective home buyers want a home office in their next home. Home offices are great rooms that allow you to work from home if your job allows, conduct your personal home business in a quiet environment and also allows your students to study if necessary.

What to consider?

When designing your home office keep a couple of things in mind. How many people in your family will use this office? What will the purpose of its use be? What furniture will you require? Will you require multiple work stations or desks or will your require a small conference area to Read More


Porches for Home Entertainment

porchesIt is that time of year! Get the porch ready! With a recent visit to the Southern US, we were inspired by the antebellum houses and porches.

Porches offer great ways to relax, entertain and enjoy a sunset. Whether you have a small porch or a grand one. Leverage furniture that allows people to move around safely and adds appeal to the area. Read More


Recovering from a Home Fire

Home FireMy name is Tami Traeden, I live in Portland Oregon. I recently heard about HomeZada and quickly checked out the website because I suffered from a home fire.

My interest was strong based on my experience in 2008.  My husband and I were both home on a Sunday afternoon in November. Our home was a 100 year old craftsman which was quite drafty so I used space heaters often. I was upstairs in my office when I noticed the space heater was not putting out warm air. So, I had moved it to a new outlet in the room so I could be closer to the project I was working on. I did not think much of it until about 30 minutes later the power went out. My husband came upstairs to talk to me before going to the basement to check on the breaker box, when he glanced out the window.

What he saw forever changed our lives. Read More


It’s Grilling Season, Recipes You will Love

grilling season

Now that you cleaned your grill, it’s time to start grilling because we are in the midst of grilling season. We promised you some of our favorite grilling recipes and so here it goes. This grilling season, we hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we do and we hope your Memorial Day is fun filled! Read More