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The holidays bring family, friends, and plenty of activity. A few small improvements now can make your home shine when guests arrive—and help you relax and enjoy the season. Freshen Up High-Traffic Areas Give your entryway or guest bathroom a quick facelift. A fresh coat of paint, new towel hooks, or updated cabinet hardware can make a big impact. Add a welcoming mat to catch winter slush and protect your floors. Check Your Heating and Ventilation Before guests settle in, make sure your home’s heating system is running efficiently. Replace filters, vacuum vents, and clear any blockages. This simple step...

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to shift your focus indoors. Winter is ideal for tackling home improvement projects that don’t require warm weather — and that make your space more comfortable, efficient, and inviting for the months ahead. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or just starting out, these projects will help you make the most of your time indoors. 1. Refresh Your Walls with Paint A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room without requiring a big budget or professional help. Choose warm, cozy tones like deep greens, rich blues,...

An ongoing challenge for contractors—especially those just starting out— is finding new customers. Generally, by doing your job well and proving your company’s dedication to quality, professionalism and reliability, you are already well on your way to cultivating future work. Word-of-mouth builds momentum as your company’s portfolio of successful, completed projects grows. The Internet Even though it’s called the “World Wide Web”, it still is a very powerful tool for a local company that serves local customers. Nowadays, establishing an online presence is crucial for getting your company’s name in front of the eyes of customers. That’s the first place...

If you want to know more about the lumber that you purchase, your search doesn’t have to stop with the lumber store. Did you ever wonder what that stamp on the side of your lumber stood for? That tiny stamp holds a wealth of information. Every piece of lumber sold in the United States, whether it’s finished lumber, framing or composite wood, must have a grade stamp upon it. These stamps can help ensure that lumber will need design expectations.  The lumber grade stamp tells you: The species of wood or the species group that it belongs to. The actual...

The biggest factor in determining the type and quality of wood that you’ll use for your next project is the project itself. That’s because certain varieties of wood are best suited for certain projects. For example, a hardwood with a closed grain such as maple would be an excellent choice for a butcher block, rather than soft porous wood such as pine. Most lumber can be described as either being either softwood or a hardwood. Generally, softwoods are much less expensive, so determining your needs can help you to decide which type of wood to buy. This, in turn can...