DIY vs Contractor
DIY Smart Home Setups Cost More Than You Think
While DIY smart home setups offer appealing convenience, they frequently result in integration failures, safety issues, and surprise costs.
By Heather Olson
Latest Stories
02Maintenance Checklists
Spring Inspections Catch Small Issues Before They Cost Thousands
03Remodeling Cost Calculators
Hidden Costs That Derail Kitchen Remodel Budgets
04DIY vs Contractor
DIY Smart Home Setup: When to Stop and Call a Pro
05Maintenance Checklists
30 Days to a Perfect Spring Home: Your Action Plan
Home Improvement Guides
Smart Home Tech Now Drives Measurable Resale Value
By Deborah Huffman•
Remodeling Cost Calculators
Hidden Kitchen Remodel Costs That Blow Your Budget
By Melissa Romero•
Remodeling Cost Calculators
Kitchen Remodels Return 55-85% of Your Investment
By Melissa Romero•
DIY vs Contractor
Why Kitchen Island DIY Projects Cost More Than Pros
By Maddie Ellison•
DIY vs Contractor
View All →01
DIY Smart Home Setups Cost More Than You Think
While DIY smart home setups offer appealing convenience, they frequently result in integration failures, safety issues, and surprise costs.
By Heather Olson•
02
DIY Smart Home Setup: When to Stop and Call a Pro
A DIY smart home offers control and potential savings, yet it also presents technical challenges, security vulnerabilities, and unexpected expenses. This guide identifies ideal DIY tasks, scenarios requiring professional intervention, and strategies for creating an efficient, safe smart system that aligns with your budget and lifestyle.
By Deborah Huffman•
03
Why Kitchen Island DIY Projects Cost More Than Pros
Envision a kitchen island that enhances your space without unexpected expenses.
By Maddie Ellison•
04
Why LVP Floors Fail: Subfloor Prep Mistakes
Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers style and simplicity, yet subfloor errors lead to costly fixes. Explore key mistakes in leveling, moisture control, acclimation, and more, with practical steps for success.
By Maddie Ellison•
05
DIY Your Smart Home or Hire a Contractor?
Transforming your home into a smart space begins with a key decision: handle the installation yourself or enlist professional assistance. This guide examines costs, necessary skills, and safety factors for both options, along with a hybrid method that combines cost savings and expert input, to help you create an efficient, connected smart home ready for 2025.
By Heather Olson•
Home Improvement Guides
View All →01
Smart Home Tech Now Drives Measurable Resale Value
In 2025, smart home technology transforms properties by combining enhanced comfort, energy savings, and strong market appeal. Strategic installations of thermostats, security setups, and lighting controls yield high returns, ensure device compatibility, and position homes as forward-thinking investments.
By Deborah Huffman•
02
Hidden Home Projects That Trigger Permit Rules
Certain home upgrades appear straightforward yet demand building permits, including deck additions, window modifications, and electrical enhancements. Neglecting these requirements can result in substantial fines, inspection failures, or complications during property resale. This guide identifies key projects needing approval, outlines steps to verify local regulations, and explains the protective role of permits in maintaining home safety and value.
By Heather Olson•
03
Upgrades That Skip Permits But Still Add Value
Elevate your home's value in 2025 through permit-free upgrades like paint refreshes, landscaping, and energy tweaks. These accessible projects improve aesthetics, efficiency, and marketability while avoiding inspections and paperwork for stress-free results.
By Deborah Huffman•
04
Weekend Projects That Skip the Permit Process
Revitalize your home over a weekend without permits or complications. This guide presents affordable, effective improvements that elevate interior and exterior appeal. From updating lighting to enhancing entryways, discover secure, impactful DIY endeavors that yield expert-level outcomes free from bureaucratic hurdles.
By Melissa Romero•
05
Smart Home Tech That Actually Cuts Your Bills in 2025
In 2025, smart home technologies prioritize energy efficiency, security, and convenience. Intelligent thermostats adjust temperatures automatically, while smart lighting optimizes usage based on occupancy. These devices, including leak detectors and central hubs, help homeowners save on utilities, prevent costly damages, and create a more responsive living environment.
By Melissa Romero•
More Stories
View All Articles →Maintenance Checklists
Spring Inspections Catch Small Issues Before They Cost Thousands
By Deborah Huffman•
Remodeling Cost Calculators
Hidden Costs That Derail Kitchen Remodel Budgets
By Melissa Romero•
Maintenance Checklists
30 Days to a Perfect Spring Home: Your Action Plan
By Melissa Romero•
Remodeling Cost Calculators
Hidden Kitchen Remodel Costs That Blow Your Budget
By Melissa Romero•
Remodeling Cost Calculators
Kitchen Remodels Return 55-85% of Your Investment
By Melissa Romero•
Remodeling Cost Calculators
Smart Home Remodels Cost More Than the Sticker Price
By Heather Olson•
Maintenance Checklists
Winter Storm Prep Cuts Energy Bills and Damage Risk
By Deborah Huffman•
Remodeling Planning Tools
See Your Remodel Before You Build With AI Tools
By Deborah Huffman•