Britons take great pride in gardening. With nearly half the population calling gardening a favourite pastime, many homes feature manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds and well-trimmed hedges. Ponds of all sizes are also common, drawing wildlife, creating tranquil spaces and offering a calm retreat from daily life. With almost 3 million garden ponds and around … Read more

If you’ve ever needed a bedbug exterminator, you might be surprised who shows up at the door. A recent report pointed out that many exterminators in cities like New York are working actors or others supplementing irregular income—individuals who can slip between gigs and pest-control shifts. With bedbug reports rising in some urban areas, demand … Read more

  Is your truck bed hurricane-proof? GMC chose a dramatic way to showcase the strength of its new CarbonPro bed: a commercial that slams objects into the bed at hurricane-force speeds. That spot premiered during the NFL playoffs earlier this year and generated a lot of attention. Truck beds endure heavy abuse in daily use. … Read more

For many people, a home is more than a place to sleep—it’s a major investment that requires careful attention. While homeowners often focus on cleaning, upgrades, or renovations, one critical practice is frequently overlooked: regular home inspections. Consistent inspections distinguish properties that retain their value from those that steadily deteriorate. Skipping this essential step can … Read more

Are you thinking about refreshing your bathroom decor? Kohler’s new Toobi Bath Faucet offers a playful, customizable approach to doing just that. With interchangeable colored liners, the Toobi allows homeowners to personalize their sink area with ease and style, bringing a fresh accent to any bathroom design. The liners are currently available in ice white, … Read more

The peak backyard grilling season is approaching, and to celebrate the American tradition of outdoor cooking around the Fourth of July, Char-Broil surveyed 3,000 people across the United States to learn what they plan to cook and how they’ll celebrate. Here are the key findings: While hamburgers and hot dogs remain nationwide favorites, regional preferences … Read more

You’ve likely come across the term “universal design,” especially in conversations about making homes safe and comfortable for people as they age. However, universal design isn’t limited to older adults; it focuses on creating spaces that are accessible, functional, and easy to use for people of all ages and abilities. That broad goal influences every … Read more

Toyota has timed the arrival of the 2020 Highlander well. The mid-size SUV segment is the fastest-growing category, and demand for three-row models remains strong. With roughly two dozen mid-size SUVs on the market, buyers have plenty of choices—and Toyota’s redesigned Highlander aims to keep its lead in the third-row space. Within the mid-size segment … Read more

A recent survey conducted by American Express, reported by MarketWatch of The Wall Street Journal digital network, shows that most homeowners plan to continue investing in home improvements for the rest of the year. The results indicate that 62 percent of homeowners expect to spend an average of $6,200 on various projects. Younger professionals and … Read more

Warmer weather often brings an increased risk of severe storms, and with hail, high winds, tornadoes, and heavy rain comes another hazard: storm repair scams. After a recent round of severe weather in the Kansas City area, Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe warned residents to be vigilant and provided advice for avoiding fraudulent repair … Read more