Latest news with #Angie'sList
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Home Renovation Projects That Are Most Tariff-Proof
Even home renovation projects aren't immune to global politics. President Donald Trump's tariffs have shaken up the world economic order, and according to Better Homes and Gardens, they could cause the prices of construction and renovation materials to rise. But not every project is equally affected. 'When thinking about projects that aren't going to be as impacted by tariffs, you'll want to think about projects where the materials are typically sourced in the U.S.,' Angie Hicks, co-founder of home services website Angi (formerly Angie's List), wrote in an email. Read Next: Find Out: For homeowners looking to protect their budgets, these five renovation projects are among the most tariff-proof. Also see four ways the middle class can tariff-proof their wealth. 'Many maintenance and repair projects are tariff-proof in that they are unavoidable,' explained Marine Sargsyan, staff economist at Houzz, an online platform for home remodeling and design. 'Considering that more than half of U.S. homes were built before 1980 (51%), it's no surprise that dated exterior features and core systems require attention.' Unlike elective renovations, these projects are driven by necessity. Homeowners are more likely to prioritize them regardless of rising material costs. 'We always recommend tackling maintenance projects first to help prevent surprise expenses later,' Hicks said. 'This means making sure your roof is in good shape, getting an HVAC tune-up or taking care of any plumbing issues.' Check Out: Another type of renovation project homeowners should consider is a home system upgrade. 'While tariffs may impact some of the materials required to complete these projects, labor has a more significant implication on project budgets and timelines,' Sargsyan said. According to the 2025 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, some system upgrades, such as plumbing and electrical, have consistently been the second-most-frequent type of project for the past few years. 'Median spend for home system projects remained relatively stable year over year across almost all categories, with the exception of plumbing systems, for which spend jumped by 25%, to $1,500,' she added. Hicks wrote that a great example of a home renovation project that uses locally sourced materials is painting. While many American manufacturers of paint import ingredients, not all do. For example, Benjamin Moore's website states that the company makes all of its own resins and pigments in the U.S. Miller Paint is another American paint company that makes premium paints in the U.S. formulated specifically for the Pacific Northwest. 'You could also consider projects that are using locally sourced lumber for building things like shelves, cabinets and flooring,' Hicks explained. The U.S. obtains most of its lumber domestically, but it also imports a significant portion from Canada. 'The Q2 2025 Houzz U.S. Renovation Barometer found that construction professionals are most concerned about tariffs on lumber (83%),' Sargsyan explained. 'While a proposed additional 25% tariff on Canadian lumber was delayed and ultimately exempted, the dust hasn't settled and policy direction remains uncertain.' You can check where the lumber was sourced by its grading stamp, shelf tag at the store or lumberyard, or request the supplier or contractor to provide a certificate of origin. Some wood species are predominantly U.S.-grown, such as Southern Yellow Pine (SYP). You can also verify lumber origin using the FSC Search tool. 'Landscaping could be a great project as long as you're using plants and trees that are sourced in the U.S.,' Hicks recommended. Houzz found that more than half of renovating homeowners (53%) improved their outdoor spaces and typically completed nearly two outdoor projects on average. 'As we enter the summer season, it's a great time to invest in outdoor areas to extend the livable space of your home,' Sargsyan said. Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates I'm a Retired Boomer: 6 Bills I Canceled This Year That Were a Waste of Money These 10 Used Cars Will Last Longer Than an Average New Vehicle This article originally appeared on 5 Home Renovation Projects That Are Most Tariff-Proof Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
How to Choose the Right Cooling Contractor for Your Needs
Efficient cooling in homes and workplaces during warmer months is essential for comfort and health. Whether you're installing a new air conditioning system, managing repairs, or scheduling regular maintenance, the right cooling contractor can make all the difference. This guide will help you understand what to look for when hiring a cooling contractor, ensuring you get top-tier service tailored to your needs. Good climate control is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity for modern living. A reliable cooling contractor ensures your system runs efficiently, helping you save money on energy bills, avoid costly breakdowns, and extend the life of your HVAC system. The stakes are too high to trust just anyone with this critical task, making choosing the right professional a decision worth careful consideration. The first step in hiring a contractor is verifying their credentials. A reputable cooling contractor should have proper licensing and certifications, which usually vary by state. NATE Certification (North American Technician Excellence): Demonstrates technician competence and professionalism. (North American Technician Excellence): Demonstrates technician competence and professionalism. EPA Certification (Environmental Protection Agency): Required for handling refrigerants and ensuring safe, environmentally friendly practices. Ask for proof of these certifications before agreeing to any work. Not all cooling systems are created equal, and neither are contractors. Look for a contractor with proven experience in handling your specific HVAC model or type of system. For example, larger commercial HVAC setups require specialized knowledge compared to residential systems. Ask questions such as how many years they've worked in the industry, and whether they've handled issues similar to yours. An experienced contractor will often be able to diagnose problems more quickly and recommend more effective solutions. A good contractor will be upfront with their pricing. Look for contractors who provide detailed quotes that outline labor costs, material expenses, and timelines, leaving no room for surprise charges down the line. Avoid contractors who refuse to write up a formal estimate or those who pressure you into hasty decisions. Transparency is key to building trust. Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of past clients. Read online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Angie's List to gauge customer satisfaction. If a contractor has mostly glowing reviews and clients praising their professionalism, you're likely in good hands. Beware of contractors who have unresolved complaints or consistently receive poor ratings, as this can be a red flag. Reputable cooling contractors back up their work with warranties to ensure customer satisfaction. Whether installing a system, repairing it, or performing maintenance, guarantees show confidence in the quality of their work. Always check whether there's a warranty policy, and understand the terms before hiring someone. Whether you're upgrading your home's cooling system or installing air conditioning from scratch, an experienced contractor will evaluate your property's size, insulation, and other key metrics to recommend the best system for your needs. Proper installation ensures energy efficiency and long-term reliability. Routine maintenance is vital to keeping your cooling system operating efficiently. This often includes cleaning air filters, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting ductwork, and more. A qualified cooling contractor will offer regularly scheduled maintenance services to keep the system running smoothly all year long. From strange noises to uneven cooling, contractors can tackle a variety of HVAC issues. With proper diagnosis tools and expertise, they'll identify the problem and provide an effective solution quickly. Some contractors offer 24/7 emergency services for unexpected breakdowns. If this is important to you, check to see whether the contractor has emergency assistance options before hiring them. To ensure you're hiring the best contractor for the job, ask the following questions during your consultation or interview: Do you have the necessary licenses and certifications? Can you provide references or reviews from recent clients? What does your warranty/guarantee policy cover? How often should I schedule maintenance for my system? Do you offer financing options or payment plans? Are your technicians insured? If the contractor is hesitant or refuses to answer any of these questions, it may be a warning sign to look elsewhere. After selecting a cooling contractor, there are steps you can take to ensure the process goes smoothly for both parties. Set Clear Expectations : Communicate your needs, budget, and deadlines upfront. : Communicate your needs, budget, and deadlines upfront. Keep Records : Keep a file of all contracts, receipts, and written communications. : Keep a file of all contracts, receipts, and written communications. Be Available: Ensure the contractor has access to your property when it's time for installation or maintenance. A collaborative relationship increases efficiency and minimizes misunderstandings. While it can be tempting to go with the cheapest option, low prices may indicate poor quality work, inexperience, or worse, hidden fees. A good contractor offers value, not just low costs. Some unscrupulous contractors solicit work by canvassing neighborhoods, relying on high-pressure tactics to secure jobs. These contractors often lack proper licensing or deliver subpar services. Ensure every part of the job is documented, from the scope of work to the terms for payment. This protects both you and the contractor. Partnering with a trusted cooling contractor ensures that every installation, repair, or maintenance check is handled with precision. Their expertise helps optimize system performance, extend equipment lifespan, and improve indoor air quality. By selecting a contractor who values reliability and clear communication, you're investing in consistent comfort and long-term savings. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Property damage creates the perfect storm for scammers; here's how to protect yourself
ST. LOUIS – Storm cleanup continues in the Central West End and north St. Louis. 'We have 215 local first responder and veteran-owned businesses that can help out when disaster strikes like this,' said Charlie Metzner, founder of the St. Louis Hero Network, a nonprofit that supports local first responders and military families by promoting their businesses. Metzner is encouraging storm damage victims to look local when hiring clean up and repair crews. 'Do you randomly want to pick somebody off Home Advisor or Angie's List, people canvassing neighborhoods? Or do you want to pick somebody with some built in integrity and character that's been serving your community and protecting your community for years?' he said. Josh McDaniels, owner of Code 3 Contracting, said the damage in the hardest hit neighborhoods is unparalleled. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'Make sure you're hiring a local company that is not going to be a fly by night company that's just going to come here, set up an LLC and be gone here in a few months,' he said. Insurance agent Ed Fogelbach, a St. Louis Hero Network member, shared advice about the claims process. 'Just because the settlement comes through from the adjuster doesn't mean it's final. Everything is, you know, something you can discuss. Just get your agent involved,' Fogelbach said. The Better Business Bureau instructs consumers to resist high-pressure sales and not sign any documents that give the contractor rights to your insurance claims. They advise claimants to read any documents or contracts carefully before signing them. 'If you go to our directory and go under exteriors or construction, you'll find a wealth of resources of trusted, first responder and veteran-owned companies that you can choose from,' Metzner said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Billionaire Charlie Munger Said If You Want To Add Value To A Home, Invest In Lush Landscaping —'Spend Money On Trees And You Get It Back Triple'
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. If you're a homeowner looking to boost property value, your mind probably jumps to the usual suspects: kitchen upgrades, bathroom overhauls, maybe even a fancy new roof. But according to billionaire Charlie Munger, you might be overlooking the real jackpot—your front yard. That's right. Landscaping. "Lush landscaping, that's what sells," Munger once declared, according to Janet Lowe's biography "Damn Right!: Behind the Scenes with Berkshire Hathaway Billionaire Charlie Munger." "You spend money on trees, and you get it back triple. Stinting on landscaping is building malpractice." Don't Miss: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Triple. Not a bad return, especially coming from the man who stood beside Warren Buffett, one of the top 10 richest people on the planet. If anyone knows how to turn a dollar into three, it's Charlie. But Munger wasn't just an armchair real estate philosopher. Long before becoming vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, he rolled up his sleeves and jumped into property development. In the late 1950s, through his law practice, Munger met Otis Booth. By 1961, Booth brought Munger into a probate settlement that soon turned into a business partnership. Together, they developed apartments next to Caltech, each investing $100,000. The payoff? A cool $500,000 apiece—a 400% profit. They didn't stop there. They kept building, learning along the way that single-level condos sold like hotcakes and—yes—buyers were wooed by beautiful landscaping. The lush landscaping became the not-so-secret sauce. Trending: , which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum. By the time Munger wrapped up his real estate adventures, he'd turned $100,000 into $1.4 million. And that was back when a million bucks could really buy something. So why does landscaping pack such a punch? Simple. First impressions sell homes. A well-manicured yard signals care, quality, and curb appeal—the trifecta that hooks buyers before they even step inside. Studies back this up, with some showing that great landscaping can boost home value by up to 30%, according to Angie's List. At the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting last week, Warren Buffett reflected on his longtime partner's passion for property. "Charlie enjoyed real estate transactions, and he actually did a fair number of them in the last five years of his life," Buffett said. "But he was playing a game that was interesting to him." And while Munger eventually focused more on stocks, he never stopped believing in the power of real estate—and the magic of a well-planted tree. So, before you tear out that perfectly good countertop or splurge on another bathroom tile trend, take Munger's advice: Plant some trees. Your property and your wallet will thank you. Read Next: Donald Trump Just Announced a $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Deal — Here's How You Can Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary called Missing Ring his biggest mistake — Don't repeat history— Image: Shutterstock Send To MSN: 0 This article Billionaire Charlie Munger Said If You Want To Add Value To A Home, Invest In Lush Landscaping —'Spend Money On Trees And You Get It Back Triple' originally appeared on
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Billionaire Charlie Munger Said If You Want To Add Value To A Home, Invest In Lush Landscaping —'Spend Money On Trees And You Get It Back Triple'
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. If you're a homeowner looking to boost property value, your mind probably jumps to the usual suspects: kitchen upgrades, bathroom overhauls, maybe even a fancy new roof. But according to billionaire Charlie Munger, you might be overlooking the real jackpot—your front yard. That's right. Landscaping. "Lush landscaping, that's what sells," Munger once declared, according to Janet Lowe's biography "Damn Right!: Behind the Scenes with Berkshire Hathaway Billionaire Charlie Munger." "You spend money on trees, and you get it back triple. Stinting on landscaping is building malpractice." Don't Miss: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Triple. Not a bad return, especially coming from the man who stood beside Warren Buffett, one of the top 10 richest people on the planet. If anyone knows how to turn a dollar into three, it's Charlie. But Munger wasn't just an armchair real estate philosopher. Long before becoming vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, he rolled up his sleeves and jumped into property development. In the late 1950s, through his law practice, Munger met Otis Booth. By 1961, Booth brought Munger into a probate settlement that soon turned into a business partnership. Together, they developed apartments next to Caltech, each investing $100,000. The payoff? A cool $500,000 apiece—a 400% profit. They didn't stop there. They kept building, learning along the way that single-level condos sold like hotcakes and—yes—buyers were wooed by beautiful landscaping. The lush landscaping became the not-so-secret sauce. Trending: , which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum. By the time Munger wrapped up his real estate adventures, he'd turned $100,000 into $1.4 million. And that was back when a million bucks could really buy something. So why does landscaping pack such a punch? Simple. First impressions sell homes. A well-manicured yard signals care, quality, and curb appeal—the trifecta that hooks buyers before they even step inside. Studies back this up, with some showing that great landscaping can boost home value by up to 30%, according to Angie's List. At the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting last week, Warren Buffett reflected on his longtime partner's passion for property. "Charlie enjoyed real estate transactions, and he actually did a fair number of them in the last five years of his life," Buffett said. "But he was playing a game that was interesting to him." And while Munger eventually focused more on stocks, he never stopped believing in the power of real estate—and the magic of a well-planted tree. So, before you tear out that perfectly good countertop or splurge on another bathroom tile trend, take Munger's advice: Plant some trees. Your property and your wallet will thank you. Read Next: Donald Trump Just Announced a $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Deal — Here's How You Can Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary called Missing Ring his biggest mistake — Don't repeat history— Image: Shutterstock Send To MSN: 0 This article Billionaire Charlie Munger Said If You Want To Add Value To A Home, Invest In Lush Landscaping —'Spend Money On Trees And You Get It Back Triple' originally appeared on
