Latest news with #homeimprovement
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Why the direction your fan spins is key to a cooler summer
(NEXSTAR) – An often overlooked switch on ceiling fans could be the key to staying a bit cooler this summer. If you've ever taken a close look at the fan, you may have noticed a small switch located on the side of the fan base. The switch, which is found on nearly every fan, can change the direction the fan spins. Using that switch according to the season will not only keep you more comfortable, but it can also help you save money. In the summer, make sure that your fan is going in a counterclockwise direction, which forces cool air directly downward and creates a 'wind chill effect,' according to Home Depot. In the winter, you can switch it up so the fan rotates clockwise at a low speed, circulating the warm air that gets trapped near the ceiling. If you have ceiling fans as well as air conditioning, using the fan correctly will allow you to raise the thermostat by roughly 4 degrees Fahrenheit and still feel just as comfortable, according to the Department of Energy. In moderately hot weather, you may even be able to turn off the AC. The DOE reminds people to turn off fans in unoccupied rooms. If you're in the market for a ceiling fan, larger fan blades will move more air than smaller ones, but you have to make sure it's an appropriate size for the space. The Department of Energy recommends a 36- or 44-inch diameter fan for rooms up to 225 square feet. If the room is larger, consider a fan that is 52 inches or more, but keep in mind that if the room is longer than 18 feet one fan may not be enough. Ventilation with the proper fan will allow you to raise the thermostat by roughly 4 degrees without discomfort, according to the Department of Energy. Following recent trends, this summer is expected to be especially brutal, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center. The report, issued in mid-May, found that all states are favored to experience above-average summer heat. The likelihood of a scorching summer varies regionally with the following states seeing the highest probability, according to NOAA: Texas, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and New Mexico. New England, south Florida and a large swath of the Mountain West are also at an elevated likelihood of a hotter-than-normal summer. Alix Martichoux contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
8 Real Estate Trends To Ride Now To Improve Your Home's Resale Value for 2026
Anyone hoping to sell a home in 2026 should already be thinking about ways to improve and upgrade their property to make it more salable. With interest rates remaining high, plus tariff impacts making everyday costs of living more expensive, homebuyers may be pickier than ever. Find Out: Read Next: Andrew Draayer, a real estate investor at Andrew the Homebuyer, warned sellers that 'homeowners' wallets are taking a hit from tariffs, tariffs, tariffs.' This means they're less interested in spending their own money on all the little items for a new home, from bathroom vanities to light fixtures and garden equipment. Sellers are going to have to eat more costs to find the highest bidder. Draayer and Darren Robertson, a realtor and founder of Northern Virginia Home Pro, offered eight real estate trends to ride now so you can get the best return on your investment next year. The reality of buyers fleeing the market and more homes going up for sale means sellers must not only be competitive in their pricing but also be the 'best house on the block,' Draayer said. The key to increasing your home's value 'is to over improve.' He said that simple touches like new finishes won't cut it. 'Go above and beyond with things like a high-end washer and dryer, upgraded refrigerator and modern blinds. You need to deliver the most move-in ready product possible to stand out from the crowd.' Be Aware: Expect to spend the bulk of your money on a renovation on big-ticket items such as roofs, windows and HVAC systems, Draayer said. 'It's a huge selling point to be able to tell a buyer: 'You won't have to worry about replacing your air conditioner for 10-plus years.' People are also sick of spending money on formal dining rooms or huge vaulted ceilings that don't contribute to everyday living, Draayer said. People want 'usable space,' such as 'multipurpose spaces for an office, playroom or homeschooling room.' The desire for more usable space may play a greater role in buyers' desire for open floor plans in this market, Robertson said. 'Many people want more options when it comes to arranging interiors as they please,' he explained. They want them clean and simple, too. 'Aesthetic trends still seem to be firmly rooted in minimalist and sleek designs, with muted colors, clean lines and open space layouts designed to maximize natural light all proving to raise the value of otherwise average homes,' he said. Smart home integration is another big selling point, according to Robertson, with the rise of more sophisticated app-based security systems, voice-controlled infrastructure and smart HVAC systems. He said as many as 3 in 5 homeowners are expected to be using such devices by the end of this year. If you're going to fully renovate any part of your home, make it the kitchen, Robertson said. 'Kitchen renovations, as always, are expected to continue offering great ROI in the coming years, especially with tariffs potentially raising the price of materials like stone countertops and flooring.' He recommended opting for evergreen features like natural stone countertops and kitchen islands in case the cost of raw materials increases any further. While in some cases it might make sense to add energy-efficient features like solar panels and smart energy systems, some buyers 'are a little cautious of potential maintenance requirements,' Robertson said. Generally speaking, he suggested any other efforts to reduce energy consumption will most likely be received positively with energy costs continuing to rise. Structural and functional improvements should be prioritized in this market, as well, Robertson said, as many buyers are looking to shield themselves from future costs at a time when the cost of living is expected to continue rising. While cosmetic improvements 'will get people through the door for viewings,' he said most buyers will jump at the first sign of any structural uncertainty or long-standing damage. It's still worth doing simple things like landscaping, powerwashing exterior features and general decluttering, because they can also raise a home's value, but they may not have the appeal of some of the more significant renovations, he said. In general, Draayer said that with high inflation, high interest rates, increasing supply and low buyer demand, 'you've got to shell out the big bucks to sell right now.' He said sellers should brace for spending more and selling for less than they would have this time last year. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Says Trump's Executive Order To Lower Medication Costs Has a 'Real Shot' -- Here's Why I'm a Retired Boomer: 6 Bills I Canceled This Year That Were a Waste of Money This article originally appeared on 8 Real Estate Trends To Ride Now To Improve Your Home's Resale Value for 2026
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Marriage Diaries: I love doing DIY but it's making my husband feel emasculated
My husband has never been very practical. Nor, I thought, was I. When we met, in our late 30s, we each had our own house. We also had busy jobs with little spare time. Consequently, we had both been used to employing other people to do DIY jobs. When we got married, I sold my house and used the money to buy a holiday cottage in the Lakes. We put both properties in our joint names. I'm glad to say our marriage is a great success, apart from one thing. I have become addicted to DIY and it's making him feel emasculated. It started when I began to work from home. Without my long commute, I had more time. So, prompted by a magazine article, I signed up for a DIY class at the local college. To my surprise, I loved it! It felt like a real achievement to drill a nail in the wall without making a hash of it or painting a door. My latest achievement is making a small bookcase. At first, my husband seemed quite impressed. But then some friends came to dinner and asked if I'd make them a bookcase too. One of the husbands made a snide comment to mine along the lines of 'Isn't this men's work?' I staunchly defended him by saying that nowadays, DIY is for everyone. However, my husband went very quiet. Not long afterwards, one of the bath tap washers went. I knew exactly what to do from my course. However, he insisted on doing it himself. Frankly, he made a bodge job, and the tap is still leaking. When I suggested redoing it, he went into a sulk and said it was 'fine as it is'. As a result, I restricted my DIY passion to our holiday cottage, which I often go to on my own. I even replaced the kitchen cupboard doors! But when he joined me for the weekend, he didn't even comment on the makeover, even though I'm sure he must have noticed. Then he announced he wanted to join my class! Our project was to put a hinge on a door. My husband was paired with the tutor who gave him, what I thought, was good advice. However, my husband took it as criticism. On the way home, he said he never wanted to go again and that he was surprised I still bothered since I was now a 'pro'. I pointed out that you could never learn enough, to which he retorted that perhaps I should become a professional 'odd job' woman. I know this makes him sound jealous, but he isn't like this in other aspects of our marriage. I love him and I know he loves me. But I've got a feeling that I'm going to have to stop what has become quite a passion. Otherwise, I fear I might lose his passion in another department…
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Travel + Leisure
10 hours ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
Amazon Has a Modern Farmhouse-inspired Tiny House With a Front Porch, Solar Panels, and Lots of Windows for Under $10K
I love to imagine what my dream house would look like. In case you're wondering, it has multiple bedrooms, a closet with enough space for my clothes and luggage collection, and an outdoor space to host friends. Amazon's outdoor store has a hidden section filled with customizable tiny house kits—from two-story options to ranch styles— that let you design your own home. So people like me, a frequent flier who prefers to use any spare change on traveling, can still have that dream home and see the world. I recently spotted a contemporary tiny house at Amazon that checks off all requirements, and it's less than $10,000. The design reminds me of a modern farmhouse, with its floor-to-ceiling windows that'll drench the space in natural light, and a fully covered front porch that's perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset after a long day of work. It comes practically move-in ready too, with plumbing, electrical outlets, kitchen cabinets, and a full bathroom at no extra cost. Insulation is also added to the windows, doors, and walls, so you can save time and money doing it yourself. The manufacturer, Zhong Machinery, also lets you customize the house to your unique taste—no contractor needed. The tiny house can be as large as 800 square feet and have as many as three bedrooms. These additions do come at an extra cost, but it's worth it if you need more space or want a home office and a guest bedroom. Lily Wang, a product manager for the brand, confirmed that the home can also include solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system. Both will require you to install them, but they'll help cut down your water and electricity costs. You'll just need to contact Zhong Machinery through WhatsApp before you purchase the home. Building the tiny house is also quick and easy. It has a foldable design that doesn't require building it piece-by-piece (unlike traditional houses). Just unfold the walls and connect them together—no sawing, drilling, or hard hat required. Shop this tiny house kit under $10,000, and check out must-have home decor and accessories at Amazon to make your new house feel like a cozy home. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Marriage Diaries: I love doing DIY but it's making my husband feel emasculated
My husband has never been very practical. Nor, I thought, was I. When we met, in our late 30s, we each had our own house. We also had busy jobs with little spare time. Consequently, we had both been used to employing other people to do DIY jobs. When we got married, I sold my house and used the money to buy a holiday cottage in the Lakes. We put both properties in our joint names. I'm glad to say our marriage is a great success, apart from one thing. I have become addicted to DIY and it's making him feel emasculated. It started when I began to work from home. Without my long commute, I had more time. So, prompted by a magazine article, I signed up for a DIY class at the local college. To my surprise, I loved it! It felt like a real achievement to drill a nail in the wall without making a hash of it or painting a door. My latest achievement is making a small bookcase. At first, my husband seemed quite impressed. But then some friends came to dinner and asked if I'd make them a bookcase too. One of the husbands made a snide comment to mine along the lines of 'Isn't this men's work?' I staunchly defended him by saying that nowadays, DIY is for everyone. However, my husband went very quiet. Not long afterwards, one of the bath tap washers went. I knew exactly what to do from my course. However, he insisted on doing it himself. Frankly, he made a bodge job, and the tap is still leaking. When I suggested redoing it, he went into a sulk and said it was 'fine as it is'. As a result, I restricted my DIY passion to our holiday cottage, which I often go to on my own. I even replaced the kitchen cupboard doors! But when he joined me for the weekend, he didn't even comment on the makeover, even though I'm sure he must have noticed. Then he announced he wanted to join my class! Our project was to put a hinge on a door. My husband was paired with the tutor who gave him, what I thought, was good advice. However, my husband took it as criticism. On the way home, he said he never wanted to go again and that he was surprised I still bothered since I was now a 'pro'. I pointed out that you could never learn enough, to which he retorted that perhaps I should become a professional 'odd job' woman. I know this makes him sound jealous, but he isn't like this in other aspects of our marriage. I love him and I know he loves me. But I've got a feeling that I'm going to have to stop what has become quite a passion. Otherwise, I fear I might lose his passion in another department… Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
