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The following characteristics will help you design a swoon-worthy farmhouse kitchen.

Stone and Wood

Natural materials, especially stone and wood, are always at the center of the farmhouse style.

Open Shelving

Both fashionable and functional, hang pans from a ceiling rack and use a magnetic strip to keep your knives handy.

Copper Accents

Wherever its implemented, copper adds a metallic touch thats in tune with the rustic ambiance.

Reclaimed Materials

A farmhouse kitchen should feel like its been lived in. Reclaimed materials give your kitchen a distinguished character that comes with age.

Appropriate Appliances

Stainless steel is popular in a rustic cooking space, as it works well with the overall aesthetic.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Renovations can be expensive, even for seemingly simple projects. If youre thinking about making some home improvements, it may be tempting to try to keep the costs as low as possible, but spending a significant amount of money up front could result in much larger long-term savings.

Make Home Improvements That Will Lower Your Heating and Cooling Bills
Utility bills are among the largest expenses for homeowners, aside from a mortgage. If your house has drafts, replacing the windows and/or siding may solve the problem. Each of these projects would be expensive, but you could save a bundle on your heating and cooling bills throughout the year.

If your remodeling project will involve removing an outside wall to build an addition or to change the layout of a room, that could be an opportunity to make your home more energy efficient. The contractors should install insulation, but you could pay more to have them install extra. That would help keep your utility bills under control, especially in an area where it gets cold in the winter. You could also ask the contractors to install more insulation in the attic, basement and crawlspace.

Controlling the temperature in your home could cut your utility bills. A programmable thermostat is a simple solution that would quickly pay for itself. You could program it to keep the house cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer when no one is home, and then automatically adjust to get the house to a more comfortable temperature before you return.

Look for Ways to Reduce Your Energy and Water Usage
If youre planning to remodel your kitchen, you may be thinking about replacing some of the appliances. This is a perfect opportunity to save money on energy costs. A new ENERGY STAR refrigerator, stove or dishwasher could use less energy than the models you currently have.

A more efficient dishwasher could also use less water than your old model, which could result in significant savings, especially if your family runs the dishwasher several times a week. You can look for other ways to lower your water bills, such as installing a more efficient water heater. Insulating pipes could save you money since you would not waste water by letting it run to heat up.

Think About the Big Picture
Products with a higher price tag tend to be of higher quality, and when it comes to appliances and building materials, they can make your home more energy efficient and save you money in the long run. If you plan to stay in your house for several years, these improvements could pay for themselves and could also increase your homes future resale value.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Garage doors can experience wear and tear from years of daily use. Parts can eventually wear out, which can create safety hazards and security risks. At some point, replacing a garage door makes more sense than repairing it.

When to Consider Buying a New Garage Door
An automatic garage door should start to move up and down without hesitation when you press a button or enter a code. If you notice a delayed response, if the door moves slowly or if it makes a loud or unusual noise, it may need to be repaired or replaced. A technician can diagnose the problem and help you decide what to do.

Sensors can detect a person, an animal or an object in a garage doors path and make it stop automatically. If your garage door doesnt stop when something is blocking it, its a safety hazard. It may be time to replace the door to protect your children and pets from injuries.

A garage door that doesnt close completely is a security risk. A burglar could break into the garage and steal your belongings or get into your house if you have an attached garage. A wild animal could also get into the garage and wreak havoc.

Garage doors can become scratched and dented from minor accidents and exposure to harsh weather, blowing debris and animals. A damaged garage door can detract from a homes appearance, but a new door can instantly increase your curb appeal.

A garage door with insufficient insulation or failing weather stripping can let cold air into your house in the winter and let cooled air escape in the summer. If you have noticed that your utility bills have gone up and you arent sure why, your garage door may be to blame. A well-insulated garage could make your home more energy efficient and lower your utility bills. Keeping the temperature inside the garage in a comfortable range could also allow you to work on vehicle maintenance or a hobby regardless of the weather.

If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, strong winds could damage the garage door and cause a pressure buildup inside the house. That could damage the roof and walls, and could even blow the roof off completely. A garage door with a high wind load could reduce the risk of that happening.

If you plan to sell your home, installing a new garage door may be one of the easiest ways to spruce up its appearance. It can also provide a higher return on investment than many other home improvement projects.

How to Choose a New Garage Door
Garage doors are available in a wide array of colors, styles and materials. Some have windows and others do not. You can choose a garage door to complement the rest of your house and instantly improve its appearance. Contact a local company to learn about your options and to compare features and prices.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are five features that millennials look for when purchasing a home.

Privacy

Whether its a gated community, a building with security, or a backyard enveloped by trees, privacy is important.

Eco-friendly

By investing in sustainability, youre increasing the value of your home.

Smart Tech

Millennials see smart home technology as a way to save time while also delivering extra peace of mind.

Proximity to Nature

Whether theyre in the city or the suburbs, communities with walking, hiking and biking trails will speak to millennials.

Home Office

Having an office or designated workspace is conducive to their lifestyle, which mixes work and play more freely than past generations.

Published with permission from RISMedia.