In recent years, economists have recognized three key things bridges do that propel economic activity. #1 – Bridges are a critical component of a nation’s infrastructure, making it possible to ship raw materials and finished goods to factories, warehouses, suppliers, distributors, stores, and end-consumers. Bridges also facilitate travel so consumers can purchase goods and services in their own communities and beyond. When a bridge closes, economic activity slows or grinds to a complete halt. #2 – Wages earned by bridge construction and maintenance workers have…

Tip 1: Plan your project and get bids well in advance Advance planning pays off You get the best contractor deals when contractors aren’t so busy. Have you ever tried to find a contractor in March to start the new three-season porch that you want to be completed by Mother’s Day? It’ll cost more than if you’d found a contractor in January. Most contractors plan out months ahead and don’t want to disrupt their schedules. They’ll shoot you a high bid because they really don’t want…

Let’s admit it, when getting ready to put a home on sale, the fear that it might not sell fast or rake in the amount you expect will often creep up on you.  Things get even more real when you begin to imagine what the home inspector report might look like and what buyers will think of it. On the other hand, there’s the good feeling that comes with knowing that there are a few things you can do to attract potential home buyers to your…

For first-time homeowners, figuring out exactly how to “home own” can feel like a steep learning curve—especially when it comes to all the random, but necessary, items you’ll need along the way. So, to help newbies out, we polled nine real-life homeowners on the must-have products they wish they’d invested in sooner. 1. A GENERATOR: JACKERY PORTABLE POWER STATION 240WH BACKUP LITHIUM BATTERY Power outages might not be top of mind when you’re moving into your first home, but they should be. Mary D. says…

Home Improvements: Under $100 Tip 1: Spend an Hour With a Pro Invite a realtor or interior designer over to check out your home. Many realtors will do this as a courtesy, but you will probably have to pay a consultation fee to a designer. Check with several designers in your area; a standard hourly fee is normally less than $100, and in an hour they can give you lots of ideas for needed improvements. Even small suggested improvements, such as paint colors or furniture…

Photo: Rawpixel.com (Shutterstock) Homeownership has a way of awakening the inner Bob Vila in all of us—even the ones who know nothing about home improvement. Whether you’re tackling huge renovations or tiptoeing your way into the world of DIY, these tips will help you set yourself up for success. Have a plan Renovations rarely go exactly to plan, but that doesn’t mean you should wing it. Last-minute changes are both stressful and expensive, so get the non-negotiable details hammered out first. At minimum, this means knowing what…

Ever wished that you could give your home a new look without the extensive cost and time of a complete renovation? Well if you’re willing to put in a little bit of work, there are plenty of DIY home improvement projects you can undertake that will help transform your space—no contractor required. The key to choosing the perfect DIY home improvement task is to focus first on what you’re trying to accomplish and then consider how much time you want to spend doing it. While all…

You’ve always wanted a glamorous custom closet, but the small closet in your bedroom just isn’t cutting it. You could wait until you move to a new home to get a bigger space for your wardrobe, but there’s a better option. Transform an extra bedroom or den at home into the dressing room you’ve been dreaming of! Check out these awesome design and organization ideas for turning a spare room into a walk-in closet! Choose Your Color Scheme Photo via @theindigowoman Before you start adding shelves,…

Bring a touch of elegance to your home with these easy updates and DIY projects inspired by the look of marble. By Kristina McGuirk The characteristic colors and swirling veins of marble never go out of style. As much as we might love its look, the natural stone isn’t always practical for some applications. But that doesn’t mean marble is off limits outside kitchens and bathrooms. When it comes to interior design, marble is being reimagined with many colors and patterns, and it’s popping up in…