Owning a home can be expensive, and monthly costs can be volatile. You can prepare for your mortgage payment, but if a leaky roof catches you off guard, your entire budget could be thrown out of whack. About 3 in 10 homeowners (31%) don’t have money set aside for home repairs and improvements, according to the 2018…

Despite its hanging in there through life’s ups and downs, it’s time to replace your garage door. A new garage door can improve the look of your entire home, but what should you expect to pay? Garage door installation — not including an opener — costs about $2,300, on average, according to the National Association of…

Granite countertops, durable, high-fashion and low-maintenance, are stars in kitchen and bathroom remodels nationwide. And you don’t need to buy the most expensive granite to get stunning results in your home. Here’s what to know about granite counters, how much they will set you back, and tips for cutting costs. Granite countertop costs Granite countertops…

A fresh coat of paint makes everything it touches seem brand new. But such new beginnings cost real money. Professional painters charge around $4,000 for labor and materials to paint the exterior of a 2,500-square-foot, two-story home and roughly $5,500 for the interior. Painters’ rates may range from $20 to $60 an hour, but around…

If a dripping faucet wakes you up at night, the thought of paying a plumber may be what keeps you from falling back asleep. Most homeowners have experienced anxiety related to their home, according to a new report, with home repairs and maintenance topping the list of stressors. NerdWallet’s 2018 Pulse on Homeownership reports that nearly two-thirds…

Flying cars still seem to be a few years away, but don’t let that stop you from having a futuristic home! Take a look at these pieces of Smart Home technology that come highly rated by the experts. The ecobee4 Smart Thermostat From the ecobee website: “When you place sensors in your favorite rooms, ecobee4 can read…

Your visions of hosting fancy family barbecues and planting elaborate container gardens can come with a big cost: building a backyard deck. The average cost for a wood deck is about $10,950, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2018 Cost vs. Value Report,” while a composite deck — typically made of recycled wood fibers and plastic —…

Outdoor hosting is all the rage these days and it can be really fun! However, if you want to host a party in the evening/night, you’ll need a good amount of lighting. Here are five creative ways homeowners are lighting their outdoor spaces (and subsequently throwing awesome parties!) String Lighting String lighting isn’t just for the…

It is often said that homeownership builds wealth. So, what is home equity, and how can it enhance your net worth? What is home equity? Building home equity is a bit like investing in a long-term instrument, like bonds. Your money is, for the most part, locked up and not spendable. There are some ways…