 (BPT) - Ignited by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, alternative housing options continue to trend upward - even while the overall housing market has cooled. Remote work has opened possibilities for living almost anywhere, even working while traveling, which has led to increased interest in options like tiny houses.
A recent survey by Fidelity National Financial subsidiary IPX1031 found that over half (56%) of survey respondents would consider living in a tiny house. Even more surprising, 86% of people who were not homeowners said they would consider a tiny house as their first home purchase, and 84% said a tiny home was an option they would consider for retirement. Other alternatives like modular homes, trailers and converted vans have emerged as potential options for anyone alarmed by exorbitant home prices, rising mortgage rates and soaring utility costs - and for those seeking a greener lifestyle. Nontraditional homes offer benefits including economy, mobility (tiny houses with wheels or vans, for example), simplicity and sustainability. But they also present challenges. Beyond learning to de-clutter and simplify, you also have to learn how to meet essential needs, including most importantly: plumbing. Any living situation requiring above-floor plumbing solutions demands extra thought, so whatever space you call home is livable, practical - and comfortable. Fortunately, implementing plumbing in a nontraditional home or even a portable setting is easier than ever, thanks to the development of user-friendly products that make workable bathrooms, kitchens and laundries possible for almost any setting.
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 (BPT) - After months of snow and dreary rain, warm weather is an opportunity for new beginnings, new growth and deep cleaning. It seems every year that our houses are back to square one when it comes to summer cleaning, leaving us with the task of taking a year's worth of accumulated stuff and deciding what stays and what goes. Take our word for it: there's no better feeling than stepping into the warmer seasons with a fresh, decluttered house.
So in an effort to decrease the burden we face every year around this time, we have some ideas and recommendations on how to keep your space feeling fresh all year round, as well as some design additions you can make to ensure your house is as good as new come next summer.  (BPT) - Are you ready for a home refresh? The new year is an ideal time to set goals and optimize your home, whether you're tackling important maintenance tasks, adding comforting elements to cozy up your space, or getting organized.
This year, home improvements that provide long-term benefits are top of mind for homeowners. Here are a few ways to keep your home in tip-top shape and bring you peace of mind.  (BPT) - Gardening has become a very popular pastime over the past two years, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down. According to last year's Axiom Gardening Insights Survey, 62% of their respondents said they will plant even more in 2022. Whether you're one of the many who plan to expand your garden or it's your first attempt, there are plenty of tools and resources available to help you succeed.
Winter is the perfect time to dream of warmer days - and gardening. Developing a concrete plan can help you focus on how to make your dream become a reality. Here are steps to help determine what you want from your garden before the planting season is underway.
 (BPT) - As the pandemic continues, outdoor spaces have become true extensions of the home. From a calm place to escape to an area to work and focus, outdoor rooms are being designed and utilized more frequently than ever before.
"Homeowners have shifted their focus from having spaces to entertain to making their homes more functional," says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes, Belgard. "With the increased time spent at home, outdoor spaces have become a haven for both recreation and relaxation, as well as a valuable asset when it's time to resell." This design approach prioritizes customizing spaces that flow with the natural landscape, benefitting both human health and environmental wellness. As people spend more time outdoors from the safety and comfort of home, they are investing in the creation of outdoor rooms. Some of the most popular options that complement a property and are used frequently by homeowners are outdoor dining rooms, living rooms, kitchens and offices.  (BPT) - We are finally starting to see longer days and warmer weather, which means it is time to get outdoors and tackle home DIY projects. Now that the threat of winter storms has passed, we can assess any needed repairs, as well as prep your home and garden for summer.
According to Director of brand management at DAP, Cathy McHugh “Winter weather can wreak havoc on your house, leaving you with a long list of repairs. It’s important to prioritize and tackle the most important items now so that you can spend the spring and summer enjoying your home — rather than making costly repairs later.” Don’t know where to start? Here are the top five “must-do” repairs from the experts at DAP.  (BPT) - Summer may be winding down, but a new opportunity to garden is just beginning. Plenty of vegetables and flowers can be grown successfully in late summer and into fall, so it's a great time to refresh with plants that either thrive in slightly cooler weather or are easy to bring indoors once the temperatures start to drop.  (BPT) - Summer is possibly the easiest time to stick to a healthier lifestyle. It’s warm outside so we’re more likely to be active, plus there’s plenty of good, fresh produce available. With the recent focus on organic ingredients and the farm-to-table approach, home cooks and anyone interested in a healthier lifestyle are looking for ways to boost their health through better food choices.
Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to eat healthier.  (BPT) - If you prefer to take on your own home improvement projects instead of hiring professional craftsmen, you’re part of a growing trend.
Americans are increasingly aware of the money they can save by completing their own renovations rather than paying premium prices for the work of others. And that’s reflected in sales figures; not surprisingly, the value of the DIY market rose a full 45 percent between 2012 and 2018, from $30.2 billion to $43.7 billion. With careful planning and budgeting, DIY projects can be fun, efficient and creatively satisfying while allowing you to customize your finished product to your own tastes. Is there a new DIY project in your future? If so, consider these tips for forming a workable strategy that ensures you’re prepared for every step of the process.  (BPT) - As seasons turn, your focus begins to shift to the outdoors. Your deck or patio becomes your new living room — an ideal setting for memorable moments with friends and family. If you look at these spaces and long for a refresh, the time to start planning is now. You have options, and many you can do yourself with minimal effort.
To start, if you don't have a deck or patio, research materials carefully before making an investment. One prevalent building trend involves making the smart choice toward natural, environmentally friendly materials that will never end up in landfills. As such, more homeowners are choosing Real Cedar because it is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects. It's low-maintenance and easy to work with, being durable yet lightweight, laying straight and taking fasteners easily. Plus, nothing looks, feels or smells quite like cedar. To refresh your deck with style and functionality, consider these five trending outdoor-living projects: |
Salt Spray ShedsDownload our free garden shed plans for the sun and shade here 
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