Home & Landscapes

Home renovation projects are significant undertakings. It is common for homeowners who may not have the time nor the expertise to do the work themselves to call in professionals to tackle these jobs.

According to the home improvement resource HomeGuide.com, for a bathroom remodel, which is one of the more popular improvement projects, installation and labor accounts for 10 to 25 percent of the total project cost. In general, many contractors pay themselves $300 to $500 for an hourly…

A person’s home should be a safe haven. Too often, however, there may be dangers lurking in a home that can compromise the safety of residents.

Electrical fires are no joke. The Hartford insurance company says electrical failure or malfunctions account for almost 34,000 home fires per year. The National Fire Protection Association says they can contribute to 440 deaths and $1.3 billion in direct property damage annually.

Older homes may be most vulnerable to electrical fires,…

Low maintenance, beautiful flowers, and plenty of varieties have made hydrangeas a favorite landscape plant. It seems you can’t visit a garden center or nursery without being tempted by one of the traditional favorites or newer hydrangea varieties.

Despite their easy-care nature, hungry deer can make it difficult to fully enjoy these plants. Rutgers University rates landscape plants based on their susceptibility to deer damage. According to Rutgers, hydrangeas are occasionally…

Solar energy panels have gained visibility in neighborhoods across the country. Where it once was a rarity to see solar panels on the roofs of homes, today a stroll or drive around a given community is bound to reveal a number of homeowners have made the transition to solar power. You may be wondering if the investment is worth it.

Solar panels harvest energy from the sun through the use of photovoltaic cells. These semiconductor materials absorb photons from the sun, and the photons…

Homes contain a variety of components that appeal to homeowners with different ideas about the perfect place to call home. That starts with the style of a home.

Buildings are classified according to share components. A Craftsman style home will have a covered porch with a set of wide base columns, while a Cape Cod home is often defined by a gabled roof and dormer windows. Modern houses, which are sometimes called contemporary homes even though the terms are not interchangeable, will…

No homeowner wants pests to invade their homes or their yards. However, it’s easy for pests to find their way into and around a home. In fact, certain conditions may be inviting pests to a property.

Garbage: Piles of garbage offer food and shelter to pests. Removing garbage piles and cleaning up food waste promptly can make a difference.

Stagnant water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, which is water not affected by waves, current or a filtration system. Anywhere water has…

Spring is a season of rejuvenation that compels millions across the globe to quit hibernating and get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Spring also marks a great time to assess a home’s exterior, namely those areas like a deck where people will spend a lot of time in the warmer months to come.

Assessing a deck after winter can be eye-opening. Harsh winter weather can take its toll on a deck, and the following are some telltale signs that a deck could be in need of repair or…

Windows are a major component of a home. Window installation professionals will tell homeowners that the average life span of residential windows is between 15 and 30 years. Most well-maintained products can last 20 years, so homeowners who have windows approaching that age may want to schedule a window assessment and possible replacement.

Replacing windows is a job that requires advanced skill, and this is not a do-it-yourself project. There are many qualified professional window…

Even though it’s underfoot, flooring can set the tone for how a room or even an entire home is viewed. Perhaps that’s one reason why flooring generates such strong opinions when homeowners look to refurbish or replace their floors.
Homeowners now have more choices than ever when considering new flooring for their homes. The following rundown of three popular flooring options can help homeowners as they try to decide which material best suits their homes.

1. Hardwood floors

Spring marks the return of flowering plants and warm weather. And homeowners know that spring also ushers in the return of home renovation season.

Homeowners undoubtedly have an extensive list of projects on their to-do list this spring, and that may include helping their lawns and gardens recover after a long winter. Unpredictable weather, which can include drought and excessive rainfall and everything in between, can take its toll on a lawn. In certain instances, the best solution…

Certain homes have an undeniable wow factor. That instant appeal tends to be noticeable the moment visitors pull up to the curb, and it might be a byproduct of homeowners’ willingness to embrace the latest exterior design trends.
Trends come and go, but recognition of the current fashions can help homeowners create that highly sought-after wow factor. The following are some recent trends in home exteriors that have helped homeowners set their properties apart.

…

Don’t let your spring garden enthusiasm lead to overplanting and the creation of a summer gardening nightmare.  A design with maintenance in mind and some strategic care can help reduce the time you spend managing your gardens and landscape.

Consider using fewer plant species when designing perennial flowerbeds. Increase the number of each to boost the visual impact of the garden and reduce maintenance.  You’ll have fewer species to manage, identify and differentiate from the weeds as…

Fall is a great time to add trees to your landscape. Not only do they provide shade, remove pollutants from the air, and help manage stormwater; but many also provide food for bees. Keep this in mind when selecting and planting new trees in your yard now and in the future.

Fruit trees are probably the first “bee” trees that come to mind. These spring flowering trees provide nectar and pollen many native bees, bumblebees and honeybees prefer. They also provide food and habitat for…

There’s no need to visit a spa for a bit of soothing aromatherapy. Grow fragrant plants indoors to improve your mood and promote a sense of relaxation.

Gardenias may be the first fragrant flowering plant that comes to mind. They can be challenging but are worth the effort. Grow them in moist acidic soil, in bright light, and surrounded by other plants or on a gravel tray to increase the humidity.

Jasmines are known for their sweet fragrant flowers. Arabian jasmine (Jasmine…

Summers in Maine are magical. The air is warm, flowers are blooming, grills are sizzling. We move our entire lives outdoors. We take to our gardens, our yards, our patios. And then, there they are. The bugs.

As eco-conscious Mainers, we look to natural solutions for pest management. Luckily, there are resources.

According to the IPM Institute of North America, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests that emphasizes the use of natural…

Bees are keystone organisms, meaning stability in an ecological community significantly depends on the services they provide that environment. Pollination, their primary ecosystem service, is in worldwide decline, as is diversity within the species, according to Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), a program funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture.

This pollination crisis has been widely reported in academic, news and cultural outlets for over a decade. Bees have…

Scientists, conservationists, and gardening experts are encouraging us to treat our gardens, as part of the surrounding natural landscape. They want our gardens to nurture and sustain that landscape for the birds, insects, animals, worms, spiders, butterflies, bees, wasps, crustaceans, fish, fungi, moss, lichen (and more!) that also call this place ‘home’.

This trend includes small efforts to add native plants to our gardens or larger changes that replace highly landscaped and…

While Maine typically receives sufficient annual precipitation, the critical time for vegetable production often coincides with our driest months of July and August, according to the University of Maine. Long periods of dry weather can reduce yield with plants needing from one to two inches of water per week during the growing season; the University suggests these methods to protect plants against dry spells:

Door knockers have been around since ancient Greece, according to the late history and archaeology scholar Dr. Sterling Dow. According to his research, Athenians attached slaves’ chains to a bar on a door or entryway to prevent others from just walking in; if a slave was asleep when the guest(s) arrived, the guest would knock on the bar waking the slave and alerting the home owner; eventually that bar, which could be a weapon, was changed to a ring.

In 1800s England, door knockers…

As the weather slowly warms up, thoughts of spring cleaning may be accompanied by renovation plans. However, most residential construction requires a building permit and a fee paid to the town: A local check showed construction-related permit fees are based on the number of square feet being created or remodeled, while projects too small to be evaluated by square footage may require paying a standardized minimum fee for…

No one is invulnerable to cancer. When it comes to reducing their cancer risk, individuals take many steps, including changing their diets and following recommended timelines for various health screenings. However, one important strategy may never occur to the average person Ñ getting oneÕs home tested for radon.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that radon accounts for roughly 21,000 deaths from lung cancer each year. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer…

Exterior renovations consistently top the list of projects that offer maximum return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report.” Siding replacement is a popular exterior renovation and one that can completely transform the look of a home.

Siding comes in a variety of materials, and homeowners can explore the pros, cons and affordability of each to make the most informed decision when replacing their existing siding. Factors to consider apart from…

When shopping for a home, buyers often try to envision themselves living in a given property. Images of family gatherings and holidays may instantly come to mind, but prospective homeowners also may begin to envision changes they would make to a property if they were eventually to call it home.

Changing an existing structure or building an entirely new home on an empty plot of land can be exciting. Such changes typically require excavation, which is a complicated process that may be…

Bring the beauty of your favorite gemstones into the garden and your outdoor living space with the help of jewel-toned plants. Even a pot of these beauties placed on the balcony can provide bold color, vibrancy, and lushness to any space.

Select plants with leaves, flowers, or both in the saturated colors of gemstones like rubies, amethyst, topaz, sapphire, and turquoise. Select plants with colors that complement your home and landscape and will thrive in the growing conditions in…

Boost the beauty and your enjoyment by adding a fountain, birdbath, or other water feature to your balcony, deck, or landscape. This one addition to your outdoor space provides many benefits.

The sound of moving water helps create a sense of peace and relaxation. It is a form of white noise that helps calm the mind and revive your spirit.

It also helps mask noise pollution. Combine water features with strategic screening to create a quiet and private space.

Water is also…

Deer are common visitors to landscapes even in urban and suburban areas. Fencing is the most effective way to protect your plants but is not always practical or desirable. Your community may have restrictions on fencing, your budget may not support this option, or you prefer not to hide your plantings behind a fence.

Growing a beautiful garden despite the deer is possible but takes planning, persistence, and flexibility. You must be willing to change strategies as needed to minimize…

Whether you want to create a tropical oasis indoors or dress up your décor, plants are the answer.  A few plants set on the floor, hanging from the ceiling, or displayed on a table can beautify any room, boost your mood, and reduce stress.

Select plants suited to the growing conditions and your gardening style. This reduces ongoing maintenance and increases your growing success. If you tend to overwater, look for plants that thrive in moist soil conditions. Grow more drought-tolerant…

Home renovations provide a host of benefits. Such projects can increase resale value and improve on the safety, aesthetics and functionality of a home.

Some homeowners may employ the mantra “go big or go home” when they embark on home improvements, thinking that only the largest renovations produce noticeable change. But that’s not the case. Various smaller renovations can provide a lot of bang for homeowners’ bucks as well.

• Countertops (and hardware): A complete kitchen…

Certain homes have an undeniable wow factor. That instant appeal tends to be noticeable the moment visitors pull up to the curb, and it might be a byproduct of homeowners’ willingness to embrace the latest exterior design trends.

Trends come and go, but recognition of the current fashions can help homeowners create that highly sought-after wow factor. The following are some recent trends in home exteriors that have helped homeowners set their properties apart.

Wood…

Renovations are a great way for homeowners to reshape their homes. Some may aspire to renovate so their home is more reflective of their personal taste, while others may do so in an effort to make their homes better align with modern styles and sensibilities. Regardless of why a homeowner chooses to renovate, the need to do so is often evident to the naked eye, especially when the time comes to update home exteriors.

Curb appeal is often discussed in regard to the effects it can have…

Keep gardening longer with less muscle strain and fatigue with these pain-free gardening techniques. You’ll not only keep your garden looking its best but also make it a more enjoyable experience.

Keep tools handy to reduce the number of trips from the garden back to your garage or shed. A garden tool bag or bucket with a wrap-around tool organizer works well for small hand tools. Purchase a mobile garden tool caddy or convert a discarded wheeled golf bag, shopping cart, or wheeled…

A new report released this week by MaineHousing is meant to help both key policymakers and Maine citizens better understand the state of affordable housing development in Maine as we head into 2023.

The MaineHousing Outlook Report 2023, conceived by MaineHousing's Board of Commissioner's Chairman Frank O'Hara and produced by the agency's staff includes several key metrics and analysis from…

AUGUSTA —The real estate market in Maine adjusted during the 2022 sales year due to an increase in mortgage interest rates and a shortage of available homes for sale. Statistics released by Maine Listings indicate a 17.49 percent decrease in single-family existing home sales last year. Home prices, however, continue to rise. The median sales price (MSP) for the year reached $335,000—up 12.04 percent over 2021. The MSP indicates that half of the homes…

The key to real estate, as the saying goes, is “Location, location, location.” For buyers and sellers who already know how wonderful our area is, it’s also a matter of “Realtor, realtor, realtor.”

After 36 years in real estate here, Mary Ripley knows the area. The experienced professional joined Tindal & Callahan Real Estate after receiving her license in 1987 and has earned the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) and Certified Residential Specialist designations from the National…