8 Home Costs That Take New Buyers by Surprise

ByWade

While renting has the advantage of being affordable and carefree, purchasing your own home can be a great investment opportunity—if you’re prepared. Unlike with a rental, the costs of repairing and maintaining a property fall completely on the homeowner, and too often these additional financial responsibilities catch first-time buyers by surprise. Prime yourself to take on any sudden shakeup with this list of 8 often-overlooked costs of owning a home.

How To: Hang Shelves

ByWade

Sturdily mounted shelves can let us display a few of our favorite things or simply help us keep our junk off the floor. Whatever their intended use, shelves are a practical addition to any room, and installing them is a simple do-it-yourself project. Just see for yourself!

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The 9 Best Wood-Burning Fire Pits of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

ByWade

When the dog days of summer lead to cooler nights, there’s nothing like sitting around a wood-burning fire pit in your own backyard. Whether you’re looking for ambiance, warmth, and the occasional s’more or something utilitarian for grilling, there are plenty of portable and permanent options on the market today. Just make sure to check…

11 Ways to Elevate Your Boring Balcony

ByWade

You can run, but you can’t hide from the dog days of summer. You can, however, camp out on your balcony to enjoy slightly deflected rays of sunlight while keeping all the cool comforts of home within arm’s reach. Whether you have a traditional balcony that amply extends your living area, or a diminutive Juliet balcony, you can convert the bleakest outdoor space into a serene sanctuary. Just focus on adding a few of these 11 simple but striking garden features, architectural elements, textiles, or furnishings. With inspiration from our collection of favorite accents, your balcony can project an inviting style and ambience that you’ll want to bask in year-round.