The past couple of years has not been an easy ride for the US home construction industry. The unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic, combined with the resulting fallout, among other issues, have meant construction companies and workers have been faced with multiple on-going issues.

Despite supply chain problems, volatile material costs, and labor shortages, the construction industry as a whole continues to grow. And this, in part, is due to the commitment and hard work of its resilient professionals. In a continuously evolving industry, experts must adapt to the forever changing circumstances.

That’s why Fixr.com is celebrating the men and women who are driving the industry forward in our 2022 list of the Top 200 Experts in the Construction Industry.

The exclusive list features the professionals whose achievements, expert knowledge, and awareness of current trends means they stand out and have therefore been chosen to form part of the Top 200. From incorporating green building techniques and universal design, to introducing smart technology and on-trend design features, these experts are proudly spearheading the industry forward in 2022.

We invite you to take a look at the interactive slideshow below to learn more about each of this year’s honorees.

How We Chose Them

Analysts and experts at Fixr.com scoured the US to find the experts who have been making strides in home construction recently. They were chosen based on a number of factors, including: their vast experience in the industry, attention grabbing projects, local and national reputation in the media and specialist publications, and awards and achievements.

Be Inspired by the Experts

Building a new home or undertaking a major renovation project is a big deal. People look for guidance, advice, and expertise on an array of factors before getting to work. The Top 200 list gives you the experts you can turn to for advice and inspiration.

There are many things to think about and oftentimes there are issues you may not have even considered. Whether it be energy efficiency and sustainability, being on-trend with the most up-to-date interior design, or choosing the right materials for your needs, tastes, and budget, the experts can help point you in the right direction.

If you are a fellow construction expert, taking note of other top professionals’ ideas, projects and revolutionary innovations can help when dealing with and advising your own clients.

Follow the Experts to Discover Where the Industry Is Heading

Whether you are planning a home building or renovation project, work in the industry, or simply have an interest in the latest in home design, be sure to check out the Top 200 Construction Experts in 2022. Let their expertise, experience, and vision guide and inspire you this year to achieve your own aspirations.

According to an October 2021 Pew Research survey, nearly half (49%) of Americans say that availability of affordable housing in their local community is a major problem.

Since 2016, when the US reached home-price levels equal to those experienced during the peak in April 2007, there has been continuous increase in prices. Some growth, like the 17.5% experienced in the US between November 2020 and 2021, has been in the double digits.

Home price increases are not the only factor contributing to the affordability issue. Historically low mortgage rates continue to drive prices up and stagnating wage growth excludes a large portion of potential buyers as they become priced out of the market.

In this article we dive into what homeowners need to earn in order to afford a home in the largest 50 metro areas of the US.

Mapping House Prices and Necessary Salaries

In the visualization presented above, the top 50 largest US metro areas (based on population) are displayed with their respective median home price in a blue scale; the darker the blue color, the higher the median price. The annual salary needed to afford the base cost of owning a home is illustrated by the red cones. The taller the cone and darker color red, the higher annual salary is needed.

As we can see, San Jose stands above the rest both in terms of median house price ($1,650,000) and required annual salary ($274K). The lowest salary needed is in Oklahoma City ($41.7K) where the median house price is also the most affordable ($198,500).

Data for the above visualization was gathered by HSH from several sources including:  NAR’s 2021 third-quarter data for median home prices, Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association of America national mortgage rate data for 30-year mortgages and available property tax, and homeowners insurance costs.

The blue-scale Median House Price is directly from the NAR report and the red-cone Annual Salary Needed is a calculation established to cover the mortgage's principal, interest, property tax and homeowner's insurance payment (PITI). The calculation uses the standard 28 percent "front-end" debt ratio, considers a 20% down payment, applies interest rates available for borrowers with good to excellent credit and incorporates local property tax and insurance costs. Because property taxes and insurance are dependent on the specific property, salary requirements are estimates and may need to shift up or down.

Which Are the Most Expensive Metros to Own a House?

The top 10 most expensive median home prices along with the salary required to afford them are detailed in the table below.

The top 6 metro areas where the most salary is required are located in the West region of the US. It is plausible then that 69% of Americans living in the West cite affordable housing availability as a major problem (compared with 49% nationally).

The top four cities of San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego are all located in California and median home prices all meet or exceed $850K. To afford homes in these metro areas, one needs to make upwards of $142K.

Seattle, Boston, New York City, Denver, Washington D.C, and Austin round out the top 10. The median home prices between $498.4K and $708.4K and the required salaries stretch from just shy of $100K ($98.5K) to just above $120K ($121.4K).

Take note that a metro area with a higher median home price does not always equate to a higher salary requirement. For instance, a median home in Denver is $28K more than one in New York City, yet the annual salary required in New York City is approximately $17K more than that of Denver. This is due to the differences in local taxes and insurance costs.

Which Are the Cheapest Metros to Own a House?

The bottom ten of the top 50 metro areas where salary is needed in order to own a home are shown in the table below. These salaries range from $41.5K up to $51.2K. Median house prices range from just shy of $200K ($198.5K) to $273.6K. This is a range of under $80K compared to the top ten which has a range of over $1M.

Half of the bottom ten metro areas are in the Midwest indicating that it is a more affordable region than others. This is supported by the fact that only 33% living who live here cite affordable housing as a major problem. Four metros are in the South where 44% of residents cite the issue and only one is in the Northeast where the issue is cited by 49% of those living there. The data agrees, as median prices fall in a region, fewer people cite affordability as a major problem.

Millennials: Can the Main Home Buyers Afford a Home?

Since 2014, millennials have been the largest share of buyers, holding about 37% of the market share for homebuyers. But even with over a third of the market share compared to other generations, a study done in 2021 indicates that only 43% percent of millennials were homeowners. This is the lowest home ownership rate of any generation and well below the overall average of 65%.

Wage stagnation, underemployment and unemployment have plagued many millennials and recent data indicates the average salary for a millennial is at just $47,034 per year. Student loans, which are most prevalent among the millennial generation, levy an average debt of $38,877 and affect 14.8M people. Taking these factors together, it is easy to surmise that low pay and high debt can directly impact this generation’s ability to afford to purchase a home.  Many are not even able to amass the typical 20% down payment needed to enter the home buying market.

What Does This All Mean?

Experts have weighed in on where they believe the market is headed. Fannie Mae has forecasted that while housing rates will continue to climb, the rate at which they do so will not be as steep. They also expect mortgage rates to climb this year. Oftentimes, rising mortgage rates can put downward pressure on home prices as buyers cannot borrow as much. Unfortunately, the predicted rise in rates (from 3.1% to 3.4%) may not be enough to actually pull prices down.

According to the Associated Press, wages are rising much faster now than they were during the recovery from the Great Recession of 2008-2009. Inflation is taking a bite out of this; however many economists expect inflation to slow somewhat.

While the top 50 list outlined above contains only two US Metro areas (Cleveland and Louisville) that millennials making an average salary may be able to afford, the most recent forecasts and findings may provide certain optimism for those, millennial or otherwise, looking to enter the home buying market.

Never before has the art of making a house a home been more important in our lives. We have been living through times which have made all of us rethink our living environment. We are spending more time in our properties than ever before. We value every detail and space which can make us feel safe and comfortable.

While an aesthetically pleasing home is desired, we also seek functionality, safety, and comfort. But who do we turn to to get the latest information, advice, tips and inspiration?

Fixr.com is delighted to announce the Top 200 Influencers in the Interior Design Industry in 2022. Once again we have scoured the country to find the people driving the industry forward, dictating the latest trends, and setting the tone for interior design for the year ahead.

In the images below you can swipe through the list, and click on each influencer to get more information about them.

Who Are They and How Did We Choose Them?

Each of the individuals who make the list are either interior designers or decorators, home stagers, or design bloggers. Each one is contributing to improving the interior design industry and educating homeowners in their own way. They were selected carefully on a range of criteria, which included their social media engagement, industry authority and recognition, as well as relevant media attention.

Some of the influencers have celebrity clients, while others have appeared in exclusive features for some of the biggest design publications. Many are award winning, and all of them are currently helping shape the future of interior design.

Why Should You Follow Them?

The interior design industry is forever adapting and evolving. Recent circumstances are an example of how home design has had to adapt to the needs of people. What was once previously popular, useful or in-demand, can become outdated and less required.

New vision is needed in times like these, and the experts in the list are the ones who force through the required and necessary changes in home design. Trends are formed by experts who know how to select the right materials, match colors, and create an atmosphere in a space to meet the changing needs of homeowners.

Whereas we all have our own tastes and preferences, the influencers lay out ideas that everyone can adapt to their home. Their expert knowledge allows us to make informed decisions about a variety of aspects.

Not only homeowners should follow them, however. Fellow home design professionals will benefit from taking on board what it is they have to showcase. Taking design inspiration from influencers is one way a trend gets out there in the industry.

Let the Top 200 Guide You

The exclusive list of influencers that we believe will be on top of interior design trends in 2022 can help and inspire you to make the most of your home. By following them, you take out the guesswork of what is on trend.

We would like to thank all of the experts featured for their continued contributions and thought leadership in interior design.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for our upcoming home design reports. The influencers will share their insights about what they believe will be the most popular trends in 2022.

According to the US Census, millions of housing units across the US have problems with accessibility. This includes entering the home, getting from room to room, or entering and the use of various rooms. International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed on December 3rd, with the aim to understand and give awareness to disability issues, such as that of home accessibility.

In light of this, we have taken data from the US Census’ American Housing Survey to establish where lie the biggest problems of accessibility in American homes for people who have difficulty without assistance. This is in order to explore various possible solutions to these issues and combine them with their associated costs. The costs we have gathered from Fixr.com cost guides.

Identifying the Amount of Homes With Accessibility Problems

The below graphic shows the estimated amount of homes across the US with each of the main home accessibility problems. The illustrations represent these areas of homes, with featured blue and green circles highlighting where solutions can be implemented. The circles match the average costs to the side of the illustration, with a brief description of each. The color depends on the affordability of each solution, with dark green being the most expensive, transitioning to dark blue - the least expensive.

Of all of the listed areas, entering a home is the most common problem. 2.7 million homes feature difficulties for people in need of assistance to enter their property. Other aspects in which an estimated 2 million homes or more face problems are difficulty getting to the kitchen (2.3 million housing units) and difficulties using the bathroom (2 million housing units). Getting to the kitchen can be difficult due to a variety of reasons. This also applies to getting to the bathroom and bedroom (1.5 million and 1.4 million housing units, respectively). When it comes to using other rooms, 1.9 million properties are estimated to face problems in the kitchen, and 1.5 million in the bedroom.

Home Accessibility Solutions and Costs

Entering and Moving Around the Home

One of the first problems homeowners can encounter with their home is the entryway. Any steps or uneven sloped surface can be difficult for wheelchair users. This is why installing a ramp is the best solution to this issue. Wheelchair ramp installation cost varies, depending on the type. A small threshold ramp can cost as low as $50 on average. Whereas a longer, custom-made ramp averages as high as $3,000.

When arriving at the front door, or any door in the home, the obstacles can be twofold. One potential problem is the threshold. This can be removed for an average cost of $5-$30. The second possible issue is the width of the doorway itself. If the door is too narrow, it needs to be widened. This cost to widen a doorway depends on whether the adjacent walls are load bearing or not. If so, homeowners should expect to pay more. The average cost for this project is from $300 to $2,500.

Inside the home, especially older homes, it's possible that hallways are too narrow for wheelchair use. One of the most expensive home accessibility modifications therefore is to widen them. The hefty cost is due to the amount of structural changes that would be necessary to. The cost to widen a hallway is $30,000 to $40,000.

For people who have trouble moving without assistance, handrails can be extremely useful to climb stairs. Not only this, they also serve people with visual impairments to help guide them safely. The average cost to install handrails is between $200 to $400.

Stairlifts are another, more costly, option to assist people with stairs. For wheelchair users and anyone who needs mobility support, stairlifts are the best solution to get between floors. The cost of installing stairlifts will set homeowners back between $3,000 to $5,000.

Using the Kitchen

The kitchen can be modified in a number of ways to accommodate those who need it. One of these options is to lower the countertops and cabinets, making it easier and more comfortable for wheelchair users to use the surfaces. It costs on average around $2,000 to $10,500 to lower countertops and cabinets. To the same end it is also useful to have a shallow sink installed. This costs $100-$400 on average.

Smart home appliances are also very useful in the kitchen, especially for the visually impaired. This is because appliances can be used with voice activation. Depending on the needs of the homeowner will dictate how many smart appliances get installed, affecting the overall cost. But, on average, smart appliances cost anywhere between $500 and $5,000 to install.

One other useful home accessibility modification for the kitchen is the installation of levels and pulls. These make it easier to manage opening cupboards, especially those which are out of reach. Depending on how many are installed, the cost ranges from $50 to $500.

Using the Bathroom

The bathroom can pose many issues for those with mobility problems. Standard bathtub, shower and sink installations may not be accessible. In these cases there are a variety of solutions available. The most costly of these is to install non-skid floor tiles. In the bathroom it is usual for the floor to get wet, and therefore slippery. This can be dangerous and therefore recommended to avoid any slips. The tiles are available in a range of colors and patterns so homeowners don’t have to compromise on their bathroom’s design. They work with a special coating which enhances grip when wet. The average cost range for anti skid bathroom tiles is $4,500 to $8,000.

Other improvements for the bathroom include installing a barrier free shower ($4,000-$10,000), to allow for easier access, raise or lower the sink ($300-$500), depending on the needs of each person, and install a raised toilet seat ($100-$1,600) to lessen the need for much movement.

More affordable options to modify the bathroom include installing a shower seat, which costs between $200 and $500. Installing lever handles on faucets ($100-$400), grab bars ($85-$300) and a removable showerhead ($50-$100) can make using the facilities and moving around far easier.

Using the Bedroom

Depending on the extent of the mobility assistance needed in the bedroom will ultimately determine how much is needed to be spent on home accessibility modifications. For example, for those who need assistance getting into and out of bed, a good solution would be to install a ceiling lift for a cost of $5,000 to $12,000.

Due to large furniture such as beds, dressers and closets, space in bedrooms can be limited. As this can be difficult, especially for wheelchair users, the area can be widened. Depending on the extent of the project, this costs on average anywhere between $300 and $40,000.

Similarly to other areas of the home, easy to use lights and smart features can make using the bedroom a lot simpler. Without the need for those with mobility difficulties to get up to use certain features, or for people with visual impairments, these modifications can prove very worthwhile. The cost for easy to use lights averages $50-$400, whereas the cost range for smart features is greater, anywhere from $20 to $4,000.

Adapting to the Needs of Individuals

Millions of households across the country are declared as having problems with accessibility. However, not all the solutions mentioned are appropriate for everyone. There is a wide range in the necessity of solutions from one home to another and in this type of remodeling, there is not "one-size-fits-all". The information provided here aims not only to bring awareness to International Day of Persons with Disabilities, but also offer solutions and guidance when budgeting for home accessibility modifications.

The season is upon us! In just a few weeks, guests will be arriving for holiday celebrations at homes all over the states. And whether you have a few friends coming for a single holiday meal or you have the entire extended family coming for the duration, make sure you take the time to get your home ready for their arrival. The holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy your time with family and friends - not the time you want to be dealing with a sudden home maintenance issue or a potentially disastrous safety concern.

This year, take the stress out of the holidays by going over your home prior to guests arrival. Make sure your home is ready inside and out by using the following guide as your checklist for the season.

Holiday Maintenance Projects

Get ready for your incoming guests by taking care of some home maintenance projects that may need to be done at this time of year. Having guests over has a way of forcing many issues into the light between potential safety concerns and the added stress that you may be adding to your home, systems, and appliances. By going over each area ahead of time, you have the potential to catch issues before they have a chance to put a fly in your holiday dinner plans.

Have Your Chimney Cleaned

If you’re planning on lighting a fire for the holidays, take the time to have your chimney inspected and cleaned first. This is particularly a good idea both if you haven’t used it in a while and if you tend to use it a lot. Creosoot can build up in chimneys, which can potentially cause a fire. By having it inspected and cleaned, you know you’ll be ready to use it safely. The cost to have your chimney inspected and cleaned averages $100 to $300.

Add or Replace Weatherstripping

Button up your home against the cold, reduce drafts, and lower your energy bills at the same time by installing or replacing weatherstripping around your windows and doors. Weatherstripping is fairly inexpensive and can help prevent air leaks, which can cause your warmed air to slip out while frigid air slips in. The cost to weathersrip a home averages $150 to $350.

Maintain Your Front Walkway

Everyone will be coming up your front walkway this year from Amazon delivery personnel to your grandparents. Make sure the walk is level, free of tripping hazards, and that any handrails and steps are in good condition. This can range from a quick once over, to a cost of $50 to $200 to take care of some minor issues that could cause a trip hazard, particularly during the darker times of day.

Test Your Outdoor Lights

While you’re outside checking your front walk, make sure you test your lights as well. Turn them on once it gets dark and see how well they illuminate the door and the front walk. Replace any burned out bulbs and wipe down the sensors on solar lights to ensure your guests have plenty of illumination to enter by.

Have Your Septic System Pumped

If you’re on septic and you’re having guests for an extended period of time, consider having your septic system pumped before they arrive. Additional guests can overwhelm your system, particularly if it’s nearly due for its regular pumping. This has a cost of approximately $250 to $500 depending on the size of your system. To save a little, consider digging up the area above the opening yourself; most companies offer a small discount for this service.

Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures

Another good idea if you’re having guests to stay is to replace any worn or outdated plumbing fixtures. This includes toilets and faucets that may run, leak, drip, rattle, or generally give you a hard time. The holidays are not the time to discover that your old toilet can’t handle the extra load. Replacing these fixtures can cost $600 to $1,000 in total.

Replace Your HVAC Filters

Make sure your furnace is working well and that you’re reducing things like dust and allergens by replacing your HVAC filters before guests arrive. Filters help trap particles that can travel through your system. When they get clogged, your system has to work harder to heat your home. Upgrading to a better quality filter will not only keep your system working well, it can also help reduce allergens in the air. This can have a cost of $10 to $40 per filter.

Test Your Garbage Disposal

Make sure your garbage disposal is running smoothly before guests arrive and you start the main meal. Throw ice cubes into the drain to help clean the blades, or run some dish detergent into the drain while running the water and the disposal at once. If you notice that it isn’t draining well or that it’s excessively loud, it may be time to call a plumber in for a quick tune up or repair, which has an average cost of $100.

Ways to Enhance Your Home for the Holidays

It’s natural to want your home looking its best before guests arrive. And whether you decorate for the holidays or not, there are several things you can do to help make your home look and feel cozier, as well as more welcoming for the event. The following holiday design options can help make your living areas more comfortable and attractive to your coming guests.

Invest in New Floor Mats

People coming up your front walk and into your home may track things like salt, mud, and snow into your home. Floor mats help prevent these things from damaging your floors. Consider choosing new ones in festive colors or patterns that can both help protect your flooring and help liven up your entryway at the same time. Most mats cost between $20 and $50.

Install a Gas Fireplace

If you don’t have a fireplace already in your home, a ventless gas fireplace option can make a big difference to both the ambiance and the comfort level of your living spaces. Ventless gas fireplaces are fairly easy to install, as they don’t need a chimney. They do need a gas line to run, however, and you will need a branch from your main line to power it. The average cost for a gas fireplace is $800 to $2,600, depending on the size, type and how far your gas line will need to run.

Put Up Holiday Lights

If you decorate for the season, consider having a company come to put up your exterior lights. Light hanging companies can help make the most of your property, and they free up your time while you take care of other important things for your incoming guests such as planning the menu or setting out fresh sheets for the guest bed. The average cost to have holiday lights professionally installed is $800 to $1,500.

Cozy Up Your Interiors

Even if you don’t decorate for the season, you can still make your interiors look and feel cozier for your winter guests. Put down some thick throw rugs to help insulate the floor. Add some throw pillows and lots of throw blankets, afghans, and quilts on your couches and chairs. This will not only make the room look cozier, it will help your guests get comfy no matter how long they’re staying. The average cost to invest in any of these items is $50 to $200.

Invest in Some Smart Bulbs

Swap out your lights for smart bulbs before your guests arrive. Smart bulbs can help you save energy by turning themselves off when no one is in the room. And many of them can also glow in different colors, so you can quickly set the mood, brighten or dim the space, or even coordinate the color of your accent lighting with your holiday decor. Smart bulbs do not require special fixtures, so you can put them into your existing light sources. They cost $10 to $50, depending on features and whether you purchase one at a time or in bulk.

Install Some Extra Storage

Shelving, cubbies, and cabinets can all help you get organized before your guests arrive. This can help reduce clutter and make your home appear neater and more cared for. Plus, it helps open up much needed closet and floor space for your guests’ coats and boots. If you’re short on space, consider investing in some closet organizers to help you make the most of the room you do have. Costs for this type of project start around $50 and can go as high as $5,000 for custom built-ins.

Add a Fire Pit

Many people are choosing to do more entertaining outdoors this year to help avoid COVID. If this is the case for your gathering, consider putting in a fire pit on your patio. Fire pits add ambiance as well as some much welcome warmth. You can choose a small metal ring for just $75, or build a permanent fixture for either wood or gas fires for a cost of $300 to $1,400. Just pull up your regular outdoor seating around it, and enjoy your time with friends and family.

Winter Home Safety Tips

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and excitement of the season, which means it’s also easy to miss things that can cause accidents or injury as well. That’s why it’s important to take the time to go over a few holiday safety tips to help keep your home safe while you decorate and otherwise get ready for guests. The following tips can help you avoid potential issues in the days to come.

Put a Grate Over Your Fireplace

If you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace that will be used, make sure you have a safety grate in front of it. This should be done even if you have glass doors or windows, as these can become superheated too. Young children can get seriously burned on the glass as well as on the flames themselves, so put a safety grate up and make sure everyone stays burn free. The average grate costs $20 to $50, and can be easily placed and moved for access.

Be Careful with Candles

Candles can definitely add to the ambiance of a party. And they can also be easily knocked over by pets, children, or inhibited party goers. LED candles make a safe alternative that can be used in all situations. If you choose to use real candles, make sure that they are out of reach of children and pets. Don’t leave them unattended, but make sure they are in a space that is currently being used at all times.

Salt Your Driveway and Walkway

Temperatures can fall fast in the winter months, even if they rise up a little during the day. Melting snow or rain can quickly freeze, leaving your walkway and driveway slick and dangerous. Stay on top of this with regular saltings. If you have pets, be sure to use a pet-safe ice salt that won’t burn their feet when they walk on it. The average cost of driveway salt is $10 to $30, depending on the type and size of bag.

Secure Your Decorations

If you have any large or heavy decorations, such as Christmas trees, plastic Santas, or oversized menorahs, make sure they are secure. You can do this by using wall anchors in many cases to help prevent them from tipping and potentially harming a guest.

Consider a Security System

No one likes to think about break-ins and package thefts during the holiday season, but the fact remains that it does happen. Package thieves may steal deliveries off your deck before you get home, and they may break in to go after some of your bigger ticket items while the family is away. Security systems that include alarms as well as cameras can help you protect your belongings and keep your home safe for the season. Security systems have costs between $750 and $2,000 on average.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you haven’t changed the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the last few months, this is a good time to do so. In addition, take a second to make sure that each one is working. Press and hold the test button on each one for a few seconds. A loud blast of sound means that they are operational and connected to the circuits.

Keep Flammable Objects at Least 3 Feet from Heat Sources and Flame

If you’re lighting candles, heating with a fireplace or wood stove, or you’re going to have the stove top going all day, be sure to take a look around and move anything flammable at least three feet away. This will help prevent fires in the event of a stray spark or if a small flame or heat source was accidentally knocked over nearby.

Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets

Between holiday lights, slow cookers, phone chargers, and other electronics, it’s easy to overload a circuit. Consider investing in a few power strips, and capping off unused sections of the outlet, so you can more easily keep track of how many things you’re plugging in at once.

Install Smart Plugs

Another alternative is to install some smart plugs. Smart plugs can help manage a circuit’s load, and they can also do things like turn off your holiday lights at pre-programmed times. This will help your home stay safer, and can help you manage some of those high holiday energy bills at the same time. Smart plugs have starting costs around $10 to $20.

Keep an Eye on What You’re Cooking

It’s easy to get swept up in the moment when you have friends and family visiting. Be sure not to turn your back on your stove, though, no matter how much fun is happening. Not only could overcooking ruin your dinner, it could also start a kitchen fire, which would do more than put the festivities at risk.

Enjoy Your Holidays

While it can feel overwhelming to think of everything that needs to get done before the holidays arrive, by taking care of many of these ahead of time, it will help free you up to really enjoy the time spent with family and friends this year. By taking the time to get your maintenance and decorating out of the way, you’ll have less to worry about when the events finally arrive. Stay safe and warm this holiday season, and enjoy everything the holidays have to offer.

“Every color has their moment, and it looks like green is having its ‘moment’!” Ally Whalen, Owner, Ally Whalen Design

It’s that time of the year again! The major paint brands have announced their pick for the Color of the Year 2022. Unlike in previous years, a common trend has emerged. All eight companies we analyze in this report have opted for natural, earthy tones. Not only that, seven of the brands have chosen green. They range from bright to sedate and cool to warm in tone. Despite the differences in tones, the reasoning behind the choices seem to be quite clearly on par with one another.

We reached out to 49 of the top experts in the interior and home design fields to get their thoughts and preferences on this surprising new trend. They offer a unique look into these colors, the reasons behind their selection, as well as some tips and suggestions on how to incorporate them into your home. We wanted to know which they think will succeed the most among homeowners and how, and also their personal favorites as home design experts.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh start with these colors, want to understand what could be behind this trend in interior design, or understand the differences among the Colors of the Year 2022, we invite you to go through their insights, choices and suggestions.

What Are the Paint Brand's Colors of the Year 2022?

In this report we asked the experts to comment and analyze on the eight colors above, chosen by major paint brands for their color of the year. They include the following: (clockwise starting from top left) October Mist by Benjamin Moore, Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams, Breezeway by Behr, Cypress Garden by Dutch Boy, Olive Sprig by PPG, Art and Craft by DunnEdwards, Guacamole by Glidden and Blanched Thyme by Valspar.

“It’s eye opening how so many individual manufacturers/suppliers gravitated to such similar hues. I think it makes a statement that transcends just home decor!” Patti Johnson, Owner, Patti Johnson Interiors

Why the Obvious Trend?

Given the uniqueness of this year’s common color trend, our first question was a must. How is it that we see such an obvious trend in the color of the year? Traditionally, brands have opted for different hues and approaches to represent the next year's color.

Although the responses offered up a variety of thoughts, most of them had one thing in common: the pandemic. What we’ve all endured during the past year and a half changed many people’s lives and relationships with their homes. Homes took on new meanings for people who now found themselves sleeping, eating, working, studying, and living all in one place. The yearning of people to get back outside and reconnect with nature seems to be the seed that planted this new color trend. Earthy tones give off a feeling of fresh, new starts also. It’s no wonder these hues are such a dominant presence in this year’s choices.

According to our experts, a color representation of nature is green, which is thought to be calming, serene, and tied to many things such as new beginnings, health, wellbeing, growth, and a sense of reconnection with our homes and with one another. Joe Nahem, from Fox-Nahem Associates, adds that these tones of green "...seem to work well with all kinds of interiors and are very soothing - in times when some soothing is needed."

These nature-inspired colors may also be inspired by a desire of many to bring the outdoors inside. As Kevin O’Gara, founder of Kevin Francis Design, explains, “...the outdoors has become an important escape and I think a lot of people have realized how much they take it for granted after being in their homes more due to the pandemic. Also, the effort to reconnect with nature in a bigger way with more natural products, sustainable brands and ethical consumption is finally being treated less like a trend and more like a direction that our future depends on.”

Green colors are associated with being eco-friendly and organic as well. This may mean that green as a color could be an outward expression of people’s desires for that. According to Michelle Cortizo, from Cortizo Interiors, “Greens harken to our environment and are healing by nature. From healthier living and preservation, to eating more organically, green has become more central to the way we live.”

What Will Be the Most Popular Color Among Homeowners?

Experts were asked to choose which of the eight colors they thought would be the most popular with homeowners. The colors in the top five positions are October Mist, Evergreen Fog, Breezeway, Cypress Gardens, and Blanched Thyme.

Experts had many thoughts on why they felt that the top three in particular were going to be popular among homeowners this coming year. Joy Moyler, from Joy Moyler Interiors, felt that October Mist is, “...the most 'accepting' of the green hues, and can be used geographically in multiple light sources without being too saturated.” This is important to note, because light sources can change a color dramatically from one area to the next. A color that can withstand this is likely to get more use than another. Joan Kaufman, from Interior Planning & Design, Inc., also thought the color, “... is soft and fresh and works well with analogous colors and as complementary colors”. This means that October Mist will work well with yellows and blues, as well as bolder shades like red and orange. This could make it easy to incorporate into color schemes people already have.

Patti Johnson, from Patti Johnson Interiors, noted that Evergreen Fog may be a good choice for people just wanting to tip toe into a new color, “This color is a grayed version of green and many, many people are just feeling comfortable to step outside the “gray zone”. Since gray ruled for so many years, this shade of green would also work with existing palettes and home decor, while allowing people to introduce something new into their designs. Kerrie Kelly, from Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, agrees by stating, “Evergreen Fog's versatility makes the shade easy to incorporate into a variety of spaces throughout the home without changing all of the elements of your decor.”

This may also be part of the appeal of Breezeway, which is one of the lighter shades on offer. Light colors may be easier to incorporate, as well as feel comfortable with at first. Stephanie Janecek, from Bruce Bierman Design, elaborates: “It's cool and calming without being too specific of a color to have to commit to a certain group of other colors to decorate with. It leaves room for more color options for accents.”

The one thing tying all of these shades together is their versatility. It’s possible to incorporate these colors into your home without having to reinvent your personal color wheel.

How Will Most Homeowners Incorporate Colors into Their Homes?

When using the top three colors according to experts, they had several ideas on how to best include them in your home. When it comes to painting the whole room, most experts agree that Breezeway will look best this way, with more than 50% agreeing. It’s also favored more for textiles and kitchen islands than it is as a bolder accent color or cabinet choice.

Evergreen Fog, however, is the top choice for painting cabinets as well as for painting walls. It’s also more heavily favored as a linen or textile color as well.

October Mist is strongly favored as a wall color, and gets the most votes for use as an accent wall. It’s the least favored for textiles or for kitchen islands, but many experts still feel it would work well as a cabinet color, too.

Experts’ Personal Favorites

When it comes to personal favorites among experts, colors are more diverse than what experts felt that homeowners would choose. While the top three - October Mist, Evergreen Fog, and Breezeway - remain the top three, the overall spread was much wider, with the bottom three choices getting more votes here.

This may be because interior designers are more comfortable both with color and with bold choices. It’s easier for those who work with color, textiles, and finishes every day to see connections and visualize how something will look in a space. Therefore, while a homeowner may shy away from a bolder choice like Guacamole or a dark option like Art and Craft, interior designers may see more ways of incorporating them into their own homes.

In Which Circumstances Would You Use One Over the Other?

Color may be subjective, but things like location, light, and architecture can have a big impact on how well a color performs in a certain space. While these are mostly shades of green, some are lighter, some darker, some cooler, some warmer, and some more dynamic than one another. As Todd Davis, from Brown Davis Interiors, states, “The use of each green is really dependent on the light a room receives, the intended purpose of the room and of course the geographic location. A color such as mist is more neutral and gives a hint of color and a deeper color such as fog is more defining.” This means that placement and undertone can make a big difference in how a color is ultimately perceived.

A dark space may cause a color to read very differently than one lit by natural light. Kevin O’Gara explains,

“When choosing green paint, the undertones are very important because green is a color that can morph very quickly with different types of light. Greens with cooler undertones like Behr's Breezeway will look pale blue in natural light, and green in indoor lighting. This can be beautiful in a dining space where it will feel very refreshing during the day, and cozier at night. Very neutral greens like Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog will look more grey under indoor lighting, but still have a nice subtle depth in daylight, so I'd recommend it for a living space.”

Style also plays a role, with some colors fitting in better with historical settings, and others working better in a modern home. According to Veronica Soloman, from Casa Vilora Interiors, “It would depend on the style I am trying to achieve overall. I could see using Behr's Breezeway or BM October Mist in a more modern space, whereas I would use Valspar Blanched Thyme in a more traditional or farmhouse style”. Barbara Segal, from Barbara Segal & Associates, agrees, “Olive Spring, PPG leans toward yellow, making it a choice for a space that is more traditional or historic, highlighting a variety of wood tones.”

All of this means that while at first glance you may see a lot of green, there are also a lot of subtleties involved that may make or break a color when used in a specific space.

Comparing the Colors of the Year 2022

To help you make the most of each color, we’ve created these color cards to aid you in getting the most out of each one. The cards were created after analyzing all recommendations from home design experts, so you can truly understand the nuances between these similar shades. Each card can help you get a general feel of that color and what makes it different from the others by showing you a large swatch of the color so you can compare for yourself. Included in each card are the room’s they are most often recommended for, and the characteristics that set that color apart from the others. You’ll also see how many experts preferred each color, and some of the reasons why they like it for homes.

There’s More to Green than Color

While many years the colors that are put out by the major paint brands can be strikingly different from one another, 2022 looks to be distinct. With many variations on a single theme, it seems that nature will be the focus of the year ahead. Whether you’re an industry professional or a homeowner, you can use these colors as a springboard to finding growth, new beginnings, and new opportunities in your own homes and work in the coming year.

Methodology

We contacted 49 top interior designers currently working in the home design industry with their finger on the pulse of the latest trends. They were asked to respond to an array of questions, both multiple choice and open-ended. The experts are based in different regions from across the nation to gain the best possible range of knowledge and opinions.

We used the eight major paint brands’ choices for color of the year as focus for the questions. The brands and their color choices are mentioned in the article. The experts’ responses were gathered to create the graphics featured to clearly visualize their ideas and insights.

As we transition from summer into winter, the fall season is a great time to prepare our homes for the changes in weather conditions. With the wintery climate comes rising energy costs, cold and drafty areas, and storm damage. However, there are several ways to lessen the impacts of these aspects and enjoy the chillier season in a comfortable home with lower energy costs. It’s also possible to take steps to help ensure your home comes through the winter with less potential damage from harsh weather and storms as well.

Depending on your budget and the age and type of home you have, you may be able to undertake a low-budget DIY winterizing, a more moderate approach that can help improve things even more, or an all-in approach for homeowners who wish to to have their home completely prepared for all the challenges of winter.

Below, we’ve outlined the tasks of the different levels of preparation, with specific cost information and recommendations. The three winterizing budgets are designed for you to have an idea of the most important tasks to undertake depending on your budget. It is, of course, possible to mix projects from different budgets. The tasks you choose will ultimately depend on your needs and your home’s characteristics. Undertake one or all of the projects to make sure your home is ready for the cold.

Cost to Winterize a House - DIY

Winterizing your home doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many things you can do yourself to winterize your home without the need for a professional. While some of these things are not permanent solutions and may seem to be small improvements, they can all help make your home more comfortable, while reducing energy costs and potential damage. This low cost project budget has a total of $75 to $205 if you undertake every task on the list, yet some of these items have no cost at all.

Winterize House Checklist & Cost (DIY)

Without any cost involved, you can start by reversing your ceiling fans. This will help keep the warm air away from the ceiling, and down near you where it will have the most effect. You should also take the time to drain your outdoor faucets to prevent them from freezing and splitting, and clean out your gutters to help prevent ice dams. Make sure to inspect your roof both from the ground and from inside the attic for leaks. Small roof repairs now can save you major costs from further damage later. Make sure to replace your smoke detector batteries and change your furnace filter to ensure your home will remain safe and your furnace will be running at its most efficient.

To make your home warmer inside, take the time to weatherstrip around your doors and windows, and to shrinkwrap your windows. Install outlet gaskets to keep air from leaking in around your outlets and switches, especially on outside walls.

Cost to Winterize a House - Average Project

If your home needs more extensive winterizing, you want to make more permanent changes or see better results on your energy bill, or if you simply want to hire out the tasks, there is a more complete level of winterizing you can undertake. These tasks are done by a professional, and can help seal your home up much tighter, while also ensuring that your energy bills will be much lower. Completing all of these tasks has a cost range of $1,515 to $4,270, depending on the level of winterization required.

Winterizing Checklist & Cost (Average Project)

One of the best ways to prepare for winterizing your home is to start with having an energy audit carried out. This can help you pinpoint the areas that need the most attention, so anything you do after this will be more effective.

For the exterior of your home, start with having the caulk around your windows and doors replaced, and have any old weatherstripping removed and replaced to help stop air leaks. Have your storm windows put back up to help stop drafts, and have your gutters cleaned by a professional to ensure the prevention of ice dams.

You should have your chimney inspected along with your roof, and if needed, make sure your chimney is cleaned and ready for use. This can help prevent future roof damage, as well as avoid potential chimney fires. If you have a dryer with a vent, be sure to have this vent cleaned as well to remove any build up and prevent fires here. If your smoke detectors are older, consider replacing them as well to keep your home and family safe.

Check your heating system is in good repair too. Have your furnace cleaned and inspected, as well as having your ducts inspected also. If your thermostat is old, replace it with a newer smart or digital version to help keep your home comfortable while you save.

Cost to Winterize a Home - Full Project

For those with a bigger budget, there are a full range of projects you can have carried out in order to make your home completely prepared for the winter months. Also, if your home is older, the chances are that it’s not nearly as ready for winter as you would like. Many older homes lack insulation, and have outdated heating systems that can mean you pay more to heat a home that never seems to get fully warm. Fully winterizing is costly, but can improve your home’s comfort and value while lowering your total energy bills each year. The average cost range to fully winterize a home is $13,500 to $39,250.

Winterizing Checklist & Cost (Average Project)

Fully winterizing a home means adding insulation. This includes insulating exterior walls, the attic, crawl spaces, and things like your hot water pipes and water heater to help save energy and prevent pipes from freezing. Consider adding insulation to your roof deck, which will prolong the life of your roof as it prevents it from becoming superheated from the area below and will contribute to the house's energy efficiency.

If necessary, winterizing can also include installing a new furnace and ductwork to make your system more efficient. New storm doors and windows help seal up the exterior of your home. Also, consider cleaning your chimney and installing a chimney cap - this will help make your chimney and fireplace safer. As for the gutters, installing gutter guards will prevent you from needing to clean gutters so often by keeping most debris out. Finally, by staining or sealing your deck you will help prevent damage to the wood from snow and ice.

Whatever Your Budget, Prepare Your Home for Winter

Whether you undertake every task in one category, or you pick and choose what works for your home, make sure to winterize this year. Rising energy costs, labor shortages, and falling temperatures could make this an uncomfortable winter for those who aren’t prepared. By taking steps to prepare your home, you’ll be thankful  when the weather turns cold.

Between the years 2019 and 2020, residential construction spending saw its biggest increase over the previous 15 years according to data taken from the Census. Like many industries, residential construction has faced numerous challenges during this time that may have contributed to this spending increase. The pandemic, the huge demand that followed, combined with labor shortages and material price increases, are among the reasons which have led to previously unseen levels of industry spending growth.  

In this article we explore this data and some of the potential reasons behind it. We have also interviewed top experts, who are at the forefront of the industry, to give us key insights as to what are the main reasons behind the rise in residential construction spending and with the information we have so far, what we can expect from 2021 and moving forward.

The Biggest Increase in Residential Construction Spending in Over 10 Years

The graphic above gives an overview breakdown of the spending on residential construction over the last 10 years. The size of each house illustration, along with the costs listed inside, indicate the total spending each year. The vertical bars above indicate the increase or decrease from the previous year.

As you can see, 2020 saw the biggest increase in spending above all other years shown, with $82.3B more spent than the previous year, with a total of $629B of private residential construction spending. Before this, it’s interesting to note that 2018 showed significantly less of an increase in the total amount year to year when compared to the few years prior, and that 2019 showed an actual decrease in total spending. This means that 2020’s increase is not only the biggest in 10 years, it is also a major reversal of the trend in decreased spending that had been shown in the two years previous.

Taking a look at 2021; spending as of August ($507B) doesn’t show signs of slowing, with over $100B more spent compared to this time last year.

Understanding the Reasons Behind This Increase

There are several potential reasons for this most recent increase in 2020, which make it such an outlier in comparison to the previous years. As Jing Fu, Director of Forecasting & Analysis at the National Association of Homebuilders highlights, the issues at play are often intertwined:

“Besides solid demand and rising building material prices, extended/longer deliver times and the construction labor shortage also contributed to increases in construction spending in the past two years and are expected to persist as the overall labor market recovers.”

We’ll explore some of these reasons in more detail and the impact that they may have had in the following sections.

Great Demand for New Housing

One main reason for the increased spending is an increase in demand. While demand in and of itself can be difficult to track, it can be represented by several indicators, with the number of permits pulled during a specific time period being one of them. Because permits are required in most areas for major construction of any kind, an increase in permits generally indicates an increase in industry demand.

As you can see from the graphic above, which shows the monthly and annual building permits issued (Building Permits - not seasonally adjusted), there is a clear increase from 2019 to 2020, with 2021 showing relatively high numbers so far.

As Fu at NAHB points out, “The housing market depends ultimately on supply and demand.” Demand could also be considered by looking at the amount of houses sold. When analyzing this demand between 2019 and 2020, Fu states,

“On the demand side, 683,000 new homes were sold in 2019 and 822,000 new homes were sold in 2020, 21.1% higher than 2019. It was the highest annual growth rate since 1983. Robust demand for housing, supported by low mortgage rates, has driven residential construction spending up.”

Adam Mopsick, CEO and Co-Founder of Amicon, draws similar conclusions by saying,

“...the demand for new homes has never been higher. Due to this low inventory, buyers are willing to pay higher prices for homes, projects, and renovation. People are also willing to accept these higher prices because interest rates are so low.”

Building Material Prices Have Set New Records

Another reason for the total cost of construction spending to have climbed so much in 2020 is the cost of goods and services. Materials such as lumber, drywall, glass, sheet metal, and other construction staples all increased in 2020 and kept rising as we moved into 2021. This is a direct tie to demand; when the demand increased at the start of 2020, suppliers were unprepared, and it caused a sudden skyrocketing of overall costs.

The above graphic tracks the PPI from 2019 until August 2021. The PPI, an index that depicts the average change over time in the selling prices received by producers for their output, is a  helpful representation for the variations in the cost of materials. As we can see from the graphic, there has been a definite increase from 2019 to 2020, but even higher as we move into 2021. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from January 2019 to August 2021, there has been a 31.4% increase in inputs to services and a 20.6% increase in inputs to goods to the residential construction industry.

What Else Has Affected Construction Spending?

In addition to increased demand and costs, there are other potential contributing factors as well. Although all reasons are interrelated and cannot be considered isolated from the rest, we can conclude that the following factors have also had an impact on construction spending:

The pandemic had one of the biggest influences on spending in 2020. It drove both the demand and the increase in prices that followed. When more people were home, they were taking advantage of this time to start home-based projects, thus driving up the cost of materials by outstripping supply. As well as this, early Covid restrictions also affected the supply chain from producers, transportation, to final sellers.

At the same time, interest rates dropped in 2020 as a response to the economy overall. Lower interest rates meant that many homeowners who had been contemplating a new home build or other major project decided to take advantage. Jennie Berger, Co-Owner of Property People says that “Outrageously low interest rates plus higher sales prices mean less money devoted to mortgage payments each month and a strong probability of greater ROI if/when they decide to sell.” This in turn drove demand up further, increasing total costs.

Finally, labor shortages, which is not a new issue, have been seen across the country. Between border closures, temporary and permanent closings of many companies due to the pandemic, and high rates of unemployment, many parts of the construction industry have been hard hit with labor shortages. Tyler Milyard at Western Constructors adds that, “Especially specialty trades like tile setters, framers, (...). There are not enough tradesmen anymore to handle the volume.”

This means that contractors and suppliers both may have a hard time meeting demand. This can raise the cost of labor, as companies seek to hire skilled workers at higher wages. Berger agrees. She believes that labor shortages, “...resulted in contractors being able to charge more money for their services. Many also included escalation clauses and higher-than-normal project markups in their estimates just to protect themselves in case material prices continued to rise.” Mopsick also feels that this is a major contributor to spending increases by saying, “labor shortage is a huge issue leading to higher prices. Quality residential vendors and professionals are so busy that many clients are not even able to negotiate because labor is so scarce.”

Industry Outlook Moving Forward

While these reasons are not entirely conclusive for the higher costs of construction spending in 2020, they do provide a fairly accurate overview of the industry during this time period. Going forward, these same indicators may help both homeowners and businesses make predictions on how the industry will continue for the rest of 2021 and beyond.

Berger predicts that, “As material supplies catch up—and we believe they will—pricing will continue to level off and help carve a more sustainable path towards healthy levels of new construction throughout the country.”

And Tim Fox, President, Texas Remodel Team, shares his thoughts on upcoming spending, stating, “I don't see any signs of it slowing down. If anything, most of our customers are planning the next phase or project before we are fully completed with the last one.”

Fu offers more forecasts for the industry, saying that,

“For the coming two years, we expect residential construction spending will continue to grow, but at a slower pace, as supply-chain issues and labor challenges are impeding the industry’s recovery. NAHB expects housing affordability will be a key demand-side challenge in the coming quarters, given the rapid rate of growth for home prices and construction costs over the last year.”

By studying these trends and taking note of expert’s predictions for what is expected moving forward, you can make more informed decisions about your home, business, and other projects.

Energy bills are a constant in most people’s lives. Each month, you’ll receive bills for electricity, as well as for whatever fuel you use for things like heating your home, cooking, or hot water. Energy bills have been on the rise, which means that for many people, it can be a good idea to take a look at what uses the most energy at home. People are also becoming more concerned about the effects of climate change and the emissions they are contributing, which in turn can spur them on to want to cut energy usage in their own homes. Once you know where the biggest energy expenditures are, you can then take steps to help save energy and money each month.

We’ll show you the appliances that are using the most energy each month according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), and give you some tips on how you can find different ways to save.

The above graphic is a breakdown of information taken from the EIA Annual Energy Outlook Report from 2021, Residential Sector Key Indicators and Consumption, showing in one chart how much of the energy you use each month is going to each major, common appliance in the home. The EIA makes projections on energy usage based on data gathered from different regions. They gather the average consumption of electricity as well as fossil fuels in each area, and track how much of these are being used in various regions, as well as by the expenditure of various household appliances. They measure the amount of energy used in quads, which is a unit used for describing the quantity of national and world energy resources. It equals ​​1 quadrillion British thermal units (BTUs). We calculated the percentage of total energy consumption by end use.

As you can see, the biggest single source of energy consumption by far in the home is tied to heating, which uses more than 30% of the energy consumed in homes. This is followed by “Other Uses”: a mixture of smaller appliances that are not listed in the other sections (electric and electronic devices, heating elements, motors, outdoor grills, natural gas and propane-fueled lights, pool heaters, spa heaters, and backup electricity generators).

These appliances on their own do not make a significant enough impact to be noted, although in total they represent 26.2% of the energy use. Beyond space heating and other uses, water heating takes the next biggest piece of the pie at more than 13%, followed by the appliances used to cool your home, which uses 10.7% of the energy. Refrigeration, clothes drying, lighting, televisions and other related equipment make up the next tier of energy consumption. Finally, things like computers, freezers, cooking, washing machines, dishwashers, and the furnace and boiler fans and circulatory systems account for the rest.

As you can see, while many appliances don’t make a big impact on your daily energy consumption on their own, together they can add up to a significant amount. You can also see that heating and cooling your space, water, and food make up the biggest parts of your energy consumption each month, making them areas you may want to focus on when it comes to seeking solutions to lowering energy use and bills.

Home Appliances Power Consumption Table

*Includes electric and electronic devices, heating elements, motors, outdoor grills, natural gas-and propane-fueled lights, pool heaters, spa heaters, and backup electricity generators not listed above.

How to Save Energy Use at Home

While energy bills are expected to increase this winter, there are steps that you can take to lower your consumption. This in turn will result in lower bills, lower emissions, and at the same time often a more comfortable home as well by controlling temperatures appropriately. Once you have identified the biggest sources of your energy expenditures, you can take steps to lower them.

Space Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling interiors is one of the biggest sources of energy consumption in most homes. Thankfully, there are also many ways that you can decrease your consumption in this area, while making your home more comfortable year round.

Begin with an energy audit ($250 on average), which can help you identify more closely the biggest sources of energy consumption. As every home is different, an energy audit indicates specifically what your home requires. During the audit, you’ll find most of the places where energy transfer is occurring between the interior and exterior of your home. This can help you determine the best places to focus on to reduce consumption and avoid unnecessary energy waste.

In most cases, there are several areas where you’ll see the biggest results. The first is with insulation, which will optimize your heating and cooling efforts by helping the work more efficiently. Many homes do not have enough insulation, so adding insulation to your exterior walls can help. The cost to fully insulate a home can range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on type. Loose fill insulation is the easiest to use in an existing home, while spray foam is the best for new homes.

Make sure you also take the time to seal up any gaps around windows, doors, and other penetrations in your walls. This can be as simple as caulking gaps, or as complex as fully weatherstripping your home. The total cost for weatherstripping is roughly $350.

If your windows are very old, updating them to newer, energy efficient versions may help as well. If you can feel cold air a few inches away from your window in the winter, then upgrading is recommended. The average cost to update your windows is $3,500 to $8,500, depending on how many windows you are updating, and what size and materials you choose.

As for heating and cooling systems, newer appliances can be more than 98% efficient, which means they optimize their energy use so that you’ll be more comfortable for less money. The average cost of a new furnace installation is $2,000 to $11,000, while the cost of a new cooling system is $2,000 to $9,000. If your furnace or boiler is old, you may also want to consider updating this as well.

Water Heater and Appliances

Your water heater and other major appliances like your clothes dryer and refrigerator are another big area of energy consumption. You have options and ways to save here as well. First, consider switching to a tankless water heater. While standard water heaters heat your water continuously, tankless heaters work on-demand, only heating what you use, so they consume less energy. These cost between $2,500 and $4,500 to install for a whole house tankless water heating system.

Next, make sure that any new appliance you install is Energy Star certified. Appliances like your clothes dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine, are all available in Energy Star rated models. This means that they use less energy than standard models. While a single appliance may not make a major difference to your monthly bills, by upgrading them all one by one, you will notice a significant drop in energy costs month to month. Energy Star rated appliances may cost more than standard, but things like size, style, and color can also impact costs, so it’s possible to find Energy Star rated appliances that can cost the same as standard options as well. On average, an Energy Star rated appliance uses between 10 and 50 percent less energy each year, which means that even if they do cost more, they tend to pay for themselves in a short period of time.

Smaller Improvements and Habits That Can Also Help

In addition to the changes mentioned, there are many other things you can do to help save money. Consider switching your light bulbs for smart options that can sense when you’ve left the room. This will help eliminate wasted electricity. Smart thermostats can also help you save by adjusting to your habits so you use less energy to heat and cool your home when you aren’t there.

Other small things you can do that add up include making sure to shut off the water and lights when you aren’t actively using them, using smart plugs for all of your appliances to reduce electricity, and reducing your dependence on major appliances. Line drying your clothes when it’s nice out can help you cut down on electricity costs for example.

If you can’t afford to update your windows, consider winterizing them each year with plastic to help cut your heating costs, and cover them with insulating blinds in the summer to help keep the sun from warming your home’s interior as well.

Identify What Consumes Most to Make Good Improvements

Saving energy is good for your wallet and for the environment. The first step to taking control of your energy bills is to have an understanding of where and how you consume energy on a regular basis. Once you know what appliances are using the most energy in your home, you can start making changes to help reduce your environmental impact at the same time as adding up to big savings over time. Use this information to help you identify the biggest sources of energy consumption in your home, and start taking control of your home’s energy usage, and your energy costs.

The US is no stranger to all types of natural disasters, especially during the late summer period, which is why September is national preparedness month (NPM). From severe storms and tornados, to hurricanes and flooding, year on year we witness destructive forces of nature impacting homes and communities across the nation. As climate change leads to an increasingly volatile world, we find that disaster preparedness is more than just an option for those with extra resources; it needs to be an essential part of life for all of us.

In light of this, we’ve put together a resource for homeowners as well as those looking to buy a new home - a disaster map that provides, in an easy-to-grasp visual format, helpful information on what disasters are most common in each US State. The information on natural disasters is sourced from the FEMA website.

Interactive Map Showing Most Common Disasters in Each State (1953-2020)

By default, the above map will be set to ‘total natural disasters’ and the darker shades of color on the map will offer you a visual understanding of which areas of the US are most disaster prone. New York state, for instance, is a dark green: FEMA declared 89 natural disasters between 1953 and 2020. Wyoming, the lightest shade on the map, is much less disaster-prone: just twelve disasters have been declared since 1953.

As you hover the mouse over each state on the map, detailed stats will pop up. Hovering over Wyoming, we see a breakdown of the 12 recorded disasters: 3 severe storms, 6 floods, 2 tornados, and 1 disaster related to snow and ice. Wyoming had no hurricanes or earthquakes during the time in question.

The drop down menu at the top also allows you to select a custom map, where you can view the distribution of floods, hurricanes, tornados, severe storms, and snow/ice disasters across the country. If you select floods, for instance, the map transforms to shades of yellow and brown. California and Texas, with the darkest possible shade (33-40 disasters recorded since 1953), stand out as two flood hotspots.

Making your Home Disaster Resistant

As a homeowner, you can utilize the map to discover what are the most common disasters that have been declared in your area and make responsible decisions about how to put your disaster-preparedness budget to effective use. If you live in Kansas, you will want to ensure your house is ready to weather severe storms (Kansas has seen 38 of them since 1951). As a resident of Texas, you will still want a storm-ready home, but you may want to make a bigger investment in readying your home for potential floods.

A flooded basement cleanup is expensive - typically $3,000-$10,000 - as is other water damage restoration (the national average cost for a basic cleanup is $3,000).  If you live in a flood prone area, you may want to install sump pumps in your basement, install backflow valves on your sewage, and anchor any fuel tanks that might spill and contaminate your basement if, in the case of a flood, they were torn free. You should also know how to turn off your electricity in case of evacuation, or should there be standing water or downed power lines in your area.

The interactive disaster map is not only useful for homeowners. It also gives property agents ample information to look for in any potential properties they list. If a property a prospective buyer is interested in is in an area which has seen multiple tornados, you’ll want to know if the house has a storm shelter and what structural safeguards have been put in place should a storm come in the area. Hurricane shutters and storm windows are important assets to inquire about. You’ll also want to do more local research to discover if your county and locale is more or less disaster prone than the state as a whole.

It’s impossible to predict disasters, which is why it is also worthwhile knowing what to do and what costs to expect when it comes to damage restoration post-disaster. Yet, a good understanding of historical data and local conditions can enable you to be ‘always ready, always prepared’. You can make informed decisions on where to spend your limited home renovation dollars, and make the upgrades to your home that are most likely to matter in the upcoming years.

As you work through your own personalized homeowner disaster preparedness plan, you’ll gain new confidence. No matter what troubles may come in the future,  you’ll be able to greet them with the equilibrium that comes when you know you’ve been responsible and done all that can be done in advance.

Over the past two years, home building materials have increased in price, forcing businesses and construction professionals to find ways to cope and deal with the resulting effects. A strong demand for housing during 2020 drove intense competition among buyers, which caused homes to fly off the market quickly and pushed prices higher. Also, many homeowners chose to renovate their homes because they either had spare time to carry out DIY remodels or to accommodate their new way of living, schooling, and working. All these factors, among others, caused a surge of builders to flood the building material market. This, coupled with shutdowns and labor shortages, significantly increased the prices of those building materials.

This report aims to draw awareness to the various challenges facing the construction industry, the resulting effects, and what it could mean for homeowners. We conducted a survey of 100 construction companies and professionals in varying areas of home construction and remodeling to gain an insight into what they are doing to meet the challenges of material price increases. Data on prices for building materials from one year before the pandemic (2019) until current times were analyzed and are included in the below graphic to help detail the extent of the situation.

In this report:

• Biggest Increases in Construction Material Prices
• Ways to Cope: 66% of Companies Are Raising Their Prices
• Biggest Issues: Over 50% Have Faced Labor Shortages
• Main Effects: 61% of Companies Have Suffered Project Delays
• Predictions and Outlook for 2022
• Methodology

Greatest Increases in Construction Material Prices

The below graphic depicts some of the most important materials with the largest percentage change in Producer Price Index (PPI) over the last two years, shown with the lines. The bars on the right highlight the percentage change from their lowest PPI point to their highest, showing the extreme fluctuations that have taken place.

The PPI is the most accessible single-source resource on construction material prices and represents the average movement in the selling price charged by producers as the product leaves their factory gates. While not perfect and sometimes lagging by a month or two, they are the best data available today for understanding this complex issue.

To choose the materials shown, we analyzed more than 30 construction materials and chose a list of the eight we believe are more illustrative of this crisis, whether because they suffered the highest increases or their importance in the construction industry. It is important to note that many other materials have been affected but are not depicted in this graphic.

Overall, No. 2 diesel fuel and particleboard and fiberboard products increased the most from their lowest to highest point during this time frame by 201.02% and 190.30%, respectively. Both lumber and plywood increased over 100% in the same time frame (121.08% and 139.89%, respectively). Other notable materials that saw huge increases were steel mill products (123.14%) and copper wire and cable (101.05%).

Diesel fuel’s use in the construction industry is predominantly tied to transportation. This includes the transportation of other materials to lumber yards, suppliers, and job sites. This fuel is also used to power heavy equipment, such as excavators and bulldozers, making it more expensive to run these machines. In turn, this can impact the cost of projects like land clearing and site prep.

Particleboard and fiberboard have numerous uses in the industry, some of which are tied to plywood. They can be used to create cabinets, furnishings, built-in bookcases and entertainment centers, and surfaces for a wide variety of areas in and around residential buildings. Lumber and plywood both also fall into this category, but these materials can be used in many ways that particleboard and fiberboard cannot because the two former materials cannot handle the same amount of exposure to moisture. Lumber, in particular, is used for framing, while plywood may be used as exterior sheathing.

Steel and copper are two materials with a long history of varying costs. They are used in building frames, pipes, electrical wiring, and numerous other areas. While their fluctuating costs have led some professionals to look at other materials to replace them, steel and copper are often preferred for things like steel framing and copper pipe by professionals and homeowners.

The Main Ways Professionals Are Dealing With Price Increases

To better understand the real issues professionals face and their tools and solutions to cope with this trying period, we asked home improvement professionals (homebuilders, remodelers, and other professionals in the construction industry) to share their thoughts and experiences.

Homebuilders have taken a multi-prong approach to dealing with the building material price increases. When asked to choose between one and three options, the majority of homebuilders we surveyed said that the main way they are coping with higher costs is by increasing their prices to cover it. 66% of respondents revealed they have raised their prices accordingly.

A certain number of construction professionals say that they have focused on the way they use the materials. 23% told us they are using alternative materials. This way, they can do the same job but at a more acceptable price. Yet, this could entail benefits or drawbacks depending on the replacement material chosen, which may not be applicable for all projects. Another 23% share that they are reducing their waste of materials to maximize the bang they get for their buck.

Many are including price escalation clauses in a fixed-price contract. 20% shared that they have introduced these clauses to deal with the price hikes of materials. Whereas these clauses can protect them from rising prices, they may also lead to lost contracts if homeowners are not willing to take on the risk of a potential price change mid-project.

Optimizing designs to use fewer materials is one approach that 18% say they are using. Some are pre-ordering and paying for lumber at today’s price, especially now that it has decreased substantially since its record high, in the fear that prices could rise again. 17% of respondents use this method to help guarantee the price remains level for the duration of any projects on the books. But it requires money upfront and a risk of prices falling in the future. For those who are not pre-ordering, many are opting to secure price guarantees from their suppliers for a period of time.
Only 15% of homebuilders have cancelled or postponed projects as a way of dealing with the issue, and 12% have opted for using advanced technologies. 8% reveal they have had to lay off staff. 2% state they have used a different approach, such as Jessica at Marketplace Homes who says, “Increasing communication with clients to help manage their expectations when it comes to the cost of their new construction homes as well as preparing them to expect possible delays in the completion of their new construction home.”

Issues Professionals Have Faced the Most

As well as the increase in prices of materials, homebuilders have faced other issues. When asked to reveal one to three issues they faced the most this year, 60% of the respondents say delays in deliveries, and 59% say increased fuel costs.

With a high demand for products combined with the 52% who say labor shortages have been a major issue, it is no wonder that there have been delays. Don Adams, general manager of Regional Foundation Repair, sheds light on this issue further by stating, “As prices for lumber and other building materials have risen, demand for the likes of concrete and cement has risen, putting a strain on resources. This is creating a knock-on effect in the whole construction industry. Projects are becoming delayed, stressing customers and contractors alike.” Phillip Ash, founder of Pro Paint Corner, draws on the fact that time spent at home ultimately created the issue of delays by saying, “We’re seeing increasing costs of paint due to shortages in key ingredients to make paint, as well as increasing demand for paint. More people who are spending time at home have become increasingly interested in home renovation projects. With delays in the supply chain, we can expect this trend to continue.”

12% who responded to the survey also share that there has been a delay in payments, complicating the situation even further for companies, and 8% declare increased expenditure on sanitation measures has been a major issue.

The Main Effects of this Materials Crisis

When asked about the main effects of this crisis on their business activity, 61% of contractors agreed that project delays due to material shortages were the main issue. According to our survey, the majority of homebuilders may not be postponing or cancelling projects, but 61% say they are seeing delays due to material shortages.

Jeff Shipwash of Shipwash Properties LLC says, “With the substantial demand for housing, supply is still trying to catch up in 2021. In addition, the continued shortage of certain components is resulting in continued increases in prices to certain materials. In my opinion, this will need to be managed for the long term as I don’t foresee a sharp decline in demand or shortages anytime soon.”

Whereas the pandemic and the huge demand have had a big effect on delays and shortages, other recent incidents have been affected, too. One contractor who wished to remain anonymous claims, “One of the main factors is the extensive damage caused by the hurricanes affecting the east coast. Any material used to build doors, roofs, and windows will be affected by these issues, prompting delays to rebuild the affected areas and increasing prices all across the country.”

Due to the many issues occurring as a result of material price rises, 36% say that clients postponing or cancelling projects is one of the main effects they have experienced, and 28% share that their clients have been modifying or lowering the project scope to deal with the added cost they may not have budgeted for.

How Are Homebuyers Dealing With the Increases?

Homebuyers are also directly affected by these rises in material costs as housing affordability becomes harder to achieve. Between May 2020 and May 2021, a record high home price increase of 13.2% occurred. Some cities have seen even higher jumps, like Austin, TX, which was up 30.5% over the same time period.

As of this article’s publishing, interest rates still remain historically low. This translates to homebuyers being able to borrow more money than they may be able to at higher rates, meaning being able to afford a higher-priced home. Unfortunately, even with low interest rates, if buyers do not have enough funds for a down payment or an appraisal value comes in too low, they may still be priced out of the home or unable to obtain funding.

For those who already own their home and are considering a renovation, the fact that many home improvement plans in the U.S. have been delayed, because of shortages and rising material costs, may leave homeowners considering whether they should delay a project until next year.

Predictions for Future Costs

The Delta strain of the COVID-19 virus has thrown another wrench into the volatility of the market, and the jury is out on what the future holds for the material cost crisis the U.S. is currently experiencing. However, there is optimism in the air. As homeowners have been scaling back on projects and new home builds have slowed, lumber mills have ramped up production and are righting the temporary mismatch in supply and demand. Many experts and the Federal Reserve believe that the price increases, for lumber as well as a range of products, experienced in the past year will diminish as the economy returns to normal.

Yet, some construction workers we spoke to are still skeptical about what will happen to the cost of certain materials. When asked which other materials will start rising in cost, Warren Byington of Backyard Brothers LLC believes that, “Concrete and concrete products; steel; especially due to the zeroing in on such materials as they relate to climate aspects,” and Ben Neely of Riverbend Homes noted that, “Windows, and metal roof materials have increased steadily.”

Outlook for the Industry

Many agree that the repercussions of what we have seen over the past two years could be long-lasting. One anonymous construction worker told us, “I will probably go out of business because I can’t raise my prices accordingly.” Don Adams predicts that, “It is foreseen that in 2022 lumber prices will drop again to pre-pandemic levels, but until then contractors will not have the work they need to keep their businesses afloat.” And Sarabeth South, home design expert for Fixr.com, also sees more challenges ahead by stating, “Given the labor shortages, I predict that the biggest cost increase in the future will be labor, rather than materials.”

Not everyone agrees that the outlook is so negative, though. Gregg Cantor, President/CEO of Murray Lampert Design, counts himself lucky saying, “We are fortunate to be in a city where the material increases have not affected us. There is a shortage of housing in San Diego and property values continue to rise. I think we have seen the worst of material increases and shortages.”

Both homebuilders and homebuyers are facing unprecedented price increases in building materials as one of the many ramifications of the pandemic. Hopefully, the next few months will shed some light on whether prices will return to normal and what we can expect for building projects moving forward. As our graphic shows, some of the materials that have seen the biggest increases in price are beginning to decline. Only time will tell if prices will remain unpredictable or if things can begin to return to some normality as we approach 2022.

Methodology

Construction Material Prices Graphic: Fixr.com’s editorial team gathered PPI data on different construction materials from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We analyzed a list of more than 30 materials and their price increases and decreases during the last two years and made a selection of the eight we decided were representative enough of the crisis, taking into account both their high increase in PPI and also their importance in the industry. We then calculated the percentage change from their lowest point to their highest, noted in the line chart, from August 2019 until August 2021. These eight materials aim to be an illustration of the crisis, not an exact and thorough representation.

Survey: Our survey was sent to professionals and companies currently working in the home construction industry in varying sectors. Most are listed as contractors on the Fixr.com website. They were asked to respond to a range of open-ended and multiple-choice questions, some of which allowed for between one and three options to be chosen. The 100 respondents were told that their answers would remain anonymous to gain maximum sincerity unless they gave permission for their answers to be cited.

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are found in communities across the nation and are continuously growing in numbers. We have gathered data from the US Census to highlight the increase in the amount of new single-family homes that are part of an HOA over the last decade. Not everywhere has the same rules and fees, however. Every HOA adheres to its own regulations and depending where you live will determine what the cost of being part of one is. Therefore we have also created a map showing the US-metro areas which have the highest HOA fees, and we explore both the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to an HOA.

A Brief History of Homeowners Associations

As World War II came to an end in 1945, small suburban communities began popping up across the US with the intention of offering low-interest homes to veterans returning home while simultaneously putting rules and regulations into place to govern these new communities. These very early forms of Homeowners Associations were the precursor to the more formalized HOA model we know today. This more modern model began to take hold in the 1960s when suburban life became more popular and communities were built with offerings of shared common spaces and preservation of property value in mind.

Since those early days, HOA models have continuously adapted to the needs and wants of the residents living within their communities, and today a typical HOA establishes a set of rules (formally referred to as Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions [CC&Rs] & Bylaws) along with a monthly fee to cover the cost of any amenities or offerings the association provides. An HOA’s CC&Rs will vary depending on the community it governs and this in turn greatly affects the monthly fees that will be levied.

The Increasing Percentage of Homes in an HOA Neighborhood

The above visualization details the percentage of new single family homes sold that are governed by an HOA between 2009 and 2020 based on US Census data. The blue coloring represents the percentage of homes belonging to an HOA and the value at the top of each year’s segment represents the total number of new single family homes sold that year.

It is noteworthy that the growth of HOAs has been continuous and steady since 2009. As 2020 came to a close, 80% of new single family homes sold were part of a HOA, compared to only 62% 11 years prior. This begs the question as to why such a rise?

What is an HOA and Why Is Being a Part of One Popular?

Simply put, an HOA is a governing party that manages a residential community. It is run by an elected board of directors who manage the day-to-day operations of the community, establish and enforce rules and regulations and maintain shared areas like a pool, gym or playground. The main goal of the HOA is to improve property values and they do this by holding all homeowners to the same set of standards outlined in their CC&Rs.

Joining an HOA is automatic and required when purchasing a home within a community that has one in place. Being unable to opt-out of a pre-existing HOA is necessary in order to ensure the HOA works as expected; that is, holding all homeowners to the same set of standards. Because of this condition, it is prudent to familiarize yourself with any HOA’s CC&Rs and Bylaws during your purchasing process to ensure that the HOA is the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Advantages of being part of an HOA:

Being part of an HOA is popular due to the many advantages that come along with membership including:

• Maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic throughout the community
• Providing access to shared-spaces and amenities like green spaces, pools and playgrounds, clubhouses and other items.
• Many HOAs cover landscaping and exterior maintenance and repair on homes, repairing or replacing items like siding, roofing and fencing.
• The ever-important consideration of property value. HOAs provide a great advantage here because the neighborhood is kept visually appealing to potential buyers as all homes are well-maintained and complementary to one another.

Depending on the type of HOA, there can be even more advantages which help to lighten the burden of homeownership.

Disadvantages of being part of an HOA:

Even the most popular HOAs have their disadvantages. The most common are:

• Monthly fees are set and non-negotiable regardless of whether you partake in the amenities offered or not.
• Some homeowners have complained about the lack of freedom in areas such as interior designs, exterior colors, fixtures and landscaping, pet restrictions, home occupancy limits, and even what type of vehicles may be parked at a residence.
• For those that don’t follow the rules set, there can be legal and financial consequences including the HOA’s ability to place a lien on your home.

Which Metro Areas of the US Have the Highest Monthly HOA Fees?

Using data that Inspection Support Network sourced from the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2019), the visualization above highlights the US metro areas with the highest median monthly fees. The range of HOA fees varies widely from around $100 per month to upwards of $500 per month. The lighter yellow areas show lower fees through to the darkest red color which represents metro areas whose homeowner association members pay most.

Urban Honolulu, HI and the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro areas claim the number one and two spots with average monthly rates of $520 and $410 respectively. Metro areas on the West Coast in California and Washington state with monthly median fees greater than $350. In Florida, there are four separate metro areas spread across the state (both inland and along the coasts) whose median fee is $350. Finally, in the Washington D.C. area, the metro areas of D.C Arlington, and Alexandria, like the cities in Florida, have a median fee of $350.

All of the mentioned metro areas, as well as the rest which are labelled in the graphic above, have higher than the average monthly fees, which are roughly between $200 and $300.

Which Projects Usually Need HOA Permission?

Keeping aligned with the goal of maintaining property value, HOAs need to ensure any home projects conform to the rules, are done in accordance with local code and permitting laws, and are completed in a timely and professional manner by licensed professionals. To safeguard these priorities, many projects require HOA review and permission before undertaking and it is recommended to always seek HOA approval prior to beginning any project!

Projects that often require HOA approval to move forward:

Electrical: Rewiring or new installation

Structural: Removing interior or exterior walls or adding rooms (home additions)

Plumbing: Moving plumbing or any major bathroom or kitchen renovation

Exterior: Roofs, fences, front door changes, paint, trim & gutters and some landscaping

Flooring: New installs and/or change of material

Which Projects Do Not Usually Need HOA Permission?

The HOA doesn’t govern every change made to a property and there are some smaller, less intrusive projects that usually don’t require HOA permission. Of course, because rules differ among all communities, it is prudent to refer to your specific HOA’s rules (or check in with the board) before moving forward and incurring any penalties.

Projects that usually do not require HOA approval to move forward:

Electrical: Light fixtures, switches and outlets

Bath and Kitchen: Sinks, showers, bath fixtures, appliances and counters

Interior: Trim (baseboards and crown moulding), paint and wallpaper

Exterior: Landscaping that is within a fenced yard and cannot be seen above the fence line

Understanding Homeowners Associations

An HOA has a goal of improving property values as well as creating a sense of community, providing amenities for residents and reducing some of the obligations that come along with home ownership. These factors are likely the driving force for the continued growth of new home sales that take part in an HOA, with the current rate at 80%.

Even with this popularity; however, HOAs are not a right fit for everyone. Anyone considering purchasing a home under an HOA governance should carefully review the CC&Rs and Bylaws before finalizing any purchase. Because the costs, rules and regulations will vary widely between communities, finding the right mix of offerings and restrictions can be possible for some while others may always experience a sense of restriction due to the costs and/or rules imposed.

Take the quiz below to see what score your home office receives. When you have finished, read on to find out the experts’ tips and advice on how to make the most of your workspace.

Over the past year many of us have been working remotely. As of September 2021, many companies are still wondering if it is time to go back to the office. According to a recent study, only 19% of companies are ready to bring workers back full-time.

As many of us continue to work remotely, it’s worth asking whether or not your home working environment is practical, efficient, and comfortable? Earlier this year, Fixr.com surveyed over 70 top design and home office professionals from around the US to find out key insights and recommendations for how to create a perfect home office space. We’ve gathered their responses and now invite you to answer 5 questions to find out how your working area stacks up against their recommendations.

Expert Tips to Improve Your Home Office

Everyone’s home working environment is different. Whether you are limited on space and have to share a multipurpose room, or have a dedicated office for yourself, top industry experts have shared the many different ways you can create a functioning workplace at home. Regardless if you scored high or low on the quiz, check out the following tips and advice to improve your home office to make it as comfortable and work-friendly as possible.

Place Your Workspace Next to a Window

There are pros and cons to the various different positions of your workspace when considering natural light. You may not even have the luxury of space to try a desk out in many different places. However, if it’s possible to do so, you should have your workspace positioned adjacent to a window. Natural light is always beneficial to have while working and can result in avoiding eye strain and will result in less distractions than if a window is in front of you, but there is uneven light throughout the day, and the potential for glare. Having your workspace facing the window also allows for natural light, and can be relaxing. Yet, you can get distracted a lot, face the issue of uneven light and glare, and it can cause eye strain. Facing away from a window creates good light around you and won’t result in any distractions. Be aware of glare though, and know that bright light behind you will make it difficult to be seen on video calls.

Whether you have natural light or not, you should also take into consideration what is in front of you. Open space will mean you’re less likely to look away, and become distracted. Being in front of a piece of art may serve as inspiration, but it can lead to boredom and the urge to turn around and find distractions.

A Dedicated Space Is Preferable

Experts recommend having a dedicated space which isn’t used for anything else in order to work. The comfort of the sofa, the television or even the need to take care of household chores can be tempting if moving around different areas of the home. With a dedicated space there is the potential to have office furniture and storage. Office furniture was recommended as a priority by 76% of experts when setting up a home office. To that end, 66% of experts agree that for those homeowners deciding which room to convert into a home office, most will opt for a guest bedroom. This option is most practical as it is usually a part of the home which is used the least, and has the space to add office features. Being closed off from the rest of the house means you can create a separation between your work and home life.

Keep Out Background Distractions When on Video

A part of remote working which has become more common is the need for video calls. This has made home workers consider what is seen by their coworkers, making sure to maintain a professional appearance from home.

Some people may be limited as to what can appear behind them from where they work. However, where possible, it’s wise to consider what options you have and which to choose.  Design experts shared their top preferences with 26% saying that bookshelves or a library is their number one choice. Books can help show off a little of your personality as well creating a formal, working atmosphere. 25% of experts agree that artwork for a background is a good idea. Something colorful and creative can slightly express personal likes without straying too far from remaining neutral and professional.

You should also consider the things to avoid while on a video call. As mentioned, if light is behind you, you will not be easily seen on screen. Also, any distractions should be moved away from view. This could include a door, so nobody is seen entering or leaving the room.

Separate Shared Spaces

It’s possible that in one household there is more than just one person working or studying from home. If this applies to you, there are different options to consider for separating the same working area to avoid distracting each other.

41% of experts believe that the dining room is the place in which most people share a home working area, which makes sense if you consider the practicality of the table, and it being big enough for more than one person. Yet, only 6% of experts recommend spreading out on the same table. In order to better separate the space, 34% say a screen or a temporary wall is the best way to achieve this. Another 31% recommend flexible seating plans/tables, allowing people to move around to different areas of the home, and 26% believe separate desks within the same space is a good option.

Invest in Ergonomics as Much as Possible

Ergonomics refers to comfort and efficiency and reducing physical strain and injury in the workplace. Making sure your home office has ergonomic equipment is essential in achieving this. When asked which ergonomic features are the most essential, experts responded that a chair, keyboard and laptop stand were priorities.

A chair with good lumbar support can help prevent injuries. Jason Tjugito of OfficeSolutionPro.com states that, “Not only do they help improve posture, but they [also] prevent discomfort in the long run.” Similarly, having a keyboard which supports your wrists can have the same advantages, as well as a laptop stand which encourages good posture. Many of these are used in traditional office environments, and with people working so many hours at home now, the same features are recommended.

Other Considerations When Creating a Home Office

There are other aspects that can go some way to creating a perfect home office. For example, one consideration is what to do if your space is limited but you wish to have a dedicated working space. Experts offer different solutions, such as a closet desk: a working area which is inside a closet. Another similar feature is a computer armoire. Home office workers may also want to consider the acoustics of their office space. To enhance audio on video calls, experts recommend adding textiles or acoustic panels. To shut out any unnecessary noise, an easy sound-proofing solution is to use noise-cancelling headphones. A more permanent option, which sound-proofs the office itself, can be achieved by installing solid core doors, sealing doors and windows, updating to insulated glass for windows, and even having blow-in insulation installed into the walls.

Your Perfect Home Office

What may be a perfect home office for some, may not work for you. Many of us have been experimenting with how best to work in our new home office environment, and we all have different options from where we can work. Whereas not all the insights may be applicable to you due to differing personal circumstances and job types, by taking on board the advice from interior design experts, you can create a home office that fits your needs. Hopefully the results of the quiz, coupled with the helpful guidance, will lead to you having a more comfortable, efficient, and productive home office.

Solar energy offers significant environmental and money saving benefits so it is no surprise that the industry has doubled in size over the last three and a half years. The residential sector is growing quickly across the US and it is forecast to have an average of one solar installation per minute by 2024.

Environmental benefits are important; however, it is often the money saving benefits which drive growth of an industry and opt-in from consumers. The data presented below gathered from Solar Reviews focuses on the 25-year estimated cost savings among the top 20 solar cities in the US with 6 kW cash-purchased solar energy systems. To put the money benefits in perspective we have compared them to high-end home improvement projects that a homeowner could undertake with those 25 years worth of savings.

What Luxury Features Could 25 Years of Savings Get You in the Top Solar Cities?

In the above graphic, the top solar city based on its 25-year bill savings with solar energy in each of the four major regions of the US is showcased. We have chosen a luxury feature that could be installed for a similar cost to the amount you could potentially save to really get an idea of what these savings from solar energy are worth! Here are the dream home improvements that could be afforded in each city.

Infinity Pool

San Diego, CA ranks as the top solar city in the US with an estimated 25-year bill savings of $95,412 which is an ideal budget for installing an impressive 12 x 14 foot infinity pool with all the extras, like decking, stairs, fencing, and landscaping. A project like this ranges between $90k and $105k, with most people spending $98,000.

Home Theater

Eighth overall and first in the northeast region is Boston, MA and its residents can save an estimated $56,753 over their 25-year usage of solar energy. This is more than enough for the typical cost of $50,000 to convert a room into a dedicated home theater with carpeting, risers, seats, acoustic materials and a full sound and visual setup. With the remaining savings, homeowners could even add a deluxe popcorn machine!

Wine Cellar

In the midwest, Detroit, MI takes the top spot (14th overall in the US) for  savings on energy bills. Here, the estimated 25-year cutdown in cost is $43,510, just enough to build your very own Tuscan-style wine cellar in your basement for which costs range from $40k to $200k depending on material selection.

Basketball Court

Houston, TX, in the south, is ranked 20th overall in the US, but top for its region. The $39,660 estimated 25-year bill savings can fund the installation of a private backyard basketball court with some money to spare! Most projects to install and illuminate a tiled half regulation court with painted lines, an in-ground hoop and a scoreboard cost about $35,800.

Top 20 Solar Cities in the U.S. Based on Energy Bill Saving Estimates

Estimating future cost savings is not a perfect science; however, using historical data and trends to estimate the future rise of energy costs can help to calculate the estimated future savings for those with solar energy. Solar Reviews identified the top 50 solar cities (those which use the most solar energy in homes) and used these methods to calculate their 25-year estimated cost savings. The graph above features the top 20 cities.

The top seven cities on the list all belong to sunny California. California was recently ranked as the 6th most costly state for residential electricity prices and it is ranked 5th in terms of annual sunlight so it is no wonder that the cost savings are estimated to be highest here. There is a range among these top seven cities of approximately $30,000 with San Diego estimated to save $95,412. San Diego is the city with the second highest solar capacity in the U.S, with 337.7 watts per head of population. Sacramento is estimated to save $65,370. In all, there are a total of eight cities in California that make the top 20 with San Jose placed 10th with estimated savings of $49,205.

Boston, MA and New York, NY round out the cities with an estimated savings of over $50k. Although not as sunny as other states, high energy costs in these two cities could be argued as a contributing factor into their savings calculations.

Neighboring states to California make up the majority of the remaining top 20. Three cities in Arizona (Mesa, Tucson and Phoenix), two cities in Colorado (Denver and Colorado Springs) and one city each in Nevada (Las Vegas), New Mexico (Albuquerque) and Texas (Houston) all boast high 25-year estimated cost savings. Each of these cities have over $40k estimated in savings with Houston being the only exception coming in slightly under at $39,660.

Only two midwest cities appear on the top 20 list with Detroit, MI estimated to have $43,510 and Minneapolis, MN having $42,591 in estimated 25-year savings on energy bills.

Additional Factors That Affect Potential Savings

Estimation Accuracy

As mentioned, estimating cost savings is not an exact science, and there are some limitations to making solar saving estimates. Accuracy in estimating the long-term solar production in kWh tailored to your location coupled with predicting accurate economic values for a long period of time can be difficult to do. In addition, while most studies indicate the price of electricity is increasing each year by approximately 3% across the US on average, there is always the possibility for a particular city or region to rise more or less than expected, thus changing the estimated savings.

Panel Placement & Location

Panel placement and location must also be taken into account when calculating potential savings. The location and angle of the solar panels as well as the typical climate and physical distance from the equator where the panels are installed are important in calculating the total savings. Panels positioned at a less than optimum angle, operating in partially shaded conditions (whether due to a physical obstruction or cloudy environments) or in locations where peak sunlight hours are short (far from the equator) will still function, but they will do so at a reduced efficiency and wattage output. This can affect the amount of savings made as more costly systems may be required to ensure there is enough energy produced.

System Type

Solar panels can offer excellent cost savings after the initial payback period. For example, a 6kW grid-tied system installed in a moderately sunny area will cost most homeowners around $18,000. For those with annual energy bills of $2,000, it will take nine years to breakeven and begin experiencing the cost savings. If; however, you’re looking to go off-grid, your roof is sloped at more than 45 degrees or has weight bearing or sun obstruction issues, you should expect to pay more in additional equipment and/or alternative panel placement options. These factors should all be considered when calculating the ROI of this project and the length of your payback period as they will affect your potential savings.

Are Solar Panels for Me?

Solar panels are good for the environment as they are a clean, renewable energy source and have the potential to save money on energy needs over a period of time. However, they may not be the right solution for every home. There are many factors that go into how efficient a solar panel system is at generating power and how much the initial investment will cost. Being armed with the data, as well as finding a solar energy expert familiar with your location and climate is the best way to decide if this type of renewable energy is right for your home. Yet if you do find yourself in a prime location where you can reap the benefits of solar energy, taking into consideration what potential savings are worth in the long-run may just be enough to convince you to get some panels installed.

Within the last 15 years more than 89,000 structures - including homes and residences - were destroyed by wildfires. Wildfires themselves aren’t new, but over the last decade, they have been increasing in prevalence, particularly in areas that are prone to drought such as California. With the latest report on climate change predicting more heat and droughts, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to protect their homes.

These trends are concerning on a number of levels. With many states reporting wildfires each year, as well as many homeowners wondering what they may be able to do to help reduce their risk and mitigate some of the enormous costs associated with rebuilding, home buyers may also start to seek homes that are built with wildfire danger prevention in mind.

As with many issues that can impact a vast number of people, a homeowner’s first step in protecting themself begins with making sure they are informed. That’s why we’ve taken information from a report by Headwaters Economics showing the number of structures that are reported to be destroyed by wildfires over the past 15 years, and used Fixr.com cost guides to see how much prevention methods cost. We also carried out interviews with John Bailey, Professor of Silviculture and Fire Management at Oregon State University, and Randy Cowling, President of WASP Manufacturing to get their valuable insight into the subject.

The Structural Damage Caused by Wildfire Year on Year

The graphic above shows how many structures (homes and businesses) have been destroyed by wildfire since 2005 to 2020, represented by the house icons that appear in red. The number of structures destroyed has been trending upwards, with the notable exception of 2019. In 2018 alone, more than 20,000 homes and businesses were destroyed by wildfires, with an additional nearly 18,000 destroyed in 2020.

As of August of 2021, 15 states have already reported wildfire activity with a combined 40,475 wildfires so far this year. Warmer and drier conditions are also predicted to continue through the remainder of the summer and into fall, which may result in increased wildfire activity for the rest of the year as well.

This begs the question: to what extent does building in fire prone areas contribute to the spread of the disaster? To gain an accurate understanding of this we spoke to Professor John Bailey at Oregon State University who shared that,

“This would be a minor contributor to wildfire spread (the big picture 100,000-acre landscape blow-ups) but a major contributor to spread and destruction within a community. Those first structures to start burning during an incident produce a lot of heat to ignite nearby structures (in higher density neighborhoods) and a lot of embers that go sailing downwind to other structures.”

The data shows an increased need for homeowners and builders to start considering protections needed for new builds and for homes being built in areas prone to wildfires or in nearby communities.

The States With Most Structures Destroyed by Wildfires

Wildfires can happen almost anywhere, but in the last 15 years, the majority of significant and destructive wildfires have occurred in 25 states. This graphic shows the number of structures destroyed by wildfires in each state over the past 15 years and which percentage they represent out of total structures destroyed in the United States. California leads this group by a significant amount with nearly 60,000 structures lost, which represents 67.2% of the total number of structures destroyed by wildfire in the last 15 years.

Other states with significant losses include Texas with 5,252 structures lost (5.9%), Oregon with 4,363 (4.9%), Colorado with 3,158 (3.5%), Washington with 2,559 (2.7%), Tennessee with 2,232 (2.5%), Oklahoma with 1,751 (1.9%), Montana with 1,209 (1.4%), Florida with 1,184 (1.3%), and New Mexico with 1,071 (1.2%). And while these states may have had the most total losses so far, they are not the only areas that are at risk. Homeowners in any rural or semi-rural area may want to help protect themselves to avoid becoming part of any further incident.

What Can Homeowners Do to Prepare Their Homes for Wildfires?

While homeowners may not be able to prevent wildfires from starting, there are things that can be done to help reduce some of the risk of damage. The NFPA has a checklist available to help homeowners start taking steps to protect their home. They recommend starting at the home itself and clearing it of any flammable debris such as cleaning gutters and clearing out landscaping. Having a professional clean out gutters has an average cost of $150 to $225. It is important to make sure the exterior is in good repair also to help prevent sparks, and move flammable material such as firewood or leaves away from the home.

When asked what are the most efficient techniques for how to protect a house from wildfire, Randy Cowling, President of WASP Manufacturing advises, “Special attention should be paid to roofing material, ventilation and the design and layout of surrounding gardens.” He highlights that, “The type of plantings is very important, eliminating cedars and other volatile shrubs and using plants and shrubs resistant to fire is of utmost importance. Prune limbs 10’ from the ground on existing trees and keep a space of at least 10’ between mature trees and new plantings.”

Cost to Make a House Fire-Resistant

Homeowners can also take steps to clad their home’s exterior in flame retardant materials. Fiber cement siding, steel siding, and metal roofing are all Class A rated materials that can help prevent combustion. Replacing siding has an average cost of $7,500 to $22,500, depending on the material, while replacing the roof with a metal roof can cost $15,000 to $25,000 on average. Authorities advise to avoid materials such as wood siding, which is flammable, and vinyl siding, which is both combustible and prone to spreading flames.

When considering both the costs and the timeline for rebuilding, however, these costs can be cheaper than the alternative.

Work as a Community to Help Prevent the Spread of Wildfire

There are also ways that homeowners and their communities can come together to help each other in combating wildfire. Bailey says that a homeowner can “have a major effect on a wildfire’s ability to spread within the community when/if they are that “first structure” – the one on the edge of town maybe, or a few houses in, that doesn’t catch fire because it is “FireWise”: clean roof and gutters, well-maintained landscaping, defensible space in one form or another.”

He continues to state that...

“If none of those houses catch fire with all the heat and embers flying, then the whole neighborhood and community is more likely to survive. It really speaks to the idea of neighbors talking about this stuff and helping each other – the most able helping others! Folks can work with their local Fire Departments on home improvements, coordinate with trash collectors for joint debris removal days …”

Being well-informed about the science and local environment helps everyone understand the best ways to prevent structural damage and fire-spread. Bailey advises, “support your local forest and rangeland managers who are trying to manage the land better outside the urban interface.”

Building Techniques to Protect Homes Against Wildfires

When building a new home, it’s possible to take even more steps to protect the building from the risk of wildfire. While things like flame retardant siding can help prevent combustion, making sure that the frame of the home is also flame retardant can help prevent even more damage. By building the frame with materials like concrete modular units (CMUs), insulated concrete forms (ICF), and steel framing, it is possible to create a home that is far more durable and able to withstand natural disasters.

Homes built from one of these materials and clad in flame retardant materials like steel or fiber cement can help ensure that properties don't ignite. While there may be some damage to landscaping, the homes themselves can often withstand not only wildfires, but also earthquakes and other disasters more easily than a stick-built home.

Similarly to the parts of existing homes that should be replaced with more fire-proof materials, Cowling adds that when constructing a new home, “Composite shingle, metal, clay or cement tile roofing material with fire resistant exterior walls of stucco, stone or brick as opposed to vinyl siding” are the most efficient building materials to consider.

Additionally, with the reduced risk of flame and other issues, many insurance companies will give lower rates for homes made out of materials like ICF, and homes like this may also have lower energy rates, making them more affordable long term for homeowners, who may be more willing to pay upfront for these premiums.

The Role of Homeowners in Wildfire Damage Prevention

While wildfires can have many causes, the higher temperatures and drier climates caused by climate change are undoubtedly leading to the higher rates of wildfires in recent years. With the significant losses of property and life that can occur, it makes sense for homeowners and residents of these most affected areas to take steps to protect themselves and their properties. Whether it’s retrofitting an existing home to help make it less combustible, or building with non-combustible materials, these steps can go a long way toward lowering the costs associated with fire damage each year and keeping homeowners, families and belongings safer.