Lumber prices have increased due to Covid-19 and have in turn increased the prices of local room additions and remodeling projects

(ProNewsReport Editorial):- Lindenhurst, Oct 30, 2020 (Issuewire.com)GM Renovations announces a recent phenomenon that has the cost of their home construction and remodeling projects rising. The Covid-19 pandemic has sent lumber prices skyrocketing by 160% since April, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

The cost increase of a home addition or renovation can reach into the thousands, and for a new build is even steeper.

This phenomenon comes from two factors. First, the lumber industry suffered a huge set back due to Coronavirus, and the price of lumber has increased by 80% in recent months, bringing it to above $600 per thousand board feet. Lumber was already facing high prices before the pandemic due to high tariffs. Second, there has been a surge Americans stuck-at-home wanting to make improvements to their homes and placing more value on the importance of having a nicer home for their family.

Just as new builds are being affected, home additions and home remodeling in Long Island have seen a sharp increase in costs as well, says Gregg Satzinger, owner of Lindenhurst home remodeling company GM Renovations NY. Despite the costs, homeowners are eager to go ahead with their remodels, and are willing to pay more knowing that their families will have a nicer place to live.

It isnt only lumber prices that have driven up the cost of home additions and remodeling projects. Other key elements to projects, such as toilets, tubs and showers, cabinets, windows, roofing, and flooring, have also seen prices go up. The same effect, of short supply and increased demand, is to blame. Lumber mills and the factories for these products were hit especially hard in New York, where they were not deemed essential.

To make matters worse, it is unknown when this phenomenon will see an end. While Satzinger says that these rising material costs are part of the ebbs and flows of construction prices, he also makes a point to remark that this is the biggest price increase in 70 years, and that the uncertainty of the pandemic leaves the price hike indefinite.

Currently, home prices continue to rise well above inflation rates and housing inventory faces a shortage. Even though costs are rising, it is still the ideal time to take on a home renovation, especially an addition, to raise the value of your home even higher.

About GM Renovations NY: GM Renovations NY is a local team of Long Island remodeling contractors based out of Lindenhurst, New York. With nearly two decades of experience in the business, owner Gregg Satzinger and his team are a trusted source for the communitys home remodeling projects of every scale. From a simple shower replacement to a multi-story add-on, GM Renovations offers custom, high quality service and consistently exceeds expectations.https://gmrenovationsny.com/about/

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GM Renovations NY Says Soaring Lumber Costs Raise The Price Of Home Remodeling Projects On Long Island - Pro News Report

By Angie Talken

atalken@linncountyleader.com

The Brookfield Board of Education met recently to discuss long-range planning, Clarence Cannon Conference Participation Standards and approvedallowing virtual learners to return to the classroom as soon as the start of the second quarter.

Dr. Kyle Collins, Brookfield R-II Superintendent, said in 2017 the then-board approved a long-range plan. At the recent meeting, the board discussed what had been completed and projects going forward. Projects on the long-range plan that have been completed include converting the district to LED lighting district-wide, remodeling of classrooms, a complete remodel and new room for the early childhood center, installation of a security camera system campus-wide and foundation repair. Collins said all of those projects were completed using reserved and local funds.

The largest project is the one we are getting ready to start, which is the construction of the restroom, concession area, completion of lighting on track, construction of baseball/softball field and parking lot improvements, Collins said. Funds front he recently passed Proposition 2 will pay for the new construction and repairs.

The project is currently out for bids. The district will host a pre-bid meeting on Nov. 2 at 5 p.m., at the school district office for contractors interested, bids are due at school on Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Collin said the board hopes to have a contractor selected shortly after.

The long-range plan was developed by a group of school personnel, community and board members.

I always look at it from a five-year standpoint and what needs to be done in that five year period, Collins said. We are always reevaluating that to make sure we are addressing any new issues or concerns.

Collins presented Mary Farrenkopf with a retirement bell and thanked her for her 22 years of service as a paraprofessional in the district.

The board also approved the use of the Clarence Cannon Conference Participation Standards for this winter.

Standards state participants will receive four tickets each for family and friends. There will be no pep band or student sections. Cheerleaders will be allowed to attend away games at the schools discretion.

The intent is to reduce the capacity since we are indoors, Collins said. We know everyone loves to have a crowded packed gym and that environment, but in reality we know we have to make adjustments so kids can play and keep the school open and not have any major outbreaks or contribute the spread of COVID-19.

Collins said that over the course of the school year there have been about 100 students and staff who have been quarantined due to COVID-19. Most of those students have staff have returned, he said.

According to meeting minutes, the board approved allowing students who were doing virtual learning to return to classes for the second quarter.

Dr. Collins and the administrative team asked the board to consider opening up a very short time period, perhaps two days, at the beginning of the second quarter for students who chose virtual learning over learning in person the opportunity to switch to learning in person immediately due to the fact that a large percentage of students attending virtually are currently failing their classes. This is happening in all grades in large percentages, according to meeting minutes. Originally students and parents were informed that whatever type of learning they chose at the beginning of the school year would last a full semester, with no opportunity to switch to the other option until semester 1 was completed. The administrative teams would like to amend this portion of the Return to School Plan in hopes of helping more students to achieve academically. Discussion followed. The board voted unanimously to allow students who are currently enrolled as virtual learners to change to in-person learners for the second quarter, as soon as possible for the next few days, with administrators notifying parents and students immediately.

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Brookfield Board of Education approves allowing virtual learners to return to classrooms - Chillicothe Constitution Tribune

Of the many decisions you may make as a long-term homeowner, perhaps one of the most significant is whether to renovate a home once its past its prime or build a new home.

And as with so many other choices there are a host of pros and cons to consider before taking the plunge.

The first consideration is budget. If finances are a concern, renovating can be the most cost-effective choice. Depending on your personal budget, you can also renovate at your own pace, one room at a time, which can make it a tempting option to the budget-conscious.

There are other major benefits to renovation versus building new. In the first place, you can avoid having to temporarily move or live somewhere else while the renovations are being completed. And, if you have nostalgic and emotional attachment to your home, it allows you to continue to live in the home where you have built your family, memories and legacy.

Plus, with so many historic neighborhoods in the San Antonio area, renovating can be a great option to maintain an external faade that represents the days of yore, while still enjoying the contemporary benefits and more energy-efficient features of an updated interior.

It is, of course, important to find out the background and history of your home to find out if renovating is a viable option for you. For instance, youll need to find out if the home has already been renovated in the past and if so, how many times. And, depending on the age of your home, it may be necessary to look into whether any dangerous or hazardous materials that could be present might be an obstacle to renovation or construction.

Of course, youll also want to talk with an expert builder or renovator about critical questions, such as whether youre able to access the original building plans of your home; whether building codes have changed or evolved significantly since your home was built; and whether it will still be cost-efficient or in your best interests financially to renovate if any mechanical or electrical system must be redone to comply with codes.

You should also ensure that your house is a good candidate for renovating in other ways for instance, it may not be a strong option if the foundation is poor, ceilings are too low, or theres just insufficient room for the type of renovating or remodeling you need done.

In the event that renovation isnt the best option for you, there are also a number of benefits to building a brand-new home.

First, everything can be fresh, contemporary and up-to-the-minute, from cutting-edge technologies to sustainable materials and energy-efficient options. And, unlike an older home, everything will remain under warranty, keeping repairs rare and, when they do occur, budget-friendly.

Building a custom home is also a creative free-for-all in ways renovating isnt, since renovating can be more constricted and constrained. With building, you have an infinite number of options, and arent limited by the existing structure of your home. And you can choose what personally works best for you and your family as far as blueprints and design go.

If choosing to build a new home, youll want to consult a builder, architect and an interior designer, each of whom will bring insight and experience to your plans.

READ ALSO: Go beyond the basic bathroom

They will be best equipped to answer any questions that arise, such as what would be the best site on which to build your home; whether local building codes and neighborhood restrictions will affect your project; what kinds of contract labor youll be able to utilize; and what kinds of temperature, environmental and weather considerations youll have to make.

When building new, its also vital to consider what your lifestyle requires and what things are non-negotiables for you. If children or elderly relatives or family members with disabilities will be living in the home, youll need to take into consideration what features in your new home will best serve them.

And remember to be direct with everyone on your building team, as well as patient with the new construction process. New construction requires permits, approvals and many phases that renovations dont, and generally takes considerably longer. Remain calm and keep your eyes on the goal: your new custom home.

Whether you choose to renovate or build new, make an informed decision thats best for your family and will give you the dream home youve been looking for.

Editor's Note: This content is made possible by a sponsored content contributor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the San Antonio Express-News. Learn more about our advertising products at http://www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.

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You probably already know that, here in Texas, remodeling your master bathroom can improve the value of your home. But if you aren't putting your house on the market just yet, chances are you're more concerned with the upfront costs.

So how much should you have saved to renovate your master bath? It depends on the size and scale of your project. Read on.

How Much Does A Master Bathroom Renovation Cost?

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According to HomeAdvisor, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $15,000 for a small bathroom remodel. Of course, that's a pretty wide range, but it truly depends on your project.

Cosmetic upgrades like paint, new plumbing fixtures, and lighting runs from $1,000 to $3,500, while a complete tear-out and replacement will cost anywhere between $5,000 and $150,00.

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Need a contractor to renovate your master bathroom? Find a pro in your area.

For a large master bathroom, you can expect to pay $12,000 or more, depending on how in-depth your project is and the type of materials you choose. Of course, more square footage will be more expensive. Bathroom renovations typically cost around $125 per square foot.

Full Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown

Master Bathroom Planning Tips

Ready to renovate your master bathroom? Be sure to gather your remodeling inspiration from several sources. You'll want to decide on your general stylelike modern, traditional, or transitional. Consider using the same or complementing tile colors in your shower and floor to improve room flow. In general, you'll want to strive for a consistent theme that will bring together your fixture and appliance choices. Finally, consider water- and energy-efficient appliances to get even more bang for your buck.

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This post is sponsored and contributed by a Patch Brand Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own.

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By Rich Larson, News Director

Early voting has been underway for a few weeks in Minnesota, and with less than a week to go before election day, people are being encouraged to take advantage of the options available to them.

If you requested an absentee ballot but have not sent it in, you are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Rice countys recommended date to mail your ballot in was on Tuesday, but under state law there is still time. Ballots must be postmarked on or before election day and received by the county within seven days of the election. There is also a drop off option. The Rice County Government services building, located at 320 3rd Street North West in Faribault has a convenient ballot drop off box, or you can bring your ballot to Northfield City Hall and drop it off there.

In-person early voting is also underway at City Hall, and Northfield City administrator Ben Martig said yesterday that the city is trying to make it as easy as possible for you to cast your vote. Here in Northfield we have in person absentee early voting, that is available in the [City Hall] second floor training room. It will be going Monday through Friday from 8-4:15. In addition, City Hall is open Saturday, October 31 from 10-2:45 for some added convenience.

Martig also said that Covid-19 restrictions are in place. Masks are required, social distancing is enforced, and the voting offices are restricted to voters only, so be prepared to find a line when you go to vote. And should you want to wait until election day, the Covid restrictions will still be in place, but with eight total polling places, rather than just one for early voting, things might move a little quicker.

Northfield City Hall Presents War of the Worlds

The Northfield High School will present a live radio play on Saturday night, performed on the grass at Memorial Field, and broadcast live right here on KYMN radio at 8PM.

The idea came to NHS theater guru Bob Gregory-Bjorklund this summer when he was casting about for ideas on how to do theater in the time of Coronavirus. A friend of his suggested a radio play, and specifically Orson Welles infamous classic War of the Worlds.

First presented on October 30, 1938, Welles production nearly caused a panic when people tuned in to the play about aliens invading the Earth but did not realize that they were hearing a piece of fiction.

Gregory-Bjorklund is not looking to cause a panic. Just the opposite, in fact. He wants to do theater that is safe.

And a radio play is a great way to do that, he said, because you have actors that can space out on the stage and you can have an audience that is distanced.

Gregory-Bjorklund said that the performers will be working to get the listeners at home to participate in the show. Participation has to do with imagining. Participation has to do with closing your eyes and picturing Where is this happening? Where is this large park in New York City? Maybe its Central Park? What does it look like? What does an invading space alien look like?

There will be a live audience for the performance. Two-hundred and fifty people will be allowed into the stadium. Admission is free. The tickets will be given on a first-come first-serve basis.

Merchants Bank begins re-model

The downtown Merchants Bank Building is getting a facelift.

Tim Viere, the president of Merchants bank said that the last time the bank was remodeled was in the early 90s. When Merchants Bank merged with the First National Bank this past summer, it became time for an update.

The color of green carpet in the lobby worked for both Merchants and the First National, Viere said, but Ive always joked you could pull it up and make bullet proof vests out of it.

The remodel will happen in two phases. The first will be done on what has traditionally been the commercial banking side, and the second will be on the other side of the bank where the teller windows are.

And even though the point of this is to bring the bank into the 21st century, Viere said they arent going to discard some of the history that is in that building. The old vaults that we have in the bank, theyre from the old times. So were not going to touch those. That would be almost humanly impossible to move those around, so were doing the remodeling and keeping them in the same place.

Construction began earlier this week. Phase one will be completed in late December. Phase two should be done sometime in March.

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Early voting available on Saturday; NHS presents 'War of the Worlds'; Merchants Bank begins remodel - kymnradio.net

More people are working at home, and this may be an opportunity to deduct expenses related to having a home office.

The COVID-19 pandemicand economy-lockdown measureshave changed many aspects of daily life, possibly permanently. No surprise there.

Less obvious are some of the tax breaks and other benefits that might help you deal with the pandemic. Programs and resourceslike stimulus payments have received a lot of media attention, but others aren't so obvious. Here are some personal-finance tips that might make livingin a coronavirusworldless disruptive.

More people are working at home, and that trend likely will continue. But does this represent an opportunity to deduct expenses related to having a home office? Possibly.

Prior to federaltax-reform legislation enacted in 2017,unreimbursed employee business expenses could be taken as an itemized deduction, but that's no longer the case. But at the same time,employees who receive reimbursement from their companies for home office expenses dont need to pay taxes on the money, noted tax researcher Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accountingin a recent commentary.

An employer should havean accountable reimbursement plan" to help make sure reimbursements aren't taxed.In essence, that means"employers should require receipts to be submitted and reimburseemployees based on those receipts," said Mark Luscombe, principal federal tax analyst at Wolters Kluwer.

Self-employed individuals, as in years past, typically can deduct home-office expenses.

On a related note, federal tax law allows a$250 deduction for teachers of expenses that they incur out of pocket. While the law cites classroom expenses, the break likely is also available to teachers who are instructingstudents remotely at home, Luscombe said.

Remodeling projects are on the upswing, with more people working at home having the time and even the money to update their dwellings. Some projects are directed toward creating more comfortable or efficient spaces to work or for home schooling. Tax laws offer someincentives for certainremodeling projects, but these benefits are limited.

One possibility is a$500 federal tax credit for energy-efficient improvements involvingexterior doors, windows,insulation, heat pumps,fans, air conditioners, water heaters and so on. However, this is a lifetime credit, and many homeowners have already used up their allotment. Thecredit expires at the end of 2020, though it has been extended in the past, Luscombe noted.

There's also a tax credit to installqualified equipmentfor solar water heaters, small wind-energy generators, geothermal heat pumps and more. This credit is worth 26% of relevantexpenses if incurredthis year and 22%in 2021.

Some home improvements mightqualify for an itemized medical expense deduction. Examples includewheelchair ramps, hand rails or other equipment if prescribed by a doctor. Medical expenses may be deducted to the extent they exceed 7.5% of a person's adjusted gross income this year, but that rises to 10% in 2021.

With a home-equity loan, the interest can be deductedif theproceeds areused for home improvements, as opposed to paying offcredit-card debt or otherpurposes.

RETIREMENT:Here's what to know if it arrives sooner than expected

Health Savings Accounts were gaining traction even before the virus hit, largely because they offer a way to save up money and avoid paying taxes if the proceeds are used for an array of medical-related expenses. Given that health-care spending needs could rise for a lot of people down the road, these flexible, versatile accounts could come in handy.

You can qualify for an HSA if you enroll in a high-deductible medical plan something to consider during open enrollment.

Themany COVID-19 expenses that triggertax-free withdrawals include doctor visits, lab tests, prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies for flu symptoms. However, respirators and face masks are among coronavirus-specificexpenses that haven't yet been approved by the Internal Revenue Service, reports Fidelity Investments.

Researcher Morningstar calls HSAs "the most tax-favored investment vehicle" out there. Unlike with 401(k) accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts andSection529 college-savings plans, the money invested in HSAs isn't taxed on the way in or the way out, and payroll taxes don't apply either, Morningstar said.

Yet HSAs also are significantly underutilized and possibly misunderstood, the company added. They are one type of account worth researching further.

If you're searching for employment,here's a job-hunting aspectyou might have overlooked the virtual interview.Owing largely to COVID-19 social-distancing precautions, more employers are discussing openings with job candidates using Zoom and other online methods, reports Challenger, Gray and Christmas, which found that 80% of employers were conductingsome interviews online as of an April survey.

The outplacement and business-coaching firmrecommends several tips to make your remote job interview more successful. First, understand theparameters of theinterview including how many people will be participating, how long will it last, what software will be used andwhat you should send in ahead of time, such as a resume.

Also, rehearsein advance by having a friend ask practice questions, so that you can see yourself on camera, evaluate your answers,become more comfortable with yourmannerisms and check thebackground. Moveto another room or adjust your lighting if it's too bright or if shadows are distracting.

"Experiment to see what looks best,"Challenger, Gray said in a commentary. "No messy work areas, laundry or accumulated dishes" should appear in the background.

Dress inbusiness attire with solid colors that are less distracting than patterned clothing, the company added. Also, make sure your hair, including any facial hair, is neat and trimmed, and practice your delivery so that you're not touching or fussing with your hair.

As Congress has debatedanother round of COVID-19 relief payments, it's easy to forget that money from the original program is still available.

Most eligible taxpayers already received Economic Impact Payments of up to $1,200 per person months ago. But many people who don't normally file income-tax returns still might be eligible, thoughthey mustregister by Nov. 21. To do so, goto irs.gov and look for a section titled"Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here."

This"non-filers" section is designed for single people with incomesbelow $12,200 whocan't be claimed as someone else's dependent and for married couples with income under$24,400. Manyhomeless individuals could be among those still eligible for stimuluspayments.

Reach Wiles at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com.

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These tax breaks could help you deal with the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic - The Arizona Republic

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HACKETTSTOWN, NJ The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and International Builders Show (IBS), the kitchen/bath and housing industrys leading showcases for new products and services, will return to Orlando as in-person events in 2022, one year after the shows transformation in 2021 to digital-only events.

Officials from the National Association of Home Builders and the National Kitchen & Bath Association owners of IBS and KBIS, respectively announced 2022-2044 dates for the co-located live events shortly after announcing cancellation of the on-site portion of the 2021 shows due to health/safety concerns and travel restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The co-located KBIS and IBS, previously scheduled for Feb. 9-11, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, are staged each year as the focal points of Design & Construction Week, which will return as a live event to Orlando Feb. 8-10, 2022. Las Vegas will be the site of the annual three-day live shows on Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2023 and Feb. 27-29, 2024, show officials added.

The decision to cancel the in-person portion of the 2021 show came following months of lengthy conversations with NAHB and (show producer) Emerald, said Bill Darcy, CEO of the NKBA. The safety and well-being of our attendees, partners, exhibitors, site workers and staff has always been our top priority, Darcy said. As we crossed the 16-weeks-out mark, it was time to transition to focus 100% on a virtual event. Ultimately, the health and safety of attendees and exhibitors, as well as the ability to produce a signature event experience, outweighed all other considerations.

KBIS and IBS, like trade shows and conferences worldwide, have been facing unprecedented challenges resulting from a global public-health crisis that has forced the postponement, cancellation or reformatting of more than a dozen overseas and domestic industry-related events in the nine months since the coronavirus began resulting in government-mandated social distancing, travel restrictions and widespread concerns over attending large indoor gatherings.

Prior to the decision to convert to a digital-only format, KBIS and IBS officials had been undertaking a months-long effort to implement comprehensive protocols aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of attendees, exhibitors and vendors in the face of COVID-19. Onsite safety measures were to have included one-way traffic aisles, mask-wearing and social distancing, contactless registration with remote badging and enhanced cleaning measures.

The live events became untenable, however, in the face of the overwhelming challenges caused by the coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic,including government-imposed restrictions and limitations on large gatherings, the inability of KBISs international community to travel to the show due to quarantine requirements and travel bans, and various company-imposed travel restrictions on employees.

Show officials had acknowledged they were facing a substantial number of booth cancellations and exhibit-space reductions, as well as an attendance projected to be far below the estimated 90,000 people who attended Design & Construction Week this year in Las Vegas.

An online poll of dealers and designers conducted by Kitchen & Bath Design News in early October found that 81% of survey respondents said they did not plan to attend the 2021 KBIS-IBS. A similar number (78%) said they do not plan to attend any trade shows through at least June of 2021.

The newly formatted DCW 2021 will still take place the week Feb. 8, allowing participants digital access to exhibitors, as well as to a mix of live and recorded video panels, discussions and CEUs, from wherever they are in the world, show officials said.

An all-virtual Design & Construction Week will be a different experience, but with it comes new opportunities to reach an even larger audience that would not have been able to participate on-site, for any number of reasons, including on-going travel restrictions, Darcy said.

Details about the virtual event will be unveiled as the event approaches, show officials added, noting that registration for the virtual DCW event is free for all NKBA and NAHB members and, as with the in-person shows, attendees will have access to both KBIS and IBS exhibits and programming.

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Many people dont really pay attention to the bedroom furniture, except the bed, because they think the most important thing is to have a comfortable bed and a few pillows and blankets, in order to get a good nights sleep. But, that doesnt mean you dont need to fit the other furniture to your style, or the home decor theme you prefer. Probably you and your partner and/or kids will be those who will use the bedroom regularly, and usually, we dont let the guests in. Thats one of the main reasons why people dont put much effort when buying new things for this space.

One of the most common mistakes is buying the cheapest furniture, just to fill the room up, without paying too much attention to the color scheme, patterns, and personal preferences when it comes to renovating and remodeling. According to deutschfurniturehaus.com, you deserve to sleep in a beautiful and stylish room, that will energize you every morning you wake up, instead of frustrating you because of the un-matching styles and colors.

The renovation experts are sure you need to put equal effort into the sleeping area, just like the living or dining room, so you can have your dream bedroom. Also, you can afford to buy more quality pieces, because only a few people will use it, and they will last for years.

And when it comes to your home decor style and preferences, you can follow these tips and tricks:

As we already said, many of us will choose to spend more money in the living room, the kitchen, or bathroom, letting the bedroom be the last in the row. But thats wrong on so many levels because we all know how important is night sleep for all of us. The atmosphere in the room where you sleep should be calm, warm, and comfortable, even if that means you will need to improvise a little and put some pieces that usually cant be found there. But, if you prefer red blankets or other vibrant colored accessories, just do it, even though most of people believe these colors will wake you up, and wont let you get sleepy again. We are all different, and that applies to our renovation ideas and taste too.

Just because you sleep there, it doesnt need to look boring and sterile. In the end, everything is about the perception, and things that are bad for the others can be good for you, including the sleeping patterns and the general resting routines.

Its understandable that most of us have a very special taste in furniture, that can be pretty expensive, and we cant really afford everything we want. Thats why its important to set a budget and try to stick to it, without letting yourself go a lot over it. Another one thing you need to consider is if that piece of furniture can be useful and practical? No one wants to spend a lot of money on decorations that arent much needed in the space, no matter how beautiful they look. In the end, if you really like solid woods or something like that, you can buy them used, or repurpose something you already have.

One of our top priorities is to find nice-looking things we can put in the rooms, so we can get that catalog or magazine look, without even thinking are those things quality enough to be in our home? When youre buying a wardrobe, it should fit a lot of clothes. Chairs should be comfortable and support the body properly, and thats also crucial for the bed. So, invest smartly, because no one can afford to renovate the whole bedroom every few years.

You cant put huge pieces of furniture if the room is small. Also, if you bring too small pieces, you will need more of them, so you can avoid the empty-looking redecoration. Sometimes, you need to go over your taste and be smart and practical, because not everything you love can fit the space you have. Its nice to always have some estimation or calculation of how big is the room, and how big furniture you will need, so it can look stylish, and not empty or overwhelmed.

Probably, there are plenty of companies around you that can manufacture custom furniture for you, by taking the right measures and using the materials you prefer. But, very often, this choice is much expensive than buying furniture from a store. The good thing is that you can order exactly what do you want to put in the room and be unique, even though you are using that room just for sleeping. Customizing lets you get everything you have on your mind, and its one of the ways to fit the bedroom furniture to your style and preferences.

If you follow the very same style for every room in your house or apartment, just adapt it to the sleeping conditions. But first, make a list of all the things you really need, and then start your shopping. It can be an exciting experience for you, especially if you are decorating the room by yourself. To make the whole task easier for you, just match the styles, and save a lot of nerves and money by doing that.

When it comes to home remodeling, most of the people leave the bedroom for the last, and it may happen that they dont have enough money, so they are buying the cheapest furniture, without taking care of how it fits the whole house, or if it suits the personal style. But, we hope that after this article, you will realize how good for you is to have a stylish and nice-looking room, in order to be comfortable at night and always sleep well.

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6 Tips For Choosing The Right Bedroom Furniture To Suit Your Style - EDM Chicago

2 min read709 views and 2 shares Posted October 21, 2020

Six houses in Lebanon County of varying sizes, styles and price points will be included in the Building Industry Association of Lancaster Countys first Virtual Parade of Homes event, kicking off Oct. 24.

The Lancaster/Lebanon Parade will utilize 3D technology to offer a room-by-room, close-up view of each residence.

Eighteen single-family homes, townhouses and remodeling projects, starting at $251,990, will be on display. The event, sponsored byFulton BankandUGI Utilities, showcases more than $10 million in new home construction and remodeling.

Detailed information on all the entries will be available Oct. 24 at lancasterparadeofhomes.com. Parade of Homes guidebooks with that information were mailed to over 100,000 Lancaster and Lebanon County households this month.

Ephratas Garman Builders has five houses in the Parade, two of which are in Lebanon County.

Jordan Cassidy, director of marketing, said business is brisk right now. Its all positive at the moment.

Garman Builders also is increasing its presence in Lebanon County, she said.

One of its two Parade homes there is a $251,990 townhouse at 58 Beach Tree Court in South Annville Township, in the Mayapple Woods development.

The three-bedroom, 2.5-bedroom house comes with a one-car garage and features an owners suite with a walk-in closet in the bedroom and cultured marble double-bowl vanities in the bathroom.

That particular house, measuring 1,940 square feet, is sold, Cassidy said, but the floor plan is popular among first-time buyers and downsizers.

Garman Builders second Lebanon County Parade house is a 2,141-square-foot rancher with three bedrooms, two full baths and a two-car garage.

Still for sale, its listed at $427,990 and is at 1548 Cambridge Drive in South Lebanon Township. The home, in the Strathford Meadows development, includes a sunroom off the breakfast and family room area, quartz kitchen countertops and a stone surround fireplace.

Its a cute house, Cassidy said.

Manheim builder Wiegand Inc. is showcasing a spec house in the Parade thats already drawn some rave reviews, according to president and owner Fred Wiegand.

The homeon a 2.77-acre wooded lot at 253 Sheep Hill Road in Heidelberg Townshipis a modern mountain style that hes trying to introduce to Lancaster and Lebanon counties, he said.

This type of house is more common in the West and in Mountain States like Colorado, and Idaho, Wiegand said. A two-story listed at $838,500, its more than 2,900 square feet, with a first-floor master suite, 3.5 baths total and the potential for a fourth bedroom.

People have remarked on the exterior color combinations, including teak and HardiePlank, as well as the mahogany doors and black metal roof, he said.

Wiegand also pointed out the indoor/outdoor living space, with a bar area that opens out from the kitchen to the Brazilian teak deck.

With strings of lights, its really pretty at night, he said.

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Excerpt from:
Six Lebanon County houses to be included in Virtual Parade of Homes - LebTown

Photo (c) Davizro - Getty ImagesBoth Lowes and The Home Depot have enjoyed strong sales and remodeling contractors have been busy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. With millions of Americans spending a lot more time at home, its not unreasonable to think that many would see things they want to change.

A new study from Sears Home Services largely confirms the trend, finding that a significant percentage of people have become less satisfied with their homes in recent months. The survey found that the size of the home influences the amount of dissatisfaction.

For example, 50 percent of people in one bedroom homes say theyre dissatisfied while only 37 percent of those living in a four-bedroom home feel that way.

Children are also a factor, with 47 percent of households with children express discontent with where they live compared to 37 percent in households without children.

Theres a sense of feeling trapped when its required to remain inside; were missing the venues we used to frequent and perhaps noticing additional flaws of the home while spending more time there, the authors write.

Its one of the reasons real estate professionals cite for a spike in home sales over the summer, with employees who can now work from anywhere moving to more affordable housing markets and seeking more room.

Those who arent moving are making improvements, everything from applying a fresh coat of paint to adding a room. The study found that since the pandemic began, the most common home improvement has been setting up a home gym, followed closely by turning a room into a home office.

Setting up a gaming space, a home theater, library or reading room, and expanding the kitchen have also been common home improvements.

With much of the world spending a highly unusual amount of time at home, were finding the things we want to improve but also benefiting more from those improvements, the authors conclude. We may want to consider that were in this new lifestyle for the long haul, and its time to make the most of it.

While a thoughtful home improvement can improve your lifestyle and add value to your home, its important to avoid mistakes. One of the biggest mistakes is trying to turn a project that requires a professional into a do-it-yourself (DIY) project.

A previous Sears Home Services survey found that among consumers experiencing a DIY mishap, the biggest reasons for their headaches were underestimating the time a project would take and not realizing they lacked the skills required to complete it.

More:
Home improvements have skyrocketed during the pandemic - ConsumerAffairs