Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Smart locks are a highly visible part of your home that you'll use just about every day, so it's important to find a reliable pick that meshes well with your smart home. Here are the factors you should be thinking about as you shop:

A retrofit smart lock like the August lock will replace the interior of your existing lock, but not the exterior keyhole or the deadbolt.

Most smart locks will replace the entirety of your existing lock, including the interior thumbturn, the exterior keyhole, and the deadbolt in the middle. Locks like those will also come with their own keys, which will replace the ones you're using now.

Others, like the August Smart Lock, and the Lockly fingerprint model, are designed instead to work with at least some of your existing lock hardware. With a retrofit lock like that, you probably won't need new keys at all, and you might not even need to swap out the deadbolt. Locks like those can sometimes be a better fit for apartments, where the building owners might not allow you to replace the entire lock.

Different smart locks will take different approaches to letting you in. On a basic level, most smart locks will let you lock and unlock the door wirelessly from your phone, using an app. Others add in keypads for coded entry, which can help you rely on your keys a little less while also making it easier to share access with others. Some of the newest smart locks add in touch sensitivity or fingerprint scanning to let you inside with just a tap. Apple has also added a Home Key" target="_blank feature in iOS15 that lets you store a digital house key in your Apple Wallet, which lets you open compatible smart locks using the NFC radio in your iPhone or Apple Watch.

It may be overkill to pay up for a smart lock that offers all of that, so it's fine to dial in on the mode of access that interests you most. You've got a diverse mix of options these days.

The Schlage Encode Plus is the first smart lock to support Apple Home Key. Similar to Apple Pay, Home Key lets you unlock your door using the NFC radio in your iPhone or Apple Watch.

If your household includes multiple types of smart home devices, then your best bet is to control them all from a single smart home platform -- that way, you won't need to juggle multiple apps to keep everything automated. The most popular picks are Amazon Alexa; the Google Home app and the Google Assistant voice controls that come with it; and Apple HomeKit, which brings Siri into play. Samsung SmartThings is another option for a hub-centric smart home.

That brings us to Matter: Matter (and its tagalong protocol Thread) is an important smart home protocol designed in coordination with major brands including Google, Amazon, Apple, and many others. It helps guarantee compatibility across different platforms and adds in extra security and data transfer benefits definitely something buyers should be watching for.

Currently, smart lock companies are still adopting the Matter standard. Our top pick uses it and is one of the best options weve found. Some Schlage Encode locks use it, but it hasnt made its way to our Schlage Smart Level pick quite yet, and the same goes for Yale Assure. August has also announced it's working to bring Matter to its smart locks, so in some cases it just be a matter of waiting for the right firmware update.

Smart locks aren't quite as data sensitive as devices with built-in cameras and microphones, but you'll still want to make sure that you're keeping things secure. Most, if not all of your options will use some form of encryption to keep the wireless transmissions between your lock and your phone or home network secure -- you should also look for locks that use two-factor authentication to keep your account safe from malicious logins. And, as with any connected device in your home, you'll want to be sure to keep your lock updated to the latest firmware, and to set a strong password in the app.

As for lockpicking and other physical concerns, you can look for the lock's ANSI grade to get a sense of its durability, and how well it might stand up against a brute force entry attack. ANSI grade 3 is the most basic rating, but a growing number of smart locks offer ANSI grade 2 or grade 1 ratings, which tell you that they're built with commercial-grade durability. If you're concerned about forced entries, a lock like that might be a good investment.

Your smart lock is going to sit right on the front of your home's exterior, so it's worth aiming for something you won't hate looking at. Some smart locks go out of their way to show off their gadgety features with light-up touchscreens, color-coded LED indicator lights and tech-minded designs. Others take the opposite approach, doing their best to blend in and look just like a standard lock, from the outside at least. Picking a preference between the two approaches will help you narrow your options.

You'll also want to consider how the lock stays powered. Most smart locks will run off four AA batteries, but some take a different approach. The Level Lock, for instance, runs off of a single CR2 battery that sits inside of the deadbolt itself. Meanwhile, Eufy's touchscreen smart lock runs off of a rechargeable battery pack.

Read the original post:
Best Smart Locks of 2024 - CNET

Meet the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro. Boasting pro-level features, it delivers cutting-edge technology to keep your home safe and secure.

Experience Head-to-Toe HD+ Video in 1536p: Get an expanded field of view to see more of whos at your front door. View everything, whether its visitors, deliveries, or potential threats.

3D Motion Detection: This feature lets you configure Birds Eye Zones up to 30 feet away on an overhead map of your property.

Premium Images: The Battery Doorbell Pro brings clarity and clear color with its enhanced imaging sensors.

Person + Package Alerts: These alerts are a Ring Protect subscription feature. Receive notifications when a person or package is detected within a specified zone.

Connect seamlessly with Alexa: Use this gadget with compatible Echo devices for announcements and Two-Way Talk.

Elevate your home security with this smart doorbell!

Continue reading here:
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro has 3D motion detection - Gadget Flow

Ring users are about to see a significant increase in their bill.

The Amazon-owned home security service is planning to increase prices in March for its basic plan to $4.99/month or $49.99/year, an increase of $1 a month or $10 a year. While arguably not a large amount of money, the price increase is a 25% increase over the services current rates.

If you dont cancel your plan before March 11, youll see a price bump on your next bill.

Ringslast price increase happened in June 2022,when the company raised its rates to $3.99/month or $39.99/year. That was an increase of $1/month or $10 a year.

Worth noting: Rings higher-priced plans arent increasing in price. While the basic plan offers cloud storage and recorded videos from just one camera, Ring's next tier up covers unlimited cameras but also comes at double the price: $10/month or $100/year.

In September,Nest raised the prices of Nest Aware and Aware Plus. Its basic plan rose to $8 a month or $80 a year, an increase over its previous price of $6 a month or $60 per year, which had been in effect since May 2020. Nest Aware Plus saw a similar increase, jumping from $12 a month or $120 a year to $15 a month or $150 a year. Arlo did the same last month.

Original post:
Ring Is Raising Rates on Some Plans by 25% in March - PCMag Middle East

TAMPA, Fla. Police are asking for help from the public after an 11-year-old boy was shot while standing on the front porch of a Tampa apartment on Sunday night.

The Tampa Police Department said around 10:17 p.m. on Feb. 11, the victim was standing on his porch in the C. Blythe Andrews Apartments on East Osborne Avenue when he was shot by an unknown suspect.

The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

"Our thoughts are with this family as this senseless act has left an innocent child in our community injured," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "Our officers are committed to identifying the person responsible and holding this individual accountable. I believe that with the assistance of our community, we can bring this family the justice they deserve."

Anyone with information should contact the Tampa Police Department directly or Crimestoppers at 800-873-TIPS (8477) or via Tip411.

Continued here:
11-year-old shot while standing on front porch of Tampa apartment: Police - ABC Action News Tampa Bay

Upgraded formulas and expanded size options offer ultimate versatility and simple solutions

CLEVELAND, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As homeowners explore innovative ways of elevating their home, Dutch Boy Paints unveils the latest update to its product lineupa next-generation Porch and Floor Paint + Primer. Whether it's porches, basements or breezeways, Dutch Boy Paints' Porch and Floor Paint + Primer is a simple, cost-effective solution forDIYers looking to enhance and protect indoor and outdoor living spaces.

The new formulas are an evolution of Dutch Boy Paints' currently acclaimed Porch and Floor Paint + Primer products. Key upgrades include greater ability to prevent dirt pickup and increased mildew resistance on the surface of the paint finish.

"Our next-generation Porch and Floor Paint + Primer blends maximum surface protection and durability, offering a seamless solution for DIYers and homeowners seeking a transformative touch to spaces both inside and outside of their homes," said Julie Fisher, product manager, Dutch Boy Paints. "With advanced formulas and a spectrum of color and finish options, this collection reflects our commitment to delivering simple excellence."

The enhanced Dutch Boy Paints Porch and Floor Paint + Primer line features both a standard porch and floor paint, as well as a skid-resistant option, providing added traction. Features for the entire collection include:

"Dutch Boy Paints remains steadfast in our commitment to providing Menards customers with simple painting solutions," said Michelle Bangs, senior brand manager, Dutch Boy Paints. "Our next-generation Porch and Floor Paint + Primer collection offers an added home improvement opportunity, empowering DIY enthusiasts to effortlessly elevate their indoor and outdoor living spaces."

Available At MenardsThe enhanced Dutch Boy Paints Porch and Floor Paint + Primer is available in 1-quart, 1-gallon and 5-gallon size options. The 1-quart and 1-gallon offerings come in the brand's award-winning Twist & Pour containera unique easy-to-open, easy-to-hold and easy-to-pour container. To support the professional contractor, Dutch Boy Paints offers a 5-gallon container, which allows for more efficiency, productivity, color consistency, cost efficiency, consolidation of storage, and reduced waste for larger painting projects.

The entire lineup of enhanced Dutch Boy Paints' Porch and Floor Paint + Primer is available exclusively at Menards. Visit Porch & Floor Paint + Primer | Dutch Boy or Menards retail locations to explore the full collection.

For more information about Dutch Boy Paints and its complete range of painting products, please visit https://www.dutchboypaints.com.

About Dutch Boy GroupFounded in 1907, Dutch Boy Paints continues to be an industry leader in delivering innovative and high-quality products and packaging solutions and is one of the most recognizable brands in the market over 100 years later. In recent years, a new vitality, youthfulness and the promise of Simple Solutions have continued to shape the brand. Heritage and trust have been brought to life with energy and empowerment, inspiring DIYers and paint enthusiasts for generations to come. For more information, visit dutchboy.com.

About Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands GroupSherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group offers innovative products to meet customers' paint and coatings needs. The group manufactures products under well-known brands such as Valspar, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Purdy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's WaterSeal, Cabot, Dupli-Color and many more. Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution and sale of paints, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers. For more information, visit http://www.Sherwin-Williams.com.

SOURCE Dutch Boy Paints

View post:
Dutch Boy Paints Enhances Porch and Floor Paint Collection - PR Newswire

The Tampa Police Department is investigating a scene where an 11-year-old boy was shot on his front porch on Sunday evening.According to detectives, the boy was on his porch around 10:15 p.m. at the C. Blythe Andrews Apartments, located at 2201 E. Osborne Ave., when an unidentified individual shot him. Details provided by the police department via a news release from WFLA indicate that the boy sustained injuries that were deemed non-life-threatening and were subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment.No further information has been disclosed at this time.Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the Tampa Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-8477 or via Tip411.

The Tampa Police Department is investigating a scene where an 11-year-old boy was shot on his front porch on Sunday evening.

According to detectives, the boy was on his porch around 10:15 p.m. at the C. Blythe Andrews Apartments, located at 2201 E. Osborne Ave., when an unidentified individual shot him.

Details provided by the police department via a news release from WFLA indicate that the boy sustained injuries that were deemed non-life-threatening and were subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment.

No further information has been disclosed at this time.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the Tampa Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-8477 or via Tip411.

Follow this link:
11-year-old boy shot on front porch in Tampa - NBC2 News

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) A man is arrested and facing charges for fatally stabbing his 83-year-old neighbor and shooting her with a BB gun at her house in North Philadelphia Wednesday.

Police say it happened around 8 p.m. on the 2900 block of North 27th Street. They responded to the scene after receiving a call about a person armed with a weapon around the residence and found Dolores Robinson stabbed to death on her porch.

Police say the suspect, later identified as 47-year-old Isiaih Rahatt, was Robinsons neighbor.

What led to the incident is not yet clear, but police say Robinson was on her porch before it happened, then walked back inside. Thats when Rahatt left his house, followed her inside, and a struggle ensued.

He then stabbed her in the neck and shot her with a BB gun before going back to his house, where SWAT officers apprehended him.

Police believe theres been an ongoing issue between him and others on the block.

Rahatt is facing murder and related charges.

Read the original:
83-year-old fatally stabbed on front porch in North Philly - KYW

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - A neighborhood dispute turned fatal after an 83-year-old woman was stabbed to death outside her own home, and her neighbor charged with murder.

Isaiah Rahatt, 47, was arrested after police say he stabbed the elderly woman in the neck, and shot her with a BB gun Wednesday night.

The woman, identified as Dolores Robinson, was pronounced dead on her porch on the 2900 block of North 27th Street.

She was found with one fatal stab wound to the neck, and BB gun wounds on her hand and head.

MORE HEADLINES:

"What we were told, she seemed like a very outstanding individual. She was 83-years-old, apparently in good health. This is definitely tragic," Inspector Ernest Ransom, with the Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit, said. "We do believe there was an on-going issue with this individual and the entire block."

Police say the deadly incident began when the suspect followed the woman inside her home, then a struggle ensued.

The struggle eventually ended up on the porch, where Robinson was stabbed to death.

Police have yet to release any details about what caused the struggle.

However, they did state that there has been an ongoing issue between Rahatt and the entire block. Details of the issue are also unclear.

Rahatt has 13 prior arrests, including three cases of aggravated assault, according to police.

Police confirm they had calls to Rahatts home before the stabbing and online records show a lengthy criminal history.

Neighbor Crystal Allen Gray says they called police about Rahatt and his BB gun last summer.

"The cops looked at the BB gun, gave it back to home," Allen Gray said. "He shot my husband in the forehead with the BB gun. My husband still has the BB in his forehead, still, at this day. Nothing was done. Im very pissed at the fact that it took this."

He is now charged with murder for the stabbing death of Robinson.

See the article here:
Neighbor charged with murder after woman, 83, stabbed on porch in North Philadelphia - Yahoo News

When we see a colored light on someone's front porch in Ohio, we might think thata colored light is merely decoration. Changing colors for certain holidays like Christmas or Halloween is also why porch light colors change. But a green porch light has a more significant meaning than just representing a holiday. And there's a good reason to change them to green for good.

There's a growing trend to not only use colored lightsfor home dcor but to catch your attention for a bigger purpose. Red porch lights bringawareness to American Heart Month.Pink porch lights have also been used recently as a symbol of breast cancer awareness. And one color trend has been catching on all over the U.S., and it's anotherincredible cause we can all get behind in the Buckeye State as well.

While green porch lights are widely used to celebrate Christmas and St.Patrick's Day across the U.S., they're also a great way to show our support for ourU.S. service members. It symbolizes gratitude and helps uplift the spirit of those who have selflessly dedicated themselves to defending our nation. Seeing an entire community light up can remind our U.S. service members that they are not alone in their journey. It's a simple and effective way to let them know their sacrifices are acknowledged and appreciated year-round. Hopefully, we see more Ohio homes light up in green for our brave heroes.

Gallery Credit: Jessica Poxson

Gallery Credit: Canva, Google Earth, Google Maps

Link:
Ohio, It's Time To Start Using All Green Porch Lights - wkfr.com

The name says it all Grizzly was born to combine maximum spaciousness with a sturdy, reliable structure that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. The Grizzly tiny (which doesn't feel tiny at all) stays true to the original purpose of tiny homes designed to be a comfy, homely alternative to RVs and campers.

Photo: Great Lakes Tiny Homes

This mammoth tiny home is big on everything and designed for those who want to enjoy the outdoors with their entire family or group of friends. It's the biggest and most voluminous park model designed by Great Lakes Tiny Homes, a family-run tiny house building company that draws its inspiration from the great Midwest outdoors. The Grizzly boasts more than 42.5 feet in length (almost 13 meters), which is twice as much as standard tiny homes, coupled with a generous width of more than 11 feet (3.4 meters).

As a result, this spacious dwelling can offer both a large loft and a main-floor master bedroom, in addition to a big living room area. All in all, the Grizzly can easily accommodate up to six people, which is why it's so great for family weekend getaways. It's also fully equipped to become the full-time home of a large family looking to downsize and enjoy the benefits of mobility without sacrificing the comfort of a classic home.

Photo: Great Lakes Tiny Homes

The best part is that this cabin on wheels isn't a tiny place with a huge porch. Its roomy interior is just as generous. The main floor room, designed as a master bedroom, enjoys full privacy. It's separate from the rest of the house and big enough to include a practical bed with hidden storage. A full-size closet provides additional storage. It's a rustic bedroom, so don't expect anything too fancy. Still, easy access and privacy are enough to be considered "luxury" when it comes to tiny living.

The loft bedroom also benefits from an open-work handrail stretching from side to side for safety, comfort, and privacy. Large windows on each side add luminosity and fresh air. It's accessed via a simple staircase that almost seems hidden because of its discrete placement. That extra space between the bedroom and the kitchen was also used to integrate a washer/dryer hookup. The bathroom comes with a shower stall, a toilet, and a large sink. What stands out is the generous storage in the form of several cabinets and an overhead medicine cabinet in the corner. There's also a large window for proper ventilation. The pine woodwork adds a nice rustic touch to this simple but well-equipped bathroom.

Photo: Great Lakes Tiny Homes

On the other hand, there's no dedicated dining area or a snack bar. Still, the lounge section is roomy enough to accommodate a more versatile setup. The Grizzly is a great home when it comes to spending time with loved ones and entertaining guests, something that much more compact versions often lack.

Combining a roomy two-bedroom interior with a large porch seems to be a winning formula. It takes Grizzly from a simple house on wheels to a homely outdoor haven, but everything comes at a cost. The Grizzly tiny comes with an $85,400 price tag for the basic version. If affordability is the primary concern, the Great Lakes Tiny Homes range includes plenty of other options.

Photo: Great Lakes Tiny Homes

Here is the original post:
This 42-foot Cabin on Wheels Dazzles With a Huge Porch and Roomy Interior - autoevolution