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A pilot program has begun that allows residents to pay for the trimming of city-owned trees near their homes to address the high volume of requests made to the City of Chino Hills for tree trimming.

To qualify for the program, the tree must be owned by the city and not trimmed in the last 12 months. Some seasonal restrictions apply.

Of the 47,000 city-owned trees, about 8,000 are trimmed each year as part of the citys regular tree maintenance program, management analyst Alexis DalPont told the city council when the program was introduced in August.

The purpose of the program is to allow residents to pay out of pocket to have the city trees trimmed prior to their next scheduled trim, Ms. DalPont said. Estimates are based on cost recovery and can vary significantly based on the location of the trees. The administrative fee that includes the inspection and initial review is $123.

She said trees will not be topped, which involves removal of all or a majority of the leaves and branches from the crown.

Residents interested in the program should call the Public Works Department at (909) 364-2800 to request an inspection. If the request qualifies, an estimate will be provided and payment must be received within 60 days.

City staff or a contractor would complete the job within 30 calendar days.

All estimates will be based on the master schedule of fees, fines and penalties that are based on cost recovery for the service provided.

Chino Hills resident Doug McCormick told the council that he thought the program was a great idea but appeared to be cost prohibitive, based on the fee schedule he reviewed.

I dont think it should cost that much, he said.

City Manager Benjamin Montgomery said the fees are designed to cover the cost of the contractor doing the work. Since it will be a direct benefit to the person requesting the tree trimming, were passing it back to that individual, he said. Mr. Montgomery said trees deemed to be unsafe are trimmed or removed regardless of the program. This is just for those circumstances where residents may want a discretionary trimming, he said.

Mr. McCormick said when he first moved into his home 29 years ago, the descending slope behind his house included low-lying groundcover with medium-sized eucalyptus trees and a few small pepper trees that offered great views of the Chino Valley.

Now the groundcover is 4 to 5-feet thick, some dead and some alive, the eucalyptus trees are 50 to 70 feet high next to his rear fence that sheds huge pieces of thick bark and leaves, and the pepper trees have grown to dangerous heights.

Maintenance of slopes has become non-existent over the last few years, he said. When the Santa Ana winds blow, our home is pelted with bark and branches and we are in a constant state of fear that one day, pieces of that tree will come through a window or the tree will completely come down into our yard, he said.

Over the years, he and several neighbors have asked the city to remove dead trees and vegetation for fire and wind protection, even offering to hire their own landscape contractor, which is not allowed by the city.

He said Councilman Ray Marquez responded to a letter he wrote in 2022, visited his property, and returned with city staff a month later to resolve the issue. A cursory cleanup and trim job was done the following spring but it was very minor so I called to complain a few more times but never heard anything, he said. When Mr. Marquez asked staff if dead brush in open space would be addressed by city staff, Public Works Director Daniel Bobadilla said, Yes, if there is any request for dead brush and dead material in open space, city staff will go out and maintain it. Councilman Art Bennett asked staff to clean up the slope behind Mr. McCormicks home as part of the regular brush cleaning to prevent fire danger. I request we make a special trip to that property and get it cleaned up, he said. Its the least we can do.

Mr. McCormick said Thursday that he never heard a word since the meeting.

Now that the program has been initiated, he and his neighbor will obtain quotes from a landscape contractor and approach the city to compare costs. For information on the Resi-Pay Program that includes a link to the master schedule of fees, visit chinohills.org/resipay or call the Public Works Department at (909) 364-2800.

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Residents now allowed to pay for trimming of city-owned trees - Chino Champion

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EPA urged to scrutinize Gotion's plans as it undertakes 120-acre tree-cutting - Detroit News

The Cook Government is urging the Western Australian community to help stop the spread of polyphagous shot-hole borer - an exotic pest native to South East Asia.

The tiny beetle, which was first detected in Fremantle in mid-2021, is having a big impact on Perth's urban tree canopy.

The borer tunnels into a tree and plants a fungus - which blocks the transportation of water and nutrients within the tree, slowly killing it.

With no known treatments currently available, tree removal is the only way to prevent this invasive pest from rapidly reproducing and destroying WA's iconic parks.

This means a-number-of infested trees across Perth will require pruning or removal by arborists - including at Hyde Park, Lake Claremont, Kings Park, and Perth Zoo.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is doing everything it can to stop the spread of the borer, as part of a national biosecurity response, and has launched the biggest surveillance program in the Department's history.

DPIRD response staff have already inspected more than 1.5 million trees on more than 50,000 properties, as well deployed 3,000 traps to help track the borer.

There is also a quarantine area in place, covering most of the Perth metropolitan area.

It is vital that residents are aware of the restrictions on the movement of wood and plant material from their properties, as it could spread the borer.

To date there's been excellent support from the public and local governments, however ongoing community vigilance is vital to assist the State's efforts to stop this invasive pest.

The public can help by keeping an eye out for signs of the borer, and reporting it to the My Pest Guide Reporter app or website mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au

Symptoms can include tiny holes in a tree trunk, discolouration, staining or sawdust.

As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"It's not clear how this destructive borer made its way into WA, but it is clear that we need everyone to follow the strict biosecurity rules at our airports and borders, to keep unwanted pests out.

"An unprecedented biosecurity response has been underway for more than two years to stem the spread of this pest.

"DPIRD is working around the clock to eradicate it and is consulting with scientists from California and South Africa to learn from their experience in managing the borer.

"However, it is imperative that we work together as a community to deal with this invasive pest."

As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:

"As the Member for Perth, I know firsthand how loved Hyde Park is by our community, and I understand how this will have an impact on the local community.

"Along with the Member for Mount Lawley Simon Millman, I will be holding a community engagement forum in my electorate on Monday, 19 February 2024 to ensure the community is and remains informed and engaged.

"This is an ongoing response, and we must do everything we can to help stop the spread."

Comments attributed to Mount Lawley MLA Simon Millman:

"I encourage local residents to look out for signs of the borer.

"Download the My Pest Guide Reporter app or go to the website, snap a photo of anything that looks out of the ordinary, and report your discovery.

"Your reports could help identify a possible infestation and save our beautiful trees."

Read the rest here:
Vital biosecurity response to stop invasive beetle pest - Mirage News

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Tesla Tree Service owner saves cats while removing trees - Asbury Park Press

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Removal of trees leads to road closure in Lake Oswego today - Lake Oswego Review

Philips Hue just unveiled its new collection of smart home devices, which include not just interior and exterior smart lights, but also a new floodlight camera, further expanding the company's nascent offerings when it comes to home security cameras. Here's a quick rundown of each of the new devices, their cost, and when they'll be available.

The Dymera wall light is the company's newest wall sconce, which can be installed either indoors or outside of your home. It stands out for its rectangular shape which houses two individually controlled light beams. These lights point up and down to cast warm-to-cool white and colors. This creates an atmospheric look that accents your wall's exterior textures or draws attention to scenery like your landscaping or decor. You can nab it for $219 when it releases on February 27th.

The Philips Hue Secure floodlight is a wired outdoor security camera to keep an eye on your driveway or backyard 24/7. Unlike most other floodlight cameras, the color of the Philips Hue's light can be changed from white to a colored light, so you can also use it as accent lighting in addition to a security system. The floodlight will be available on Feb. 27 in the U.S. for a rather pricey $349.

The company is also pushing an update to the Security Center of its Philips Hue app in the first half of 2024 with improvements to push notifications and the event timeline to bolster the Secure floodlight experience. Additionally, Philips Hue is working to develop support for Amazon Alexa and Google Home for the updated Secure system.

For those looking for even more customizability, there is a new track lighting option for the Philips Hue Perifo system with T connectors launching in April. You can shape rails to run in three different directions. There are also new flexible connectors that let you shape the tracks in any direction and beyond the standard 90-degree angles to creatively layout ceiling lighting that can run down to your wall. And if you happen to have Philips Hue filament bulbs, then you can use the newly unveiled 3D-printed pendant cord to decorate them with some flair.

Existing lighting lineups like the Philips Hue Go portable table lamp are also getting some updates. This gadget will now be available with new teal or orange grips. It gets bright and lasts for up to 48 hours on a single charge. Its wireless charging stand can top it off from completely dead to full in just four hours. Meanwhile, the Philips Hue Being ceiling lightis getting new black and white colorways in addition to the existing aluminum version.

Philips Hue is synonymous with the best smart lights. If the above collection of lighting systems isnt enough, you can check out our Philips Hue guide to see types and recommendations to help you customize your smart home.

Today's best Philips Hue White Starter Kit deals

More here:
Philips Hue launches new indoor and outdoor lighting and a pricey floodlight camera - Tom's Guide

The best outdoor lights can make all the difference, whatever the season. From ensuring garden parties last well into the early hours, to providing a relaxing ambience on darker nights, outdoor lights are a crucial part of any garden setup. When chosen properly, outdoor lights can provide better lit, cosier spaces in which youll want to spend time. Ultimately, theyre a clever and easy way to help make your garden a proper part of your home.

Outdoor lights can serve a few different purposes, however, so while style normally does come first, its also worth keeping security in mind and making sure things are well-lit enough that you feel comfortable and safe walking around your garden at night (nobody wants to take a dip in a pool or pond after a few drinks at 1am). It may also be worth investing in a few different forms of outdoor light some spotlights or security lights for practicality on one hand, and ambient, aesthetic lights elsewhere, in order to style things up and elevate the feel of your garden.

Whichever style of outdoor lighting youre after, be it wall lights and smart lighting or fairy lights and stake lights, weve compiled a list of our favourite outdoor lights to buy this season, all from our favourite furniture stores. And, if you need some more garden and outdoor decorating inspiration, check out our guide to the best garden furniture.

Naturally, it depends on the building, its location, and its use. If youre near to your neighbours, then you should take the impact your lights might have on them into account be sure to check with them if youre going to have particularly bright or blue lights on at night, which could disturb them. Then, plan for the colour of light you want, and the height. Yellower light can feel gentler, but white light might be better for visibility if, for example, you want to install outdoor lights for security reasons. Lights at a low level are useful for illuminating paths, ponds or other features in a garden, whereas hanging lamps and wall lamps might be preferable for a patio with a dining table or other liveable areas.

In the same way that LED bulbs have now become the norm for Christmas lights, using them outdoors tends to be the best option. While other types of lights tend to overheat, which can be problematic if theyre near trees or leaves that could easily catch on fire, LED lights are designed to stay cooler, preventing any unexpected disasters in your garden as much as possible. Add in the fact that LED tech is usually more energy-efficient, and youve got yourself plenty of reasons why theyre the better option for outdoor use.

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If you're interested in more than just the style and aesthetic of your lights, smart lights are for you. While we can't say they're the most design-motivated lights in our guide, they're capable of far more in terms of functionality. Colour-changeable, with app connectivity which allows you to control the lights with your voice through Alexa, Google Assitant or Apple HomeKit, Philips' Hue lights are the leaders in this field, whether you opt for the spotlight version or the bolder light strips. Connect it all up and you'll have yourself one pretty incredible garden light show.

Philips Hue Lily Outdoor Light

Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Lightstrip

Innr Smart Outdoor Spotlight

Wall lights actually vary quite a lot, whether by design style or just the way in which they illuminate a space. Contemporary, modern wall light styles tend to look more sleek and aesthetic, whereas more traditional ones can often bring a more vintage, rustic look. Some also come with more comprehensive features, such as those with a dimmable setting so you can change up the vibe depending on the occasion.

Philips Hue Inara Outdoor Wall Light

Argos Industrial Wall Light

Dr Johnson Outdoor Wall Light

String lights are one of the easiest ways to elevate your outdoor space, adding a fairytale-like quality thats instantly more welcoming and relaxing at the same time. They're more of an aesthetic choice than a practical one, as you don't really get that much light from a string, but they create an ambience in a way that few other light styles can.

4lite Festoon Outdoor String Lamps

John Lewis Solar Powered Line Lights

Solar Vintage Bulb String Lights

Stake lights are a great way to highlight individual parts of your garden, acting almost like a spotlight to draw your guest's eyes and attention to wherever they are. Use them to line your patio to create a relaxed, fireside vibe, or place them tactically where you have more exciting features to make sure everything is lit and visible. Torch-style stake solar lights can be perfect for bulk buying and scattering in a considered way around your outdoor space, and even better for anyone who lacks a mains power supply outside, as they run on battery and solar power.

TrueFlame Solar Powered Garden Torch Lights

John Lewis & Partners Eva Solo SunLight Solar LED Outdoor Stake Light

Flaming Torch Solar Powered Stake Lights

Garden lanterns can be fun to play around with, especially when they come in more unique designs like the John Lewis Harmony LED lantern. Hang a few tactfully in your garden or patio space and you'll instantly give it a touch of elegance. When choosing the right model to buy, take into account firstly whether or not you want it to have a built-in light like the colour-changing John Lewis one, or if you'd prefer to use candles (a slightly more risky option).

LUUK LIFESTYLE Designer LED Table lamp

John Lewis & Partners Harmony LED Colour Changing Outdoor Lantern

Sunna Solar Flame Lantern

While wall lights and stake lights can bring light to your patio or garden to create an atmosphere, if you're entertaining friends around a table for drinks or an evening meal, an outdoor table light can act as a centrepiece and focal point to make this area more inviting. Most outdoor table lamps are also designed with practicality and function at front of mind, with some being powered by solar light and others being cordless and chargeable, so you can move them around and take them inside with ease. If you're hosting a larger garden party or wedding, put one on each table as you would a candle and you'll instantly create a more intimate table setting.

Philips Hue Go Smart Portable Table Lamp

4lite Indoor/Outdoor Portable LED Table Lamp

Eva Solo SunLight Solar LED Outdoor Lamp

Many outdoor spotlights are designed to double up as security lights, but spotlights can serve a stylistic purpose, too. Wed recommend opting for a set of smaller spotlights and using them to highlight different features in your garden, whether its to line a path or to keep your flowerbeds lit up in the evening for guests to see. Some of our favourites are also designed to be energy efficient, using solar power to prevent any unnecessary cords or cables from running across the grass or patio.

Ebion Garden Pathway Landscape Spotlights

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Originally posted here:
Best Outdoor Lights 2024: Wall lights to solar lights - British GQ

Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

The start of a new year represents the start of something new and fresh. The long year is over, and it is time to clean the slate. With home remodeling, the new year brings excited customers looking forward to kitchen and bath remodeling projects. With that in mind, perhaps 2024 is the year for your dream kitchen remodel.

You might have been saving all year in anticipation of gutting the kitchen and starting over. Or maybe you're just going to replace cabinets and countertops rather than going down to the studs. Regardless, kitchen remodels can be a significant undertaking if not planned properly. You've probably been thinking about your dream kitchen over the last year and now the time has come to get started.

"Every kitchen remodeling project begins in the design phase," says Scot Nichols, director of sales at Bedrock Quartz. "This is where you transform the ideas percolating in your mind into a feasible plan. Here's a valuable tip garnered from our experience: design around your needs and desires. And if you're uncertain of what you want, Bedrock Quartz can help."

You need certain things in your kitchen to maintain functionality, such as adequate counter space for preparing and serving food. But don't limit your design to function only. Try to work some of your wants into the design, too. A large island for serving and gathering loved ones is often the happiest place in the home.

"When all is said and done, you will spend a lot of time in your newly remodeled kitchen," Nichols says. "Why not enjoy that remodel as much as possible? Some new kitchen features that you may want but don't necessarily need can elevate your kitchen and make it a dream realized. Do it if you can afford to!"

The choice of materials significantly impacts both functionality and aesthetics. Alan Jorgensen, CEO of Bedrock Quartz, emphasizes the importance of material choices, stating, "This is why Bedrock Quartz places substantial emphasis on stone countertops, which are always the focal point of any kitchen. Materials like quartz, marble, and granite offer myriad benefits that extend well beyond mere aesthetics."

Jorgensen continues, "The most common question we get from people is, 'Which material should I choose?' While it often comes down to personal preference and style, there are some practical considerations for each. For example, quartz is a popular option known for its durability and non-porous nature, proving to be an excellent choice for countertops. It resists stains and bacterial growth, making it an ideal surface for food preparation. Marble, with its timeless elegance, adds a touch of luxury to any kitchen. While it may require more maintenance, the allure it brings is unparalleled. Granite, on the other hand, combines durability with natural beauty, creating a lasting and visually appealing kitchen surface."

As for fixtures, the age-old adage holds true: you get what you pay for. Cheap fixtures may seem like a cost-saving measure initially, but the frequent need for repairs and replacements can quickly outweigh any initial savings. Investing in high-quality fixtures like faucets and sinks proves advantageous in the long run. Superior materials tend to be more durable and retain their aesthetic appeal over an extended period. "And while we wouldn't advocate exceeding your budget, aiming for the highest quality within your financial constraints is a prudent approach," Jorgensen says.

Designing a new kitchen is exciting and fun. Ditto for choosing your materials. But when the construction process begins, some of the luster might start to fade. Remodeling is still construction work at the end of the day.

"If we could offer one bit of advice in this regard, it would be to do your best to enjoy the process. We get the fact that doing so sounds foreign. But remodeling is what you make it, said Nichols. "By focusing on the positive and looking for things about the construction process you can truly appreciate, you can avoid some of the unnecessary negatives that often make remodeling projects difficult."

Take pleasure in witnessing the transformation of your vision into a tangible reality. Admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into each phase of construction. Embrace the temporary inconvenience as a small price to pay for the long-term benefits your remodeled kitchen will bring.

One way to ensure an enjoyable experience with your kitchen remodel is to work with the right company.

Eric Jorgensen, president of operations at Bedrock Quartz, says, "We take excellent care of our customers. Our process is meticulously designed with you in mind. Not only do we commit to providing top-notch materials and installation, but constant communication about your project from beginning to end, ensuring that your questions and concerns are addressed promptly."

Having a reliable point of contact throughout the entire process to ensure transparency can bring peace of mind. "Bedrock Quartz takes pride in being there for you every step of the way, making the journey toward your dream kitchen remodel as seamless and satisfying as possible," Jorgensen says.

Bedrock Quartz stands ready to assist with classic or contemporary countertops, backsplashes, fixtures, and more. "Our team of professionals handles everything from installation to completion," Jorgensen says. "Moreover, we stand behind our materials and installation with unparalleled customer service. Challenge us to prove our worth if 2024 is indeed the year for your dream kitchen remodel."

Excerpt from:
Is 2024 the year for your dream kitchen remodel? - KSL.com

Houzz Inc., has released the2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. The survey of more than 3,400 respondents found that interest in open-concept kitchens is returning following the pandemic. A growing number of homeowners make their kitchens more open to other interior spaces (43%, compared with just 38% of those who renovated in 2021) and to the outdoors (23%, compared with 18% of those who renovated in 2021). Among homeowners making their kitchens more open to nearby interiors, nearly two-thirds remove any wall separation (64%) and a quarter choose double doors, a row of doors or a wide opening (25%).

Improving functionality is the driving force behind creating an open-concept space (64%), while 54% of renovating homeowners want to enhance their entertaining space and 47% simply appreciate the layouts aesthetic. The majority of open-concept kitchens share similar flooring and wall colors with neighboring rooms (79% and 61%, respectively).

Were seeing a return to more open-concept spaces following a brief drop in interest during the pandemic when people sought separation and privacy from other household members, said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. Creating a more open kitchen appeals to homeowners for both functional and aesthetic reasons, but doing so may impact the projects overall budget, requiring more technical changes, such as modifying walls and changing the layout.

Among renovating homeowners, 45% reconstruct the kitchens layout and 43% upgrade systems. The share of renovating homeowners making other structural changes like modifying kitchen walls (39%) and completely changing the kitchens location (7%) grew by 3 points each. Nearly one in 7 renovating homeowners modify the kitchen ceiling (13%) and 5% modify the flooring by reframing or adjusting the height. Homeowners often turn to home professionals for assistance with more technical projects.In fact, more than 4 in 5 homeowners rely on professional help during a kitchen renovation (84%).

General contractors are the professionals most commonly hired for kitchen renovations (55%), followed by cabinetmakers, which are at a four-year high (35% in 2024 versus 26% in 2020). One-third of homeowners hire kitchen designers and remodelers (33%). Nearly 1 in 5 homeowners hires one or more pros directly, without relying on a project manager.

Along with growing substantial structural changes to the kitchen, the median spend on kitchen remodels is up 22% from the previous year to $55,000 for homeowners undertaking major remodels*. This reflects a 57% growth since mid-2020, when the median spend on major remodels was $35,000. The median spend on minor remodels continues to increase as well. It was $18,000 in mid-2023, increasing by 29% year over year, and has more than doubled since mid-2020, when it was $8,000. Despite the rising costs, homeowners are saving up for these projects, with 36% of renovating homeowners citing having financial means as a key motivator for starting their kitchen update.

Additional insights from the 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study include:

Bigger islands:More than 2 in 5 homeowners opt for islands that are 7 feet or longer (42%), which has increased by 10 points since 2020. Islands that are less than 6 feet long are losing popularity, down 5 points year over year. This may coincide with homeowners' reported usage of islands for entertaining and socializing post-renovation (54% and 44%, respectively).

A pop of cabinetry color:White continues to be the most common cabinetry color (46%), up 6 points year over year, but wood and green both inched up by 1 percentage point each (25% and 4%, respectively). Despite a slight dip in popularity as a primary cabinet color (4%), blue remains a top pick for island cabinets that are a different color than the main cabinets (25%). Green also saw a jump in popularity for island cabinets that contrast from the main cabinets (10%, up from 5% last year).

High-tech appliances:More homeowners prefer to replace all appliances during a renovation (54%), rather than just a few (34%). Homeowners are increasingly opting for appliances with high-tech capabilities, showing a 5-point increase to 44%. Nearly a third of homeowners now choose appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity (30%) and some prefer those controllable via smartphones and tablets (29%), both figures rising by 5 percentage points. Interest in features like touch-screen displays, smart-home connectivity, and built-in apps and cameras has also grown compared to last year.

Backsplashes that reach new heights:Homeowners overwhelmingly choose to replace backsplashes during kitchen renovations (86%), up 2 points since last year. Backsplashes most commonly extend to the cabinets or range hood (62%); however, 1 in 10 extends up to the ceiling (10%). The most popular backsplash material is ceramic or porcelain tile (54%), followed by engineered quartz (11%). Homeowners also choose natural stone, such as marble, quartzite and granite (9%, 6% and 4%, respectively).

Design with longevity in mind:Among renovating homeowners addressing special needs in the kitchen, the most common reason is to accommodate aging household members future and current needs (36% and 27%, respectively). Functional elements incorporated for this purpose include pullout cabinets, extra lighting and wide drawer pulls (58%, 54% and 48%, respectively). Safety features are also a priority, including nonslip flooring and rounded countertops (37% and 34%, respectively).

Visit link:
Houzz Study Reveals Popular Kitchen Features, Colors and Materials - Furniture Lighting & Decor

In order to get the highest resale value, you have to focus the majority of remodeling efforts on certain rooms. Jenn Todryk from HGTV's "No Demo Reno" says the bathroom is one of the places that potential buyers want to be updated. "We want a big luxurious bathroom, which is understandable; you start and end your day in it, right?" Todryk says in an interview with Dallas News. "And they want natural lighting."

Main bathrooms and ensuites are the bathrooms you should focus on if you're making a plan to increase resale value. A mid-range bathroom remodel has an average 66.7% return on investment, while an upscale one has a 36.7% ROI. If you're adding a bathroom to the home, this can lead to a 30.2% ROI, while adding a new primary suite with a bathroom is about a 30% ROI.

Specific bathroom projects can be better for your resale value. For example, adding a walk-in shower or a steam shower can be a 70% and 30% return on investment, respectively. Replacing countertops, flooring, and lighting are also details that can help aid in creating the comfortable and relaxing environment home buyers want. Luxury details like heated floors aren't always necessary but can boost appeal. Unseen projects such as upgrading the plumbing can be a major bonus for a bathroom renovation.

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HGTV's Jenn Todryk Says To Renovate These Rooms To Up Your Home's Resale Value - House Digest