Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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When a log cabin was constructed in East Sharpsburg in the early to mid-1800s, its future was unknown. Who could predict that after its purpose as a post office, it would serve as a general store? Would the builders have guessed that eventually it would have kitchen and bathroom areas added on before becoming a residential unit? Certainly no one would think that two decades later, the establishment would hold pot belly pigs for a five-year stint. Subconsciously, all involved in the construction...
Individuals looking to renovate their homes typically reach out to a number of professionals for estimates before choosing a contractor. Once that decision has been made, it's customary to sign a contract to ensure all parties are protected during and after the work. A renovation contract outlines the details of a remodeling job. The construction company or the general contractor will create this legal document, which will list the steps of the job and how issues will be resolved should problems arise. Prior to signing a contract, however,...
The global pandemic reignited people's passions for home renovations, as they directed dollars that would normally have been spent elsewhere into the places where they were now spending the most time - their homes. According to the 10th annual Houzz & Home survey of more than 70,000 respondents in the United States, higher-budget projects cost around $85,000 or more in 2020, compared with $80,000 in the two years prior. Kitchen projects were the most popular among renovating homeowners. Even though many COVID-19-related restrictions have...
A recent survey of home renovation industry professionals conducted by Fixr.com found that creating indoor spaces outdoors was homeowners' biggest priority regarding renovations in 2022. Sixty-two percent of renovation-minded homeowners surveyed indicated outdoor dining areas are their most sought-after living space. In addition, 41 percent of respondents felt outdoor kitchens were their biggest priority. The survey found that certain outdoor living space features were especially popular, none more so than comfortable outdoor furniture....
The kitchen is a busy room in many homes. That popularity likely has something to do with why so many homeowners spend sizable sums renovating their kitchens. According to highlights from the 2022 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the median spend on major kitchen remodels grew by 14 percent from the previous year, and minor remodels increased by 25 percent. Spurred on by increased time spent at home during the pandemic, the main impetus for kitchen remodels according to the study was that homeowners wanted to make these improvements all along...
Kitchens are the busiest rooms in most homes. Kitchens have become more than just places to prepare meals, with many functioning as gathering spaces and even go-to dining spots in homes that do not feature formal dining rooms. So much time spent in the kitchen makes it worthwhile to invest in these popular spaces. Kitchen renovations are high on many homeowners' to-do lists, and there's many decisions to make once they commit to redoing the room. When renovating a kitchen, homeowners will have to choose which countertop material they want to...
Much changes for the better when pets are brought into a household. When a pet joins the family, members now have a companion to enthusiastically greet them when they return home from work or school. Pets require attention and routine vet visits to stay healthy. Homeowners may need to assess their living areas to ensure that the spaces are as safe as possible for new pets, as there are many potential hazards around the typical home. Unfortunately, those hazards may not be obvious to new pet owners. The following are just a handful of potential...
A colorful garden in full bloom is an aesthetically appealing sight each spring and summer. The pleasant aromas emanating from such spaces only add to their appeal. Many variables contribute to a thriving garden, and perhaps none is more important than bees. North America is home to thousands of species of bees, but many of those species are experiencing dwindling populations. According to Scott McArt, an assistant professor of pollinator health in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, 53 bee species have experienced population...
Many people are eager for Independence Day celebrations in early summer. There is much to be excited about, as festivities often begin in the afternoon with barbecues and pool parties, and commence late at night after fireworks shows that light up the night sky. Still, not everyone enjoys the extra noise and busy nature of July 4th parties, particularly furry members of the family. Animal control services often report an increase in lost animals between July 4th and July 6th. That's because the excitement of the holiday puts pets out of their...
Conserving water has become a major concern with residential and commercial sites alike. From indoor application to landscape and irrigation outdoors, water conservation has been a goal for many builders and homeowners—and a lot of natural turfgrass is being wrongfully accused of excessive water usage. Although synthetic turf is a rising trend for its environmental benefits, it is quite possible to grow natural grass while still conserving plenty of water. Many irrigation techniques have been made available through modern technology for u...
The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly changed many aspects of day-to-day life and gave Americans more time at home. For some Cove residents, the fruit of the pandemic was literal, as this extra time at home led to more time in their backyards, reviving a love of growing food, chicken keeping, and overall awareness about their food sources. Lisa Logan of Martinsburg had loved gardening for years, and since becoming involved with Friends Farm in Williamsburg and joining its CSA, she had a growing...
