(StatePoint) For 250 years, generations of fixers have passed down a very American tradition: don’t replace it, repair it. With crisp fall weather here, families across the country will be putting their weekends to work—together.

(StatePoint) Keeping every room in your home at an ideal temperature can be a frustrating battle. Whether it’s an addition, upstairs office, older home, converted attic, or a room full of windows, these spaces often present unique climate control challenges. The good news? You don’t need an expensive HVAC overhaul to reclaim your space. Simple updates can increase your comfort and potentially decrease your utility bills. From quick DIY upgrades to high-efficiency zone cooling, here are six smart ways to conquer stubborn temperature challenges in your home year-round.

(StatePoint) A new homebuying quiz reveals a stark disconnect: most aspiring first-time buyers believe they’re ready to buy a home, but fundamental knowledge gaps suggest otherwise.

(StatePoint) When it comes to home loans, interest rates matter – a lot. Differences as small as one-quarter of a percentage point can save you thousands of dollars over the life of a home loan.

(StatePoint) Lawn striping isn’t just a terrific way to elevate curb appeal, it’s key to a healthier lawn.

(StatePoint) As heat waves become a regular feature of American summers, you can use these tips and strategies to cool every corner of your home, while keeping energy bills low:

(StatePoint) Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, impacting indoor air quality well beyond active fire zones. While you can’t control the air outside, you can create a cleaner indoor environment by taking these steps:

(StatePoint) Do you love the timeless look of traditional wood entry doors, but desire something stronger, more secure, durable, weather resistant and energy efficient?

(StatePoint) If you’ve spent a full Saturday committed to the 3-2-1 method for ribs, you know the math: three hours of smoke, two hours wrapped, one hour to finish.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re splashing under the sun with family or hosting a pool party with friends, having a pool or spa in your backyard is a guaranteed memory-maker.

(StatePoint) The flavors and aromas of global cuisines are closer than ever — no passport or flights required.

(StatePoint) What distinguishes a good backyard gathering from a great one? More often than not, a little friendly competition.

(StatePoint) As a packed summer sports calendar gets underway, many fans are rethinking what it means to watch the big game. From international soccer tournaments and tennis championships to baseball, golf and other live events, summer has become a season built around shared viewing experiences.

(StatePoint) Ready to redesign your home? Whether you have only a vague notion of how you want your spaces to look or a very specific vision, relying on the expertise of a professional can help you bring your dream home to life. Before choosing and hiring an interior designer, though, be sure to take the following factors into consideration:

(StatePoint) When it comes to DIY moves, snafus are almost expected. Perhaps you have your own horror stories about broken furniture, last-minute cancellations or friends who mysteriously weren’t available on moving day.

(StatePoint) As the country braces for a predicted “hotter-than-normal” summer, homeowners will face financial pressure from higher cooling costs compared to last year. The good news? This easy and affordable DIY checklist contains money-saving upgrades that boost energy efficiency around the home, keeping summer bills in check throughout the scorching season.

(StatePoint) Summer is peak moving season—and peak pricing season, too. In fact, nearly half of all U.S. moves take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends each year, according to U-Haul, and, with gas prices on the rise, costs are expected to reach new heights.

(StatePoint) As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, backyards across the country are gearing up for a milestone summer — and the grill is once again at the heart of the celebration.

(StatePoint) When homeowners doing work on their property consider a cheaper route, for example, hiring a contractor who doesn’t want to pull permits, they may not realize the risk they are taking. But they should know that there is no “undo” button on a disaster.

(StatePoint) Everyone knows the basics of home maintenance, but there are several less obvious hazards that can put people and property at risk. Learning more about building code safety is your best bet for protecting your home and the people within it.

(StatePoint) Playing with fire has never been hotter when it comes to flavor and summer grilling. A new grilling trend report, released by the McCormick brand, spotlights three red-hot trends centering on new ways grillers are layering flavors, expanding the sizzle beyond steak, and taking advantage of the transformation of appliances.

(StatePoint) In addition to offering easy access to your home’s outdoor spaces, patio doors can enhance your life in a number of other key ways. Whether you’re installing patio doors for the first time or replacing existing ones, here are some of the advantages that patio doors provide, along with insights into maximizing these benefits:

(StatePoint) How short to mow is a commonly debated topic, and getting it right is not only tricky, but critical to a healthy lawn.