(StatePoint) Nearly one-third of U.S. homes are at a high risk of damage from a natural disaster, according to CoreLogic.

(StatePoint) A leaky faucet, pipe or toilet is more than just a nuisance, it can lead to unhealthy mold growth and cause costly damage to your home. Such issues are more common than you may think. In fact, two out of five homeowners have experienced water damage.

(StatePoint) Say goodbye to dull, white walls and hello to a world of color and personality!

(StatePoint) Upfront and ongoing renting costs can put financial stress on any monthly budget. But whether you are experiencing financial hardship or just need a little extra help to make ends meet, you may have options by working with your property manager.

(StatePoint) While it’s normal to feel nervous about moving into your first apartment, it’s also an exciting time to create your own personal haven. Most rentals have lease limitations on what tenants can and can’t do when it comes to painting and decorating, but there are still ways to infuse your own unique aesthetic into a space.

(StatePoint) With the frequency of natural disasters on the rise, it’s a good idea to think about the components of your house and whether they are built to withstand wicked weather.

(StatePoint) When looking at the drab walls and bare windows of a college dorm room, there’s no need for students to feel “blah.” Instead, dorm dwellers should embrace their new space as a blank canvas that’s ready to be transformed.

(StatePoint) Whether you live in tight quarters or like many Americans, have a smaller, secondary kitchen in your home, there are strategies for making the most of compact cooking areas, none of which involve compromising style or functionality.

(StatePoint) If your concrete porch and patio surfaces are plain, ugly or in disrepair, you may assume the only solution is to hire a contractor for a complete overhaul. The truth is that you can resurface these spaces with minimal DIY experience in just a few days. Here’s how:

(StatePoint) As one of the most useful appliances in any kitchen, it’s no surprise that microwave ovens can be found in at least 90% of U.S. households, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That’s why choosing the right one is so important.

(StatePoint) Steel is increasingly becoming the go-to material used for residential roofing. According to industry experts, this is because steel offers both a range of design advantages, as well as features that align with sustainable living. Here are some of steel roofing’s biggest benefits and why you should consider it for your home:

(StatePoint) Your siding gives your home character and curb appeal while protecting it from the elements. To help you make sensible, stylish decisions, here are some fast facts about three popular varieties of siding.

(StatePoint) Late summer is a time of year when yards see a lot of foot traffic. Whether you’re hosting parties and events or your kids are running all over the lawn, your grass needs to be in tiptop shape.

(StatePoint) Perhaps you’re better off not taking that new sofa out of its plastic wrap. Sofas, couches and loveseats top the list of furniture most likely to be damaged, according to the latest survey on furniture damage from Allstate Protection Plans. What’s worse, more than half of furniture purchases were damaged in the first two years!

(StatePoint) Looking to beautify your backyard? Read on for five fresh ways to update your outdoor space with just a roll of painter’s tape, a can of paint and a little creativity – and uncover some innovative painter’s tape tricks to make these DIYs super simple.  

(StatePoint) Managing competing financial priorities can be emotionally and logistically complex, whether you’re juggling college tuition bills and mortgage payments, or you’re carving out opportunities for travel while planning for retirement.

(StatePoint) If you’re hesitant to buy a home right now due to high interest rates, you can use this time to learn how interest rates work, and to take steps to secure a lower interest rate when you are ready to buy.

(StatePoint) From torn teddy bears and damaged tablets to leaky toilets and wobbly table legs, duct tape and dad will save the day. A new survey from Duck brand, maker of Duck Tape brand duct tape, revealed that 87% of fathers consider themselves the family’s handyman, ready to swoop in with duct tape as their favorite fix-all. In fact, 95% of dads keep a roll nearby, whether on their workbench or in their toolbox.

(StatePoint) Outdoor lighting can extend the time you can spend enjoying your backyard with your friends and family. While there are a host of involved and expensive outdoor lighting solutions, there’s one easy DIY alternative that offers a lot of charm.

(StatePoint) If you’re planning to travel this summer, you’re in good company. Eighty-two percent of adults in the United States – that’s more than 212 million people – are planning on doing the same, according to The Vacationer’s summer travel and trends survey. As you pack your bags, it’s also important to prepare your home for your absence. While catching some summer sun, you can help protect your home and possessions using these tools and strategies:

(StatePoint) The threat of a home fire is greater than most people think. In fact, 40% of people believe they are more likely to win the lottery or get struck by lightning than experience a home fire, yet residential fires are the most common disaster people face in the United States, according to the American Red Cross. Here’s how to help prevent fires, and how to prepare for the worst:

(StatePoint) Did you know that adhering to proper building safety codes and standards can prevent thousands of accidents each year and save homeowners significant repair costs?

(StatePoint) The future of building safety offers exciting career opportunities for the next generation. The International Code Council encourages educators to involve kids in discussions about the industry from an early age, fostering open-mindedness and offering them a new perspective on the world around them.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re buying a fixer-upper or updating your current home, renovations will improve the functionality of your property and increase its value. Here’s your guide for making the process successful: