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How To Reface a Fireplace Surround and Hearth

Planning Your Fireplace Makeover Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your fireplace makeover. Consider the costs of materials, tools, and labor if you’re hiring professionals. Remember to factor in unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process.   According to Angi , refacing your fireplace can cost anywhere between $650 and $4,000. Selecting Materials for the Surround and Hearth Choose materials that complement your home’s decor and meet your functional needs. Options for the surround and hearth include: Natural stone (granite, marble, slate) Ceramic or porcelain tiles Brick or stone veneer Concrete Wood (for the mantel) Consider factors such as durability, heat resistance, and maintenance requirements when making your selection. For example, granite is highly durable and heat-resistant, making it an excellent choice for both the surround and hearth. Steps for Refacing a Fireplace Sound and Hearth Step 1: Pry off the mantel If the mantel is to be reused, ma
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Move To A New State Without The Stress Using This Guide

Embarking on a journey to a new state is both exhilarating and challenging, as it requires meticulous planning and consideration of various aspects to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you're moving for a job, family, or simply a change of scenery, this guide from Clyde Miles Construction Co. is designed to navigate the complexities of relocation. From financial considerations to personal adjustments, each step is crucial in making your move successful and stress-free.   Learn Cost of Living Variations   The cost of living can vary significantly from one state to another, so it’s imperative to research and understand the financial implications of your move. Look into housing costs, utility expenses, transportation, and daily necessities like groceries and gas. This knowledge will help you craft a realistic budget and financial plan, ensuring you're well-prepared for the economic environment of your new home.   Exploring the Job Market   Your career prospects
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You don’t have to refinance your mortgage to cut your interest

  If you purchased a home within the last few years, you might have felt a jolt of jubilation watching mortgage rates fall. If you locked in at the recent peak — nearly 8 percent last year — you may wonder whether   now is the time to refinance. The refinancing fever was sparked by the Federal Reserve’s  half-point reduction in interest rates in September.  Although mortgage rates aren’t directly tied to Fed rate changes, the policy action still  affects the housing market. As of Oct. 3, the average 30-year fixed-rate   loan   was  6.12 percent , compared with 7.49 percent a year ago, according to Freddie Mac. “Given the downward trajectory of rates, refinance activity continues to pick up, creating opportunities for many homeowners to trim their monthly mortgage payment,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. Over time, lowering your mortgage rate can lead to significant savings. But what if you can’t refinance because you don’t qualify or your home is worth less than what y
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A Guide to Buying a New-Construction Home

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Today, nearly 1 in 3 homes for sale is  new construction —and in certain areas, homebuyers can get a lot more bang for their buck because these  brand-new builds  are cheaper than older homes.   And with recent high mortgage and interest rates—before the Fed’s historic rate cut this week— discouraging some homebuyers from getting out there, builders who have properties to sell are offering a range of incentives to entice buyers. Here’s how—and where—to find affordable new-construction listings, pinpoint builder incentives that can help you lower the price, as well as pick up some negotiation tactics to get some sweet freebies thrown in to maximize your home purchase: Explore builder incentives Developers often drive sales by offering  special incentives  that amount to a discount on the house. Those deals might include the builder offering to pay some of a buyer’s  closing costs , offering free upgrades on materials, or even offering a  mortgage rate buy-down , which allows buyers to o
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Ways to Make Your Whole House Smell Amazing

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  Every house has its own scent. Sometimes it's good, and sometimes it isn't. Creating the fragrance atmosphere that makes your home smell like, well, home, means considering all the different scents that permeate your space, from your candles and your cooking to your pet and your perfume.  Try a Stovetop Scent The clean, fresh scent of citrus and florals is easy to create with a few key ingredients found in your refrigerator or pantry. "Place a mixture of your favorite herbs, spices, and water in a pot and simmer on the stove. By mixing slices of lemon, orange, and lime with spices like mint, lavender, or basil, you can make your house smell great with things that are already in your kitchen. Use Candles Carefully While candles, diffusers, and fragrance sprays are simple ways to scent your home, you should only use them when you  aren't  cooking.. Run a Lemon Through Your Garbage Disposal You may not notice the smell of your garbage disposal, but lingering odors can b
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