Author: Jane Corby

So you’ve called the HVAC company. Scheduled the appointment. And now you’re waiting for the technician to show up and you’re not entirely sure what’s going to happen. During a planned HVAC repair visit, many homeowners feel unsure about what will happen behind the scenes. Which makes sense. You’re letting someone into your home to mess with a system you probably don’t fully understand. And the whole time you’re wondering if you’re about to get hit with a massive bill for something that could’ve been simple. I’ve been writing about homes and interior systems for over fifteen years now. Covered…

So you’re standing in the door aisle at the home improvement store or scrolling through options online and you’re hit with this choice. Solid core or hollow core doors. And honestly it seems like it should be simple but then you start looking at price tags and reading descriptions and suddenly you’re second-hand guessing everything. I’ve been writing about homes and interior design for over fifteen years now. Covered everything from celebrity mansions to smart budget renovations. And this door question? It comes up more than you’d think. Here’s the thing. The door you choose actually matters more than most…

Right, so you’re thinking about updating one of your home’s major systems. Maybe the boiler’s been making that weird clunking noise for months now, or perhaps the electrical panel looks like it was installed when Churchill was prime minister. Whatever’s prompting this, you’re wise to be thinking it through properly. Updating major home systems isn’t like repainting a bedroom or swapping out light fixtures. We’re talking about the backbone of your house here, the stuff that keeps you warm, powers your life, and stops sewage from backing up into your kitchen. Bit important, that. The thing is, these projects can…

You know what drives me crazy? Walking through a $800,000 home with beautiful curb appeal and then stepping inside to find the kitchen hasn’t been touched since 1987. Or worse, someone spent $50,000 on upgrades that somehow made the space feel worse. I’ve been writing about homes for over 15 years now. Celebrity mansions, historic renovations, starter homes that punch way above their weight. And here’s what I’ve learned: money doesn’t guarantee comfort. Smart planning does. Interior upgrades can absolutely transform how a home feels and what it’s worth. But only if you understand what actually matters. So let’s talk…

Weather hits a building all year, and exterior walls take the brunt of that force. Without a strong outer layer, moisture and wind can reach materials that were meant to stay dry. Cladding adds a protective shield that supports durability and better long-term performance. Material choice also shapes how well that shield holds up across seasons and exposure levels. Options like cedar cladding add natural resilience while giving walls a refined finish. When cladding is planned well, it reduces repair risk and helps the structure stay sound. Rain Screen Design and Controlled Drainage Cladding systems can include a rain-screen gap…

Your roof just took a beating from last night’s storm. You look up from your driveway, squint a bit, and everything seems…fine? That’s usually where most of us stop checking. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of writing about homes and talking to roofing professionals: what looks okay from the ground can be hiding some serious problems up top. Most homeowners—and I mean the majority—miss early warning signs that could save them thousands down the line. Some of that damage? It’s already there, working its way through your roof system while you’re inside making dinner. I’m going to walk…

You know what’s funny. People spend thousands on light fixtures, chandeliers, and fancy lamps. But the best light source is literally free and hanging in the sky every single day. I’ve been writing about homes for over 15 years now. Toured celebrity mansions, tiny apartments, everything in between. And you know what the one thing is that makes any space feel expensive. Natural light. Not marble countertops. Not designer furniture. Light. The problem is most homes weren’t designed to let enough of it in. Builders cut corners. Architects prioritize other things. Or maybe your house is just old and back…

If your home feels uncomfortable no matter what you set the thermostat to, you’re not alone. One room feels cold, another feels hot, and you end up adjusting the temperature all day. Meanwhile, your energy bill keeps creeping up. The frustrating part is that your home may not need a big remodel at all. Many efficiency problems come from small issues that are easy to miss, like tiny air leaks, poor airflow, or habits that make your heating and cooling system work harder than it should. The good news is you can fix a lot of this without tearing down…

It’s hard to imagine a modern Filipino home without a refrigerator, electric fans, or a rice cooker. These and other appliances play a big role in our daily routines, making our lives easier and more comfortable.Over time, however, even the trustiest appliances may wear out, become less efficient, or no longer suit your needs. Upgrading to something newer opens the door to better performance, energy savings, and even modern features that enhance convenience. If an upgrade is in order, it helps to know what factors to weigh before heading to the store. Here are the key things to consider when…

So here’s the thing about pressure washing that most people don’t get. They think it’s just pointing a high-powered hose at something dirty and watching the grime disappear. And yeah, that’s part of it. But there’s a whole science behind what we do, and honestly, it’s gotten way more technical over the years. I’ve been covering home maintenance and exterior cleaning for over a decade now, and the amount of innovation in this space? It’s kind of wild. I remember when I first started writing about home services, pressure washing was treated like the simple cousin of home improvement. Now…