Industry insights

Jun30

Paint or Stain a Deck? Why the Answer Is Different in Chicago

Should you stain or paint your deck? In Chicago's suburbs, freeze-thaw cycles change the answer. Solid stain, switching coatings, and what actually lasts.

A suburban wood deck mid-staining — half the boards already stained to a warm brown, the other half still bare, with a long-handled brush resting across the work line

Jun13

Industry insights

Best Temperature and Humidity for Deck Staining or Painting in the Chicago Suburbs

Learn the right deck staining temperature for Chicago homes. Ideal range, humidity limits, surface heat, and when conditions in the NW suburbs actually work

Happy Friends Celebrating Christmas at Home Feast

Jan08

Industry insights

January Home Repairs: What Common Problems After Winter Holidays

After the winter holidays, your home obviously needs some maintenance. Let’s explore the most common January home repairs and how to tackle them.

Female hand with phone in the dark space

Dec10

Industry insights

How to Use Your Phone's Data and the FixHome+ App to Keep Track of Home Maintenance

Stuck with property upkeep? Use your phone to build a repair list in the free FixHome+ app to keep track of home maintenance.

Spooky Silhouette of a Victorian House Under a Large Orange Moon

Oct27

Industry insights

6 Home Maintenance Horrors You Can Still Fix Before the Cold

Don't let these home maintenance horrors haunt your winter. Our guide shows what to check, from dripping faucets to odd sounds, and how to fix them now.

A cozy room with a large window with fall landscape behind, seat and bookshelves FHP

Oct12

Industry insights

10 Inspiring Home Improvement Projects for a Cozy Fall

Ready to make your home cozier this fall? These 10 easy home improvement projects will help you create a warm, inviting space before winter arrives.

A view of a house roof with shingles and a brick chimney against a blue sky.

Sep18

Industry insights

Fall Roof Check: What to Look For

Want to handle your roof check this fall? This article covers easy steps, from ground scan to attic, so you can resolve small problems and be ready for winter.

Teddy bear next to a outlet with closed protective covers

Aug07

Industry insights

Childproofing a Home: 6 Must-Haves to Start With

A guide to childproofing a home with 6 essentials. These first simple steps help to protect your babies and make your space comfortable for their growth.