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1+ hour, 12+ min ago (810+ words) The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. If you submit a form or click links to other sites on this page, we will earn commission." Find out more about this solar service, including suitability, eligibility and potential energy bill reductions EDF Energy, one of the UK's largest energy suppliers, now offers homeowners the option to install rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems. The service is delivered through Contact Solar, a Which? Trusted Trader, and comes with the added incentive of specialist electricity tariffs designed for solar users. This overview of the service examines EDF Energy's solar panel offering and is aimed at helping readers understand the cost of solar panels through EDF, what's included in the price and what to ask during the quotation process. Use our comparison tool to get a range of free quotes for solar…...

1+ hour, 46+ min ago (745+ words) Take these steps now to protect your sprinkler system before freezing weather hits If you leave water sitting in your sprinkler system over winter, freezing temperatures will turn that water into ice, which expands and cracks pipes, valves, and other expensive components. Come spring, you could be facing repair bills because of issues relating to not draining the system before winter. Winterizing your sprinkler system basically means getting all the water out so there's nothing left to freeze and cause damage. The process is straightforward and takes some time and consideration, though it's easier if your system has automatic drains. You need to do this before the first hard freeze " once it hits 32F, you're already at risk. Here's how to winterize your sprinkler system to protect it from damage in the cold months ahead. Find the valve that controls water…...

3+ hour, 4+ min ago (816+ words) Herndon, Virginia " December 01, 2025 " PRESSADVANTAGE " Elegant Kitchen and Bath, a Northern Virginia remodeling company, announced the expansion of its 3D design visualization services to provide homeowners with more comprehensive planning tools for their renovation projects. The enhanced service offerings reflect growing demand for detailed project visualization before construction begins, particularly for kitchen and bathroom transformations. The company has integrated advanced rendering technology into its design process, allowing clients to explore multiple layout options and material selections through realistic three-dimensional models. This development addresses a common challenge homeowners face when planning major renovations " the difficulty of visualizing how design choices will translate into finished spaces. "Homeowners investing in Kitchen remodeling projects deserve to see exactly how their vision will come to life before any construction begins," said Arif Zarars'z, Vice President of Elegant Kitchen and Bath. "Our enhanced design capabilities help eliminate uncertainty…...

3+ hour, 5+ min ago (702+ words) CHANTILLY, VA " November 10, 2025 " PRESSADVANTAGE " The Harvard report notes that with a growing number of homeowners investing in their current properties, the demand for materials that ensure the longevity of renovations has intensified. The nation's aging housing stock, with a median age of 44 years, further fuels the need for products that can effectively repair and protect vulnerable areas from water damage and mold growth. "The data indicates a clear and sustained focus on kitchen and bath remodels, which requires materials that are proven to perform under specific conditions," said a spokesperson for Kraken Bond. "Our objective is to provide contractors and homeowners with products that meet established industry standards, ensuring that every project, from a small repair to a major renovation, is built to last." To support its customers, Kraken Bond shares application techniques and project examples on its social media…...

3+ hour, 42+ min ago (483+ words) This recurring hesitation echoes a theme often discussed amongst the broader home-design community: We want our homes to reach an imagined level of "ready" before it can be shared. In reality, that waiting can keep us in a holding pattern, and disconnected from opportunities to open our doors. Part of this instinct comes from the desire to get things "just right," reinforced by persistent cultural conventions about how a home "should" look before anyone sees it. We live in a world of before-and-after reveals and meticulously curated social media feeds. It makes sense why people feel like their lived-in realities do not measure up. Consequently, many of us hover in a kind of liminal space, telling ourselves that once the last room is updated or that one lingering project is finished, then we will host the gathering, clear the clutter…...

4+ hour, 24+ min ago (1009+ words) Forget elbow grease " these top-rated hand blenders pur'e, chop and whisk up a storm in no time A hand blender " also called a stick blender or immersion blender " is a staple kitchen tool for home cooks. Investing in the right one can save you having to fork out for a bulky food processor, and give you extra counter space. As well as being easier to store, they're often more affordable than countertop blenders and are less involved when it comes to cleaning, too. Most involve a blade on the end of a detachable arm that you can often just chuck in the sink or dishwasher. Hand blenders range from around the "15 mark to well over "100. If you're only going to be using it to make soup every now and again, an affordable, classic stick blender will see you right " so…...

5+ hour, 22+ min ago (792+ words) Security cameras can protect your home - but here's where you should not be installing them. Installing a security camera is a great way to help protect your home. Many are wireless, battery-powered and weatherproof, and can be installed with just a couple of screws, making them convenient for almost any location. But, while this flexibility is great for installing cameras exactly where you need them, there are locations to be avoided. Obviously, security cameras should not be installed in bathrooms and bedrooms, and nor should they be installed without consent in communal areas of a shared property. You should also think carefully about where to install security cameras outside your home. Views of your garden and driveway can be helpful " a visible camera can deter trespassers and car thieves " but you should be mindful of what else it might record....

5+ hour, 46+ min ago (231+ words) Taking place at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, 17-18 January 2026 Calling all renovators and self-builders. Don't miss the Homebuilding & Renovating Show on 17-18 January 2026 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. It's the place to discover all the advice, products and inspiration you need to transform your home " all under one roof. Make your home project a success with help from the South East Homebuilding & Renovating Show: claim your two free tickets here. The show gives attendees the chance to take free one-to-one consultations with expert planners, builders, architects and interior designers, invaluable seminars and masterclasses, home energy advice, and more. Find full details of what is on offer here. Calling all renovators and self-builders. Don't miss the Homebuilding & Renovating Show on 17-18 January 2026 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. It's the place to discover all the advice, products and inspiration you need to…...

5+ hour, 47+ min ago (1488+ words) Our goal is to give you honest, hands-on, and independent advice " so you can confidently choose the best espresso machine for your home. One that doesn't just make you happy on the day you buy it, but every single morning after. Like a perfectly tuned bike that just glides. Oh, and just because you buy a great machine doesn't mean you'll get great espresso right away. In fact, many people end up drinking the worst coffee of their lives after splashing out a small fortune on a new machine. Why? Because a good espresso machine doesn't guarantee good espresso. More on that in our article "How to Espresso " A Barista Course, Tried and Tested." To keep things fair, we ran the same routine on all machines " from the "300 entry-level model to the "6,000 tech marvel. Every machine was put through its…...

11+ hour, 43+ min ago (453+ words) I have to make this clear. Warning! The following contains spoilers for the Shifting Gears Season 2 episode "Nutcracker." Stream the episode with a Hulu subscription and read at your own risk! Shifting Gears was one of the few brand new network TV shows cranking out new episodes on the fall 2025 TV schedule, but now it too will take a break before returning in January. The ABC sitcom went out with a Christmas special and a surprisingly sad ending that I didn't see coming. Tim Allen and Kat Dennings' sitcom hasn't shied away from heavy moments, having tackled divorce and Matt being a widower in Season 1. That said, I'm shocked we actually saw a storyline that led to a character's exit, and one that I quite liked as well. While Eve was willing to try to make a long-distance relationship work,…...