Packing up a garage when moving can feel like a chore. With a little planning, packing up your garage will ease your mind and possibly fill your wallet! Here are some tips on how to tackle the job. When it comes to packing up your home for a move, the garage is often the last room packed. Let’s face it, we put it off due to the sheer number of things piled up over the years. Garages are full of tools, landscaping equipment and things you don’t want to look at. Often, our garages have become the dumping... read more

Homeownership in the U.S. in increasing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In fact, the Q2 2018 U.S. homeownership rate was 64.3 percent, up from 64.2 percent in Q1 2018 and 63.7 percent in Q2 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Being a homeowner is exciting and rewarding—not to mention it comes with a lot of perks. No more landlord, no more renting, and no more leases. While owning a home has a long list of benefits, it also comes with great responsibility and hard work. Be... read more

Home improvement professionals vary. Who you hire will depend largely on the size and complexity of your project. What follows is a brief description of the different contractors who do work for homeowners: General contractors: They manage all facets of the project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining building permits, scheduling inspections, and working with architects and designers. Specialty contractors: Those who install products, such as cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and bookshelves. Arc... read more

Frigid winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze – or even burst! Do you know how to tell if pipes are frozen? We’ve pulled together a list of battle tested suggestions to help you fix your frozen pipes as well as a list of suggestions for you to follow if they do freeze.If you attempt to fix a frozen pipe yourself, keep the following tips in mind: Keep your faucet open. Water and steam will be created during the thawing process, and your pipes need an opening to discharge this. Keeping the fa... read more

Colder months often mean higher bills. Check DTE's tips to spare your wallet this winter: Programmable Thermostat Install a programmable thermostat and set it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower - the recommended setting for winter. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs. Check out our DTE Rebate Program to learn how you can get money back for buying a new thermostat. Changing Blade Direction I... read more