home improvements

Five home improvement projects to take on in Summer 2023
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Five home improvement projects to take on in Summer 2023

Summer is the perfect time to tackle home improvement projects that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your property.

With the sunny weather and longer days, you have the ideal conditions to complete projects efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore five home improvement projects to consider this summer, with a particular focus on heavy-duty tasks where you need help from professionals.

Basement Waterproofing

One of the most critical home improvement projects is basement waterproofing. Moisture infiltration in basements can lead to mold growth, structural damage, compromised indoor air quality and can even impact the value of your property. Waterproofing

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getting grand with flowers – MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME
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getting grand with flowers – MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME

I was recently lucky enough to spend 24 hours in the Loire Valley. We have a tour there at the end of August, and I need to check some addresses – never a hardship!

I had heard about the amazing flowers at the Chateau de Chenonceaux, and was determined to see what all the fuss was about.

I was not disappointed. They know a lot about getting grand with flowers!

Chenonceaux itself is a truly stunning chateaux that spans the Cher river from bank to bank. The history of the place dates back to the 16th century, and each age

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Atlantic couple going to trial for alleged home improvement fraud
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Atlantic couple going to trial for alleged home improvement fraud

Jun. 7—LINESVILLE — A western Crawford County couple will go on trial for home improvement fraud for allegedly bilking a man out of more than $100,000 more than 18 months ago.

In January, the Conneaut Lake Regional Police Department charged Chad Eckenrode, 42, and Kristi L. McBride, 39, both of 3438 Maple Lane, Atlantic, with false statements for home improvement services, receiving advance payment for services and failing to perform work, theft by deception and deceptive business practices.

On Tuesday, Eckenrode and McBride waived their rights to preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judge Adam Stallard of Linesville.

By waiving their

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Unique & Charming Antique Work Bench Treasure
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Unique & Charming Antique Work Bench Treasure

When I was growing up, I can remember my dad and grandpa working out in their workshops all the time. In the workshop my dad had, there was a rustic old wooden bench with lots of patina from over the years and I loved sitting on top of the bench to ‘help’ work on projects. My dad would give me scrap wood to cut with a hand saw, pound nails in and ‘build’ something fabulous while he worked on projects. I learned how to use tools early and watched how my dad built things and no doubt that helped me

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7 Things for a Beautiful English Cottage Room Makeover
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7 Things for a Beautiful English Cottage Room Makeover

Oh those English cottage rooms with layers of lovely patterns get me every time. When we visited the Cotswolds in summer last year, I felt even more in love with that quintessential English cottage charm and I started dreaming up a new design that brought in all those layers of beauty.

English Cottage Room

Though I am sourcing the elements for the new look yet-and there are many more elements in designing a room- there are 7 things I am planning on incorporating. Sharing a bit of inspiration today for Friday Favorites along with some elements to get the look.

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Construct CRM Launches First Completely Free Construction Management and Financing Software For All Home Improvement Trades
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Construct CRM Launches First Completely Free Construction Management and Financing Software For All Home Improvement Trades

BOCA RATON and MIAMI, Fla., May 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Construct CRM by Pro Platforms, a construction management and financing software platform, has announced the launch of its free version of the platform. The platform includes CRM, project management, scheduling and dispatch, payroll tracking, contracts, invoices, and pre-sale and point of sale homeowner project financing.

The paid version of the platform is currently being used by contractors from all 50 states across 30+ trades, including HVAC, roofing, and remodeling. Since its launch this year, over $34 million in projects have been created, and over $14 million in invoices and

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Manchester couple paid for home improvement jobs, didn’t do work
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Manchester couple paid for home improvement jobs, didn’t do work

MANCHESTER — A local couple who ran a contracting business have been accused of taking payments for jobs and not returning to do the work, show court documents.

According to court documents, Manchester residents Jason and Kathleen Lapointe took thousands of dollars from residents in Coventry, South Windsor and Vernon for jobs they never started.

Records show Jason Lapointe has been charged with two counts of second-degree larceny and violation of a home improvement contract, while Kathleen Lapointe has also been charged with second-degree larceny as well as violation of a home improvement contract and failure to refund a job

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soaking up spring and our may/june magazine
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soaking up spring and our may/june magazine

MFCH MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE
Cover photo by Frederic Ducout

May is one of the busiest moments in my year. The garden needs attention, our MFCH Tours pick up speed and social life here gets busy again after the quieter winter.

My favorite time of the day is when I can finally sit and relax and flip through the MFCH Magazine. The May/June issue is a particular favorite of mine because it is full of beautiful homes and gardens around France in the springtime. Putting our magazine together every two months is rather like making a large, colorful cocktail. We always try to include the

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