Category Archives: News

Amazon’s home improvement growth outpaces major players

Dive Brief:

Dive Insight:

For a while there, home improvement seemed to be a retail segment sheltered from the Amazon effect, largely because of the two big retailers’ level of sales to building professionals, their in-store expertise when DIY customers embarked on home projects and the spontaneous nature of some of the work — weekend weather is nice, or a homeowner needs a new drill when the old one breaks down.

That customer service is protective, especially to Home Depot, according to GlobalData Retail Managing Director Neil Saunders. Home Depot benefits from being a destination for home improvement projects in all stages from planning through final touches and from its locations, he said, while Lowe’s draws in more impulse shoppers. That difference hurts Lowe’s when weather drives a decline in demand, Saunders said. 

But many home improvement items — from bathtubs to tools — are now available at Amazon, and tool brands in particular are vying for market share on its marketplace. Brands that provide more information, including all technical specifications, a variety of images and, especially at higher price points, good reviews are grabbing sales, according to Salsify’s report.

As Amazon grows in the space — it helped itself in February with the acquisition of smart doorbell startup Ring — the legacy retailers are also facing some challenges that could make customers more sensitive to price, something that tends to send many consumers to Amazon. Home sales have slowed of late, for example, and labor costs are rising. “Home Improvement’s profit growth momentum appears to be slowing, due to higher costs in labor, increased investment back into the business, and greater price sensitivity as customers focus on value,” Moody’s Investors Service analysts wrote in comments emailed to Retail Dive.

Amazon remains a small player, although its marketplace gives shoppers a range of products that rival the big box players, according to Salsify. Still, Home Depot’s $24.9 billion in sales in the first quarter alone vastly outpaces Amazon’s $6 billion take in the segment for all of last year — and Saunders said that Home Depot isn’t feeling the impact of Amazon. Still, Amazon’s growth is outpacing everyone in the category, and it has a smooth path upward. Analysts predict that traditional home improvement and hardware stores may not be immune to the “Amazon Effect” forever.

Recommended Reading:

Source

https://www.retaildive.com/news/amazons-home-improvement-growth-outpaces-major-players/525194/

Exploring The Best Home Improvement Projects For Summer

With summer just around the corner, many homeowners are wondering what they can do to prepare. It never hurts to do a little before each season kicks in, but decorating for summer is very special. If you plan on redecorating the interior of your home, you should not forget the exterior. The hot, humid climate can be detrimental to homes especially those exposed to direct sunlight most of the day. Below, you will discover a list of tips to help jumpstart your home improvement projects this summer.

Repair And Reseal Windows

As mentioned above, summer weather can take its toll on the exterior portion of your home. Winter weather, such as sleet, snow and ice, will also do its part to damage the exterior of your home. This is why it is crucial to take advantage of the wonderful weather of summer. One home improvement project that you should include in your to-do list is window repair. Sealing around your windows will help prevent cold air from escaping and prevent hot air from accessing your home.

Read more after the jump:

If you discover any damaged windows in your home, this is the perfect time to have them repaired. If your windows are beyond repair, you should have them replaced, because windows in need of repair are the most common cause of higher energy bills.

Repair Existing Decks

Again, winter can take its toll on the exterior of your home, but this says nothing about what it does to patios, decks and porches. One of the best ways to protect your decks from damage during the summer and winter is with varnishes and paints. However, you should never apply any type of paint or varnish until your deck is fully repaired. This home improvement will entail repairing the deck framing, securing loose board and replacing damaged boards and banisters.

Repair Or Replace HVAC Unit

Your HVAC unit works around the clock to keep your home comfortable. During this time, the interior components are being damaged. While it is extremely difficult, if not impossible to maintenance a HVAC unit when it is snowing and sleeting outside, sometimes it is necessary. Instead of waiting until winter to maintenance your unit, you should do it at the beginning and before the summer comes to an end. Replacement parts are available for affordable prices at nationalairwarehouse.com.

Update Your Landscape And Garden

There is nothing that can beautify a home than well-groomed landscape and a garden. If you have ever seen a home surrounded by an unkempt garden or landscape, you know that it can be an eye sore. Summer is the ideal time to make garden and landscape maintenance and improvements. Just adding a few dahlias and bushes will go a long way in beautifying your garden and landscape.

During your outdoor improvement projects, be sure to keep an eye out for termites, bees, wasps and other insects. If you discover a bee or wasp next on your property, do not attempt to move it. Call an exterminator, because the slightest disturbance could make the wasps or bees go crazy.

Images – Cuña House In Spain by AQSO Arquitectos Office

Source

https://www.designscene.net/2018/06/home-improvement-projects.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DesignScene+%28Design+Scene%29

Home Depot aims for the top in home improvement delivery

Dive Brief:

  • The company also plans to reduce “last-mile” costs by continuing to use buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS) methods.

Dive Insight:

Joining a growing number of companies quickening the pace of consumer deliveries, Home Depot is striving to “create the fastest, most efficient delivery in home improvement,” according to materials from a December presentation by Mark Holifield, Home Depot’s executive vice president of supply chain.

The company has been investing in direct-to-consumer networks and e-commerce for years, “so this latest move isn’t a surprise,” wrote Haley O’Donnell, logistics technology researcher at Armstrong & Associates, in an email to Supply Chain Dive.

Two-day delivery is old hat now, and “the model of having a handful of DCs across the country won’t cut it,” O’Donnell said. “We estimate next-day requires at least 40 locations, while same-day requires 80-plus.”

Home Depot, as well as other retailers, are moving to second-tier cities, O’Donnell pointed out: “Retailers want to provide quick delivery nationwide, not just to major metros.”

The company also plans to continue making use of BOPIS, reducing last-mile costs by allowing the consumer to make the trip to a local store. However, the company does plan to start using vans and cars, besides flatbeds and box trucks, to make smaller local home deliveries.

The move is part of a direct-to-consumer push that companies besides Amazon are starting to champion, O’Donnell said. Besides providing quick delivery of smaller goods, companies are also increasing heavy-goods last-mile delivery, she said. 

“Consumers are becoming more comfortable making online purchases of everything from furniture to appliances to building materials and equipment,” she said.

Source

https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/home-depot-aims-for-the-top-in-home-improvement-delivery/525262/

How to Decide on a Bathroom Renovation Budget

Canadians love fixing up their homes and renovating it to suit their choices. According to a report by Altus Group, a property consultancy firm in Toronto, the total residential renovation spending in 2018 will be $74 billion. And, a bathroom remodel remains in top planned renovation projects for Canadian homeowners. If you are interested in renovating the powder room, cost is the number one priority.

2018 Average Bathroom Renovation Cost in Toronto

Usually homeowners spend at least $10,000 on bathroom renovations. But, it is not necessary to have your budget close to the average. Small renovations can cost you less than $5000 and luxurious remodeling projects can increase your cost by several thousand dollars. Let’s understand the cost of your bathroom renovation project in detail:

1. Cost of a Small Bathroom Renovation is…

According to an article by Time.com, a small renovation can cost you in the range of $3000-$12000. If you are looking for an affordable renovation that keeps the bathroom in good shape, you can opt for it. A small renovation project is ideal when the bathroom walls, doors and cabinets simply need a fresh paint of color. Also, you should be okay with affordable countertops such as laminate and ceramic tiles. It will not include any major plumbing overhaul such as changing the location of the bathtub.

2. A Medium Range Bathroom Remodel will cost you this…

A medium range renovation project needs you to have at least $20,000 in the pocket. When you want to opt for a complete overhaul of the bathroom, you will have to put aside a considerable amount. It will include the cost for a new flooring, better sink, new toilet and stylish vanity to take care of your needs. You can upgrade the fixtures and even opt for customized bathroom cabinets. It can also include a bathtub to shower conversion.

3. Amount that you will spend on a Luxury Remodel is…

When it comes to luxury bathroom remodel ideas, the sky is the limit. You can opt for solid wood pieces in the bathroom. Opting for a walk-in closet, a TV cabinet, heated flooring, or a sauna can quickly add to the cost. But, if you intend to stay in the house for a very long time, a deluxe bathroom renovation is a good way of transforming the bathroom into a relaxing spa. An average luxury bathroom remodeling project can start from $20,000 and go anywhere up to $100,000.

How to make the Decision?

Set your Priorities from the Beginning

When it comes to bathroom renovation in Toronto, you will be spoilt for choices unless you are sure of what you need. Many homeowners get confused about choosing the best option. Remember the complex the renovation project, the longer it will take to finish. Are you ready for a three to eight weeks home improvement project on your property? Bathroom renovation can be undertaken during any time of the year. So, consider the best time for you.

Whether you decide to renovate the bathroom for aesthetic reasons or basic maintenance needs; one thing is for sure. You need to keep aside an ample budget for the renovation so that you do not have to break your savings at the last minute. With a well-thought budget, you will not require to compromise on the quality of fixtures and still enjoy a beautiful bathroom space.

Why hire a Bathroom Renovation Contractor?

A small cabinet painting job can be considered a DIY job that can be finished over the weekend. But, if you are thinking of changing the look of the bathroom, it is best to hire a bathroom renovation contractor. By having a single point-of-contact for the renovation project, you will be able to avoid handling different sub-contractors. A plumber may charge you at least $45 per hour. A carpenter may ask you to pay $50-$70 per hour. An experienced electrician can demand $100 per hour. Do not forget the additional installation charges for putting the countertop, cabinets, tiles, etc. in place. It can quickly take a toll on your budget and interfere with your busy schedule.

So, it is best to hire a renovation contractor with wide experience and incredible expertise on the subject. Invite detailed cost estimates from different contractors and pick one that offers affordable rates and reliable service.

Source

http://www.sooperarticles.com/home-improvement-articles/remodeling-articles/how-decide-bathroom-renovation-budget-1661249.html

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12 Best Home Improvement Apps

12 Best Home Improvement Apps

With the presence of hundreds of thousands apps online, you no longer need to hire a tutor, a nutritionist or a designer, because there are applications literally for everything you need!

Today we will discuss the best apps, which will help you to make home improvements without wasting thousands of dollars on experts. The following 12 apps will help you to find inspiration, match colors, calculate materials and much more!

Houzz

Houzz is often called a Wikipedia for design and it engages enthusiasts and professionals in home improvement, architecture and design. It is a sort of a social network, which stores thousands of discussions, articles and images on every aspect of home improvement.

Here you can find new ideas, search for furniture or simply chat with people, who have the same interests.

DIY Tip Genius

The Family Handyman is a popular magazine, which decided to go online and launched an app for those, who need professional tips, secrets and techniques on improvement of their homes and on repairing stuff.

App contains daily tips, categories with projects and a chance to rate suggestions. It is free for iOS and Android.

WikiHow

A younger sibling of Wikipedia, WikiHow contains all the information you need on doing everything yourself. Any time you need to change the oil in your car, repair a broken vacuum cleaner, cook a dinner or change the floor, you can simply type your request.

Every article contains video materials and images, so everything is explained thoroughly. All the information is separated into categories, where users can make bookmarks for reading offline. WikiHow is free for Android and iOS users.

In addition, those, who have the latest iOS version, will have access to Survival Kit, which consists of offline articles on how to survive and provide first aid.

TapPainter

Feel puzzled how to plan your room and which colors to use? Leave it to professionals: just take a picture of your room and upload to TapPainter. It will process the image and provide several previews on how your room may look like in various styles and colors.

Users can choose popular paint brands, closest matching colors and so on. Previews can also be shared on Facebook. TapPainter is available at AppStore and costs $2,99.

Photo Measures

PhotoMeasures is a great tool for those, who are planning home improvements. Simply by making a photo and uploading it to the app, you can make notes, measurements, mark angles and much more. To catch every detail, you can use a zoom function and upload pictures in a PDF format.

Pinterest

Who hasn’t heard of Pinterest? It is a unique source of inspiration, divided into numerous categories. You can select topic you are interested in (for example design and DIY) and save pictures to your own profile.

iFixIt

There is no better helper than iFixIt if you need to repair something on your own. It is the fullest guide, which includes a huge variety of categories from smartphones to tools and home devices. It consists of detailed guidelines how to mend literally anything, diagnose problems and even replace tool parts.

You can sort articles by the model or category, upload your own guides and even go to iFixIt online store if you don’t have a necessary tool.

The Woodshop Widget

This app has a narrower focus and is a handy tool for those, who are working with wood. This app provides all the necessary calculations, contains articles on how wood behaves under various conditions, types of wood and much more. It is a great app for molding and decorating your home with wood.

The app is available at AppStore and costs only $3,99.

Handy

Repairing your own home is quite a complicated task and requires lots of additional skills, which not all of us possess. If you decide to hire an expert, you can install Handy and search for repairmen, cleaners and handymen across UK, US and Canada.

iHandy Carpenter

If you think that sensors of your iPhone and iPad are useless, let mobile app development specialists at Devyroom.com reassure you!

iHandy Carpenter uses your sensors and turns your smartphone into a set of multiple instruments. It can help you to check how flat the surface is by using a surface level or how vertical your walls are with the help of a plump bob. You can also measure every angle and use a tiny ruler to make accurate measurements in centimeters or inches.

Handyman Calculator for Android & Home Improvement Calcs for iOS

This useful app provides both Android and iOS users with multiple conversion and calculation tools, which can be used by workers and enthusiasts. Its functions include:

  • Fractional and density calculators;
  • Unit conversions;
  • Rebar weight;
  • Arc length;
  • Oil drilling pressure and much more.

RoomScan Pro

By using phone’s sensors, the app scans your room and makes floor plans, which you can save in PDF or DXF files, images and much more. You simply need to come up to any wall or doorframe and wait for a beep to make a record.

Author of this article is David Halmore, a developer of mobile applications and co-founder at Devyroom, one of the leading developing companies on the market. David has spent years on analyzing the market and the needs of its participants, putting their requirements and desires into strings and pixels.

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