Living & Home

Traverse City – October 05, 2026 -- Families across northern Michigan struggling to heat their homes through harsh winters are getting help from an unlikely source: their local furnace repair company. Precision Plumbing and Heating in Traverse City has built charitable giving directly into its day-to-day service work, according to a new feature on HelloNation highlighting insights from the company's Leslie Roe.

A furnace make-over program targets families in crisis

The Annual Precision Furnace Make-Over initiative lets community members nominate individuals and families facing financial hardship or personal struggles who need help with home heating. The program is aimed especially at households caring for elderly relatives or managing medical challenges, where dependable heat is a matter of safety during northern Michigan's harsh winters.

Atlanta – October 05, 2026 -- Three in four people worldwide are cutting back on essentials like food and healthcare just to keep a roof over their heads, according to a new global report from Habitat for Humanity International.

The report, titled "Home at What Cost?", draws on nationally representative surveys of 30,758 people across 22 countries, conducted between April 10 and June 30, 2026. It finds that 75% of respondents cut back on at least one expense in the past year to cover housing costs.

The pressure hits hardest on the most vulnerable groups

People in informal housing arrangements reported the steepest sacrifices, with 89% cutting back on essentials, followed by lower-income groups at 85% and younger generations -- Gen Z and Millennials -- at 81%. One-third of respondents (33%) said they are spending less on food, 32% are dipping into savings or emergency funds, and 13% are delaying or avoiding medical care.

Lexington, S.C. – October 03, 2026 -- Homeowners weighing a kitchen remodel may not need to replace cabinets at all, according to painting expert Melvin Jones of Carolina Painting and Pressure Cleaning, Inc. in Lexington, South Carolina. Full cabinet replacement ranks among the costliest parts of any renovation, but if cabinet boxes are sturdy and doors remain in good shape, professional refinishing can deliver a comparable result for a fraction of the price.

Surface prep determines whether paint holds up for years.

Cabinet refinishing starts with a thorough cleaning to strip away grease and residue, since even a thin film can block paint adhesion. Doors and drawers are then removed, labeled, and sanded smooth before a wood- or laminate-specific primer creates a uniform base. A final topcoat of acrylic urethane or catalyzed enamel forms a moisture-resistant barrier designed to withstand stains, heat, and repeated handling.

Los Angeles – October 03, 2026 -- Govee, which it calls the No. 1 brand for household permanent outdoor lights in the U.S., has launched a nationwide Halloween campaign titled "Turn Up the Spooky. Slay Halloween." starring actress Sarah Michelle Gellar.

The campaign's TV commercial shows Govee Outdoor Lights transforming a typical home into a cinematic Halloween setting, using color and lighting effects to build after-dark atmosphere.

Gellar Shares Her Own Approach to Outdoor Decorating

Rather than lighting up an entire exterior, Gellar recommends focusing on one feature, such as a roofline, tree or front facade. "Leaving some areas darker will make the lit areas feel more dramatic," she says.

Goshen, Ind. – October 02, 2026 -- Peeling paint, musty odors, and warped flooring can all signal hidden water damage lurking behind walls or beneath floors long before homeowners notice obvious problems, according to a new HelloNation article featuring insights from Peyton Cripe of Terry's Cleaning & Restoration.

Surface damage often hides a bigger moisture problem

Bubbling paint finishes, cracked drywall, and persistent musty smells can indicate moisture trapped behind finished surfaces, the article explains. A professional water damage inspection can pinpoint the source before additional materials are affected.

Flooring changes are a visible clue

Hardwood that cups or buckles, laminate that swells along its seams, and tile that shifts or loosens frequently point to moisture beneath the surface. Catching these signs early can reduce the scope of larger water damage repair projects.

Williamsville, N.Y. – October 02, 2026 -- Homeowners planning a home addition should press contractors on budget, timeline, materials, and permits before breaking ground, according to a new article from HelloNation featuring insights from Crystal Hincherick of Nathaniel's Construction.

Budget questions prevent mid-project financial surprises

The article advises homeowners to ask about total costs upfront, including labor, materials, and permits. Understanding the full budget helps avoid unexpected expenses and keeps financial control intact as work progresses.

A clear timeline helps homeowners plan around disruptions

Homeowners should ask how long each phase of construction will take, from design through completion. Knowing the schedule in advance helps anticipate delays and keeps the project on track.

Farmington, N.M. – October 02, 2026 -- Homeowners planning a custom build should evaluate builders on more than price, according to insights from Steve J. Gabaldon of SJ Gabaldon Construction & Realty featured in a HelloNation article.

Experience with similar projects can prevent costly surprises

The article recommends asking whether a builder has completed homes similar in size, style, and scope to the planned project. Builders with relevant experience may already understand common challenges and needs that arise during construction.

Communication expectations should be set before signing a contract

Builders may provide updates through scheduled meetings, phone calls, emails, or online systems. Homeowners should identify their main point of contact, how often updates will occur, and how questions will be handled.

Maple Grove – October 02, 2026 -- Craftsman's Choice Inc., a Minnesota exterior remodeling contractor serving Twin Cities homeowners since 1998, has relocated its headquarters to 10550 County Road 81 in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where it is building a new showroom set to open in mid-February 2027, ahead of the spring remodeling season.

The showroom will display full-size siding, roofing and decking combinations instead of small samples

The new space will feature James Hardie siding and trim, Marvin windows and doors, GAF roofing systems, and TimberTech decking and railing. Rather than relying on traditional sample racks, individual sections will show different siding profiles, colors and trim combinations alongside roofing, window, decking, railing, soffit and fascia options.

Sarasota – – October 02, 2026 -- Hidden roof damage from Florida storms can go unnoticed for weeks or months, according to insights from Roofing Expert Jesse Curry of Roofing by Curry in Sarasota, published in a HelloNation article.

Not all storm damage is visible from the ground

High winds can loosen roofing materials, damage flashing, or create small openings that let water in, even when a roof looks intact from the street. Fallen tree limbs and missing shingles are the obvious signs homeowners check for first, but the article notes that many problems cannot be spotted during a simple visual sweep.

Dothan – October 02, 2026 -- Homeowners whose roofs take a hit from wind or hail should skip the ladder and start with a safety-first inspection routine, according to a new article published by HelloNation featuring insights from Quinn Kriser, a roofing expert at All About Roofs in Dothan, Alabama.

The guidance centers on one core warning: climbing onto a storm-damaged roof to check it personally is unsafe. Wet surfaces, loosened materials, and hidden structural weak points can turn a routine inspection into an injury risk, even when damage looks minor from ground level.

Missing shingles are the most visible red flag after high winds

Strong gusts can tear shingles away entirely or loosen them just enough to create future vulnerabilities. Exposed underlying materials raise the odds of water getting in during the next storm.