Living & Home

Somerset, Ky. – – September 18, 2026 -- Homeowners planning a renovation often ask for a price per square foot, but a new HelloNation article argues that number rarely tells the full story. The piece features insights from Construction Expert Jon-Brent Bernard of Secure Structure in Somerset, Kentucky, on why remodeling budgets vary so widely even for similar-looking projects.

According to the article, project scope is the single biggest driver of cost. Cosmetic updates like flooring, paint, cabinets, or fixtures sit at one end of the spectrum, while larger jobs that involve moving walls, replacing plumbing, upgrading electrical systems, or swapping out heating and cooling equipment sit at the other.

Elizabethtown – September 18, 2026 -- Patrick Clark of Clark Jewelers in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, says jewelry owners can protect their rings, necklaces, and bracelets without expensive products or complicated routines, just consistent daily habits.

Removing jewelry before chores prevents chemical damage

Clark recommends taking off rings before washing dishes, swimming, or applying cosmetics, since even mild household cleaning products can dull metal finishes and loosen settings over time. He advises cleaning jewelry gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth to remove daily buildup of dirt and oils.

Frequent cleaning isn't necessary, but consistency is

A quick wipe after each wear helps stop buildup that clouds gemstones and reduces brilliance, according to Clark. He notes that properly drying jewelry after washing is often overlooked, yet it prevents water spots and moisture damage.

Avon, Ohio – September 18, 2026 -- A new national survey finds that 63% of homeowners rate their storm preparedness a 7 out of 10 or higher, yet most still reach for the wrong repair tools once damage actually occurs. The T-Rex® Tape Storm Readiness Report, based on a September 2026 poll of 1,000 homeowners conducted by T-Rex® Brand, found 48% have tested batteries for emergency devices and 45% have trimmed trees around their homes as part of storm prep.

Eight in 10 homeowners face unexpected repairs

Eighty percent of respondents have experienced unexpected home damage requiring repair, and 43% say it's happening more often than five years ago, pointing to aging homes and severe weather as top causes. Despite this, only 30% have organized their repair tools as part of storm preparation, and just 51% say emergency storm supplies would be easy to find when needed.

Rapid City – September 18, 2026 -- Strider Bikes has launched the Strider Baby Balance Bike, a toy designed for infants aged 0 to 18 months that transitions from tummy-time play to early walking support.

The bike doubles as a sensory toy before babies can even sit up.

The design features raised letters, numbers and shapes on the wheels, giving babies tactile stimulation during tummy time. Once infants can sit independently, they can spin the wheels and twist the textured handlebars to explore how the toy moves.

Four points of contact aim to teach true independent balance.

As babies progress to standing and walking, the two-wheeled design combined with a baby's own feet creates four points of ground contact. Strider says this setup helps children build independent balance more effectively than three- or four-wheeled toys that balance on their own.

Chapin, S.C. – September 18, 2026 -- A high summer energy bill rarely comes from one single problem, according to HVAC experts Rick Liberti and Jon McCartha of Mid-State Heating and Air LLC in Chapin, South Carolina. Their insights, featured in a new HelloNation article, break down the everyday household issues that push cooling costs higher during peak heat.

Dirty filters force HVAC systems to work overtime

Dirty filters restrict airflow, making the system use more energy just to circulate air through the home. Beyond raising costs, this strain also reduces overall indoor comfort.

Poor insulation lets cooled air escape through walls and gaps

When cool air leaks out through attics, walls, or gaps around doors and windows, the HVAC unit has to work harder to replace it. Even a properly functioning system can struggle to keep temperatures steady in a poorly insulated home.

Sterling, Va. – September 18, 2026 -- Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air is urging Northern Virginia homeowners to complete a short list of fall maintenance tasks before freezing temperatures arrive, warning that delays can lead to costly winter emergencies like burst pipes and heating failures.

"Fall is the ideal window because homeowners still have time to act before freezing weather puts stress on pipes, outdoor faucets and heating equipment," said Daniel Fuentes, co-founder of Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air. He noted that a single cold snap in the region can quickly expose weak spots in home systems.

Disconnecting hoses and draining spigots prevents burst indoor pipes

Fuentes recommends homeowners disconnect garden hoses and drain exterior spigots immediately, since leaving a hose attached traps water inside the faucet and can lead to a burst pipe indoors.

St. Louis – September 17, 2026 -- A fireplace update can change the entire feel of a living room for less than the cost of a kitchen or bathroom remodel, according to a new HelloNation article featuring insights from Fireplace Expert John Bubenik of The Color Craftsmen in St. Louis, Missouri.

High mortgage rates are pushing homeowners to renovate instead of relocate.

With interest rates elevated, the article notes that many homeowners are choosing to stay put rather than accept a higher rate on a new mortgage plus closing and moving costs. A focused project like a fireplace remodel offers a way to make a familiar home feel new again.

Denison, Texas – September 17, 2026 -- Homeowners near Lake Texoma are being urged to inspect shingles, gutters, flashing, and attic spaces after severe storms to catch damage before it worsens, according to a HelloNation article featuring roofing expert Cody Slagle of Denison, Texas.

Shingles show the first signs of storm damage

Slagle notes that shingles are often the first area to reveal problems after heavy wind or hail. Cracked or lifted shingles can indicate the storm pushed them out of place, and scattered hail may mark several roof slopes at once.

Gutters reveal hidden impact points

Dents in gutters can show where hail struck with enough force to affect roofing materials. Sagging or loose gutters may signal that water overflowed during the storm, sending it back toward the roof instead of away from it. Slagle says strong North Texas winds frequently blow debris into gutter channels, making this a recurring inspection point.

Howard, Ohio – September 17, 2026 -- A new HelloNation article examines how the design build approach to custom home construction differs from traditional methods, offering homeowners in Knox County, Ohio, a way to simplify planning, manage budgets, and reduce delays during a build.

One team handles design and construction from start to finish

The article explains that custom home projects often become complicated when design and construction are handled through separate contracts. A design build team instead manages everything from the first sketch to the final build, allowing homeowners to make decisions with full knowledge of both design intent and construction realities.

Central Florida – September 17, 2026 -- As hurricane season peaks and National Preparedness Month draws attention to household safety, Frank Gay Services is urging Central Florida homeowners to inspect plumbing, electrical and air-conditioning systems before storm damage or summer wear causes bigger problems.

Homeowners should watch for warning signs before systems fail

"Seasonal home checks provide an opportunity to spot concerns before those issues disrupt their routines," said Josh Geltz, Operations Manager with Frank Gay Services. He advised residents to contact a licensed professional when plumbing, electrical or air-conditioning systems look, sound or perform differently than expected.