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Outdoor & Exterior Guides

Three Zones That Stop Wildfires Before They Reach Your Home

Enhance your home's wildfire resistance through strategic landscaping that creates defensible space. This guide explains how to design three essential zones, select low-flammability plants, and perform regular maintenance to reduce fire risks, comply with regulations, and support firefighting efforts effectively.

By John Penick

February 2, 2026

6 min read

#landscaping#home#wildfire

Featured

Appliance & System Coverage

Understanding Solar Battery Warranty Fine Print Costs

Solar battery warranties are crucial for safeguarding your renewable energy setup, yet their nuances can lead to surprises. Delve into performance standards, cost breakdowns, exclusion pitfalls, and practical steps to ensure comprehensive protection and maximize returns on your solar battery purchase.

By Leah Rodriguez

February 2, 2026

4 min read

#storage#energy#coverage

Featured

Cost Guides

Greywater Systems Cost $1,500–$6,000 to Install

Greywater systems offer a practical way to lower water bills and enhance home sustainability, with installation costs typically between $1,500 and $6,000. These systems repurpose water from sinks, showers, and laundry for irrigation or other uses, potentially saving homeowners $100 to $400 each year. This guide covers key factors influencing costs, permit requirements, DIY options, and maintenance strategies to maximize benefits.

By Susan Weiland

February 1, 2026

5 min read

#home#sustainable#cost

Home Warranty Basics

Smart Home AI That Cancels Your Coverage

Integrating AI assistants with smart home devices risks voiding warranties if not done correctly. This comprehensive guide covers high-risk setups, essential cost details, warranty review tips, and proven strategies to protect your automation investment from unexpected failures.

By Nicole Stambaugh

February 1, 2026

5 min read

#home#coverage#warranty

Cost Guides

Granny Pod Costs Extend Far Beyond the Structure

Constructing a granny pod in 2026 demands attention to more than the physical structure. Permits, zoning requirements, and unforeseen expenses can alter budgets considerably. This guide covers regulatory navigation, mistake avoidance, and financing to make the ADU a valuable, enduring addition.

By Leah Rodriguez

February 1, 2026

4 min read

#installation#ADU#living

Appliance & System Coverage

Solar Warranties Cover Failures But Not the $500 Annual Maintenance

Solar panels offer minimal maintenance promises, yet overlooked costs can diminish warranty benefits. Premium warranties handle significant failures, but routine cleaning, inspections, and repairs—totaling $150 to $500 annually—fall to homeowners. Grasp coverage boundaries, implement regular servicing, and maintain thorough records to sustain efficiency, validate claims, and maximize returns through 2026 and later.

By Susan Weiland

February 1, 2026

6 min read

#energy#maintenance#renewable

Home Guides

Home Battery Backup Costs: $9K-$18K Installed Range

Home battery backups provide essential power for lights, refrigerators, and internet when the grid fails. Installed costs typically range from $9,000 to $18,000, influenced by capacity and local factors. This guide covers installation processes, permits, warranties, common pitfalls, and strategies to determine if the system suits your home's energy demands and utility rates.

By John Penick

February 1, 2026

6 min read

#storage#home#energy

Cost Guides

Granny Flat Costs: $120K to $320K in 2026

In 2026, constructing a granny flat ranges from $120,000 to $320,000, influenced by unit type, square footage, site challenges, and material selections. Options from garage conversions to standalone builds provide varied paths to added space or income. Delve into cost breakdowns, construction timelines, investment returns, and essential planning steps for your accessory dwelling unit.

By Susan Weiland

February 1, 2026

5 min read

#ADU#construction#costs

Appliance & System Coverage

Home Warranties Add Smart Leak Detection Coverage

Modern home warranties incorporate smart leak detection systems, combining advanced technology with reliable repair coverage. These innovative tools detect leaks early, automatically halt water flow, and avert extensive damage. With easy setup and budget-friendly add-ons, they deliver essential protection, reducing maintenance expenses and enhancing homeowner tranquility.

By Melissa Flowers

January 31, 2026

4 min read

#home#Monitoring#water

Appliance & System Coverage

Solar Warranties: What's Covered and What You'll Pay

Solar warranties outline the protection for panels, inverters, and installation components, detailing responses to performance declines or failures. This guide covers key inclusions, standard expenses, claim procedures, and the role of professional upkeep. Gain insights into 2026 warranty developments to secure long-term reliability in solar energy production.

By Melissa Flowers

January 31, 2026

5 min read

#energy#maintenance#renewable

Outdoor & Exterior Guides

Water Balance: The Key to Climate-Proof Yards

Create a yard equipped to handle extreme weather with balanced water strategies. This guide covers design principles, native plant choices, drainage techniques, and financial considerations to safeguard your property, cut costs, and promote eco-friendly living.

By Leah Rodriguez

January 31, 2026

5 min read

#landscaping#climate#resilient

Appliance & System Coverage

Home Battery Install Runs $10K to $18K in 2024

Home battery systems cost between $10,000 and $18,000 to install, influenced by capacity, components, and local labor rates. Professional installation ensures safety, meets building codes, and preserves warranties. Strategic choices like seasonal timing and scalable designs help control expenses while enhancing energy reliability.

By Nicole Stambaugh

January 31, 2026

5 min read

#storage#home#energy