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Author Archives: Sarita Harbour

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The 5 Apps You Won’t Want to Renovate Without

Renovation App

Photo: apartmenttherapy.com

If your file folders are bursting at the seams with to-do lists, contractor quotes, spec sheets and inspirational clippings from interior design magazines, it may be time to think about organizing your project with a renovation app on your mobile phone or tablet.

Remodeling work can be overwhelming at times, whether you’re tackling the entire house or one room only. Save time and money—and minimize your stress level—with a suite of well-chosen apps. Here are five of our favorites for compiling and managing all the information you need to make the most of your effort.
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5 Simple Ingredients for Successful Rainwater Harvesting

Harvesting Rainwater - Barrel

Photo: Flickr / Simply Bike

People have been harvesting rainwater for thousands of years. In the last decade, the practice has emerged as a popular way to cut costs and help the environment. A variety of kits exists on the market, but if you have the luxury of a free afternoon, it’s easy to devise your own setup. You only need five ingredients, the bulk of which you probably own already. Follow the recipe below:

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The Benefits of Growing a Green Roof

Green Roofs - Stone House

Photo: Flickr / Jennifer Juniper mom

Thinking of re-roofing your home? So-called green roofs proffer many benefits for the environment and your community—even your wallet.

While they have been used for years in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, green roofs have only recently begun to gain popularity in the U.S. In fact, the number of living roofs nationally grew a whopping 115 percent in 2011, according to a study by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, an advocacy organization.

What exactly is a green roof, anyway? According to the American Association of Landscape Architects, a green roof is a lightweight, living system of soil, compost, and plants.

Slideshow: 12 Unconventional Homes Inspired by Nature

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