Erika Skorstad is an editor for USA TODAY Homefront. She covers topics ranging from home warranties to lawn care. Previously, Erika edited content about venture capital, marketing and cloud computing. She has a BS in professional writing with a minor in interactive narrative. Her fiction has been published in Marathon Literary Review, Levitate Literary Magazine and the Burlington Writers Workshop Cold Lake Anthology. Outside of work, Erika enjoys reading psychological thrillers, doing yoga, going on nature walks and spending time with her sassy black cat, Cassie. She lives in Washington.
While high-efficiency furnaces can save you a great deal of money in the long run, they’re not perfect and have the potential to leak water. This may occur for several reasons, but often, it has to do with the condensate drain line, heat exchanger or filter. It may also result from another system attached to…
A single-hung, double-pane aluminum window ranges from $270 to $769 per window according to data we analyzed from RSMeans, a construction cost database. The price of a dual-pane window fluctuates dramatically depending on factors such as window style, frame material and size. In addition, the window brand, type of installation and where you live also…
A solar power system is one of the best upgrades you can make to your home for energy efficiency. And yet, the upfront expense of solar panels can discourage many from making the switch. Fortunately, most solar companies offer several solar panel financing options, including loans, leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Solar leases and…
A rain chain is essentially a gutter downspout alternative. Typically, it’s used with rain gutters in place of the traditional downspout, or at the lowest point of a roofline if the structure lacks a gutter system. Rain chains — or kusari-doi, which translates to “chain gutter” in Japanese — are a series of decorative links…
A lush lawn can be a point of pride, but maintaining always-green grass comes with its fair share of challenges, especially if you live in an area with moderate heat, high humidity and lots of shade. One unusual disease that favors these conditions is lawn rust, or grass rust. Grass rust is a fungal disease…
When adding or replacing windows for your home, the window frame material you select can determine the aesthetic, cost and maintenance requirements. Many homeowners pit aluminum against vinyl windows when deciding on a material. Aluminum windows’ modern look can boost curb appeal, and they can withstand tough weather. Vinyl windows are great for budget-conscious shoppers…
The average foundation repair cost ranges from $2,200 to $11,000 nationwide, with the median cost at $3,250 when considering all foundation repairs and issues, according to Tim Tracy, director of sales training for Groundworks, a Virginia-based foundation and water management solutions company. Minor foundation repairs cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, whereas…
LeafFilter customers who installed gutter guards within the last five years reported paying an average of $4,484 for 200 linear feet of guards, according to our 300-respondent survey from October 2023. They also reported paying $22.42 per linear foot on average. The figures above are national averages, meaning your specific pricing will vary based on…
Gutter guard installation costs an average of $3,873 for a 200-linear-foot project, based on our October 2023 gutter guard survey of 865 respondents who purchased professionally installed gutter guards. Screen, reverse-curve and seamless gutter guards are usually the cheapest options to protect your gutters, while mesh and micro-mesh gutter guards cost the most. Foam gutter…
To get rid of flies in and around your home, you can set up traps using household items or store-bought traps. If you’re not having luck, you can call in pest control professionals. They’ll assess the issue and use methods such as sanitation, traps and insecticides to eliminate flies. Flies are not just nuisances; they…
Choosing the right bathroom replacement windows can be confusing, but don’t be intimidated. With guidance from window experts we interviewed, you can find windows that look great, brighten the room and save energy. Whether installing bathroom windows yourself or hiring a professional, do your homework. Essential research includes exploring the best window brands, styles and…
The solar industry is still relatively new, but there is a growing awareness that clean energy sources such as solar have a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels. Additionally, falling equipment prices and government incentives have made solar increasingly affordable for homeowners. Solar panels are often worth it if your roof is properly oriented, and…
Our research shows that the cost to reseed a lawn ranges from $140 for a lawn smaller than 1,000 square feet to $10,500 for an acre or larger lawn. To obtain reseeding cost data, we sourced multiple lawn care experts — most of whom own a lawn care company that performs this service. Below, we…
Adding a bay or bow window to your home can increase natural light, maximize interior space and improve curb appeal. Both options contain multiple window sections that extend beyond the home’s exterior wall. The biggest difference between bay and bow windows is the number of window panels they contain and how they project from the…
When you think of a home warranty, you might assume it’ll cost a pretty penny. However, reputable home warranty providers offer solid home protection for less than $60 a month. According to our national average, entry-level home warranty plans start at $41 monthly. We recommend 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty and Liberty Home Guard for price-conscious…
Nevada is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States; Las Vegas alone saw more than 3 million visitors in March 2024. If you’re planning a move around one of the state’s bustling urban centers, booking with an experienced mover will help you work around increased traffic and congested roadways. We recommend…
Your septic system does a job that most of us don’t want to think about — until that septic system breaks down. A septic clog, blockage or a backup can send you scrambling for a reliable plumber or septic pumper, and the repair can cost thousands of dollars. Having a septic warranty means you’ll know…
Gexa Energy is a retail electricity provider (REP) that serves every deregulated energy market in Texas. Since its inception in 2002, Gexa has focused on providing renewable energy options for its customers. Its commitment to renewable energy sources, variety of plan choices and competitive pricing give Gexa Energy a place among the leading REPs in…
If light streaming through rectangular glass above a door — or a frosty-paned semicircle smartly positioned above another window — reminds you of yesteryear, it’s for good reason: Transom windows have been around since at least the 14th century. These compact windows serve many style and functional purposes, from adding natural light and airflow to…
Termites are small but mighty and can cause costly damage to buildings and infrastructure. Often, homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage, according to Joe Malinowski, vice president of pest management at Pest Authority. Luckily, several treatment options can remove termites from your home. But how long will these treatments last? Typically, termite treatments last…
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