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Appliance & System Coverage

Why Home Battery Coverage Costs More in 2026

Home battery coverage premiums are increasing in 2026 because of elevated material costs, enhanced safety regulations, and greater repair complexities.

By Eric Melton

January 16, 2026

5 min read

#storage#home#energy

Featured

Cost Guides

Granny Flat Builds: $160K-$290K in 2026

Granny flat construction in 2026 ranges from $160,000 to $290,000, excluding permits and utility connections that add $15,000 to $40,000. Success depends on zoning compliance, rental market analysis, and ongoing maintenance. Effective planning, precise budgeting, and expert supervision avoid expensive errors. Understand when accessory dwelling units enhance property value, when they underperform, and how to construct them for reliable long-term rental revenue.

By Eric Melton

January 16, 2026

9 min read

#ADU#granny flat#costs

Featured

Room-by-Room Guides

Soundproofing a Home Office Costs $3-$6 Per Square Foot

Learn the essentials of soundproofing a home office in 2026, from budget breakdowns and material options to DIY guidance and professional advice for achieving a distraction-free environment.

By John Penick

January 16, 2026

6 min read

#home#renovation#office

Home Guides

Granny Pods Cost $75K–$250K: Zoning Rules Matter Most

Granny pods provide independence and closeness for aging relatives, yet they involve zoning challenges and costs between $75,000 and $250,000. This guide explains local regulations, design options, and expense elements, along with paths for do-it-yourself versus professional approaches. Discover strategies to plan, obtain permits, and construct a suitable backyard residence.

By Eric Melton

January 16, 2026

5 min read

#ADU#multigenerational#multigenerational living

Home Warranty Basics

Coverage Gaps Cost Homeowners Thousands Out of Pocket

Coverage gaps in home insurance policies often result in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses following a major loss.

By Eric Melton

January 16, 2026

5 min read

#home#insurance#protection

Home Guides

Indoor Air Can Be Five Times More Polluted Than Outside

Enhance your home's air quality before 2026 through practical, affordable improvements. Options range from filter replacements and duct sealing to whole-house purifiers and ventilation systems, all of which promote better health, comfort, and HVAC performance. Explore DIY methods, professional services, maintenance advice, and location-specific approaches for fresher air throughout the year.

By Susan Weiland

January 16, 2026

5 min read

#home#hvac#air

Cost Guides

Breaking Down Multigenerational Addition Budgets

Planning a multigenerational home addition in 2026 requires precise budgeting, thorough contract review, and attention to potential hidden expenses. Decisions from initial design through ongoing maintenance determine the project's overall value. Knowledge of zoning regulations, financing options, and quality benchmarks enables homeowners to achieve a balance of comfort, privacy, and fiscal responsibility for enduring family living arrangements.

By Leah Rodriguez

January 15, 2026

6 min read

#ADU#multigenerational#multigenerational living

Appliance & System Coverage

Solar Warranties Now Cover Inverters and Batteries

In 2026, home warranties increasingly include solar coverage to shield expensive inverters, batteries, and panels from repair costs. Homeowners benefit from strategies that prevent overlap with manufacturer warranties, facilitate provider comparisons, and optimize contracts for maximum value and resale advantages.

By Nicole Stambaugh

January 15, 2026

6 min read

#energy#maintenance#renewable

Outdoor & Exterior Guides

Fire-Resistant Materials Cut Insurance and Ignition Risk

In wildfire-prone regions, selecting fire-resistant materials safeguards homes, ensures insurance eligibility, and adheres to evolving building standards. This comprehensive guide details effective products, their expenses, and secure installation methods. From Class A roofing to ember-resistant vents, discover strategies to achieve code compliance, decrease insurance rates, and improve property resilience while balancing budget and safety.

By John Penick

January 15, 2026

6 min read

#home#protection#materials

Home Warranty Basics

Hidden Clauses That Void Home Warranty Claims

Home warranties offer protection for major systems and appliances, yet fine print often conceals clauses that limit or deny claims. Common pitfalls include pre-existing condition exclusions, stacked service fees, narrow component definitions, repair caps, maintenance requirements, code compliance issues, and access cost limitations. By recognizing these, homeowners can select robust plans and avoid unexpected expenses.

By Leah Rodriguez

January 15, 2026

4 min read

#home#coverage#warranty

Cost Guides

Solar Panels with Battery Backup Cost $28K in 2026

In 2026, expect solar panel systems with battery backup to range from $22,000 to $36,000, offering an 8 to 12 year payback and boosting property value by 4 to 6 percent. Factors like system scale, battery technology, and installation timing shape expenses. Strategic choices in sizing, vendor selection, and timing yield substantial savings, energy reliability, and future-proof performance.

By Nicole Stambaugh

January 15, 2026

6 min read

#home#renewable#solar

Appliance & System Coverage

Most Home Warranties Don't Cover AI Monitoring Systems

AI home monitoring systems provide advanced security and efficiency, yet most home warranties leave owners exposed to repair costs.

By Melissa Flowers

January 15, 2026

6 min read

#home#Monitoring#warranty