Every morning you step from your plushy bed onto the cold, hard ground and out into the chilly air. And every morning, it's a rude awakening — especially during frigid New Jersey winters. What if, instead, you felt soft, warm carpet underfoot; or heated ceramic tile floors? 

Radiant heating makes your home feel as pleasant as early summer days all year round. Some people install radiant heat in their bathrooms; others install it throughout their house. Knowing the basics, in addition to the pros and cons of radiant heat, can help you decide whether this type of heating is right for you.

With the ocean breezes and views of the Atlantic to enjoy, summer doesn’t get much better than it does in New Jersey. Still, summer has its drawbacks, chief among them, scorching heat. High temperatures can detract from your summer, leaving you sunburned and overheated. However, there are some adjustments you can make to your custom-built home to keep cool and enjoy the summer in any weather. 

Energy-efficient homes are a win-win. They’re designed to have a minimal environmental impact, thus reducing the amount of energy, water, and other vital resources you use daily. That helps the environment; it also helps you, saving you money by lowering your utility bills. In addition, energy-efficient home designs are often created to maximize the homeowner’s comfort, health, and lifestyle. 

Ranch-style homes are an American classic. These simple yet functional one-story abodes have architectural roots that go back centuries, though they’re best known for booming in popularity during the 1950s and 60s. However, what makes ranch homes a design classic isn’t necessarily their history; rather their ability to endure and transform with each modern era, leading to the development of many different variations of the style including California, suburban, storybook, raised, and more. 

When you start to imagine your dream home, you might be surprised how much energy efficiency plays a part in your comfort. It’s not just about your utility bills. An inefficient home doesn’t stay warm or cool consistently, which means you have to use equipment more often to maintain a level of contentment. By comparison, an efficient home saves money, uses less energy, and provides every bit as much comfort. Start by considering these energy-efficient building materials.

There’s nothing quite like an air show. The sights, the sounds, the smells. It’s a perfect day full of death-defying feats by the best pilots in the world. Thankfully, New Jersey has plenty for you to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites to put on your schedule.