A survey conducted on behalf on the National Association of Landscape Professionals reveals that the absence, or quality of home landscaping highly impacts purchasing decisions of prospective home buyers.

The National Association of Landscape Professionals' (NALP) "Survey of Consumer Perceptions about Yards and Landscapes" polled 2,034 adults ages 18 and over to gauge how important it is for Americans to live in an area close to nature or landscaped areas, to have and spend time a yard, and whether a yard or nearby natural elements impact purchasing decisions.

Across the board, the survey reveals that Americans deeply value surrounding natural elements and yards where they can spend time outside their homes. 

Significant findings from the survey include:

• 84% of respondents agree that the quality of a home's landscaping would affect a yay-nay decision to purchase a homeNine out of 10 Americans prefer to live in a home surrounded by trees, grass, and other living plants
• 91% of Americans think it is important to live in close proximity to trees, grass or nice landscaping, and more than half of them (60%) say it is very important. 
• Regionally, Mid-Westerners (94%) are more likely than those who live in the Northeast (87%) or West (89%) to say proximity to trees, grass or nice landscaping is important

Even in the age of the smartphone and T.V. show binge watching, the love affair with the American yard is not over. Americans think it is important to have a yard, keep it looking well-maintained and live in an area with nice landscaping. Despite the perception that the younger generation is only focused on a high-tech lifestyle, nearly three quarters (74%) of Millennials (18-34 year olds) think spending time outside in their yards is important.

NALP's infographic showcases more of the surveys findings, including how important Americans find yard maintenance to be (for them and their neighbors) and their likelihood to see professional landscape help.

Constant changes, all year-every year, to the building codes are an increasingly heavy burden for builders to bear. 

Now, we have proof, unassailable facts, and a handy visual aid. NAHB Codes and Standards staff put together this graphic to show how regulations have increased over the years.  (Codes:  Council of American Building Officials, and the Int'l Residential Building Code)

Since 1983, the total weight of residential building code books has grown from less than a pound to almost 5 pounds!  And this doesn’t take in to account the building and energy codes specific to Massachusetts. 

Electricity is such a fundamental part of our everyday lives that we hardly ever think about how it works or any safety issues that could occur as a result of our plugged-in homes. Here are five electrical safety facts that you should know to protect your family and your home.