Curate home design through self-expression

2022-10-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – Life and style are very much connected. From the way an outfit comes together with the quality of the fabric and the cut of the garment, to the ingredients used in a delectable meal, to the pieces that form an alluring home design — these are the details that create a life of beauty, on one’s own terms.

Creative disciplines converge

One can often find similarities between fashion and home design, as the two creative worlds provide opportunities for experimenting with style and exploring self-expression. Just as the runway is an outlet to showcase designs from the classic to the avant-garde, the home is also a space to set and embrace design trends, express personal style and enhance the home’s unique features. In this way, curating and launching a collection is like creating an interior space. Choose a base color palette to run throughout the home and layer in patterns and textures for a connected theme and cohesive expression.

It’s all in the details

When designing a home, inspiration can come from anywhere. Select faucets with mixed metal finishes, concrete or mother-of-pearl handles to bring these stylistic elements to life. Think of detailed design choices, such as clear faucet material accents or sleek drawer pulls, as ways to embrace a unique style. Beauty does not need to be sacrificed for functionality. These elements do not take away from high-functioning, strong-performing pieces within the home, they enhance it — just as a statement accessory can bring an outfit together for a final look.

A life of beauty, on one’s own terms

Beauty and creativity cannot be confined to one space, style or narrative. The Brizo® Modern Goddess empowers others to embrace self-expression and celebrate individuality, set free from expectations and convention.

“What I love about The Modern Goddess is that you can have choice. You can have individuality. There’s no judgment,” said Designer Tommy Zung when describing the design philosophy of the Brizo® Modern Goddess. “One expresses themselves through the architecture and they live within it. To me, the most important architecture or design is when you feel something, and you feel something deeply.”

Evoke feeling into design to bring distinctive expression to life. Whether timeless or modern, minimalist or maximalist, the Brizo® brand offers quality kitchen and bath products that can be paired with any style to create an exquisitely personalized space.

A rental property remodel done right

2022-10-12T07:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to upgrades and functional design, a rental property is often a space that’s left on the backburner. Whether it’s prepping for new tenants or simply giving a space a quick face lift, these projects can sometimes become overwhelming. See below for easy installation ideas and simple tips to ensure you have a fully functional bathroom with a beautiful design aesthetic.

Bring purpose to the sink

It doesn’t matter if the goal is to upgrade a bathroom or if one is starting from scratch, assuring the sink space is multi-functional is a crucial step! Replacing a faucet could seem daunting, but the Peerless® Precept® Single-Handle Bath Faucet makes this process a breeze. What’s great about it is it saves both time and money as it comes with a Push Pop-Up Drain Assembly included! Unlike other drain assemblies that require multiple parts (and purchases), this user-friendly accessory works seamlessly with the faucet itself and comes with all necessary parts to easily install it.

By simply pushing down on its head, a sink can quickly be filled up with water for a variety of uses. One can create an at-home ice water face dip for the ultimate self-care regimen, an emergency stain soak, or even a bath for the little ones.

Establish a complementing look with a unified finish

A bathroom can easily feel cluttered when it has too many elements and colors. A simple way to forgo this overwhelming feeling is by implementing a uniform finish. Not only will one finish and style lend clarity to a bathroom design, but it will also help deliver that polished and flawless look. For instance, for a bath space that has a black finish, small adds like a black-rimmed mirror, dark-stained stool, or charcoal vase will provide the accents to the overall color scheme. The possibilities are endless!

Add more functionality

Rental property bathrooms oftentimes deliver the bare minimum by only providing a basic toilet, working faucet and a showerhead. For those looking to level up their rental shower experience without breaking the bank, an easy way in is by installing a multifunctional fixture beyond just a showerhead. The Peerless® Precept® Slide Bar with Hand Shower delivers just that. When added onto an existing showerhead, it can operate on its own or also at the same time, creating an instant at-home spa-like experience. Not to mention its pause feature reduces water to a trickle, giving space for shaving and lathering — ideal for any guest shower.

When thinking through ways to transform a rental investment property, being efficient, yet thoughtful is the way to go. Extensive restorations are a thing of the past when one can find easy-to-install and functional items that still deliver a beautiful design. From unifying the color scheme to implementing new fixtures, even the slightest updates can make the biggest difference.

Application fraud is exploding nationwide

2022-10-11T10:01:00

(BPT) – Evictions have been front-page news during the pandemic, and for a good reason. At the start of the pandemic, the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimated that without assistance, 30 to 40 million Americans would be in danger of eviction by the end of that year. It’s a heart-wrenching situation, which was largely avoided through widespread eviction moratoriums around the country.

There is, however, another side to the eviction crisis: Criminals actively trying to get into apartments for which they have no ability (nor intention) to pay for. Their modus operandi is to submit fake pay stubs and bank statements to convince landlords they have the means required to afford the rent.

One in eight paystubs or bank statements submitted to apartment owners are fake today. In fact, fraudsters submitted more than ten million fake financial documents last year. It is called application fraud, and experts estimate that this crime accounts for one in four of all evictions.

Snappt, a business with expertise in spotting fake financial documentation, has scanned several million pay stubs and bank statements. Based on a deep analysis of these documents, they have released their “Treacherous Twenty” list — the list of the top 20 major metropolitan areas by application fraud rate.

The Snappt Treacherous Twenty

The top 20 major metropolitan areas by application fraud rate

1) Atlanta – 17.9%
2) Houston – 16.2%
3) Dallas/Fort Worth – 13.2%
4) Charlotte – 11.7%
5) Phoenix – 11.2%
6) Los Angeles – 10.8%
7) Tampa/St. Petersburg – 10.4%
8) Miami – 10.0%
9) St. Louis – 9.5%
10) Minneapolis/St. Paul – 9.2%
11) Chicago – 8.9%
12) Orlando – 8.5%
13) Las Vegas – 8.2%
14) Detroit – 8.0%
15) Philadelphia – 7.9%
16) Southern California Inland Empire (Riverside, Ontario) – 7.9%
17) Sacramento – 7.4%
18) Washington, DC – 6.6%
19) New York/New Jersey – 6.1%
20) Denver – 6.0%

Note that the eviction rates — which are often driven by application fraud — ran as high as one in nine for our Treacherous Twenty. The average eviction rate was 4.83%, nearly double the national average of 2.6%. In Atlanta, property managers are seeing fake paystubs or bank statements every fifth or sixth applicant. Houston and Dallas were not far behind.

Drivers of application fraud

There are many drivers of application fraud, but rent increases and unemployment stick out. Many of the Treacherous Twenty show extreme movement along these drivers.

  • Increasing rent. Higher rents make it more difficult to qualify. This in turn causes more people to turn to application fraud. We are seeing annual rent increases as high as 29.5% in our list (Tampa/St. Petersburg). In fact, nearly half showed double-digit rent increases in 2022.
  • Unemployment. Unemployment makes it impossible to qualify for an apartment. This drives applicants to fraudulently alter bank statements and pay stubs. Unemployment rates were as high as 5.7% on our list, well above the national average of 3.8%. In fact, half of the metro areas on our list have unemployment rates at or above the national average.

A post-pandemic world

The pandemic was tough for everyone. While eviction moratoriums kept many renters safe, owners faced high losses. And, as application fraud soars, the risk to owners is getting even higher. Luckily, there are solutions (like Snappt) that help protect landlords.

4 DIY Tips to Prepare Your Garage for an EV According to HGTV Expert Carter Oosterhouse

2022-10-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – By Carter Oosterhouse, TV Host and Home Improvement Expert

Between fluctuating gas prices, the rise in green-minded individuals, and new electric vehicle (EV) introductions from major auto manufacturers, EV adoption is skyrocketing. In 2021 over 630,000 EVs were sold in the U.S. alone. In tandem, the recently passed $430 billion Inflation Reduction Act will drive future electric vehicle sales high as it makes clean technology such as EVs more affordable for Americans.

Purchasing an EV can be both exciting and perplexing, as the process of switching from a gas to electric is new to many consumers. Unlike storing a traditional vehicle, preparing the garage for an EV takes a bit more thought — especially when charging the vehicle at home. To prepare your garage for a new EV purchase, here’s a few tips to keep in mind:

Tip #1: Update the Electric Panel

Homes require a tremendous amount of power whether running the air conditioning or heater, catching up on a television show, leaving the lights on, or using the washing machine. Adding an at-home EV charger to the mix can certainly strain an outdated electric panel.

Homeowners should consider updating to a smart electric panel to address this additional load. The Square D™ Energy Center from Schneider Electric simplifies the process of adding an EV Charger to an electrical system and brings unprecedented resiliency and control over a home’s energy use. Acting as more than just a smart electric panel, this solution gives homeowners the ability to change power sources — from utility, to solar, battery, generator, etc. — conveniently through their smartphone to enhance energy resilience and help optimize energy costs.

Tip #2: Create a Climate-controlled Garage

The lithium-ion batteries that power EVs can be very sensitive to temperature fluctuation. Extreme temperatures can also cause damage to the battery and affect the vehicle’s overall performance.

Homeowners should consider updating insulation in the garage to help maintain the condition of the car’s battery and promote longevity of the vehicle. When creating a climate-controlled garage, a few insulation focal points should include the garage door, the ceiling, and around garage windows as those are some of the biggest air leakage spots.

Tip #3: Clean Out the Garage

Sometimes the garage becomes the junkyard of our homes with old items that may no longer be needed. In preparation for an electric vehicle, make space by clearing out old items collecting dust.

To reduce garage clutter, consider clearing floor space by installing pegboards for vertical organization systems, creating individual areas for different garage items, such as gardening supplies or home improvement tools, and removing items that shouldn’t be stored in the garage, like pet food or paper goods which can attract unwanted animals and bugs. Beyond that, a shiny new car always looks better in a clean, organized environment!

Tip #4: Upgrade Garage Security

Garage break-ins are quite common. In fact, a home burglary happens about every 25 seconds in the United States, according to the FBI Crime Data Report. To protect their EV investment, homeowners should consider upgrading their garage security to prevent burglary. Consider putting locks on windows and improving exterior lighting — a poorly lit driveway might entice a burglar to enter. Also, look into upgrading an outdated garage door opener to a modern model.

As EV adoption continues to climb, 27 million of these vehicles are anticipated to be on the road by 2023. Homeowners who plan to invest in an EV should look to create an EV-friendly garage environment to support the longevity of the vehicle. By putting more thought into preparing the garage for an EV, your investment stays protected while you increase your home’s value, and you can make a long-lasting positive contribution to the environment.

Fire Safety Tips for Around the Home [Infographic]

2022-10-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know you and your family might only have two minutes to escape from a fire in your home? Because fires can start and spread quickly, it’s important to take steps to prevent fires from starting, learn about fire safety in the home, and develop an escape plan.

For Fire Prevention Month, take time to bolster safety measures and help protect your loved ones from fire and other threats.

Here are a few tips to help improve fire safety around your home from The Home Depot.

5 tips to improve fire safety around your home

2022-10-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Take advantage of National Fire Prevention Month

Did you know you and your family might only have two minutes to escape from a fire in your home? Because fires can start and spread quickly, it’s important to take steps to prevent fires from starting, learn about fire safety in the home and develop an escape plan.

For Fire Prevention Month, take time to bolster safety measures and help protect your loved ones from fire and other threats.

Here are a few tips to help improve fire safety around your home from The Home Depot.

1. Install smoke alarms

You should install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including:

  • Kitchen
  • Every bedroom and outside all sleeping areas
  • Living area
  • Garage and/or workshop

If you don’t have smoke alarms, you need to cover more areas of your home or your alarms are more than 10 years old, one great option is the Kidde 10 Year Worry-Free Smoke Detector. This device operates on a 10-year, sealed, tamper-resistant lithium battery, using ionization sensor technology to alert you to invisible fire particles, even during power outages. An internal timer alerts you to replace the detector after 10 years. If you’re using a traditional battery-powered alarm, make sure you test it every month, replace batteries at least once a year and replace smoke alarm devices every 10 years.

2. Place fire extinguishers throughout the home

While escaping the house during a fire is vital, it is possible to stop very small fires, such as on your stovetop, from getting out of control. Put fire extinguishers on each level of your home, near fire-prone areas like kitchens, fireplaces, garages or workshops.

Consider a Kidde Full Home Fire Extinguisher with Hose, Easy Mount Bracket and Strap for use in a garage, workshop or shed. Lightweight and durable, this fire extinguisher’s flexible, extended hose makes it easy to aim, and the clear instruction label shows the steps to operate it safely. Replace fire extinguishers every 12 years or after use.

It’s important to remember that fire extinguishers are only one element of a complete fire survival plan. Use your extinguisher only to keep a small self-contained fire from growing, only when the room is not filled with smoke, or to create a safe pathway out of the home.

3. Develop and practice a home fire escape plan

To make sure your family is prepared for emergencies, it’s crucial to create a home fire escape plan for your household — which includes designating two exits from every room.

Once the plan is in place, practice your fire drill twice a year and review tips on how to prevent fires with family members. Your plan should designate a clear meeting place at a safe distance from your home.

4. Assign roles to each resident

Within the plan, each family member or resident of the home should be assigned responsibilities in the case of a fire. For example, one member could be responsible for ensuring all infants and small children are accounted for when evacuating, while another member could be tasked with directing any guests toward pre-approved exits. Once everyone is safely outside of the home, designate someone to ensure all parties remain outside of the home and another to call 911.

5. Protect your home and loved ones beyond fire risks

Once you’ve taken these steps to safeguard against fire hazards, you can also bolster protection from other risks, like carbon monoxide (CO). A great tool to help protect loved ones from multiple dangers is the combination Kidde SMART Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Indoor Air Quality Monitor. This all-in-one smart home safety device integrates smoke and CO detection with indoor air quality monitoring. A built-in air quality sensor measures levels of temperature, humidity and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) — harmful chemicals in the air that can impact health — plus mold risk notification, which alerts you when humidity levels are high enough to be conducive to mold growth, with recommended steps to remedy the situation.

Ready to protect your home?

In honor of National Fire Prevention Month, The Home Depot is offering up to 30% off on select fire safety equipment in select stores through October. The Home Depot offers buy online and pickup in-store for all the above products, along with secure storage locker pickup for fast and convenient shopping, giving you peace of mind as quickly as possible.

Visit HomeDepot.com/firesafetyevent to learn more.

5 tips for getting your home feeling refreshed and cozy for fall

2022-09-30T15:55:00

(BPT) – As autumn gets underway, leaves change colors, temperatures cool down and days get shorter. During this time of change, your home and wardrobe go through a transition as well. This is the time of year you get sweaters and jackets out of storage bins or the back of your closet, and blankets come out to warm up beds and provide comfy spots on your favorite pieces of furniture. Unfortunately, if you don’t take steps to freshen up your garments and fabrics, your home may end up feeling more stuffy than cozy, and create more sneezing than cuddling.

Here are tips to help refresh your home, so you can better enjoy everything the season has to offer.

1. Air out items that were in storage

From winter coats to blankets, any items that have been stored for several months are bound to smell musty. Take garments and other items out of storage well ahead of when you want to use them to wash them, if possible, then air them out — then assess what shape they’re in before using them.

2. Consider a steam closet to refresh garments, blankets and more

To refresh musty, wrinkled items from everyday clothes and your best suits to winter coats to hard-to-wash items like blankets, pillows and more, the LG Styler® makes everyday laundry more streamlined and hassle-free. LG Styler uses TrueSteam technology to sanitize, deodorize and refresh your wardrobe and other items so everything’s ready to use or wear. You can quickly dry sweaters that need to be laid flat or refresh delicate textiles to avoid over-washing. Use LG’s Exclusive Moving Hangers to gently shake things off to refresh jackets, dresses and other items. You can even use it to sanitize bags, pillows and stuffed toys.

With no need for complicated hookups, the versatile LG Styler is easy to install not just in laundry rooms but any space: dressing rooms, closets, mudrooms or pantries. Wherever it fits in your home, the LG Styler makes freshening up items every day even more effortless.

Even better, LG ThinQ™ smart capabilities also give users the freedom to remotely turn the LG Styler on and off, select and start the cleaning cycle, check remaining cycle time, download additional cycles and get recommendations on the best cycle for particular pieces of clothing. The app also offers additional specialty cycle settings — even for sports equipment.

3. Be allergy conscious

It’s not recommended to air bedding, clothing and other items outdoors if someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, or you’ll just be bringing all that fall pollen indoors. That’s another advantage of using LG Styler to refresh and sanitize everything from bedding and pillows to clothing and stuffed animals, as it is certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) for reducing 99.9% of the allergens, germs and bacteria from multiple fabrics. Once you’ve refreshed your items, bring on the seasonal throw blankets and decorative pillows to create cozy spaces to hang out, read or play games during long autumn evenings.

4. Give floors a deep clean

Before the colder temperatures of winter set in, it’s a great time to do a deep clean of your home’s flooring, including having any large area rugs sent out for cleaning. If you don’t have the equipment to thoroughly clean any carpeted areas, you could consider hiring a cleaning service for a good fall cleaning.

One great option to help clean your floors is the LG CordZero™ All in One Auto Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum. It not only tackles tough jobs, but makes the job easier by charging, storing tools and automatically emptying the dust bin in one sleek docking station.

5. Shed a little light on the subject

As days get shorter, there are things you can do to make your home brighter and more cheerful. For example, have your fireplace cleaned and maintained so you can use it as a warm focal point, and upgrade a few lighting options — even your choice of bulb makes a difference — to keep darkness at bay. If you’re up for a project, consider repainting a dark room in a brighter color, or swap out heavy window treatments with lighter, more translucent options that let more natural light in, to help make the most of daylight hours.

With these tips, you can be sure everything will feel fresh and clean, from the clothes you wear to your bedding and all the decorative touches that make your home comfy and cozy.

5 fall home maintenance tips: What you don’t do can cost you

2022-09-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – While home maintenance may seem pricey, being proactive about home upkeep can save more money by preventing expensive repair or replacement costs in the future — not to mention safeguarding against damage to your home. The hard part is knowing how often and what type of maintenance to do, and where to start.

According to State Farm, fall is the perfect time to take care of many jobs, whether by yourself or by hiring professionals. Here are some top maintenance tasks to help protect the largest investment you have — your home.

1. Check your smoke detectors

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 96% of homes are now installed with smoke detectors. However, nearly 20% of them have non-working smoke alarms. The NIST estimates that if every home had working smoke alarms, deaths from U.S. residential fires could drop 36%. Why aren’t these smoke detectors working? Primarily missing or dead batteries. Smoke detector batteries need to be replaced at least annually, not just when they chirp. The average claim from a home fire according to State Farm is $57,000. So buy some batteries, and replace those old ones.

2. Trim your trees

Little known fact, you’re responsible for the damage if a tree on your property falls on a neighbor’s house. Or if a dead branch damages your home, it can result in a homeowner’s insurance claim, meaning you have to pay the deductible. For peace of mind, trim the trees on your property every fall. Find tips on tree trimming at StateFarm.com/simple-insights/residence. If you prefer hiring a professional, contact your local State Farm agent and they can help you find an arborist with community roots.

3. Check washing machine hoses

Did you know a washing machine hose holds 70 pounds of pressure? If it fails, it can spray 650 gallons of water per hour into your home. So if you’re away for the weekend and a hose bursts, you may open the door to the equivalent of a 20-foot by 40-foot in-ground pool’s worth of water, which can damage floors, drywall and personal items. Between June 2021 and June 2022, State Farm paid nearly $36.7 million to help customers recover from damage due to washing machine hose bursts, with an average claim of over $12,000. Hose maintenance is easy: Inspect the hot and cold washing machine supply lines monthly, looking for blisters, worn tubing, cracks or loose connections. It’s best to replace supply hoses every 3-5 years.

4. Conduct a generator safety check

A portable generator is handy equipment for when the power goes out, and regular maintenance will ensure that it works when you need it. First, always unplug and turn off all power to the generator. Examine the AC wiring and alternator to clear dirt and debris. Inspect the air intake system and replace the air filter. Oil in your generator needs to be changed every 25 hours of running, or one year unused. When you’re ready to use the generator, take it outside to a well-ventilated area before starting up. Generators produce carbon monoxide from the exhaust and can cause serious injury or death if used indoors, in a garage (including with open doors) or even on a porch.

5. Maintain your HVAC

One of the most critical items to maintain is your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Regular maintenance helps keep the system in working order, extending the life of the system and saving on energy costs. According to HomeAdvisor, replacing an HVAC system costs from $5,000 to $10,000. To save money and extend the life of your system:

  • Change air filters regularly. Set a reminder every few months to replace filters. Dirty filters can impede airflow and make the HVAC system work harder, decreasing efficiency and increasing energy costs.
  • Schedule regular maintenance checks (spring/fall) from your local HVAC professional. Some HVAC companies and local utilities have service programs where you pay a monthly or annual fee and they will conduct semi-annual maintenance checks. Pros will check the thermostat, clean or replace filters, lubricate moving parts, check refrigerant levels, inspect the condenser and coils and investigate unusual noises. Reach out to your local State Farm agent for a list of reliable HVAC pros.

Take care of your home, so your home can shelter you and your family. These regular maintenance tasks will help reduce the likelihood of unpleasant surprises — and costs — to help give you peace of mind.

Want your tools to last longer? Here’s how the pros care for them

2022-09-16T07:31:00

(BPT) – From a simple hammer to the most complex power tools in your garage, it’s vital to practice constant maintenance if you want to use them as long as possible. The good news? It’s not as hard as you think. Following expert advice for storing, cleaning and maintaining your tools will help you use everything safely, for years to come.

Keeping your tools in top shape

Many tools may look indestructible, but they’re not. Exposure to dirt, grease and moisture could lead to rust and corrosion, making them less effective down the road and even leading to damage. Tools with moving parts that collect dust and debris may not only become less effective but could also be a serious safety hazard.

But with a few simple steps implemented into your regular routine, you can add significant time onto the lifespan of your tools.

“Taking proper care of your tools makes a great difference in their overall usefulness,” said Allen Gerling, a service technician at Northern Tool + Equipment. “Clean and well-maintained tools typically last longer as functional tools and are safer to use.”

Follow these tips to keep your tools in great working order.

A place for everything, and everything in its place

Proper tool storage is not just about being able to find things when you need them (which is a definite plus) — it also helps your tools stay in good working order. Tossing tools haphazardly on a workbench or inside a toolbox can damage them, as well as leaving them exposed to dust, dirt and the elements, which may lead to clogging, corrosion and rust. For power tools, wind up cords and air lines carefully, checking belts and cords for fraying or breaks.

  • Keep tools clean, dry and protected from the elements, especially moisture, extreme heat and extreme cold.
  • Make sure toolboxes, carts, shelving or wall racks are neat and clean to keep your tools free of dust, dirt and grease.
  • Organize tools to make them easier to maintain, plus easy to see — so you’ll spot when anything needs repair.

Create a clean routine

Make a habit of cleaning tools immediately after each use before storing them. This prevents dirt, grime or debris from hardening on your tools, potentially damaging or clogging them over time. Keep rags and other cleaning materials near your tool storage to make clean-up easier.

In addition to your regular cleaning routing, doing a deeper clean on a seasonal basis can make a huge difference, especially for tools with moving parts. Beyond wiping tools clean with a cloth, tackle tough-to-clean areas using oiled cotton swabs or soft brushes. You can also use a can of compressed air to remove dirt from areas inside tools that are hard to reach. Especially for power tools, make sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Maintain and watch for signs of disrepair

Many tools require regular oiling and/or sharpening of parts to keep them in top shape. Gather useful cleaning and oiling equipment including rags, all-purpose oil, rust remover and linseed oil (for wood), plus files and sharpening stones. Use safety gear like heavy gloves and safety goggles as you work, and make sure you have sufficient space and a sturdy table to complete your maintenance. Try designating a seasonal or semi-annual weekend for tool maintenance.

As you clean and maintain tools, look for signs of damage or wear that could require repair — or any signs that your tool needs to be replaced.

Get help with repairs as needed

Don’t have enough time, energy or know-how to maintain or fix all your tools? Turn to the experts, like the service technicians at Northern Tool + Equipment who can tune up, repair and help maintain your tools and have access to any part you might need.

Start with high-quality tools

Caring for tools and keeping them in great shape is even easier if you start with high-quality tools in the first place. When you’re in the market for new tools, you can find high-quality brands preferred by the professionals at Northern Tool, including Milwaukee, Lincoln and Stihl — plus Northern Tool-exclusive brands such as NorthStar, Powerhorse and Klutch.

“Good quality tools are an important investment,” added Gerling. “So you should care for your tools just like your car or your home.”

Find tools you need and more at NorthernTool.com.