home improvement

Midday Market Minute: Lowe's 4Q Net Income Tops Expectations

Home improvement retailer Lowe's Cos. credits cleanup efforts after Superstorm Sandy and its new pricing strategy for fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed Wall Street expectations, a sign that people are beginning to feel better about spending money on their homes as the housing market slowly recovers.

The Top 10 Consumer Complaints

The Consumer Federation of America on Tuesday released its annual chronicle of the top 10 consumer complaints. The CFA list comes from a survey of 38 consumer agencies about the kinds of complaints they received in 2011.

Is It Time to Revive Plans for Home Improvement?

Nearly every homeowner has some ideas for a makeover, but with the housing market as it is, many of us have chosen to put them on hold. Now, there are positive signs on the horizon that might encourage you to break out the tools.

Can You Make Better Soda Than Coke or Pepsi?

There's an unusual cola war brewing in the home-based pop market between SodaStream and Primo Water. But why make your own soda? Is it easier? Cheaper? Healthier? You're probably going to like all three answers.

Lowe's Aims to Inspire Shoppers with New Ad

"Never Stop Improving" is the tagline of Lowe's new branding strategy and TV ad campaign, which kicked off Monday. It's a slogan designed to impart the message that shoppers are in good hands at Lowe's, which will guide them through all stages of their home improvement journey.

Home Depot Lays a Foundation for Online Growth

Over the last few years, Home Depot has expanded its retail stores aggressively, adding more than 200 outlets annually. However, the firm has recently embarked on a $1.1 billion program to improve its Web presence while dramatically reducing the number of new store openings to around 10 in 2011.

Lowe's Incentive Program May Boost Its Market Share

As the competition between home improvement heavyweights Lowe's and Home Depot intensifies, customer service is emerging as one of the key features on which they will need to innovate. Lowe's latest attempt is a new incentive program for customers paying with the store's credit card.

How to Get the Best Prices on Home Improvements

Now more than ever, people want to get the most for their home improvement dollar. There are definitely great deals to be had, but to get the best prices, you have to know where to look.

You'll Hardly Believe the Things You Can Rent Today

Renting isn't just for apartments and cars anymore. Americans today are trying to save a few bucks by taking only temporary ownership (or, borrowership) of a whole new array of goods from designer handbags, rims to pimp their rides, iPhones, power tools and, yes, caskets.

Six Industries That Could Reap a Blizzard of Profits

This season's series of colossal storms have cost millions of dollars for states, municipalities and businesses. But companies in these six industries are finding that the rough winter's snows are a gift from the weatherman.

Home Depot Raises 2010 Outlook, Predicts Growth for 2011

Home Depot raised its 2010 outlook, and expects both sales and profits to rise in 2011, when it plans to open 10 new stores. The nation's biggest home improvement retailer expects sales to rise approximately 2.3%, up from a previously projected 2.2% gain.

The Housing Mess Hits One New York Town Hard

In some parts of the U.S., the real estate market remains deep in recession. But even with housing prices sitting at multi-year lows, millions of houses remain empty, unable to attract buyers haunted by unemployment and a weak economy. As part of a new series, DailyFinance takes a look at one town near New York City that is still struggling with the effects of the great real estate bust.

Home Depot Profit Jumps 21% on Cost Cuts

The nation's largest home improvement retailer reported that its third quarter net earnings rose a higher-than-expected 21% due to lower expenses and cost cuts. Additionally, Home Depot raised its fiscal 2010 earnings outlook.