HOUSE& HOME
There's something special about a home that feels warm, welcoming, and well loved. In this special feature, Do South® connects you with trusted local professionals ready to help create a home you'll enjoy for years to come.
HOUSE& HOME
There's something special about a home that feels warm, welcoming, and well loved. In this special feature, Do South® connects you with trusted local professionals ready to help create a home you'll enjoy for years to come.
Q: How are homeowners using brick, tile, and stone in their spaces, and what should they know about upkeep?
A: Brick, tile, and stone add timeless character to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Tile isn't just for floors and showers—it's also being used creatively on countertops, porches, and fireplaces. Inside the home, full brick, thin brick, and stone veneer are popular for accent walls, archways, and fireplaces. As for maintenance, brick offers unmatched durability with virtually no upkeep. Most tile surfaces are also easy to maintain and clean using basic products available at retail stores, making these materials as practical as they are beautiful.
Q: What should homeowners know before choosing new flooring for their home?
A: Flooring impacts more than just appearance, it affects how a home functions every day. Before choosing a product, homeowners should think about their lifestyle, pets, children, moisture levels, and how much traffic the space receives. What works beautifully in one home may not be the best fit for another. Today, many homeowners are also looking for durable, low-maintenance options that still offer warmth and style. Working with an experienced flooring team can help narrow down the choices and ensure the final selection balances design, comfort, and long-term performance.
TILE | STONE | IRON DOORS | OUTDOOR FIREPLACES & GRILLS | BRICK
Whether new construction or remodeling, visit our showroom at Acme Brick Tile & Stone. We have a large selection of products to beautify your home and enhance its value!
Q: How can furniture and décor help a home feel more personal and inviting?
A: The most welcoming homes are the ones that reflect the people living in them. Furniture and décor help create warmth, personality, and comfort beyond just filling a space. Many homeowners today are blending textures, vintage finds, statement pieces, and meaningful accents to create rooms that feel collected rather than overly matched. It’s also important to choose pieces that fit the way a family actually lives, balancing style with comfort and function. Thoughtfully selected furniture, lighting, artwork, and accessories can completely change the atmosphere of a room and help transform a house into a space that truly feels like home.
Q: What features are home buyers paying the most attention to right now?
A: Today’s buyers are looking for homes that feel move-in ready and functional. Updated kitchens, neutral colors, good natural light, and usable outdoor spaces continue to stand out. Energy efficiency and smart storage are also becoming more important, especially for families balancing work, school, and busy schedules at home. But beyond upgrades, buyers are really paying attention to how a home feels the moment they walk in. Clean, well-maintained homes that photograph well and feel welcoming tend to generate the strongest interest and often sell faster in today’s market.
Need a dedicated real estate advocate on your side? Whether you’re buying or selling, I’m here to help make your next move a success with personalized guidance, strong communication, and a commitment to your goals. Call today at 479.222.8509!
479.226.3931
1120 Garrison St., Ste. 1C, Fort Smith, AR
Q: How can homeowners extend the life of their flooring, and what mistakes should they avoid when cleaning?
A: Regular professional cleanings, every 6 to 12 months, are key to keeping carpets looking great and lasting longer. We also recommend applying a carpet protectant at each cleaning to help prevent stains and keep dirt from clinging to fibers. One common mistake is using spot cleaners with soaps, detergents, or brighteners. These can leave behind residue that attracts more dirt or even causes discoloration. We suggest using a safe, residue-free spot remover to treat stains without damaging your carpet or upholstery.
Q: What makes Alara at Chaffee Crossing such a great opportunity for homebuyers right now?
A: Alara at Chaffee Crossing offers the perfect combination of location, quality, and customization. Homebuyers can enjoy energy-efficient new construction in one of Fort Smith’s fastest-growing areas, just steps from trails, parks, and everything Chaffee Crossing has to offer. Buyers also have the opportunity to personalize floor plans, finishes, and colors to fit their lifestyle while working with a trusted local builder. With limited lots available, now is the ideal time to secure a home that’s designed specifically for you!
STEPS FROM TRAILS, PARKS, AND POSSIBILITY
Construction
CHAFFEE CROSSING BRANCH
Edwards Outdoor Lighting elevates your home year-round, from the modern glow of Smart Architectural Lighting to the warm curb appeal of Landscape Lighting and the festive charm of Holiday Lighting. Bundle services for exclusive pricing and enjoy a beautifully lit home in every season.
HOLIDAY LIGHTING: Professional installation, maintenance, and takedown.
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING: Year-round beauty & added security.
EDWARDS
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Q: What is Smart Architectural Lighting, and does it have uses beyond the holiday season?
A: Smart Architectural Lighting is a low profile, permanent lighting system designed to highlight your home’s architecture with clean, warm white illumination every night. It blends into your roofline during the day and provides elegant, year round lighting after dark. And yes—it goes far beyond holiday use. With full color changing capability, you can celebrate any holiday, event, or game day with a tap in the app, while still enjoying a modern, architectural look the rest of the year.
Q: How often should a roof be inspected, and what should homeowners know about insurance coverage for replacements?
A: Aim to visually inspect your roof once a year— especially when cleaning gutters or hanging lights. Look for missing shingles, granule loss, lifted flashing, or rusted nails as signs of early damage. It’s also smart to schedule a professional inspection after major storms or high winds, even if damage is not immediately visible. Homeowners should understand that insurance coverage can vary based on the age and condition of the roof, as well as the type of policy they carry. Keeping records of inspections and maintenance can also help simplify the claims process if damage occurs.
Elite Roofing knows how important your home is to you. We take the time to make sure you get the best possible service for your roofing needs whether it is a new roof, or repairs and maintenance on your current roof. Call us today for a free, no-obligation inspection!
Q: What’s one of the biggest mistakes people make when starting the home buying process?
A: Many begin searching for homes before understanding their budget, financing options, or what monthly payment feels comfortable long term. Taking time to speak with a trusted lender early in the process can help buyers feel more confident, avoid surprises, and move quickly when the right home becomes available. Buyers should also think beyond the purchase price and consider insurance, taxes, maintenance, and future goals. A strong lending partner helps guide buyers through each step of the process, making homeownership feel less overwhelming and much more manageable from start to finish.
Q: What should homeowners know about fireplace safety, maintenance, and choosing the right unit?
A: One of the biggest risks we see is burning improper wood, which leads to creosote buildup—a major fire hazard. Always burn well-seasoned hardwoods, and follow NFPA Standard 211, which recommends having your chimney and fireplace inspected annually for deposits, clearances, and overall safety. When selecting a new fireplace, work with a certified professional. Specialty hearth retailers are trained to help you choose the right unit, ensure proper installation, and provide reliable service. It’s the best way to enjoy your fireplace with confidence and peace of mind.
Q: For decking, what materials and accessories are worth investing in for long-term use?
A: Composite decking is an excellent choice for outdoor materials due to its exceptional longevity and superior quality. It offers a durable and low-maintenance solution, making it ideal for various outdoor applications. To enhance both safety and aesthetics, complementing composite decking with metal handrails can provide a modern and robust design element, ensuring that your outdoor space is not only functional but also visually appealing.
Q: What are homeowners looking for most in modern fencing and outdoor design?
A: They want fencing that provides both function and style! Privacy and security are still important, but many people are also thinking about curb appeal and how their outdoor spaces feel overall. Modern fencing designs often focus on clean lines, durable materials, low maintenance, and customized layouts that complement the architecture of the home. A thoughtfully designed fence can help create a more polished, comfortable, and usable outdoor environment while also adding long-term value to the property.
Q: What are some of the most common homeowner’s insurance gaps people overlook?
A: Schedule a property insurance review with their agent to make sure their coverage still fits their home and lifestyle. Many people don’t fully understand percentage deductibles or how they impact out-ofpocket costs after a claim. Another common oversight is not having the right endorsements for valuable items that may have limited standard coverage. Jewelry, collectibles, electronics, and other costly belongings often need additional protection. Taking time to ask questions can help prevent unexpected surprises when you need coverage most.
Q: What should homeowners consider before installing a new fence?
A: Homeowners should consider more than just appearance. A fence is an investment in security, privacy, property value, and peace of mind. Choosing the right contractor matters just as much as choosing the right material. At The Fence Man, we help homeowners throughout the River Valley select the best fence for their needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our experienced team is committed to quality craftsmanship and dependable service. As a proud Best of River Valley 1st place winner, we’re honored to serve our community with fences built to protect what matters most. Call today for your FREE estimate.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make when painting their home’s exterior?
A: Not adding Bug Juice, an insecticide additive, to their paint. Bug Juice is a contact insecticide, meaning it kills bugs when they land on or crawl across the treated surface. It doesn't repel bugs; it's an insecticide that kills a wide range of insects, including ants, spiders, cockroaches, and mosquitoes. It's commonly used in exterior walls, decks, kitchens, and pantries.
Q: What are some simple ways to refresh your home for the summer?
A: Refreshing your home for summer doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Right now, homeowners are loving watercolor artwork, decorative vases, and vintage-inspired décor that adds warmth and personality. Decorative pillows, framed art, tabletop accents, and cozy lighting are easy ways to bring fresh life into your home without a full redesign. Even a few carefully chosen pieces can make a space feel brighter, more inviting, and ready for the season.
Shop HOME! Stop by The Potting Shed for unique home décor and thoughtful gifts. Whether treating yourself or shopping for someone special, you’ll find timeless pieces to inspire and delight.
Q: Why are antiques and vintage pieces continuing to gain popularity in home design?
A: Antiques and vintage pieces bring character and personality into a home in a way newer items often cannot replicate. Many homeowners are moving away from spaces that feel overly matched or mass produced and instead want rooms that feel collected and meaningful over time. Antique furniture, artwork, and décor can add warmth, craftsmanship, and unique details that help a home feel inviting and lived in. Vintage pieces also blend beautifully with modern styles, creating spaces that feel layered and personal rather than overly formal. Often, it’s the unexpected statement piece or heirloom-style find that gives a room its most memorable character and charm.
