The kitchen is often a primary focus of many buyers during the home search. According to the National Association of Realtors' 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, a complete kitchen renovation is first on the list of home improvement projects that most appeal to homebuyers. In second place is a kitchen upgrade, which likely reflects projects like stainless steel appliances and new stone countertops.

Natural stone countertops are always a welcome sight for homebuyers, whether they're granite, marble, or quartz. A growing trend is textured stone countertops, namely leathered stone. But even if you have room in the budget for your kitchen remodel, you might not want to spend it on this upgrade. Let's take a look at what leathered stone is as well as some of its pros and cons.

When natural stone is used for kitchen countertops, the slab is cut and finished. Usually, the stone is polished, lending it that beautiful, glossy look that so many homebuyers covet.

Not into gloss? You can have the stone honed instead. This process basically sands off most of the shine, leaving a smooth matte finish that many homeowners find very beautiful.

Then there's leathered stone, which has a surface that is textured and pebbly, like leather. This type of finish is achieved by further processing the stone through sanding and buffing, sometimes using brushes and water jets. This finish can be put on darker marbles, quartzes, or granites to bring out a rich texture.

Here are some reasons leathered stone could be a hit for you kitchen remodel:

And here's why you might want to go with glossy or honed finishes after all:

In luxury markets where the expensive details are everything in high-end homes, leathered stone might be a good fit. But most homebuyers are likely to be wooed by glossy and honed stone countertops instead. If you've got money to burn, the better kitchen countertop upgrade might be in the quality of the stone itself rather than the textured finish.

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Is Leathered Stone a Good Choice for Your Kitchen? - Motley Fool

Homeowners remodel their basements because they want more space for storage or an additional room. According to an article published onforbes, you can include a wine cellar, a bar, or even a game room. Then, basement renovation is a complex project, and therefore, you need the help of a professional to get the job done.

Though basement remodeling will cost you, it has many benefits that are worth the investment. Then, you can shop around, compare prices, and then make an informed decision. Here are the five top rewards of basement remodeling for your home:

Creates buyer interest increasing resale value

When you have a home with a completed basement, your property becomes appealing to prospective buyers as well as real estate agents. Did you know that an extra game room or a bedroom is a huge selling point for your home? That is why many homeowners in the US consider basement renovation one of the best home remodeling options to boost property value.

The value of your property gets the required boost because basement renovation increases the square footage significantly. By adding another room that could be used, you are adding more value to your property for selling it at a better price, if you decide to put your home for sale in the future.

Boosts energy efficiency

Did you know that basement remodeling would make your home more energy efficient? You might be wondering how. Well, the professionals associated withbasement remodeling in Staten Islandwould set up drywall, insulation, as well as other things to ensure the air stays inside your house. Professional insulation would remove drafts and cut back on the amount of hot or cold air moving out from a basement, which is unfurnished.

More convenient options

These days, more homeowners are spending on basement renovation for all the right reasons. There are benefits of adding a comfortable room or more storage space downstairs. Remodeling your basement with an additional bed and bath could let you keep guests frequently. You can also rent out the basement for a regular monthly income.

There are other options too. You can add a quiet study room or an office where you can study or work peacefully. It makes living comfortable with such additional options when you renovate your basement. You can also turn the basement into a games room for your kids. The choices are endless.

A fair return on investment

As you know that basement renovation has some benefits and therefore, it gives a good return on your investment, be it in the form of convenience, comfort, or financially. Homeowners can save on energy bills, earn monthly rent, and enhance property value if they choose to sell it in the days to come. It is true indeed that basement renovation has an upfront cost, but you all your investment will come back to you in a couple of years.

Now that you know about some of the benefits of basement remodeling, what are you waiting for, huh? Make the base use of the unused space to live comfortably.

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Top Rewards of Renovating the Basement for Your Home Sweet Home - Times Square Chronicles

Lumber prices have increased due to Covid-19 and have in turn increased the prices of local room additions and remodeling projects

(ProNewsReport Editorial):- Lindenhurst, Oct 30, 2020 (Issuewire.com)GM Renovations announces a recent phenomenon that has the cost of their home construction and remodeling projects rising. The Covid-19 pandemic has sent lumber prices skyrocketing by 160% since April, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

The cost increase of a home addition or renovation can reach into the thousands, and for a new build is even steeper.

This phenomenon comes from two factors. First, the lumber industry suffered a huge set back due to Coronavirus, and the price of lumber has increased by 80% in recent months, bringing it to above $600 per thousand board feet. Lumber was already facing high prices before the pandemic due to high tariffs. Second, there has been a surge Americans stuck-at-home wanting to make improvements to their homes and placing more value on the importance of having a nicer home for their family.

Just as new builds are being affected, home additions and home remodeling in Long Island have seen a sharp increase in costs as well, says Gregg Satzinger, owner of Lindenhurst home remodeling company GM Renovations NY. Despite the costs, homeowners are eager to go ahead with their remodels, and are willing to pay more knowing that their families will have a nicer place to live.

It isnt only lumber prices that have driven up the cost of home additions and remodeling projects. Other key elements to projects, such as toilets, tubs and showers, cabinets, windows, roofing, and flooring, have also seen prices go up. The same effect, of short supply and increased demand, is to blame. Lumber mills and the factories for these products were hit especially hard in New York, where they were not deemed essential.

To make matters worse, it is unknown when this phenomenon will see an end. While Satzinger says that these rising material costs are part of the ebbs and flows of construction prices, he also makes a point to remark that this is the biggest price increase in 70 years, and that the uncertainty of the pandemic leaves the price hike indefinite.

Currently, home prices continue to rise well above inflation rates and housing inventory faces a shortage. Even though costs are rising, it is still the ideal time to take on a home renovation, especially an addition, to raise the value of your home even higher.

About GM Renovations NY: GM Renovations NY is a local team of Long Island remodeling contractors based out of Lindenhurst, New York. With nearly two decades of experience in the business, owner Gregg Satzinger and his team are a trusted source for the communitys home remodeling projects of every scale. From a simple shower replacement to a multi-story add-on, GM Renovations offers custom, high quality service and consistently exceeds expectations.https://gmrenovationsny.com/about/

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GM Renovations NY Says Soaring Lumber Costs Raise The Price Of Home Remodeling Projects On Long Island - Pro News Report

By Angie Talken

atalken@linncountyleader.com

The Brookfield Board of Education met recently to discuss long-range planning, Clarence Cannon Conference Participation Standards and approvedallowing virtual learners to return to the classroom as soon as the start of the second quarter.

Dr. Kyle Collins, Brookfield R-II Superintendent, said in 2017 the then-board approved a long-range plan. At the recent meeting, the board discussed what had been completed and projects going forward. Projects on the long-range plan that have been completed include converting the district to LED lighting district-wide, remodeling of classrooms, a complete remodel and new room for the early childhood center, installation of a security camera system campus-wide and foundation repair. Collins said all of those projects were completed using reserved and local funds.

The largest project is the one we are getting ready to start, which is the construction of the restroom, concession area, completion of lighting on track, construction of baseball/softball field and parking lot improvements, Collins said. Funds front he recently passed Proposition 2 will pay for the new construction and repairs.

The project is currently out for bids. The district will host a pre-bid meeting on Nov. 2 at 5 p.m., at the school district office for contractors interested, bids are due at school on Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Collin said the board hopes to have a contractor selected shortly after.

The long-range plan was developed by a group of school personnel, community and board members.

I always look at it from a five-year standpoint and what needs to be done in that five year period, Collins said. We are always reevaluating that to make sure we are addressing any new issues or concerns.

Collins presented Mary Farrenkopf with a retirement bell and thanked her for her 22 years of service as a paraprofessional in the district.

The board also approved the use of the Clarence Cannon Conference Participation Standards for this winter.

Standards state participants will receive four tickets each for family and friends. There will be no pep band or student sections. Cheerleaders will be allowed to attend away games at the schools discretion.

The intent is to reduce the capacity since we are indoors, Collins said. We know everyone loves to have a crowded packed gym and that environment, but in reality we know we have to make adjustments so kids can play and keep the school open and not have any major outbreaks or contribute the spread of COVID-19.

Collins said that over the course of the school year there have been about 100 students and staff who have been quarantined due to COVID-19. Most of those students have staff have returned, he said.

According to meeting minutes, the board approved allowing students who were doing virtual learning to return to classes for the second quarter.

Dr. Collins and the administrative team asked the board to consider opening up a very short time period, perhaps two days, at the beginning of the second quarter for students who chose virtual learning over learning in person the opportunity to switch to learning in person immediately due to the fact that a large percentage of students attending virtually are currently failing their classes. This is happening in all grades in large percentages, according to meeting minutes. Originally students and parents were informed that whatever type of learning they chose at the beginning of the school year would last a full semester, with no opportunity to switch to the other option until semester 1 was completed. The administrative teams would like to amend this portion of the Return to School Plan in hopes of helping more students to achieve academically. Discussion followed. The board voted unanimously to allow students who are currently enrolled as virtual learners to change to in-person learners for the second quarter, as soon as possible for the next few days, with administrators notifying parents and students immediately.

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Brookfield Board of Education approves allowing virtual learners to return to classrooms - Chillicothe Constitution Tribune

Of the many decisions you may make as a long-term homeowner, perhaps one of the most significant is whether to renovate a home once its past its prime or build a new home.

And as with so many other choices there are a host of pros and cons to consider before taking the plunge.

The first consideration is budget. If finances are a concern, renovating can be the most cost-effective choice. Depending on your personal budget, you can also renovate at your own pace, one room at a time, which can make it a tempting option to the budget-conscious.

There are other major benefits to renovation versus building new. In the first place, you can avoid having to temporarily move or live somewhere else while the renovations are being completed. And, if you have nostalgic and emotional attachment to your home, it allows you to continue to live in the home where you have built your family, memories and legacy.

Plus, with so many historic neighborhoods in the San Antonio area, renovating can be a great option to maintain an external faade that represents the days of yore, while still enjoying the contemporary benefits and more energy-efficient features of an updated interior.

It is, of course, important to find out the background and history of your home to find out if renovating is a viable option for you. For instance, youll need to find out if the home has already been renovated in the past and if so, how many times. And, depending on the age of your home, it may be necessary to look into whether any dangerous or hazardous materials that could be present might be an obstacle to renovation or construction.

Of course, youll also want to talk with an expert builder or renovator about critical questions, such as whether youre able to access the original building plans of your home; whether building codes have changed or evolved significantly since your home was built; and whether it will still be cost-efficient or in your best interests financially to renovate if any mechanical or electrical system must be redone to comply with codes.

You should also ensure that your house is a good candidate for renovating in other ways for instance, it may not be a strong option if the foundation is poor, ceilings are too low, or theres just insufficient room for the type of renovating or remodeling you need done.

In the event that renovation isnt the best option for you, there are also a number of benefits to building a brand-new home.

First, everything can be fresh, contemporary and up-to-the-minute, from cutting-edge technologies to sustainable materials and energy-efficient options. And, unlike an older home, everything will remain under warranty, keeping repairs rare and, when they do occur, budget-friendly.

Building a custom home is also a creative free-for-all in ways renovating isnt, since renovating can be more constricted and constrained. With building, you have an infinite number of options, and arent limited by the existing structure of your home. And you can choose what personally works best for you and your family as far as blueprints and design go.

If choosing to build a new home, youll want to consult a builder, architect and an interior designer, each of whom will bring insight and experience to your plans.

READ ALSO: Go beyond the basic bathroom

They will be best equipped to answer any questions that arise, such as what would be the best site on which to build your home; whether local building codes and neighborhood restrictions will affect your project; what kinds of contract labor youll be able to utilize; and what kinds of temperature, environmental and weather considerations youll have to make.

When building new, its also vital to consider what your lifestyle requires and what things are non-negotiables for you. If children or elderly relatives or family members with disabilities will be living in the home, youll need to take into consideration what features in your new home will best serve them.

And remember to be direct with everyone on your building team, as well as patient with the new construction process. New construction requires permits, approvals and many phases that renovations dont, and generally takes considerably longer. Remain calm and keep your eyes on the goal: your new custom home.

Whether you choose to renovate or build new, make an informed decision thats best for your family and will give you the dream home youve been looking for.

Editor's Note: This content is made possible by a sponsored content contributor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the San Antonio Express-News. Learn more about our advertising products at http://www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.

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Deciding whether to renovate or build a new home - mySA

This post is sponsored and contributed by a Patch Brand Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own.

You probably already know that, here in Texas, remodeling your master bathroom can improve the value of your home. But if you aren't putting your house on the market just yet, chances are you're more concerned with the upfront costs.

So how much should you have saved to renovate your master bath? It depends on the size and scale of your project. Read on.

How Much Does A Master Bathroom Renovation Cost?

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According to HomeAdvisor, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $15,000 for a small bathroom remodel. Of course, that's a pretty wide range, but it truly depends on your project.

Cosmetic upgrades like paint, new plumbing fixtures, and lighting runs from $1,000 to $3,500, while a complete tear-out and replacement will cost anywhere between $5,000 and $150,00.

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Need a contractor to renovate your master bathroom? Find a pro in your area.

For a large master bathroom, you can expect to pay $12,000 or more, depending on how in-depth your project is and the type of materials you choose. Of course, more square footage will be more expensive. Bathroom renovations typically cost around $125 per square foot.

Full Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown

Master Bathroom Planning Tips

Ready to renovate your master bathroom? Be sure to gather your remodeling inspiration from several sources. You'll want to decide on your general stylelike modern, traditional, or transitional. Consider using the same or complementing tile colors in your shower and floor to improve room flow. In general, you'll want to strive for a consistent theme that will bring together your fixture and appliance choices. Finally, consider water- and energy-efficient appliances to get even more bang for your buck.

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This post is sponsored and contributed by a Patch Brand Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own.

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Heres What It Costs To Remodel Your Master Bathroom In Texas - Patch.com

By Rich Larson, News Director

Early voting has been underway for a few weeks in Minnesota, and with less than a week to go before election day, people are being encouraged to take advantage of the options available to them.

If you requested an absentee ballot but have not sent it in, you are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Rice countys recommended date to mail your ballot in was on Tuesday, but under state law there is still time. Ballots must be postmarked on or before election day and received by the county within seven days of the election. There is also a drop off option. The Rice County Government services building, located at 320 3rd Street North West in Faribault has a convenient ballot drop off box, or you can bring your ballot to Northfield City Hall and drop it off there.

In-person early voting is also underway at City Hall, and Northfield City administrator Ben Martig said yesterday that the city is trying to make it as easy as possible for you to cast your vote. Here in Northfield we have in person absentee early voting, that is available in the [City Hall] second floor training room. It will be going Monday through Friday from 8-4:15. In addition, City Hall is open Saturday, October 31 from 10-2:45 for some added convenience.

Martig also said that Covid-19 restrictions are in place. Masks are required, social distancing is enforced, and the voting offices are restricted to voters only, so be prepared to find a line when you go to vote. And should you want to wait until election day, the Covid restrictions will still be in place, but with eight total polling places, rather than just one for early voting, things might move a little quicker.

Northfield City Hall Presents War of the Worlds

The Northfield High School will present a live radio play on Saturday night, performed on the grass at Memorial Field, and broadcast live right here on KYMN radio at 8PM.

The idea came to NHS theater guru Bob Gregory-Bjorklund this summer when he was casting about for ideas on how to do theater in the time of Coronavirus. A friend of his suggested a radio play, and specifically Orson Welles infamous classic War of the Worlds.

First presented on October 30, 1938, Welles production nearly caused a panic when people tuned in to the play about aliens invading the Earth but did not realize that they were hearing a piece of fiction.

Gregory-Bjorklund is not looking to cause a panic. Just the opposite, in fact. He wants to do theater that is safe.

And a radio play is a great way to do that, he said, because you have actors that can space out on the stage and you can have an audience that is distanced.

Gregory-Bjorklund said that the performers will be working to get the listeners at home to participate in the show. Participation has to do with imagining. Participation has to do with closing your eyes and picturing Where is this happening? Where is this large park in New York City? Maybe its Central Park? What does it look like? What does an invading space alien look like?

There will be a live audience for the performance. Two-hundred and fifty people will be allowed into the stadium. Admission is free. The tickets will be given on a first-come first-serve basis.

Merchants Bank begins re-model

The downtown Merchants Bank Building is getting a facelift.

Tim Viere, the president of Merchants bank said that the last time the bank was remodeled was in the early 90s. When Merchants Bank merged with the First National Bank this past summer, it became time for an update.

The color of green carpet in the lobby worked for both Merchants and the First National, Viere said, but Ive always joked you could pull it up and make bullet proof vests out of it.

The remodel will happen in two phases. The first will be done on what has traditionally been the commercial banking side, and the second will be on the other side of the bank where the teller windows are.

And even though the point of this is to bring the bank into the 21st century, Viere said they arent going to discard some of the history that is in that building. The old vaults that we have in the bank, theyre from the old times. So were not going to touch those. That would be almost humanly impossible to move those around, so were doing the remodeling and keeping them in the same place.

Construction began earlier this week. Phase one will be completed in late December. Phase two should be done sometime in March.

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Early voting available on Saturday; NHS presents 'War of the Worlds'; Merchants Bank begins remodel - kymnradio.net

More people are working at home, and this may be an opportunity to deduct expenses related to having a home office.

The COVID-19 pandemicand economy-lockdown measureshave changed many aspects of daily life, possibly permanently. No surprise there.

Less obvious are some of the tax breaks and other benefits that might help you deal with the pandemic. Programs and resourceslike stimulus payments have received a lot of media attention, but others aren't so obvious. Here are some personal-finance tips that might make livingin a coronavirusworldless disruptive.

More people are working at home, and that trend likely will continue. But does this represent an opportunity to deduct expenses related to having a home office? Possibly.

Prior to federaltax-reform legislation enacted in 2017,unreimbursed employee business expenses could be taken as an itemized deduction, but that's no longer the case. But at the same time,employees who receive reimbursement from their companies for home office expenses dont need to pay taxes on the money, noted tax researcher Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accountingin a recent commentary.

An employer should havean accountable reimbursement plan" to help make sure reimbursements aren't taxed.In essence, that means"employers should require receipts to be submitted and reimburseemployees based on those receipts," said Mark Luscombe, principal federal tax analyst at Wolters Kluwer.

Self-employed individuals, as in years past, typically can deduct home-office expenses.

On a related note, federal tax law allows a$250 deduction for teachers of expenses that they incur out of pocket. While the law cites classroom expenses, the break likely is also available to teachers who are instructingstudents remotely at home, Luscombe said.

Remodeling projects are on the upswing, with more people working at home having the time and even the money to update their dwellings. Some projects are directed toward creating more comfortable or efficient spaces to work or for home schooling. Tax laws offer someincentives for certainremodeling projects, but these benefits are limited.

One possibility is a$500 federal tax credit for energy-efficient improvements involvingexterior doors, windows,insulation, heat pumps,fans, air conditioners, water heaters and so on. However, this is a lifetime credit, and many homeowners have already used up their allotment. Thecredit expires at the end of 2020, though it has been extended in the past, Luscombe noted.

There's also a tax credit to installqualified equipmentfor solar water heaters, small wind-energy generators, geothermal heat pumps and more. This credit is worth 26% of relevantexpenses if incurredthis year and 22%in 2021.

Some home improvements mightqualify for an itemized medical expense deduction. Examples includewheelchair ramps, hand rails or other equipment if prescribed by a doctor. Medical expenses may be deducted to the extent they exceed 7.5% of a person's adjusted gross income this year, but that rises to 10% in 2021.

With a home-equity loan, the interest can be deductedif theproceeds areused for home improvements, as opposed to paying offcredit-card debt or otherpurposes.

RETIREMENT:Here's what to know if it arrives sooner than expected

Health Savings Accounts were gaining traction even before the virus hit, largely because they offer a way to save up money and avoid paying taxes if the proceeds are used for an array of medical-related expenses. Given that health-care spending needs could rise for a lot of people down the road, these flexible, versatile accounts could come in handy.

You can qualify for an HSA if you enroll in a high-deductible medical plan something to consider during open enrollment.

Themany COVID-19 expenses that triggertax-free withdrawals include doctor visits, lab tests, prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies for flu symptoms. However, respirators and face masks are among coronavirus-specificexpenses that haven't yet been approved by the Internal Revenue Service, reports Fidelity Investments.

Researcher Morningstar calls HSAs "the most tax-favored investment vehicle" out there. Unlike with 401(k) accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts andSection529 college-savings plans, the money invested in HSAs isn't taxed on the way in or the way out, and payroll taxes don't apply either, Morningstar said.

Yet HSAs also are significantly underutilized and possibly misunderstood, the company added. They are one type of account worth researching further.

If you're searching for employment,here's a job-hunting aspectyou might have overlooked the virtual interview.Owing largely to COVID-19 social-distancing precautions, more employers are discussing openings with job candidates using Zoom and other online methods, reports Challenger, Gray and Christmas, which found that 80% of employers were conductingsome interviews online as of an April survey.

The outplacement and business-coaching firmrecommends several tips to make your remote job interview more successful. First, understand theparameters of theinterview including how many people will be participating, how long will it last, what software will be used andwhat you should send in ahead of time, such as a resume.

Also, rehearsein advance by having a friend ask practice questions, so that you can see yourself on camera, evaluate your answers,become more comfortable with yourmannerisms and check thebackground. Moveto another room or adjust your lighting if it's too bright or if shadows are distracting.

"Experiment to see what looks best,"Challenger, Gray said in a commentary. "No messy work areas, laundry or accumulated dishes" should appear in the background.

Dress inbusiness attire with solid colors that are less distracting than patterned clothing, the company added. Also, make sure your hair, including any facial hair, is neat and trimmed, and practice your delivery so that you're not touching or fussing with your hair.

As Congress has debatedanother round of COVID-19 relief payments, it's easy to forget that money from the original program is still available.

Most eligible taxpayers already received Economic Impact Payments of up to $1,200 per person months ago. But many people who don't normally file income-tax returns still might be eligible, thoughthey mustregister by Nov. 21. To do so, goto irs.gov and look for a section titled"Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here."

This"non-filers" section is designed for single people with incomesbelow $12,200 whocan't be claimed as someone else's dependent and for married couples with income under$24,400. Manyhomeless individuals could be among those still eligible for stimuluspayments.

Reach Wiles at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com.

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These tax breaks could help you deal with the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic - The Arizona Republic

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HACKETTSTOWN, NJ The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and International Builders Show (IBS), the kitchen/bath and housing industrys leading showcases for new products and services, will return to Orlando as in-person events in 2022, one year after the shows transformation in 2021 to digital-only events.

Officials from the National Association of Home Builders and the National Kitchen & Bath Association owners of IBS and KBIS, respectively announced 2022-2044 dates for the co-located live events shortly after announcing cancellation of the on-site portion of the 2021 shows due to health/safety concerns and travel restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The co-located KBIS and IBS, previously scheduled for Feb. 9-11, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, are staged each year as the focal points of Design & Construction Week, which will return as a live event to Orlando Feb. 8-10, 2022. Las Vegas will be the site of the annual three-day live shows on Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2023 and Feb. 27-29, 2024, show officials added.

The decision to cancel the in-person portion of the 2021 show came following months of lengthy conversations with NAHB and (show producer) Emerald, said Bill Darcy, CEO of the NKBA. The safety and well-being of our attendees, partners, exhibitors, site workers and staff has always been our top priority, Darcy said. As we crossed the 16-weeks-out mark, it was time to transition to focus 100% on a virtual event. Ultimately, the health and safety of attendees and exhibitors, as well as the ability to produce a signature event experience, outweighed all other considerations.

KBIS and IBS, like trade shows and conferences worldwide, have been facing unprecedented challenges resulting from a global public-health crisis that has forced the postponement, cancellation or reformatting of more than a dozen overseas and domestic industry-related events in the nine months since the coronavirus began resulting in government-mandated social distancing, travel restrictions and widespread concerns over attending large indoor gatherings.

Prior to the decision to convert to a digital-only format, KBIS and IBS officials had been undertaking a months-long effort to implement comprehensive protocols aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of attendees, exhibitors and vendors in the face of COVID-19. Onsite safety measures were to have included one-way traffic aisles, mask-wearing and social distancing, contactless registration with remote badging and enhanced cleaning measures.

The live events became untenable, however, in the face of the overwhelming challenges caused by the coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic,including government-imposed restrictions and limitations on large gatherings, the inability of KBISs international community to travel to the show due to quarantine requirements and travel bans, and various company-imposed travel restrictions on employees.

Show officials had acknowledged they were facing a substantial number of booth cancellations and exhibit-space reductions, as well as an attendance projected to be far below the estimated 90,000 people who attended Design & Construction Week this year in Las Vegas.

An online poll of dealers and designers conducted by Kitchen & Bath Design News in early October found that 81% of survey respondents said they did not plan to attend the 2021 KBIS-IBS. A similar number (78%) said they do not plan to attend any trade shows through at least June of 2021.

The newly formatted DCW 2021 will still take place the week Feb. 8, allowing participants digital access to exhibitors, as well as to a mix of live and recorded video panels, discussions and CEUs, from wherever they are in the world, show officials said.

An all-virtual Design & Construction Week will be a different experience, but with it comes new opportunities to reach an even larger audience that would not have been able to participate on-site, for any number of reasons, including on-going travel restrictions, Darcy said.

Details about the virtual event will be unveiled as the event approaches, show officials added, noting that registration for the virtual DCW event is free for all NKBA and NAHB members and, as with the in-person shows, attendees will have access to both KBIS and IBS exhibits and programming.

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KBIS, IBIS to Return to Orlando as Live Events in 2022 - Kitchen and Bath Design News

The year 2020 has been dominated by COVID-19 and for many, the issues surrounding climate change and transitioning to renewable energy were put on the backburner.

But that was all flipped on its head when iconic documentary-maker David Attenborough released A Life on Our Planet, which outlined why immediate action is required.

Reducing carbon emissions and moving away from fossil fuels are the primary goals being flagged around the world, but there are numerous environmental concerns flagged in A Life on Our Planet and that need to be considered, including here in Australia.

Here are the major environmental issues our country need to worry about outside of carbon emissions and renewable energy:

Deforestation

The bottom line is we are cutting trees down at a much more rapid rate than we are planting them. As late as 2019 1.66Mha of tree cover was lost and there has been a 14 per cent decline in trees in Australia from 2000 to 2019. That is before we even look at the devastating bushfires of 2019-20 which wiped out another 18.6 million hectares.

Agriculture clearing and overgrazing

Since European settlement, around 13 per cent of all vegetation has been lost and this is only increasing as agricultural activities ramp up to feed a rising population around the world. Australia is placed in the top 10 land clearing nations in the world for agricultural purposes.

Overfishing and illegal fishing

Policing our borders for illegal fishing vessels is very difficult due to the size and geography of Australia. But it is not just overseas fishing boats depleting our stock, with government figures showing that 17.5 per cent of our stocks are overfished and the status of a further 16.5 per cent is not known.

Introduction of pests

Invasive species are an ongoing problem for Australia, from the spread of the cane toad from Queensland to other states to domestic feral animals and including new introduced exotic species and diseases which decimate our crops and wildlife stocks every year.

Pollution

Did you know that 5000 Australians die from exposure to air pollution every year? Over 30 per cent of our agricultural land is considered degraded by the impacts of pollution and we are seeing more and more of it because of natural events like bushfires and rising commercial operations that are contributing towards our negative air quality.

Infrastructure development

As we continue to grow as a nation, our infrastructure projects rise as well which results in more land clearing, more native animals and species lost, more emissions and pollution and more impact on our environment. While measures are being put in place to use more recycled materials, manage our land better and reduce emissions, the tides of progress remain a large burden on our environment.

So while COVID-19 has been a major issue, it is important to remember the ongoing environmental problems facing Australia so that we can take action and improve the world around us for generations to come.

Follow this link:
Why carbon is not the only major current environmental issue in Australia - Energy Matters