Home improvement roundup
Retail and repair moves are converging: Home Depot announced plans to open 12 new U.S. stores in 2026, while consumer guides this week highlighted crawl‑space encapsulation and efficient gutter upgrades as cost‑effective projects for air quality, moisture control, and long‑term value. The combo points to continued demand for DIY supplies and seasonal maintenance work. (retail-insight-network.com) (goldenheightsremodeling.com) (mykxlg.com)
The Home Depot says the 2026 roll‑out will add more than 1.6 million square feet to its U.S. footprint across eight states. (corporate.homedepot.com) Company materials identify Texas as the largest single market with four store openings planned in 2026, plus two in Florida and single new locations in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah. (hbsdealer.com) The corporate release frames the expansion as creating “thousands of career opportunities” and as a move to better serve “modern builders and inspired homeowners” amid ongoing U.S. housing upkeep needs. (corporate.homedepot.com) Consumer guides put crawl‑space encapsulation costs in a wide band—about $3–$10 per square foot or roughly $3,000–$15,000 total—with condition, prep (mold remediation) and drainage upgrades driving the higher end of estimates. (homeguide.com) (goldenheightsremodeling.com) A St. Petersburg industry guide from JR One warns that poor gutter drainage can cause foundation damage and structural rot that may “tank” a home’s market price and brands professional gutter care a high‑ROI investment for protecting equity and curb appeal. (abnewswire.com) Appraisal‑focused reporting notes that missing or damaged gutters can lower a home’s sale value by increasing risk of water damage and inspection flags, reinforcing why efficient‑gutter upgrades are commonly recommended before listing. (homelight.com)
