House & home Coverage

Tax Day: Monday is deadline to file tax return, request extension

It's Tax Day, the final day to fill out your federal income tax return. Here are the important things to know if you still need to file.

Full refund offered for Black+Decker Easy Garment Steamers

Black+Decker Easy Garment Steamers were originally recalled in November 2022.

10 common laundry mistakes you're probably making & how to avoid them

Laundry is a necessary chore for everyone. While you might think it's a straightforward task, some common laundry mistakes can lead to unfortunate results.

Lauren Thayne, Stackr

7 tips to prep your home for severe spring weather

Follow these seven tips to ensure your family is ready when severe weather hits your home.

Delaney Eyermann, WRAL multiplatform producer

Gardening guide: The best plants to add to your garden (and when) in North Carolina

Whether you're new to gardening or just want to expand your knowledge, here's everything you need to know to plant the perfect garden in North Carolina.

Delaney Eyermann, WRAL multiplatform producer

Why it's important to consider inspections when building or buying a new home

County building inspectors are supposed to ensure a home is constructed correctly, but we saw in Chatham County where an inspector made major mistakes. Jason Vernier says some of the problems trace back to big builders relying on an ever-changing roster of subcontractors.

Pritchard Strong, WRAL consumer producer

A look at home inspections and when to consider them

Building inspectors are supposed to ensure a home is built correctly. Here are a few times to consider getting a new house inspected.

Spring into a lush lawn: Your North Carolina yard care guide

Get your North Carolina lawn ready for spring by choosing the right grass type for your region and following proper mowing and watering techniques.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Climate in Crisis: Local wildfire risk increasing

Could the recent deadly wildfires in Maui and California happen here in North Carolina? WRAL Climate Change Reporter Liz McLaughlin takes an in-depth look at how fire threats are changing in North Carolina and how to find out if your home is at risk. Tune in to WRAL News Monday at 6 p.m.

Thousands flock to Raleigh for NACA's 'Achieve the Dream' homeownership event

In Raleigh, a wave of hope swept through the city Saturday as thousands gathered with one common purpose: to finally realize the American Dream of homeownership.

Eric Miller, WRAL anchor/reporter

How to protect your home from water damage

Need to protect your home from water and other flooding hazards? Here are some items homeowners can use.

Protecting your home from water and other hazards

Need to protect your home from water and other flooding hazards? Here are some items homeowners can use.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Tar Heel Traveler: Vade Mecum

Hidden in the woods of Stokes County lies an abandoned resort from the 1900s that hosted people from across the country. Now, the state plans to restore the property and return it to its once enchanted state.

Consumer Reports finds best vacuums that won't suck too much from your wallet

It's winter outside, but the vacuum labs at Consumer Reports are ready for when you get that spring-cleaning itch. Testers share which canisters, uprights, and stick vacs did the best in CR's tough tests.

Pritchard Strong, WRAL consumer producer

5 key life skills you can learn from Martha Stewart

For millions of people over many decades, Martha Stewart has been the go-to in learning how to cook, host and clean a home like a grown-up.

By Madeline Holcombe, CNN

Cities with the most expensive homes in North Carolina

Stacker compiled a list of cities with the most expensive homes in North Carolina using data from Zillow.

Stacker

Insurance companies ask for 42.2% rate increase for homeowners' insurance

Insurance companies in North Carolina are asking for a 42.2% rate increase for homeowners insurance.

Insurers ask NC to hike homeowners rates by 42.2%

North Carolina homeowners are bracing for a rate hike after insurers asked the state to approve an average increase of 42.2%.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Looking to save big on some home renovations? The government will help pay for these three sustainable improvements to your home

If you're looking for a sign to start a home renovation, this might be the best one: President Joe Biden wants to pay you to upgrade your house.

Sabina Wex, Stacker

What to include in a contract for home improvements

It can be tough to know what to include in a contract when you're hiring someone to do a project at your home, so 5 On Your Side spoke with attorney Brian Schoolman who practices law in this area.

Problems with patio project put neighbors at odds

A patio project gone wrong has friends and neighbors fighting over thousands of dollars. Some of the problems involve the contract the two sides agreed to before the project started.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Contractor has license suspended after 28 code violations

A Chatham County contractor has had his license suspended after serious problems with one of his home builds.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Home prices are growing fastest in North Carolina's coastal, mountain communities

These are the cities with the fastest-growing home prices in North Carolina.

Stacker

Cities with the most expensive homes in North Carolina

These are the cities with the most expensive homes in North Carolina.

Stacker

How to prepare your home for winter weather

What do you know about how to prepare your home for winter weather? You can read about insulating pipes, cleaning your gutters and more.