With the housing recovery gaining steam, Americans have more incentives to paint up, touch up and otherwise redecorate their homes. But there’s no need to spend willy-nilly.

The National Association Realtors and Remodeling Magazine released a report comparing remodeling cost versus value. Results depend upon various factors such as location, work quality, neighborhood home values, the timing of selling the house and the actual completion of the project.

14435 S. 48th St.

At Salt River Project (SRP), we’ve always believed that every drop of water saved here in the Valley is a drop we can store in our reservoirs to use another day. Keeping track of all of those drops is one of the more important jobs we have at SRP, where we’re working every day to ensure there’s enough water for today and tomorrow.

Everyone wants their yards to look their best, have lush and beautiful plants year-round. Summertime, though, seems to make us all wilt, plants and people alike. But, even though it’s hot and humid this month, your plants can thrive and stay healthy by understanding a few basics: what is plant heat stress, how do you know your plant is stressed, and what do you do when your plants have been affected?

Landscaping with cacti has been an acquired taste for many gardeners, but it appears the appetite for the robust plants is growing. Lingering drought, watering bans and low-maintenance requirements are making cacti more popular.

Landscaping with cacti has been an acquired taste for many gardeners, but it appears the appetite for the robust plants is growing. Lingering drought, watering bans and low-maintenance requirements are making cacti more popular.

Many industries are rebounding from the Great Recession by producing more modest versions of their product to meet consumer demands, but the Valley’s resurgent apartment sector is bucking that trend with new units that feature everything from Roman soaking tubs to granite countertops.

A Blue Star Memorial to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces is coming to Ahwatukee Foothills.

A Blue Star Memorial to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces is coming to Ahwatukee Foothills.

On the latest “DiverseCity,” PHX11 staff set out to discover for themselves why National Geographic selected Phoenix as one of the country’s top cities for hiking.

Kitchens have become so serious.

Use of container and raised bed gardens is a practical and ever popular choice with many homeowners. Integrated around your outdoor living areas, they add warmth and character to areas that could otherwise be hard and uninviting. Also, backyards are now typically smaller than years ago; therefore, containers can make an excellent patio garden. They'll add greenery, architectural interest and structure to the patio and around the yard. Container gardens also lend themselves to the renter, as well as the homeowner. Raised bed gardens also add architectural interest and structure to an area and they can also be a practical solution for gardeners with limited mobility.

Use of container and raised bed gardens is a practical and ever popular choice with many homeowners. Integrated around your outdoor living areas, they add warmth and character to areas that could otherwise be hard and uninviting. Also, backyards are now typically smaller than years ago; therefore, containers can make an excellent patio garden. They'll add greenery, architectural interest and structure to the patio and around the yard. Container gardens also lend themselves to the renter, as well as the homeowner. Raised bed gardens also add architectural interest and structure to an area and they can also be a practical solution for gardeners with limited mobility.

If you feel like getting out in the garden, now is as good a time as any to spread rock on the ground.

Twenty years in the carpet and flooring business has taught Traci Tartaglio to evolve with the community and just enjoy what you do.

Arizona's Independent Redistricting Commission is hosting hearings around the state in October and early November so that the public can critique the panel's draft congressional and legislative district maps.

K-12 schools in the Peoria Unified School District will remember that fateful day, 10 years ago when the nation was under attack, with 9/11 commemoration events throughout the district.

For many the summer heat is unbearable, but for Ahwatukee Foothills mountain bikers it's not an excuse to slow down.

Downtown Tempe’s West 6th is now taking leasing reservations for the 30-story tower that will be ready for occupancy in December

The Sun City Grand Armed Forces Support Group and Long Realty of the West Valley will sponsor the third annual Wounded Warriors Project fund-raiser March 12 at Sun City Grand’s Granite Falls South, 15949 W. Clearview Ave., and Desert Springs Golf Clubs, 19900 N. Remington Drive in Surprise.

Many of us think of our pets as family members, and want to ensure that they are cared for if we become incapable of doing so. One way to do this is to set up a pet trust, which is a legal arrangement that provides for the care of one or more pets in the event of an owner's disability or death. To help "pet parents" learn more about pet trusts, the Arizona Animal Welfare League and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL & SPCA) is offering a free presentation by Joel Klinge, a local estate planning attorney. The seminar will be offered at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale on Saturday, March 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. There is no charge, but an RSVP is required. Please RSVP to development@aawl.org or call (602) 273-6852, ext. 106.

Increased use of the community’s dog park has forced Sun City Grand officials to consider providing more usable space and amenities for man and his best friend. A proposed expansion includes either natural sod or a synthetic turf for pets. The park is near the Chaparral Center’s tennis courts and model train display.

The first question an orthopedic specialist often hears from a new patient is, “What do the X-rays show?” What the doctor wants to know is, “What happened that compelled you to seek help?”

The Summit School of Ahwatukee is exhibiting more than 280 art pieces created by its students at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.