While an inground pool is certainly a consideration, an above-ground pool can be an easier, less-expensive way to dive into the process of creating a backyard oasis for the next time you’re isolated at home — whether by global events or by personal choice. Learn how much an above-ground pool costs, plus everything else you'll need to know.

The cost of electricity can vary depending on your location and several other factors. The average electric bill is $115 a month and the average kilowatt-hour rate is about 13 cents.

If you’re trying to decide between concrete and asphalt for your new driveway, and you’re focused on the upfront cost, asphalt is by far the cheaper way to go. The national average for asphalt is $1-$5 per square foot, as compared with the cost of concrete at $8-$12 per square foot.

Air source heat pumps are the most common types for residential use — versus ground source, water source, electrical and hybrid variants — and they work by transferring heat from the outside air to your house. Although the final cost of installing an air-source heat pump depends on its capacity and brand, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4,500 to $8,000, or up to $10,000 for high-end heat pumps.

Whether your household gets its water from a well or your city’s water mains, water softeners are the standard method for handling hard water issues. Let’s take a look at water softener prices and water softener installation costs — and why you should consider them more of an investment than an expense.