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PURGULA

The most interesting topics and trends pertaining to all aspects of homeownership. For existing & aspiring homeowners and the industry members who serve them.

Winter storm hitting a neighborhood of traditional brick homes

A winter damage checklist for homeowners

Is Your Home Still Winter-Proof? February 8, 2026 Hi Reader, This year, even Punxsutawney Phil has weighed in on the forecast—declaring six more weeks of winter—extending the season of cold, ice, rain and the very real risk of weather-related damage to our homes. With temperatures poised to stay low, it’s imperative for homeowners to resist reactive fixes and embrace proactive measures to shore up your home’s winter resilience. Winter’s harsh conditions can reveal vulnerabilities in a home’s...
Large vacant luxury Mediterranean home with green For Lease sign on front lawn

How to avoid a squatter nightmare: what homeowners need to know

Legal Blind Spots of Homeownership February 1, 2026 Hi Reader, Homeownership comes with pride, security, and stability—but it also comes with legal responsibilities and risks that many people don’t think about until something goes wrong. Laws affecting homeowners are constantly evolving, and misunderstanding your rights can leave you vulnerable at the very moment you need protection the most. From unclear property boundaries to unexpected liability, legal blind spots can turn everyday...
Close up view of cladding of front entrance to Sue Labella's home in Pacific Palisades. Photo by Vishal Mane, from Cover

One Year After the LA Fires: Cover Delivers a Beacon of Hope

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners One Year After the LA Fires: A Beacon of Hope January 26, 2026 It’s been one year since the devastating January 2025 wildfires tore through Los Angeles, destroying over 13,000 homes and displacing thousands. The scars are everywhere: streets lined with haunting, vacant lots; persistent remnants of the fire; and sparse signs of renewal. Fewer than a dozen homes have been fully rebuilt across Los Angeles County. Only a small fraction of displaced residents have...
Millboard composite decking and cladding used in Joshua Tree desert home. Image courtesy of Millboard

From Reactive Repairs to Proactive Peace of Mind: Self-Maintaining Homes

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners The Rise of Self-Maintaining Homes January 19, 2026 Hi Reader, Experienced homeowners know the drill: a small undetected leak turns into a large insurance claim and impromptu renovation project; an unnoticed HVAC glitch turns into a mid-winter emergency situation that warrants the entire system being replaced; or a hidden flashing issue escalates into a full roof replacement due to water damage spreading to ceilings, insulation, and walls. These surprises...
The Strutt EV1 personal mobility vehicle being used to walk a horse along a trail

20 New Products for the Home from CES 2026

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners Innovation for the Home from CES 2026 January 11, 2026 Hi Reader, This past week the Consumer Electronics Show—CES 2026, held in Las Vegas—delivered its customary array of dazzling innovations spanning a wide range of intriguing tech: AI; robotics; smart appliances; wellness solutions; displays; security; and other futuristic concepts. From captivating demos to serious product introductions, the show reinforced why CES remains the annual benchmark for what...
Aerial view of an HOA community in Las Vegas, Nevada

Our top stories of 2025

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners A Look Back at 2025 December 21, 2025 Hi Reader, As 2025 comes to a close, Purgula looks back on a year defined by: rapid change, bold ideas, and pressing questions about how—and where—we live. From the rising cost of homeownership to the future of HOAs, to the possibility of a world without property taxes, and to the hard realities revealed in the aftermath of the LA Fires, this year’s top stories explored key forces reshaping housing, communities, and...
Peaceful outdoor landscaping and hardscaping project designed and implemented Pacific Outdoor Living

Fresh Inspiration from Our Last Tradeshow of the Year

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners The Importance of Face-to-Face Conversations December 15, 2025 Hi Reader, As we close out our coverage of the 2025 event season, our latest feature—Landscaping Trends from FutureScape USA—marks the final tradeshow Purgula will be attending this year. The inaugural FutureScape USA, produced by UK-based 44Group, proved to be a creative bellwether for where outdoor living, landscape design, and wellness-focused environments are headed, making it a fitting finale...
Sonic Fire Tech acoustic copper piping on test house

Better Mousetraps for the Home: Innovation that Never Stops

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners The Power of Fresh Thinking December 7, 2025 Hi Reader, From rising costs to aging homes needing repairs and upgrades to pressing safety issues, homeowners are dealing with more stress points than ever before. The good news? Today’s industry innovators are energized, imaginative, and determined to build a “better mousetrap” for nearly every problem we may face in our homes. This week, we shine a spotlight on two such companies—Sonic Fire Tech and Plumis—as...
Modern Matter Hardware assortment at WestEdge 2025

Design Inspiration from WestEdge 2025: Jewels for the Home

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners Jewels for the Home November 26, 2025 Hi Reader, In this week’s newsletter, we celebrate the design concept of Jewels for the Home—where thoughtfully curated furnishings and accents can add authentic personality and distinct character to your home and everyday life. While recently attending the 2025 WestEdge Design Fair, we sought out the most inspiring examples of enchanting elements that can turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary expressions of...
Traditional two-story white home with black shingles

Homeownership Costs Are Climbing—Here's How to Respond

Purgula Innovation for Homeowners Being a Resilient Homeowner November 17, 2025 Hi Reader, In recent years, much of the conversation around resilience has focused on strengthening our homes—reinforcing structures, modernizing systems, and preparing our properties to withstand tougher conditions. But certain challenges, like rising costs or being dropped by your insurance carrier, make it clear that resilience isn’t just about structures. They are a reminder that homeowners must cultivate...