When wild animals take up residence in your attic or walls, it’s usually a female looking for a safe, warm spot to tend to a litter. Unfortunately, these creatures are destructive and may carry diseases. Squirrels are the No. 1 type of invasive animal in the attic. Homeowners typically will hear them at sunrise and… Read more »
When it comes to pest control, prevention is crucial to a homeowner’s peace of mind. But once you’ve had an invasion, it may be time to call in the experts. Pests are inevitable. Crawling in through the smallest openings, ants and other insects are looking for food and water. In the case of rodents, they’re… Read more »
In a bathroom remodel, selecting the right material for the walls is essential. It has to be tough enough to handle the moisture but handsome enough to please the eye. Painted walls. Use a less-porous paint such as a semi-gloss or gloss. Be sure to ask for paint with anti-fungal additives to deter mold. Wooden… Read more »
If you’re custom building a home or remodeling an outdated bathroom, don’t forget to consider an updated toilet. Take a look at the most recent changes in commode function and style. Function. Newer “dual-flush” toilets give homeowners the choice to use 1.6 gallons of water while flushing or the water-saving .8 gallons of water. Worried… Read more »
Bathroom sinks and countertops have come a long way from the standard-issue white porcelain sink dropped into laminate cabinetry that you find in many homes across the country. Need a change? Treat yourself and your bathroom to a gorgeous makeover. Countertops. The same great high-end surfaces available for kitchen remodels are now available in bathrooms…. Read more »
Bathroom showers have surged in popularity in recent years, making bathtubs a secondary feature in many remodeling projects. If a makeover is in your future, here are a few things to consider before getting your feet wet. Expansive size. In some instances, showers have become so large, they may not even need doors, a definite… Read more »
Bathtubs may have taken a temporary backseat to luxurious showers in home style trends, but the latest tubs offer plenty of advances in design and technology of their own. And don’t forget, in a home with multiple bathrooms, at least one should offer a tub — if only for the kids and the family dog…. Read more »
Although bathrooms are among the smallest rooms in a home, they are a big job to tackle when it comes to remodeling. Roll up your sleeves and let the planning begin. Function first. List the functional aspects of the current floorplan and what you would like to change. Are there dead spaces? Can two people… Read more »
The typical driveway, let’s face it, tends to be a bit boring. Made of concrete or asphalt, they provide a humble entry to the garage. But in newer neighborhoods, especially those with larger lots, driveways are providing a place to add a little pizzazz and curb appeal. Driveway configuration. The size and shape of the… Read more »
Elegant, sweeping stairs are one of the central contributors to a home’s beauty. Here are the latest trends in stairs, which just might sweep you off your feet. Anatomy of a staircase. If you are updating a staircase or in the process of a building a new one, it’s helpful to know the lingo. The… Read more »
Is our water safe to drink? Can it be improved for our consumption? These are questions you may be asking about your home tap water. What’s in your water? The vast majority of Americans get their water from municipal systems. City water is regulated and inspected by government agencies, more so than the commercial bottled… Read more »
Today’s faucets are attractive, sleek and come in a beautiful array of shapes, sizes and even colors. Perhaps the most eye pleasing are the various swan neck designs, which are popular for their form and function. Available finishes range from nickel and bronze to copper, brass and stainless steel. One example of the unique finishes… Read more »
Population increases — combined with the ease of worldwide travel — mean your chances of a bedbug encounter in a hotel room are on the rise. So it’s not surprising that many bedbugs hitch a ride home. Be vigilant. Bedbugs are parasites. Like mosquitos and ticks, they feast on the blood of a host. Unlike… Read more »
Even the simplest household fix-it job goes more smoothly with the right tool in hand. Here’s a quick guide to what the well-stocked home toolbox should contain. Cutting Tools Handsaws include wood saws that do cross-cuts (cutting across the grain of the wood), rip cuts (cutting along the grain), and hacksaws for cutting metal. Wire… Read more »
It takes more than a snazzy front door to create curb appeal. These days, prospective buyers are looking for a stylish garage door that matches the architectural style of the house. Let’s take a look at what’s new and different. Door types and styles. The most widely used garage door is the roll up sectional… Read more »
A professional garage makeover can transform the most neglected part of a home into a thing of beauty. But is it worth the hefty price tag? With a quick trip to a big box store, a do-it-yourself organizing system will get a homeowner’s belongings off the floor with snap-together shelves and wall hangers. But a… Read more »
As people age, routine movement around the home may become a challenge. If seniors choose to age in place, what can be done to ensure comfort and safety when simply moving about the house? Let’s take a look. A ramp makes a house more accessible to those using wheelchairs or walkers. Eliminating a curb at… Read more »
Aging in place can be a great comfort to senior adults, especially when necessary renovations make familiar surroundings more accessible. That’s particularly true in the kitchen, which is a bustling place during meal preparation and the center of family life. For starters, an open kitchen floorplan is a big help to a family member using… Read more »
It seems obvious that a garage should be used as a place to park your cars, but many folks have unintentionally turned their garages into giant storage rooms. If you’re guilty as charged, let the purging begin. Before you know it, your cars will replace all the clutter and you might even make yourself some… Read more »
If you’ve got a full-fledged battle of the sexes going on at your house regarding home improvement priorities, it’s time to call a timeout. Finding common ground is the key to deciding which projects to tackle first and which can wait. You’ll both be happier and your home-improvement efforts will go more smoothly. Talk about… Read more »
