Few things can be more wrenching and make you feel more vulnerable than when your home suffers major damage from a flood or a fire. You realize how suddenly life can take a shocking turn. You also want to get your life back to normal quickly. How do you find trusted professional help? When a… Read more »
Do-it-yourselfers, empowered by YouTube videos and well-produced cable TV shows, have no doubt saved themselves serious money by tackling home-improvement projects. But some jobs are better left to the professionals. A good rule of thumb: If you don’t own most of the necessary equipment or you need a permit to do the work, you should… Read more »
There are wine drinkers and then there are wine lovers, for whom the drink stirs passion. If you fall into the latter category, perhaps you’ve considered adding a wine cellar or dedicated wine refrigerator. Do you need it? Most wines today have already aged about two years from making to purchase and therefore are meant… Read more »
If you’re lucky enough to have an unfinished basement in your home, have you ever considered converting that space into a bonus living area? With some diligent clutter busting and clever design work, you could add a whole new dimension to your home. The possibilities. If you have an existing basement, would you make it… Read more »
What could be more idyllic than sitting before a crackling fireplace, your children happily playing at your feet. You may not give much thought to it, but the chimney stands as a silent sentry, making it all happen. Anatomy of a Fireplace A fireplace consists of a firebox where the wood or gas is burned;… Read more »
Ask homeowners what builds value in their homes and they likely will name things like kitchen upgrades, a new deck or other hard assets. What may not come to mind as readily is the value of having great neighbors. Yet having a harmonious neighborhood pays off in personal satisfaction and ultimately can be a selling… Read more »
If you’ve always envisioned yourself the proud owner of a backyard pool, what will it take to make that dream a reality? Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process. Considerations. Building a pool brings benefits and costs. Family fun, hours of relaxation and the beauty of its stone landscaping or decking are among the benefits…. Read more »
You buy a house to literally put “a roof over your head,” so having a trustworthy roof is vital. What are the key components to a roof and how do you keep it in good condition? Layer upon layer. From the ground, only the outermost layer of the roof is visible. That outer layer, made… Read more »
Similar to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors are an essential warning device in every home — perhaps even more so. While sleeping residents might be awakened by the smell of smoke and take action, carbon monoxide is odorless and can disable and kill without warning. Odorless and invisible. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever a fuel… Read more »
If you discover mold in your home, don’t panic. While all mold is disgusting, not all mold is life-threatening. Some just stink; others cause allergies. A few molds, such as Stachybotrys Atra, sometimes called “black mold,” cause serious health conditions. It’s important to assess the situation, then call in a professional, if needed. Where mold… Read more »
Throughout your house, key construction materials — things like flashing and weather stripping — work to keep rain and moisture from coming inside. As a homeowner, it’s your job to keep those materials well maintained to protect the integrity of your home. Here’s what you need to know. Roof. The roof has plywood decking, or… Read more »
Garages are supposed to be a place to park the car, but in reality, many Americans fill their garages to the brim with so much stuff that the thought of cleaning out and tidying up causes anxiety, fear and procrastination. Here’s how to conquer the clutter and put the cars back where they belong. Purge… Read more »
When it comes to home construction projects — large or small — homeowners are likely to encounter what may seem like a labyrinth of permits and inspections. Don’t be intimidated. Follow these guidelines to demystify the permitting process so you can enjoy your new project rather than fret about the red tape. The basics. Building… Read more »
Although no one wants to contemplate a cherished home being destroyed by fire, it’s an important topic to address — with emphasis on prevention and preparation. A home free from fire hazards. Fire prevention is the first priority. Never allow flammable materials to be stored near heat sources such as water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and… Read more »
Before you pick up that paintbrush or roller, do yourself a favor and study up on the types of paint, the materials you’ll need to do a good job and the techniques required to make your painted surfaces look like you hired a pro. Types of paint. Paint falls into two basic types: water-based and… Read more »
If you’re talking about a potential home renovation project, it’s important to know if the money you put into the project will translate into more money down the road when, or if, you sell your house. Some projects will pay off handsomely while others will not. And, sometimes, it’s how you do the project that… Read more »
Most people know about the more obvious home safety measures, such as having working smoke detectors. But there are plenty of safety issues you may have overlooked. Here’s a handy guide for you. Have your heating system serviced annually. With age, the heat exchanger in your furnace may crack, allowing carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless… Read more »
A kitchen makeover is probably the most beneficial renovation for a house. Most people don’t think twice about replacing counters, but the cabinets can involve a more complex decision. You basically have three choices: Replace, refinish or paint. Here’s how to decide. Assess what you have. Take a good look at your cabinets, their condition… Read more »
Whether you are building a new house or updating an existing one, beautiful floors are fundamental for a warm, inviting home. Over the years, flooring choices have expanded dramatically, making the process a little overwhelming. Here’s a helpful guide. Wood flooring. We’ll start with arguably the best value and the most popular category. Over the… Read more »
How do you go about picking the best paint for your home project? Choosing the right color is a good first step but the type of paint you use and the sheen are also crucial to a successful project. Let’s get started. Latex paints are a water-based, consumer-friendly option. They are easy to apply and… Read more »
