Soaking up to your chin in the swirling warm waters of a whirlpool tub is luxurious. But the jets can get dirty, so your tub requires regular maintenance to keep your baths clean and healthy. Here are some simple tips to show your tub some TLC. Regular maintenance keeps cleaning simple Most things we own… Read more »
Replacing or refinishing cabinets is part of most kitchen updates. Painting cabinets is a popular option these days that costs a fraction of replacing existing cabinets. You could hire someone to paint kitchen cabinets, but you can also handle the job yourself. Come on, you’ve got this! Compare with a professional It doesn’t hurt to… Read more »
Hardwood floors have been installed in homes for centuries. No other floor has the enduring beauty and character of a fine hardwood floor. Today you have a variety of gorgeous hardwood floor options, including the latest fusion of classic woods with modern technology. Pros and cons of hardwood floors A beautiful wood floor brings warmth… Read more »
When friends and family come to stay, you want to be a thoughtful host. This is especially true during the holidays. Here are some ways to make your overnight guests’ stay at your home the most wonderful time of the year. Think like a hotelier or Airbnb host Anticipate what your overnight guests may need…. Read more »
Nearly every homeowner faces an ant invasion at some point. A security system can protect your home from burglars, but an army of ants can be nearly as troubling and more difficult to guard against. Here’s how to protect your home with effective ant control. Preventative measures Roaches are disgusting and spiders terrifying, but at… Read more »
Accidents happen and may leave you with a hole, burn or permanent stain on your wall-to-wall carpet. Don’t despair! You can repair that carpet in seven steps, and the fix will be virtually invisible. Here’s how. Tools and supplies for the job The most important thing you will need for successful carpet repair is a… Read more »
If you think concrete couldn’t be more bland, think again. Today’s decorative concrete can be a design powerhouse. Take a look at these eye-catching examples. Floors that don’t bore Decorative concrete’s popularity has grown over the last 20 years as residential and commercial buildings have begun foregoing tile and hardwood floors for gorgeous artisan concrete… Read more »
As we shelter in place and socially distance because of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyday life goes on. Systems, appliances and devices in our homes break down and need repair. If a home service contractor or repair person must come into your home, how can you each protect the other from potential coronavirus infection? Ask about… Read more »
COVID-19 pandemic made us aware of the many things in our homes that multiple people touch each day. We can sanitize those surfaces frequently, but today’s touchless technology makes it possible to avoid touching many surfaces at all. You may forget and touch your face, but at least you have no need to touch these… Read more »
Movies make it appear that every human encounter with a snake is life threatening. The truth is seldom that dire, but no one wants to get up close and personal with a snake. What should you do when one slithers into your home? Take a deep breath and use this guide. Most snakes aren’t poisonous… Read more »
When it comes to home fire hazards, you may think of electrical shorts or fireplace accidents. But home clothes dryers are the source of thousands of house fires each year. With more people at home, the washer and dryer are working overtime, making safe dryer operation more important than ever. How do dryer fires happen?… Read more »
With families hunkering down and eating at home more often during the coronavirus pandemic, the dishwasher is definitely earning its keep. Politics may divide people online, but at home the proper way to load the dishwasher can spark domestic differences. Save yourselves from heated disputes with these commonsense directions for loading the dishwasher. How the… Read more »
The coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives, seemingly overnight. How can you keep COVID-19 and other infectious diseases out of your home so that you and your loved ones stay healthy? Cleanliness is next to healthiness During any disease outbreak, including the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to keep your home clean and disinfected. Pay particular… Read more »
Homeowners who want more living space but don’t want to add on a new room might consider converting the garage. Although generally less expensive than building on a room, garage conversions require careful thought. Before you evict your cars from the garage, let’s sort through what’s involved. How hard could this be? When the cost… Read more »
Local charities and donation centers appreciate your donations, but there are some items they just can’t take. What should you do with household hazardous waste, heavily worn items, mattresses, and other donation dilemmas? Local disposal Leftover paints, solvents, automotive fluids and cleaners can leak into the soil and ultimately into groundwater. Fluorescent lights contain small… Read more »
You’re happily settled in your first home but have come to realize how much you don’t know. Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions from first-time homeowners. Q: Which home improvements add the most value? Although your house is an investment, first and foremost it is your home. Don’t view renovations solely with… Read more »
If you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall, taking proactive steps to prevent flooding in your home can save you lots of money and frustration. An ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of cure, so here are some key preparations to take to protect your home from flooding. Starting on top The… Read more »
Some older kitchens included a desk area, slightly lower than countertop height, for sitting down to pay bills or organize files. While a great idea at the time, most people now have a home office space. If you’re wondering what to do with my kitchen desk area, here are some modern suggestions. Repurpose it as… Read more »
A new generation of paints gives you the rich colors you want without the pungent smells of traditional paints. Known as low-VOC paints, they are safer for the environment and your health. Let’s learn more. What are VOCs? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals in traditional paint that contribute to the strong smell you associate… Read more »
Unless you’ve been living under an avalanche of clutter, (pun intended) you’ve probably heard about the KonMari method of organization introduced by Marie Kondo. Her best-selling books and Netflix television series were the talk of home-improvement media over the past year. Here’s a breakdown of what the KonMari method of decluttering entails and how to… Read more »
