As baby boomers age, their adult children often face challenging questions about caring for their elders. Not everyone is suited for multi-generational living. Be honest as you ask yourself these questions. What are your parents’ health needs? Do they still have the ability to care for themselves? What health challenges run in your family? If… Read more »
When it comes to adding living space to a home, consider thinking up, not out. Attic conversions can make for fun and private retreats, but require some careful planning. Here’s what to consider. Meeting building codes Building codes are written to ensure safe structures. Complying with them is particularly important with an attic conversion. Your… Read more »
Most people dislike confrontation, but sometimes when a product or service goes wrong, you need to let the provider know. Successful complaining through customer reviews is an art. You want to get your problem resolved, not just to vent frustration. Here are some smart methods of getting customer satisfaction. Whose problem is it? If your… Read more »
Whether you are single, a couple or a family with kids, living in a small space means adapting to tight quarters. Now add a dog, a cat or both, and the space seems even smaller. How can you live harmoniously with pets in small spaces? Be very practical Focus on having just enough furnishings. Save… Read more »
If you feel like you’re spending all your precious free time with a mop and bucket, perhaps it’s time to hire help with house cleaning. How do you find a housecleaning service or a housekeeper who can do a good job? Let’s look at how you can find the housekeeping help you need. What do… Read more »
With today’s new materials and colors, choosing grout for your tile project can be overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown showing the choices available to new homeowners and remodelers. Types of grout From powder to pre-mixed, and even epoxy, grout comes in many types. Powder grout, a cement-based product, contains pores – meaning it can hold stains,… Read more »
Every homeowner eventually faces the issue of what to do with leftover paint. How do you store it, how long will it remain usable, and how do you dispose of it? Will a sample be needed to pass on to future owners if the home is sold. To keep or dispose Keep only the paint… Read more »
New home buyers traditionally have kept kitchen cabinets neutral. But the new trends are all about color, even on cabinets. Here are some kitchen cabinet designs being installed in new construction and renovations. Styles Finished wood versus painted cabinets — which will be big this year? Both! Don’t feel pressured to stick to one style…. Read more »
Water is essential for our personal health, but water leaks at home can cause costly damage. Use these tips to troubleshoot your house from top to bottom to prevent a budget-busting nightmare. Your roof and adjoining structures Regular annual roof inspection and maintenance are essential, as loose shingles or flashing can lead to leaks. Extreme… Read more »
Is your closet so stuffed that you’re secretly hanging new purchases in the back of your kids’ closets? Have you purchased a new stapler in frustration after searching for hours for one of the two you already own? Do you trip over piles of books in the hallway because you’ve run out of room on… Read more »
When preparing a home for sale, most of us clean all the hot spots – vacuuming the carpets, scrubbing the tub and shower, wiping down messy countertops, and cleaning mirrors and windows. But what about these five forgotten places in your home where dirt and grime are likely lurking? Trash cans Have you ever taken… Read more »
When temperatures plunge, the risk of frozen pipes rises. How can you keep pipes from freezing in your home and what should you do if it happens? We’ve got this down cold! Vulnerable to winter’s onslaught Pipes are at risk when the temperature falls below 20 degrees for more than a couple of days. Plumbing… Read more »
If your home has both living and family rooms, you may be using only the latter. What to do with that unused formal area? Here’s how to make your living room into a home office in five easy steps. Planning out your home office If you need help space planning, look to digital tools like… Read more »
Some workbench tools — those workhorses like hammers and power drills — are worth the investment. But you may be better off renting many others. Here’s a handy guide to help you decide when to buy and when to rent. Your wallet will thank you. Tools to Buy and Keep… Basic tools that are likely… Read more »
We may not like to think about a natural disaster destroying our home, but a little planning and preparation can prevent damage. Here are some tips to help protect your precious home from the unthinkable. Wind damage High winds can occur in any part of the country during a natural disaster. Your home’s roof is… Read more »
An approaching tornado or hurricane is terrifying. Life, limb, and property are all at risk in these extreme weather events. What steps can you take to minimize damage to your home and remain safe? Extreme Weather: Tornadoes Surprisingly, much of the damage that tornadoes cause comes from flying debris, not just the direct impact of… Read more »
Kitchen countertops get lots of use – and abuse – leading to dents, nicks, cracks, and scratches that can hold dust, food, and bacteria. The good news is your solid surface countertops likely can be repaired rather than spending lots of money to replace them. Granite Countertops Smaller scratches to granite can be rubbed with… Read more »
Accidents happen in busy households, and invariably walls get dirty, dinged and dented. Here’s how to make these accidents disappear. Evaluate the wall damage What was it that hit the wall? Did it discolor the paint but not penetrate the surface? Or did it scratch, dent or gouge both the paint and the wall beneath… Read more »
It’s refreshing to open windows to let in fresh air on a beautiful spring or autumn day. But what if your window won’t budge? Here’s a quick DIY fix that will let in balmy breezes. What caused the windows to stick? When window frames are painted, the drying paint can form a seal along the… Read more »
A dog door can be a nice convenience for your fur baby, allowing her to come and go outside as she pleases. Your dog may bark for joy if you install one, but will you? And is this a DIY project? Let’s sniff out the details. The pros and cons of a dog door A… Read more »
