Nearly 20 percent of today’s American households are multigenerational. A multigenerational household is defined as two or more adult generations living in one home or grandparents living in the same household as grandchildren younger than 25. The lifestyle can be positive for all concerned, but multigenerational living presents certain issues. Before you add that in-law… Read more »
For allergy sufferers, some of life’s greatest pleasures can bring pain. Spring brings warmer temperatures and beautiful colors but also an explosion of pollen. Cats and dogs make warm and loving companions but may also make your sinuses miserable. The moisture left behind after a soothing hot bath can lead to mold. Allergens are everywhere,… Read more »
Junk mail is relentless. For every piece of mail worth keeping, it seems there are 10 that aren’t. But there are ways to stop, or at least slow, the flood of junk filling your mailbox. Here’s how. Annoying and potentially damaging Advertising mail serves a useful purpose by putting marketing messages into the hands of… Read more »
Homes built between 1978 and 1995 often have plumbing made of polybutylene, a leak-prone material that is no longer used in construction. What is polybutylene, what problems does it present, and what does replacing it entail? How poly-b plumbing came to be Polybutylene, or “poly-b,” pipes and fittings were hailed in 1978 as a terrific… Read more »
Everyone knows to tip restaurant food servers, who rely on tips to supplement their pay. But what about the various contractors who provide services to you at home? For some jobs, it’s appropriate to tip; for others, it is not. Here is some guidance on contractor tips. Who to tip? Skilled contractors, such as plumbers,… Read more »
Children four and under are at great risk for serious injury or death from a toppled piece of heavy furniture. Here are several things to consider to minimize the risk of furniture-related accidents when you have a curious climber in your household. What types of items pose the highest risk? Tall pieces of furniture, including… Read more »
Wrought iron brings classic elegance to home design. Wrought iron fences, doors, and furniture can provide a lifetime of beauty. But the material needs care to protect it. Let’s discuss how to maintain, paint and enjoy wrought iron. The iron age returns Iron has been used both decoratively and practically in home construction for centuries…. Read more »
We take our refrigerators and freezers for granted until something goes wrong. No one can avoid long-term power outages during natural disasters, which can result in ruined food. But with a few simple steps, you can prevent a lack of maintenance from causing refrigeration failure. Here’s how to keep things chill. Vacuum the condenser coils… Read more »
In recent years homeowners have preferred open floor plans. Homes of yesteryear compartmentalized the kitchen, dining and living areas, but today we love houses where these three areas flow together. Sometimes, however, homeowners need or want a little separation. With room dividers, you can segment your space without sacrificing openness. Open, but with boundaries By… Read more »
Bringing home a new dog is an act of sheer love. Joy and adoration await you, but so does responsibility. Follow these steps to prepare yourself, your home and your dog for a great experience. Adopt for life The first step to bringing home a new dog is making a commitment to the animal. Dog… Read more »
Home decorating trends are looking up, literally. We put so much emphasis on walls, floors, and furnishings that the ceiling’s potential for impact often gets overlooked. Here’s what you are missing. Color contrasts. The color of a ceiling can enhance or minimize its height. Painting the ceiling a brighter color than the walls can “lift”… Read more »
Home renovations is an astounding $326.1 billion annual industry in the United States, with no signs of its growth stopping. Consumers constantly hear the message that their houses somehow fall short…which begs the question: Do our houses really need that much work or are we simply victims of reno hype? Why Do You Want to… Read more »
When building a new home or remodeling, it’s exciting to choose from all the latest and greatest options — especially when we’re talking about kitchens and bathrooms. But many of today’s “luxuries” can become tomorrow’s nuisances. Here’s a list of high-end items worthy of adding and another list of luxury upgrades you might want to… Read more »
Painted brick is an exciting new design trend. Is painting your tired brick exterior or that overly orange wall in the den a good way to rev up your decor? Let’s explore this option. Pros and Cons of Painted Brick Painted brick is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to update your home’s exterior… Read more »
No one can forget the horrible pictures of flooding along the Texas Gulf Coast after Hurricane Harvey, where tens of thousands of homes flooded and hundreds of thousands of people were displaced. Now the Carolinas are faced with the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Do you know what to do if your home floods? Here’s how… Read more »
Besides being the hottest month of the year, August is a time of transition. Vacation season is winding down and the school year is starting. Here are several key home maintenance chores to complete. Transition time Break out the backpacks, calculators, and lunch bags. Prepare a place at home for the kids to study and… Read more »
Thanksgiving is but a memory, and winter is in the air. It’s time to make sure your home is ready for the frosty months ahead. Check Heating System Ideally, the heating system should be checked mid-fall, but if that hasn’t happened, hire a pro to inspect the gas or oil burner, the heat exchanger and… Read more »
While immersing yourself in summertime activities, it’s important to set aside enough time to take care of home and yard chores. Here are 10 must-do items while summer’s in full swing. • Air Conditioning Summer Maintenance If you haven’t already, it’s imperative to have a professional check your air conditioning system. It’s working full time… Read more »
That winter chill is retreating and the prospect of warm Spring weather is no longer a distant dream. Get your house and yard ready with these 10 maintenance musts. NOTE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, building and construction trades are essential to maintaining the safety and operation of private residences. Therefore, service providers such as plumbers,… Read more »
Fall brings cooler days, football, pumpkin spice, and the perfect time to prep your home for winter. Here’s what needs to get done. √ The Heating System Before it gets cold enough to turn on the furnace, have a professional inspect the heat exchanger, furnace burners, and air handler for readiness. Always change the intake… Read more »
