Does your otherwise attractive home have an unsightly foundation wall that spoils its curb appeal? Here are five ways to make that ugly wall disappear. Paint it. Typically, the foundation wall has a thin veneer of concrete mortar spread over it similar to stucco, for a smoother cosmetic look. Choose a masonry paint that works… Read more »
A deck can be a little slice of paradise…except for the scorching sun by day and the insects by night. So why not turn that deck into a screened-in porch? Here’s an outline of what it takes. Get proposals. Using online and personal referrals, ask three contractors for proposals and quotes. Make sure they’ve been… Read more »
It’s the house repair every homeowner fears: foundation problems. Before you panic, here’s how to tell whether those scary looking cracks are “no big deal” or a sign of real trouble. No worries. If you are living in a new construction home, expect minor settling that causes small cracks here and there. Hairline cracks that… Read more »
Giving your home a welcoming custom feel is all in the architectural details. If your house is a bit blah, the solution may be as simple as adding trim. Moldings and trims on your ceilings, walls, doors, and windows add character and value to your home. Check out these five trim options to upgrade and… Read more »
If chaos in the kitchen is sending you to the drive-through window a bit too often, it’s time to take control with the help of some time-saving, storage-friendly kitchen hacks. Here are five to get you started. Pull-out shelves. If you have to kneel down and rummage through deep corner cabinets, pull-out shelves may be an… Read more »
The latest trend in kitchen cabinets? Surprise! It’s no cabinets at all. Rather than traditional cupboards, kitchen designers are now frequently suggesting open shelving. A second option growing in popularity is glass-front cabinets. Check out the pros and cons of each before deciding on your new kitchen. Trends in open shelves Forgoing cabinets and installing… Read more »
Photographs are an amazing way to save and display our memories, and with digital technology it’s easier and less expensive than ever to capture every moment. The trouble is, more often than not, we end up with thousands of files instead of a collection. How do you manage your images so you can actually enjoy… Read more »
One of the big advantages to buying a newer home is the use of modern building materials that reduce — and in some cases, completely eliminate — the need for costly home repairs. Check out these advances in building materials and techniques, which are also a great choice for those with older homes facing big-ticket… Read more »
Whether it’s years of accumulated clutter, old appliances, or household chemicals, it has to go. Is it a DIY job? Or do you need to call in the professionals? Here’s what you need to know. Identify the different types of trash in your home. Your household waste falls into three categories and each has its… Read more »
Painting can be a big job, but with the right tools the task will be easier and the finished product more professional. Here are nine essential tools. Masking tape will keep paint off of adjacent areas where you don’t want it, making your job decidedly easier. Most often this will be masking trim work from… Read more »
It’s dated, ugly and needs to go. When the wallpaper in your home has seen better days, what’s the best way to tackle this messy job and keep your sanity? Check out this nine-step guide to a new look. Don’t skip the prep work. Remove all pictures, nails and screws from the wall to be… Read more »
When hiring a contractor to do work at your home, you want someone who is honest and competent. This is especially important when hiring a small contracting firm or individual. Here’s how to go about finding the right person for the job. Before looking for a contractor, plan your project. Gather pictures of the look… Read more »
Once you’ve cleaned and organized your house from top to bottom, what is the best way to get rid of all your unwanted junk? If time is of the essence, donate it all to a favorite charity thrift shop. But if you’d like to recoup some of the money you spent, try a garage sale…. Read more »
The focal point of the home is the kitchen, where family and friends gather to share food, drink and fun. But if you like to entertain guests, even a large kitchen can become congested, especially if you are preparing and replenishing food throughout the event. Adding a butler’s pantry may be the answer to your… Read more »
As a new homeowner, you may have received a home warranty from the builder or previous owners. It’s a nice perk, yes. But don’t get the false impression your warranty will cover everything that goes wrong in your new home. You might be surprised at what is covered — and what may not be covered…. Read more »
One of the biggest and most common do-it-yourself projects is painting. Especially for new homeowners, it’s only natural to paint over a room (or four). But, before you head to the paint store, ask yourself a key question: Should I prime the walls before painting? The answer? Maybe. Because priming adds a lot of time,… Read more »
Pet accidents are inevitable, reminding us all of the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Hurry, grab some supplies and let’s get that mess cleaned up and the odor removed. Soiled carpets. Quick removal of pet waste is essential. Left to dry, stain and odor removal becomes more difficult and may result in… Read more »
You love your pets, but you also love your home. Unfortunately, taking care of your pets can take a toll on your home. Here’s a pet-lover’s handy guide to keeping both clean and tidy. Since pet odors can be absorbed by carpet, cloth upholstery and drapes, keeping pets clean means a cleaner, fresher-smelling home. In… Read more »
Whether you’re moving or just looking for a more streamlined look, your bookshelves are an obvious place to consider paring down. Books are heavy and take up a lot of space. With the continued popularity of electronic reading devices that store hundreds of books in the palm of your hand, is it really necessary to… Read more »
Regardless of space or budget, you can turn your closet into something special. All it takes is organization and a little attention to detail. Closet systems. Custom closet organizers are trained to make closets look luxurious, but their talent comes at a price. The good news is you can achieve similar results at a lower… Read more »
