The home wet bar has been a part of entertaining for decades, but today’s renditions are more fashionable than ever before. Basic components include: a faucet with sink, a stylish counter with cabinets underneath, handsome open shelving above, a wine refrigerator and, if the sky’s the limit, a dishwasher. Don’t forget a beverage cart for… 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 »
When it comes to safety, be sure to travel with a fully charged cellphone and a car charger. But it doesn’t hurt to have a Plan B. A well-stocked emergency car kit can save the day when cell service is spotty or help hasn’t yet arrived. Here’s a dozen items to keep in your vehicle… Read more »
If you love outdoor entertaining, it might be time to think outside the four corners of your patio or screened-in porch. By creating a secondary outdoor spot, you’ll not only have extra seating but also another space to have fun with family and friends. Relaxing while dining. Adjacent to your deck or patio, create an… Read more »
Picture yourself on a nice afternoon, reading a book or magazine while lying on a hammock slung between two trees in your backyard. It’s a small slice of affordable homeowner heaven. Intrigued? Take a look at the best choices in outdoor lounging. Hammocks are a longtime favorite for backyard laziness. In a shaded area, hang… Read more »
There’s something magical about the beauty and delicacy of butterflies. Wouldn’t it be fun to have them as frequent visitors around your home? Here’s how to invite them into your yard. Learn your butterflies. Research local websites for butterfly field guides highlighting types native to your area. Pay close attention to the types of plants… Read more »
With just the right mix of trees, bushes and flowering plants, an ordinary yard can be transformed into a miniature bird sanctuary. Want to know how? Learn your native species. Consult local university websites, agricultural extension offices and other online sources for birds indigenous to your area. Find out what types of plants will attract… Read more »
You put a lot of TLC into your gorgeous roses, only to have deer eat the blooms. Your tomatoes were just getting ripe when a squirrel gnawed big chunks out of them. Even your own pets may occasionally take a nibble of a prized plant in your garden. Instead of getting angry, learn how to… Read more »
As the weather warms up, it’s prime time to buy a new grill for those backyard barbecues. To keep your guests coming back for more, choose a grill to match your level of cooking skill. Here are the basics to consider when shopping for a new grill. Types of grills. Outdoor grills are available in… Read more »
Landscaping an unusually shaped property can be difficult, but not impossible. With a little design help, the right plants and some hard work, an unconventional yard can be transformed into a yard with gorgeous curb appeal. The trick is to draw the viewer’s eye away from the lot’s weaknesses to highlighted accents. Here are several… Read more »
Harvesting rainwater for home gardens has become popular in many sections of the country — particularly in drought-prone areas. But is water collected in rain barrels safe to use and do you save enough money with lower municipal water usage to make them worthwhile? Rain barrel systems are simple, and relatively cheap to assemble. The… Read more »
Home sports courts provide great fun and exercise, but are they a wise investment? While the kids may overwhelmingly approve, a future buyer may not agree. Here’s a quick play-by-play of what’s involved, how much it will cost and the return on investment. Types of courts. The most common types of courts are for basketball… Read more »
The typical driveway, let’s face it, tends to be a bit boring. Made of concrete or asphalt, they provide a humble entry to the garage. But in newer neighborhoods, especially those with larger lots, driveways are providing a place to add a little pizzazz and curb appeal. Driveway configuration. The size and shape of the… Read more »
Selecting trees to landscape your home can be a difficult task. Buy them too small and your yard looks skimpy. Buy them too large and you may end up living in a jungle of overgrowth. Here’s an overview of what to consider when selecting and planting trees. Choose for your soil and climate. Consult your… Read more »
A vegetable garden is a good way to provide delicious and healthy produce to your family without spending a lot of money. With some careful planning and prep work, you can grow nutritious vegetables in every season. Follow these steps to ensure a bountiful harvest year-round. Design your garden. Two to three raised beds (four-foot… Read more »
A good power washing can work wonders on the outside of a home, peeling off layers of dirt and grime. It’s also a great tool when sprucing up walkways, patios and decks. Here’s what you need to know before hiring the job out or attempting to do it yourself. Hiring a professional pressure washer is… Read more »
Forget about a green thumb, a good gardener needs a quality set of tools. Check out our handy list of the most helpful gardening tools for the backyard landscaper. Shopping List of Essential Gardening Tools Gloves are a must, especially if gardening is a weekend-only activity and blisters are a likely result. Gloves can also… Read more »
The beauty of a lawn comes with a price: mowing, lots of water, plus bags of fertilizer, weed and pest control. The amount of time, sweat and resources going into the yard may eventually overwhelm your pride in it. You could hire someone to maintain the lawn, but one way or the other, it’s costing… Read more »
A professional garage makeover can transform the most neglected part of a home into a thing of beauty. But is it worth the hefty price tag? With a quick trip to a big box store, a do-it-yourself organizing system will get a homeowner’s belongings off the floor with snap-together shelves and wall hangers. But a… Read more »
If you’ve always shoveled the snow around your home — or paid someone to do it — you might find yourself asking yourself: Is it time to buy a snowblower? Let’s examine the pros and cons. How often does it snow? This is the first question you need to ask yourself when considering a snow… Read more »
