Here’s our guide to improving, maintaining, and enjoying your house. With information on everything from home technology and reducing energy costs to outdoor living and working from home, these articles will help you care for your house and get the most out of living there.
Relaxing on your deck is a real pleasure. Unfortunately, wood decks need periodic refinishing to extend that pleasure for many years. Here’s how to restore your deck’s beauty. Choosing the right time It’s important that the weather be dry when you are cleaning and refinishing your wood deck. Wood will not absorb stain well if… 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 »
You might think that smart home technology is only for control of indoor devices, like thermostats, home theaters and security systems. But high tech has come to the backyard. Let’s talk about some of the outdoor smart home technology now available. High-tech grilling Outdoor smart home technology is revolutionizing the oldest form of cooking. You… Read more »
Spring and summer bring fresh air, lightness, and a sense of rebirth as the world comes alive again after hibernating. Check out these easy home design tips for the warmer months. Warm Month Colors Spring and summer traditionally mean pastels, but don’t let that stop you from using bold, vibrant colors. Yellows, golds, greens –… Read more »
Is there any place on earth cozier than your own bed? You collapse there at the end of a long day, eager to snuggle down and start stacking ZZZs. But if you’re not cleaning your covers often enough, there’s a lot of microscopic stuff in that bed with you. Here’s our guide to keeping bed… Read more »
Buying plants online may not offer the lush smells and instant beauty achieved when meandering through a local plant nursery. But would-be gardeners will save time — and possibly money — when shopping for plants online. Here’s what to know before you buy plants online. Pros Ordering plants from a website provides access to unusual… Read more »
Advancing technology allows you to send documents wirelessly from your computer to your printer. But that convenience disappears when the wireless printer doesn’t work properly. Before you throw in the towel, try these troubleshooting steps to restore malfunctioning wireless printing. Determining if Wi-Fi is the problem Try simple tests first to diagnose the problem. Because… Read more »
If you love the zesty taste of fresh herbs in food, wouldn’t it be great to have some growing right outside the backdoor or in a sunny kitchen window? Consider planting your own tasty herb garden either indoors or out. Here are some tips for herb gardening. Where to plant a herb garden Herbs require… Read more »
Before you get started cleaning a long-neglected grill, think about how best to keep from making a bigger mess. First, protect the surrounding area with cardboard or a tarp. Next, consider wearing old clothes or a long apron to protect against grease stains. It’s also a great idea to wear protective gloves while grill cleaning…. Read more »
Cyber hacking of consumers’ online data has become so common that strong passwords are now essential. What elements make for a strong password? Here are some simple security tips to protect your personal data from being hacked. The most basic cyber security Passwords are just one aspect of keeping your online personal data safe. You… Read more »
More and more home gardeners are growing lush vegetables and plants with hydroponics systems. Hydroponic gardeners say this ancient historical method produces phenomenal plant growth and high yields. What is hydroponics? An ancient approach Cultures dating back 2,500 years gardened by setting plants in containers without soil, then continually bathing their root systems with a… 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 »
Wouldn’t it be great to relax on your own deck, or gaze at a gorgeous new tree in your front yard? Before you pull out the shovel and start digging, take steps to avoid hitting utility lines, which could turn a dream project into a nightmare. Utility line just below the surface Millions of miles… 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 »
Many older apartments and homes have fewer bathrooms than today’s modern houses. Here are some ideas to help your family live in harmony with just one bathroom. Organize time in the bathroom Cut down on the conflict by creating a schedule for when different family members shower or bathe. This way others will know when… 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 »
Sitting beside a cozy, crackling fireplace can be one of life’s most satisfying experiences. You may not have given much thought to your firewood, but the type you choose makes a difference in the quality of your fire. Let’s shed some light on the subject. The type of wood matters The best fires burn slowly… Read more »
