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.
Some older kitchens included a desk area, slightly lower than countertop height, for sitting down to pay bills or organize files. While a great idea at the time, most people now have a home office space. If you’re wondering what to do with my kitchen desk area, here are some modern suggestions. Repurpose it as… Read more »
Small spaces – apartments or older homes with small rooms – often can’t accommodate a full-sized couch or a dining table that seats 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to do without. Here are seven ideas on how to live large in a smaller home. Plan for small spaces Take furniture dimensions and, using… Read more »
Energy efficient landscaping can play a vital role in both saving energy and slashing the price you pay for it. Planting the right plants in the right places can save up to 25 percent of the energy a home would typically use. Read on to learn how to save big. Know your zone The climate… Read more »
There’s no good time to receive an annoying robocall. Mobile phone carriers have apps to protect users, but how can you repel this scourge on your home’s landline? Let’s build your defenses. It’s a war out there Robocalls are the number one consumer complaint and the top consumer protection focus of the Federal Communications Commission…. Read more »
A new generation of paints gives you the rich colors you want without the pungent smells of traditional paints. Known as low-VOC paints, they are safer for the environment and your health. Let’s learn more. What are VOCs? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals in traditional paint that contribute to the strong smell you associate… Read more »
Unless you’ve been living under an avalanche of clutter, (pun intended) you’ve probably heard about the KonMari method of organization introduced by Marie Kondo. Her best-selling books and Netflix television series were the talk of home-improvement media over the past year. Here’s a breakdown of what the KonMari method of decluttering entails and how to… Read more »
Half of American households have cut the cord on their landline telephone service, and streaming Internet TV is chipping away at the business of cable and satellite companies. If you’re part of the “cut the cord” movement, you may be left with unsightly wires stuck to the side of your house. Here’s how to clean… Read more »
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 »
Television ads targeted to seniors dramatize elders pushing a button on a medical alert device when they’re home alone and have a medical emergency. Are these devices effective? How should you choose between brands? When medical alert devices can help Medical alert devices are particularly helpful for seniors, but anyone of any age who lives… Read more »
Faxing was once a cutting-edge communications technology. Today faxes may seem like a quaint relic from the past, but some people still rely on them. In an age where telephone landlines are disappearing, can you still fax if needed? The answer is yes. Read on to learn how. Newer method, same result Wireless and digital… Read more »
Many commercial buildings and retail stores have an entry vestibule, where visitors enter through an exterior door into a small space that has a second door for entrance into the building’s interior. Homes can also have a vestibule and its accompanying benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding a vestibule entry. What is an entry… 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 »
Guys have had “man caves” for decades. Now women are finally getting their own private space: the “she shed.” Here are some tips for setting up your personal space. A cozy retreat “She sheds” improve upon the basic shed by enhancing it with more eye appealing architectural design, colors and materials and by devoting the… Read more »
You see ads for air duct cleaning that promise purer home air and more efficient operation of your HVAC. But is air duct cleaning really needed? Let’s see what the experts say. Your system and dust accumulation The air duct system is the series of large tubes that draw new air to a home’s HVAC… Read more »
Many people use the terms interior decorator and interior designer interchangeably. While the jobs share some similarities, they are not the same, and the titles are not interchangeable. What’s the difference, and who do you need for your job? Areas of Expertise Interior designers work with clients, architects and builders to create functional spaces that… 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 »
Modern design has made fireplaces a focal point with tile and minimalist surrounds growing in popularity. So what’s a homeowner to do with an old-fashioned brick fireplace. Here are several ideas, including the budget-friendly option of painting. Painting a brick fireplace Old red brick is so 20th century, and it can clash with your décor…. Read more »
