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.
It’s easy to go overboard when decorating kids’ rooms. It’s so tempting to go all-in with a theme of trucks or unicorns or a much-loved superhero. But what happens when the child moves on to a new favorite? Here’s how to indulge your child’s intense, but changing, interests without breaking the budget. Color Schemes Start… Read more »
Most people today are trying to eliminate paper clutter from their lives. So is it really necessary to keep instruction manuals for your new home’s appliances and other products? Let’s read up on cutting down the number of appliance manuals around your new house. Why keep appliance manuals? Sometimes it makes sense to keep paper… Read more »
We may not like to think about a natural disaster destroying our home, but a little planning and preparation can prevent damage. Here are some tips to help protect your precious home from the unthinkable. Wind damage High winds can occur in any part of the country during a natural disaster. Your home’s roof is… Read more »
Pets are wonderful additions to the family and have been proven to reduce stress and blood pressure. However, their expenses add up quickly, so here’s how to welcome a new pet on a budget. Where to Buy a New Pet Many potential pet owners look to breeders as the best option. However, many pets languish… Read more »
Inkjet printers are a common choice for home printing, but laser printers that serve the more demanding business market are also big sellers for home use. Which is the printer for you? What type of printer do you need? The best printer for your home depends on your printing needs and the relative cost of… Read more »
Heating and air-conditioning units that are too large or small can raise your energy bill and cause other problems. Here’s a guide to help the average consumer purchase a system that’s just the right size. Determining heating and air-conditioning unit sizes Home air-conditioning units come in a variety of sizes. The size is expressed in… Read more »
Cheaper than ever before, LED light bulbs are surging in popularity in American households. Not only do they save money on energy, but they also last far longer than traditional and CFL bulbs. Is it time for you to switch to LEDs? Incandescent Versus LED Versus CFL The old-fashioned incandescent light bulb historically has been… Read more »
An approaching tornado or hurricane is terrifying. Life, limb, and property are all at risk in these extreme weather events. What steps can you take to minimize damage to your home and remain safe? Extreme Weather: Tornadoes Surprisingly, much of the damage that tornadoes cause comes from flying debris, not just the direct impact of… Read more »
Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, isn’t as hard as you might think — even without a large yard. Where do you start? Here are the basics to a successful backyard kitchen garden. Start your gardening at the computer. Many online gardening sites provide planner templates, giving step-by-step instructions on everything from starting with… Read more »
Color schemes can make your home look hopelessly dated or vibrantly on trend. But how do you know which colors are in and which are out? Here are seven tips to best choose a modern color palette. 1. Color palette dictates ambiance. Consider the room, how you want to feel, and what you will be… Read more »
When you buy a new computer, you may plan to sell, donate or recycle your old one. But you’ve got sensitive passwords and account information on the hard drive you’re getting rid of. Before you let go of your old computer, take these vital steps to remove your personal data. Deleting files isn’t enough The… Read more »
Kitchen countertops get lots of use – and abuse – leading to dents, nicks, cracks, and scratches that can hold dust, food, and bacteria. The good news is your solid surface countertops likely can be repaired rather than spending lots of money to replace them. Granite Countertops Smaller scratches to granite can be rubbed with… Read more »
Regular massages offer increased circulation and lower blood pressure, along with increased relaxation. If you’ve been asking yourself, Should I buy a massage chair for my home? Here are six things to consider. 1. Do you have room for a massage chair? Massage chairs take up quite a bit of room, so look around your… Read more »
In a medical emergency when seconds count, quick and easy access to medical information can make the difference between life and death. When a person with a serious medical issue becomes incapacitated while at home alone, emergency responders need the information to treat her appropriately. Here are life-saving steps you can take in advance to… Read more »
Accidents happen in busy households, and invariably walls get dirty, dinged and dented. Here’s how to make these accidents disappear. Evaluate the wall damage What was it that hit the wall? Did it discolor the paint but not penetrate the surface? Or did it scratch, dent or gouge both the paint and the wall beneath… Read more »
A safe room in your home could save your life and those of your loved ones in the event of extreme weather or a natural disaster. What is a safe room, and how can it protect you? Scenarios to consider Safe rooms provide maximum protection when tornadoes or hurricanes strike. Because there is usually plenty… Read more »
If you live in a humid region of the country, you know the discomfort of high humidity. That moist air is as bad for your home as it is miserable for you because mold, dust mites and allergens thrive in damp household environments. A dehumidifier might be the best way to keep your home dry,… Read more »
It’s refreshing to open windows to let in fresh air on a beautiful spring or autumn day. But what if your window won’t budge? Here’s a quick DIY fix that will let in balmy breezes. What caused the windows to stick? When window frames are painted, the drying paint can form a seal along the… Read more »
From bicycles to surfboards, snow and beach gear to kayaks – where do you put all your sports equipment? Here are five simple storage tips. 1. Beyond the garage Although garages are the most typical storage space for sporting goods, sheds, basements, and outside storage closets are other good options. They all work well for… Read more »
A dog door can be a nice convenience for your fur baby, allowing her to come and go outside as she pleases. Your dog may bark for joy if you install one, but will you? And is this a DIY project? Let’s sniff out the details. The pros and cons of a dog door A… Read more »
