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.
Gorgeous hardwood or tile floors are enhanced by the added beauty of area rugs. This is especially true in hallways and on stairs, where decorative carpet runners can add color, increase safety and help buffer sound. Carpet Runners Add Depth and Character Carpet runners are typically used in hardwood or tile hallways and on stairs… Read more »
Fourth of July sales on furniture and appliances are retail traditions followed by deep discounts on summer items, making this month a great time to purchase home-related items. So Long to Summer Gear… Now’s your chance to purchase summer items at a steep discount. Beach towels, patio equipment, summer sporting goods, outdoor lights, grills, outdoor… Read more »
Summer is fun, but by July it may be so hot you’re tempted to stay inside 24-7. Here’s a July To-Dos list of indoor home maintenance chores to keep you busy. Water Heater Maintenance To prevent sediment accumulation, it’s wise to drain the water heater tank periodically. First, turn off the electricity or gas to… Read more »
Father’s Day and high school graduations are big drivers of what’s on sale during the month of June. Grills, tools, coffee makers, TVs and other electronic equipment, and summer sporting goods are all marked down, making it a great time for home-related purchases. ✓ Kitchen gear. The latest and greatest home gadgets that appeal to… Read more »
Outdoor activities beckon as summer comes calling, but so does the list of June chores for homeowners. Here’s what needs to get done before the fun begins. Clean grill grates. Throughout the summer, keep those cooking grates clean. Using a mixture of water and vinegar, clean with a plastic dish scrubber. Afterward, use a clean… Read more »
Even though homeowners get to take the colder months off from lawn mowing, keeping your grass in top-notch condition is a year-long job. Here’s what you need to know to keep the grass green on your side of the fence. Fall Fertilizing Late fall into early winter is a perfect time to fertilize your lawn…. Read more »
Living in tight quarters requires creativity. Once you’ve cleared the clutter and made a sizeable donation to charity, it’s time to make the most out of living in a small space. Every inch counts when it comes to storage solutions. Closet Redo Double your space by attaching a second hanging bar to the first. Shirts,… Read more »
The modern indoor waste basket has come a long way since its modest beginnings as a simple circular catch-all stuck in the corner of every bathroom and kitchen. Today’s trash receptacles are made of all sorts of materials in all shapes and sizes — and prices. The basic open-topped plastic models can still be picked… Read more »
The bedroom, particularly the master, is your personal haven. Part of what can make it cozy is a sumptuous carpet. But with so many types and styles, how do you choose? Scrunch your toes on these plush possibilities. Benefits of Carpet in a Bedroom Carpet and rugs help make a bedroom warm and inviting. Setting… Read more »
You can thank Mom for many of the home best buys that can be scored in May with Mother’s Day sales driving many of this month’s discounts. Later in May, the three-day Memorial Day weekend offers another round of discount opportunities. Kitchen Gear The latest and greatest home gadgets that appeal to busy moms —… Read more »
It’s May, which means summer is almost here. Before you can relax with a cool drink by the pool, get these home maintenance chores done. ✔ Repair wooden fences and decks. Repair or replace damaged boards, posts or cross beams. Check under the deck for signs of any nesting animals and clear out debris. ✔ … Read more »
It’s April, which means it’s a great time for spring cleaning, gardening, home repairs, and let’s not forget, pressing the button on those last-minute tax documents that could yield a refund large enough to make a few purchases for the home. Retailers are ready with sales in all the right categories. Home and garden Expect… Read more »
Everyone is stressed and anxious about the COVID-19 crisis, but one positive to staying at home is the number of chores you can check off your list. Spring showers and increasingly warmer temperatures signal the beginning of April — a great month to prepare for gardening and summer living. Inspect for animal intruders. Just like… Read more »
Project materials for home repairs and renovations, garden supplies, winter-related items and digital cameras are among the items on deep discount during the month of March. Countertops and flooring. Kitchen and bathroom countertops and home flooring materials are often on sale during the month of March. As inventory is restocked, prices drop on last year’s… Read more »
March means warmer days and more sunshine, which is perfect for accomplishing home projects. Yes, it’s time for spring cleaning and fixing. Inspect the roof. Check for damage from ice and wind. Look for loose shingles and flashing. Check behind chimneys where shingles meet flashing. Inspect the gutters, especially where they attach to fascia boards…. Read more »
It’s February, which means it’s time for a little romance and a lot of indoor chores. Might as well get them completed while the weather is still too cold to do much outside. Kitchen Clean-up. If your oven has a self-cleaning function, select a time to run it while you’re at home. Afterward, use a… Read more »
Today’s alternative landscapes bring relief from watering lawns and garden maintenance. Let’s see what’s out there. Before you Begin Do your homework. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association it may regulate your choices of plants, use of hardscapes and statuary. Rules requiring native plants are common. Choices for Lawns Eliminating all… Read more »
Pictures of hurricane damage in coastal communities remind us that disaster can strike suddenly, destroying all our worldly goods. To prepare for the unthinkable, insurance companies strongly urge you to keep a current inventory of your possessions in a safe place to make claims filing easier. Here’s what to do. What to inventory. Your homeowners… Read more »
Home purification systems can improve quality of life for those with asthma and allergies. Let’s look at the benefits of these systems and the types available. Prevention first. Before investing in a purifier, prevention is always the first step. Change the filters regularly on your heating and air system. Know exactly what you’re allergic to… Read more »
A door that doesn’t open or close properly is not only a nuisance, it can pose a security risk and cost you money in higher power bills. Here’s how to diagnose the problem and get it that difficult door fixed. Be a door doctor. Does it stick? Not closing tight? Diagnosing the issue is the… Read more »
