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.
As a new homeowner, you may have received a home warranty from the builder or previous owners. It’s a nice perk, yes. But don’t get the false impression your warranty will cover everything that goes wrong in your new home. You might be surprised at what is covered — and what may not be covered…. Read more »
In the emerging world of man-cave design, sports-themed rooms are the most popular, but certainly not the only choice. Video games, movies, and vintage cars are also common themes. Or, you might want to design a one-of-kind room based on your hometown or even a favorite hangout from your college days. Even more ideas. Do… Read more »
It’s playoff time, and you’ve treated yourself to a brand-new wall-mounting television with all the bells and whistles. Before you mount, consider these important factors. Don’t put your TV above the fireplace. The heat and soot created by the fireplace may ruin your new TV. You wouldn’t leave your cell phone near an open flame… Read more »
One of the biggest and most common do-it-yourself projects is painting. Especially for new homeowners, it’s only natural to paint over a room (or four). But, before you head to the paint store, ask yourself a key question: Should I prime the walls before painting? The answer? Maybe. Because priming adds a lot of time,… 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 »
Nearly every year, a new “must-have” countertop appliance appears on store shelves promising to transform your life. While some of these gadgets add convenience, others just take up valuable real estate in your kitchen. Before you buy that mini-donut maker, check out our list of five countertop cooking appliances you’ll actually use. Slow cookers are… 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 »
If you start your day with coffee, buying a new coffee maker is a major decision. With so many options, finding the best one to suit your needs can be tricky. Here’s what you need to know before you shop. Drip coffee makers brews larger quantities (4 to 12 cups) of coffee, so it’s a… Read more »
When consumers sign up for internet service, they’re faced with a barrage of choices and questions. While you’ve probably heard words such as modem and router, do you actually know what they do and the differences between them. Here’s a quick internet primer and a few tips on how to choose what’s best for your… Read more »
While the latest in home theater systems features wireless technology, plenty of audiophiles still want to wire their homes for sound and video, enjoying the pure fidelity delivered over home-designed networks. Listen up for the pros and cons on wireless versus wired technology. Know your number. Often you will see a home surround sound system… Read more »
Pet accidents are inevitable, reminding us all of the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Hurry, grab some supplies and let’s get that mess cleaned up and the odor removed. Soiled carpets. Quick removal of pet waste is essential. Left to dry, stain and odor removal becomes more difficult and may result 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 »
You love your pets, but you also love your home. Unfortunately, taking care of your pets can take a toll on your home. Here’s a pet-lover’s handy guide to keeping both clean and tidy. Since pet odors can be absorbed by carpet, cloth upholstery and drapes, keeping pets clean means a cleaner, fresher-smelling home. In… Read more »
When searching for a reliable contractor, there’s nothing better than a personal referral from friends or neighbors. But if leads are few, many people are turning to online review sites. Sites like Angie’s List and Home Advisor provide an easy source of information on thousands of contractors in markets across the country. These sites use… Read more »
Whether you’re moving or just looking for a more streamlined look, your bookshelves are an obvious place to consider paring down. Books are heavy and take up a lot of space. With the continued popularity of electronic reading devices that store hundreds of books in the palm of your hand, is it really necessary to… Read more »
When choosing a water heater, homeowners need to know what type of heating system will provide the most efficient delivery at the most affordable cost? Conventional storage heaters are the most popular and familiar type of water heater. Typically, the tanks hold 40 gallons or more, and are kept hot with gas, an electric coil… Read more »
Advances in television technology move so quickly these days that it’s hard to keep up with what’s truly the latest and greatest. And why does it seem like you need to learn a new language just to discuss TV features? Whether you’re in the market for a new television or just want to learn the… Read more »
A high-quality caulking job goes a long way toward keeping the winter cold and summer heat from creeping into your temperature-controlled house. Caulk also helps keep your home protected from an invasion of insects. Let’s talk caulk and how this attention to detail can save homeowners significant amounts of money. Latex caulk is easy to… 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 »
Smart homeowners think of their homes as more than just a place to live. Their houses are also their biggest investment. By strategically investing modest sums of money now, you’ll see major savings later. Here are 11 keys spots to spend money with an eye toward saving. Heating and air conditioning units should be inspected… Read more »
