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.
In large multi-story houses, more than one staircase may exist. Attic stairs are common and some houses may even have an outside staircase for renters or a back set of steps as an entry to upstairs playrooms. Let’s go exploring up one staircase and down another. A showcase. The main (or only) staircase in a… Read more »
When wild animals take up residence in your attic or walls, it’s usually a female looking for a safe, warm spot to tend to a litter. Unfortunately, these creatures are destructive and may carry diseases. Squirrels are the No. 1 type of invasive animal in the attic. Homeowners typically will hear them at sunrise and… Read more »
When it comes to pest control, prevention is crucial to a homeowner’s peace of mind. But once you’ve had an invasion, it may be time to call in the experts. Pests are inevitable. Crawling in through the smallest openings, ants and other insects are looking for food and water. In the case of rodents, they’re… Read more »
In a bathroom remodel, selecting the right material for the walls is essential. It has to be tough enough to handle the moisture but handsome enough to please the eye. Painted walls. Use a less-porous paint such as a semi-gloss or gloss. Be sure to ask for paint with anti-fungal additives to deter mold. Wooden… Read more »
If you’re custom building a home or remodeling an outdated bathroom, don’t forget to consider an updated toilet. Take a look at the most recent changes in commode function and style. Function. Newer “dual-flush” toilets give homeowners the choice to use 1.6 gallons of water while flushing or the water-saving .8 gallons of water. Worried… Read more »
Bathroom sinks and countertops have come a long way from the standard-issue white porcelain sink dropped into laminate cabinetry that you find in many homes across the country. Need a change? Treat yourself and your bathroom to a gorgeous makeover. Countertops. The same great high-end surfaces available for kitchen remodels are now available in bathrooms…. Read more »
Bathroom showers have surged in popularity in recent years, making bathtubs a secondary feature in many remodeling projects. If a makeover is in your future, here are a few things to consider before getting your feet wet. Expansive size. In some instances, showers have become so large, they may not even need doors, a definite… Read more »
Bathtubs may have taken a temporary backseat to luxurious showers in home style trends, but the latest tubs offer plenty of advances in design and technology of their own. And don’t forget, in a home with multiple bathrooms, at least one should offer a tub — if only for the kids and the family dog…. Read more »
Although bathrooms are among the smallest rooms in a home, they are a big job to tackle when it comes to remodeling. Roll up your sleeves and let the planning begin. Function first. List the functional aspects of the current floorplan and what you would like to change. Are there dead spaces? Can two people… Read more »
Home sports courts provide great fun and exercise, but are they a wise investment? While the kids may overwhelmingly approve, a future buyer may not agree. Here’s a quick play-by-play of what’s involved, how much it will cost and the return on investment. Types of courts. The most common types of courts are for basketball… Read more »
The typical driveway, let’s face it, tends to be a bit boring. Made of concrete or asphalt, they provide a humble entry to the garage. But in newer neighborhoods, especially those with larger lots, driveways are providing a place to add a little pizzazz and curb appeal. Driveway configuration. The size and shape of the… Read more »
Selecting trees to landscape your home can be a difficult task. Buy them too small and your yard looks skimpy. Buy them too large and you may end up living in a jungle of overgrowth. Here’s an overview of what to consider when selecting and planting trees. Choose for your soil and climate. Consult your… Read more »
Elegant, sweeping stairs are one of the central contributors to a home’s beauty. Here are the latest trends in stairs, which just might sweep you off your feet. Anatomy of a staircase. If you are updating a staircase or in the process of a building a new one, it’s helpful to know the lingo. The… Read more »
Is our water safe to drink? Can it be improved for our consumption? These are questions you may be asking about your home tap water. What’s in your water? The vast majority of Americans get their water from municipal systems. City water is regulated and inspected by government agencies, more so than the commercial bottled… Read more »
A vegetable garden is a good way to provide delicious and healthy produce to your family without spending a lot of money. With some careful planning and prep work, you can grow nutritious vegetables in every season. Follow these steps to ensure a bountiful harvest year-round. Design your garden. Two to three raised beds (four-foot… Read more »
Today’s faucets are attractive, sleek and come in a beautiful array of shapes, sizes and even colors. Perhaps the most eye pleasing are the various swan neck designs, which are popular for their form and function. Available finishes range from nickel and bronze to copper, brass and stainless steel. One example of the unique finishes… Read more »
A good power washing can work wonders on the outside of a home, peeling off layers of dirt and grime. It’s also a great tool when sprucing up walkways, patios and decks. Here’s what you need to know before hiring the job out or attempting to do it yourself. Hiring a professional pressure washer is… Read more »
Forget about a green thumb, a good gardener needs a quality set of tools. Check out our handy list of the most helpful gardening tools for the backyard landscaper. Shopping List of Essential Gardening Tools Gloves are a must, especially if gardening is a weekend-only activity and blisters are a likely result. Gloves can also… Read more »
Pesky strings of Christmas lights and broken ornaments are a tradition we’d rather trash than treasure. Here’s how to avoid getting tangled up in knots when decorating for the season. Handy plastic light reels, about ten inches in diameter, are available in stores where you buy lights. At the end of the season, wrap strands… Read more »
The beauty of a lawn comes with a price: mowing, lots of water, plus bags of fertilizer, weed and pest control. The amount of time, sweat and resources going into the yard may eventually overwhelm your pride in it. You could hire someone to maintain the lawn, but one way or the other, it’s costing… Read more »
