Category: Ownership

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.

Save Energy and Money With a Digital Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great investment for homeowners — a multitasking tool that keeps you comfortable and helps you save money. While basic thermostat technology, using liquid mercury and an electrical switch, has been around for a long time, it’s the digital advances that have elevated thermostats to must-have status in a budget-conscious home… Read more »

Home Heating Systems: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Nothing beats a warm evening at home when the winter wind is howling. You might not give your heater a second thought…until it stops working. Here’s a quick tutorial on how they operate so you can stay warm this winter. Types of heaters. The main difference among most heaters is the fuel source. Oil, gas,… Read more »

Stopping Mold In Its Tracks

If you discover mold in your home, don’t panic. While all mold is disgusting, not all mold is life-threatening. Some just stink; others cause allergies. A few molds, such as Stachybotrys Atra, sometimes called “black mold,” cause serious health conditions. It’s important to assess the situation, then call in a professional, if needed. Where mold… Read more »

New Technology Improves Home Insulation

Keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer depends on a whole system of comfort engineering. Chief among the components is insulation, the blanket of material in the walls and attic that resists the flow of heat transference from outside to inside and vice versa. Technology and the move toward greater environmental awareness… Read more »

High Tech Security Right at your Front Door: The Future is Here

Welcome to the future of the front door. The classic wood door with a knocker will probably always exist, but check out what high-tech gadgets are becoming more widely available:  touch screen locks, fingerprint scans, and doorbells that allow you to see and talk to visitors on your phone. Keypad entry.  Perhaps the most low-tech… Read more »

Keeping Your House Dry In All the Right Places

Throughout your house, key construction materials — things like flashing and weather stripping — work to keep rain and moisture from coming inside. As a homeowner, it’s your job to keep those materials well maintained to protect the integrity of your home. Here’s what you need to know. Roof. The roof has plywood decking, or… Read more »

Tune In For Latest Home Theater Trends

There’s nothing like watching your favorite movies or gaming on a big-screen, high-definition TV. With technology and home furnishing trends constantly evolving, what is the latest in home theaters? The room. One of the things that made home theaters so unique when they first became popular was having a dedicated room with few, if any,… Read more »

Home Security Systems Turn Your Smartphone Into a Crime Fighter

The explosion of internet connectivity and smartphone apps have revolutionized home security. No longer is it necessary to rely on alarm systems that leave you wondering if you armed the system or left a door unlocked. Just opening your phone puts you in command of your home. Wireless world. Virtually all systems now offer some… Read more »

Streaming TV Offers Cheaper Options than Cable and Satellite

Thanks to the internet and smartphone apps, watching television will never be the same. So-called streaming TV is far cheaper than traditional cable and satellite television, which is driving its soaring popularity. Evolving technology. With cable and satellite, viewers are watching live feeds from the various channels. Using a DVR, viewers can record shows they… Read more »

It Pays to Think Green When Building or Remodeling a Home

Homeowners in tune with today’s demands to save energy and water will be rewarded for their conservation efforts with cold hard cash in the form of lower utility bills. Take a look what you can do to green up your home and fatten up your wallet. Energy Star. The U. S. Department of Energy has… Read more »

A Handy Guide to the Best Types of Grass for Your Lawn

If a beautiful lawn is important to you, it’s time to study up on what type of grasses thrive — and which don’t — in your region of the country. Much progress has been made developing grasses that are drought tolerant and resistant to diseases, but you still must choose according to your climate. Consult… Read more »

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Living Space

If your home doesn’t have a dedicated place for outdoor living, you might consider adding a deck or patio. Another popular addition is a sunroom or screened area that expands living space, allows lots of outdoor light, but keeps some of the peskier outside elements away. Let’s check out each type of outdoor living area… Read more »

Conquering the Clutter in Your Garage

Garages are supposed to be a place to park the car, but in reality, many Americans fill their garages to the brim with so much stuff that the thought of cleaning out and tidying up causes anxiety, fear and procrastination. Here’s how to conquer the clutter and put the cars back where they belong. Purge… Read more »

Taking the Mystery out of Codes and Permits

When it comes to home construction projects — large or small — homeowners are likely to encounter what may seem like a labyrinth of permits and inspections. Don’t be intimidated. Follow these guidelines to demystify the permitting process so you can enjoy your new project rather than fret about the red tape. The basics. Building… Read more »

Life After Cable TV: Lots of Money-Saving Options

If you’re thinking about “cutting the cord” on cable or satellite TV, the alternatives are plentiful and available at a fraction of the cost. Keep in mind, however, that if you still want to watch local network affiliates (ABC, NBC, PBS, and CBS) you will need an HD antenna, which you can purchase at your… Read more »

Fire Safety: Your Family is Counting on You

Although no one wants to contemplate a cherished home being destroyed by fire, it’s an important topic to address — with emphasis on prevention and preparation. A home free from fire hazards. Fire prevention is the first priority. Never allow flammable materials to be stored near heat sources such as water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and… Read more »

Sod for Your Yard: The Idea May Grow on You

If you’re looking to spruce up your lawn, should you have sod brought in, or should you seed? One is a faster route, but the other is less expensive. Let’s compare each method and you’ll be on your way to achieving that green, green grass of home. Let’s prep. First, the existing soil needs to… Read more »

Pools and Trampolines are Serious Business

Family time in a backyard pool or on a trampoline can provide hours of entertainment and many years worth of memories. But, as a homeowner, pools and trampolines also mean extra insurance costs and a heavy weight of responsibility to keep family members, friends and neighbors safe. The responsibility bar is set high. Across the… Read more »