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.
Renovating a home to create an open floor plan or let in additional light sometimes involves removing a load-bearing wall. Every house has at least two of these walls, and they are a vital part of your home’s structure. If modifying a load-bearing wall is part of your renovation plan, you need a professional to… Read more »
The growth in Wi-Fi usage means we’ve seen a steady decline in the number of cords from our devices. Yet we still must manage some unsightly cords hanging from the back of the desk, down walls and on the floor. Here’s how to manage cords effectively and attractively. Gather together There are two main sources… Read more »
Baby Boomers are aging, and people of all ages are increasingly caring for elderly parents with mobility issues. That has increased the demand for home elevators in multistory homes. A home elevator is a terrific help with mobility and moving cargo floor to floor, but diligent research and planning are a must. Here’s what you… Read more »
Record-setting heat has suffocated the western states this summer. When the demand for power from utility companies surges during heat waves, household air-conditioning systems are pushed to the max. Here are eight steps to prevent your air-conditioner from collapsing from heat exhaustion. Keep your air-conditioner going strong Have a professional inspect your air-conditioning before summer… Read more »
Nearly every homeowner has experienced the maddening intermittent chirping of a smoke alarm, too often in the middle of the night. Though it may seem the chirp is just there to annoy you, it’s actually designed to alert you that your smoke alarm needs attention. Here’s how to stop a chirping smoke alarm That chirp… Read more »
You can only work from your dining table or your couch for so long, and you may not have a bedroom to give over to a full office. Tucking an office into a closet space carves out a dedicated workstation but uses minimal space. Here are some tips for creating a “cloffice.” Closet size If… Read more »
We live in the golden age of outdoor grilling. Your choices for the ultimate backyard barbecue range from gas and charcoal to pellet and Kamado grills, all of which offer other great features. Let’s get grilling! Methods of delivering heat The major difference in grill performance lies in the fuel used. Gas grills burn either… Read more »
Water is essential to life, but water in the wrong places around your home can wreak destruction. Interior framing, eaves, window frames — all of these and more are subject to wood rot and can be expensive to repair. Here’s how to spot, fix and prevent damage around your house. Where wood rot occurs When… Read more »
Today’s energy-efficient houses have reduced carbon emissions and saved homeowners billions in utility costs. But these airtight homes can prevent toxic substances from escaping. The same can happen in poorly ventilated spaces. The result is known as sick house syndrome, which can make a home’s occupants ill. Here’s what you need to know to keep… Read more »
Wooden fences are a simple, beautiful boundary around your property. They need regular maintenance, however, to keep their beauty and to stand straight and tall. Here are some basic steps for maintaining a wooden fence. A new wooden fence Moisture is the biggest enemy of wood structures, including fences. The most popular woods for fencing… Read more »
The Covid-19 pandemic closed workplaces for much of 2020, sending millions of people home to conduct business. Even as restrictions have been lifted, many employers are continuing to allow their employees to work from home. If you are one of these workers, an appropriate workspace is essential to a good experience for you and those… Read more »
Trees add important value to residential property, and among tree species, oaks are one of the most prized. It is hard to overstate how oak trees benefit the world. Here are just some of the reasons these majestic trees are so valuable. Accolades for the oak Probably no species of tree has been as lauded… Read more »
October ushers in cooler temperatures, brilliant fall foliage, and a bountiful harvest. Take advantage of all three as you prep your home and family for your favorite fall customs and traditions. Inventory the family’s outdoor cold-weather gear. Are last year’s jackets, coats, hats and gloves in good condition and do they fit? Purchase any necessary… Read more »
Luxurious leather furniture never goes out of style and has a timeless appeal. Here’s how to clean leather furniture so that you can enjoy it for years. Regular leather cleaning At least twice per month, clean your leather furniture’s cushions with a microfiber cloth or your vacuum’s hose with a soft bristle brush attached. Don’t… Read more »
Dark, scary basements are a common trope in horror movies, but in real life, you are more likely to confront a dank odor than a ghost. Here’s how to get rid of musty smells in the basement. The source of dank smells The most likely source of musty odors is mold and mildew. (Mold can… Read more »
You pull out your favorite wool sweater only to find it has holes in it. Are clothes moths the cause? Possibly, but there are several suspects that could have chowed down on your cardigan. Here’s our guide to cloth-eating insects and getting rid of them. Clothes-chewing critters Cloth-eating insects choose fabrics made from animal hair… Read more »
Many homeowners attempt painting as a DIY project, thinking it does not require a high level of expertise. But there is more to painting than you might think. So let’s get you primed to paint with these professional painting tips. Choosing paint Consider your furnishings when choosing your paint color. Take fabric swatches or sofa… Read more »
A massive snowstorm paralyzed the nation’s heartland in February 2021. Millions faced frozen pipes, freeze-burned plants and treacherous sidewalks. How can you prepare for future Arctic blasts, even if such events are rare where you live? Safety first When a snowstorm heads your way, remember the four “Ps”: Protect pets, pipes, plants and people. Bring… Read more »
While it may still feel a lot like summer, September signals the official kickoff of the fall season, which means it’s time to bring on the fall decor and all things pumpkin-spiced as well as the rakes, the weather stripping and the heavier clothing. So here’s a handy to-do list to help you navigate the… Read more »
Summer travel season is at its height! If you intend to take your pet along for the ride, here are some important tips for pet-friendly travel. Preparation pet-friendly travel Have your veterinarian examine your pet before the trip. Get copies of her vaccine record, since some states may require it in certain circumstances. Put together… Read more »
