| Five simple steps to help homeowners ease into spring projects | 2012-02-14 |
| Now, while the winter is still around, is the best time for homeowners to get a jump start on planning and prepping for their spring and summer home and garden projects; so when the weather really does warm up, it takes little effort to get the projects underway. In addition to fine-tuning home improvement and gardening plans, it is also a good idea to make certain the required tools are in tip-top shape, so the projects are not delayed. |
| Hot trends for spring home improvement projects | 2012-02-08 |
| Warmer temperatures, green grass and increased daylight help shake off the winter blues and inspire home and yard improvements to spruce up your surroundings. Whether you're remodeling to stay put, or putting your home on the market, consider home improvement and design trends as you plan your renovation projects. |
| Easy, affordable weekend spruce-up projects you can tackle this spring | 2012-02-02 |
| When it comes to home improvement, most of us have two "to-do" lists: the things we need to do, such as paint the shutters and clean out gutters, and the list of those we want to do, such as fun and easy projects that add visual interest or practical enhancements to the outdoors. Since our budgets for both lists are usually limited, it makes sense to seek out projects that are easy, affordable and that create the most impact in a short amount of time. |
| Planning your new kitchen - renew or redo? | 2012-02-02 |
| Whether you're in it for the investment, or just to freshen up the space in your home where people spend the most time, a new kitchen look could be a fun, impactful improvement to your house. |
| DIY insulation projects make for a more comfortable home year round | 2012-02-01 |
| Do-it-yourself home improvement projects are more popular than ever, as homeowners are looking for simple, low cost ways to update their household and increase overall home efficiency. Kitchen upgrades and a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference aesthetically, but sometimes the most effective DIY projects happen in areas not always visible. |
| Easy-to-install and easy-to-clean bathroom remodeling tips | 2012-01-31 |
| Dreaming about a bathroom remodel? With today's easy-to-install products - many of which are also easy-to-clean - your new bathroom can actually exceed your wildest dreams. |
| What efficient fuel heats your home and saves you money? | 2012-01-27 |
| Cold days are here to stay, and the lower the temperature goes, the higher the utility costs are to heat your home. What if there was a way to heat your house for significantly less? Biomass fuels - natural, clean-burning, inexpensive fuels - offer a smart solution that can lower your heating costs and reduce your carbon footprint. |
| How to avoid scary heating bills this winter | 2012-01-20 |
| With the Farmer's Almanac forecast of an "unusually cold and stormy winter," a heating bill could be a scary piece of mail to open during the cold weather months. Now is the perfect time for homeowners to protect their pocketbooks from scary heating bills. |
| Retaining walls and pavers add curb appeal to your front entry | 2012-01-09 |
| Front-porch entertaining is making a comeback in America's neighborhoods, thanks to homeowners' renewed interest in beautifying the front entries of their homes. The days of uninspired concrete front stoops have passed, giving way to elegant combinations of freestanding walls, columns and matching pavers to create welcoming entrances that also serve as gathering places. |
| Achieve winter home comfort | 2012-01-09 |
| If you're a homeowner, you probably know that home winterization is essential if you want to increase energy efficiency and comfort during the winter. In addition to the usual quick fixes, there are a few important tasks to keep in mind when preparing both the interior and exterior of your home for the harsh weather ahead. |
| How new home trends can apply to remodeling existing homes | 2012-01-06 |
| A significant shift in consumer preference in new home purchases is the latest by-product of the still-struggling economy. The residential construction market is shrinking and so are houses. |
| Save money with an 'enlightened' roof - and decorate too | 2012-01-03 |
| Enlightenment isn't just a state of mind - it can also be an important energy-saving state of being for your home's roof. By "enlightening" your roof, you can use less energy, save money, and dress up the interior of your home at the same time. |
| Top 2012 garden and lifestyle trends: cultivate the new good life with the power of plants | 2011-12-27 |
| Besides beautifying our homes and gardens, plants play a vital role in our health and well-being. They elicit powerful positive emotions, revive neighborhoods, and influence everything from what we eat to life's milestones. Here are the top trends for 2012. |
| How to have easy-blooming flower power for any size garden | 2011-12-26 |
| Tired of winter white? Chances are you're itching to dig in the soil and fill your garden with plants and flowers bursting with rich color and fragrance. Here are some easy ways to make your flowers bloom no matter the size of your garden. |
| Today's boomers downsize homes, but upsize the amenities | 2011-12-22 |
| Say goodbye to the McMansion. According to a leading real estate website, Trulia.com, 2010 was officially the year that homes over 3,200 square feet ended their dominance and appeal. But don't think that downsizing means downgrading. In fact, homeowners are looking to upsize their amenities to help them enjoy every inch of their homes. |
| Tax credit and deduction tips for home improvement in 2012 | 2011-12-22 |
| With the new year under way, you may be thinking about needed home improvements and how you'll use your credit to fund them. While it's important to understand your credit before making major home improvement decisions, you should also consider another kind of credit - tax credits for energy efficient home improvements. |
| Tips for a secure home and peace of mind | 2011-12-20 |
| You have many easy and affordable options for ensuring a safer home, and ultimately, greater peace of mind. Here's a home security checklist to get you started. |
| Home how-to for the simple fixer | 2011-12-15 |
| Eventually, that household project that you have been putting off cannot be avoided any longer. But if you're like most homeowners, you will quickly give up on the DIY route and settle for something less daunting, like calling in a professional. |
| Six factors to consider before installing a gas fireplace | 2011-12-13 |
| A gas fireplace can add ambiance and warmth to any room, and with the cold weather, you might be dreaming of adding one in your home. Because purchasing a fireplace is not something we do every day, there are some important things to consider. If you have lots of questions, you're not alone. It's smart to do your research and get advice from the pros. |
| A guide to the best ice melters for tough winters | 2011-12-13 |
| Most homeowners reach for rock salt to clear their driveways and sidewalks during winter. It's economical and reliable, and it easily melts ice in temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit to keep driveways and sidewalks clear and safe. But when the temperature dips lower, salt alternatives such as magnesium chloride or calcium chloride offer increased melting power. But do you know the differences between these two options? |
| Easy tips for fast and fun snow removal | 2011-12-08 |
| When you look outside, do the large piles of snow leave you dreaming of spring? Since winter isn't going anywhere any time soon, you might as well make the most of the snowy outdoors. When you need to remove snow from your driveway and walkways, some simple tips will make the task easier. You might even enjoy getting outdoors for bit to breathe the crisp air and delight in the wonderment of winter. |
| How today's vinyl siding packs extreme toughness | 2011-12-08 |
| Through tempestuous weather and extreme four-season cycles, today's vinyl siding is living up to both the style and durability demands of discerning builders, remodelers, architects, homeowners and multifamily developers. Manufacturing advancements allow the market's innovative producers to artistically recreate looks of genuine weathered cedar, reclaimed brick and deeply-faceted stone. |
| Keep busy around the house, even during winter months | 2011-12-02 |
| When the cold outside drives you indoors, it's only natural to want to snuggle up and relax the months away. But this year, reconsider winter as the perfect time to take on do-it-yourself projects. |
| 2012 homes will mix old and new designs under one (smaller) roof | 2011-11-28 |
| Current home decorating is not about flashy, over-the-top design; rather, it's about decorating for real life - a home that's smaller, more well-equipped and custom-made for its owners' lifestyles. |
| How to extend the life of your heating system | 2011-11-28 |
| Just as regular tune-ups may extend the life of your car, performing routine maintenance to your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system may extend the life of your HVAC equipment. While there are some tasks homeowners can handle on their own, many HVAC projects require a professional contractor. |
| A new twist on bathroom basics | 2011-11-23 |
| According to a recent study by Bath Fitter, 84 percent of consumers want to change something about their current bathroom, and less than 44 percent are satisfied with their current space. No need to fret; there are simple ways to add a creative twist to the bath just by switching or adding a few items. |
| Plan now for home improvement throughout the year | 2011-11-23 |
| If you've finished making your holiday gift list, don't put the pen and paper away just yet. While the holidays take up a lot of attention right now, it's also a great time to look a bit further into the future. With the new year just around the corner, planning for home improvement projects now can help you prioritize and budget. |
| Transforming your exterior: lessons from the professionals | 2011-11-23 |
| With more and more homeowners choosing to stay in their current homes instead of selling, many are deciding to remodel. If you are thinking about remodeling your home, consider projects that will add style, but will also offer the best return on investment when it comes time to sell. Here are some tips from the professionals. |
| Why winter is the right time to plan outdoor updates | 2011-11-22 |
| Does the bitter cold weather have you dreaming of warm days spending time with friends and family in your backyard? The cold may keep us indoors, but professionals in the landscape and remodeling industry are still thinking about the outdoors and use the winter months to plan spring projects, and so should you. |
| Ideas to make your home more energy efficient this winter | 2011-11-18 |
| After winter has arrived, you know what's coming next - higher energy bills. To get through the cold, dark months of the year, you flip on the lights and turn up the heat, both of which can send energy usage skyrocketing. It's natural to want to cut those costs - the good news is, it's easy to do. |
| Holiday travel and shopping season prompt increased concern for home safety | 2011-11-15 |
| With the extreme rush and excitement of the holiday season, homeowners focus on shopping and travel rather than the safety of their homes, and basic steps to protect households are often overlooked. |
| Five tips to stay warm and reduce energy costs | 2011-11-08 |
| As winter approaches and the outdoor temperature drops, energy consumption is on the rise. Homeowners can implement these five tips to help reduce their home's energy use and costs, yet maintain a warm and comfortable indoor environment, this winter. |
| How to protect your landscaping during the snow season | 2011-11-08 |
| You work hard on your lawn and landscaping during the spring and summer. Now it's fall, and time to get ready for winter. But when winter actually gets here, what can you do to keep your landscaping healthy and attractive when the wind is howling, the ground is frozen, and snow and ice blanket your lawn and garden? |
| Home roof maintenance 101 | 2011-11-04 |
| Most homeowners do not think about their roof on a daily basis. They assume that it is performing its duty unless something happens that tells them otherwise, such as a leak. Realistically, there were probably signs of roof trouble well in advance. Luckily, there are some easy tasks that can be done to help you keep an eye on the condition of your roof so your home and investment are properly protected. |
| Create the ultimate at-home stadium experience this sports season | 2011-11-04 |
| With fall in the air, that means one thing for sports fans: its game time. Between the hard-hitting pro and college football seasons moving into high gear, the puck dropping on the hockey season and heart-pounding UFC and boxing cards, sports fans have countless games, matches and battles to enjoy. |
| Flooring experts look ahead to what's next | 2011-11-01 |
| Wood floors remain a popular choice for interior designers, contractors, remodelers and do-it-yourselfers interested in increasing a home's appeal. One reason is the flexibility of wood floors - it works well in either modern or traditional decorating styles. |
| Remodeling for aging in place today will help sell your home tomorrow | 2011-10-28 |
| Before you invest in a home-improvement project, consider your potential buyers with this fact in mind: More than 3.5 million baby boomers turn 55 each year, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Since people aged 45 to 64 make up more than a quarter of today's U.S. population, there's a good chance you'll be selling to someone in this age group. Will your home appeal to them? |
