Button-up your home for winter As the leaves turn and fall to the ground, it's time to start thinking about "buttoning up" your home for winter to keep you and your family healthy and comfortable, your belongings safe and high energy costs at bay.
Boomers: Shifting household needs create home design opportunities Boomers expect to stay in their homes and live independently into their later years, but in the midst of change that is occurring in their households, it's easy for them to lose focus on planning for their own future housing needs. By following the principles of universal design - what's good for people of all ages, size...
Year-round backyard safety tips for families Your backyard is a space where you enjoy quality time with your family - from running around with your kids in the fall leaves to playing catch with your furry friend in the snow. It's a place to escape, but remember accidents can happen anywhere at any time, and just like you childproof your house, you need to ensure y...
Eco-friendly tips to protect homes from pesky bugs Cool weather signals homeowners to finalize outdoor chores and cozy up for the long winter ahead. It also signals pesky insects to head indoors seeking food sources and warm, safe places to hibernate. What can the smart homeowner do?
Boost your home's curb appeal for a quicker sale Selling a home in today's market requires a bit of marketing, some sweat and elbow grease, and a touch of luck. But even in a competitive selling market, it is possible to turn the sign in your front yard from "For Sale" to "Sold" so you can move on to your next residence.
Add curb appeal to your home with new exterior trim When it comes to selling your home, curb appeal means everything. According to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal sells 49 percent of all homes. And nothing makes a worse initial impression than exterior trim that is peeling, cracked, rotted or falling apart. Replacing old or damaged exterior trim is a gre...
Rodent control guide for homeowners When rodents come to mind, it's usually not beavers, woodchucks or prairie dogs. While there are hundreds of different kinds of rodents, the most common we encounter in our homes are rats and mice, called commensal rodents, or those found living in close contact with humans.
Upgrade your pest control this fall Where do bugs enter your home? The short answer: all over. Sometimes they crawl or fly in when windows or doors are open. They also slip in through cracks in walls or foundations, holes in window screens or crevices in the home that let in cables, wires and pipes. Most commonly though, they'll drop right onto your roof a...
DIY with the right footwear Construction workers don't wear high-heels - and not just because of the questionable fashion statement that might make. Professional builders know how important it is to protect their feet on the job, and you should do the same when undertaking your do-it-yourself home improvement and maintenance projects.
Four DIY projects that can make your home more secure Improving the safety of your home doesn't have to be an expensive or time-consuming proposition. Here are four simple DIY projects that can help make your house safer.
Home renovations before the holidays Fall is a great time to tackle some of those home improvement projects. Now that the summer vacations are over and children are back in school, you're ready to make your home all comfy and cozy before the deep freeze and holiday guests arrive.
Home security updates for aging-in-place remodeling It's hard to think about getting older, but it's even harder to think about having to move out of the comfort of a beloved home when advanced age makes it difficult to get around your space easily and safely. But with today's technologies, it's easier to update your home in ways that make it possible for you or a loved o...
