Archive By Section - Your Home
Family fire safety
No one likes to think about bad things happening to their home or family. But things like home fires do happen - more often than you might think.
Brad Watson: Vendor fee is not standard practice
Cindy M. I am a board member at my association and I received a call from one of our vendors that we have had for nearly 10 years informing me that the management company started charging an annual fee to verify their insurance and license so that they may become a "preferred vendor." They were told that once they paid the fee they will also be referred to other associations. They were also told that ...
Home for Halloween is a treat
While displaying ghosts and goblins is great for the kids and the standard for Halloween decor, how about getting into the spirit but with a bit more sophistication this year?
Growing grapes takes patience
Grapes are a great backyard choice if you're seeking delicious juice, some wine to savor or snacks fresh from the vine. But look elsewhere if it's low maintenance or fast production that you want.
Robert Lamoureux: Sandblasting is not the right fix
Hi Robert, When I bought my house, the pool was dirty and I couldn't check out the condition. Now that I've got it cleaned I can see that there is plaster that is coming up off of the bottom. Some are small pieces about the size of a quarter and other areas I can peel off the size of a grapefruit. The weird thing is it looks like there is plaster under the plaster that ...
Coffee Culture: What's up in the cup
Time to wake up and smell the coffee. At the recent New York International Gift Fair, buyers were keenly checking out grinders, pots and brewing equipment, which means coffee-related gifts will be as hot as a frothy latte this holiday season. Coffee culture is, naturally, intense. On YouTube, helpful fellows offer video tips on buying, storing and preparing everything from a humble cup of Americano to a perfect macchiato. Bloggers discuss "mid-palate chocolate tones" ...
Tips for saving energy
Every little bit counts these days. Saving energy is one way to also conserve on your electric bill. Find out the top home energy consumers and empower yourself to use energy hogging appliances wisely - or, better yet, get new energy-efficient models. The extra initial outlay is worth it in the end.
Can homeowners associations stop noisy retailers?
I live in a community adjacent to a small commercial center with several retailers, including a dry cleaner and several restaurants. The dry cleaner is a fairly new tenant and the noise of the machines creates a nuisance during daytime hours.
Maintenance not something that waits
Attempts to be thrifty by delaying household maintenance can backfire. In many cases, it pays to heed the old adage "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure." Here are a few ways to take preventive action and avoid costly repairs around the home.
Concrete pad is best choice for shed
Robert, I am thinking about purchasing a shed for my yard. What is the largest I can build without a permit. Would a concrete pad be the best floor for this shed. Thank you. David N. Hi David, Those pre-manufactured sheds are fine in any size offered by the manufacturer without permits. Just remember to keep it away from the property lines as code requires. The concrete pad is the best idea for those. I ...
Monthly calendar to raise healthy roses
By Family Features From June to September, roses add a special flourish to yards, gardens and public parks throughout the U.S. But for many gardeners, tending roses may seem intimidating. With 23 years of experience, Jamie Shiffer, head gardener at Hershey Gardens in Hershey, Pa., knows a thing or two about cultivating a beautiful rose, in all of its varieties. Here are Shiffer's top five rose gardening tips for gardeners of all experience levels: Plant ...
Dripping A/C could be blocked
Hi Robert, I have one air conditioner in my garage and another one just for my home. The one in the garage has a pvc tube and wrapped copper pipes that has water dripping out of it. A home warranty company blew out the line and told me everything was fine. After he left, it started leaking again. They say if they come out again they are going to charge me for a service call ...
Top upgrades for your kitchen
Nowhere else in the home must design and function marry as harmoniously as in the kitchen. The most-used room in the house is also the one where we spend the most work and leisure time, the one that gets the most scrutiny from potential buyers and the spot where most renovation dollars get spent. A minor kitchen remodel costs around $21,000 and has the potential to recoup nearly 73 percent of that expense at the ...
For artists, studios are personal
An artist's workspace is as personal as the artwork. Talk to different artists, and you'll get a variety of individual requirements for the spaces in which they create: Some need a lot of space, others very little. Some need quiet, others crank the music to deafening levels. There are those who want every piece of equipment in its place, and others who scatter their materials all over. The common denominator? Each finds that personal blend ...
Where the Wild Things Are
Kids are often enthralled with the wild kingdom, so it's fun to do their rooms with animal-themed decor.
Articles by Section - Your Home
Entice buyers with sweet scents
When a home smells good, it makes a favorable impression on visitors. This is exactly what home sellers want when they put their house on the market.
Tips for buyers/sellers
Key indicators point to conditions for a seller's real estate market this spring.
Smart spending tips
Spring home improvement season is on the way, and if you're like most homeowners you have a list of jobs you want to accomplish.
Popular spring remodeling trends
It's time to think spring, which means fresh home updates. Spring home improvement projects will help you update your home, add comfort and save more of your hard-earned paycheck.
Celebrate winter white all year
It's cold out there. In much of the country, now's the time when home serves as a cozy refuge from the ice and snow. We light our fireplaces and wish for springtime.
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