Childproofing your Home - 06/23/08 06:04 AM
 Statistics show that more young children are hurt in the home than anywhere else. This makes sense, because littlies spend the biggest part of their lives in their home. And home is where they can often get away from mother's watchful eye while she is on the phone or cooking a meal. So go through your home and childproof it to save you and your child from the trauma of an accident. All dangerous or poisonous goods should be kept in a locked cupboard, with the key's whereabouts known only to adults.Toddlers should not be allowed entry into dangerous areas. Even … (0 comments)

All About Cedar Shakes - 06/23/08 05:58 AM
Cedar Shakes are wooden shingles that are derived from splitting the wood log. Typically, Cedar Shakes are preferred for their simple and beautiful look. They have been very popular in California or west coast architecture for many years and are often preferred to metal, asphalt, slate or shingle roofs. However, though Cedar Shakes look marvelous, they must be treated specifically for several concerns. First, they must be weather proofed, well maintained, and they must be treated with chemicals to ensure that they are fire proof.Cedar has natural weather resistant properties making it an excellent roofing material. It is also a natural … (2 comments)

All About Chimney Caps - 06/22/08 02:58 PM
Chimney caps are a vital part of homeownership. Since water, debris and animals will make their way into your home through your chimney, it is important that you make certain your chimney is protected from these invaders. In order to make sure that your home is safe, you should have your chimney inspected regularly, preferably once a year. In addition to the inspection, you should hire a professional to make certain that your chimney is clean. A chimney that is full of debris will not only attract pests, but is also a fire hazard. Regular maintenance and keeping the chimney covered … (0 comments)

How to Choose Shudders for your House - 06/22/08 02:54 PM
If you are in the process of shopping for exterior shutters for your home, you're likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices on the market. You can choose from vinyl, faux wood, or real wood shutters, for example - and those are just your options for materials! Factor in color, shape, style, finishing - and of course, price - and you've got a lot of decisions to make.
Exterior wood shutters are superior
Wood has several inherent advantages over other shutter materials. It is more durable than either vinyl or faux wood. Synthetic materials can age quickly when … (3 comments)

What Do you Know about your downspouts? - 06/22/08 02:49 PM
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Cost Effective Home Improvent Ideas - 06/22/08 02:45 PM
Homeowners know that improvement and redecorating projects can be financially draining. Pair that with the fact that the cost of gas and groceries continue to rise and sprucing up your home may be on the back burner. However, you can still invest in some simple projects that provide a big impact, and you won't have to spend a fortune to complete them. Here are some quick and easy ways to boost the look of your home while stretching your funds to the maximum. Try Before You Buy Adding some color to the walls is a trouble-free and inexpensive way to extend … (2 comments)

Add Value to Your Home - 06/22/08 02:40 PM
Whether you're selling your home or planning to live there for years to come, you can add interest and value using architectural elements. Customizing your kitchen, bath or master bedroom is a simple way to set your home apart and increase the "wow factor" of those particular rooms, which real estate agents say sell houses. Architectural elements are the unique details that form the architectural style of houses and buildings. These include anything from stairways and fireplace mantels to columns and ornaments. Examples of architectural details are found in every design style from intricate Victorian gables to modern clean-lined ceiling domes. … (1 comments)

Family Friendly alternative to the family trip - 06/22/08 02:35 PM
With the price of a gallon of gas now hovering around $4, a lot of Americans are expected to forego the family road trip this summer. While that's bad news for gas stations, hotels and attractions, it'll likely mean a windfall for the home improvement industry. Instead of spending their discretionary money on travel, the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI), a not-for-profit organization of manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and allied organizations in the home improvement industry, is predicting Americans will invest it in upgrades to their homes. Upgrades that will make the home a more enjoyable place to live for everyone in … (0 comments)

Easy Do-it-yourself projects - 06/22/08 02:31 PM
A few simple do-it-yourself projects to increase the value and appearance of your home can make a big difference when it comes time to sell. Not only can you make your house stand out, you can receive more money from the sale, which can be used to offset other projects on your wish list. While DIY projects often seem like a daunting task, they don't have to be. By planning ahead and arming yourself with the right tools, your home upgrades can be quick and affordable. One way to cut down on the costs associated with DIY projects is to rent … (1 comments)

Make Your Basement the Man Cave - 06/22/08 02:25 PM
If a man's home is his castle, shouldn't there be one room in it where he can "hold court" with his noble peers and watch the game? Or where he can retire for solitude to take care of some paperwork or indulge in some woodworking? Welcome to the concept of the "man cave," guys. You can create the sanctuary of your dreams and enhance your home value at the same time by renovating your basement into the ultimate guy retreat. More than half of home buyers say they want a finished basement, according to a survey by the National Association of … (2 comments)

Saving Energy and Going Green Starts at Home - 06/18/08 04:03 PM
Talk about climate change is in the air and we are all looking for ways to do our part to reduce energy use and pollution. Combating global warming means saving energy and, as energy prices rise, it becomes more and more apparent that saving energy can mean saving money too. With high gas prices, Americans are naturally focused on the cost of driving, but high energy prices also hurt homeowners. Homes account for nearly 20 percent of the United States' global warming emissions, according to the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. At the same time, a recent report funded by … (4 comments)

Wallpaper Making a Comeback? - 06/13/08 03:31 PM
Since Oprah announced on her TV show that "wallpaper is back" and Time Magazine called wallpaper "hip" and the "latest passion" of interior designers, the plain painted wall seems a bit boring. If you haven't given your walls much thought since last agonizing over paint chips, now is the time to consider today's new wallpaper and wall decor products. It's like switching from traditional to high-definition TV -- you won't see walls the same way ever again. Wallpaper's sharper image has everything to do with advanced technology incorporated into striking designs to suit the way we live today. These are just … (2 comments)

Buying a Fixer Upper - 06/13/08 03:27 PM
You've seen the real estate listings: "in need of TLC," "fixer-upper," and "great potential." While some cringe at the thought of buying a house that needs to be renovated, others see a chance to get a great deal on a house they can customize and make their own. Thanks to recent changes in the real estate market, a surplus of homes is available for purchase across the country. While some are in move-in condition, others need work. For those willing to take on the added time and effort of renovation, the rewards can be great. "A fixer-upper can provide great opportunities … (2 comments)

Storm Drain Problems - 06/13/08 03:16 PM
Moisture in a crawl space is bad news. It can cause a host of problems including but not limited to undermining the foundation and footers. Moisture is also a conducive condition for termites. We all know the damage those guys can do. Another big time problem with moisture in the crawl is mold and mildew. Chronic moisture can lead to toxic mold or sick house. Its usually in the best interest of the house to keep the crawl space dry. The next question is where does the moisture come from. Sometimes the moisture comes from poor drainage and or poor topography … (3 comments)

Do you need to replace some windows and doors? - 06/03/08 09:39 PM
Thinking of remodeling? You are not alone. The majority of money spent by homeowners on home upkeep goes toward improvement projects versus maintenance and repairs. Homeowners spent an estimated $226.4 billion in 2007 on home improvement projects and repairs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Home improvements accounted for 75.8 percent of total spending, while another 24.2 percent went into maintenance and repairs. However, not knowing what to expect during remodeling can be very daunting. Don't let fear hold you back from needed or desired home improvement projects like upgrading leaky windows or drafty doors. The added energy savings, plus the … (1 comments)

Is Your Air Conditioning Broken Down? - 06/03/08 09:34 PM
It's a home comfort emergency. Your air conditioning system breaks down in the middle of a heat wave, or your current heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system sounds and feels like it's on its last legs. When you need to replace your system quickly, what should you do? The folks at American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offer a list of things to consider when you need to replace your home comfort system in a hurry without getting worried. Choose the right HVAC dealer. The most important step is finding someone you can trust to provide expert advice and properly install … (2 comments)

Cleaning Shower Doors - 06/03/08 09:26 PM
Vicki Lewis of Cottonwood, Calif., lived in her new home for less than three weeks when she first noticed it. Regardless of how hard she scrubbed her new glass shower doors, she could not get them as clean as they were when she had first moved in. Stubborn soap scum and hard water stains on glass shower doors are a very common problem for homeowners. In communities where hard water is an issue, the build-up of mineral residue can begin clouding glass almost immediately. Simple, routine maintenance is the key to keeping shower glass sparkling. A light coating of wax or … (9 comments)

Face lift for your driveway - 06/03/08 04:08 PM
Whether selling a home in today's tough real estate market or simply trying to beautify and protect your home, curb appeal should be very important to you. Home selling experts predict that as many as 40 percent of potential buyers reject a home based on their first impression of the front of the home. That makes curb appeal -- the general appearance of the front yard -- the single largest factor shaping impressions of your home. After lawns, driveways often make up the largest area of the front yard, and can really affect opinions of your home. "Driveways and sidewalks are … (0 comments)

A way to expand your living space - 06/03/08 04:04 PM
Is what used to be your office now the baby's room? Have your desk and computer taken up residence in the formal living room? Are you running out of space to store your growing collection of stuff? Now that summer is here, it's a great time to reassess how the space in your home is being used. And if you're looking for more creative ways to utilize the space you already have, look no further than the backyard deck - specifically underneath it. "Expanding a home's outdoor living space is a big trend, and so many newer homes have second or … (2 comments)