downsizing: Make your green renovation the envy of the neighborhood
- 01/20/11 02:55 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - What is it about "going green" that is so appealing? Even if it's not your favorite color, going green can benefit the environment, your health and reduce energy consumption, as well as overall energy costs. You may already recycle, use public transportation, buy local products or simply turn off the lights when you leave the room. While these simple practices can greatly reduce your overall impact on the environment, now is the perfect time to think about a total green renovation for your home. If the cost of a project is holding you back, … (2 comments)
downsizing: For flat screens and wall mounts, there's no such thing as too slim
- 01/13/11 02:09 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Slim is "in" ... and not just for people watching their weight. Flat screen TVs and the wall mounts that turn the TVs into decorator showpieces seem to grow sleeker and slimmer every year. And when it comes to viewing technology, thinner not only looks better, it has practical advantages, too. Yes, ultra-slim flat screens may cost you a few more dollars initially, but in the long run will probably provide you with enough user satisfaction to justify the extra expense. And don't forget that prices for standard flat screens dropped precipitously in just … (0 comments)
downsizing: Selling your home in 2011-Tips to add value during winter months
- 01/10/11 03:00 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL Major home renovations can be overwhelming, but there are a few fundamental repairs that can update your home's appearance and increase its value. If you're planning to sell your home in 2011, take advantage of the colder winter months to prepare your home for a spring sale by focusing on a few key projects: Make a first impression. The entryway is the first up-close encounter a potential homebuyer will have with your home. Manicure your front yard and update or even replace your front door to complement your home's exterior. Select a rich, dark stained wood … (0 comments)
downsizing: Cold weather offers perfect opportunity to work on these projects
- 01/06/11 04:54 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Although spring and summer are typically the seasons we focus on home improvement projects, there's no reason to put off projects or planning throughout colder months. If anything, it's the perfect way to spend time while hibernating indoors. From winterizing windows to laying new flooring, there are plenty of ways to keep improving your home year round. When the seasons change, one of the best things a homeowner can do is an energy audit. Though it's nice to keep the windows open all summer, drafty doors and windows can amount to hundreds of dollars … (5 comments)
downsizing: Looking to make your home more livable and still save money? Rely on natural light
- 12/08/10 09:55 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Wild seasonal temperature changes and the high utility bills extreme temperatures can cause - no wonder a change in season can make many Americans feel down, or even outright depressed. Maybe we all just need to lighten up - literally. You can use natural light to enhance your home's livability, not to mention your mood, this winter. Bringing ample natural light into your house can also help trim utility bills by reducing your dependence on electricity to power artificial lighting, and gas or oil to heat your home. Designers bring daylight into a home … (0 comments)
downsizing: How you can do your part - and save money - by conserving water
- 12/07/10 07:42 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Water may not be the renewable resource you think it is. In fact, 36 states anticipate shortages by 2013, according to U.S. government estimates. But the good news is there are multiple ways you can reduce the amount of water you use in the home, which in the end will save you money on your water bill. There are ways to cut back on the waste with every toilet flush, every time the shower runs or each time vegetables are washed in the sink. The Environmental Protection Agency promotes water efficiency and enhances the … (0 comments)
downsizing: Get your home ready for the new year
- 12/01/10 05:33 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - For many, the new year means a fresh start and there is no better place to begin than inside the home. Your home is meant to last, but over time, simple wear and tear can result in inefficient systems and less-than-perfect conditions. To keep your home looking and operating like the day you purchased it, Ace Hardware's home expert, Lou Manfredini, suggests a few easy maintenance projects that will make a big impact in the end. Give your baseboards the protection they need While adding a new coat of paint to your walls is … (2 comments)
downsizing: Green roof improvements that can save money - and the environment
- 11/24/10 09:37 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - In this economy, you may feel grateful to have a roof over your head. But how much do you really think about your roof? It's one of the most important elements of your home, one that helps protect all the other parts - not to mention the people - under it. And "greening" your roof is a great way to ensure it not only protects your family, but saves you some money and helps the environment at the same time. Heating, cooling and electricity costs make up the largest chunk of the average household's … (1 comments)
downsizing: Have an empty nest? Put out the welcome mat for guests
- 11/23/10 12:45 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL. (ARA) - When your youngest child packs up his room, loads all his belongings into the car, and drives away - to college, a new job or his first apartment - the quiet in the house can be unsettling at first. Then it hits you, your 'empty nest' is a remodeling opportunity. You now have the time to redo that guest bathroom and design the ultimate bath retreat for the friends and family you are eager to invite over and renew old ties with. Yes, you may miss your children, but this is a great time … (0 comments)
downsizing: Tips for making sure your contractor checks out
- 11/22/10 02:55 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - With many Americans still focused on staying put and maximizing the value of their current homes, competition is fierce among contractors wooing homeowners for their renovation dollars. All the attention may make homeowners feel like the prettiest girl at the high school dance, but for every "nice guy" who expresses interest, a "bad boy" could be waiting in the wings to take their money and leave their jobs unfinished. Even though the majority of contractors are honest, homeowners should be aware of the need to check a contractor's business license and the business' financial … (2 comments)
downsizing: Five simple design tricks to make your home a holiday hotspot
- 11/16/10 09:07 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - You may enjoy a rousing rendition of "Deck the Halls" when the carolers come a calling. But many time-starved hosts struggle to get the house decked out for the holidays while still having money left over for gifts. Those boughs of holly aren't as cheap as they used to be, but decorating your home for the holidays doesn't need to break the bank. These five simple design tricks from the decorating experts at Country Door, an online and catalog retailer offering affordable, contemporary country decor for all seasons, can help you take your home … (2 comments)
downsizing: 'Tis the season for home efficiency
- 11/11/10 02:26 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - As the cold weather and holidays approach, homeowners are preparing to spend more time indoors. Winter utility bills can get expensive, and in an economic climate as biting as the frost, consumers are watching every penny. From insulation, to appliances, to faucets, these upcoming months are an opportune time for homeowners to make their homes more efficient, reducing costs and the family's carbon footprint. Aside from the more obvious advice, such as unplugging electronics when not in use to avoid phantom draws, many long-term solutions will help you save energy and water every day … (0 comments)
downsizing: Keep warm and dry by sealing your home
- 11/10/10 03:10 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Winter may cause many homeowners to contemplate a new heating system or other major investments, but some small, smart investments can often go just as far toward protecting your home and saving you cash. Through the proper home maintenance techniques, you can keep typical damage caused by snow, ice and rain at bay and avoid major home repairs. One of the best ways to protect your property from the elements is by sealing surfaces where rain, ice, wind and melting snow can intrude. You can save thousands in repair costs when spring arrives by … (1 comments)
downsizing: Looking for a DIY project? Painting is an easy and affordable place to start
- 11/09/10 03:18 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL ARA) - Whether you recently moved into a new home or you're looking for inexpensive updates to spruce-up your existing décor, consider experimenting with color. Paint is the number one do-it-yourself (DIY) project because it's easy, affordable and instantly refreshes the look of a room. The painting project has become even easier with advances in paint technology and application to save every DIYer time and money. "Painting can refresh or change the look and feel of an entire room with a little planning and know-how and for less than $100," says remodeling expert and DIY Network … (0 comments)
downsizing: Luxury bathroom upgrades that are worth the investment
- 11/03/10 12:00 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Few room renovations return as much on your investment - in terms of resale value and enhanced enjoyment - as refurbishing a bathroom. Maybe that's why many Americans, who have tightened their belts when it comes to other areas of home improvement, still seem to be willing to spend more for luxury bathroom upgrades. Bathroom remodels traditionally return more on investment at resale time - often 70 or 80 percent, or even more. The trend toward spa-like baths continues to appeal to both potential buyers and renovating homeowners. While homeowners may still be willing … (0 comments)
downsizing: Keep your hard floors looking as good as new...
- 11/01/10 02:52 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - If you are one of the many American homeowners who recently have replaced the carpeting in your home with hard flooring, you're probably already looking for ways to keep it as beautiful and fresh as it was the day it was installed. One of the reasons people are drawn to hard flooring is that it opens up the look of rooms and brings an air of polish and order to the home environment. Whether your floors are wood, marble, tile, or linoleum, you want them to stay clean - especially when those unexpected visitors … (0 comments)
downsizing: Fast, frugal fall fix-ups-Transform your home in a weekend or less without breaking your budget
- 10/28/10 01:59 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - The shorter, cooler days signal that it's time to snuggle up inside the comfort of your home. If you discover your home could use a little pizazz, it only takes a few quick fixes, combined with creativity and elbow grease, to transform the rooms where you spend most of your time. In a weekend or less, you can make your home go from stale to striking. As you look around the house, ask yourself this, "If I could fix only one thing in each room, what would that be?" These answers are your quick … (0 comments)
downsizing: It's the season for home efficiency
- 10/25/10 03:59 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - As the cold weather and holidays approach, homeowners are preparing to spend more time indoors. Winter utility bills can get expensive, and in an economic climate as biting as the frost, consumers are watching every penny. From insulation, to appliances, to faucets, these upcoming months are an opportune time for homeowners to make their homes more efficient, reducing costs and the family's carbon footprint. Aside from the more obvious advice, such as unplugging electronics when not in use to avoid phantom draws, many long-term solutions will help you save energy and water every day … (2 comments)
downsizing: Hardwoods in unlikely places
- 10/22/10 02:42 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - The no-no's about using hardwood near a water source are vanishing. And while allowing water to rest on a wooden surface for extended periods will always be a no-no, the American Hardwood Information Center, finds that more design professionals are saying yes to client requests for the warmth, charm and richness of natural wood no matter where it's used -- in the bath, the kitchen and even the basement. "I recently designed a bathroom that was all hardwood," reports Douglas Wright of Miller & Wright Architects in New York City. "The only place we … (1 comments)
downsizing: Warm your home for the holidays with energy-efficient products
- 10/20/10 11:26 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Fall colors, cooler weather and crackling fires mean the holidays are right around the corner. As consumers prepare themselves and their homes for colder temperatures, many will seek out energy-efficient products. By making smart decisions, you can be sensible, yet stylish, when the cold weather, family and friends arrive for the holidays. The first place to start: your windows and doors. Replacing old, drafty windows and doors with fashionable, more energy-efficient ones can help you save energy and lower your utility bills year-round. If you're an American homeowner, it could even help you save … (1 comments)
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