Category: improvement
(ARA) - While drama may be unattractive in other aspects of your life, a dash of it can be just what your home's decor needs to spice things up. Fortunately, you don't have to choose between drama and cents. At least one popular design element can deli...
(ARA) - Today, time is an incredible luxury - one that we too rarely have. Between family responsibilities, work commitments and everyday stresses, it can often be hard to accomplish everything on the to-do list, let alone carve out time for oneself. ...
(ARA) - Most deck owners know that one of the keys to keeping their decks looking good is staining it every few years. However, while deck staining is a process that most homeowners are capable of doing themselves, finding the time to do it can be diff...
(ARA) - Remodeling projects have increased in popularity over the past few years as homeowners have decided to improve on what they have, rather than take a risk in the real estate market. Whether you're hoping to sell your home or create a more enjoya...
Does it ever feel as if your house has shrunk? Mine has definitely got smaller in recent years. I suppose this has something to do with the fact that my babies aren’t babies anymore, and that our puppy Max is now a fully-grown black Labrador. We moved into our three-bed semi in south-west London five years …
(ARA) - Ants, though often small, are the biggest pests of the summer for homeowners. They can enter homes through tiny cracks, looking for water and food - mainly sweets, meats or greasy foods - in the kitchen or pantry area. Ants may also be forced i...
(ARA) - Termites live to eat. Their hunger causes $5 billion worth of damage each year in the U.S., damage most homeowner's insurance doesn't cover. In fact, a colony can devour a foot of 2-by-4 wood in only six months. And since termites are masters a...
(ARA) - Some things we're supposed to do for our health may seem obviously difficult to accomplish: eating less fast food no matter how yummy it tastes, fitting an hour of vigorous exercise into every day, or giving up bad habits like smoking. You may ...
Have you ever accidentally left a candle burning unattended? Or left home without turning on the security system? You probably made a mental note to yourself to not do it again, but otherwise didn’t think much about it. But next time, you might not get so lucky. A simple “uh oh” could lead to thousands of …
(ARA) - As summer heats up, air conditioning bills can rapidly rise. As homeowners feel the heat, many are looking for ways to save and stay cool. Many U.S. consumers strive to conserve energy at home. Forty-seven percent of Americans say they try to ...
(ARA) - It goes without saying that the kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in the home. For most, it's the heart of family life and usually the one room where everyone gathers together. With so much hustle and bustle, it's no wonder that the k...
(ARA) - 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 ...
Owning a home can sometimes feel like a never-ending struggle to keep things running smoothly and in good shape. Especially with summer coming up, you’re probably thinking about taking some time to work on things in and around your house. While these tips won’t substitute for assistance from a qualified professional if necessary, you can still …
(ARA) - Water and the summer months tend to go hand-in-hand - water skiing or fishing at a lake, taking a dip in a swimming pool and watering home-grown plants with a garden hose are among the season's most popular activities. Recent summers have also ...
(ARA) - The kitchen and bathroom are at the top of most home remodeling project lists. But homeowners intent on remodeling should also consider investing in the exterior of their homes - maybe even start there. That's the advice of Sarah Susanka, one ...
(ARA) - The arrival of summer has many homeowners outside planting, preparing the patio for cookouts, and taking evening strolls through the neighborhood. Often, this extended outdoor time brings on a desire to improve a home's curb appeal. But home i...
(ARA) - Summer is finally here, and with warmer temperatures and longer days, it's the perfect time to brighten up your home with a few outdoor painting projects. You can add the right amount of color and increase your curb appeal in just one weekend, ...
(ARA) - Wood is one of the oldest building materials we know, and one of the most beloved. It's a love affair that has lasted - like hardwood itself - through the centuries, from the log cabins of earliest America into the early 21st century. The stor...
(ARA) - Whether you are looking for a way to increase the marketability of your home, or simply looking for a way to make your outdoor space more enjoyable, a deck remodel adds living space to your home and value to your house. Home remodeling is pro...
(ARA) - In the current economy, homeowners want to improve their home's exterior while saving time, labor and money. You can enhance your lifestyle by choosing options that extend product performance and add beauty and enjoyment to outdoor living. Th...