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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22
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Home Improvements
Smart Projects To Lower Home Energy Bills
Rigid foam-backed siding helps insulate a home, cutting energy use up to 20 percent year-round.
May 9, 2008, 18:56
Home Improvements
Bathroom Renovation on a Budget
When giving someone a tour of your home, do you conveniently skip over the bathroom? Does it look better with the lights off and door closed? If your bathroom is outdated, it might be time for a makeover. Small changes can make a big improvement, and even if you have a small budget, there are many ways to make your bathroom shine.
Jan 16, 2008, 23:18
Home Improvements
Custom Showers: A Daily Dose of Luxury
The shower was once the bathroom’s most unassuming area, solely offering functionality while the jetted tub had all the fun. Times have changed however, and this once modest necessity has emerged as one of today’s hottest bathroom luxuries with new options offering the same sense of relaxation and awe that was previously reserved for the bathtub.
Jan 16, 2008, 23:12
Home Improvements
How to Make a New Home Even Better
Buying a new home can be a stressful time. There are so many things to consider from the safety of the neighbourhood, to the size of the backyard to the number of bathrooms in your home.
Jan 6, 2008, 21:06
Home Improvements
Attic renovation resources for the do-it-yourselfer
We all dream about it - having that gorgeous home with grand cathedral ceilings, immaculate hardwood floors and that natural stone fireplace to match. But few of us start with a home that's perfect. In the meantime, it's very likely you'll be painting some rooms or swinging a hammer as you build your dream.
Jan 6, 2008, 20:54
Home Improvements
Green Builder Leads With Boilers
There is nothing more maddening to a condominium apartment owner than to be forced to pay for someone else's energy use -; especially when you are away on vacation or an extended business trip. Westcorp Properties has alleviated that problem for buyers of its 1,200-unit Calgary, Alberta, condominium apartment development.
Jan 3, 2008, 20:58
Home Improvements
Turning Up The Heat While Minimizing Costs
High-efficiency heating units such as woodburning stoves and fireplaces can help reduce energy costs this winter.
Dec 24, 2007, 10:58
Home Improvements
Homeowners Discover A New "Intruder"
Today's housing market has thrown a number of curves at buyers and sellers. But now experts say a newly discovered problem is further raising the financial risk of buying certain homes-and that it may even affect a family's health regardless of whether they're looking to sell.
Dec 14, 2007, 12:58
Home Improvements
Is Geothermal Heating Right For You?
Homeowners may realize savings of up to 70 percent on heating, cooling and hot water costs when they install a geothermal unit.
Dec 14, 2007, 12:42
Home Improvements
Energy-Saving Tips For Homeowners
The cost of a home is an expensive proposition and when you factor in taxes, insurance and monthly maintenance, the financial weight may seem unbearable. Nevertheless, resale and new home purchases in Ontario are forecasted to reach record levels in 2008.
Dec 5, 2007, 22:02
Home Improvements
"Down To Earth" Heating System Improves Cash Flow
Homeowners all over North America, from Canada to Mexico and beyond, have discovered the benefits of using their own backyards as an energy source to provide heating, cooling and hot water. Geothermal heating and cooling systems use the free renewable solar energy stored in the ground.
Dec 2, 2007, 22:40
Home Improvements
Boiler Technology Proven to be 'Green' and to Cut Costs
In today's conservation-savvy world, the term "green" has taken on a whole new meaning that stretches far beyond a mere color. From popular television programs to world leaders, many public figures have taken the initiative to tell others to help improve the environment. So how can you take your first step toward going green?
Dec 2, 2007, 01:26
Home Improvements
Go Green and Save Green with a High-Efficiency Water Heater
As energy costs rise, the "green" movement and conservation efforts have become popular topics. Energy-saving recommendations appear daily in the media, and consumers are being offered subsidies or state and federal tax credits to encourage the purchase of more efficient appliances.
Dec 2, 2007, 00:36
Home Improvements
In Tight Housing Market, Remodels Catch Eyes, Add Value
As the nation’s housing slump depresses home sales and prices, more owners look for ways to increase their homes’ value and attract buyers.
Nov 23, 2007, 00:26
Home Improvements
Can You Afford an Insulation Renovation?
Small, yet important, actions such as turning off lights or unplugging rarely used appliances can help keep a home's energy costs down, especially when other expenses such as heating costs rise in the winter. While small actions are beneficial, homeowners may want to consider conducting a larger and more effective change such as performing an insulation renovation.
Nov 12, 2007, 22:42
Home Improvements
Seal the Cracks in Your Energy Bill
With the average home's energy bill higher than ever before, many people simply turn up the heat without eyeing the potential culprit -; your windows. In many buildings and homes across the country, the windows provide little to no insulation from the outside world, leading to a surprising amount of heat loss.
Nov 8, 2007, 20:52
Home Improvements
Home-Improvement Expert Offers Tips On Uncovering Potential Problems
Home repairs and maintenance are inevitable, but with careful planning and the proper tools, perhaps the next problem can be detected and prevented before it happens.
Nov 6, 2007, 01:16
Home Improvements
How to Get Your Driveway in Tip Top Shape for the Winter
Winter is quickly approaching and that means time is running out for those all-important DIY projects that you need to complete before the first frost.
Sep 18, 2007, 22:52
Home Improvements
Five Tips To Prepare For A Home-Improvement Project
While remodeling can be a rewarding way to improve your home value and lifestyle, many people are not sure where to start. The following five steps can help you manage the process and feel more confident about finishing your project on time and within budget.
Sep 18, 2007, 22:16
Home Improvements
Transforming Your Old Home into Your Dream Home Start With Your Outdoor Living Space
It wasn’t uncommon a few years ago to upgrade your home by simply visiting your local realtor to find out what bigger and better homes were available in the area.
Sep 11, 2007, 21:52
Home Improvements
Unleash Your Inner Handywoman New Products Help Make Any Women Feel Like a Pro
You’ve come a long way, baby! Besides bringing home the bacon, you’re buying the home and fixing it up, too. According to Fannie Mae, the number of single female homeowners will rise from 17 million to 30 million, (a 76 percent increase), from 2004 to 2010. What’s even more astounding is that now, many of these women are tackling home repairs -- doing everything from painting, to putting up drywall and changing out their plumbing.
Sep 11, 2007, 21:50
Home Improvements
Year-round Solution For In-home Comfort
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen-or the bedroom, or the attic, or wherever the temperature has you seeing red-and bring those spaces back from the tropics. The same holds true for a home with cold spots, where going from room to room gives you chills.
Jul 20, 2007, 23:40
Home Improvements
Ten Easy Steps for Reconditioning Your Fence or Deck
As the weather gets warmer, we begin to spend more time outdoors. The best part of having a yard is enjoying it during these months, but when items in your yard such as your deck and fence look worn and drab, it takes away from the pleasure.
May 5, 2007, 22:48
Home Improvements
How To Improve The Air Quality In Your Home
The next time you clean your home, don't forget to make sure your home's air is clean. By cleaning or replacing the air filter in your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, you can maintain better indoor air quality (IAQ) and help lower energy bills.
Apr 15, 2007, 20:29
Home Improvements
Hybrid Systems Combine Comfort And Savings
With the rising price of natural gas, homeowners are constantly looking for ways to cut utility costs. For many, gas furnaces are often the primary heat source. This means all of the heat in the home is coming from the gas furnace, which can get costly. Fortunately, there are options.
Apr 9, 2007, 00:24
Home Improvements
Splish, Splash! Have Fun in the Bath! Have Some Clean, Safe Fun in Your Tub…No Matter What Your Age
Bath time should be fun time no matter what your age. Bubbles help get you clean while the warm water soothes sore or tired muscles and joints. But accidents in and around the tub will spoil even the most relaxing soak. So be sure to incorporate some age-specific upgrades for safe, splish-splashing for years to come.
Apr 4, 2007, 22:25
Home Improvements
Kitchen Couture -- High Style Is the Latest Trend for Upscale Kitchens
Stylish extras give your guests the impression they have stepped into a gourmet kitchen, even if you’re not a gourmet chef. Create a culinary masterpiece with the latest upscale kitchen products that not only cater to your sense of style, but to your sense of taste as well.
Apr 3, 2007, 23:59
Home Improvements
The Five Most Dangerous Hazards In Your Home
Increasingly, homebuyers are learning the inside story on how hazards found inside homes can pose threats to their health. "These hazards are an important reason homebuyers need to have their home thoroughly tested by a home inspector," said Dan Steward, president of Pillar To Post, North America's leading provider of home inspection services.
Mar 12, 2007, 22:58
Home Improvements
Controlling Mold & Mildew Outside Your Home
Mold and mildew can make the exterior of your home look dirty and unattractive and rob it of its curb appeal. If left unchecked, they can also damage paint, wood, roofs and siding. Removing mold and mildew used to mean countless hours of scrubbing or power washing-only to have it return the next year.
Mar 12, 2007, 22:54
Home Improvements
New Tiles From Spain Are Very Far From Plain
Durable and easy to clean, today's ceramic tiles are no longer small, single-colored squares. They have grown in size, gracing floors and countertops, and can be molded to fit practically any shaped surface.
Mar 12, 2007, 22:46
Home Improvements
New Designs Bring Backsplashes Front And Center
There's good news for homeowners looking to make a major decorating statement in their kitchen with minimal effort.
A new line of decorative tile backsplashes comes pre-assembled and ready to hang, going from the box to the wall in less than 10 minutes.
Mar 12, 2007, 22:34
Home Improvements
Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Budget
Tired of the look and feel of your kitchen? Want to try something different? If so, you’re not alone. Kitchen remodels are one of this country’s most popular home improvement projects, but they aren’t cheap.
Feb 6, 2007, 23:17
Home Improvements
New Concept for Linoleum with Do-it-Yourself Version
The word “linoleum” may call to mind the indestructible -- yet nondescript -- hallways of your high school. Or, you may say “that’s what we have on our kitchen floor.” Either image misses the mark when it comes to modern incarnations of this durable, environmentally friendly natural product.
Feb 6, 2007, 23:00
Home Improvements
Kitchen and Bath Facelifts: Trends That Work
What makes a home more than just a living space are the personal touches and details that make it truly unique. With numerous design options and the ability to endlessly customize, the home is the best reflection of personal taste and style. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and despite its utilitarian function, major trends in the kitchen today revolve around thinking of it as a hub.
Feb 6, 2007, 22:55
Home Improvements
The Next Level in Spa Bath Trends
Consumers continue to crave increasingly luxurious home bath experiences. Whether they are refurbishing the bath in preparation for a sale, or feathering a nest they intend to live in for decades to come, homeowners have embraced the concept of spa-like bathrooms.
Feb 6, 2007, 22:05
Home Improvements
Space Saving Tips to Create an Efficient Kitchen Office
The kitchen is the heart of a home, a central gathering place to tackle the family finances, plan schedules and oversee homework. As a temporary workspace, the kitchen table can convert into the command center until the next mealtime. Eliminate the chaos and shuffling of projects and papers, with a kitchen office.
Feb 6, 2007, 22:03
Home Improvements
Is It Time for a Fireplace Facelift?
A great fireplace not only adds value and warmth to your home, it’s a natural focal point for winter entertaining. But if you’re having a hard time envisioning your guests sipping cocktails around your straight-out-of-the-‘70s hearth, it may be time for a fireplace facelift. Half of all American homes have at least one fireplace or freestanding stove, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.
Sep 27, 2006, 21:52
Home Improvements
Five Can’t-Miss Tips for Brightening Your Bath
Most homeowners know by now that improvements to bathrooms can bring big returns on investment when it comes time to resell a house. But there’s another equally compelling, often-overlooked reason to freshen your bath – it just feels good.
Aug 28, 2006, 22:42
Home Improvements
Warming Up to the Idea of Solar Energy
There's good news for those who claim there's nothing new under the sun when it comes to saving on energy bills. Experts say new benefits and current conditions are making solar energy systems a practical reality for a growing number of homeowners. With rising energy prices and concerns for the environment and about national security, homeowners are looking at solar energy options.
May 23, 2006, 22:55
Home Improvements
Energy-Saving Daylight For Dark Spaces
There's light at the end of the utility bill tunnel, thanks to an easy-to-install skylight that not only brings light to dark spaces, but also helps cut energy costs. That savings is not insignificant, as Americans spend 20 percent of their electricity bills on lighting their home.
Called tubular skylights, they are ideal for situations where there just is not enough light and the homeowner doesn't want to install a more traditional lighting system, explains a spokesman for ODL, the Michigan company that makes the skylights.
May 23, 2006, 21:33
Home Improvements
Vinyl Siding That Combines Appeal And Savings
To get the most for your home improvement dollars, insulated siding can be an investment that pays dividends in more ways than one. Some of the latest developments in vinyl siding, for example, make it possible to reduce maintenance, add curb appeal and improve your home's energy efficiency all at the same time.
May 8, 2006, 22:18
Home Improvements
Unseen Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
When it comes to protecting your home from the damaging effects of the sun, what you can’t see – invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays – can definitely impact you. Thankfully, there’s an easy and practical solution that provides built-in “sunblock” for the home. Most homeowners know that upgrading windows and doors can help them save money and conserve energy. However, a lesser-known benefit of energy efficient windows and doors is their proven resistance to harmful UV rays.
May 7, 2006, 13:02
Home Improvements
Tips to Make Painting Easier
Summer is the season of the “do-it-yourselfer.” Handy homeowners come into their own as the weather warms and they can embark on all those home improvement and maintenance tasks that languished all winter. Painting tops the list for many homeowners; it not only protects your interiors, painting is a great way to liven things up.
May 6, 2006, 12:37
Home Improvements
Deck Trends for New Decks and Makeovers
Decks have become a summer staple for the American back yard. In keeping with the trend towards outdoor living spaces that mimic the indoors, decks are dressing up. From decorative railings to drainage systems and a greater variety of building materials, today’s decks go way beyond simple wood platforms for a portable grill and some patio furniture.
May 6, 2006, 12:32
Home Improvements
Hard-Surface Flooring Gains Popularity for Style and Versatility in Home
For many homeowners, the thought of replacing the flooring in their homes is a daunting prospect. Yet, updating the floors is a highly decorative, cost effective way to improve the look and value of your home. Although wood flooring is still a popular choice among homeowners for its natural beauty and classic style, other hard-surface flooring products, such as resilient and laminate, have evolved to offer consumers a wider variety of patterns, colors, and textures.
May 6, 2006, 12:28
Home Improvements
Let There Be Light (in a Weekend Morning) Handy Homeowners Can Install These Skylights
If you’re a homeowner with an area in your home that needs more natural light -- say a hallway, laundry room, closet, or a windowless bath, an easy-to-install skylight could be the answer. And if you’re one of the millions of handy do-it-yourselfers in America, you can handle the installation in a weekend morning. But, if you’re a little wary of cutting a hole in your perfectly good roof yourself, a reasonably priced installation by a professional can be easily arranged.
May 6, 2006, 12:22
Home Improvements
Painting Pointers for Spring Projects
Spring is around the corner. Soon, the home improvement expos will return, the season’s first brave do-it-yourselfers will appear, and homeowners’ fancy will lightly turn to thoughts of painting. Repainting – either exterior or interior – is a great way to refresh your home’s look while boosting its value. The job doesn’t have to be costly, difficult or professionally done to produce great results.
Apr 12, 2006, 22:57
Home Improvements
Ready-to-Use Grout Makes it Easy to Install Beautiful Tile or Stone
Nothing makes a statement like the beauty of ceramic tile and natural stone. While many homeowners view designing a room and choosing tile as an exciting way to personalize and enhance the home, they’re often nervous about the idea of selecting installation materials and actually setting tile. Fortunately, companies that produce tile and stone installation materials now offer products that make it easy for the most novice do-it-yourselfer to achieve high-quality, professional results.
Mar 26, 2006, 20:52
Home Improvements
Bringing the Essence of a Day Spa Home to Your Bathroom
In today’s fast-paced society, more people are searching for the perfect escape from the stresses of juggling work, family and other responsibilities. While some head to spas for much-needed relaxation, others want to be able to unwind in the privacy of their own homes. Enter the home spa – a new trend and comforting retreat that’s as close as your master bathroom and far away from life’s stresses.
Mar 1, 2006, 17:18
Home Improvements
Don’t Let Clogged Drains Ruin Your Party
There’s never a good time to have a clogged drain, but some times are worse than others. For example, when your kitchen sink decides to back up during the middle of a dinner party, or when your toilet clogs and overflows while you’re hosting house guests.
Feb 26, 2006, 17:36
Home Improvements
Planting Trees Can Cut Your Energy Costs
Your trees are an important part of your yard. They not only provide shade and comfort to your family and add value to your house, they provide an important cost-savings opportunity. "You can dramatically reduce your heating and cooling bills by planting trees and caring for them," says Bayer Advanced™ Garden Expert Lance Walheim, a best-selling author and regular contributor to Sunset magazine.
Feb 25, 2006, 23:53
Home Improvements
Protect Your Kitchen And Bathroom Fixtures
Here's an idea to avoid letting the money you spend remodeling your bathroom or kitchen go down the drain.
The first step, if you are working with a contractor, is to be sure to get a list of references from people he has worked with in the past. Write letters to the clients, asking if they were satisfied with his work.
Feb 20, 2006, 11:01
Home Improvements
Getting A Tax Credit For Doing The Right Thing
Making energy-efficient home improvements and purchasing fuel-efficient hybrid electric vehicles is no longer just an environmentally friendly move -making these purchases could save you money at tax time. That's because the Energy Policy Act of 2005 will offer consumers federal tax credits for making energy-efficient purchases.
Feb 20, 2006, 10:36
Home Improvements
Cedar Closets: America's Best-Kept Secret
Americans are opening the door a bit wider on cedar closets. A recent survey of 1,000 adults showed that while only 10 percent actually own a cedar closet, 41 percent would consider installing one in their homes when informed about the benefits.
Feb 19, 2006, 23:42
Home Improvements
Keeping Natural Gas Clean And Available
Thanks to new technology, natural gas is more environmentally friendly and more reliable. That means more Americans can enjoy the warmth of clean natural gas heat without getting chills about pollution. Natural gas supplies nearly a fourth of all the energy used in the United States and, according to the Department of Energy, that's expected to rise to 40 percent in the next 20 years.
Feb 19, 2006, 23:15
Home Improvements
Keeping Current With Home Wiring Projects
Some people get a charge out of doing their own home electrical work. Others fear getting zapped or creating even bigger repair problems. No matter which category fits you, there's a handy guide that lets you get current with the latest techniques-which could save you a bundle on service calls, as well as increasing the wattage of your smile.
Feb 19, 2006, 22:51
Home Improvements
Tile is Tops in Beauty, Flexibility; Least in Lifetime Cost
If you’d been born in the early days of tile (around 4,000 years ago) you could never have afforded the luxury. Once reserved for royalty and the wealthy, ceramic tile is now the most economical type of flooring available, according to an independent study commissioned by the Tile Council of North America.
Feb 19, 2006, 02:11
Home Improvements
Everything New is Old Again Hand Distressing Gives New Floors the Look of Old Wood
Distress is not necessarily a bad thing if you are talking about wide plank hardwood floors. In fact, hand-distressing - the process of making new wood appear old is an increasingly popular design technique. “It’s not always feasible to use reclaimed antique wood to achieve a certain design effect,” says Don Carlisle, second-generation owner of Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, a Stoddard, N.H.-based company that specializes in hand-distressing. Homeowners who want to give their wood floors the look and character of age find hand-distressing is a great option.
Jan 26, 2006, 22:29
Home Improvements
Make Your Floor a Showpiece
Sometimes older is better (ask any wine connoisseur). But sometimes, new technology and techniques create a product that is better than the original. That’s the case with wide plank flooring. Prized for its historical charm and weathered patina, wide plank flooring adds warmth and character to any room. “Our floors offer the variations, subtleties and character of traditional flooring, while offering the structural superiority, enhanced durability and extended life of new wood,” says Don Carlisle, president of Carlisle Wide Plank Floors.
Jan 26, 2006, 22:27
Home Improvements
Finding a Faucet that Suits Your Fancy
Looking for a quick remodel project? Switch out your faucet for an updated look at your bathroom sink. With numerous styles to choose from - such as wall mount or deck-mount, widespread or centerset and single handle or cross lever faucets - the options are endless for personalizing your bath.
Jan 26, 2006, 22:23
Home Improvements
Cutting Energy Costs In The Kitchen
Being sure stoves and other kitchen appliances are energy efficient could save you some dough. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that about 20 percent of a household's energy bill goes to pay for appliances. Considering that energy rates are predicted to rise as much as 20 percent over the next year, it may be particularly important to be sure appliances run efficiently.
Jan 23, 2006, 21:24
Home Improvements
The Fight Against Rising Heating Costs
The comfortable feeling of being in control of the little things in life has quickly given way to a storm of feeling out of control that has stemmed from one very critical paradigm shift-fuel costs rising as much as 70 percent.
"A zone space heater is the answer to so many concerns and needs," says Ken Maitland, Director of Engineering for Desa Heating. "We are able to provide economical heating that is both comfortable and smart.
Nov 15, 2005, 21:27
Home Improvements
Electric Heaters: Your Wallet's Best Friend?
As temperatures drop, heating bills are expected to rise at a record rate. The Energy Information Administration predicts heating bills could increase 50 percent this year. Is there any way to escape the soaring costs of keeping warm? There is, if you are willing to change your "heating behavior." By spot heating your home, you may be able to save yourself more than a few pennies this winter.
Nov 15, 2005, 21:20
Home Improvements
Hints for Homeowners
Many people will soon be heading indoors to warm up in front of the fireplace or a heater. Others will enjoy watching the twinkling lights on their Christmas trees or eating dinner by candlelight. Unfortunately, without the proper care and preparation, these seasonal treats can pose serious threats to your home. More than one-third of all home fires occur between the months of November and February, according to reports by the U.S. Fire Administration.
Nov 15, 2005, 20:57
Home Improvements
How To Achieve High-Fashion Kitchens For Less
Getting just what you want in a kitchen has never been easier thanks to new developments in composite panel products and decorative laminates. Doors and drawer fronts are a good example. "As someone who has been involved in the cabinet industry for 27 years, I look at the latest products and go 'wow,'" says Steve Webb, a sales and marketing executive with Pentco Industries.
Nov 15, 2005, 20:54
Home Improvements
A Look At Windows
When purchasing windows for a new home-or replacing windows in your existing home-it's important to consider not only the style of windows you're interested in, but also the materials from which the windows are made.
Traditional wood windows provide design flexibility, including countless options of shapes and sizes, along with the various options to paint or stain the interior to match the décor inside the home.
Nov 15, 2005, 20:47
Home Improvements
Taking The Chill Off Of Energy Costs
A little preventive maintenance can mean big savings and increased comfort for homeowners anytime of year. For example, experts say in colder weather it's possible to save as much as 10 percent on an energy bill by reducing the air leaks in a home.
Nov 5, 2005, 23:52
Home Improvements
Home Winterizing Tips To Help Cut Heating Costs
There are ways to control the costs of heating your home. That's important, because experts say a harsh rise in home heating costs is on the way. According to the Energy Information Administration, the statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy, 55 million American homes heated with natural gas can expect heating costs to rise as much as 61 percent this winter.
Nov 3, 2005, 21:09
Home Improvements
Fireplaces A Hot Idea
When looking for a way to add a little pizazz to the living room, family room or den, it may pay to fire up your imagination. A well-maintained or spruced-up fireplace can add warmth-figuratively and literally-to most any home. Today, many products for the hearth-including dampers, fire tools, fire screens, the hardware on glass hearth doors, cinder buckets and log stands-keep their shine and last longer because they have undergone a process called powder coating.
Nov 3, 2005, 20:53
Home Improvements
ESFI Encourages AFCI Installation
Home renovations add value. They also present a prime opportunity for an investment to improve a home's electrical safety. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is urging consumers to install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to protect all of the circuits throughout the home during renovations. AFCIs are electrical safety devices designed to prevent fires caused by dangerous electrical arcs. Arc faults are one of the major causes of the 73,500 residential electrical fires that occur each year.
Nov 3, 2005, 20:41
Home Improvements
Gas Fireplaces: A Smart Heating Alternative
With homeowners facing the crunch of rising energy prices this heating season, gas fireplaces remain a smart and attractive choice for significantly reducing the monthly heating bill. While higher natural gas and liquid propane prices may tempt cost-conscious homeowners to limit their gas fireplace use, gas fireplaces can actually reduce dependence on a central furnace-providing immediate cost savings.
Nov 3, 2005, 20:19
Home Improvements
The Sky's The Limit For Boosting A Home's Value
It's always been one of the more envy-provoking features of any home. But now, with real-estate prices on everyone's mind-whether you're thinking of cashing in by selling or just looking to one-up the neighbors-skylights are becoming an increasingly popular addition. According to one national mortgage company, owning a home "suffused with light" can "substantially increase" its resale value. And when that light is coming from a skylight-not just regular windows-it makes a dramatic difference in the look and feel of the home overall.
Nov 3, 2005, 20:01
Home Improvements
Certification Makes A Difference
Many people have only the vaguest notion of what certification means. When asked if having a certified technician work on their home comfort system is important, their first reaction is often that certification really isn't that important. But the truth is, certification makes a difference in the quality of service and really means peace of mind and assurance. When consumers realize that, their reaction and answer change.
Oct 22, 2005, 15:37
Home Improvements
Take Action Now To Avoid Winter Home Damage
Ice dams. They may not exactly be a household word, but they cost the public millions of dollars each year, when ceilings and walls are ruined as a result of winter water seepage. Ice dams usually form when warmth from inside a home causes snow on the roof to melt and trickle to the roof's edge, where it refreezes, blocking gutters and drains. Since water cannot flow over the built-up ice, it seeps into the home under the shingles.
Oct 19, 2005, 00:01
Home Improvements
Home Sealing Saves Money
We've all heard the news, heating bills are heading up this winter. One way to reduce costs is to improve your home envelope, a process recommended by the EPA Energy Star® Program called Home Sealing. It means sealing air leaks to stop drafts and adding insulation to stay comfortable. According to the experts at EPA Energy Star, improving your home's envelope can save you up to 20 percent on your heating bill. Here are a few tips on how to reduce heating bills this winter.
Oct 16, 2005, 22:05
Home Improvements
Facing the Hurricane Challenge: Faster, Stronger, Safer Reconstruction
Experts believe that the recent increase in the number of intense hurricanes-such as Rita and Katrina-experienced by the United States is but one indication that we are entering a 40 year cycle of more severe weather patterns.
Futurist Joseph F. Coates, in an article written for the American Society of Civil Engineers, states that if global warming proves to be real, one consequence-in addition to atmospheric change-will involve smarter building concepts and attempts to conserve energy, particularly the energy associated with heating and air-conditioning.
Oct 8, 2005, 11:39
Home Improvements
Facing the Hurricane Challenge: Faster, Stronger, Safer Reconstruction
Experts believe that the recent increase in the number of intense hurricanes-such as Rita and Katrina-experienced by the United States is but one indication that we are entering a 40 year cycle of more severe weather patterns.
Oct 8, 2005, 11:13
Home Improvements
Extend Your Living Space With Fencing And Decking
One of the best ways to add a room with a view is to create a garden room. That's the latest concept in landscaping and it may be as simple as adding a deck or creating a private space with some fencing. A wide variety of materials are available for fences and decks, including wood, vinyl, and composite materials that combine wood with plastic or vinyl.
Oct 8, 2005, 10:57
Home Improvements
Space-saving Boilers Provide Quiet, Energy Efficient Heat
Dana Morton never wants to see another oil furnace or hot water tank in his home again. Morton is among the growing number of cost-conscious and environmentally concerned homeowners throughout North America who are discovering the value of heating their entire home and hot water supply with the Baxi Luna wall-hung boiler.
Oct 2, 2005, 01:28
Home Improvements
Tips to Help Keep Out The Cold This Winter
Winter is coming, and you may be opening your door to the uninvited cold if you haven't prepared your home for the wintry chill. Don't let Jack Frost creep indoors this winter. Prepare for the cold with these ideas from the makers of Heil brand heating and cooling products to help you save money and stay warm this winter.
Oct 2, 2005, 01:03
Home Improvements
New Oven Technology Cooks Better, Faster
Have you ever wished your food would just cook faster? Especially during the holidays, cooks are frantic in the kitchen trying to get everything ready at the same time. However, most of the timing trouble occurs because the main dish takes forever to cook. Now, you can sit down to eat in a fraction of the time with GE Profile ovens with Trivection technology. For instance, a 22-pound turkey will roast moist and golden in just two hours.
Sep 27, 2005, 22:54
Home Improvements
How to Identify Problems With Your Heating System
Are you able to keep your home comfortable? Do you feel like your home is always either hot as a frying pan or cold as an icebox? Your home comfort problems may stem from the conventional single-stage furnace found in many homes.
Sep 27, 2005, 22:40
Home Improvements
How to Find the Right Snow Thrower for the Job
A snow thrower can turn strenuous winter shoveling into a quick and easy job. Choosing the right one depends on the average snowfall in your area and the snow-removal requirements of your property. Basically, two types of snow throwers are available: single stage and dual stage. Single-stage models work best for light duty chores, such as clearing snow from sidewalks, steps, patios and small drives.
Sep 27, 2005, 22:27
Home Improvements
Tips for Successful Bathroom Remodeling
Today's bathroom should be a place to relax after a long day, put on your face for the day, and take care of a multitude of grooming and hygiene needs. Considering how much time you spend in this room, it's important to give careful thought to how you use this room. Many homeowners find that planning a new home or improving even a single room can be a bit daunting.
Sep 26, 2005, 21:44
Home Improvements
Warranties Play Important Role in Home Repairs
It's a fact of life - things break. But when they do, will you be prepared? While it's common to pay attention to warranties on electronics, people often overlook warranties on products for the home. However, if you examine and understand the warranties on items such as windows, carpets and countertops, you could save a significant amount of money by avoiding unexpected costs.
Sep 25, 2005, 21:21
Home Improvements
Are You Flushing Your Money Down the Drain?
Nobody likes flushing their hard-earned dollars down the drain. And very few people realize that the biggest water guzzlers in their homes are their toilets, accounting for more than one-third of all the water used. But new products are giving homeowners some powerful ways to save money and conserve scarce water resources at the same time.
Sep 20, 2005, 20:32
Home Improvements
Building a Deck May Be Easier Than You Think
Do you wish you could add an extra room to your house, but you don't want to spend the money? Is your back yard plain and boring? Outdoor amenities like redwood decks, trellises, privacy screens and benches can take the place of an extra room at a fraction of the cost. In addition, a deck increases real estate value and provides a low-maintenance outdoor area that keeps cooling and energy costs down.
Sep 18, 2005, 23:51
Home Improvements
Building Long-term Energy Savings Into Your Home
While new homes are 100 percent more energy efficient today than those built three decades ago, most people are not familiar with how to actually design energy savings into the infrastructure of their home.
Sep 18, 2005, 17:42
Home Improvements
Eliminate the Woes of Surprise Home Repairs
Few things are more disruptive and frustrating than unexpected home repairs. And when they occur, they can be budget-busters. From water heaters to air conditioners to dishwashers, homeowners spend hundreds of dollars annually to maintain and repair their home's systems and appliances. When major systems fail, expenses are even greater, averaging more than $1,000 in repairs, according to experts.
Sep 17, 2005, 22:52
Home Improvements
Gas Heating Appliances: Keep Your Money from Going up the Chimney
What you don’t know about your chimney can hurt you, especially if you have a gas-heating appliance that uses your masonry chimney as a venting system. Every day, without any visible signs, acid produced by your gas appliance may be eating away at the inside of your chimney. The resulting damage can compromise the safety of your family and the value of your home. An annual inspection of your chimney, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), can alert you to potential problems before they become costly or dangerous.
Sep 17, 2005, 22:00
Home Improvements
Retractable Awnings Turn Decks and Patios into Added Living Space
Building an addition to a home can be inconvenient and costly. More and more homeowners are avoiding this hassle and choosing instead to expand their homes by adding a splash of color and timeless style through custom retractable awnings. Consumers are seeing retractable awnings as an elegant and practical way to increase living space and the value of their homes.
Sep 17, 2005, 16:20
Home Improvements
Outdoor Living Made Easy
Outdoor living spaces have never been more popular. According to one recent study, nearly half of all new homes are either built with an attached deck or the new homeowners add one within five years. That’s a lot of new decks. The reasons behind the growing popularity are simple. Working adults are spending more time at the office making it increasingly difficult to make quality time for the family.
Sep 17, 2005, 16:14
Home Improvements
Don’t Replace Your Vinyl Siding, Renew It
Getting tired of looking at that faded siding on your home? Many homeowners believe their only alternative is to replace siding that has lost its luster as a result of UV radiation and acid rain. But there is a less expensive solution. Before you replace that faded vinyl, aluminum or steel siding on your home, you may want to consider another option that can save you money -- while at the same time giving your siding a new look and long-lasting protection.
Sep 16, 2005, 21:31
Home Improvements
From the Hospital to Your Home Five tips for creating a safe environment while recovering
Ahh . . . home sweet home. There’s nothing more comforting than recovering in your own home after a hospital stay. But your humble abode can pose its own set of problems -- even extending your recovery time -- if it’s not properly prepared.
Sep 16, 2005, 01:00
Home Improvements
Window Shopping: What to Know Before You Go
While window shopping may seem as clear as glass, there a number of things that homeowners should consider when determining the window that best meets their building or remodeling project needs. Different styles of windows and types of frames and glass create a myriad of choices. Simplify the window shopping process by understanding the three basic components of a window and how they impact the design, feel and energy efficiency of a home.
Sep 16, 2005, 00:57
Home Improvements
Quick Tips for Easy Home Winterization
With cooler temperatures and shorter days looming on the horizon, it’s time to get started on those projects to winterize your home. Home winterization is often overlooked, yet it is very important for the upkeep of your house. Fall is the perfect time for these projects, and there are many things you can do now to ready your home for the many cold months ahead.
Sep 16, 2005, 00:47
Home Improvements
Beautify Your Home Exterior in No Time
Do you ever wonder what your neighbors think of your home when they drive by? Is the home’s exterior well kept or in need of repair? Beautifying your home is easier than you think. There are a number of time-saving, cost-effective ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase its value over the long term.
Sep 16, 2005, 00:44
Home Improvements
If You’re Looking for a Quieter Home, Start with the Right Plumbing
With the cost of building the average home higher than ever, buyers are demanding higher quality in both the materials used during construction, as well as the workmanship. Although quality is subjective, there are some tangible ways to help consumers compare homes. One measurement that is receiving more focus these days is the noise level within the home.
Sep 16, 2005, 00:42
Home Improvements
Don’t ‘Fall’ Behind on Plumbing Maintenance
Cool autumn weekends are ideal for catching up on home maintenance projects that were better avoided during the dog days of summer. One item that should be on every homeowner’s “to do” list is protecting your home’s plumbing system from cold temperatures, which can cause pipes to freeze and burst.
Sep 16, 2005, 00:39
Home Improvements
Fall Into Gear: Tips for Making Your Home Energy Efficient
Fall is upon us, and with this finicky weather comes the great debate: Do we retreat indoors to escape sultry Indian-summer temps or find solace from frost-laden dew? Whether you’re pumping up the heat or blasting cool air, we’ve got some energy-efficient tips to help you prepare your home for the coming change in season.
Controlling Comfort, Savings and Efficiency
Sep 16, 2005, 00:36
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