Choosing The Right Insulation For Your Home

Posted 1/7/2007

Whether building new, remodeling or adding on to an existing home, choosing the right insulation is an important decision that can add value, safety and comfort for many years to come.

Insulated Air Ducts: Air Duct Upgrades Make Good Sense For Homeowners

Posted 1/7/2007

At home, our heating and air conditioning systems are often built to achieve the lowest possible immediate out-of-pocket cost, rather than optimum efficiency and lower lifetime costs.

Low Voltage Outdoor Lights Illuminate Decks

Posted 1/7/2007

Homeowners seeking to maximize the amount of time they spend outdoors are discovering the benefits of low voltage deck lights.

Decorative Trim Enhances Recessed Downlights

Posted 1/7/2007

Stylish trim accessories are also available from Juno lighting to improve the appearance of both new and existing recessed light fixtures.

Kitchen Cabinet Styles Add Distinction

Posted 1/7/2007

Distinctive design elements and creative touches have grown increasingly important for homeowners planning a new kitchen. As families continue to spend more and more time in the home’s defacto command center and social gathering spot, it’s more common to see personal style reflected in kitchen designs.

Saving Energy With Fans

Posted 1/7/2007

More and more homeowners are finding that fans can provide them with the cooling effects they seek, while saving energy at the same time.

Window Sash Replacement Kits

Posted 1/7/2007

Maintaining the charm and original look of older homes usually means dealing with the problem of old windows. Often older double hung windows don't operate smoothly, won't shut tightly or sometimes won't open at all. Worst of all, they're drafty and inefficient, a problem that's hard to ignore as fall and winter set in.

Bathroom Redecorating Tips

Posted 1/7/2007

According to Alexandra Coote, another talented Country Floors designer, the neutral colors chosen for today's bathrooms are warm whites, bone, parchment, caramel, cafe au lait, taupes, sand, and grays … actually the gamut of earthtones.

Weck Glass Block In Eurocolors Adds Another Dimension To Contemporary Decor

Posted 1/7/2007

Weck, long a European leader in glass block of high quality and aesthetic design, also offers a range of decorator colors that lend uncommon interest and excitement to building interiors and exteriors.

Weck Glass Block Styles Add Daylight And Architectural Impact

Posted 1/7/2007

Custom home owners’ and architects’ perception of glass block’s appropriate place has evolved from back-side basements to front elevations that celebrate this high-quality, sparkling material as "building blocks of light."

Installing Ceramic Floor Tile

Posted 1/7/2007

Installing ceramic floor tile is a popular way to upgrade the style and value of a home. Ceramic floor tile installation is a project well within the capabilities of most do-it-yourself homeowners, and a small floor tile installation project doesn’t necessarily require the purchase of expensive tools or equipment.

Carpet Cleaning Tips

Posted 1/7/2007

Your new carpet has just been installed and it's looking terrific. In fact, it looks so good you're tempted to protect it with plastic runners and assorted carpet scraps strategically placed throughout the house. Well isn't that special!

Tips For Proper Carpet Care

Posted 1/7/2007

Whether you're still thinking about installing a new carpet or already admiring carpeting that’s just been installed, there are some very important things you need to know and do to protect your new carpet investment. The result of proper carpet care will be longer carpet life, improved aesthetics and a cleaner, safer indoor environment for you and your family.

Repairing Stucco Finish Walls: Synthetic Stucco Can Give Old Stucco Walls A Brand New Look

Posted 1/7/2007

Stucco has a lot of advantages as a home exterior. It is durable, fire-resistant, able to withstand harsh climates and, of course, it looks great. However, the traditional stucco mixture of cement, sand, lime and water does have its faults.

Building Green With Wood: Turns Out Wood Is A "Green" Building Product After All

Posted 1/7/2007

New studies in life cycle assessment and the environmental impact of various building materials now suggests that wood's reputation as a green building product, and recognition for the wood industry's important contributions to green concepts like renewability and environmental sustainability, are on the rebound.

High Quality Wood Lattice Provides Easy Outdoor Elegance

Posted 1/7/2007

One of the easiest ways to add a touch of elegance, a note of class, or a decorative feeling to a yard or outdoor living area is to integrate lattice in your landscape. With its airy classic look, lattice provides an ideal backdrop for foilage and flowers, whether you’re entertaining or just relaxing with the family.

Neat Home Storage Products And Organizers: A Sure Cure For 'Stuffitis'

Posted 1/7/2007

As certifiable stuff keepers, many of us are always looking for new and better ways to organize, store and get to our "stuff" without enduring a lengthy, frustrating search.

Ready-To-Assemble Furniture Kits: A Growing Trend Among Do-It-Yourself Consumers

Posted 1/7/2007

You pump your own gas, plant your own garden, perhaps even paint your house yourself, rather than rely on an outsider. Whether it's the sense of accomplishment or the substantial savings you enjoy, you're a "do-it-yourselfer" and proud of it. Here's something, however, that you may not have considered—building your own furniture.

High Tech Thermostats: New Thermostats Meet Homeowner And Environmental Needs

Posted 1/7/2007

Until recently, homeowners had little say in the design or operation of the thermostat that controls their heating and cooling system. But finally, a major manufacturer of heating and cooling equipment decided to ask consumers what they really wanted.

Replacing Window Screens Is Easy And Inexpensive

Posted 1/7/2007

Early Spring is a good time to repair or replace window screens. "Besides being a home's first line of defense against flying insects, clean, well kept window screens make a home more attractive," says Peter Miranda, Executive Director of the Insect Screening Weavers Association.

Soundproofing A Home: Tips For Building Quiet Into New And Existing Homes

Posted 1/7/2007

So, how do you soundproof a home—especially if you have noisy children around? Well, there are several things you can do to shield yourself from noise.

Vinyl Floor Maintenance Tips

Posted 1/7/2007

The following vinyl floor maintenance tips from Congoleum will help you keep your vinyl floor looking bright, shiny and new.

Remodeling With Laminates

Posted 1/7/2007

Hard-wearing, easy-care laminate is still a favorite for busy countertops, but these days its fashion value is so high that it's at home in just about every room in the house. In fact, remodeling with laminates opens up a wide range of design possibilities for homeowners that might otherwise be out of reach.

Country Style Kitchen Cabinets Add Charm In Today's Modern Kitchens

Posted 1/7/2007

Country kitchens are all about the charm and character that we’ve come to associate with furnishings hauled home from antiques fairs in far-flung country fields. And country style kitchen cabinets boast the comfort and look of heirloom furniture rather than conventional cabinetry.

Spring Home Maintenance: After The Winter, The Repairs!!

Posted 1/7/2007

About the only good thing that can be said about winter is that it’s over. Okay, that’s a little harsh, but as people welcome the sights and sounds of gentler weather ahead, they realize that the Spring is likely to bring with it a daunting list of home repair and maintenance chores.

Vinyl Siding Options: Advanced Vinyl Siding Points To The Future, Offers Links To Past For Today's Homes

Posted 1/7/2007

Today it's no surprise that vinyl siding options still dominate the market, due to their beauty, versatility, durability, low maintenance and affordability.

Home Maintenance Checklist: Getting And Keeping Home Repairs Under Control

Posted 1/7/2007

Many homeowners find home repair to be difficult work. Yet for some the job is even harder because they can't decide what needs to be done or where to begin. How can you fix a chronically wet basement, for example, if you don't know where or how the water is coming in?

Shopping For High Quality Vinyl Windows

Posted 1/7/2007

Vinyl windows have become one of the most popular options for homeowners looking to add value to their homes. Real estate agents estimate that windows rank right up there with kitchen and bathroom renovations as one of the best methods of home improvement.

Easy Hardwood Floor Maintenance

Posted 1/7/2007

Whether you’ve installed a new prefinished hardwood floor, or refinished a hardwood floor that has been hiding under carpet for years, maintenance of your hardwood floor is an important issue.

Energy Efficient Water Heaters

Posted 1/7/2007

Hot water for taking a shower, doing the dishes, and washing hands. It's something just about everyone takes for granted. But thanks to American ingenuity, you now have a reason to take notice of your water heater ...

Choosing Paint Colors: Paint Is Today's Most Important Decorating Tool

Posted 1/7/2007

Choosing paint colors is often a difficult decision. Oddly, even the woman, who'll pick the right color dress without a moment's hesitation, finds choosing color schemes for her home a daunting task.

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Posted 1/7/2007

New materials and technologies are redefining options for homeowners contemplating a bathroom remodeling project. The bathroom remodeling ideas that follow are just a small sampling of the many creative, efficient and stylish options available.

Aluminum Window Advantages: Invest In The Best

Posted 1/7/2007

Selecting replacement windows for your home is a lot like selecting the best financial investment. When you invest your money, you look for long term advantages, a consistent return, and a no-worry, no-hassle choice.