Finding the best quality paint can be a challenge. While both price and reputation are often good indicators of quality within a product line, how do you compare paints from different manufacturers? What goes into making a quality paint? Chemistry All paint has three components: pigments, binders and thinners or solvents.… read more →
It’s moving day. Everything is packed the rental truck is parked outside, and despite your prayers for sunshine the weather forecast is coming true—a storm is brewing, prompting worries of soaked boxes and ruined furniture. But moving in bad weather doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you have to move when… read more →
He bristles at your questions about his work history. He says there’s no reason to solicit other contractor bids. His company demands payment up front, in cash. He tells you this is the way renovations get done. Maybe you don’t know any different because this is your first major home… read more →
The best way to brighten a drab and dreary home is with light. However, you can turn on the light even without wattage. Here, we offer three lighting tricks—with and without light bulbs—to light up your home. Lighten Your Décor If your home appears dark and dismal, keep two principles in mind:… read more →
No matter who you are, or where you live, everyone needs to reduce the amount of mold and mildew in the air they are breathing in. If you smell a musty odor in your home or workplace, there is a good chance that it is probably mold or mildew. Of… read more →
Winter’s fierce growl along with short, hectic days make it more important than usual for your home to serve as a warm and comfortable haven. Here are 10 easy things you can do to make your home feel more cozy and the season’s chill seem less mean. Warm Up With… read more →
The doors, the windows, and most likely the azalea bush by the driveway—you’d expect those to stay with the new house you just bought, and you’d be right. But what stays in the house when you buy it? Who claims the washer and dryer? Will the sellers bequeath the lawn mower? What… read more →
Homeowners in cold-weather climates—such as the Northeast, Midwest, and mountain areas—face icy conditions, blizzards and other cold-weather storms. Beyond requiring a quick trip to the convenience store for milk and bread, severe cold weather can threaten your home’s structure and your safety. Therefore, it’s important to take measures and invest in… read more →
Kitchen counters today play a demanding role: They’re expected to withstand the rigors of daily food preparation as well as scrutiny as the showpiece of an open-concept home. How do you select the right counter material for your home that is beautiful and can take a beating? As you contemplate… read more →
Before purchasing a house, it’s important to hire a home inspector to evaluate the home from bottom to top—including the attic. This often-overlooked storage space can provide visual cues to potential problems in the safety and structural integrity of a home. If there is damage present, the inspection can help you determine… read more →