When building a house, maybe the most important material used is the lumber. M.C. Gutherie Lumber in Livonia, Michigan knows how important this commodity is for builders. Lumber is used for everything from the roof and floor trusses, to framing the home’s walls, windows and doors. If you’re a builder in a bind, Gutherie Lumber ...
The “American Dream” shared by many is to own their own home. Many times those dreams can only come to life by getting an affordable mortgage. The Windmill Group is intimately involved in building the dreams of home owners but they also are there to help you understand mortgage options. The Windmill Group will share ...
Your kitchen counter top is the most used surface in your home and must stand the everyday wear and tear of cooking, baking and clean-up. When it comes to your counter tops, having the best is what Midwest Cabinet and Counter wants for you. Founded in 1951, Midwest Cabinet and Counter has been a manufacturer ...
Superior in its performance, green in its manufacturing, and perfect for any residential or commercial construction, Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as forty percent. Many utility companies and the government are offering rebates for making improvements to your home that decrease energy use and consumption. If you ...
Designing your newly built or renovated space is an exciting and detail-oriented task. From the colors of the walls to the crown molding to the light plates on the walls, you have a lot of options to choose from and a lot of decisions to make. Tuscany Development has a professional design team that is ...
You do not live a cookie-cutter life. You’re an individual with your own views. You know exactly what you value, what makes you unique, what inspires you. You’ve spent years defining your style, your way. You see things differently — as you should. So when it comes to aesthetics, you have a definite idea of ...
Most homes aren’t perfect, unless maybe you build your own. Sometimes to turn your current into the perfect home, you might want to consider remodeling. Budman Remodeling is well-qualified in a combination of innovative design and full-spectrum construction services. Dedicated to establishing and maintaining trust with their customers, they will help you with any remodeling ...
Medical supplies are continually rising in price. Many times, it is also hard to determine where to find the best quality products that will help your medical supply needs. Don’t fear! With With Wright & Filippis, you will be able to find the medical supplies and/or equipment that is right for you. They provide: prosthetics, ...
Many times, windows can literally define a home, connecting the outside and inside. When it comes to your new home, don’t “settle” when making your window selection. Pullum Window Corporation specializes in windows for new residential structures. Looking at your blueprints, they will walk through your specifications for the home, get a sense for your ...
Do you live in a neighborhood with an active home owner’s association (HOA)? Maybe you are part of a condominium owners association. If so, your association probably has a lot to take care of — including common area maintenance. LandArc Contracting Services is a primary service provider for hundreds of commercial and residential properties offering ...
In a tough economy, the last thing you want to have are outrageous bills that you have to pay every month. When it comes to energy, there are ways to decrease your home’s usage in order to save you money. Tony Van Oyen Builder, Inc. offers homes that are Energy Star labeled, meaning they are ...
As one of the most complicated yet essential parts of your home, the plumbing in your house needs to have the right tools and products in order to work correctly. HL Claeys and Co. was established in 1920 and works to help homeowners with their plumbing issues. Representing kitchen and bath manufacturers, you can find ...
Believe it or not, soon flowers will begin to bloom and the trees will bud new leaves. With nature springing up, you’re not going to want to hide behind curtains or poor windows as the sunlight begins to stream in. Locally owned Apel Building Products Inc. has Marvin brand windows and doors, available in eighteen ...
Whether you are in an older home or a new house, having it properly insulated can make the difference between how much cash is taken from your wallet and how comfortable you are in your own home. Novi Insulation Inc. knows how important it is to have your home properly inspected and insulated to save ...
Have you had an energy company find ways to help you save money? Click on this link to DTE Energy to see some of the ways they are helping their customers find ways to lower their energy bills and save money. You may even be asking yourself: “Why would DTE Energy want to do that?” ...
Like beauty, paint is only “skin deep” in a manner of speaking but it can affect the perception of every other aspect of your home. Even when everything else is done to perfection, craftsmanship can be diminished by inferior paint workmanship. When done properly, an exceptional paint job is one of the most cost-effective ways ...
Picking the right counter tops can be a tough decision, especially if your budget isn’t large enough to afford granite counter tops in the kitchen and/or the bathrooms. But granite isn’t the only stone that provides an attractive and high-quality finish. Marble is also a beautiful stone that can go with all home décor as ...
The weather is getting better and it is starting to warm up, which means it’s time to get outside and start those home improvement projects. The warmer weather will help any project that you are going to be working on that involves concrete of some kind. But before you start, check out South Monroe Block ...
Whether you have gone through a disaster in the past, are in one now or are concerned about the future, Statewide Disaster Restoration is there to help. As an industry leader in both residential fire and water damage clean up and restoration, Statewide has the resources to quickly get your home back to normal as ...
Bathrooms, particularly master baths, have the potential to be one of the most attractive rooms in your home. Achieving this requires designing it correctly and taking the time and energy to make the design a reality. At Kurtis Kitchen and Bath Centers, you can get the products you need to “make-over” your bathroom yourself or ...
Did you know that wood is one of the world’s most used natural resources? Wood is also one of the most “green” building products as it circulates energy savings throughout its lifetime with lower greenhouse gas emissions, lower air pollution, lower water pollution, and lower solid waste by-products. Iverson’s Lumber Company offers a wide selection of ...
Normally, few like taking a cold shower or bath, so when your water heater decides to quit, finding the right person to fix it can be a challenge. A & F Water Heater and Spa wants to help. From water heaters and hot water boilers to pool and spa heaters, wet and dry saunas, and ...
As the warm weather starts to open the buds on the trees, raise flowers from the dirt and make plants bloom and blossom, you want to be able to see God’s beauty clearly from every room in your house. Andersen Windows and Doors loves to provide homeowners with new windows giving a perfect view of ...
Finishing your basement is a great way to add value and extra room to your home. But when it comes to the finishing process, you need to make sure that your basement is reliably dry and to ensure there are no future water issues. Williams Concrete Solutions specializes in concrete waterproofing to help homeowners have ...
Have you ever thought about siding that was different from the run-of-the-mill siding pretty much everyone has? Bolyard Lumber offers alternative sidings that will make your house fit in with nature as well as give it a unique, fresh and updated look. One of their sidings — Cedar Valley Panel Siding — has truly passed ...
As a homeowner, I bet you are knowledgeable about what goes into your home. But do you know what is on the top of it? Of course a roof, gutters, and a chimney comes to mind, but do you really know how up-to-date and sturdy it all is? Sun Home Improvement Company has the licensing ...
When you walk into your bedroom closet what do you see? At California Closets, they see the potential for a disorganized closet to be organized, hidden clothes to be seen, and hard to reach shoes readily available and within your sight and your grasp. As a franchise showroom located in Birmingham, Michigan, they display many ...
We never want to have to think about what would happen if there happened to be a fire, flood or other natural disaster hit our home. But if something like that does happen, it’s good to know who will be there to help clean up and erase nature’s mark on your home and belongings. Montgomery ...
If your home is like most, it probably has a staircase of some type. Over time, your stairs can become worn out, they can possibly rot and may ultimately not be safe for you or your family. ASA Builders Supply has all you need to have the best staircase for your home. From traditional wood ...
Whether someone is older or unable to get around easily, getting into or around their house can be a struggle. Johnson Building Company specializes in making homes more accessible with their custom built ramps, elevators, and lifts. As an experienced professional in the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialty (CAPS), Bob Johnson of Johnson Building has been creating, ...
As we (or our parents) begin to age, we have to determine what we will do when it comes time to decide whether we/they should stay in a house or move to a retirement facility. Elder Living Construction in Farmington Hills, Michigan is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) remodeling company which means they are the ...
We all know what septic tanks do for you and your home, but do you know how often to have it pumped, or the maintenance you need to keep it working properly? That’s where J.W. Field Septic Services comes in. Because septic tanks are their specialty, they offer you as a homeowner “peace-of-mind” as J.W. ...
Do you see your garage as just a place for your yard tools and to park your car? For many, the garage is the first part of the house that they see when they arrive home after a long day at work. Think about how nice it would be to pull into an attractive, well-organized ...
Painting your home can take a lot of time, energy — and well — paint. When it comes to professional quality work and minimal effort on your part, having the interior of your home completely painted from the baseboards to the crown molding is what Pitters Painting does best. Providing interior and exterior painting, they ...
Based in Howell, Michigan, Paulson’s Construction knows that your outdoor space is just as important as the indoors. From porches to decks and patios to pergolas — Paulson’s wants to create wonderful spaces for you to enjoy. Paulson’s uses a decking product called “Trex Transcend” which is an alternative wood decking that does not include ...
The building performance industry is moving toward whole home performance contracting. Homeowners and small commercial business owners are looking for one point of contact to deal with all their home/building performance needs. Home Energy Team provides everything you need to set up and run a successful home energy audit franchise business. Sure, you could do it ...
Whether you are buying a newly built home, an existing home, or building your home, it is critical to get an inspection before money is out-of-your-hands and your signature is on the bottom line. Atlas Construction has licensed builders and inspectors who can provide a plethora of official inspections including general home inspections and lead ...
Windows are probably one of the toughest surfaces to keep clean. Nature throws sticks, drips sap, and spins webs on the outsides of your windows making them look dirty and unkempt. If you are a home owner acting as the general contractor in the construction of your new home or remodeling of your existing home ...
Do you have a burned out light bulb somewhere in your house? Before you replace it, read this. Energy-saving products are the hot thing on the market because who wouldn’t want to save money with small changes? Lighting Resources of Michigan offer two types of lighting options that brighten your space, cut your electricity use, ...
No one wants to take a lukewarm shower every day, especially in the winter. Luckily, we have products like hot water heaters and companies that specialize in them like FLAME Heating, Cooling and Electrical. Offering forty or fifty gallon water heaters from the major water heater manufacturer, Bradford White, there is no shortage of options ...
When I say “cabinets” where is the first place in your home do you think of? Probably the kitchen, right? In fact, cabinets are perfect for storage in literally any room in your house — and even the garage as well. Cole Wagner Cabinetry, located in the heart of southeastern Michigan, designs and builds cabinets ...
When it comes to giving your lawn the proper hydration to keep it green from spring to fall, means having an irrigation system that works seamlessly with nature’s own sprinkling “system.” The trick is having your irrigation system running at its highest efficiency. D. A. Alexander and Company offers the Hunter Solar Sync Sensor and the ...
It can happen at any moment. You’re driving and you see a small harmless pebble shoot from someone’s tire into your windshield causing a small insignificant crack that grows several inches day after day, in all directions. Although we can’t control a flying pebble and its impact with our windshield, we can control what happens ...
The Stone Shop in Rochester Hills, Michigan is overflowing with stone products for any part of your home. Whether you are using stone for siding, a fireplace, accents in the bathroom, kitchen, den, or anywhere else, The Stone Shop has plenty of possibilities from which to choose. Not only do they have a wide ...
As homeowners, we typically spend more time perfecting the inside of our home compared to the outside. However, when it comes to creating an outdoor space, make sure it is the oasis that you want to be a part of, maybe just as much as your indoors. By balancing elements of art with nature, Zaremba ...
It has long been recognized that the earth holds a great deal of potential for heating and cooling. In very early times, people lived in caves because the constant temperature of the earth kept them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Now you can get the same advantages in your home, regardless ...
While St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching, that is not what this blog post is about. When it comes to saving some green in your wallet, your laundry may be a great first place to start. Wash Multifamily Laundry Systems provides coin operated washers and dryers for apartments and colleges and universities. As such, they ...
Every year, homeowners lose hundreds of dollars in high energy costs because of poor insulation. Don’t be one of those homeowners. Ace and Sons Insulation, Inc. recommends getting cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation is made of natural wood fibers which help reduce cold drafts, give your house the proper warmth or cooling efficiency, while protecting against ...
Whirlpool knows how important it is to have the right appliances to help make your house a home. In the kitchen, this is especially important because we depend on our appliances to help prepare family meals. From refrigerators to free standing stoves, finding the right set of appliances that fit your home and lifestyle is ...
Odds are, one thing you don’t usually think of very often when it comes to your house are the gutters. With all the snow finally melting, it is finally time to start thinking about where all that water is going when Michigan’s “April Showers” begin pelting your roof. When it comes to gutters, they are ...
It can be easy to hide our biggest kitchen organization disasters behind cupboard or pantry doors. Traditional shelves typically add to the disorganization, as items continually get pushed to the back to never be seen again. ShelfGenie offers a convenient way to avoid hidden disorganization. With pull-out shelving, it is easy for you to see ...
Working with food can sometimes mean a mess. When it comes to cooking in the kitchen, our hands have touched everything from dripping tomatoes to raw meat, making it almost impossible to handle anything that requires a grip. That is where a touch-less faucet can come in handy. Kohler, a brand name in kitchen and ...
Your floor should not only reflect the design of your house but it should also represent you and your lifestyle as well. With your floors being the most, well-used surface in your home, making sure to get quality flooring should be at the top of your home’s wish list. Beckwith Floors, a company that has ...
Kitchens can be the messiest rooms in a house. From numerous utensils to uncounted number of spices and other packaged foodstuffs, keeping your kitchen clean and organized can be almost laughable. But before you throw those utensils back into the same old, messy drawer, think about considering some affordable organizing options that will give your ...
Since 1950, Weather King Windows and Doors Inc. has understood how important doors are to both the safety and look of your home, whether in front or back. Serving the Midwest, Weather King offers steel entry doors featuring either steel or wood edges, fiberglass entry doors, vinyl sliding doors and aluminum storm doors. Each style ...
When you buy or build a home, flooring is one of the most important features that you should spend some time thinking about. When buying carpet for your home, making the right decision can be the hardest. At American Carpet, finding the right carpet is easy once you know what to look for, such as ...
With warmer weather heading our way, it’s time to think about your deck and what kind of maintenance it may need. If you have a wooden deck, you might need to stain or reseal it and/or power wash all of the grime out of it that was left from the fall and winter months. You ...
Cleaning — especially vacuuming — is rarely that much fun. Not only are vacuums typically heavy to carry up and down stairs, they are also bulky and difficult to store. A central vacuuming system is a great innovation that replaces your old vacuum cleaner and is literally attached to the heart of your home. Zimm’s ...
Summer will be here before you know it and that means it will finally be time to live outdoors again. General Shale has great outdoor living kits that you can install in your backyard to create a comfortable and inviting outdoor space. They offer fire pits, water features, wood fire ovens, garden columns, garden benches, ...
With a larger push to become a more eco-friendly industry, home builders and remodelers are making headway in finding new ways to provide homeowners with greener options to install in the home. Although they might be considered eco-friendly, you won’t be able to tell the difference when it comes to the look and quality of ...
Take a look around your house. Chances are you might see some tile. They’re on the kitchen back splash, on the bathroom floor, the shower, and the counter tops, just to name a few. But they are there for a reason. Not only do they add to the décor of the space, they are very ...
I’ve written in other posts about the beauty that windows provide in a home. However, we should remain aware that there are areas of the home where too much of a good thing can be a problem. Case-in-point, basement windows. Intruders like basement windows because they’re easy to break or pry open. Moreover, basement windows ...
What is a home without windows? Dark … obviously. No matter where you live, windows are a must when building a home. But picking the best windows to keep you and your family comfortable in all seasons is a critical decision you need to make. Beyond their basic functionality, each window style has a different ...
The way you decorate says a lot about you, your family and your home. When it comes to decorating those parts of your home that are more permanent, the choice of natural stone is perfect to complete a classic — and of course, natural — look inside and outside your home. As a family-owned and ...
Having a gorgeous kitchen is a dream for most homeowners, but getting that “kitchen of your dreams” can sometimes be elusive. However, with help from Wholesale Builder Supply, designing a kitchen can be as easy as four steps. When Wholesale Builder Supply helps design and install a dream kitchen, they will gather information such as: ...
Looking at the view from your back or front port is nice. Looking at it without hindrance is even better. At Reid Glass Company, they specialize in glass railing installation for your deck or porch. Glass railings can enhance your view of the scenery surrounding your house by virtue of glass panels that are installed ...
Safety is always on our minds when it comes to protecting our house and families. However, one of the most basic things in our home — the dryer — can be a fire waiting to happen. Here’s why: the dryer vent that is attached to your dryer can get clogged with lint. Although you may ...
If you’re sick and tired of the room that has looked the same since you’ve moved in — and don’t know or don’t have the budget to redecorate it — then this may be your dream come true. Your Space Refined is an interior decorating company located in Rochester, Michigan and they offer something called ...
As we’re nearing the end of winter, or at least we hope so, we’ll soon embark upon spring time when rodents and bugs begin to appear everywhere. So before those ants come marching in, make sure to have your house properly protected. Eradico Services, in Michigan, are experts when it comes to latest products and ...
Specializing in making your home more accessible for you or your loved ones is what Handicapped Home Construction is all about. As certified aging in place (CAPS) contractors, Handicapped Home Construction wants to do everything they can to help make living life easier in all aspects of the home. The most important room in any ...
Remodeling — or just updating any part of your home — requires a lot of work and decision making in order to put together a well-designed solution that fits the needs of you and your family. For some help in coming up with ideas, plan to check-out one of the 1,300 Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and ...
Every year there seems to be a large disaster that affects some part of our country. Each time, people are left to clean up their homes after a flood or fire rips through it. That’s the toughest part. Putting your home back together after a disaster tears it apart. However, there are companies out there ...
Did you know that you can have solar lights in your own home? Did you also know that you don’t need any large solar panels on your roof or outside in your yard to do so? The Solar Source Company provides something called Solartube Smart LED System. This system involves a small, daylight-capturing dome that ...
Painting windows and doors is a project that requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. As a privately-owned, family business, WindowPro offers professional painting and staining services for all windows and doors that they install. They purposely don’t pre-paint or pre-stain their products so that they can help match the specific and individual ...
Pole barns are well-known throughout the Midwest as an additional garage-like structure. They can be used for storage, a workshop, or even a garage band. However, being out in the pole barn in the cold winter or hot summer is not always pleasant. FoamRite, a foam insulation company in Michigan, specializes in closed-cell spray foam ...
If you have ever watched Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, you might recognize Lombardo Homes as the builder of the home in Michigan that broke the record for the fastest home ever built on the show. Lombardo Homes in Shelby Township, Michigan, had been helping people attain and build their dream homes for over 50 years. ...
It seems like every home-related TV show shows people buying granite counter tops. Although they have a nice, high-end look, it comes at a price! But not all of us can afford granite. When it comes to these surfaces, especially kitchen counter tops, cost-effective durability should be just as important as its look and feel. ...
No matter where you live, bugs flying around your outdoor eating space are annoying and can be unappetizing if they get near your food. Now if you live somewhere that has mosquitoes … that’s a whole other story. But did you know that there is a product for your home called the “Fly Away Motorized ...
Hardwood floors sure do take a beating. So when it comes to finding quality flooring, don’t look any further than bamboo flooring. That’s right, bamboo flooring. Known for being eco-friendly, bamboo flooring is also sustainable, biodegradable, and healthier in regards to keeping allergens, poor air quality and off-gassing at bay. According to Riemer Floors in ...
Not everyone knows how to fix things in their home and that’s okay. When it comes to doing handyman work around the inside or outside of the house, you can: try to figure it out by researching on the internet, asking someone to help, or hiring someone to do it right the first time! Express ...
With all of the melting snow and springtime torrential rain, keeping your basement dry should be a top priority. Water, under pressure, can seep through cracks in the wall and floor. These cracks are caused by the expansion and contraction of the concrete floor, basement walls made of poured concrete or cement blocks or concrete foundation. The water ...
Sometimes a simple change, like a new fixture or a new vanity can completely invigorate a bathroom. I’ve done my fair share of remodeling our bathrooms but nothing like replacing the cabinets. When remodeling, it is important to remember that the cabinets are an anchor to a great looking bathroom. So don’t undercut yourself by ...
Universal design is a worldwide movement based on the idea that all residential environments and products should be easily used and accessed by all members of the family, regardless of their age, size, or physical abilities – throughout the span of their life. A key component of universal design is the market appeal it adds ...
No matter what time of year, landscape lighting helps add value to your home, enhances aesthetic curb appeal, and provides a measure of safety and security. Based in Troy, Michigan, Twin Pines Landscaping promises that outdoor lighting will do for your home at night what landscaping does during the day – make it comfortable, attractive, ...
Studies have shown that geothermal is by far the most effective way to heat your home. By taking advantage of the energy stored beneath the surface of the Earth, you can heat your home up to five times more efficiently than a gas furnace alone. This translates directly into reduced energy bills every month! Since ...
It is winter once again here in the Midwest and that means spend a lot of time at home avoiding roads and the cold. For some that also means a great time for cleaning out cupboards or organizing that home office. In a word, my wife describes it as “simplifying.” The key to getting rid ...
If there is one honey-do list item I don’t particularly like, it’s cleaning out the gutters. Here in Michigan, trees mean that leaves, twigs, dirt and even the odd bird nest ends up in our gutters, leaving a mess that has to be cleaned often. Not a fun job. So what’s the alternative? According to ...
I would not be surprised to find out that many Americans have never thought of — or furthermore even considered — living in a house made of concrete. Until a few years ago, I can honestly say that I was also one of them. Now your first thought may be: “Hey, my basement walls are ...
Typically, after the price of a home (land and structure), the one of the highest costs for a family can be the amount paid each month for energy. These likely includes energy (electric, gas, oil, etc.) used for lighting, heating, cooling, cooking, water, appliances, and entertainment devices. Many homes that are five (5) years and ...
Autumn is quickly progressing to winter in many parts of the country, including the upper Midwest. For many of us, we live in homes constructed before 1980 and face shorter days and longer nights filled with cold air outside … and sometimes a feeling of “draftiness” on the inside. Unfortunately, this also leads to higher ...
In mid-April, I wrote a blog post on Outdoor Living as it related to patios and lighting ambiance. By the number of visitors, it is clear that outdoor living — and the concept of “stay-cations” in our current world of high energy prices — has many homeowners interested in making their patios a greater part ...
This morning, I decided to investigate what to do with patio furniture that is weathered and faded but not necessarily ready for the landfill. It is now officially Autumn here in the Midwest and getting ready for the eventual reality of snow means taking care of our outdoor patio furniture for the year. As I ...
A few nights ago, at about 10pm, someone was walking between my house and the neighbor’s house with a flashlight. Thing is, there is not a sidewalk or path there. They were also shining the flashlight into the woods behind our houses. It turned out to be another neighbor looking for a pet, however, it ...
Last night, I was watching a TV program as the host was inspecting a house for a client. Among other things, they showed how a camera system could be used to visually inspect ductwork that channels airflow in forced air heating and/or cooling systems within a home. Turns out that there are many more things ...
For years, laminate counter tops have served as a functional, low-cost alternative for many home owners. However, over time these counter tops – sometimes referred to by their most popular brand name “Formica” counter tops – fell out of favor for the other materials. These included natural products such as granite or stone to manufactured ...
I should file this post under “Pleasant Surprises”. This past weekend, I’m searching online for information regarding chain link fencing as I have a friend Bill who had some sections of fence stolen from a fence installed years ago. As I’m perusing search results, one was for “rain chain link” and I figured it was ...
“Curb appeal” is a term that seems to be used often today. There are even entire shows on HGTV and DIY Network dedicated to the concept of curb appeal. Typically, these shows focus on the exterior of the home — its paint color, trim work, landscaping, roofing and lighting. Without a doubt, these are all ...
Taking care of my lawn is a labor of love and sometimes a source of frustration. Earlier in my life, taking care of the lawn was a challenge, especially as the days got hotter and the rain stopped falling. Dragging a sprinkler and hose around the yard seemed like a never-ending game of “turn the ...
(Guest Post written by our friend Gladys Fuentes) My son’s best friend from high school just got a professional baseball contract to play out in Texas. My son went to visit him last week with some of their other high school friends as sort of a reunion. Of course my son thought that his friend ...
As gas prices continue to rise, many folks I talk to are considering home improvement projects focused on their backyard. In fact, this trend is growing nationwide and is referred to in some circles as “outdoor living.” I was recently at a Spring Home & Garden Show that highlighted a large number of landscapes and ...
(Family Features) From June to Sept., roses add a special flourish to yards, gardens and public parks throughout the U.S. But for many gardeners, tending roses may seem intimidating. With 23 years of experience, Jamie Shiffer, head gardener at Hershey Gardens in Hershey, Pa., knows a thing or two about cultivating a beautiful rose, in ...
(Family Features) A beautiful landscape doesn’t happen on its own. You can help your lawn, trees and shrubs get off to a healthy growing season. “Trees and shrubs add tremendous appeal to our urban home environments, but to thrive, particularly out of their natural world, they require regular care with added nutrients and protection against ...
(Thanks to Olga Quinn) Mom and I have been looking into ADT South Franklin for her house because I worry about her being out there all alone. I really wish I didn’t have to but since dad died I worry about her being lonely and really jus not safe out there – I keep trying ...
While it’s March and still cold in the Midwest, thoughts of summertime are easy to come by, wishing for warm, sunny days. Sometimes I think of childhood memories … neighborhood friends getting together to spend a hot July afternoon and a seemingly endless day swimming, diving, jumping and playing Marco Polo until dinnertime. Fast forward ...
Taking care care of your pool is not nearly as difficult as it may seem from first blush. With that said, starting out without any experience can make taking care of a pool a bit overwhelming. When we bought a house with an in-ground pool, it was our first time as pool owners. During our ...
Today, I spent time researching carpet cleaning chemicals, specifically looking for “green” alternatives that are not harmful to the environment and safe for children and pets. My search results included The Steam Team in Austin, Texas (http://www.thesteamteam.com/). Interestingly, right under their “Carpet Cleaning” menu item was a menu item labeled “Green Services.” Clicking through to ...
(Family Features) The holidays bring celebrations with friends and loved ones – as well as the stress of setting the perfect table and plenty of opportunities for spills and accidents. But don’t fret – Tracy Hutson, a designer on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” has some tips to help you and your home get ready for ...
The new 30-page FRESH Home Exterior Colors guide is now available online to help homeowners, remodelers and builders select the perfect colors for the exterior of the home. Written by national color expert Kate Smith of Sensational Color, the free downloadable tool is designed to make it easy for people to choose color palates that ...
(Family Features) Shorter days and cooler nights mean more time spent indoors. For many Americans, this is the perfect season to take simple steps toward a cleaner and more efficient home. According to a recent survey by the Cleaning Institute Organization, 96 percent of people think it’s very important to have a clean home. But ...
If you’re a person with a penchant for seasonal decorating, why not fashion the interior of your home with change in mind? By planning ahead, you can make it easy to modify your surroundings to be seasonally-or even holiday-appropriate. To accommodate changing décor, you should paint your walls a light neutral color, such as ...
Fall Care for Heat-Damaged Yards (Family Features) Extreme weather over the summer left a lot of lawns and landscapes showing signs of damage. With some time, patience and work, it’s possible to get your yard back in order and ready for the winter. “Signs of typical summer wear and tear on lawns were amplified as ...
Protect Your Deck Now (Family Features) Colder temperatures, snow, and ice can do some damage on the exterior of your home, especially to wooden decks. Harsh winter weather can deteriorate the wood, ruin the look, and depreciate the value of your deck. Take extra care of it now so that your deck is in tip-top ...
Who Are Today’s Homeless? According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), between 700,000 and 800,000 people are homeless on any night in the US, with between 2.5 and 3.5 million people experiencing homelessness during the course of a year. More than one million of them are children. Research indicates that – of the ...
(Marketwire – 05/30/11) – (Family Features) As America’s economy strengthens, remodeling and home renovations are on a rise. “Homeowners are looking for ways to refurbish their stream homes, rather than shopping a new property,” pronounced Sarah Reep, executive of engineer family and preparation during KraftMaid Cabinetry. “From simply adding a new faucet to totally gutting ...
This blog post is the first in a series which will outline the 10 key principles of Lean Design. Before we begin, you may be asking yourself: “What is Lean Design?” “The concept of lean architectural design is often misunderstood,” according to Todd Hallett, AIA, CAPS and President of TK Design & Architecture, Inc. “Elimination ...
As Spring arrives, the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Window Safety Task Force encourage adults to recognize the importance of practicing window safety year-round. This is the perfect time to remind all households that open windows can be dangerous for young children who are not properly supervised. While the number of falls from windows is ...
With the promise of spring, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) reminds homeowners that this is the ideal opportunity to prepare their cooling equipment for the hot summer months to ensure it operates at its highest efficiency. “Heating and cooling is the single biggest energy consumer in a home, and accounts for about 40 ...
Is it really possible to gain 40% more space from an existing closet or storage area? “Yes it is possible, and maybe more,” according to Jo Golda of Jo’s Cleaning & Organizing. “Depending on the closet or storage area, the proper designed layout and the products used to reorganize that closet, doubling the amount of ...
According to Fibrenew, these are the top five party stains to leather furniture and hints on how to (or not to) clean them: 1) FOOD OR WINE STAIN DON’T use window/mirror cleaner because it contains alcohol which will dissolve and destroy the surface coating on your leather. DO use a damp towel to wipe up ...
The concept of “aging-in-place” is simply allowing people to continue to live in the home of their choice safely and independently as they get older. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), modifications for aging-in-place is the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry. According to an AARP “Fixing to Stay” survey, ...
Imagine you’re preparing to host your annual holiday party, suggests the National Association of REALTORS®and you’re past the point of no return. The veggies and meats have been bought. Guests are already braving busy airports and crowded highways to get to your home—and then your oven won’t turn on. Your home-cooked meal has quickly turned ...
According to the American Society of Interior Designers, even if you’re not ready for a major remodel, make safety a part of your next home spruce up. Here are some tips from Lisa Bonneville, FASID, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., the author of an ASID book on designing a safe home. 1. When replacing bedding, select natural ...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enacted a new rule for professional contractors in April 2010 to help keep small children safer from the dangers of lead dust exposure. If you live in a home built before 1978 and you’re contemplating any work that will disturb more than six square feet of painted surfaces inside the home or 20 square ...
Energy efficiency is all the buzz right now — it is not only earth-friendly, but it can also be friendly to your wallet. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), by combining two strategies – curtailing energy use and investing in efficiency improvements – you may create more long-term benefits both environmentally and ...
It’s the weekend and you have a whole list of household chores to do. Oh, we know you’d rather be golfing or playing tennis or watching TV, but keeping your home in good shape is important. Your home may be the biggest investment you will ever make. According to the National Association of Home Builders, ...
It won’t be long before the crisp weather of fall is upon us. While the prospect of relaxing into a lazy Sunday schedule calls to many home owners weary from the routine of weekend lawn mowing, don’t sleep on home maintenance tasks that will see you through the winter. Exterior Tasks Maintain your gutters. Remove ...
If you’re like most of us, the “Great Recession” has probably had a major impact on both your spending habits and your lifestyle. However, when it comes to home remodeling, there’s at least one project that’s still affordable for nearly everyone: interior painting. If you plan to do it yourself, the Paint Quality Institute’s 10 ...
Does your home, patio, deck or yard need a new look? Maybe you’re hoping to improve your home’s efficiency and cutting back on energy costs by adding “green” materials. If this or anything else related to your home is what you’re looking for then the 2010 FALL REMODELING & DESIGN EXPO is the perfect place ...
According to the National Association of Home Builders here are just a few of the top ways to add value to your home. A Home Office Remodel – Home offices are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity, with more people telecommuting. The number of Americans that work from home is in ...
With much of the country experiencing high temperatures, helpfulgardener.com suggests: Watering Don’t forget to keep up with your watering, especially as the very hot weather sets in. If you don’t water enough, roots will stay near the surface, making them even more prone to the heat. An inch of water a week is a good ...
To make sure your home stays safe and healthy for you and your family, you should regularly check, clean and/or test a wide variety of interior and exterior systems and structures. According to the National Association of Home Builders the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a Home Maintenance Checklist that you can ...
