A major home repair can tax any budget. But you don’t have to be surprised when something in your home goes kaput. It’s possible to know, more or less, how long most home components are likely to last and plan for their replacement. Plus, knowing the life span of appliances and home fixtures can … [Read more...] about Plan for needed home repairs
Home Improvement
How to pay for major home improvements
Do you want to improve your home? We all do. Your list may include renovating the kitchen, addding a deck, changing outdated light fixtures, building an addition, update the heating and cooling systems or other projects. All those things sound great but they cost home. Home improvements can be … [Read more...] about How to pay for major home improvements
17 tips to save water, reduce bill in summer
Much of the nation still is suffering from drought. (The areas that aren’t flooding, that is.) Water has become our most precious resource in some places, especially out West. But unless you have your own well (which is not, by the way, always a guaranteed source of water), it might be smart to … [Read more...] about 17 tips to save water, reduce bill in summer
How to build and grow your own salad table
Do you love vegetables and salad, but can't plant a regular garden? A salad table is a portable, waist-high table just deep enough to grow salad greens, herbs and other shallow-rooted plants and vegetables. The shallow wooden box frame has a large surface area and a mesh bottom that allows water to … [Read more...] about How to build and grow your own salad table
D-I-Y home office organization
My home office often looks more like a kindergarten classroom with paper, pens, markers and more strewn around. I have visions of a perfectly organized space with a spot for everything and everything in its spot. But to get from the kindergarten-like chaos to the Martha Stewart-like organization, … [Read more...] about D-I-Y home office organization
Save water and money by fixing leaks around the house
Earth may be known as the "water planet" but even though about 70 percent of its surface is covered by water, less than one percent is available for human use according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Water supplies are finite, and we can all help protect this critical and precious … [Read more...] about Save water and money by fixing leaks around the house
How to renovate your home to age in place
On his 59th birthday, Robert Criner's house burned down. While planning the rebuild, he thought about what elements would make life easier for him and his wife as they get older. Like many baby boomers who remodel, he wants an attractive house that doesn't scream "old people live here," while … [Read more...] about How to renovate your home to age in place
Got clutter? Donate and save on taxes
Most people will agree that clutter is bad. It takes up valuable space in your home, is difficult to clean around, and makes it hard for you to keep organized and find things. Cleaning out your household and clothing clutter can earn you money if you choose to sell it, but that can take time and … [Read more...] about Got clutter? Donate and save on taxes
12 spring-cleaning tasks that can save you money
Spring cleaning is a long tradition, often in cold climates, but also in cultures around the world as a New Year rite. Cleaning and decluttering the home is a great prelude to a change in seasons. But spring cleaning isn’t just a feel-good task. It’s also a source of found money. Here are typical … [Read more...] about 12 spring-cleaning tasks that can save you money
Why your home renovation won’t be like the TV shows
We've all seen the home renovation shows where the nice young couple buys a decrepit home with a kitchen so ugly even 1960 wouldn't take it back. In 30 or 60 minutes, that ugly house becomes a veritable dream home, with every detail perfect, down to the color-coordinated stand mixer and coffee maker … [Read more...] about Why your home renovation won’t be like the TV shows
12 fixes that will get you a higher price for your house
If you’re looking to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, there are some lesser-known words that match the importance of the famous real estate phrase "location, location, location." Those all-important words? Curb appeal. As the saying goes, "You don’t get a second chance to make a … [Read more...] about 12 fixes that will get you a higher price for your house
14 home improvements that save on your heating bill
Winter is definitely here, and for many that means high utility bills to heat their homes. While you can’t do anything about the chilly weather, you can take steps to make your home more energy efficient and pay less for heating. To start, the U.S. Department of Energy has a do-it-yourself … [Read more...] about 14 home improvements that save on your heating bill
