For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself, it’s finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Installing kitchen cabinets, knocking down a wall or tiling the bathroom is simple compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor who … [Read more...] about How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
Home Improvement
Free or low-cost home security strategies
You want to keep your home safe from thieves, but you don't want to spend a fortune doing so because, frankly, you don't have a fortune worth stealing. Technology has significantly brought down the cost of home security systems and home surveillance cameras, many of which you can install … [Read more...] about Free or low-cost home security strategies
How to organize your life with peg board
I recently decided to organize my garage using peg board. Before began, I did a little recon work and wow, was I surprised at how much can be done with some simple, inexpensive peg board. No matter what room you want to get into shape, peg board can help, and it's cheap. For less than $30, you … [Read more...] about How to organize your life with peg board
18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
You bought a new home, and the list of projects that need to be done is larger than your bank account. Or, the home you bought years ago is looking a little dated, and you don’t have the money to hire someone to give it that much-needed face-lift. Many easy do-it-yourself projects that will … [Read more...] about 18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
11 tips to avoid DIY home repair disasters
The idea of saving hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of dollars when making home repairs is enticing. Surely you can repair those cracks in the wall, right? Or caulk around the bathtub. Or install a new toilet. Or change a light fixture. Or, emboldened by the seeming ease of repairs on home … [Read more...] about 11 tips to avoid DIY home repair disasters
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
Get organized using containers you already own
Ever want to get organized but the thought of spending money on containers talked you right out of it? Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing book and her Netflix show is a hot topic, but the cost of containers might stop you from taking … [Read more...] about Get organized using containers you already own
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
Cheap and easy carpet cleaning solutions
If you have an active household, the celebrations, the pitter-patter of little feet and an animal or two can really take a toll on your clean carpets. Different types of cleaning products are needed to tackle different kinds of stains, from spilled wine and food to muddy shoes and dirty paws. But … [Read more...] about Cheap and easy carpet cleaning solutions
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
Downsize your clutter and build wealth
Are you ready to downsize and save money? I contacted downsizing expert, Monica Friel, owner of Chaos to Order, to help use tackle the clutter situation. How much do you have to get rid of Ms. Friel's recommendation is to start by understanding how much you have to get rid of. If you are … [Read more...] about Downsize your clutter and build wealth
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
