Decor & Design

When it's hot outside, smart homeowners focus their energies inside on these four tasks. You know, like taking advantage of your nice, cool basement. #1 Organize the Basement The two most common types of clutter? Old…

Struggling with a soggy lawn or flooded basement? A French drain may be the answer. French drains use a perforated pipe in a trench to collect, and efficiently drain water. You can install it yourself or hire a contractor to…

It sounds unconventional. Clover was widely considered a weed, after all. But clover lawns have been shaking up the gardening world as a trendy, minimal-care, alternative to grass. Clover is relatively low maintenance, isn’t…

Rain gutters help prevent water from pooling around your home and damaging your all-important foundation. But clogged gutters can be a pain to clean, and if left unchecked, they can cause damage as water trickles through…

French drains can be a godsend for homeowners battling waterlogging issues. They divert excess water away from your property. And that diversion prevents soggy lawns, flooded basements, foundation damage, and wet shoes.…

There's so much to love about air conditioning. First and foremost, it keeps you cool on sweltering summer days. But AC does have downsides. It drives up your utility bills and can cause AC wars with family members,…

When it comes to landing bargains on major appliances, timing is everything. And the best time to buy home appliances is when stores need you more than you need a new home appliance. To see when the best times are for…

If you’ve noticed what happens to an iced drink on a humid summer day, you’ll have an idea why your toilet is sweaty. When warm, damp air hits a cold surface, condensation forms. Dripping off a toilet tank, this moisture can…

Septic tank pumping is a crucial maintenance task for your home and can keep you from dealing with stinky smells and toilet troubles. Understanding the basics of septic tank care is key to maintaining a functional and…

Appliances are investments — now more than ever. They have big ticket price tags, and they need to last a while without needing costly repairs. So, it makes sense to read online reviews to narrow your search, even if you…

Mold strikes fear into the hearts of those who've heard horror stories about toxic mold, expensive mold remediation, and denied homeowners insurance claims. Yet mold can be found anywhere, including in most homes.…

If you’ve never experienced bathroom mold, perhaps you aren’t looking deep enough into the corners of your bathroom. It’s one of the most common problems in any house. And it’s also one of the easiest to prevent and cure --…

Ugh. Mold. It's ugly and tenacious — the uninvited guest that keeps visiting no matter how rude you are to it. But, unwittingly, you may be setting up the perfect conditions for mold's return: a food source, lots…

It’s not a shock when mold shows up behind drywall after a flood or covers baseboards in damp basements. But mold can surprise you and hide in unexpected places, making it harder to detect and wipe out. To get rid of mold,…

Brick, brick, brick. All the homes in your neighborhood are brick. You're itching to paint over that red-orange-brown color palette so your home's personality can shine through. Although painting brick is doable —…

Could it really be summer?! Tackle these five summer maintenance tasks during June's longer days and better weather — and save yourself time and money this winter. #1 Update Outdoor Lighting In June, winter nights are…