Does Your House Have a Mold Problem?
January 25, 2013
in Home Improvement Tagged clean, cleaning, hazard, health, humidity, leak, moisture, mold, moldy, safetyFor all the concern over second-hand smoke and other toxins that confront us while we’re out in the world, indoor air pollution is something most people don’t think about. One of the chief pollutants of indoor air is mold, whose spores are inhaled with every breath we take. What is Mold? Molds are microscopic fungi that […]
Creating Indoor/Outdoor Transitions
Even if your outdoor space is limited to a tiny patch of concrete outside your back door, when planned as part of a cohesive design with the rest of your home, an outdoor space of any size can have a big impact. Most people wouldn’t dream of neglecting the transition between two interior spaces of […]
Don’t Ignore a Wet Basement
The American Society of Home Inspectors has some pretty surprising statistics about wet basements: Most new homes will develop a leak somewhere in the basement within 10 to 15 years of being built. Over 60 percent of basements in existing homes have a moisture problem. Around 38 percent of basements with moisture problems develop mold […]
Garden Plants for Fall and Winter Containers
January 4, 2013
in Home Improvement Tagged container, curb appeal, fall, foliage, garden, gardening, plant, planting, plants, winterMost gardens start to fade as autumn arrives. The vibrant colors and activity of spring and summer are gone, and the garden feels like it’s going to sleep for a long winter’s nap. So, what do you do if you have garden containers? If you’ve planted them with summer annuals, these will soon be gone. What […]
The Elements of a Successful Garden Container
December 21, 2012
in Home Improvement Tagged container, garden, gardening, plant, planting, plants, potsYou could simply stuff a bunch of plants in a pot and call it good, but your garden containers will look much better if you take time to create a pleasing composition. Planting a garden container is like creating a floral arrangement. Think of the following when planning your container: proportions, color, and three different types […]
Garden Plants for Christmas Wreaths
December 7, 2012
in Home Improvement Tagged christmas, decor, decoration, diy, garland, holiday, improvement, wreathThese days the holiday season is upon us before the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers are stashed in the refrigerator. With gifts to buy, parties to plan, and another big meal around the corner, you can save money by creating DIY holiday wreaths and garlands. All you need is a 16- to 18-inch wire wreath form, some […]
Swimming Pools: Do They Add Value or Turn Buyers Off?
November 30, 2012
in Home Improvement Tagged improvement, lifestyle, pool, property, real estate, remodel, renovation, swimming, valueSparkling blue water, especially when it’s lit up at night – what’s not to love about a swimming pool in your backyard? If you have one, you may feel blessed. If you don’t, and are considering adding one, hang on a minute. Who Wants a Pool? According to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, middle-aged […]
Quick Guide for Starting Vegetable Gardens
October 26, 2012
in Home Improvement Tagged food, garden, gardening, landscape, landscaping, vegetable, vegetablesSo, you purchased a home, started a home garden, and now you’re ready for the next step: growing food. Not only is vegetable gardening a fun way to reduce your grocery bills, many edible plants are also ornamental. If you think a veggie patch has to be unattractive, think again. If you’re just starting out, […]
How to Start a Home Garden
October 19, 2012
in Home Improvement Tagged flowers, garden, gardening, landscape, landscaping, shrubs, tree, treesWhen the average homebuyer goes house hunting, he or she tends to be very focused on the house itself while the surrounding property is secondary. But, even if you’re not an avid gardener, a well-designed home garden can become an extension of your living space. Especially in milder climates, decks, patios, and vegetable and flower […]
Lead-Based Paint: Keep Your Family Safe
October 12, 2012
in Home Improvement Tagged child, children, danger, kids, lead, paint, painting, poisoning, remodel, remodelling, renovate, renovation, safety, toxicLead is a metallic element found in rocks and soil virtually everywhere in the world. Tiny lead particles can be toxic if individuals inhale or swallow them. Over time, those inhaled or ingested lead particles may accumulate in blood, bones and soft tissue. The lead can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, […]