Resources and Services
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Consumer Guides
Specialty Finishes for Concrete Patios and Other Flatwork
Concrete surfaces come in three basic finishes and many colors. The most common finish for interiors has a smooth finish created by running a flat trowel over the top. This can be quite smooth, almost like glass. Smooth surfaces don’t work well outside;…
Consumer Guides
Types of Wall Coverings
Wallpaper: Wallpaper, with its variety of patterns, colors and finishes, is a popular alternative to painting a room. There are 10 basic types of wallpaper you can choose from: * Printed wallpaper is the general category of manufactured wallpaper with printed…
Consumer Guides
Understanding Plumbing Systems
If you’ve ever lived without plumbing, even for a weekend camping trip, you can appreciate how important it has become to modern living. Drinking water, baths, showers, toilets, dishwashers, clothes washers, gardens—none of these are possible, or at least practical, without plumbing systems. …
Design Ideas
Customized Hot Tubs
Comfortable molded plastic spas in soft hues that accommodate any climate and decor have replaced the old wooden hot tubs of the 1960’s. Hot tubs, which require adequate support and access to electrical power, now have bubbles, lounge chairs, cup holders, jets galore and more.…
More Popular Entries
Additions & Remodels
More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Tip: Basic Bathroom Remodeling Tips
How to Remodel Your Kitchen
Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors
Home Inspections
Choosing a Mortgage
Condominiums
Appliances
Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage
Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers
Taking the Mystery Out of Kitchen Design
Home Improvement Trends
Tip: Improvement Value vs. Appraisal
Carpentry & Cabinets
Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops
Cleaning Services
Carpet Care Tips
Straight Talk About Keeping Those Ducts Clean
Checklist: Spring Cleaning
Concrete, Brick & Stone
Taking Care of Your Chimney and Fireplace
Even Masonry Fireplaces Need Maintenance
Sinking Foundation
Consumer Guides
Deck Maintenance
Homeowner’s Pre-Winter Checklist
Choosing a Mortgage
Design Ideas
Taking the Mystery Out of Kitchen Design
Keeping Your Sunroom Cozy
What is Xeriscaping
Electrical, Telephone & Data
Saving On Electrical Repairs
Saving on Your Utility Bill
Upgrade for the Future
Expert Advice
Do-It-Yourself Compared to Hiring a Pro
Comparing Timber Framing with Construction
Interior/Exterior Painting
Flooring
Carpet Care In Depth
Tip: Repairing Vinyl Flooring
Carpet Types
Handyman Services
Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping
Heating & Cooling
Tip: Programmable Thermostats Can Save Money
Tip: Air Conditioner Maintenance
Clean the Air in Your Home
Home Construction
More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
Do-It-Yourself Compared to Hiring a Pro
Landscape, Decks & Fences
Checklist: Lawn Care Tips
Chemical Lawn Care Service
What is Xeriscaping?
Moving & Storage
Some Assembly Required
Preparing a House for Sale
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It
Other Services
Furniture Renovation
Finding a Welder
Add a Hot Tub to Your Deck
Painting & Staining
Lead Paint Common Sense
Paint Early
Spruce Up Your Interior with Paint
Plumbing
Tip: Saving Money on Plumbing
Waiting for the Plumber
The Basics of Sump Pumps
Quick Tips
Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
Tip: Refinishing Can Save Time and Money
Tip: Fire Protection or Prevention
Roofing, Siding & Gutters
Time for a New Roof?
Ice Dams
Roofing Terms
SP Feature Article
The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services
Walls & Ceilings
Tip: Prepping Before Wallpapering
Install Ceiling Fan
Checklist: Winterize Your Home
Windows & Doors
Thermal Replacement Windows
Is It Time to Replace Your Windows?
Fabric Window Awnings