Problem: Every project costs too much or produces a minor improvement. Solution: A stunning new garage door. A front-facing garage door packs a big punch and dramatically improves the curb appeal of the entire home. That’s one of the big revelations from the 2012-2013 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine. In the report, a […]
home improvement
Don’t be daunted by drywall: Tips for success
(BPT) — Whether you’re finishing a basement or adding space, many home improvement projects require you to replace or add drywall. These days, many homeowners are considering hanging and finishing drywall themselves, giving their projects a complete do-it-yourself flair and helping to cut expenses. As you plan your summer home improvement projects, consider adding the […]
Adore your front door: Three tips for beautiful wood doors in any climate
“This Old House” magazine notes that since the front door is the first and last thing we touch when entering and leaving our homes, “it’s easy to understand why many of us still like our doors to be made of wood — nothing else matches the material’s warmth and satisfying heft.” “People choose wood entry […]
Smart home improvements for growing multi-generational households
Homeowners are finding it’s more important than ever to ensure every home improvement project delivers benefits for every member of the family — children, parents and grandparents. Whether your family grows with the birth of a child or because a grandparent has moved in with you, here are some home improvement projects that are multi-generational […]
Local project: The MacKenzies make it their own with a little help from their dads
Llia and Melissa Mackenzie purchased their property in Standish in 2011, just prior to their wedding. Since that time, they have been renovating the Cape-style home to make it their own. One of the first things they did was rip out all of the carpeting. With the exception of the bathrooms, they wanted hardwood flooring […]
Making the garage an organized, family-friendly space
It has become the logical place to store tools and gear for sports, hobbies, yard work and playtime, along with out-of-season items that would otherwise take up room inside the home. However, with so much to hold and family members coming and going all the time, the challenge is to keep this space neat and […]
Big, colorful ideas for small spaces
“Color is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to transform the look and feel of a room,” said David Bromstad, HGTV star and celebrity interior designer. “When used in a few well-chosen places, such as a feature wall or statement piece of furniture, color can have a big impact in a small space.” Bromstad […]
Create a home office space
According to the Huffington Post, “It is a trend that has grown, with 34 percent of connected workers saying they would be very likely to telecommute on a full-time basis if they could.” With the growing popularity of programs such as Skype and GoToMeeting, the “old” downside of telecommuting, not being able to meet colleagues […]
Smoke alarms save lives
If you follow these simple tips, you can ensure that your home is adequately protected by working smoke alarms. Smoke alarm tips • Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. • Combination smoke alarms that include both ionization and photoelectric alarms offer the […]
Innovative changes in flooring
For example, some floors are made of new materials designed to look old and others are of old materials given a new purpose. There are floors that really look like wood or tile or stone but aren’t — thanks to advances in digital photography. You can even have a floor that purifies the air in […]