New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Published: December 29, 2010

Replace old kitchen cabinet hardware and gain an instant style update that’s simple to do and easy on the budget.

Laminate Kitchen Countertops: Perfect Fakes; Low Cost

Published: December 29, 2010

Replacement laminate kitchen countertops offer durability and big style at a relatively low cost, and are worthy contenders for your kitchen retrofit dollars.

Low-Cost Kitchen Storage: Cheap Stress Reduction

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: December 29, 2010

Low-cost storage strategies bring calm to your kitchen, banishing stress-inducing clutter and leaving the space orderly.

4 Dazzling Home Holiday Light Shows: They Cost HOW Much?

By: HouseLogic.com

Published: December 29, 2010

HouseLogic calculates the electricity costs of four very ambitious home Christmas light displays—using conventional lights and then electricity-saving LEDs.

Do You Need an Electrical Service Upgrade?

By: Pat Curry

Published: August 28, 2009

An electrical service upgrade can be messy and expensive, but there are times when it´s necessary to protect the safety, convenience, and value of your home.

Attic Air Leaks: How to Find and Seal Them

By: Jeanne Huber

Published: December 14, 2010

Even if your attic floor is filled with adequate insulation, seal air leaks around pipes and other openings to prevent waste of energy and money.

Air Leaks in Your Basement? How to Spot and Seal Them

By: Jeanne Huber

Published: December 14, 2010

Seal air leaks in your basement to stop the loss of your home heating energy.

Adding Wall Insulation Has Lengthy Payback Period

By: Jeanne Huber

Published: December 14, 2010

Adding wall insulation will lower heating and cooling costs by as much as $130 per year, but the payback can be lengthy.

How to Seal Out Drafts and Seal in Comfort

By: Jeanne Huber

Published: December 14, 2010

Seal air leaks around your windows and doors to prevent wasting precious home heating and cooling energy that costs you money.

9 Unexpected Energy (and Money) Savers

By: HouseLogic.com

Published: December 13, 2010

Here are a few surprising and simple ways to cut your energy bill this season.

LED Holiday Lights: 6 Need-to-Know Tips

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: December 10, 2010

LED holiday lights vs. old-fashioned bulbs: 6 tips to help you decide which is right for you.

Guest-Ready: Green Clean Your Bathroom for Pennies

By: Alyson McNutt English

Published: December 10, 2010

Green cleaners can be eco-friendly and kind to your wallet. Here are six ways to shine your bathroom for pennies.

Do You Need an Architect for Your Remodeling Project?

By: Oliver Marks

Published: December 3, 2010

Architects polish the look of a remodel. But design professionals add thousands to your bottom line. When does it pay to hire an architect? Here´s a guide.

Attic Bedroom: Top Features

By: Benjamin Allen

Published: December 3, 2010

When remodeling unused attic space into an attic bedroom, make sure your new retreat has adequate storage, sound insulation, and safety equipment.

Attic Bedroom Remodel: Return on Investment

By: John Riha

Published: December 3, 2010

An attic bedroom remodel adds value and extra living space without increasing the size of your house.

Install an Attic Dormer Window

By: Benjamin Allen

Published: December 3, 2010

A dormer window adds light, storage, and emergency egress to your attic. Know the costs, styles, and code requirements for building an attic dormer window.

Heating and Cooling Your Attic Remodel

By: Benjamin Allen

Published: December 3, 2010

Your attic is vulnerable to elements that suck out hot and cold air. Insulate and extend heating and cooling systems to keep comfortable in your new space.

Evaluate Your House for an Attic Bedroom

By: Benjamin Allen

Published: December 3, 2010

An attic bedroom remodel is an easy way to increase living space and avoid many of the zoning restrictions attached to adding on.

Do You Need an Architect for Your Remodeling Project?

By: Oliver Marks

Published: December 3, 2010

Architects polish the look of a remodel. But design professionals add thousands to your bottom line. When does it pay to hire an architect? Here´s a guide.

Phasing Out the Inefficient Incandescent Lightbulb

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: November 30, 2010

As the U.S. phases out incandescent lightbulbs, we look back at the light of our lives, and look forward to new generations of CFLs and LEDs.

Kitchen Cabinets in Motion: Even the Jetsons Would be Impressed

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: November 24, 2010

Cabinets in motion obey hand signals to open doors, and touch-sensitive drawers glide out with the brush of a fingertip.

Plumbing Leaks: Reduce Stress on Pipes to Prevent Them

By: Joe Bousquin

Published: November 18, 2010

Reduce stress on pipes so you can avoid plumbing leaks and costly replacements.

Home Security Systems: Installation and How They Work

By: Joseph D'Agnese

Published: November 12, 2010

Understand how a home security system works and how to choose professional installation that best fits your needs and budget.

Do-It-Yourself Home Security: Windows May Leave You Vulnerable

By: Joseph D'Agnese

Published: November 12, 2010

Protecting your home from break-ins starts with a do-it-yourself home security check to indicate whether your windows are an open invitation to criminals.

Do-It-Yourself Home Security Check: Doors are First Line of Defense

By: Joseph D'Agnese

Published: November 12, 2010

Protect against break-ins with a security check that shows where the entrances to your house—your doors—are vulnerable.

Do-It-Yourself Home Security Check: 5 Essential Steps

By: Joseph D'Agnese

Published: November 12, 2010

Conduct a do-it-yourself home security check by walking around your house to assess what needs to be done to reduce the risk of a break-in.

Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Lifespans

By: Joe Bousquin

Published: November 12, 2010

Knowing the types of plumbing pipes in your home lets you take steps to prevent leaks, flooding, and potential health hazards.

Replacing Plumbing Pipes: Costs and Options

By: Joe Bousquin

Published: November 12, 2010

Replacing plumbing can be a costly, time-consuming venture. These alternatives make it doable and affordable.

Replacing Plumbing: Are Your Water Pipes Plumb Worn Out?

By: Joe Bousquin

Published: November 12, 2010

Inspect the pipes in your home regularly to determine if all is well, or if replacing your plumbing is a reality and not just a pipe dream. Here are a few tips to make sure your water is running smoothly.

Plumbing Leaks: 8 Smart Tips to Stop Them

By: Joe Bousquin

Published: November 12, 2010

Plumbing leaks can be prevented with a few simple measures. Plus, learn what to do when leaks occur.

Evaluate Your House for a Master Suite Addition

By: Oliver Marks

Published: November 11, 2010

When planning a master suite addition, don´t just think “bump out”—think “build up,” “do over,” and “fold in” the space you already have.

What Type of Energy Audit is Right for You?

By: Jane Hodges

Published: November 9, 2010

Fill out a questionnaire, conduct a DIY energy audit, hire a professional energy auditor, or use a combination of all three to find out how much energy your home is wasting.

Green Kitchen Countertops: 3 Eco-Friendly Choices

By: John Riha

Published: November 6, 2010

Save money over granite and be kind to your home planet. How? Pick a green kitchen countertop material when you remodel your kitchen.

6 Green Kitchen Remodeling Tips

By: John Riha

Published: November 6, 2010

Turn your kitchen remodel bright green with these six resource-conserving tips.

5 Ways to Get Green Kitchen Cabinets

By: John Riha

Published: November 6, 2010

What makes for green kitchen cabinets? Your cheapest and greenest option is to revamp the ones you already have. Otherwise, think sustainable and fume-free.

When to Replace Your Water Heater

By: Joe Bousquin

Published: November 5, 2010

Water heaters eventually break, but repairing or replacing depends on age, condition, and budget.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

By: Joe Bousquin

Published: November 5, 2010

Tankless water heaters cut energy bills but aren’t the right choice for everyone. Here’s how to figure out if going tankless makes sense for you.

Water Heaters: 5 Tips for Saving Energy

By: Joe Bousquin

Published: November 5, 2010

Your hot water heater eats energy: We want to reduce its appetite. Here are inexpensive things you can do to increase efficiency and cut energy bills.

Master Suite Addition: Top Features

By: Oliver Marks

Published: November 4, 2010

A master suite addition is limited only by your imagination and pocketbook. Here´s a look at master suite must-haves.

Master Suite Addition: Return on Investment

By: Oliver Marks

Published: November 4, 2010

A master suite addition is a very popular—and very expensive—home improvement. Some home owners will recoup more of their investment than others.

Master Closet: 3 Features to Make it Extra Special

By: Oliver Marks

Published: November 4, 2010

If you’re designing a master closet from scratch, select from a trio of features that add convenience and value.

Fix Wet Basement Problems

By: Rich Binsacca

Published: October 29, 2010

Fix wet basement problems and keep moisture from wrecking your new basement remodel.

Heating and Cooling Your Basement

By: Rich Binsacca

Published: October 29, 2010

Heating and cooling a finished basement will require upgrading your current HVAC system or adding new units.

Emergency Egress Window: Costs and Installation

By: Rich Binsacca

Published: October 29, 2010

Your finished basement isn´t finished until you install an emergency egress window. Here are the costs and what you´ll need to be safe and compliant in your new finished basement.

Chimney Inspection Cost and Types

By: Wendy Paris

Published: October 28, 2010

With an annual fireplace chimney inspection—and possible sweeping—you can improve fireplace performance, and snuff out chimney fire and carbon monoxide concerns. Here are the types and cost of each.

Protect Exterior Doors from Hurricane Damage

By: By: Mariwyn Evans

Published: October 26, 2010

Here´s how to use plywood to protect your exterior doors from hurricanes, plus the benefits of high-impact glass doors.

Green Clean Sinks and Drains: Shine ´em Up and Clean ´em Out

By: Alyson McNutt English

Published: October 21, 2010

Homemade sink and drain cleaning solutions are effective way to green clean your sink and unclog your drain.

Green Clean Countertops and Keep Food Prep Safe from Chemicals

By: Alyson McNutt English

Published: August 21, 2010

Whip up a batch of homemade vinegar solution to cheaply and effectively green clean your kitchen countertops without harsh chemicals.

Get Rid of Mold: DIY or Hire a Pro?

By: Karin Beuerlein

Published: October 13, 2010

Here’s how to tell if you can get rid of mold yourself or if you need a professional.

Mold Remediation: What to Expect When You Hire An Expert

By: Karin Beuerlein

Published: October 13, 2010

Mold remediation can be a pricey venture. Here´s what to look for and expect when you call in the professionals.

Care and Maintenance of Your Deck

By: Dave Toht

Published: October 11, 2010

Annual deck maintenance will forestall repairs, protect your investment, and boost your enjoyment of your outdoor space.

Green Window Cleaning Makes Glass Pane-fully Clear

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: October 11, 2010

Window cleaning with non-toxic ingredients and reusable cloths protects your health, preserves resources, gains a streak-free view, and stretches your budget.

Replacing Rain Gutters and Downspouts

By: Pat Curry

Published: October 8, 2010

Replace missing gutters and downspouts to prevent serious siding and foundation damage that may cost you $10,000 or more to repair.

Repair Sagging and Leaking Rain Gutters to Save Money

By: Pat Curry

Published: October 8, 2010

Repairing sagging and leaking rain gutters is a simple task that can be tackled in a day.

Cleaning Rain Gutters

By: Pat Curry

Published: October 8, 2010

Clean gutters to protect your siding and landscape plantings, and prevent thousands of dollars of damage to your foundation.

Repair Sagging and Leaking Rain Gutters to Save Money

By: Pat Curry

Published: October 8, 2010

Repairing sagging and leaking rain gutters is a simple task that can be tackled in a day.

Rain Gutters that Trap Water: Easy Fixes

By: Pat Curry

Published: August 8, 2010

Gutters that trap pools of water need to be adjusted so they´re inclined at ¼-inch of slope for every 10 feet of run.

Laundry Room Storage: 5 Naked Truths

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: October 1, 2010

Unless you do your laundry in the buff, it´s one chore that´s never really done. Follow these laundry room storage ideas, however, and you can breeze through your dirty duds in no time.

Pegboard Storage Solutions: Hole-y Sheet!

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: October 1, 2010

Versatile pegboard provides easy and inexpensive storage solutions for virtually any room and under-utilized wall space.

Window Seat Options for Storage Solutions

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: October 1, 2010

A window seat can add as much as 13 cubic feet of valuable storage space that doubles as attractive, usable seating for your home.

Under-Stairs Storage Stomps Out Clutter

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: October 1, 2010

Sweep out the dust bunnies. Clear away the clutter. Time to put wasted space beneath the staircase to work with customized storage solutions.

Glass Tile and Ceramic Tile Bathroom Flooring: Unlimited Designs

By: John Riha

Published: September 23, 2010

Glass tiles and ceramic tiles come in many colors and textures, and are tough, low-maintenance solutions for bathroom floors.

Gas Fireplace Inserts: Pros and Cons

By: Wendy Paris

Published: September 22, 2010

Add a gas-burning fireplace insert if you want clean air and the ultimate in convenience.

Adding a Fireplace: Return on Investment

By: Rich Binsacca

Published: September 22, 2010

Installing a fireplace is a popular project, but don´t expect a significant return on your investment.

Attic Insulation Saves You Money

By: Jeanne Huber

Published: September 21, 2010

Add attic insulation to lower heating and cooling costs by as much as $600 per year.

DIY Home Energy Audit in 6 Easy Steps

By: Jane Hodges

Published: September 21, 2010

Perform your own home energy audit to see if you need fixes that can lower your energy bills by 5% to 30% annually.

The End of Incandescence

By: HouseLogic.com

Published: September 14, 2010

We take a look at the incandescent bulb as it becomes a thing of the past.

A Guide to 3 Equity Loan Options

By: June Fletcher

Published: September 1, 2011

Determining which type of equity loan to take — second mortgage, HELOC, or cash-out refi — comes down to a number of factors, including why you need it.

Appliance Maintenance: Refrigerators

By: Douglas Trattner

Published: August 20, 2010

Keep your refrigerator running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine.

Caring for Wood Siding

By: John Riha

Published: August 28, 2009

To enjoy wood siding’s beauty for a lifetime, maintain it properly and diligently.

How to Assess the Real Cost of a Fixer-Upper House

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: August 24, 2010

When you buy a fixer-upper house, you can save a ton of money, or get yourself in a financial fix.

How to Care for Your Water Heater

By: Douglas Trattner

Published: August 20, 2010

Keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine.

Rain Gutters that Trap Water: Easy Fixes

By: Pat Curry

Published: August 8, 2010

Gutters that trap pools of water need to be adjusted so they´re inclined at ¼-inch of slope for every 10 feet of run.

How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Home

By: Carl Vogel

Published: August 5, 2010

Before you put your home up for sale, use the right comparable sales to find the perfect price.

Appliance Maintenance: Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

By: Douglas Trattner

Published: August 3, 2010

Keep your HVAC systems running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine.

How to Read Your Gas Utility Bill

By: Lisa Rogak

Published: July 26, 2010

Learning to interpret the terms and abbreviations in your gas bill can save you money.

Appliance Maintenance: Clothes Washer & Dryer

By: Douglas Trattner

Published: July 20, 2010

Keep your clothes washer and dryer running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine that anyone can follow.

Foreclosure Alternative: Deed in Lieu

By: Gwen Moran

Published: July 8, 2010

Facing foreclosure and you just want it over with? The deed in lieu of foreclosure may be your best alternative. Here are the advantages, disadvantages and tips on obtaining a deed in lieu.

Foreclosure Alternative: The Short Sale

By: Gwen Moran

Published: July 8, 2010

A short sale is far from hassle-free, but it´s a better alternative than foreclosure. And now you´ve got a little help from your friends in D.C. Here are the facts about short sales and how to get started.

Appliance Buying Guide: Water Heaters

By: Joe Bousquin

Published: June 14, 2010

When it’s time to replace your water heater, you’ll find a wide array of high-efficiency models offering big energy savings.

How Foreclosure Affects Your Credit Score

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: Jume 11, 2010

Foreclosures—and how you handle them—may have long-term credit score implications.

Negotiate Your Best House Buy

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: June 4, 2010

Keep your emotions in check and your eyes on the goal, and you´ll pay less when purchasing a home.

Adding Electrical Service to Your Workshop or Studio

By: Dave Toht

Published: May 4, 2010

When adding electrical service for a workshop or studio, budget to meet your immediate needs while building in flexibility for the future.

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know

By: Gwen Moran

Published: April 29, 2010

Flooding risks, as well as the value of your home and your possessions, help determine whether the cost of flood insurance is worth it.

Property Zoning Laws for a Workshop or Studio

By: Dave Toht

Published: April 27, 2010

Check local zoning laws, ordinances, building codes, and covenants before adding a workshop or studio to your property.

Homeowners Insurance: Is Mold Covered?

By: Gwen Moran

Published: April 15, 2010

Whether mold is covered by homeowners insurance often comes down to the source of moisture and the wording of a policy.

Keep Your Home Purchase on Track

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: March 30, 2010

You´ve found your dream home. Make sure missteps don´t prevent a successful closing.

5 Tips for Buying a Foreclosure

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: March 29, 2010

Get prequalified for a loan and set aside funds, and you´ll be ready to purchase a foreclosed home.

Sunroom Additions: Top Features

By: Gil Rudawsky

Published: March 26, 2010

Designing the perfect sunroom addition means thinking about windows, skylights, tile floors, and window blinds.

Sunroom Addition: Return on Investment

By: HouseLogic.com

Published: March 26, 2010

A sunroom addition returns about 49% of its cost at resale, as long as the improvement is in line with other homes in the neighborhood.

Choosing Windows for a Sunroom Addition

By: Gil Rudawsky

Published: March 26, 2010

Do you want casements or double-hung windows? Wood or wood-clad windows? Simulated divided lights or snap-in grilles? Here´s how to pick windows for your sunroom addition.

6 Tips for Buying a Home in a Short Sale

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: March 19, 2010

By preparing for a real estate short sale, you can emerge with a great home at a favorable price.

6 Reasons to Reduce Your Home Price

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: March 19, 2010

While you´d like to get the best price for your home, consider our six reasons to reduce your home price.

Outdoor Lighting for Curb Appeal and Safety

By: Dave Toht

Published: March 18, 2010

Think about it: Most of your guests (and if your home is on the market, many would-be buyers) see your home only in the evening, when its best features may be lost in the shadows. Well-executed outdoor lighting enhances architectural detail and plays up landscape features, casting your home in the best possible light and adding an abundance of curb appeal.

Evaluate Your Yard for a Patio

By: Andrea Nordstrom Caughey

Published: March 18, 2010

Evaluate your yard for a patio by understanding costs, the shape of your property, and variables such as sun and shade.

Top Features of a Family Room Addition

By: Oliver Marks

Published: March 18, 2010

Open space is the goal, so don´t overload your family room with too many features. Choose only the most essential options.

Family Room Addition: Return on Investment

By: HouseLogic.com

Published: March 18, 2010

A family room addition returns an average of 60.2% of its cost at resale, as long as the improvement is in line with other homes in the neighborhood.

Evaluate Your House for a Family Room Addition

By: Oliver Marks

Published: March 18, 2010

A family room is one of the most straightforward additions you can build with a relatively large payback—and it´ll completely transform your home.

5 Tips for Inspecting and Maintaining Your Garage

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: March 15, 2010

Routine maintenance will help your garage retain its value and keep it trouble-free for decades.

What You Must Know About Home Appraisals

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: March 12, 2010

Understanding how appraisals work will help you achieve a quick and profitable refinance or sale.

4 Tips to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: March 11, 2010

By knowing how much mortgage you can handle, you can ensure that home ownership will fit in your budget.

Tax credit has Realtors’ phones ringing as deadline looms

TAMPA, Fla. – March 9, 2010 – Kim and Al Langevin were ecstatic Friday to close on a new home in St. Petersburg. And they’re pretty excited, too, about thousands in government money they plan to use to spruce up the house.