Figuring out what would happen to your loved ones if something happened to you may seem stressful and time-consuming. But if you want a say in who gets what — and most importantly who cares for your kids (or your pets) — then you need an estate plan. You may think you don’t need one...
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Even though the fence is an often-overlooked aspect of a home, it serves a variety of useful purposes. From protecting your yard from animals and potential intruders to providing an extra barrier against inclement weather and loud neighbors, a privacy fence is a great way to ensure your property truly stays private. Putting up a...
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Certain foods that are good for humans can be dangerous and even toxic to pets – leading to a variety of health problems. Protect your dog or cat by not letting them get their paws on these dangerous foods. Print out this handy PDF to hang on your fridge as a reminder of what foods are...
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Are you renovating your home? Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, make sure you do it right the first time. Home projects can take a big bite out of your budget and your time if they’re not done properly. Here are some of the most common home renovations mistakes to avoid: 1....
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Despite their relatively easy operation, cars are actually very complex machines. Cars need fuel to operate, but what does the engine actually do with it? In general, a standard internal combustion engine — what the majority of fuel-powered vehicles have today — uses air combined with gasoline to produce power.[1] Of course, it gets more...
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The safety of a home largely depends on the materials it is made of — high-quality materials can help protect you and your loved ones from whatever weather comes your way. What is a FORTIFIED home? The FORTIFIED Home™ program, also known as IBHS FORTIFIED, uses retrofit techniques to strengthen new and existing homes, making...
Read more about Conventional Roof vs FORTIFIED Roof: Which Is Better?
Ski season beckons with hundreds of the best ski resorts in the U.S. for the advanced and novice alike. Seeking airborne thrills on the slopes? Or maybe just a leisurely run down the trails capped off with a romantic fireside dinner? This list of ski areas can help you decide where to spend your next...
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Following regular maintenance will help your appliance run efficiently and safely. Ignoring regular dryer maintenance may pose a fire hazard. Failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Below are several dryer tips for properly caring for your dryer: Ensure proper installation Be...
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Nowadays, your car is probably staying parked in your garage for longer periods of time. While this can be nice for saving money on gas and other maintenance, it’s not an ideal situation for your car’s battery. This leads to an important question: Can a car battery go dead from sitting? Yes, it can. Even...
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Many homeowners possess basic painting preparation. They know that it’s important to use drop cloths, painters tape and stir paint thoroughly. But did you know that a golf ball can help maintain paint quality, or that microwaving paint tape can make it more manageable? With most DIY painting projects, knowing a few additional painting techniques...
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You’ve been saving for a house by paying down your debt, working on improving your credit score, and cutting back on spending. For many of us, buying a home will be the single biggest financial milestone we hit. Owning a home can drastically improve your quality of life, and it can seem especially appealing now...
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During a global pandemic, everything can feel exponentially more stressful and difficult. With millions of Americans filing for unemployment since the beginning of March, many of us are forced to deal with the anxiety of finances on top of everything else we have to worry about. Here are 4 simple things you can do to...
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We have all dealt with the hassle of lugging a set of clothes to and from the dry cleaner. Which is why you may be pleased to find out that many of your dry-clean-only clothes can easily be freshened up without leaving the house. Washing those special garments by yourself is easier than you think...
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Part of owning a home is learning how to manage common repairs. While doing household repairs isn’t the most enjoyable part of the home ownership experience, it’s unavoidable. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to make these repairs simpler or even avoid them. Clogged drain Eventually, you might have a drain that doesn’t...
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How often have you started to reheat something in your microwave, only to be greeted by the scent of microwave popcorn? As helpful as microwaves are in the kitchen, they have an annoying knack for holding on to food smells and splatters for an extended length of time. When you start to notice the lingering...
Read more about 6 Best Ways to Clean a Microwave