Home improvement can be expensive, and contractor fraud can make it even more costly. Learn the warning signs and how to prevent contractor fraud.
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Want an outdoor space to entertain friends and family when the nicer weather comes? Before starting construction, you may want to consider whether a deck or patio is best for your home. Here are some of the factors you’ll want to carefully weigh before making your decision. What is the difference between a deck and...
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Gardening is a delicate task. One crucial element of gardening that is often overlooked is the quality of the soil. High-quality soil can ensure that your plants thrive and your garden sustains itself for years. The tips below will help improve your soil quality and ensure it is fertile and less likely to be susceptible...
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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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As a homeowner, you know how important it is to keep every aspect of your house maintained. One of the most important facets of home maintenance is to make sure your roof is in tip-top shape. If you catch a problem early, you’re more likely to keep it from becoming a major repair — and...
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A garage often becomes a catch-all space in your home. Everything from tools and toys to brooms and bikes get stored here, which is why organization is key. To help maximize space, try these six DIY garage organization ideas. 1. Declutter the space Before you begin your DIY garage storage mission, start by getting rid...
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Your chateau-inspired house deserves semi-customized carriage doors for the garage. But, if your house is inspired by Bauhaus, custom glass and steel garage doors will look amazing. Mass-produced garage doors can look perfect for your mid-century modern home. With numerous choices available, your garage door can match your home’s style as well as your budget....
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Owning the right basic tools makes life easier, whether it’s having the right screwdriver to assemble new furniture, a wrench to tighten faucets and training wheels or a hammer that will last a lifetime. Here’s a look at what you should have in your basic tool set to help you tackle virtually any home improvement...
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A plate of cookies can go a long way. “Getting to know people is a peacemaking strategy,” says Laura Jeffords, an Asheville, N.C. community mediator who is on the board of the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM). Starting off as a friendly neighbor Making friendly overtures to newcomers sets the tone for your own...
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Whether you’re securing bundles in the back of a pickup, hauling them on a flatbed truck or strapping them on to the roof of your car, it’s important to always make sure you have the right materials for the job. Keep in mind that, just as the items you’re transporting may be very different, so...
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Thousands of decks have either been built by do-it-yourselfers or by contractors who aren’t aware of the latest deck building codes or are looking to cut costs. In fact, most deck codes have changed in recent decades; if you own or are planning to buy a home that is over 10 years old, there could...
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Cleaning your chimney is essential for the safety of your home, as it can help prevent dangerous chimney fires caused by creosote buildup, a flammable residue from wood smoke. This article explains when and how to clean your chimney, the signs your chimney needs attention, DIY methods and more. [1] Why is chimney cleaning important?...
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If winter weather catches you off guard and your home is not prepared for heavy snow and cold, you can experience damage ranging from burst pipes to a collapsed roof. Costs for repairs of this scale add up quickly, so prepare in autumn to protect your house during the colder months. Follow these winterizing tips...
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The end of your lease is approaching, and it’s almost time to move. One of the key things you might be concerned about is whether you’ll get your security deposit back. Our moving-out checklist details what typically needs to be cleaned in an apartment to help you get your security deposit returned. Review the move-out...
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A household appliance is a vital part of any home. They make life easier, more convenient, and more comfortable. However, like everything else in life, they do not last forever. Proper maintenance is important to making sure your appliances last as long as possible, because some can be quite costly to replace. In this article,...
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