Home security cameras: peace of mind while you’re away

By Les Shu  on May 17, 2012
Originally published on February 17, 2011

Easy-to-install security cameras let you keep an eye on your home from afar, ensuring safety and security for you and your family.

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Power-assisted roof vents: lose the heat and save the money

By Laura Fisher Kaiser  on May 15, 2012
Originally published on January 28, 2011

A power-assisted roof vent gives your attic air flow a boost, reducing moisture buildup and possibly lowering energy costs.

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The Contractor Bond: when a handshake isn’t enough assurance

By Nancy Mandell  on May 11, 2012
Originally published on February 24, 2011

“Word is bond,” the saying goes, but with home improvements, the contractor bond should be in writing.

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Must-have drywall tools

By Lisa Kaplan Gordon  on May 9, 2012
Originally published on December 29, 2010

The correct drywall tools will easily repair the cracks and holes that inevitably appear in your walls. Here’s a look at the drywall tools that will do the job.

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Evaluate your house for a two-story addition

By Rich Binsacca  on May 7, 2012
Originally published on March 26, 2010

When considering a two-story addition, carefully evaluate what’s possible physically, financially, and legally.

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Create a garden room: it’s a natural choice

By Caralee Adams  on May 3, 2012
Originally published on May 3, 2011

Turn a common mudroom into a glorious and natural garden room.

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Appliance buying guide: Clothes dryers

By Douglas Trattner  on April 25, 2012
Originally published on January 15, 2010

When deciding on a new clothes dryer, here’s what you’ll need to know about features, style, price, and performance.

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Adding plumbing service to your workshop or studio

By Dave Toht  on April 23, 2012
Originally published on May 12, 2010

Adding even a simple utility sink to an outbuilding means running underground supply and drain lines at a cost of thousands of dollars.

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Pull-out shelves: gliding to a hardworking kitchen

By Jan Soults Walker  on April 19, 2012
Originally published on December 29, 2010

Add pull-out shelves to your existing base kitchen cabinets and you’ll stay organized, frustration-free, and never lose an item in the back of a cabinet again.

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Solar pool heaters can lower energy costs

By Julie Sturgeon  on April 17, 2012
Originally published on March 25, 2010

The upfront investment is high, but solar pool heaters can lower energy costs by harnessing the renewable energy of the sun.

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Ceiling fans: keep your cool; save money, too

By Laura Fisher Kaiser  on April 15, 2012
Originally published on January 28, 2011

A ceiling fan can lower the feel of a room’s temperature by 8 degrees, which means you can raise the thermostat and save on air conditioning bills.

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Adding a basement bathroom: The ups and downs

By Rich Binsacca  on April 11, 2012
Originally published on October 29, 2010

Adding a basement bathroom can cost $10,000. Is it worth the time and expense? These are the issues to weigh.

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FSC-Certified wood and SFI-Certified wood: What’s the difference?

By Karin Beuerlein  on April 9, 2012
Originally published on June 13, 2011

Shopping for wood countertops, cabinets, or doors? FSC and SFI are the two green certifications you need to know.

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Choosing windows for a Sunroom addition

By Gil Rudawsky  on April 5, 2012
Originally published on 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.

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Low-cost kitchen storage: Cheap stress reduction

By Jan Soults Walker  on April 1, 2012
Originally published on December 29, 2010

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

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Painting walls red: How to pick it and how to get rid of it

By Caralee Adams  on March 30, 2012
Originally published on February 3, 2011

Painting walls red–or any bold color–makes a definite statement, which you may want to take back someday. A tinted primer will cover your mistake.

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Attic bedroom remodel: Return on investment

By John Riha  on March 28, 2012
Originally published on December 3, 2010

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

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Appliance buying guide: Refrigerators

By Douglas Trattner  on March 24, 2012
Originally published on August 28, 2009

When you buy a new refrigerator, arm yourself with the facts, so you’ll be sure to make the right decision for your budget and space needs.

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Energy efficient fireplaces: wood-burning and gas-burning

By Rich Binsacca  on March 20, 2012
Originally published on September 21, 2010

Energy-efficient fireplaces, both wood-burning and gas, let you enjoy the glow of a fire without letting your home heating energy go up in smoke.

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Fit a small office in your small home

By Terry Sheridan  on March 16, 2012
Originally published on January 21, 2011

Setting up a small office in your small home means finding new uses for closets and other tucked-away spaces. You can also get creative by making rooms do double duty.

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Ductless mini-split HVAC systems: ideal for retrofits

By Laura Fisher Kaiser  on March 14, 2012
Originally published on January 28, 2011

Ductless mini-split systems heat and cool small spaces where conventional HVAC is not an option.

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Linoleum for the bathroom floor: Earth-friendly beauty

By John Riha  on March 12, 2012
Originally published on September 23, 2010

Linoleum is made of biodegradable materials and is available in many colors and patterns that make it a good choice for bathroom flooring.

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Low-VOC paint protects health, pocketbook

By Joseph D'Agnese  on March 8, 2012
Originally published on October 13, 2010

Low-VOC paints are kind to your health, and they won’t break the bank, either. Learn more about these eco-friendly ways to brighten a room.

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Is a tankless water heater right for you?

By Joe Bousquin  on March 6, 2012
Originally published on 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.

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Steam shower: make your life a little steamy

By Caralee Adams  on March 4, 2012
Originally published on May 3, 2011

Install a home steam shower and feel the tension melt away every day.

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