Is your kitchen making you fat?

By Lisa Kaplan Gordon  on July 12, 2012
Originally published on January 11, 2012

When it comes to weight gain, we blame our genes, our metabolism, and wrong foods that taste so right. But maybe our kitchens are to blame. Here’s why.

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Evaluate your house for a garage addition

By Jeanne Huber  on July 10, 2012
Originally published on January 22, 2010

When planning a garage addition, you’ll need to consider size, siting, access, and how the garage relates to the architecture of the house.

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Understanding foundation problems

By Jeanne Huber  on July 8, 2012
Originally published on January 15, 2010

Foundation problems may mean expensive repairs. Here’s what to look for and what you need to know to keep small concerns from becoming big headaches.

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Evaluate your yard for a patio

By Andrea Nordstrom Caughey  on June 28, 2012
Originally published on March 18, 2010

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

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What to do if a contractor puts a lien on your house

By Oliver Marks  on June 24, 2012
Originally published on September 30, 2009

If a contractor puts a lien on your house, you’ll have to fight to keep your house out of foreclosure. Here’s how to defend yourself.

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Smart options: decking

By Dave Toht  on May 31, 2012
Originally published on February 11, 2010

When choosing decking materials, factor in the savings gained by low maintenance and longevity, even if the initial cost is higher.

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Repair and replace door hardware to update rooms

By Jane Hoback  on May 27, 2012
Originally published on January 14, 2011

Repair and replace door hardware that makes rooms look dingy and outdated. We’ll show you how door and cabinet pulls, knobs, and hinges can give your home new sparkle.

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Laminate kitchen countertops: perfect fakes; low cost

By Jan Soults Walker  on May 25, 2012
Originally published on 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.

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Stone tile for the bathroom floor: a touch of the high life

By John Riha  on May 23, 2012
Originally published on September 23, 2010

Stone tiles made of granite, slate, limestone, travertine, and polished marble make beautiful choices for your bathroom floor.

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7 essential questions to ask before hiring an architect

By Oliver Marks  on May 21, 2012
Originally published on March 4, 2011

Hiring an architect for your remodel is an important step. Where to begin? Here are essential questions to ask candidates, and the answers they should give.

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Replacing plumbing: are your water pipes plumb worn out?

By Joe Bousquin  on May 19, 2012
Originally published on 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.

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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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