Home Improvement

Photo courtesy of StatePoint Media Look for an established company with a permanent business location and a listed phone number. (StatePoint) — Each year, thousands of trusting homeowners hire contractors for home repairs or renovation projects. But for many, dreams of a remodeled kitchen, new roof or updated patio are dashed by contractor fraud. Over half of homeowners who hire contractors state that fraud is their biggest fear, according to a recent online survey conducted for HomeAdvisor. But savvy homeowners can avoid … [Read more...] about Homeowners: Five steps to avoid contractor fraud

Photo courtesy of StatePoint Media This season, keep your cool. Take the time to maintain, repair and replace your air conditioning equipment when necessary. (StatePoint) — When the weather heats up, your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system quickly becomes a most valuable player in your home life and stays that way for several months. However, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 3 million HVAC systems fail each year. Do you know if it’s time to maintain, repair or replace your air conditioning … [Read more...] about Get your home air conditioning ready for warm weather

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Family Features) — If it seems that you can never quite diminish the size of your laundry pile, you’re not alone. Laundry is a part of everyday life and the more people in your household, the bigger the pile and the more often you need to wash. Designate one place in your home to be the laundry zone and sort through these time-saving tips to make your laundry routine faster and easier, leaving you with more time to do the things you love. Declutter and reorganize. Clear some space from your … [Read more...] about Squeaky clean tips to simplify your laundry routine

(Family Features) Whether you need to set up a nursery for a new baby or update a room for a growing child, painting is an easy and cost-effective way to create just the right atmosphere. But knowing how to get started can feel overwhelming. These tips will help you choose the best type and color of paint, while keeping the process quick and stress-free. Sheen Savvy Sheen determines how shiny your paint looks when it's dry. Choosing the right sheen adds the perfect finishing touch on a room, and it can make a big difference when … [Read more...] about Painting Kids’ Rooms: Tips and Tricks to Get it Right

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Saving a few bucks on do-it-yourself pest control isn't worth the risks to your health and property, so call an expert. (NewsUSA) — Have you grown accustomed to the sight of gnawed-on package corners, bread crumb trails or mouse droppings? Are your Frosted Flakes littered with meal moth wings and larvae? Have you noticed several connect-the-dot piles of sawdust from hungry termites or beetles? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you have a pest problem, and not the kind to be solved … [Read more...] about A mouse in the house? Tips for finding a qualified pest professional

(NewsUSA) — With many Americans watching their budgets, heating homes has become an unwanted, though necessary, expense. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, many American homes will experience higher heating costs this winter due to increased fuel prices. Thankfully, simple behavior changes and energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners cut their heating bills and still enjoy the same level of comfort. "Energy-efficient heating means that you use less energy to heat the same space," said Phil Weeks, … [Read more...] about Energy-efficient heating keeps cost-conscious homes cozy

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA There are some filters you may not realize should be changed, like the lint filter. (NewsUSA) — Home cleaning is a catch-all phrase for the general de-clutter and organizational projects that abound when messiness trumps neatness. But in addition to clearing out the garage, don't forget to change those oft-neglected filters that can harm your health if left unclean. "Humidifier filters, for example, are designed to wick the water and make it easier to evaporate in the air to increase humidity. … [Read more...] about 7 home filters you probably didn’t know should be changed

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Saving a few bucks on do-it-yourself pest control isn't worth the risks to your health and property, so call an expert. (NewsUSA) — Have you grown accustomed to the sight of gnawed-on package corners, bread crumb trails or mouse droppings? Are your Frosted Flakes littered with meal moth wings and larvae? Have you noticed several connect-the-dot piles of sawdust from hungry termites or beetles? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you have a pest problem, and not the kind to be … [Read more...] about A mouse in the house? Tips for finding a qualified pest professional