Finishing Touches Make the Difference Between Drab and Fab
(ARA) - Three thousand parts. According to the National Association of Home Builders, that's what the typical home contains. And when you're building a home, you're faced with hundreds of decisions regarding those 3,000 parts. One or two car garage?...

Beyond the Box: Outdoor Spaces Can Extend the Boundaries of Your Home
(ARA) - Fresh air, natural light and open space are key elements in today's home designs. New home buyers and existing homeowners alike want more open living and homes with a seamless connection between indoors and out. For example, courtyards...

'Re-tiring' Old Mulching Routine Paves the Way to Ten Worry-Free..
(ARA) - The yearly routine of digging up last year's mulch and replacing it with a fresh supply can be time consuming, messy and expensive. But one new product can put consumers on the road to a full decade of worry-free mulching -- and that road is...

The Time to Remodel Your Home is Now
(ARA) - Remodeling your home can be a daunting task and devoting quality time to make your house a home can be a challenge any time of the year. If you’ve been thinking of remodeling, now is a great time to freshen your home’s appearance and make it...

Finish Your Painting Projects Without Sacrificing Your Free Time
(ARA) - With a little planning, you can complete your painting projects faster than ever, without sacrificing all of your free time. The first step is to get organized. Buy all your painting materials before the weekend, so that when it's time...

Checking Your Gutter Prevents Summertime Problems
(ARA) - Gutter maintenance is something homeowner's tend to think about only after a problem occurs. They may soon discover that poorly functioning rain gutters can cause many problems, including foundation erosion, basement leaks and rotten fascia...

Replacing the Irreplaceable
  There's Hope for that Broken Tea Cup or Lost Fork   (ARA) - 'They were the only ones that offered any encouragement,' says Margaret Winters. The Northridge, Calif. resident is talking about Replacements Ltd., a company that tracks...

The Uglier The Better
American Standard Announces the 2002 America's Ugliest Bathroom Contest (ARA) - Floor to ceiling harvest-gold ceramic tile … foam-padded toilet seats … that lovely peach and teal wallpaper from the '80s. These are just some of the 'fashion...

Bathrooms are a Home's True Underachievers
Research shows Americans are slow to invest in major bathroom remodels, but new products can enhance an existing bath (ARA) - Judging by the myriad of magazines, decorating shows and how-to books that assail the average homeowner, it's easy to...

Beautifying Your Basement
Quick Tips for a Successful Basement Remodel (ARA) - Need a place to entertain the guys and house the pool table? Want to rid the family room of toys from tots and teens? Remodeling your basement is the easiest and most affordable way to add...

Laminate Floors Offer Beauty, Durability
(ARA) - You might not give your floors much thought -- until it comes time to replace them. Then you realize that there are many options out there. For busy families whose floors need to stand up to kids and pets, laminate flooring is an excellent...

Ready to Move? Consider Remodeling Instead
(ARA) - Is your home feeling a little squeezed or out-of-date? You may want to join the millions of Americans who are turning to professional contractors instead of Realtors. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry...

Making Your Kitchen Work for You
(ARA) - The kitchen often becomes a family hub, the heart of the home for daily activity and entertaining. For this reason, the design of a kitchen space should address how the room is used on a daily basis. Identifying how you like to cook, eat and...

Refresh, Renew, Rejuvenate Your Home with a Makeover
(ARA) - Consider renewing and refreshing your living environment with a makeover. To make a notable difference this year, spruce up your home with a touch of personality and style. Combining fashion and function, lighting is one of the easiest ways...

Electric Radiant Floor Warming: the Affordable Luxury
(ARA) - Mountain climbers have an old saying: 'Don't cheat your feet.' A homeowner might consider this advice when building or remodeling a bathroom or kitchen floor. For floors, homeowners know that ceramic, slate or marble tiles are attractive...

Grilling, Gardening or Storm Watching: Thermometers Provide the Number..
(ARA)- To make the most of outdoor activities, people need more information: the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and whether any storms are lurking over the horizon. Fortunately, there are thermometers that fit the bill for the...

Windows Last Decor Priority When Canadians Move
(NC)-Selecting window dressings is usually the last thing on many new homeowners to do lists once they move into their homes. Other, 'more important' decor priorities are dealt with first while blankets and sheets usually suffice to achieve a...

Window Décor Q&A
Q: We've just moved into our home and we were considering different window treatment options. When it comes to the front of the house how uniform should our treatments be? Should they all be in one color or is it preferable to mix and match...

Window Décor Q&A: How Do I Balance Privacy And Sunlight?
Q: Our family room has a large bay window that provides wonderful sunlight, but, unfortunately, it faces the street and we live on a court. I love the benefits of sunlight, but I'm not comfortable with my neighbors seeing into my home for hours on...

Decor Tips: A Glossary Of Key Window Decor Terms
(NC)-So you've moved into your new home and have nothing but bed sheets obstructing your neighbors from peering into your windows. Looks like you're in dire need of quality window treatments. But before you run off in search of the perfect...

Washing Window Tricks
Have you ever wondered how those professional window washers move so fast with the squeegee, and how the windows turn out perfect? Well, there really are some tricks to it that are simple to learn, and once you do, dare I say it, you may even enjoy...

The Open Electricity Market: How It Affects You
(NC)-In the open electricity market, you have the power to decide which company sells you the electricity you use. There are a variety of licensed retailers who may offer competitive pricing packages, as well as other products and services. Or, you...

From The Science Desk
Q: How should pesticides (for home use) be stored? What is the shelf life? A: Pesticides should be stored in a secure, well-ventilated area, preferably locked in a safe cupboard, garage or garden shed. Most pest control products can be stored...

Decorating Tips: How To Make Windows The Focal Point Of Your Décor
(NC)-Windows are such an important part of any room, that it's amazing the number of times we ignore their many possibilities for creating or complementing a room's entire mood and theme. They are the source of light, air and sunshine, which are...

The Debate Around Controlling Pests In Our Gardens
(NC)-An important hobby for many Canadians, and one that is increasing in popularity is gardening. 'I have a firm belief that the gardening industry is getting bigger,' says Mark Cullen, President of Weall and Cullen Garden Centres. Mark is well...