Online Features
Home Improvement
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Why a little fall outdoor maintenance can go a long way
After spending the summer enjoying the outdoors, it can be a little bittersweet to get the deck and yard ready for the cooler days ahead. The good news is getting outdoor areas ready for winter doesn't have to be a time-consuming process.
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Winterizing your light sources: Window and skylight tips
Sunshine and summer go together like coconut and pineapple. Yet when winter arrives with shorter days and cooler temperatures, the amount of sun that enters your home can be more important than at any other time of year. It's important to prepare for winter by taking care of the portals that allow natural light into your...
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Simple steps to care for granite, marble and other natural stone
Natural stone is one of the most sought-after upgrades in a home. Providing both versatility and timeless beauty, it's no surprise that granite is the most popular natural stone option. Though very durable, the composition of stone can make it sensitive to damage through daily use. By understanding a few important do's a...
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Making a change - exterior renovations to boost curb appeal
Does your surburban neighborhood consist of mass-produced housing that lacks the originality and architectural appeal of classic styles? Adding personality and curb appeal to your split-level, ranch or colonial may be easier than you think.
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Transform your space with unexpected color
For today's homeowners who are seeking easy ways to update their homes on a do-it-yourself budget, nothing transforms the look and feel of a room as quickly and affordably as a fresh coat of colorful paint.
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Garage door safety knowledge can protect your whole family
What is likely the largest, heaviest moving object in your home? Answer: It's your garage door. Do you know how to operate and maintain your garage door safely? Do your kids know the potential hazards that a garage door may present? Here are a few things to think about that will help build your knowledge of garage door s...
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Make your home fall-ready (inside and out) in one weekend
With cooler temperatures on the way, there's no better time to finish checking items off the home improvement to-do list. Several projects are "must-do's" and should be completed before the harsher weather arrives. Most are simple enough to accomplish in just a couple days.
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New technologies help keep your home safe, secure and energy-efficient this fall
With shorter days and cooling temperatures, autumn brings many changes that can affect your home. Now is the ideal time for homeowners to prepare their homes to be secure and energy efficient. With some easy updates and modern tools, your home will be ready for fall with surprisingly little effort.
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Concrete challenges of converting basements or garages to living space
For homeowners looking to improve the value of their homes - and cope with the needs of multiple generations living under one roof - basement and garage renovations make sense. Before you dive into one of these worthwhile renovation projects, you should consider an often-overlooked logistic of working in a basement or ga...
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Tips for adjusting to busy family schedules
The kids are back in school, fall activities are starting up again and the house is empty at different times of the day, making it difficult to keep up with hectic schedules - including yours. Yet there are easy things you can to do adjust to changing family routines, while ensuring your home remains comfortable and safe...
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Open your house parties up to the beautiful outdoors
Having guests over to your house doesn't necessarily mean you have to keep everyone contained inside. Open the doors of your home to your backyard to provide a relaxed ambiance for your guests. And with good lighting and comfortable seating, they'll enjoy socializing and hanging around until well after the sun sets.
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Tips for a thorough fall house cleaning
With the changing of the season right around the corner, most Americans are beginning to clean up the exterior of their homes by raking leaves and cleaning out the gutters, but what about the interior? Fall can be the perfect time to revisit that spring cleaning list that you never completed and give the interior of your...
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