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Quick! What does the following quote refer to? “Everybody complains about _____, but nobody does anything about it.” If you guessed “the clutter in my garage,” you weren’t technically correct (the answer is actually “the weather”). However, you did succeed in bringing up an issue that touches a raw nerve for most American homeowners. If your garage is so cluttered you can’t even find your car, make this year the one you finally tame those [...]

Dear James: It’s a mess carrying firewood indoors, so I want to modernize my old brick fireplace with one that uses gas logs. Are there any tips on how to do this project myself? — Kathy H.Dear Kathy: Replacing an old brick fireplace surround and hearth with newer modern designs and a fresh coat of paint on the walls can completely transform the decor of your living room. Gas logs are convenient to use, but if your chimney is in good condition, you might consider staying with [...]

Ugly, dark gray snow and the feeling that winter is definitely outstaying its welcome. That’s February for you, at least where I come from. But this much-maligned month also brings the first snowdrops, shyly peeping out from the slush. The sight — or even the thought — of flowers gives a little hope that spring will eventually come along. In the meantime, fight those February blahs by taking the first steps toward a glorious garden.Plan your gardenDon’t just [...]

Happy Valentine’s Day. No, this isn’t a dating column, just a guide to navigating that often sticky personal connection — the one between you and the man or woman you choose to update your living quarters, your home improvement contractor. Over the past year, I’ve spoken to literally hundreds of homeowners about their experience with household renovation and remodels. They offer a wealth of real-world advice on how to find a contractor you’ll love ... or at [...]

Happy Valentine’s Day. No, this isn’t a dating column, just a guide to navigating that often sticky personal connection — the one between you and the man or woman you choose to update your living quarters, your home improvement contractor. Over the past year, I’ve spoken to literally hundreds of homeowners about their experience with household renovation and remodels. They offer a wealth of real-world advice on how to find a contractor you’ll love ... or at [...]

Who doesn’t appreciate the classy looks appeal of gorgeous stone countertops? In addition to their beauty, marble, soapstone, quartz, limestone, and granite kitchen counters are durable and hardwearing work surfaces. Treat them with a little bit of TLC and they will be the star of your kitchen for years to come. Just follow these 7 simple dos and don’ts.DO be meticulous about wiping spills. Stone countertops are sensitive to contact with any acidic substances, such as wine, [...]

Who doesn’t appreciate the classy looks appeal of gorgeous stone countertops? In addition to their beauty, marble, soapstone, quartz, limestone, and granite kitchen counters are durable and hardwearing work surfaces. Treat them with a little bit of TLC and they will be the star of your kitchen for years to come. Just follow these 7 simple dos and don’ts.DO be meticulous about wiping spills. Stone countertops are sensitive to contact with any acidic substances, such as wine, [...]

When Dan Bawden teaches contractors and builders about aging-in-place, he has them get into a wheelchair. See what it's like to try to do things from this perspective, he tells them.That's when previously unappreciated obstacles snap into focus.Bathroom doorways are too narrow to get through. Hallways don't allow enough room to turn around. Light switches are too high and electrical outlets too low to reach easily. Cabinets beneath a kitchen sink prevent someone from [...]

Every renovation project is inherently optimistic, because homeowners start out with a plan to improve their home with visions of glorious new living spaces or at least a shiny updated bathroom galvanizing them to power through the less pleasant side of home improvement projects.While most people come through the mess and expense and enjoy the results, the biggest fear of many homeowners is that they will be among the unhappy group who suffer from inflated costs, low-quality [...]

Every renovation project is inherently optimistic, because homeowners start out with a plan to improve their home with visions of glorious new living spaces or at least a shiny updated bathroom galvanizing them to power through the less pleasant side of home improvement projects.While most people come through the mess and expense and enjoy the results, the biggest fear of many homeowners is that they will be among the unhappy group who suffer from inflated costs, low-quality [...]