Time to Check Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors and More

Test a smoke detector

We all know that we should test our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on a monthly basis, but who amongst us really does? Guilty as charged here. But the new years is an excellent time to do this. It’s the time for new starts and those inevitable New Year’s resolutions. Some detectors are combination units; [...]

Prevention and Thawing of Water Pipes During a Hard Freeze

Use foam insualtion to prevent frozen pipes

Really hard freezes aren’t very common where I live, and when they do happen, they are very short-term. Because of that, most homeowners don’t give much thought to preventing frozen water pipes. But you know what they say; “it happens”. Consequently, every few years, local plumbers have a nice payday. Those emergency service calls are [...]

Wintertime Home Repairs and Energy Tax Credits

Fiberglass insulation and Energy Q radiant barrier foil

It’s almost that time again. The tax man cometh, at least for those of us that happen to have a job in the current depressed economy. But here’s the nasty little secret- even though the current ruling class in Washington delights in saying wealthy people should lose their tax cut, the fact is that the [...]

After the Nuts n’ Bolts Structural Part of a Remodeling Project, It’s Time for Interior Decorating

An urban loft with new laminate floors

I’ve got to admit, I’m more of a nuts n’ bolts person by nature, but I’ve picked up some decorating and interior design knowledge over the years, and especially over the last year when a couple of decorating consultant friends have been broadening my rather limited horizon. Broadly speaking, the theme of the newly renovated [...]

The Yantra Mat Offers Relaxation and Acupressure at Home

Use a Yantra Mat for Acupressure and Health Benefits

Acupressure is a great way to relax, recover from a hard workout, boost your energy levels, and give some relief to conditions like chronic low back pain. I sometimes suffer from low back pain myself due to OLDR (Obsessive Long Distance Running). The only thing that keeps it at bay is a daily stretching routine, [...]

Top Picks for DIY and Home Repair Christmas Gifts

A Sawzall Reciprocating saw from Milwaukee Tool Company

With the year winding down and Halloween almost upon us, it’ll soon be time to think about the holiday season in general and Christmas gifts in particular. Anyone who gifts a DIY enthusiast, home repair aficionado, woodworker, or a honeydo list completer, will have zero problems coming up with something suitable. The beauty of the [...]

Three Uncommon Tools for Home Repair and Hobbies

Handy pocket hole woodworking joinery tool

If you own a home or even live in a rental property, you know that repair and maintenance tasks are never ending. To keep up with that honey-do list, most people at the minimum have one of those orange Home Depot tool boxes loaded with a hammer, a couple of screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, [...]

An Annual Roof Inspection Will Lengthen Its Life

Architectural grade shingles add curb appeal

Most homeowners never give their roof a second thought until there’s a problem like a water leak. But most people can inspect components like composition shingles and flashing and make minor repairs. This is even more important in areas subject to a lot of winter snowfall. Depending on conditions, a quality shingle roof should last [...]

An Annual Roof Inspection will Lengthen Its Life

Architectural grade shingles add curb appeal

Most homeowners never give their roof a second though until there’s a problem like a water leak. But most people can inspect components like composition shingles and flashing and make minor repairs. This is even more important in areas subject to a lot of winter snowfall. Depending on conditions, a quality shingle roof should last [...]

As Hurricane Season Ends, Winterize Your Home for the Winter Season

Attic insulation and radiant barrier foil reduce utility bills

Whether you put any confidence in the global warming/climate change issue or not, it’s fairly easy to trust the annual Farmers’ Almanac. They’ve published the newest edition and included the 2010/2011 winter weather prediction. Winter weather is like any other natural phenomenon, what you get depends on where you live. The Almanac prophesies that the [...]