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	Home improvement tips for summer: make your technology work for you As families get ready for more time at home over summer break, you may notice an increased number of home improvement projects going on in your neighborhood. This year, be sure to take advantage of the ways in which your existing home technology can make these projects easier - from tips and techniques to ordering directly online.
	Easy ways to create fast, functional, fun outdoor 'land-escapes' Adding useful space, enjoyment, appeal and value to homes, outdoor living spaces continue to be a popular home improvement project. While the economy slowly recovers, many budget-conscious homeowners are looking for simple, cost-effective ways to transform their homes' exteriors into inviting outdoor "land-escapes" that can be enjoyed year around.
	Ten tips for the perfect bathroom remodel Giving an old, tired bathroom a makeover is one of the best things you can do to increase your home's resale value. And while it can take some planning, remodeling your bathroom is easily within the capability of most homeowners.
	Summer living: creating the perfect attic bedroom For many people, the attic is where all of the "I don't know what to do with this" items go. However, homeowners forget that a finished attic can be usable living space. And, whether you're trying to increase the appeal of your home before selling, or simply adapting to a growing family, an attic bedroom can be an excellent upgrade to your home.
	Essential tasks for your home maintenance short list Unlike your car, your home doesn't come with a maintenance manual. Keeping your home in good shape means staying on top of the many things you need to do to protect its value and your family's safety.
	Choosing the best water heater for your lifestyle When ranking household appliances that consume the most energy, no one is surprised to see heating and air conditioning units at the top of the list. On the other hand, many people are surprised to learn that their water heater ranks at No. 2.
	Make your home appliance updates a local investment Summer is the biggest moving time for Americans, according to Moving.com. With low housing prices continuing and the recent first-time homebuyers credit that ended in June, plenty of Americans will be unpacking boxes in new homes this summer and fall.
	Protect your home from termite damage As Americans head outside to tend to their lawns and repair their houses, it's just as important to consider what might be happening out of sight, deep inside the home.
	How to make your outdoor living space as cool and comfortable as indoors It is easy to enjoy your deck or patio when the weather is warm and pleasant, and memories of cold winters are driven far away. But when the temperatures soar, do you find yourself retreating indoors? Even through the dog days of summer, you can enjoy your outdoor living space by using outdoor versions of indoor comforts such as luxurious furnishings, decorative touches and even air conditioning.
	Turn a gourmet kitchen into a chef's studio Does your kitchen feel more like Julie's than Julia's? No need to be concerned ... if Julie could learn to master the art of cooking in less than a year, you can design your own chef's studio in a fraction of that time. Follow Julie's footsteps and take your lead from those who know kitchens best - professional chefs.
	Five top trends in patio design When does a trend become a tradition? With continued interest in creating great outdoor living spaces, the trend for jazzing up the backyard may just be on the verge of becoming a staple of the American home, and as much a requirement as a great kitchen or welcoming bath. Here are five hot trends in patio design.
	Designing with natural light: Good for your health and your wallet Nowhere does the green movement and uplifting design meet and marry better than in the concept of "daylighting" - bringing natural light into a space to both brighten it and reduce dependence on electric lighting. Decorating and designing with natural light is not only energy efficient, but psychologically beneficial as well.
	Savings heat up with solar-powered water heaters Thanks to the federal tax credit program, you can recoup 30 percent of the total installed cost of a solar water heating system. It's a great time to switch to solar power for your water heating needs. But before you buy a solar water heater, do your homework, learn about the technologies available and review just how solar-friendly your home can be.
	Protect your home from natural disasters Whether building new, or adding on, it is important to speak with the builder about how your home will be protected from seismic activity, high winds and other perils. Although specific natural disasters are difficult to predict, no part of the country is immune. The dangers show that careful preparation in home and other building construction is a necessity.
	Remodel 411: help for the remodeling-challenged Thinking of remodeling but don't know where to start? Let your mouse do the heavy lifting and transform your current space into your dream home. These days everyone turns to the Web to get inspired. Start your renovation by concentrating on the rooms you use the most and offer the best return on investment (ROI): your kitchen and your bathroom.
	Outdoor lighting tops the list of easy weekend projects Summer is a great time for outdoor home improvement projects, but it's also supposed to be a time to relax and have fun with family and friends. That makes quick-to-do projects that add to the "family fun factor" appealing to homeowners, who also need to spend their limited home improvement dollars wisely.
	Five fabulous finds that won't put your kitchen budget on the chopping block No matter if your cooking style is elaborate like Julia Child or quick and simple like Rachael Ray, there are few items in your kitchen that you shouldn't live without. Add these five affordable finds to your kitchen and you'll be cooking with class in no time.
	Keep your living environment green this summer At one time it wasn't easy being green, but these days, consumers are finding a variety of ways to green their lives by recycling and buying products from environmentally conscious companies. From simple home maintenance to daily purchases, greening your lifestyle can translate into a healthier home environment for you and your family.
	Easy ways to take advantage of solar energy at home While installing a complete residential solar energy system can be cost-prohibitive for many homeowners, recent technology that integrates solar power with individual household appliances is making it easier for homeowners to harness the power of the sun without breaking the bank.
	Kitchen, bath renovations remain tops, but go lean and green When it comes to adding value and enjoyment to your home, kitchen and bath remodels still remain tops, remodeling and real estate experts say. But how people remodel is changing. High-end renovations, costing tens of thousands of dollars, are dwindling, replaced by upgrades that provide homeowners with the most return for the least investment.
	How to remain healthy and independent in retirement You spent years working hard and saving so you could spend your retirement doing the things you want to do. Now that you're living that dream, you can ensure you'll be able to enjoy many years of retirement by staying healthy and allowing yourself to live independently for as long as you are able.
	Four fast, fashionable and fabulous home fixes anyone can do When it comes to home improvement, you don't have to be a professional to get professional-looking results. Many simple projects can dramatically update your home and are easy enough for even the novice do-it-yourselfer.
	Daylight is a great way to make your home more energy efficient Daylighting is once again enjoying its day in the sun as an important factor in home design.
	Simple, eye-catching ways to 'in-grain' wood in home decor From Colonial to Craftsman to contemporary, wood is a fundamental feature in home design for its ability to complement all types of architectural styles. Its beauty, versatility and durability allow homeowners to easily incorporate wood materials throughout a home, bringing warmth, texture and a touch of nature to any room.
	Lower costs make now a great time for a bathroom remodel Have you outgrown your small home, but you're staying put for financial or economic reasons? Or maybe you recently bought a house in foreclosure that was a great deal, but needs fixing up. If so, you're part of the re-energized remodeling market. For the first time since 2006, home-improvement spending is up, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
	Start your summer remodeling project list with doors and trim Summer is here: It's time to set up the pool, fire up the grill and fill the old bike tires with air. It's also a perfect time to tackle do-it-yourself projects around the house. Updating your interior doors and replacing old exterior trim are two great ways to spruce up your home and increase its value inside and out.
	Practical upgrades pay off in kitchens and bathrooms Practical pays off when it comes to kitchen and bath renovations. Gone are the days when virtually every kitchen or bathroom remodel involved top-of-the-line luxury upgrades and a budget big enough to fund an Ivy League education. Today's homeowners want more value for their remodeling dollars, and that means turning to improvements that make both functional and fiscal sense.
	Lead-safe renovation - what homeowners need to know Because some common remodeling practices can stir up lead paint and prove dangerous to a family's health, it's important for you to learn about a contractor's lead-safe practices before delving into such projects.
	Renters take note: patch and repair to reclaim your full deposit Whether you're renting a truck or paying for movers, costs can add up quick when you're changing residences. If you've been renting, the full return of your security deposit may come as sweet relief as you move from one place to the next.
	Bring the sunshine and backyard into your home this summer Warm weather means it's an ideal time to redo or create a new outdoor living space that you can enjoy all summer. When designing your ideal backyard, add a new patio door to your plans to help bring the sunshine, fresh air and outdoor fun into your home.
	Make your home your summer getaway Summer is a time to take long weekends, enjoy the pleasant weather and make new memories with family and friends. It's also a time to take a moment for yourself and find ways to savor that relaxing vacation feeling.
	Summer: the perfect season to design an eye-catching and comfortable kitchen In the summer, most activity moves to the great outdoors. Porches, patios and decks are the official "heart center" of most homes during the warm weather months, especially at mealtimes. Instead of congregating in the kitchen as they do in the colder season, families tend to gather on the patio to enjoy dinner and recap the day's events.
	Decorating on a budget … from the ground up Nature redecorates with each change of season. Spring's vibrant blooms give way to the lush greens of summer, as nature decorates from the ground up, then spreads its beauty throughout the landscape. So why is it that so many overlook flooring when refreshing their home decor? This year, take a cue from Mother Nature and start your decorating from the ground up.
	Declare war on bugs Summer weather brings flowers, the smell of the grill, picnics and unfortunately, bugs.
	How to take pest control and prevention into your own hands Warm weather welcomes more than just outdoor barbeques, summer vacation and vegetable gardens - it brings back the pests that like to annoy us. Insect problems are more than just irritating - they can potentially pose serious risks. If you're struggling to solve a pest problem in or around your home, and don't want to pay for someone to solve it for you, there are DIY solutions that are effective and affordable.
	How to make your family room into a personal theater Until now, there's been nothing quite like the experience of catching your favorite flick in the theater, but today's technology makes it possible to bring the magic of the theater experience to your home. Each year, home theater equipment becomes more sophisticated and affordable, allowing more homeowners to turn their family rooms into screening rooms.
	Create a relaxing outdoor haven at home Nothing is more relaxing than a breath of fresh air, which is likely the reason why the lines between indoors and out have blurred immensely. More homeowners are moving their living rooms outside to well-appointed patios and decks, furnishing these spaces with all the comforts of their favorite indoor gathering spaces.
	Create a playful kid zone on a budget Nothing better sums up kids' personalities than their favorite spaces: their bedrooms or playrooms. And in today's design-conscious society, there's no limiting the ways you can create inviting, kid-friendly spaces that reflect your children's personal tastes while encouraging imaginative play and creativity.
	Is your house ready for summer? Here's a first aid kit for outdoor fixes Are you ready to host all of those summer barbecues and impromptu get-togethers that summer brings? And the bigger question - is your house ready? The season's beautiful weather ushers in a slew of home repairs that are needed to get ready for hosting guests. Whether it's a broken bird bath, a loose stone on a walkway, or a broken patio chair, there are some things you need to take care of before you welcome your friends and family.
	Do you have the right tools for your "honey-do" list? It's summer and there's no better time to take on home improvement projects and that ever-expanding "honey-do" list. In a few months, those tasks will seem a lot more unpleasant when they can't be done in the beautiful sunshine.
	Make your deck the safe place for neighborhood fun In every neighborhood, there's always that one house where people love to congregate. Sometimes all it takes is a shady front porch that draws neighbors for a glass of iced tea -- or a backyard deck that becomes the outdoor kitchen, den and dining room, where everyone enjoys hanging out.
	Can smarter closets smooth school days? Experts say children with good organizational skills do better in school. Performing activities such as sorting and classifying when children are pre-school-age and older can help them acquire organizational skills. It may even help to build self-confidence and self-control, too. What better way to teach kids organization than by starting with their own clothes and toys?
	Ten simple ways to make your home safe for every generation who lives in it Most of us start life depending on our parents to take care of us. But as they age, chances are the roles will reverse. And, whether you provide additional help in their own homes - or move aging parents into your home - how do you prepare to meet the new needs of aging adults?
	A strategic approach to remodeling: refreshing rooms with small projects In today's challenging economy, you're taking a look at how you spend your hard-earned dollars. And while you may not have the necessary budget to tackle a major home improvement project, there are many homeowners who are choosing a more strategic approach to remodeling - by refreshing rooms and undertaking small projects one at a time.
	Four ways to improve your home's beauty and resale value In a tough housing market, homeowners want to improve their home's beauty and functionality, while adding resale value. This may include choosing products that reduce maintenance, save energy, improve appearance and offer protection from the damaging forces of nature. Here are some tips for problem areas that could benefit from the latest home solutions.
	Choose a paintbrush-free and colorful trim for your house Advanced, colorful exterior trim is conquering several roles, distinctly benefitting time-squeezed homeowners and letting them lock away the paintbrush. Trim has historically provided homeowners with a basic solution, delivering a cleanly-finished look, often with white accents. Now, innovations are increasing both the aesthetic and functional value of trim, bringing more appeal, durability and home protection to areas such as windows and doors, and corners and fascia.
	Tip of the day: tax credits for homeowners that can be applied next year It's not too soon to start thinking about next year's income tax filing season. And with some government tax incentives set to expire at year's end, savvy homeowners are planning today to save for tomorrow by taking advantage of tax credits that reward energy efficiency projects.
	Sophisticated sun control saves energy and makes life easier Do you ever wish you could create an outdoor environment that would be comfortable and safe from the sun, while also having a positive impact on the environment? This can be your reality with motorized awnings, window coverings and rolling shutters. Motorization has many benefits, one of which is reducing heat gain and loss, creating a more energy efficient home.
	Totally tubular: Skylights that work on the first floor Who wouldn't love a room filled with beautiful natural light from above? If the room you want to light, however, is on the ground floor - or below an attic - you may think installing a skylight is impossible. Think again. Tubular skylights are an inexpensive, energy-efficient way to bring passive natural light into your home - even in rooms where you might not be able to put a traditional skylight.
	Four simple projects to help sell your home fast You may have noticed an increase in the number of "for sale" signs around your neighborhood, and for good reason: Studies show that home listings increase this time of year, as homeowners want to get their families settled before the next school year begins. If you are thinking of selling your home in today's tough market, the experts recommend completing a few projects that will help your home look its best and stand out from the crowd.
	Exotic hardwoods that keep the environment in mind Thanks to responsible forestry practices, sustainable forestry certification and manufacturer innovation, visually appealing hardwoods can now be part of an environmentally conscious home.
	What you need to know about protecting your ash trees Virtually all of the 7 billion ash trees in the United States are at risk for infestation by the emerald ash borer, also known as EAB. You can save your ash trees by acting now and starting a prevention program.
	See how celebrities are helping to save the planet - one mansion at a time What do big-name celebrities like Ed Begley Jr., Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Daryl Hannah, Julia Roberts and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have in common? Aside from being ridiculously good looking and having more money than they know what to do with, these celebrities have all taken steps to significantly "green" their homes.
	Bathroom design: It's all in the details It's most likely one of the top reasons you've been putting off that bathroom makeover or remodel -- you're not sure where to begin. So what should you look for when you're planning your next bath or powder room project?
	Home security goes mobile and online As more home security applications become available for mobile phones, a growing number of homeowners are making the switch to monitoring their home security while they are on the go.
	Smart ways to save money on summer home improvement projects With summer in the air, you're just itching to get that home improvement project going. It's a great time to install a rain garden, improve storm-water runoff in your yard, redo your windows or siding, or even change the look of one of the rooms inside your house with new paint and furniture.
	Ten ways to improve your home's curb appeal If you think having great curb appeal is only important if you're trying to sell your home, think again. Your house is one of your biggest investments and making a great first impression will leave everyone - not just potential buyers - wanting to see what's inside. With 10 simple improvements, you can easily transform your home into the best looking house on the block.
	How a garage door can improve the appearance of your home's exterior With warm weather months here, it's the perfect season for the annual ritual of performing a spruce up around your home. Planting gardens, improving the look of your lawn and maybe applying a fresh coat of paint to the window trims are on your to-do list. An appealing exterior offers an invaluable first impression to neighbors, friends, and - if you're trying to sell, which many do prior to the beginning of school in the fall - perspective buyers.
	Simple and chic bathroom perk-ups Want a new bathroom, but think the price tag might be out of your budget? Don't give up so easily. Many simple updates and unique products can give you a custom-designed look on a bare-minimum budget.
	Create 'curb appeal' with easy home projects Whether you're selling your home and want the best price, or you just want to be the envy of the neighborhood, creating "curb appeal" can be very rewarding. And you're confident you know what constitutes great curb appeal - siding, windows, doors and a lawn that are all in good shape. But is that all you have to think about when it comes to curb appeal?
	Transform your ugly front door When guests arrive at your home or potential buyers see it from the street, first impressions count. But if your front door is an ugly, dilapidated, worn-out mess, they may get stuck there and fail to notice your home's inner beauty. Fortunately there are easy things you can do to transform your home's front entry to reflect your personal style, add instant curb appeal and even save on energy and upkeep.
	Three tips to make your utility meter run backward (ARA) - What would you do with an extra $2,200 per year? That is the annual energy bill for a typical American home, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Dramatically reducing that cost, or even selling power back to the utility company, could mean having enough money for a vacation, a down payment on a car or a boost to your child's college savings.
	A sustainable bathroom saves water and money With so many products claiming to be green these days, it's hard to know which ones are the real deal. A great indicator for certified sustainability in the bathroom is the WaterSense label, which is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By learning how (and which) products meet the criteria, you can easily incorporate the best - and most eco-friendly - products into your bath.
	Sticking to a budget? Tips for affordable and easy home upgrades Living on a budget is the norm, rather than the exception, in the current economy. Whether you're trying to entice potential homebuyers or just want to give your living space a quick spruce up, here are a few tips for making a big impact in the look of your home without breaking the bank.
	Low water flow leads to high satisfaction and savings In the United States, Americans consume 3.7 billion gallons of water every year that are not replaced, leaving a huge water deficit - a result of growing demand on finite water supplies. In fact, at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional or statewide water shortages within the next five years. Everyone has the power to change the water equation in the United States and put more money in their own pockets, while helping hydrate the planet.
	Lower summer cooling costs with a do-it-yourself project When it comes to do-it-yourself projects that will save money on energy costs, many new products on the market make it possible to save hundreds of dollars over time, with just a few hours of easy installation. Few of these products come close to the long-term benefits of installing a radiant barrier in your attic.
	Luxury vinyl tile provides everyday design with durability Natural stone and ceramic tile floors have great design, architectural and sculptural qualities. But they can be expensive, hard to clean, cold to walk on and not very durable. So imagine transforming your aging flooring with the look of rich travertine, limestone, concrete, slate or ceramic tiles, but without the cost or frailty of these lavish coverings.
	Concrete care: Easy, cost-effective fixes for your home's concrete Since economic conditions have made homeowners more vigilant about taking care of their homes, preserving exterior concrete surfaces, such as driveways, patios, steps and walkways, is a worthwhile investment. Fortunately, a number of the most common repairs are easy to do and can be accomplished in a weekend.
	Ready to renovate? Key ingredients: style, color, pizzazz Whether you're remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or adding a bedroom, one of the most important decorating steps is choosing windows to match the architectural style of your home.
	Demystifying contemporary home décor and design Mixed up by modern? Confused by what's considered contemporary? With more emphasis on home design today, it can be difficult for homeowners to distinguish between the array of design styles. Here are hints for creating a modern look in your home.
	Practice summer safety in your own backyard If you don't have the extra time or cash to take a summer trip, fun for you and your family can be as close as your own backyard. Just be sure to play it safe. Before summer is in full swing, make sure your backyard is ready for the season's get-togethers and activities.
	You can do that with vinyl siding? With the economy making a slow rebound, homeowners continue to look for cost-effective options when building or renovating their homes. Natural exterior building materials are often very expensive and require both time and money to maintain. Choosing vinyl and polymeric siding is one way people are saving on building materials. Both siding options, which many considered at one time to be fake-looking or boring, have become one of the most versatile, detailed and eco-friendly home exterior products available on the market today.
	Build up your 'momfidence' Becoming a new parent can be a scary process. There is so much to learn and no easy way to practice until your new bundle of joy arrives. Luckily, there are easy ways that you can prepare yourself - and your home - to give you peace of mind and be able to enjoy the time with your new baby.
	A resurgence of the DIY spirit While economic factors have slowed consumer spending in the home improvements category in recent years, new reports, including one from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, show homeowners are planning to invest in their homes once again.
	Escape from winter's chill in your warm house When the deep winter chill hits, the last thing you want to do is shiver inside your own house. But that frequently happens when drafty attics, fireplaces, leaky windows and open vents allow cold air to enter your house and have you hiding under blankets and heavier clothing. And not only are you shivering, you're probably spending a lot of money attempting to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
	Bring the beach back with you - creating cottage style in your home Nothing's harder to face than packing up your belongings after a week at a cozy beach house and heading back home to the real world. Sure, it's hard to leave paradise behind, but who says you have to? Why not just transform your own living space to a beach-inspired haven that lets you get away from it all, even if you aren't on vacation? It's easy and inexpensive to do.
	Put a gloomy, dreary day to good use: prep your deck Now is the time to get outside and prepare outdoor living spaces for the entertainment season. While sunny days are perfect for fertilizing the lawn, planting flowers and laying mulch, don't waste those gray, overcast days, which are great for other DIY projects. One task that can be tackled on a dreary day is prepping and cleaning your deck for upcoming barbecues and get-togethers.
	How to get a custom closet on a do-it-yourself budget Both fashion and budget-conscious Americans alike are taking better care of their clothing and other possessions, starting with how they store them. But if you haven't been reading today's most popular home and style magazines, sneaking a peak inside your neighbor's closets, or house-hunting lately, you might not have noticed: Closets have evolved from clumsy and non-functional to downright fabulous.
	The renovation revelation: Top tile trends for today's renovations When renovating your home for the long run, it makes sense to choose materials that offer outstanding design flexibility, affordability, durability and eco-friendliness. Ceramic tile continues to be a favorite choice of savvy designers, builders and homeowners seeking those qualities for home renovations.

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