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Share ideas and learn about the latest in home improvement and décor from Tom and Leslie.

Money Pit Blogs

Summer Safety for Kids Home on Vacation

Sat, 06/15/2013 - 20:38 - Leslie Segrete

Now that the kids are home for summer, keep vacation fun and safe by taking precautions indoors and out. This season is especially active and challenging, so make sure everyone understands the importance of safety, and do all you can to protect kids from summer dangers in the following...

Five Gas Grill Features That Count

Sun, 06/09/2013 - 00:05 - Tom Kraeutler

If your grilling gear could use an upgrade this summer, look to the latest shopping advice offered by Consumer Reports. They’ve just completed new ratings of more than 100 gas grills, and besides telling which are tops, they’ve identified the five features that really count. 1. Look for...

Heat Your Pool with Solar Power

Sat, 06/01/2013 - 21:11 - Leslie Segrete

Want to heat your swimming pool on the cheap? Make the most of the summer sun. Even if you already use the sun to warm up your outdoor pool, the following adjustments can help you extend swim season by up to three weeks. Harness daylight: To soak up maximum heat during the day, your pool should...

Home Buying Pitfalls to Avoid

Sat, 05/25/2013 - 20:52 - Tom Kraeutler

Hoping for a smooth home sale? Be on your guard, because whether you’re the buyer or the seller, some of the biggest deal-breakers can hit right before a sale closes. Here are five home sale pitfalls to avoid. 1. Surprise home inspection results: Once the contract has been signed, the buyer’s...

DIY Packing Tips for Your Summer Move

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 22:56 - Leslie Segrete

While many homeowners are staying put these days, summertime is still prime moving season for those who plan to relocate across town or across the country. If a house move is in your near future, save money and protect your belongings by doing your own packing with methods used by the pros. Here...

For Cool Comfort, Get Ceiling Fan Turning in the Right Direction

Sat, 05/11/2013 - 21:59 - Tom Kraeutler

As you turn toward a summer routine of cooler temperatures indoors, make sure your ceiling fan does the same. A ceiling fan can be a big help with indoor comfort, allowing you to spin down overall energy costs with just the flick of a switch.   The ceiling fan’s secret to a cooler summer is its...

Rather Than Move, Americans Improve

Sun, 05/05/2013 - 00:23 - Leslie Segrete

If you're more motivated to improve your present home than move to a new one, you're not alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's recent American Housing Survey (AHS), homeowners have been busy modernizing their kitchens, finishing basements and ramping up overall home efficiency--all to...

Keep Deer, Rabbits and Groundhogs Out of Your Garden

Sat, 04/27/2013 - 23:17 - Tom Kraeutler

As you head out to your yard this spring, you may discover you’re not the first to get your paws in the dirt. Deer, rabbits and groundhogs can be pleasant reminders of the wonders of this season, but they’re also destructive intruders, trampling and chomping on all your hard work. Before you...

Bring Your Garden Up-to-Date by Going "Downton"

Sat, 04/20/2013 - 19:38 - Leslie Segrete

As gardeners once again dig into the most popular hobby in the U.S., many are hopping online for inspiration. One place they’re going for ideas is StumbleUpon, the mobile and desktop exploration tool, and recent rankings of its 30 million users’ top gardening “stumbles” (searches) revealed a...

Is DIY Home Remodeling On Its Way Out?

Sat, 04/13/2013 - 21:46 - Tom Kraeutler

According to the Spring 2013 U.S. Remodeling Sentiment Report from RemodelOrMove.com, strong growth in higher-end remodeling projects means a lot more contractor hiring and a lot less do-it-yourselfing. As the influences of the recession on home improvement plans continue to diminish,...