If you’re thinking about loosening those purse strings and launching a long-postponed remodeling project in 2013, you’re not alone. According to recent data from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), remodeling activity was on the upswing at the end of 2012, and the first...

Chances are you’ve started this New Year’s week with a list of challenging resolutions for 2013. And if getting in shape, saving money and improving organization are included in those plans, you might like to make the same promises for your home. A few simple changes can help you expand your...

This season is an ideal time to show appreciation for those who help you on the home front all year long. A holiday tip is always welcome, whether in the form of cash, a gift or a little extra added to your regular payment. Different service professions have different guidelines for such...

The natural beauty of plants and flowers is a favorite ingredient of holiday decorating, but it can also be hazardous to your health. Some plants that look festive can cause skin irritation from simple handling, and others have berries and leaves that can be fascinating but dangerous to children...

This week, many of us have full houses and tightly timed schedules for getting a beautiful, bountiful Thanksgiving feast on the table. All this activity may spark some unplanned home emergencies, so while you’re giving thanks for everything that goes right, be prepared to act in case any of the...

Filing a homeowners insurance claim isn’t the most pleasant process, but it goes much more smoothly when you give attention to the details. Every step you take ensures that you get the most out of the coverage you’ve paid for, and the following will ease your way to a properly filed...

In its recent “Green, Inc.” news series, USA Today uncovered shortcomings in the U.S. Green Building Council’s popular LEED standards for sustainable design and building.

The exposé describes how a program that’s supposed to represent Leadership in Environmental Design also appears to be tied...

You may know that replacing windows boosts a home’s energy efficiency, but new models can also be better for your health. If your home was built prior to 1978, your current windows are likely finished with lead-based paint and exposing your family to harm on a daily basis. Research has shown...

Do you have an escape plan in case of fire in your home? According to a survey by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), only one third of American households have developed and practiced such a plan. What’s more, many of us overestimate the amount of time we’ll have before a fire...

We’re entering a time of year when there’s a lot to do, prepare and repair, and that means plenty of contact with customer service representatives. Whether they’re on the other end of the phone line at the utility company or making an in-person service call at your home, the quality of the...