Do you have a wood deck? How much time do you invest in cleaning and sealing it? How many gallons, currently priced around $55 per gallon, of high-quality sealer do you use to make your deck look fantastic? I pretty much know all the answers because I’ve dealt with cleaning and sealing outdoor decks, fences,…
Inexpensive Ways to Revamp Your Kitchen With a Little Sweat Equity
By Kaitlyn Keegan From Hartford Courant One of the biggest ways to gain equity in your home is a kitchen remodel. Gutting the entire kitchen and getting brand new cabinets and countertops, though, is expensive. For more homeowners, that’s a remodel you save up for years for. You may not want to deal with the…
Building a Deck? Here Are Some Must-Do Tips
Are you about to build a deck by yourself? Perhaps you’re going to hire a professional. My guess is you don’t know as much about the process as you should know. Add to the mix the cable TV shows that go on and on and on about how simple it really is. To be honest,…
Tips for Building a Screened Porch
Dear James: The mosquitoes are really annoyed by my flower beds, so I want to build a screened porch. Do you have any design and construction DIY tips?—Brandon P. Dear Brandon: Early evening is when many flowers are most fragrant, but that is also the same time that mosquitoes get very hungry. The same scents…
How to Tell When Your Roof Needs Replacing
By Kaitlyn Keegan From Hartford Courant When most homeowners start considering renovation projects, they think about redoing the kitchen, painting the bedroom, or updating a bathroom. They don’t consider their roof. Out of sight and out of mind for many homeowners, your roof keeps everything below it safe and sound. It should be paid more…
The Harsh Truth About Concrete Pavers
New products are constantly being introduced by the home improvement industry. If you’ve been around long enough, you can spot ones that have lots of sizzle but most likely won’t stand the test of time. I had that feeling 40 years ago when I first saw colored concrete paving bricks. It turns out my gut…
Rent Tools and Save Thousands of Dollars
I scan the media each week to keep abreast of all that has to do with building and remodeling homes, new tools, and new technology in the trades. I also talk to dozens of homeowners. I can tell you that inflation and soaring interest rates are inspiring more and more homeowners to contemplate tackling home-improvement…
Simple Driveway Restoration With Tar and Chips
Dear James: We need an inexpensive way to resurface our driveway. Asphalt and concrete cost too much. Will a tar-and-chip type of driveway be much less expensive?—Dave B. Dear Dave: A tar-and-chip driveway is an excellent option and can cost almost 50 percent less than having it resurfaced with conventional asphalt. This type of surface…
Refinish an Older Linoleum Floor with Paint
Dear James: Our kitchen linoleum floor is discolored and worn but is still sound. Can a linoleum floor be refinished with paint, and can I do it myself?—Nora H. Dear Nora: Yes, a linoleum floor can be painted with a solid color or a unique pattern. People often rip out linoleum because it is scuffed…
Relax and Indulge: How to Make Your Home More Spa-Like
Think about what makes going to a resort so pleasant: lush landscaping; the sound of murmuring waterfalls; delicate aromas to soothe the soul; amenities such as huge, walk-in showers; relaxing seating areas throughout the property; and soft music playing unobtrusively in the background—all working together to create a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. Most homes don’t quite…
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