Each week, I have the good fortune to speak on the phone with homeowners all across the USA who ask me to solve problems at their homes. Many of these homeowners are facing expensive repairs because of mistakes made by the home builder. Each error is avoidable. The link to arrange a coaching phone call…
Let Angel’s Dormer Be an Inspiration to Try New DIY Projects
One of the most fulfilling moments of my career happened just a few days ago. It’s a story worth sharing for so many reasons, not the least of which is that it should inspire you to do something you think is impossible. It’s a tale of the three Ds: diligence, determination and dedication, mixed with…
Ceramic Tile Kitchen Floor
Dear James: My linoleum kitchen floor is worn, and I want to replace it with ceramic tile. The floor now feels somewhat springy. Will that be a problem for the ceramic tile?—Brad S. Dear Brad: A kitchen is the perfect room for a ceramic tile floor. Spills are easy to clean up and it resists…
Federal Tax Credit for Multi-Generational Home Renovations Now Available to Canadians
The federal government is offering a new tax credit to help make it easier for Canadians to care for adult relatives in their own homes. The multi-generational home renovation tax credit took effect Jan. 1 for expenses related to building a secondary suite for a family member who is a senior or an adult with…
Remodeling Your Home? Get Everything in Writing
By Katherine Reynolds Lewis From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance A successful home renovation begins with a contract. When you and a contractor agree to terms in writing, there’s less chance of disputes and greater likelihood that the work will be done within the price and time frame you expect. “A contract is about managing expectations,” says…
Opening up a Closed-In Bathroom
By Ed Del Grande From Tribune News Service Q: Hi Ed: We have a small half-bath that feels very closed in. I’d like to have a plumber replace the vanity with a pedestal sink to open up space. Is it possible to replace a vanity with a pedestal sink and what may need to be…
How to Decide to Convert Your Home to a Two-Family House
Dear Monty: I need to find out if I can convert my single-family home into a two-family. The second thing is, if so, what are the legal rules for the transformation? Monty’s Answer: The rules you seek are not uniform across the U.S. There is no federal building code except one. The Department of Housing…
Skip These 5 Renovations to Avoid Harming Your Home’s Value
By Kiersten Willis From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution There’s been a boost in at-home renovation projects within the past year. While remodeling expenditures are slowing down, they are still a hot ticket item within the market. The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity released in July forecasts “year-over-year gains in remodeling expenditures to owner-occupied homes will decelerate…
How to Decorate With Primary Colors for a Bold, Retro-Inspired Look
By definition, primary colors are the most basic of hues. When mixed together, these elementary colors form every other shade on the color wheel, but no other colors can be blended to create red, yellow or blue. The primaries represent the most intense, purest forms of color, and this vibrant combination is beginning to establish…
The Basic Tools Every Homeowner Should Have
Homeownership gives us a great sense of pride, joy, satisfaction—and stress. The right tools will help lower your blood pressure. And best of all, they’ll do it without breaking the bank. Consider that the average cost of an electrician is $40 to $100 per hour plus a $75 call-out fee, while a plumber will cost…
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