Tag: HOME

Seal an Asphalt Driveway

Nothing makes a home look poorly maintained like an asphalt driveway in need of repair. Weeds poking out of cracks and crevices and a surface badly in need of a new topcoat are telltales of a neglectful homeowner. Sealing the driveway can transform it and the overall appearance of the property. It’s a small investment…


Style at Home: How to Prepare for Your First Meeting With a Designer

By Katie Laughridge From Tribune News Service Working with a designer is an exciting opportunity to take your design dreams to the next level. A designer’s role is to help you think outside the box and arrive at a design destination that you might not have otherwise traveled. A client-designer relationship is like a dance….


What’s the Difference Between Plaster and Drywall?

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi In nearly all American homes built in recent memory, you’re probably familiar with drywall, which is by far the most popular wall material in the nation. Quickly installed, solid, and with a distinctive sound when you tap on them, drywall is a great choice. However, it’s not…


Ceiling Panels Formed From Metal Are Decorative

Dear James: I like older styles and decor, especially some decorative metal ceilings. Can I still get the metal materials, and is the project suitable for do-it-yourselfers?—Greg C. Dear Greg: The decorative metal ceilings consist of separate panels, and they are still available and becoming more popular. The decorative panels are not very heavy, so…


Starting Your Own Garden–However Big or Small

By Kaitlyn Keegan From Hartford Courant With prices at the grocery store still high, many people are turning to a more sustainable source of food: gardens. Whether you own your home or rent an apartment, there is a way for you to begin growing vegetables. Homeowners have a few options including starting a backyard garden…


Lithium Batteries Are All Around You—And They Can Catch Fire

This might be the most important column I’ve written in my 30 years as a syndicated columnist. There’s a very high probability you have lithium-ion batteries in your home. They are now as common as ants at a summer picnic. You need to understand the danger to your home and to you and your loved…


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…


Retractable Leashes Risky for Dogs and People

Q: I usually walk my golden retriever, Jake, on a retractable leash, which we both love. Our local park requires dogs to be on leashes no longer than 6 feet and bans the use of retractable leashes. Would you give me some ammunition so I can convince them to change their policy? A: Sorry, I…


Extended Warranty—Good Deal or Rip-Off?

Recently, I stopped into a popular toy store to get a little something for my grandkid, Sam. Yes, I am one of those grandmothers. We found the cutest ever toy shaving kit, just perfect for bath time. The price was under $10. At checkout, and without missing a beat, the sales clerk inquired if I…


Grafted Tomatoes?

Q: I saw your YouTube short video that gave a couple of tips on buying and planting grafted tomatoes, but I don’t understand why you would graft two tomato plants together. It seems like they would be very expensive, and I don’t see any benefit. A: There are two types of grafted vegetables. First, you…