Woodcraft suggests storage options to free up more indoor space at home

Fall signals the coming of cool weather and more time spent indoors — the perfect opportunity to launch a major effort to store as much as possible out of sight.

How home design trends are evolving for social distancing

COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize.

How to build a more energy-efficient home this summer

With weather forecasts calling for a warmer than normal summer and social distancing encouraging us to spend more time at home, we could all benefit from boosting our home’s energy efficiency to save on energy bills.

Tips to prepare for your next big home project

The planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project, and with social distancing keeping us indoors, now is the time to dream big and get ready.

How to design your dream custom-built home

There are many advantages to designing your own home. Gone are the builder-basic styles, layouts that don’t work for your family and exteriors you can’t tell apart from your neighbors’.

Top 5 hottest home building trends

These days, home trends are about more than good design and aesthetics — they’re about creating spaces that reflect our values and are more comfortable and enjoyable to live in.

Gorgeous trends in green home design

An eco-friendly home offers many benefits. Besides reducing your carbon footprint and being better for the environment, you can save lots of money on your energy bills in the long run.

Improving a home’s curb appeal

An attractive front entrance area gives a home curb appeal that invites both guests and potential home buyers. Upgrading a home’s exterior can be as simple as painting or as complex as installing new windows or adding a patio.

Refresh your home’s appeal with furniture paint

Furniture, bookcases, cabinets, and doors present opportunities to add or change color throughout a home. Woodcraft offers an extensive line of furniture paint, tools and supplies necessary for successful painting projects.

Woodcraft offers ideas for early holiday shopping

Avoid the crowds and start your holiday shopping now at Woodcraft, where you will find quality brand tools, accessories and supplies for the woodworkers and DIYers on your list. A few of the many gift ideas you will find at Woodcraft are featured below.

Storage solutions for shop, home and job sites

Bringing order to a daily routine often requires creative solutions. Let Woodcraft lend some assistance with handy products for storage and transport that make organizing shops, kitchens, bathrooms, craft rooms, and even job sites that much simpler.

Employ simple fire prevention measures to maximize safety

Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, most people have a false sense of security regarding house fires, believing that they would have approximately six minutes to evacuate their home in the event of a fire?

Sound control key to a calm, relaxing home

Inside and out, life can be loud. Retreat from the hustle and bustle of the world by making your home, or specific rooms within it, a calm, relaxing sanctuary.

5 Tips to make an older home more energy efficient

While new homes are being built to be more energy efficient than ever before, thanks to a growing green building movement and increasingly strict building codes, the age of existing dwellings continues to present challenges.

How to avoid the cold comfort of a drafty house

For those who live in older homes, the transition to colder weather can be extra disheartening, as the vision of expensive heating bills, chilly rooms and drafty windows dance in their heads. However, it’s easy to change the outlook from cold to cozy with a few simple DIY solutions.

Color a new home décor with a fresh coat of paint

Today’s paint products offer homeowners the flexibility to easily change the look and “feel” of a room — or a houseful of rooms, including walls, cabinets, furniture, accessories and trim items — by changing the color of a painted surface or adding paint to achieve a decorative effect.

Top ways you might be wasting your money

Many consumers waste money every day without even noticing it. Yet, rethinking our habits could provide savings that add up quickly over time. Here is a list of the top ways we waste money. Are there any areas where you could improve?

Top 5 home projects to help you save money

It’s remodeling season, and with so many projects on the to-do list, which should you tackle first? While some projects provide great long-term return on investment, a few simple ones can provide instant savings. Here are the top home spring projects to help you save money:

Save money and stay cool as temperatures rise

Excessive energy bills can be a concern in spring and summer, just as much as they are in the winter. So how can you save money while keeping your home cool? The solution is simple: Top up your attic insulation.

How to ensure a successful basement remodel

Americans continue to fuel remodeling spending across the country, driven by upward growth in real estate prices and the rising cost to trade up to a larger home.

Move into the outdoors with wood furniture

It’s time to think about the “lazy days of summer” and create a comfortable, attractive outdoor living area that reflects your family’s lifestyle. Consider décor featuring wood furniture that you build yourself, using advice and products from Woodcraft. Or, if you already have wood furniture, let Woodcraft help you give it a new look — maybe distressed or antiqued or a brand-new color.

Now anyone can build a disaster-resilient home

The calamities caused by extreme weather could be better controlled with stepped-up storm prediction, better citizen preparedness and by the ongoing ingenuity of the building sector, say observers in the field of climate change.

Construction Quick Tip: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient materials

Segments of the home-building industry indicate they are up to the challenge of improving occupant safety. This is welcomed assurance seeing that weather extremes now seemingly occur in every season and are bringing far more intensified blasts of wind, rain, heat, drought, ice and snow.

Weather every storm with concrete walls

Now is the time to take a few precautionary steps toward the utmost security of your home and family in the event of extreme weather occurrences, say officials observing climate change.

Construction Quick Tip: Choose concrete walls for severe storm safety

How would you like your home to be built with wind impact-resistance up to 250 miles per hour? Inquiries for this option are increasing on a daily basis, says Nudura, a leading name in the production of insulated concrete forms (ICFs).

Build your home guided by eco-responsibility

Improved practices in the construction industry today reflect the greening of building codes across North America. This proactivity is highlighted by advancements in window daylighting, insulation, air infiltration, and new wall-building materials.

Ensure a more enjoyable winter indoors with simple soundproofing solutions

As the weather gets colder, Americans inevitably spend more time indoors. If you’re sharing a space with an excitable toddler, an aspiring rock musician or a TV enthusiast with a penchant for loud volumes, peace and quiet may seem increasingly elusive.

Top 5 renovation tips to create more space in your home

As real estate prices continue to climb, the cost to trade up to a larger home is on the upswing across the country, especially as markets remain hampered by tight inventory levels. As a result, more and more Americans are choosing to renovate their current homes instead of relocating.

Maximize fall and winter energy savings with simple tips

As temperatures decrease during the fall and winter months, energy usage and costs tend to climb. These five energy-saving tips for your home will ensure the comfort of your family and your wallet.

5 simple ways to increase energy efficiency and savings

Fall and winter can be tough on your home and your wallet. As temperatures drop, chances are your furnace will be working overtime. This results in two things — greater energy consumption and higher heating bills.

How to insulate your home against a deadly fire

As fire prevention awareness efforts gear up across North America, the National Fire Protection Association and insulation company, Roxul Inc., are spreading the word to Americans from coast to coast about the importance of fire preparedness.

Get your home fall- and winter-ready with 5 simple projects

If boots, a warm hat and a tuned-up snow blower are the only items on your winter preparation list, your home maintenance plan may need a makeover. These simple home maintenance projects can help lower your energy bills, prevent more costly repairs and/or increase the lifespan of your home.

Shop early for holiday gifts

Begin your holiday shopping early at Woodcraft, where you will find more than 20,000 products for woodworking, home/shop improvement and upcycling.

Four easy tips for a basement makeover

The start of a new season is the perfect time to check some tasks off of your “to-do” list — whether it’s to get in shape or tackle at-home projects. If you’re planning on making some simple but effective changes at home, here are some tips on how to give your basement a total 180-degree makeover.

Achieve the ideal sound experience at home

Advancements in digital technology over the years mean that almost anyone can own a home theatre or music room or build a recording studio in their home. When you’re planning your project, there are a number of elements that will make the difference between good and great sound.

Consider moisture issues when choosing insulation

We insulate our homes primarily to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As a result, most of us evaluate insulation based on its thermal properties, which is definitely important to consider.

Five ways to increase home fire safety

An average of seven Americans die each week as a result of house fires. Most fires occur in residential buildings between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when occupants are most likely to be asleep. Your first line of defense is fire preparedness.

Be prepared when seconds count: Renovate for fire safety

A National Fire Prevention Association study reported that, on average, seven Americans die in a residential home fire each week. Though you never know when fire might strike, there are important measures you can take to increase your chances when seconds count.

How to fend off a fruit fly invasion

Homeowners who have dealt with insect infestations know that even the smallest critters can make for formidable foes. A single insect might not seem like a substantial problem, but such uninvited guests have a tendency to multiply, quickly becoming a problem for less proactive homeowners.

Upscale home décor with crown molding

Create a dramatic new look throughout your home or highlight one area with crown molding — the key to an upscale look for walls, windows, doors, cabinets and more. Homeowners will find the tools and supplies necessary for crown molding projects at Woodcraft.

Finished basements save energy and deliver more living space

By finishing your basement, you can gain more living space while reducing the amount of energy loss from downstairs. Basements that are not fully finished typically do not have insulated walls or covered flooring.

How to soundproof your home

What’s the first step in sound proofing your home? Finding which rooms have the least amount of sound resistance.

Soundproof that man cave

Enjoy a jam session or watch an intense sports game with the boys without disturbing the rest of your house. Soundproofing your man cave will ensure that the noise of male bonding, deep voices, loud music and cheering doesn’t disturb the entire household.

How to fend off a fruit fly invasion

How to make your renovation a successful, positive experience

In the United States, renovation spending has more than doubled since the late 1990s, reaching nearly $65 billion last year alone. Oftentimes the investment a homeowner makes is substantial, both financially and emotionally.

Insulate to win big

Do you know the advantages of choosing quality insulation for your renovation project? I can attest that it’s well worth the investment.

Tackle home maintenance projects to save money

Much like the upkeep on your car, tackling home maintenance on a regular basis will prevent problems from developing and save you from larger repair costs down the road.

Reap the benefits of a well-insulated home

Many of us know that insulation plays a key role in keeping our homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But did you know the benefits can go well beyond achieving basic R-value requirements? Quality insulation can provide a number of added benefits that contributes to the comfort, safety and efficiency of a home, including:

5 signs your home insulation is not working

Some insulations can lose performance over time, sustain damage or simply no longer meet updated building codes. It’s an issue that can be costly, because if your home’s insulation isn’t doing its job, you could be wasting money and resources.

Add upcycling to your home improvement tools

Upcycling is not just for craft projects — it offers lots of possibilities to make changes in your home décor, especially cabinets and furniture that will save money and reduce your contribution to the local landfill. Woodcraft can help you with upcycling ideas, products and advice.

How to build a disaster-resilient house

Extreme weather events in every season now are thrashing, burning, flooding, and flattening many homes into rubble, and such storms are making many homeowners wonder what would happen to their homes if they were in the path of such destructive winds.

Construction Quick Tip: Build a disaster-resilient home with sustainable technology

Which type of natural disaster might be around the corner where you live, now that extreme weather events are so common? Is it a hurricane, an ice storm, a tornado? Perhaps a flash flood? Forest fires are also on the rise, but even accidental house fires pose a threat. Peace-of-mind is still possible, however.

Would you like to build a disaster-resilient house?

The icy winds from last year’s Polar Vortex are back on our minds again as we head towards winter. The plummeting temperatures are one thing, but of more concern is the destruction that these extreme weather events can bring, including winds that last year gusted up to 100 kilometers per hour, threatening our personal safety, as well as the very foundation of our homes.

Home-Building Innovation: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient construction

Today, given the frequency of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, and floods, it’s a “must” to build the most durable homes possible. Wood-framed walls, for example, are not always reliable, whereas walls constructed with reinforced concrete have proven to withstand some of Mother Nature’s worst performances.

Disaster-resilient homes start with concrete walls

A home today must be more than just aesthetically pleasing. The costs of fuel consumption and extreme-storm damage, plus costs in the way of carbon footprints, are making all of us insist on far more property benefits, including superior durability and resilience from pending disasters.

Shop Woodcraft for the woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers on your gift list

Make Woodcraft your gift headquarters this year for woodworking, home/shop improvement and upcycling tools and supplies. Choose from more than 20,000 products at Woodcraft retail stores nationwide, in the catalog and at Woodcraft.com. Check out a few of the products below, and keep in mind that a Woodcraft Gift Card is perfect for those who are a “gift-giving challenge.”

Recolor your kitchen and make it more efficient

A lot goes on in the kitchen: preparing food, sharing meals, spending time with a friend over a cup of coffee, helping children with homework, baking for holidays -- and much more. If your kitchen could use an update to become an easier-to-use, more pleasant room, Woodcraft has some ideas and products to help you get started.

Woodcraft Suggests Plan for Year of 'Dream Home Projects'

Spend some quality time with your house, and make a list of the pluses and minuses as if you were considering whether to buy it. Use this list to develop projects that will create your "dream home" over a year's time. To help you, Woodcraft offers some ideas for projects and products.

Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor

The holiday countdown is on and it's time to get your house razzle-dazzle ready. But before you do, make sure to check that your lights and decorations are still in good working order after a year in storage. Not only can old decor look worn out, but it also can put you and your family at risk -- which is the last thing anyone wants at this joyous time of year.

Electrical safety tips for holiday decorating

Everyone has at least one -- the house on the street that lights up in splendor around the holiday season. Decorations are in abundance both indoors and out, and just seeing the house brings on a smile. But as beautiful as it might be, that home may also be a safety risk if the decorator hasn't followed precautions like these offered by CSA Group:

Woodcraft Offers Holiday Gift Ideas for DIY "Experts" and Woodworkers

From a versatile gyroscopic screwdriver to a handy pocket-sized LED light, Woodcraft offers more than 20,000 products -- all potential gifts for the do-it-yourselfer and/or woodworker -- at its retail stores nationwide, in its catalog and at woodcraft.com. View a few of these gift ideas below.

Upcycling: Transforming the 'Old' into a Better 'New'

Turn old or discarded furniture, cabinets and doors into fresh new creations through "upcycling" -- high-end "recycling" that reduces trash at landfills by refurbishing or repurposing existing pieces, often enhancing the value. Woodcraft offers the following ideas and products to get you started.

Weather threats are calmed by construction technology

Meteorologists say that the continental United States has warmed by about 1.3oF over the last 100 years -- and even for those who still question the science of climate change, the increased frequency and severity of high-wind storms, fires, floods and drought, has become a major safety concern.

Home-Building News: Concrete buildings withstand high winds and fire

With environmentalists predicting that warming trends across the country will likely mean more severe blasts of wind, rain, blizzards, heat, drought and fires year-round, the building industry says it is already up to the challenge of ensuring occupant safety.

Energy-saving concrete walls are built to weather any storm

The increased frequency of hurricane-force winds, tornados, spontaneous fire, flooding and drought across the United States is motivating the home-construction industry to speak up.

Construction Quick Tip: Build an eco-friendly home to withstand extreme weather

Did you know: The continental United States has warmed by about 1.3oF over the last 100 years, although observers say the impact has been experienced differently from region to region. As a result, meteorologists are predicting a higher frequency of weather extremes, such as the two massive wind and rain systems that collided last fall during Hurricane Sandy.

Extreme wind destruction is diminished with eco-concrete

Unlike our childhood days of kicking back in the sunshine, summer and fall have now become seasons of weather-induced anxiety.
Indeed, this period in 2012 wreaked havoc across the United States, with scorching temperatures and ferocious storms. In as many as 25 different regions, houses and buildings were destroyed, property was damaged, electricity was cut, and lives were lost. This year, killer tornados shook the nation during spring, so it's no wonder why so many Americans are looking for better protection inside their homes.

Online direct customized floors: The revolution in hardwood flooring

Most discerning homeowners want their decors to be distinct from their neighbors, families and friends. Ideally, they'd like their style and flair to shine through, making their customized home decor a true reflection of their personality and taste. This is typically achieved by selecting unique pieces of furniture, artwork and colors to craft that custom look.

Hardwood floors set the tone in today's contemporary homesTwo-tone floors hot trend with homeowners

In the wide open spaces we find in today's contemporary homes, every centimeter counts and the floor's role is more important than ever -- it is the room's focal point and the element that sets the tone. The timeless natural beauty of wood gives decors one-of-a-kind personality immersed with warmth and a signature style.

Home decor trends Wire brushed hardwood floors create popular timeless rustic look

According to design experts, the prominent trend in home decor today is to bring warmth and timelessness of a bygone era to contemporary living spaces through rustic wire-brushed hardwood floors. As the heart and soul of the decor, these floors are used to convey a sense of comfort and well-being associated with a cozy home environment.

It's all about texture for today's hardwood floors

Experts in the hardwood flooring industry are seeing a major shift in the way consumers are now choosing their floors, as color is no longer king. Texture has emerged as the new "color" when it comes to the driving force behind wood flooring selections.

How to select a customized hardwood floor in 4 easy steps

No other flooring option delivers the splendour, warmth and value of natural wood. Today there are countless colours available to choose from as well as different species, each with their unique characteristics. No matter the decor style of your home -- modern, contemporary, zen, rustic or urban -- today's hardwood flooring manufacturers have something for every style and taste.

Build a concrete house to withstand high winds

The newest home building technology is solving energy costs and wind damage at the same time. The standard wood frame used in buildings can now be replaced by a reinforced concrete system, known as the interlocking, 'insulated concrete form.' This ICF technology gives homeowners improved indoor comforts, too.

Construction Quick Tip: Build a more durable home and save money, too

Did you know: A house constructed with a concrete frame, rather than wood, delivers superior protection in wind storms? The frame is constructed with a highly lauded system of pre-assembled 'insulated concrete forms' (ICFs) and produces walls with hurricane and tornado impact-resistance up to 250 miles per hour.

Home construction methods face major changes

All across North America, home builders agree that the best investment -- for the occupant and for resale value -- requires adopting the newest and most advanced methods and materials. One bold option already solving high fuel costs and safety during severe wind storms is a revolutionary concrete system to replace standard wood-frame walls.

Home-Building Quick Tip: Choose concrete walls for security, durability, and savings

If a stronger, wind-resistant house requiring far less energy sounds like the features of a dream home to you, consider building the walls with reinforced concrete instead of wood, experts say. Sharply growing in popularity is a system using the 'insulated concrete form' (ICF), which completely replaces the standard wood-frame method.

Ask for concrete walls to weather any storm

Severe hurricanes, tornados and destructive derechos in the United States are motivating the construction industry to use far more durable materials and methods for houses in particular. Already there is the option to replace standard wood framing with an interlocking system using pre-assembled, 'insulated concrete forms.'

Creating More Usable Space in Your Home

Smarter use of existing space can transform a home into a more pleasant living area. Combining smaller rooms or areas, dividing larger rooms, finishing an attic or basement, converting one room into a year-round "indoor porch" -- all are possible projects to improve your home's comfort level and value.

Safety tips for the extreme holiday decorator

Taking holiday decorating to extremes is fun. But accidents can happen, especially when using a lot of electronic decorations on the outside of the house.
Follow these safety precautions for outdoor decorating from CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, to help make sure your house gets noticed for the right reasons:

Enjoy a safe and cozy winter

As temperatures drop and the annual hibernation routine begins, we start using heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace, and space heaters for the first time in months. To avoid potential hazards, check every autumn that these are in still in good condition and follow precautions for proper use.

Ideas for the "Challenges" on Your Holiday Gift List

Giving gifts is a holiday tradition, but sometimes friends and family who maintain, renovate and build can pose special gifting challenges. To find gifts for these folks and others on your gift list, check out the Woodcraft suggestions below.

Create a Fresh Look for Your Home

Before the holidays bring family celebrations and visiting friends to your home, give your home a new look and improve its comfort level. Check out the suggestions below, make your project list, and then go to Woodcraft for the tools and accessories to get the job done.

Make the most of end-of-summer cleanup

Though spring cleaning might have the name recognition, many homeowners spend just as much time cleaning their homes in the fall as they do in the spring. Spring might be the season for clearing out the clutter, but fall is when homeowners prepare their homes for the long winter months ahead.

Modernize your bathroom with a frameless glass shower enclosure

More homeowners are looking to transform their bathrooms into luxurious, relaxing retreats that feature the looks and amenities of an upscale spa. One way to upgrade the appearance of a bath -- and to lessen the burden of maintaining it -- is to install a frameless shower enclosure with CLARVISTA(R) glass by PPG, a shower glass that features fused-on coating to keep its showroom looks longer than more traditional clear shower glass.

Home building methods face major changes

All across North America, home builders tend to agree that the better real estate investments -- for both the occupant and for future re-sale value -- may be best served by a whole new approach to construction. One major change addressing energy consumption and rising fuel costs is the optional use of an air-tight, solid concrete system to replace inefficient wood framing. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) erect a building with an interlocking system, similar to Lego.

Check your home's insides before renovating

Specialists in the industry suggest that any homeowner planning to renovate should not be too hasty in applying the 'cosmetics' of a renovation without investigating the home's insides first.

Take control of mold growth

Moisture buildup can increase the probability of mold growth. For homeowners, mold growth can lead to poor indoor air quality and worse.

Avoid shivering this winter

January and February are typically considered the coldest months in the northwest, northeast and midwestern United States. It can be tough for homeowners trying to bear the cold without running up heating costs. Yet with some planning and investment, we can avoid the winter chills.

Cut that energy bill and stay green

Homeowners continue to seek creative ways to reduce monthly expenses while being more environmentally conscious. Knowing where your money is being spent gives you a better understanding of how and where to make efficiencies.

The value in knowing R-Value

If you are in the midst of renovating or building your home, it is likely you have heard the term "R-Value" being thrown around. Understanding what it means and its importance is the real test.

Make household drafts a thing of the past

Outside is below freezing and the heater is working overtime, but throughout the house there are cold, drafty areas. Does this sound familiar?

Your basement need not be damp and drab

Homeowners hoping to spread their wings around the house are increasingly heading downstairs to create more living space. Whether it's for a home office, a home theater room, a playroom for the kids, or even a laundry room, more and more homeowners are turning their dark, damp and dreary basement into a brighter, more functional space.

Go Green with Real Wood

So many decking materials in stores today ... which one to choose? If a beautiful, usable, long-lasting deck is your goal -- and you'd like to do your part to protect the environment -- then the choice is obvious: real, natural, authentic wood.

Construction Quick Tip: Future homes strive to be energy self-sufficient

Housing and energy experts call the goal 'net zero.' It represents a building that has been constructed in such an energy-efficient way -- with methods and materials -- it is able to produce, on site, as much energy as it uses over the course of a year.

Decorating trends: Eco-friendly hardwood floors lead healthy home trend

The "healthy home" movement has become more than just a decorating fad. It marks a major shift in the priorities and ideologies of consumers who are now making concerted efforts to seek out eco-friendly and health-conscious decor choices for their homes. Innovative designers and manufacturers have caught on to this reality and are now giving consumers more options for healthy materials for their homes.

Home decor trends: How to create a timeless rustic look with wire brushed hardwood floors

According to home design experts the latest trend in flooring is to capture the warmth, charm and timelessness of a bygone era with wire-brushed oak hardwood floors. As the heart and soul of the decor, these floors are used to convey a sense of comfort and well-being associated with a cozy home atmosphere.

Home decor trends: It's all about beautiful browns for today's hardwood floor colours

One of the hot new trends in hardwood flooring this season is the use of beautiful brown flooring colors to inspire home decors by bringing nature indoors. Touted as the "colors of tomorrow" by a leading Canadian hardwood flooring manufacturer, these new colors already have interior design professionals and enthusiasts buzzing.

Home decor trends: Make a lasting impression with Hickory hardwood floors

In the home decor industry, much like in fashion, change is inevitable and what was once considered passe often returns to become the latest trend. This reality best describes the recent movement in home decor of incorporating a more rustic look and feel to interior designs. Leading the way as the focal point of this desired look is classic flooring options such as hickory hardwood floors.

Spray foam insulation combats mold

If you worry about mold in your home and are trying to find solutions, you can take one simple step to help prevent it from happening.

The R-value of spray foam trumps traditional insulation

If you keep topping-up your walls and ceiling in hopes of better insulation for your home, you're going about it the wrong way. Adding layers of conventional insulation is not effective, experts say. Your insulation is not effective in the short- or long-term if it's not done by a reputable company and with the right material.

Planning your renovation smartly

As you tear apart the wallpaper, replace the cupboards and strip the floorboards, experts caution not to reach for that bucket of paint before investigating the innards of your walls.

How to choose the most effective insulation

If you can't decide between spray foam and traditional insulation, such as fibreglass or cellulose, a brief overview can reveal the cost-effectiveness and reliability of each.

Protect your roof from ice dams this winter

Is there ice build up on the edge of your roof this winter? If you haven't closed the insulation gaps, major damage can be caused to this part of the house by ice damming. This starts with air leakage and it is preventable.

Save money on energy bills

Home is where the heart is, where families grow, and generally where the most of our leisure time is spent. Working with green technology for the best insulation will keep your house warm, welcoming, comfortable and cozy -- and will save you money, all at the same time.

Put these home improvements on your 2012 calendar

With the deep freeze factor at its annual high, the potential benefits of making energy saving improvements really hit home. Yet saving energy and money and adding comfort to your home should always be in season. Industry experts at Icynene (icynene.com) recommend you put these home improvement tips on your 2012 calendar:

Take this insulation tour for a real energy savings trip

Did you know that one-third of all air leakage in a home can be attributed to walls, floors and ceilings? You might think your home is well insulated, but if it has conventional air permeable fiberglass or cellulose insulation, gaps, seams or damage could compromise its performance.

Three top tips if you are feeling a draft

At this time of year, those little air leaks around our home can feel like a mighty wind. Experts agree, however, that it is possible to add more comfort and energy savings to your home by:

Home insulation is a smart investment

While investing in retirement is top of mind for many of us, there are other investments that can pay off over a longer period of time, like insulation. Home improvement specialists tell us that we can protect our home investment, too, with a spray foam insulation like the popular-selling, Icynene.

How to control air leakage and energy loss in your home

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature becomes an increasingly expensive proposition with steadily rising energy costs. With the full force of winter upon us, you can keep air leakage and energy loss in check with a mini energy audit of your home that includes these three quick stops:

February is the time to rekindle romance with your home

Valentine month is the time of year when we seek appropriate ways of expressing our love for those closest to us. Why not rekindle the romance with your home at the same time? Flowers, candy or jewelry might not get you very far, but asking these three questions is going to show you care:

Top three innovations to improve home efficiency

Our homes are a great measuring stick of how far we've progressed in the past 20 years, especially when it comes to their efficiency in terms of saving us energy and money.

Create an Outdoor Retreat

This year, transform your outdoor area into a family retreat with an "out-of-the-box" vision, careful planning and the appropriate tools. First, gather your family together for a brainstorming session and target what you want to do in your outdoor haven.

Did you know?

City dwellers living in cramped apartments are often seeking ways to create privacy and space in places where there's little room for either one. While apartment living can be frustrating, temporary partition walls are a relatively inexpensive solution that can help those living in cramped quarters make the most of what little space they have.

Insulation's cooling features

Many people equate insulation with keeping things warm, but ample attic insulation and other insulating factors around the home can help keep a home cooler during the summer as well. Rather than keeping a home cool or warm, insulation's main purpose is to maintain a consistent temperature in the home.

Are tankless water heaters for you?

Thirty percent of a home's energy budget goes to heating water for cleaning and bathing. Some homeowners are looking to new and efficient tankless water heaters as an option on saving money on water heating costs and saving space around the house, as tankless heaters are much smaller than traditional water heaters.

Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows

If your home was built before 1978 and you still have the original windows, it's time to seriously consider replacing your windows -- especially if you have young children or a pregnant person living at home.

Patio clean-up for seasonal entertaining

Outdoor entertaining is a primary component of the warm-weather season. Individuals flock to their backyard patios and decks to barbecue or simply soak up a little sun.

Promote safety around the home

In the classic film "The Wizard of Oz," Dorothy famously uttered the phrase, "there's no place like home." Now, several decades later, that sentiment remains very dear to people's hearts.

Baby is on the way ... time to set up the nursery

Expecting parents eagerly anticipate the arrival of their new bundle of joy. After 9 months of waiting to see what he or she looks like and wanting to cuddle their newborn, the baby's arrival is a momentous event.

Renovating a rental property

When the economy struggles to the point of recession, few people benefit. However, there are some businesses that thrive during a recession, using the circumstances to their advantage and actually growing business in spite of a sagging economy.

Copy Of Celebrity designer celebrates the sights and scents of spring

Kelli Ellis is an interior designer for all seasons. But when spring rolls around each year, she is truly in her element.

Celebrity designer celebrates the sights and scents of spring

Kelli Ellis is an interior designer for all seasons. But when spring rolls around each year, she is truly in her element.

Window guards save kids' lives

The weather is warming and that means windows are being opened to let in fresh air and warm breezes. The advantages to open windows are many. But one particular disadvantage is the safety hazard open windows present to young children.

Is it time to add a half-bathroom?

When it comes to renovating a home, homeowners expect to spend money. No home renovation or home improvement project is free, but some are less costly than others.

How to hide the TV when it's not in use

People have a love affair with their electronics, which play an integral role at households across the globe. Statistics from Nielsen's Television Audience Report indicate that the average American household has 2.86 television sets, despite having just 2.5 people. It is also estimated that those in the U.S. will have watched the equivalent of 9 years' worth of TV by the age of 65.

Simple ways to soundproof a home

Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever before for homeowners to create a mini movie theater in the comfort of their own homes. The affordability of home-theater systems and big-screen televisions, once deemed a luxury only available to the super-wealthy, has made it possible for everyone to enjoy theater-style entertainment at home.

How to floodproof your home

Homeowners know no home is perfect. While the notion of a dream house is nice, every home eventually experiences a problem or two. Many problems are bound to occur sooner or later, but there are a few that diligent homeowners can prevent.
One of those preventable problems is flooding.

Make your home safer for kids

According to the Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home injuries, half of the children who die before their first birthday die from choking or suffocation. Many times such tragedies can be averted.

Restoring your property after a long winter

One of the best things about the dawn of spring and the return of warmer weather is the chance to get out of the house and get some fresh air. For homeowners, this is the perfect opportunity to assess any damage the previous months did to yards and develop a plan restore properties.

Getting started on spring cleaning

For homeowners, spring cleaning is one of the annual rites of spring. The return of warmer weather presents the perfect opportunity for homeowners to open the windows, let some fresh air in and tidy up after a few months spent cooped up inside while the weather outside was frightful.

How to get a home organized

When colder weather arrives, many people stay indoors and fight the harsh weather with hot chocolate and heating systems. It's no surprise, then, that most homes accumulate quite the amount of clutter over the course of a typical winter. The more time we spend indoors, the more junk we seem to amass.

Air duct cleaning 101

In addition to making resolutions and plans, the New Year ushers in chilly temperatures in much of the country. A heating system that is working well is essential to the comfort and health of homeowners.

Cut energy costs at home

Homeowners spend thousands of dollars per year on energy. Whether a home is big or small, energy costs are a concern for homeowners.
Though some of the costs of home ownership are beyond a person's control, there are some steps homeowners can take to reduce energy costs and save substantial amounts of money as a result.

Finding a perfect gift for the person who has everything

Holiday shoppers know all too well about the endless and often exhausting search for the perfect holiday gift. Such a search most often surrounds that one stickler on everyone's holiday shopping list, the person who seemingly has it all and annually proves puzzling to shop for.

How to accommodate overnight holiday guests

Thousands of people travel far and wide to visit family and friends for the holidays. Chances are many holiday hosts and hostesses will open their homes to overnight guests.

Gift Ideas for the "Home Care Specialists"

Give your friends and family members who handle home improvement and maintenance projects gifts to help them work efficiently, successfully and safely. Woodcraft offers the following holiday gift suggestions.

Banish Basement Dampness In a Single Weekend

Water entering a home's basement is very unpredictable. One minute the basement could be dry and the next there could be a river running through it. For homeowners, ignoring a water problem could prove costly and rob its residents of an otherwise enjoyable place to spend their time.

Stop Slips, Trips in the Home With a Focus on Safety

Stairways, slick surfaces and uneven footing can create unexpected, but easily prevented, danger zones. With some simple safety precautions, you can help avoid slips and falls and keep your family safe.

Easy and Economical Solutions for Those Postponed Remodeling Plans

If you cannot wait any longer to make some much needed changes in your home, you are not alone. Americans are once again getting ready to begin the home improvement process. This pent-up energy often begins in the kitchen, a room that gets a lot of wear and tear but also seems to go out of fashion more quickly these days.

Savings Corner Simple ways to reduce home heating costs

The return of winter weather marks the return of many things, including winter coats, mornings spent shoveling snow and, for many homeowners, higher utility bills.

Builder Quick Tip: Home value starts with concrete

Builders work with far more informed customers today, resulting in the use of the most eco-friendly designs, fixtures, materials, and methods. The best builders, therefore, must constantly keep up with the latest technology and how to apply it.

Eco-Building Tips: Net-zero is here

Expect to hear 'net zero' more often in energy conversations. It is now possible to build a facility -- even a home -- that is so energy efficient it produces zero demand on the public electricity supply.

Ask your builder for eco-friendly materials

By 2012, the building codes in many parts of North America will be demanding greater energy efficiency with methods and materials. This requirement may be mandated, but when building a home, do speak to your builder about the right green options for you.

Renovation Quick Tip: Do-it-yourself insulation is greener than ever

When renovating, adding rooms, or finishing the basement do take a look at the most advanced materials and methods for energy efficiency. Very popular, for example, is the newest, Nudura Home Insulation Technology, a system for insulating foundation walls, inner and outer walls, as well as flat, or cathedral ceilings.

Home Improvement Tips: Air-tight insulation delivers big returns

Household energy-efficiency is now more important than ever when selling a home. Purchasers are able to rate one residence against another, so if you want top dollar for your house some day, it's worth investing along these lines with upgrades and renovations.

Not All Painter's Tapes Are Created Equal Four qualities to look for that will assure a superior paint job

Whether you're an experienced DIYer or painting your first apartment, one of the most important decisions you can make in assuring a quality paint job is the choice of painter's tape.

Saving Green by Being Green Three simple fixes to help save money and winterize around the house

There are numerous, simple projects at homeowners' fingertips that can conserve energy in a home and keep money in the bank. Although windows, doors and siding are the biggest opportunities to conserve energy and reduce costs, not every project has to be a major one.

Ready your home for the months ahead

As the seasons change once again, homeowners across the country are preparing their homes for the days that lie ahead. Though spring cleaning gets the glory, homeowners must now make a similar effort when the warm weather draws to a close.

Customize Your Home To Suit Your Lifestyle

Homeowners who opt to stay in their homes rather than buy new ones or those who need to reallocate space to accommodate an extended family can create a "new" living environment tailored to their tastes and needs with some well-planned changes. Check out the following Woodcraft tips and tools to help you.

Central vacuuming

Vacuuming is a chore that most people do not enjoy. The hassle of taking out a vacuum and carting it up and down stairs adds to its status as a less than beloved household chore. While few things are likely to make vacuuming a chore to enjoy, there is a system that can take some of the work out of the process.

Undermount sinks growing in popularity

Undermount sinks are quickly becoming the most popular type of sink in today's kitchens, likely because undermount sinks usually go hand-in-hand with solid-surface countertops.

Cement or pavers? The choice is yours

The cooler weather presents an ideal time to think about outdoor renovations that would be uncomfortable under the blazing sun of the summertime. Some contractors even offer discounts during the "off" season on jobs that are routinely performed in warm weather.

Did you know?

Though ceiling fans are most associated with warm-weather seasons, most can be effective throughout the winter months as well, helping circulate warm air throughout a room in much the same way they circulate cool air during the warmer weather.

Easy ways to winterize your home

When summer draws to a close and autumn arrives, homeowners must place a precedent on readying their homes for the winter months. Often referred to as "winterizing," the process is meant to ensure a home can withstand harsh winter weather while proving a safe haven from the elements.

12 green home improvements

Making home improvements doesn't have to mean compromising environmental ideals in the process. There are numerous jobs that a person can do that fit with a green lifestyle. While these improvements help protect the planet, they'll also help keep a few extra dollars in your wallet.

Prepping the fireplace for the season

People looking to embrace the cold-weather season often find snuggling up in front of a roaring fire is both relaxing and warming. Fireplaces are popular components of homes across the country. Ensuring fireplaces are prepared for a season of use is important from a safety standpoint and for personal comfort as well.

Follow the 3 'P's of home renovation

Every home project begins with an idea and ends with the culmination of the job. In between, there are three main components of an improvement project that can mean the difference between success and frustration: Planning, permits and protection.

Is DIY a recipe for saving money?

Many homeowners or renters wrestle with the question of whether to tackle a project as a do-it-yourself venture to save some money or simply leave it to a professional. Each situation is unique, but there are certain factors that must be considered regardless of a homeowner's particular situation.

Things to consider when budgeting your home improvement project

Home improvement projects have become de rigueur for today's homeowners. Be it a kitchen remodel or the ever popular man cave project, home improvement projects remain a goal for many homeowners.

How to maintain your whirlpool tub

When remodeling bathrooms, some homeowners prefer to add special features that give the room a spa-like feel. A whirlpool tub is one such feature that can help transform an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing oasis.

Dress up a home with an interior door remodel

Although many homeowners gravitate toward new paint colors or furnishings to revamp the look of different rooms in the home, replacing tired-looking doors is another affordable option.

Winter Decor Starts on the Floor to Cozy Up the Home

Once the lights have been strung, the garland has been hung and the yard is filled with holiday novelties, homeowners can finally take their holiday and winter decor projects indoors. As homeowners transform their home's interior into a holiday haven or a cozy respite from harsh winter weather, it's also a great time to say so long to that fall or summertime motif.

Easy and Economical Solutions for Those Postponed Remodeling Plans

Did you know?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in most soils. Radon can enter the home by moving up through the ground and into the air above before moving into a home in a variety of ways, including through cracks in solid floors, through construction joints and through cracks in walls.

Make the most of your apartment's cramped quarters

Renting an apartment has its advantages. When something goes awry, such as a leaky faucet or a hole in the roof, tenants aren't responsible for addressing the situation. Nor are they required to pay for it.

Dust a potentially harmful houseguest

No one enjoys the presence of dust in a home. In addition to being an eyesore, excessive dust in a home can make it hard to breathe and could potentially affect human health as well.

Did you know?

While many people consider home a safe haven, allergy sufferers might find their homes are actually havens for a host of harmful allergens. Even those who suffer hay fever and other outdoor allergies might find their home's interior is actually making their condition worse.

Eco-friendly interior options abound

Today's homeowners are increasingly eco-conscious. As a result, many homeowners take an eco-friendly approach toward home improvement projects. Whereas homeowners once worried most about their bottom lines without regard for the environment, nowadays a project's carbon footprint is high on many a homeowner's priority list.

Find the right paint color for you

Painting is one of the least expensive, quickest and easiest ways to immediately transform the look of a room. With a change of color, any space can immediately take on a new personality. Choosing the perfect color for a room is key.

Radon, a potentially deadly foe

When buying a home, many prospective buyers hope to find a relatively new property. Rather than purchase an older home with all the warts and problems that often accompany such properties, many buyers want to find a home that won't require immediate maintenance or upgrades.

The 'silent killer' should be taken seriously

Those experiencing dizziness or flu-like symptoms might be quick to assume they have a virus. However, such symptoms could be a byproduct of carbon monoxide exposure at home.

Keys to battling ants around the house

With more than 12,000 ant species around the world, chances are most homeowners or renters will experience an ant problem at one point or another. Understanding the habits of ants can make alleviating an infestation that much easier.

Cheap ways to freshen the house

Most people want their living spaces to smell clean and fresh. However, pets, aromas from the kitchen, cigarette smoke, and other things can make a home smell bad. Here are inexpensive ways to remedy all that.

Leather furniture myths debunked

Consumers facing a showroom of hundreds of different pieces of furniture may be confused as to which fabric best fits their needs and which furniture provides the best value. Leather furniture is among the more popular options, but some shoppers shy away from leather because of preconceived notions about the material.

Hardwood how to How to clean hardwood floors

Over the years, home interior trends have continued to change. What's popular one year might seem dated the next. Hardwood floors, however, are one popular trend that has managed to maintain its popularity.

Banish bathroom mold and mildew

Mold and mildew thrive in dark, warm and wet areas, which makes bathrooms prime territory for these unsightly substances. Learning about the conditions that are conducive to the growth of these fungi can help homeowners keep mold and mildew at bay.

Loveseats offer many options for living spaces

When purchasing furniture for a living room or family room, many consumers think they have to have a sofa "set" or the pieces displayed at a nearby furniture store. But oftentimes these pieces of furniture do not fit well in everyone's home, particularly if rooms are on the small side.

Say 'So long' to bed bugs

Over the last half decade, many homes have been plagued by uninvited and unwelcome guests. Much to the chagrin of renters and homeowners alike, bed bugs have come back with a vengeance in many locales.

Create a designer look on a budget

Interior designers have a knack for pulling together furniture and accessories to create rooms with widespread appeal. But not every homeowner has the resources to hire a professional to help turn their interior from drab to fab.

Discover the most germ infested room in the house (it's not the bathroom)

Considering the nature of a bathroom, people generally think that most germs reside there. However, kitchens tend to be the most germ-filled room in the average home, and many kitchen items and surfaces can harbor bacteria and viruses that make people sick.

Make indoor mold growth a distant memory

Homeowners who have had prior issues with mold know just how pesky a mold problem can be. When mold spores land on surfaces that are wet, mold may begin to grow indoors. And the growth of mold takes just a matter of hours. According to the National Association of Home Builders, all it takes is 48 hours for a moist environment combined with room temperature to produce mold growth.

Entertaining in a pet-friendly home

Pets are prized pals in many households. However, guests invited over for a special occasion who are not as enamored with animals may not be anxious about sharing party space with Fido or the family feline. In such instances, it's up to the host to make guests feel more comfortable.

Home Entertainment Networking Made Easy

There are a few things consumers need to know before setting up a home network. Here is some information and tips, courtesy of Entropic Communications, part of the MoCA Alliance, an industry standard which uses the coax cable to create a seamless home network.

Connecting Your Home Entertainment Network -- What You Need To Know

Whether shopping at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Fry's or any other major consumer electronics retailer, consumers are confronted with a myriad of acronyms that promise to speed up the home entertainment network. But with so many home networking technologies available -- from Wi-Fi (802.11) and Multimedia over Coax (MoCA(R)) to Powerline, HomePlug, HomePNA, among others -- how can consumers know if they're making the right choice when it comes to building their home entertainment network?

Healthy eco-friendly hardwood flooring Soy-based finished floors new "green" innovation

Imagine your family sitting on a floor so healthy and so eco-friendly that it actually was awarded the "Children and Schools certification" by world-renowned standards organization Greenguard?

Home Decor trends Hickory hardwood floors: A classic beauty that endures

No other flooring option delivers the warmth, splendour and value of natural wood. Today there are countless colours available to choose from as well as different species, each with their unique characteristics. One species that has been growing in popularity in recent years for its rustic charm and ultra -- durability is hickory.

Home decor trends Soy-based eco-flooring latest trend for today's healthy homes

According to home decor experts, 2011 will mark the introduction of a new approach to interior design -- the "Healthy Home." Honest architecture and the mantra of Zen are already playing out in interior spaces that feature natural finishes and clean lines.

Home design innovations Latest trends in hardwood floor designs a touch away on new iPad app

Imagine being able to hold in your hands the full line of samples from the latest trends in hardwood flooring - colours, finishes and species -- all in the comfort of your home. It would be like holding hundreds of actual in-store sample boards in the palm of your hands making the selection of your new hardwood floors effortless.

Decor trends for 2011 Do-it-yourselfers "LOC-in" latest trend in hardwood floors

According to experts in the hardwood flooring industry, the hot trends for this year will be wider board floor designs and easier to install options that you simply "LOC" into place.

Environment Watch The first 'net-zero' school sets a fine example

Energy efficient construction is celebrating one more milestone. It is now possible to build a facility -- even a home -- that is so energy efficient it produces zero demand on the public electricity supply.

How to build the greenest home

You are in the driver's seat when it comes to the quality of the features and fixtures in your dream home.

Builders expect to hear requests for green features

Due to demand, builders today are constantly learning about the new and advanced technologies for home construction. Owner-clients want to be assured of living in the healthiest, most durable, least wasteful house possible -- and therefore, building a home from the ground up is the best opportunity to get it right.

Construction Quick Tip: Build home equity by building with concrete

Did you know that wood framing is inefficient -- and is yesterday's choice? Progressive builders of homes and commercial buildings today are championing the use of pre-assembled, interlocking concrete forms.

Home Builder Quick Tip: Concrete walls are replacing wood

Building the envelope of a house with concrete instead of wood is in high demand in the 21st century. Concrete is now a premium choice for delivering energy efficiency -- and as a replacement for wood framing, concrete walls reduce the need for trees and represent a big step in responsible building.

Top 10 dream home features

If you were given a chance to design a dream home, what features would you choose first?

Easy Home Improvement Projects for Weekend Warriors

As popular as home improvement projects have become, many homeowners still find themselves pressed for time when it comes to tackling projects around the house. For homeowners without much time during the week, Woodcraft offers the following projects tailor-made for weekend warriors.

Spring Clean Your Way To a Healthier Home

Though spring cleaning is primarily about ridding a home of a season's worth of clutter, it should also be about making a home healthier for the months to come. Once the clutter has been cleared, the following cleaning tips can make your home a healthy haven when those inevitable spring showers arrive.

Common Household Poisons

Here is a list of many of the items that should be kept away from children, who are very susceptible to poisoning due to their inquisitive natures and small stature.

'Tis the Season for Sharing ... Digital Content Throughout the Home

Consumer interest for Web-on-TV applications has increased, as consumers are connecting their PC and game consoles to their high definition (HD) TVs for a new home theater-like entertainment experience. In fact, according to Parks Associates, from 2008 to 2009, the number of U.S. households using Web-connected game consoles increased by 64 percent, and the number connecting a PC to a TV increased by 36 percent.

Built Stronger to Last Longer

Building product manufacturers have come a long way over the past several decades when it comes to the creation of products for the home. Decades ago wood roofing shingles or wood millwork had a relatively short lifespan due to environmental conditions the products faced.

Window Safety Tips

How often should family fire drills be held? What type of glass should you have in windows to help prevent noise penetration and discourage intruders? The experts at Simonton Windows(R) offer fast tips for staying safe in your home and enjoying your windows.

Ready Your Home For the Coming Allergy Season

With allergy season on the horizon, many people are preparing for all the sneezes and sniffles the season typically brings. For longtime allergy sufferers, the season is one they'd prefer to avoid.

Big Box Not Necessarily Best Bet

When buying anything from furniture to electronics, consumers are often inclined to turn to their nearby big box store as a first stop in comparison shopping. Although big box retailers do offer competitive prices, they may not be the best option for consumers trying to stay on budget or close to it.

Explore Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

The ultimate goal of homeowners may be to install new energy-efficient windows on their homes. However, the reality is that new windows can be a costly endeavor, one that's not necessarily for affordable for homeowners who continue to tighten their purse strings in a struggling economy.

Cooking Surface for the Avid Foodie

A lot of the prep work that goes into cooking and baking takes place on countertops in the kitchen. There are many durable counter surfaces, but not all of them are suitable for preparing foods.

Hardwood Flooring Innovations

Nowadays, homeowners renovating their homes often look to wood flooring to replace existing floors. Hardwood is coveted by buyers, and its clean, inviting look makes it a neutral design element that goes with many different types of decor.

Furnace Problems Homeowners Can Solve

Homeowners rely on their furnace to provide a comfortable temperature inside the home. During the cold weather, the furnace might start to malfunction. The springtime is an ideal time of year to assess furnace troubles and make repairs because the warmer weather may not require constant furnace operation. Many of these repairs are easily tackled by the average homeowner.

Green Technology For Your Home

Perhaps no decade has witnessed more rapid technological advancements than the opening decade of the 21st century. At the turn of the century, cellular phones had still yet to catch on universally, and few households had high-definition televisions.

Available Alternatives to Granite Countertops

Granite has proven a popular choice for kitchen renovations over the last several years. But concern about the potential health implications of granite, not to mention cost and maintenance, is causing many homeowners to reconsider granite for countertops and backsplashes.

Ways to Reduce Moisture In the Home

Many homeowners worry about moisture in the home, which can lead to a slew of health ailments, including asthma or upper respiratory problems. After a long winter, homeowners concerned about moisture often look to solve problems that might have revealed themselves when the cold weather arrived.

Protecting Hardwood Floors

Roughly half of all homes have hardwood flooring, and industry professionals suspect more and more homeowners are looking to hardwood flooring for their homes.

Bonus Appliances to Add Kitchen Appeal

Homeowners remodeling their kitchen can look beyond traditional appliances and add specialty tools that may save on space and upgrade room efficiency.

The Choice for a Home Air Filtration System

What homeowners are breathing in every day has the potential to harm their health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it's the air inside of the home, rather than the air outside, that may cause the most physical harm. Many people seek options to reduce the toxicity of indoor air through a filtration system.

Things to Consider Before Buying a 3D Television

The latest craze in technology appears to be 3D televisions. Whereas 3D was once a novelty at the movies once or twice a year, nowadays 3D technology is rapidly becoming the norm at home and in the theater.

Keep Your Family Healthy Through the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us once again, and with it comes the season's notoriously hectic pace. With crowded social calendars and the stress of holiday shopping, it's easy to feel overwhelmed once the season hits full swing.

Banish Basement Dampness In a Single Weekend

Livable Basements

What would you do with an extra floor of living space in your home? Create a fitness area or home theatre for your family?

Privacy, Please!

Admit it. You've got a stash of crossword puzzles and old magazines stashed away in your bathroom for those times when you want to escape the world. If you're like many people, you may also have scented candles and your favorite CDs in there to help you unwind.

Lazy Louvers

Year after year they sit on the sides or top of your home allowing air into the attic while preventing insects from entering your house. And, for those homeowners lucky enough to have no-maintenance urethane louvers, these important building accessories can be termed "lazy louvers" because once they're installed, you can literally forget about them.

Choosing Your Next Kitchen Floor

Vinyl is a durable flooring material that is typically used in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. There are different applications and styles of vinyl products, and homeowners can pick the type that works best for their room and design sense.

Make Entertaining the Focal Point of Kitchen Design

"No matter where Iserve my guests, it seems they like my kitchen best."
This saying has adorned wall plaques in many people's kitchens, and for most individuals the sentiment is quite true. The kitchen tends to be the gathering place for the family. When thinking about renovating the kitchen, it pays to have entertaining in mind.

Converting That Empty Nest

Homeowners who have spent many years in one home likely raised a family and shared many memories inside of those walls. When the kids grow and move on it can be somewhat bittersweet. Being left with vacated rooms -- especially ones still decked out in children's decor -- can cause the house to feel more empty than it has to be. Now is the time to turn those empty rooms into adult spaces.

Rest Assured: Finding the Right Mattress

Overhauling a bedroom involves different renovations. Purchasing a new mattress is among the typical upgrades when refurbishing the bedroom.

Create Sustainable Kitchens and Bathrooms

Not too long ago, the "green" bathroom or kitchen conjured images of avocado appliances or sea foam colored toilets. Today, however, "green" takes on an entirely new connotation. Kitchens and baths that employ environmentally conscious products and procedures are growing in popularity.

Space-Saving Hardwood Storage Stunners Well-appointed cabinetry for all the things you want to keep

Before adding or rearranging storage in any room, Kaufman suggests you examine and evaluate. Keep what's needed. Then, begin your space-saving journey. Consider the following creative tips for practical yet beautiful ways to increase storage potential throughout your home.

Web Site Offers Insider's Look At Hydronic Heating

A new Web site developed by the Hydronics Industry Alliance, www.myhomeheating.org, is designed to make it easy for consumers, builders and remodelers, architects and engineers, and HVAC professionals to obtain information on hydronic heating equipment.

Home Furnishing Tips to Consider

When choosing home furnishings, many people simply want the most comfortable or most visually appealing piece they can find. However, there are other things to consider as well.

Let More Light Shine In

One cost-effective way homeowners can give their homes a new look for feel without breaking the bank is to address lighting throughout the house. With some easy changes to a home's lighting scheme, homeowners can notice a stark difference in their home's appearance.

Carpet Tiles

Homeowners considering different flooring options may want to look to versatile carpet tiles. Carpet tiles provide the comfort of carpeting underfoot, but without the labor-intensive installation process.

Partition Walls Create the Space Desired

A temporary wall can create privacy and additional space where there is none. This is advantageous in a studio situation, where an apartment dweller has to get used to the idea of sharing their sleeping quarters, living space and kitchen in one room. A partition can block out space for specific tasks, such as creating a private retreat for sleeping.

Don't let a spring thaw lead to a wet basement

Whether your region is covered in a blanket of white snow or water from continual rainfall, you may experience basement moisture problems. New homeowners may not even be safe from the water Mother Nature delivers each year.

Decorating With Slipcovers

Slipcovers, primarily one-size-fits-all varieties, are some of the most affordable options for quickly giving furniture a new look. Many stores sell slipcovers in a wide variety of patterns in their linen department. There are enough options to create a new ambiance for every season of the year.

Basement Remodels a Favorite for Homeowners

But remodeling a basement involves more than simply throwing out the pingpong or pool table and replacing them with leather sofas and a big screen television. Before doing anything with the basement, it's best to prepare the area to ensure the home theater experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Spring Cleaning Room by Room

Spring cleaning can be the perfect time to redecorate or make space for new renovations. While the notion of cleaning and organization can seem overwhelming to some, if you tackle a room a day, you will see progress in no time.

Tips to Maintain the Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can be a big culprit in clogging pipes. While garbage disposals have come a long way, they are not invincible. Repeatedly cramming large amounts of food waste down the drain can eventually lead to clogged pipes -- especially if you don't perform routine maintenance on the unit.

Keep Your Dryer Running Safe and Smooth

Nowadays, many homeowners are understandably concerned about saving money. In light of the country's economic woes, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to save money. Though it's important to save money, it's also important to stay safe, particularly with respect to household appliances. Fortunately, there are ways homeowners can stay safe and save at the same time. Take the household dryer, for instance. The following tips can help a dryer run safely and efficiently.

Achieving Comfort With Central Air Conditioning

Homeowners with a forced-air heating system already in place have the majority of the framework done for an air conditioning addition. Typically, the system can be added by two technicians in a mere two or three days. For a 2,000 square-foot home, the average cost may be between $3,000 and $4,000.

Easy Ways to Inspect Household Appliances

One often overlooked aspect of spring cleaning is the inspection of household appliances. While it's common to make sure air conditioning units are ready to go before summer, other household appliances often receive no such inspection. However, homeowners can easily examine common household appliances when doing their spring cleaning, ensuring everything is running at optimal strength as the weather warms up.

Add Some Space to a Child's Bedroom

While parents are well aware of the often painstaking process of getting kids to clean their room, the following tips can add some space to a child's bedroom and help make it cleaner at the same time.

Steps to Soundproofing a Home

Before you put a for-sale sign on your front lawn, consider the ways you can tame the cacophony of your current living space. Some simple soundproofing techniques could give you the peace you desire. Soundproofing is not as large a job as you'd might think. Understanding how sound works can make the task even easier.

Hardwood cabinets enhance universal design

A comfortable yet more accessible and barrier-free home are the desired aims of universal design. A term coined in the 1980s by architect Ron Mace, universal design is defined as "the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." For the now aging Baby Boomer generation, which comprises about one-third of the U.S. population, universal design is just what the doctor ordered.

Wood you know?

Side-by-side it's hard to tell the difference between real wood mouldings and urethane woodgrain mouldings. However, long term the determination is easy: Urethane products resist warping, rotting and insect infestations, so they hold up longer and better than real wood mouldings.

Senior windows

Casement windows, which operate on a crank-out system with a side-hinged sash that opens outward for ventilation (up to a full 90 degrees with most windows), can be used in all areas of the home. Casement windows are especially appealing when combined into large Bay or Bow window configurations because they allow a maximum amount of light and airflow into the home.

Paper Hanging Pointers for DIYers

Not all projects, however, are as easy as they seem. Such is the case with hanging wallpaper. While hanging paper might seem like a project that simply requires some common sense and elbow grease, there's a lot more to hanging paper than just hard work and choosing the right pattern. When hanging paper this spring, consider the following tips.

Straight Talk About Hardwoods from Four Savvy Design Pros

The American Hardwood Information Center asked four top design professionals -- a kitchen designer, an interior designer and two architects -- to share their thoughts and preferences concerning hardwood as a materials choice. As you will see, when it comes to recognizing the functionality, durability and sheer beauty of hardwoods, great minds think alike.

Tips for a Pain-Free Paint Project

Few home improvement projects can be as fun, satisfying and inexpensive as painting. The excitement of choosing a new color scheme and then watching your home transform makes painting a project the whole family can enjoy.

Create a Spa Experience at Home

People looking to escape stress often turn to spa treatments for rest and relaxation. However, if trips to the spa for massages and facials aren't in the budget, create a spa experience at home.

Economical Remodeling Tips on Color Selection for Affordable Interior Painting

With money tight and household expenses rising, there's a natural tendency to put your remodeling plans on hold. But even if your budget is limited, there's one home remodeling project that is still affordable, and fun, too: interior painting.

Conquer Clutter For Good

Clutter has a funny way of creeping up on a person. It starts with a few papers piling up on the counter. After awhile, closets and cabinets are packed with stuff rarely used. Homeowners can tame the clutter by following a few steps.

Make Ceiling Fans Work for You

It would seem the ceiling fan is the bane of a designer's existence, especially if one lends creedence to television's slew of interior designers. When such designers prepare to overhaul a room, the ceiling fan is often the first item to go.

There's a Mouse in the House How to Rid the Home of These Pests

Despite their diminutive size, mice can cause visible and hidden damage throughout a home. They also can be carriers of disease and contaminate many areas of the home. Getting rid of a mouse can be a tricky endeavor, but with some patience and different methods, it is possible.

Give a Great Room a Warmer Feel

Many homeowners admit to having ideas about what to do with their homes even before they sign on the dotted line. When a home buyer is shopping for a home, he or she often can't help envisioning how a given home will look with his or her possessions inside.

How to Make Stairs Safer

Many household injuries are attributed to falls down stairs. Even a simple slip can result in a sprained or fractured ankle or another broken bone.

Hang Pictures the Professional Way

Dressing up rooms is easily achieved by hanging artwork on the walls. However, hanging them at the right height, ensuring they're straight and avoiding errant holes in the walls can prove more challenging than many would like to admit.

Mold Is a Problem in Many Homes

Mold is unsightly. Mold can be hazardous. Mold can be growing in the home right now.

Green Is Good for the Home: Choosing the Best Eco-Friendly Options

From paints to flooring to carpeting, the options in green building materials have expanded by leaps and bounds. With so many environmentally friendly options available, homeowners may have difficulty determining what are the best and most cost-effective buys.

Stock the Kitchen With Must-Have Equipment

he key to getting any job done right is having the proper tools on hand. The same concept applies to cooking in the kitchen. There are staples and luxuries most homeowners will want to include in their kitchens when designing, decorating and utilizing the spaces.

Equipping the 'Man Cave'

A room in the house devoted entirely to male interests is becoming much more popular in recent years. The "man cave," as it's come to be called, can shun the decorating style of the rest of the house, and decor may be all the choice of its visionary creator.

How to Equip Your Home Office

Working from home is growing more popular each and every year. Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever before for the nation's workers to login from their home environment.

Know the Hidden Home Toxins Lurking

A home should be a sanctuary, a retreat, a safe place for the family. But too often there are dangers lurking inside that can put individuals at risk.

Furniture Arranging 101

When presented with an empty room in a new home or apartment, most people are a bit apprehensive about where to start. It can be difficult to picture where to place a sofa or how to arrange a chaise lounge.

Making a Home Handicap Accessible

According to the 2008 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 12.1 percent of non-institutionalized people, male or female; all ages, all races, regardless of ethnicity, with all education levels in the United States, reported a disability. That percentage equates to roughly 36 million people who reported a disability in 2008.

Getting Back Your Bucks Home Improvements That Yield Good Returns

Each year, homeowners spend billions of dollars improving their homes. While those improvements are intended to improve the home for all its residents, such improvements are also intended to increase a home's value.

DIY Jobs for Weekend Warriors

A quick glance at the market capitalization for the big home improvement chains reveals just how popular the home improvement movement has become. According to Yahoo! Finance, Home Depot remains the industry leader with a market capitalization of $56.8 billion, with Lowes Companies in the neighborhood at $35.7 billion.

Understand Radon Dangers

Radon could cause cancer for individuals living in a household with high concentrations, particularly if radon goes undetected for a while. It's important for every homeowner to learn about radon and how to detect it.

Simple Ways to Make the Home Safer

Homeowners are often on the lookout for ways to improve their homes. Many times those improvements concern aesthetic appeal, such as a new coat of paint, or more practical appeal, such as new furniture.

Make Bathing a Safer (and Fun) Experience for Young Children

Bathing children can be back-breaking work and potentially dangerous in adult-sized bathtubs. Innovators have created a number of small, plastic kids' tubs that can be placed inside of the larger tub, but these can still be cumbersome and dangerous.

Do-It-Yourself Carpet Cleaning

There are different steps homeowners should take to maintain the appearance and quality of carpeting. The easiest one is regular vacuuming of the carpet to remove dirt.

Breathe Easier by Cutting Down on Indoor Dust

What's something that can be found in just about every house around the world? Dust.

Did You Know?

A Rutgers university study found that flowers can create feelings of instant happiness.

Banish Pet Odors From Inside the Home

Pet odors are some of the most tenacious problems homeowners face. Odors may be the result of litter boxes, accidents that occurred in the home or simply the aroma of the pet itself.

Prefinished wood flooring revolutionizes industry North American company sparks rebirth of hard wood floors

Did you know that it was a North American company that first thought of the process of sanding and prefinishing hardwood floor boards before installing them? This new, innovative approach stirred consumer interest for wood flooring in the 1980's and has made acquiring hard wood floors much easier today.

Wood flooring in every room of your home? The versatility of engineered wood flooring

For centuries people have used wood floors in their homes to add warmth, elegance and charm. Hardwood floors never go out of fashion and can add real value to your home. But until now some rooms, such as bathrooms and basements, were not considered good fits for wood floors because of humidity concerns.

How to choose the right wood flooring for your decor

Wood is one of the most beautiful floorings you can choose for your home. No other flooring offers the warmth, beauty and value of wood. There are not only countless colors available but there are also many different species as well, each with their unique characteristics.

Decor trends Make a statement with exotic wood flooring

You've seen and walked on it in your neighbour's home, in exclusive boutiques and in your favourite restaurant. Exotic wood floors are emerging in decors across the country as savvy homeowners and decorators express their personal interior decorating tastes with more unique wood flooring options.

Home Decor Q&A: Wood flooring 101

Q: What are the advantages of prefinished wood floors over traditional installed wood floors? A: First of all prefinished wood floors are stained and finished at the factory so you don't have to deal with toxic fumes, sanding dust, labour, and the long wait required for staining and applying coats of finish at home.

Romancing the Kitchen

Here are a few simple tips to romancing the kitchen, including suggestions for essential culinary tools and equipment to enhance the experience, and ways to ensure that cooking with your mate is collaborative and pleasurable.

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