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.

Creating your own backyard oasis

Our backyards are some of the best places to spend the summer months, especially if you’re practicing social distancing and are tired of being cooped up indoors. Fortunately, it’s possible to transform your outdoor living space into a secluded, open-air retreat.

Preparing your home for the next natural disaster

The global pandemic has taught us this, as well as the importance of preparation – not just for illness — but also for natural disasters like fires, floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes.

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’.

3 reasons to own a disaster-proof home

If you’re lucky enough to live in a state that isn’t prone to frequent natural disasters, having a house that can stand up to the worst nature has to offer still has its benefits.

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.

Custom home-buying tips for first timers

Even considering being able to design your own custom home is an exciting prospect. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just exploring your options, here are tips to keep in mind.

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.

Storage/display opportunities: In furniture, along walls and in hidden places

Finding more space to store and display all the “stuff” used for day-to-day living, as well as life’s pleasures, can be an adventure that ends with everything in its perfect place.

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.

Choose the greenest builder available

As building codes enforce tightened minimum standards for eco-responsibility, the more progressive builders are illustrating their own accountability by using and producing materials that are even more efficient than mandates demand. This is great news if you are currently designing, planning or simply getting ready to buy a new home — your investment will likely deliver greater environmental conservation, lower occupant costs and increased property value.

Responsible building decisions deserve benefits, too

Beauty, spaciousness and interior design are all important when building a personal dream home. Today, however, with the reality of energy and environmental concerns, homeowners also insist their forever home must be as eco-responsible as possible.

Major changes coming to new home building methods

Across America, home builders are adopting new approaches to construction to create greener homes with better resale value. One major change that’s tackling energy consumption and rising fuel costs is the use of an airtight, solid concrete system to replace inefficient wood framing. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) erect a building with an interlocking system, similar to Lego.

Upgrade your tool collection for fall home projects

When the last cookout is history and it’s time to move indoors and on to fall home and shop projects, Woodcraft suggests that you consider adding some new tools to your collection for easier home improvements and repairs.

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.

Remodel for fire safety

It’s surprising that, although millions of homes are remodeled in America each year, few homeowners realize the importance of remodeling with fire safety in mind.

Remodel for maximum ROI with these top projects

As a contractor and real estate expert, I am often asked by homeowners for advice on the best projects for their remodeling dollars. While it’s important to first consider the purpose of the remodel (is it for yourself, for resale, or as part of an income-generating suite?), there are some remodels that have proven to be reliable investments over time.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

Kitchen Gift-Giving Made Easy with Personality Profiles

hose names on your holiday gift list are more than just people — they’re personalities. This simple shift in perspective can go a long way to help narrow down gift selections.

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.

Treasure hunting safety tips for the savvy yard sale shopper

Summer is here and garage sales and flea markets abound. But as you search for that perfect treasure, be sure to keep safety in mind. Second-hand items, especially electronics, building supplies, appliances and helmets, may carry certain risks if damaged or used.

Powering Up

Warm weekends are prime time for yard work and outdoor projects. To avoid turning tasks into turmoil, be sure to take a few extra moments to ensure the power tools you use are safe. CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, offers tips to help ensure the safety of you and your family while doing yard work this weekend.

Shrinking floors? How to guard against hardwood floor gaps

Did you know that the number one registered complaint hardwood flooring experts receive after a wood floor installation is the unsightly gaps between boards that magically appear at the onset of winter?

New germ control flooring popular with parents Online direct customized healthy floors latest trend

As most parents can attest, infants love to crawl around and put things in their mouth. No matter how hard you try to stop them, it's inevitable -- if they can touch it, "it" will end up in their mouth. This is why parents are always on guard to protect their children from germs and bacteria lurking in their home.

How to choose hardwood floors in 5 easy clicks New online direct customized flooring a snap

Times have changed when it comes to the selection and purchase of hardwood floors. With today's ease of online communication and the low cost of sending product samples, it has become preferable and more cost-effective for consumers to deal directly with the manufacturer.

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.

Improve your air quality at home with advanced insulation

Interior renovation projects give us the perfect chance to upgrade all aspects of a home's interior, including your home insulation. Wall insulation may not be as exciting as visible upgrades, but the latest products can single-handedly give you lower fuel costs with far improved air quality, comfort and energy efficiency.

Responsible building decisions deserve benefits, too

Beauty, spaciousness, interior design -- and every other eye-pleasing esthetic -- are important when building a personal dream home. Today, however, with the reality of energy and environmental concerns, homeowners also insist that the place where they will be living for years on end must be as eco-responsible as possible.

A reliable guideline is available for building the greenest home

Did you know that energy efficiency and environmental responsibility top the list of demands from home buyers today? Building 'green' from the ground up is a pretty tall order. However, a reliable guideline for the highest standards is available from LEED, the non-profit, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Choose the greenest builder available

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.

Show us your Real Outdoor Living -- and Win!

Real pressure-treated wood is the number-one outdoor building material of choice in the US -- and we want you to show us why!

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.

Healthy hardwood flooring Soy-based finished floors new 'green' innovation for parents

Since most of an infant's time is spent on the floor playing, crawling and discovering, more and more parents are now looking for flooring options that will minimize exposure to harmful allergens, germs and toxins.

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.

How to choose a builder

Whether the kids have all grown up and moved out or if the kids are on the way and it's time to expand a living area, building a new home is an exciting, yet often agonizing, experience. The reasons for building a new home are many, but regardless of the reason, the process of choosing a builder should remain the same.

Your dream home doesn't have to be just a dream

The dream of owning your own vacation home is one shared by men and women all over the world. Who wouldn't want their very own sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of every day life?

Things to look for when shopping for your dream home

A dream home means different things to different people. To some, an ideal home sits atop a hill and has enough rooms to accommodate generations upon generations of family members. To others, a home small in stature but with views to die for is all a homeowner needs.

Potluck's Back -- Let's Eat!

By: Carla Jordan

Call it a sign of the times or just plain good luck for those of us yearning to swap fast food fare for some tasty home cooking. Potluck gatherings are back and one of this year's hottest trends in entertaining.

How to get a cleaner, healthier home this spring

Springtime is the best time to get your home and outdoor equipment ready for the approaching warm weather, and the sooner you start the sooner you will be ready to enjoy the spring and summer months.
Here are some suggestions to make your home as healthy and as clean as possible.

What is LEED?

The term LEED is often bandied about when conversations shift to the environment. A term used when discussing building certification, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an internationally recognized green building certification system that was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council 12 years ago.

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.

Pool water chemistry basics

Pool water chemistry is something that baffles many homeowners caring for their backyard pools. It is vital to keep an adequate level of certain chemicals to create pristine, safe swimming water.

Projects that might require a building permit

All too many homeowners have experienced the joy of completing a home improvement project only to learn upon completion that the project is not in adherence with local laws.

Distinguishing termites from ants

Many homeowners experience termite or ant infestations in and around the home. Differentiating termites from certain types of ants can be confusing, leaving homeowners to guess which unwanted intruder is around the house and how to handle these potentially harmful houseguests.

Did you know?

Women make up a fast-growing segment of the home improvement market. According to research by Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Investor's Business Daily, 53 percent of married women are responsible for basic household maintenance and repair.

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.

Greet Guests With a Touch of Glass

The trend of using decorative glass to create dramatic entryways continues to grow as homeowners choose to stay in their homes longer and remodel for extended personal enjoyment. Adding a "touch of glass" with a new front entry door can be one of the most effective and economical ways to enhance a home's curb appeal.

Trellis Systems Enhance Home Exteriors

Homeowners looking for a unique way to accent a single or double garage door now have a decorative low-maintenance option with the Fypon(R) PVC Trellis Systems. Available in two sizes to accommodate either single- or double-car garages, each trellis system kit can also be fabricated to use in alternative settings, such as over home entryways, garden sheds and free-standing garages.

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.

"FRESH Home Exterior Colors" Guide Now Available

The new 30-page FRESH Home Exterior Colors guide is now available free online to help homeowners select the perfect colors for the exterior of the home. Written by national color expert Kate Smith of Sensational Color, the free downloadable tool is designed to make it easy for people to choose color palates that complement the exterior of the 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.

Fence etiquette prevents disputes

People fortunate enough to own their own plots of land often choose to fence in their pieces of paradise. Fences serve many purposes: to designate property boundaries, keep pets or children contained in a safe environment, corral livestock, offer privacy or add aesthetic appeal.

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.

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.

Shop off-season for major improvements

An often overlooked side-effect of the recession is that many people cannot afford to move and have decided to stick with the home they have and make desired improvements. Thanks to off-season discounts, some months of the year may be better than others for renovations.

Factors that might hurt a home's value

Nowadays, homeowners looking to sell their homes know it's not as easy to do so as it might have been a few years ago. A struggling economy has made it difficult for many homeowners to sell their homes for a price they're comfortable with.

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.

Plywood and MDF: What's the difference?

For decades plywood was the go-to inexpensive wood of choice for many home-repair projects. In fact, it was actually the first manufactured wood product available. Then the term MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, started making its way onto home-improvement shows and among do-it-yourselfers, making it a popular material in recent years. Still, many people do not know the differences between these types of wood products.

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.

The basics of property taxes

Paying property taxes is a necessary side effect of home ownership. Across the United States and Canada, residents are required to pay property taxes based on an assessment of their homes' value.

New homes are getting smaller

From the early 1990s to the beginning of this century, "bigger is better" certainly was the mantra of the home-building industry. All across North America buyers could browse among home developments boasting homes of 3,000 square feet or larger and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. But according to new data, home buyers are seeking less space today but more in green amenities.

The differences between roofing materials

A roof is the primary defense a home has against the elements. It provides protection against wind, rain and snow, as well as shields the interior from the blazing heat. A compromised roof cannot do its job properly. There are many different roofing materials available these days -- each of which carries with it a certain length of usefulness.

5 signs your roof might be wearing down

Replacing a roof is a costly venture few homeowners look forward to. According to Remodeling magazine's 2010-11 "Cost vs. Value" report, the national average cost of a roof replacement is nearly $22,000, a costly endeavor considering the tenuous nature of the economy. What's more, homeowners who choose more upscale roofing materials can expect to spend almost $40,000 on their roofs.

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.

What to look for in outdoor furniture

Outdoor entertaining areas have always been popular among homeowners. The ability to entertain friends and family or simply relax by yourself is something homeowners cherish, particularly during the warm weather seasons. Finding the right furniture to match your outdoor area, be it a deck, patio or poolside lounging area, is essential to making the most of this special area of the home. When shopping for outdoor furniture, consider the following.

Things to know before building a deck

Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Survey indicate that homeowners annually spend billions of dollars improving outdoor living areas.
One of the most popular ways to do just that is to add a deck to a home. Decks are beneficial in many ways. Grillmasters love decks because they make the perfect place to set up a grill and a table and cook for family and friends.

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.

Creating a Delicious Party Together -- Tips to Newlyweds on Entertaining With Ease

Part of the fun of getting married and establishing a home together is sharing your new life -- and showing off all your exciting wedding presents -- with friends and family. Hosting parties and get-togethers is part of a typical rite of passage for newlyweds, and like any new venture, can lead to some anxiety.

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.

Resolutions for your home

Many people feel a new calendar year symbolizes a fresh start. Perhaps nothing illustrates that better than the popularity of New Year's resolutions, which people make in an effort to improve their quality of life both in the year ahead and the years that follow.

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.

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.
Unfortunately, many people have trouble staying healthy through the hectic holiday season.

Prevent home break-ins any time of the year

The joys of the holidays are many: Sharing eggnog, exchanging presents, trimming the tree, contacting the police to report a robbery. The last one certainly isn't a joy, but it's an all-too common reality of the season. But the holidays aren't the only times that home break-ins take place. There's no telling what goes through the minds of thieves, and preparing for any situation is the way to avoid loss due to theft.

Buying a home? Avoid these mistakes

Over the last several years, the real estate market has been turned upside down, and many prospective buyers have begun to question some of the conventional wisdom associated with buying a home. While such skepticism might be a healthy attitude in the current market, prospective buyers -- particularly those who have never purchased a home before -- should avoid the following mistakes that buyers make regardless of whether the market is up or down.

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.

Make Gutter Cleaning Safer and Easier

To help keep gutters operating properly and to protect your investment, try these tips.

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.

5 tips for a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn

Homeowners aspire toward a beautiful lawn. It is often the centerpiece of a completed landscape, and can serve as a beautiful focal point in a home's overall curb appeal. Typically lawn maintenance is time-consuming and can take a lot of effort on the part of a homeowner.

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.

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.

The Hidden Cost of Convenience

With so many different devices deemed necessary these days, people often are unaware of the amount of energy used and the costs associated with keeping these devices running.

Free Deck Plans Offer Inspiration and Beauty

Ever researched deck plans, only to find nothing fits your home just right? The design isn't right, it's too big for your home, it's too small for your home, it's too high off the ground, it's too low to the ground, you don't like the grill bump-out, the stairs are in the wrong place ... isn't there a deck out there that's perfect for YOUR home?

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.

Good and bad of molds

People often hear the word "mold" and run for cover. But not all molds are a nuisance or a danger, nor should all molds be decimated.

All-natural ways to ...

The quickest fix to a problem is not always the best fix. Many convenience items are full of chemicals that may not be safe for the environment. And although many medications may be ideal for treating ailments, some people prefer a more natural method to treat certain ailments.

On your side Understanding different siding options

Seemingly from the moment a home is purchased, its new owners start envisioning ways to transform their new pad into their dream home. Once they turn their key for the first time, homeowners enter an empty home and see a blank slate on which they can improve.

Cut costs on your next home improvement project

With the economy still on the mend, homeowners must monitor their spending carefully. Such frugality is necessary across the board, even when it comes to home improvement.

Easy ways to boost home value

Though the housing market might not be booming, there are still buyers out there looking for a place to call their own. Some potential sellers might prefer a patient approach to selling their homes, choosing to do so when the market rebounds and homes regain some of their lost value. Other sellers might not have a choice and must make due with selling in a lackluster market.

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.

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.

Fire extinguisher know-how

Fire extinguishers are an important safety component in any home or building. They can mean the difference between a devastating fire or a minor incident. Although a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life- and property-saving tool, many people are not properly skilled in the use of fire extinguishers.

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.

Paint and Primer

Painting is a job that requires preparation and the right equipment. Oftentimes homeowners are unsure about whether they need to use primer before painting or if just paint will do the trick. Although there are no firm rules, there are certain cases where one or the other will be adequate.

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.

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.

Did you know?

A whole-house fan is an effective alternative to air conditioning when it comes to cooling a home. Homeowners frequently spend hundreds of dollars a month to run an air conditioning system. A whole-house fan works by drawing cool, external air into the home through open windows while pushing hot air out.

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.

Reducing noise at home

An echo here, reverberating footsteps upstairs ... few homes are completely free of noise. But homeowners looking to reduce the amount of noise in their homes can take action.

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.

Did you know?

Home improvement projects no longer need to be halted due to missing tools or misplaced measurements. Thanks to advancements in mobile phone technology, homeowners can now keep projects on schedule thanks to a host of apps that make it possible for even the most forgetful do-it-yourselfer to complete projects on time.

Maintain proper humidity for comfort and safety

Humidity can affect how comfortable a person may feel outdoors. However, humidity also affects indoor comfort and the condition of items inside the house. Maintaining proper humidity levels is important.

How to hire an architect who shares your vision

Building a dream house is typically a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. Whether that house is an oceanside manse or a log cabin in the woods, if done right, the dream house will only need to be done once.

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.

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.

Tips for family-friendly decorating

A glass coffee table, white leather sofa and expensive ceramic statues are popular and attractive design options. But such items are often impractical for a household with an active family.

Improving Energy Efficiency Tops Wish List When Remodeling Home

Homeowners concerned about high energy bills have put energy conservation home improvements at the top of their must-do list this year. They are looking for green living upgrades that save money without sacrificing space or style.

20 easy ways to conserve water

Every living thing on the planet requires water to survive. Without water, life as we know it would quickly perish. Despite the importance of water, many do not think ahead to what would happen if water supplies dwindled. To avoid such a fate, it's best to begin conserving water whenever possible.

Schools a big factor in home purchase

There are many factors buyers consider when shopping for a home. From the number of bedrooms to the size of the backyard, prospective buyers have their priorities with what they're looking for in a home. Parents to young children or couples who are planning to start a family soon should also consider the school system.

Home Entertainment Networking Made Easy

In the early days of home television entertainment a consumer had a television with one plug -- a power cord -- that was plugged into an electrical outlet. That was all that was needed to get their viewing experience up and running. Today it's an entirely different story, and many people ready to outfit their homes with home entertainment systems and networks do not really know where to begin.

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?

New Curb Appeal Products for 2011

Ready to spruce up your home's exterior this year? Several recently introduced products are designed to add curb appeal to your house while making maintenance hassles disappear.

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?

Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the routine opening and closing of windows in homes built prior to 1978 can disturb lead-based paint around the windows, causing paint dust and chips to be released into the air. These lead particles are so dangerous that the EPA now requires contractors to be trained and certified before they can perform any renovation, repair or painting projects that may have previously applied lead-based paint.

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.

The Heart of Your Backyard: Real Backyard Decks Deserve Real Wood

The deck is the heart of a backyard. It's where the family gathers for dinner, the perfect spot for grilling, a great place to hang out with friends and the ideal location for relaxing after a long day. Whether you're thinking of building a new deck or your old one needs resurfacing, be sure and choose the right decking product: choose real wood.

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.

13 Remedies for Cabin Fever

In general, by the time spring arrives most people have experienced a bout of cabin fever.
In addition to general restlessness, cabin fever can cause sluggishness, weight gain and changes in sleep patterns due to inactivity. There are some remedies that can zap cabin fever, however.

'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.

Home Improvement Trend That Won't Break The Bank

Faux painting techniques are an economical and innovative way to transform any surface and can complement any decorating style. Dull concrete floors, both indoors and out, can be brought dramatically to life with a latex paint such as DRYLOK(R) Latex Concrete Floor Paint.

From Bland Backyard to Beautiful Vacation Destination

The best vacations lift us out of the frenzy of our lives, whisking us off to faraway places that relax and rejuvenate us.

Make Roofing Color Choices With Confidence Advice from Color Expert Kate Smith

Standard slate gray or bold terracotta? Solid brown or a blend of three warm brown tones? For some homeowners, the question of what color to cap off their homes is more challenging than the decision of what roofing product to use.

Basement Versatility

These days every inch of space in the home counts. So, when considering building a new home, it makes sense to consider building both "up and down" to maximize your living space.

Vented Sidelites

Homeowners can now let light and fresh air into their homes without sacrificing energy efficiency or style. Therma-Tru's vented sidelites (available in the Fiber-Classic Oak Collection and Smooth-Star product line) provides ventilation without the inconvenience and obstruction of storm doors or sliding screens.

Innovative Roofing Tiles Offer Beauty and Durability

In Italian, Bellaforte translates to "beautiful and strong." In America, many homeowners are discovering that the translation means the exact same thing -- especially when it comes to their polymer roofing tiles.

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

Time-Saving Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring cleaning is a task most people tackle each and every year. Many projects are tailor made for the warmer weather. Here are some time-saving tips to conquer spring clutter and cleanup projects.

Must-Have Tools For the Outdoor Handyman (or Woman)

Spring has sprung for most areas of the country and the average homeowner's "honey-do" list likely has its share of outdoor landscaping tasks that need to be tackled. The right tools can make easier work of outdoor chores.

House Styles 101

As the old adages go, "a man's home is his castle" and "there's no place like home." What type of house a person chooses to call home can say a lot about his or her personality and priorities.

Four Simple Rules for Perfect Exterior Painting

If you want professional-looking results when painting exterior wood, approach the project as if you were a professional painting contractor. That means following four simple rules that come second nature to experienced painters, says Debbie Zimmer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Institute.

Homeowners Should Learn Sump Pump Basics

Water issues in a home are common and can result in many a sleepless night for homeowners. Leaks or damp conditions can lead to damage in a home and a large financial investment. Sump pumps are often part of an easy water management system.

4 Once Popular Trends Losing Favor Among Homeowners

Housing trends come and go. Just think of those avocado-colored stoves from the 1970s or the formica bedroom sets of the 1980s. The woodburning fireplace was a must-have home accessory in the early 1990s, but now it is losing ground to pellet stoves and greener options.

Carpet Options Abound For Floor-Focused Homeowners

Shopping for carpeting? It's not simply a matter of going into the store and just choosing "carpet." There are many different varieties of carpeting from which to select, each with its own unique characteristics.

Downsizing a Home an Option for Seniors

When a person comes to a certain age and the children move out and on with their own lives, a home may become too big for its occupants. At this point, residents may feel it's time to downsize to a smaller home.

Getting Engaged Is Just the Beginning ... Now What?

Are you one of the thousands of couples who got engaged over the holidays? This is the time for you and your soon-to-be to get everything you ever wanted -- whether you're starting from scratch, upgrading, expanding or replacing. Turn a whole bunch of mismatched mine and yours into a lifetime of ours.

Finding the Right Retirement Fit

When searching for a retirement community, retirees often place an emphasis on fun. And that's perfectly understandable, as retirees have worked their entire lives and earned the right to relax and enjoy themselves however they may choose. Gadsden- Etowah County, Alabama could be the hidden gem retirees are searching for.

Innovative Program Improves Public Safety

Emergency situations call for prompt action and most importantly quick dissemination of information so that the public can respond to a potential threat. In six Alabama counties, a highly successful public safety initiative serves as an example from which other areas can learn.

Gift Ideas for the Household Handyman

Many homeowners have taken cues from the recession and are choosing to stay in their homes a little longer rather than sell in a buyers' market. Those who want to make their current abodes more livable or attractive to future buyers may choose home improvements that raise the value and/or add more space.

Riding the "Green" wave Why recycle glass? The answer is clear

There's a new wave in home design and it's unmistakably "green." As people are becoming more aware of the everyday permanent impacts they can make with their choices large and small, they're opting to incorporate more sustainable habits to preserve nature for themselves and future generations.

Recycled decors all the rage: Beer bottle countertops now in vogue?

Making a home more "green" or environmentally-friendly has taken on a whole new meaning over the last few years. It's evolved from changing a few light bulbs and thermostats to choosing energy-efficient appliances, recycled material floors, carpets and even furniture.

The heat is on: Sear-proof countertops cool the competition

here's nothing more damaging to a kitchen countertop surface than direct heat. Be it from a pot, dish or pan, intense direct heat placed on most countertop surfaces will cause irreparable damage.

Home design trends: Sensual kitchen spaces

According to design experts, the latest hot trend in kitchen decor is the use of different textures, colors and surfaces to create a sensual sanctuary that engages all of our five senses -- sight, hearing, smell, taste, and most of all touch.

Luxury Home Decor Begins On the Floor

(MS) -- While big-ticket renovations may not fit your budget these days, there are still plenty of improvements that can offer a dramatic impact without emptying your wallet.

How Going Green Can Help You Save Dollars and Sen$e

Do you actually know what a "green product" means? Everywhere you look the advertising is catering to environmentally conscious consumers.

Make Gutter Cleaning Safer and Easier

Nobody enjoys gutter cleaning. Yet it's much more important than many homeowners think. Rain flowing over windows, doors, and siding can rot fascia as well as door and window framing.

Finding Big Value In Small Projects

espite the slight upturn in the housing market recently, many homeowners are wisely placing emphasis on cost-effectiveness and scaling back their home improvement projects.

Energy Savings From the Ground Up

Money-conscious homeowners are constantly seeking out ways to reduce their energy bills. Those people fortunate enough to be considering a new home purchase have a way to potentially save up to 50 percent of total heat loss in a home simply by constructing with the right foundation system.

Window Colors Brighten Up the Home

Need a way to express your style on the outside of your home? Try one of the new eye-catching colors in the Decorum by Simonton line of window and door frames. Choose from Brick, Chocolate, Bronze, Cream, Driftwood, Pine and Tan.

Column Options

Homeowners searching for ways to add columns to the interior and exterior of their homes without breaking their budgets have a variety of options in today's marketplace.

Sun Screen for the Home

Protect your home from dangerous ultraviolet rays with NeverFade exterior paint.

Dancing Light

Hold a cut glass bowl up to a lamp and you'll see colorful prisms of light dance before your eyes. These same dazzling features are an everyday occurrence in homes with decorative glass windows.

Invest in Your Roof

If your asphalt shingles are curling or your wooden cedar shake shingles have rotted out, it's time to look for a new roof. This major home improvement investment requires research and an understanding of roofing material options to make the best selection for your home.

Secure Roof Overhead

Whether you live in Tornado Alley, a hurricane zone or the snow-saturated northeast, it's essential to have a durable roof overhead to protect your family and valuables.

Energy Savings That Won't Expire

Procrastinators, beware. The federal energy tax credit that allows homeowners to qualify for up to $1,500 in tax credit savings when replacing old windows expires on December 31, 2010. However, the day-to-day savings you get from replacing older windows will last for years to come.

Web Site Offers Handy Checklist To Help Do-It-Yourself Interior Painters

A handy and informative 10-point checklist is available free from the Paint Quality Institute for homeowners who do their own interior painting. The list contains reminders about the tools and equipment needed for these projects, as well as valuable tips on getting the best painting results.

Budget-Friendly Paint Projects To Spruce Up Your Home This Fall

Given the sluggish economy, now is not the time most of us want to spring for a costly remodeling project. But you don't have to spend a lot of money to spruce up your home with paint.

Do-It-Yourself Moving Tips

Certain tasks in life are synonymous with stress. Moving is one of those tasks. For those moving themselves, there are ways to reduce that stress and make the process easier.

Small Projects Add Up to Big Appeal

In this economy, homeowners are watching every penny. Just because money is tight doesn't mean every renovation plan has to be cast aside. Smaller projects can revitalize a room without a big investment.

Why Do Windows Sweat?

When cooler weather arrives, homeowners often face a troublesome condition. Condensation forms on windows and can be a nuisance or even cause damage to the surrounding trim. There are reasons why sweating windows occur. Knowing the causes is the key to fixing the situation.

Eliminating Painting Odors

Painting a room can give it a face lift in a day. While painting can have many appealing benefits, one of the project's pitfalls is the odor left behind. This can leave homeowners wondering how to reduce paint smells in the home.

Residential Fire Sprinklers

Homeowners install smoke alarms to be alerted that a fire is present in the home. Few, however, actively install a system that can extinguish a fire promptly, saving family members and belongings from injury or damage.

Improve Water Pressure

For those who have turned on a faucet to find a trickle or bathed under something more like a drip sprinkler than a shower, water pressure might be the culprit. Inadequate water pressure can be a nuisance. Remedying it could take a quick fix or a major overhaul.

Renovate the Home in Lead-Safe Way

Homes that were built prior to 1978 may have the presence of lead. Homeowners thinking about home improvement renovations may want to consider taking extra safety precautions to prevent lead contamination.

Precautionary Measures to Keep the Home Warm and Cozy Through the Winter Months

Though the weather made summer enjoyable, there is still a belief, be it warranted or not, that an agreeable summer will lead to a harsh winter. Regardless of what the weather will bring, however, homeowners need to prepare their homes for winter before the temperatures dip. Readying a home for winter can be done with a few simple chores.

Home Improvements to Protect Children

Parents understandably consider their home a safe haven for children. But the home actually plays host to many childhood injuries over the course of a typical year. Each year, nearly 20,000 people die and 21 million medical visits result from home accidents in the United States, says the U.S. Home Safety Council. The majority of these injuries occur to children and the elderly.

Simple Projects to Stay Organized

However, staying organized and avoiding losing oneself in one's own mess doesn't have to be all that difficult. The following household projects won't take much time, but can pay big dividends with respect to household organization.

Creative Ways to Manage Household Clutter

Another common theme of spring cleaning is a family's unwillingness to part with many items that are cluttering up a household. What's clutter to one family member might be a keepsake to another. Fortunately, there are ways to conceal household clutter that might keep families.

DIY Tool Checklist

A do-it-yourselfer is only as good as his or her willingness to learn. Having the right tools in your toolbox or hanging over your work bench can make repairs and installations go much more smoothly. Review this checklist and aspire to have these tools in your home-repair arsenal.

Keeping Cool With 12 Low-Tech Solutions

Why pay high energy bills to cool your home when you can take some energy-saving, low-cost measures to simply keep the house from getting overheated in the first place? Here are some ways to keep your home cool without spending much money.

Cutting Costs Doesn't Mean Cutting Value

In spite of the country's economic woes, homeowners are embracing more cost-effective projects that don't sacrifice quality for the sake of saving money. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a home's value, these cost-conscious homeowners are finding that traditionally big budget projects are not the sole means to retaining a home's value.

$1,500 Tax Credit for Homeowners

Homeowners looking to upgrade their windows and take advantage of the government's energy tax credit have until the end of 2010 to qualify for up to $1,500 in federal tax credit.

Green Products That Save You Green

What could be "greener" than wood trim on your home? How about synthetic trim that resists termites, severe weather and rotting? These days, green products are defined more by their longevity on the home than their natural origins.

20 Projects in Just 20 Minutes

Since every dollar counts these days, homeowners need sensible home improvement products that can help increase the value of their homes without breaking the bank. Synthetic millwork products are a fast, easy way to reach this goal.

Counting Energy Pennies

41,599 pennies. That's how much the Jones family of Sugar Land, Texas saved in just one month on their energy bill once they upgraded their home's old windows, HVAC system and attic. "$415.99 is an impressive energy savings in just a month," says homeowner John Jones. "Before the home's energy-efficient renovation our energy bill was $749.70 in August of 2008. A year later the bill was just $333.71 for August of 2009 -- that's a drop of 55.5 percent!"

Moving Daylight

Windows are a great way to bring light into the home, but unfortunately walls and doors often stop that light from moving throughout the house. To continue daylight's natural flow in the home, designer Sherry Mitchell, IIDA, recommends incorporating acrylic block panels, door inserts and partition walls throughout rooms in the house.

Playing Peacemaker

Acrylic block walls and partitions can fill a very important role in a family home -- that of peacemaker. At the Lukert home in Douglasville, Georgia, homeowners Phil and Lindy Lukert were tasked with how to divide up their 2,900 square-foot basement into a multi-purpose area.

Built to Last

During her research of product selection for the renovation of her 100-year-old home, home improvement expert Theresa Coleman has seen windows that can stand up to hurricane force winds and intrusion attempts. Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows feature reinforced vinyl frames with impact-resistant laminated glass. The windows are tested to withstand severe weather conditions, have excellent sound dampening qualities and can help deter intruders.

Are Termites Eating You Out of House and Home?

Termite season is on the horizon. These insects cause billions of dollars in damage every year, according to the University of Kentucky Entomology Department. Because termites generally do damage while inside of walls or other out-of-sight areas, homeowners often do not know they have an infestation until it's too late. Identifying signs of termites and getting situations under control early can save you money and structural damage.

Prevent Drainage Problems at Home

Drainage issues on a property can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in potential damage. They can also cause safety issues down the line, such as mold or mildew accumulation on walls, breeding grounds for insects, or even sink holes. It's important to ensure proper drainage occurs around a home.

Top Home-Repair Blunders to Avoid

Home improvement projects seem to drum up images of shyster contractors or bumbling do-it-yourselfers. However, home repairs don't have to turn into an unorganized mess. By avoiding some common mistakes and taking common-sense precautions, you can end up with renovations that wow.

10 unique household locations for brick panels

Looking for an accent wall that really "pops" in the home? Eager to highlight a dormer window with brick but lacking the structural support to hold up the weighty blocks? Lightweight brick panels are the answer.

Simple Means to Making a Home Healthier

One way to clean a home while making it healthier and benefitting the environment is to rid the home of chemical contaminants that can be harmful to both your personal health and the air you're breathing. Many of these contaminants are not associated with traditional spring cleaning but can have as big an impact as anything you do around the house this season.

Garage Sales Changing Thanks to Technology

Traditionally, households with enough such items have decided to host a garage sale. However, like many remnants of yesteryear, garage sales have undergone a makeover as technology has evolved. Nowadays, the Internet allows homeowners to peddle their wares online, selling items via auction or simply through such Web sites as Amazon.com. Homeowners about to embrace the 21st century "garage sale" should consider the following tips.

Basement vs. Garage

People have stuff and need a place to put that stuff. For most, a basement or a garage is the ideal storage spot.

Construction Quick Tip: Post-modern homes choose walls with concrete

Building a home includes dreams of a house that might last for centuries -- or at the very least, a soaring return on the investment. So with a choice in materials when building from scratch, take note that the advanced technology starts with concrete walls.

Top tips to make a home green

Sustainable components include energy-efficient heating, lighting, cooling and water systems, as well as the reduction of natural resources like wood. Clip this checklist as a preliminary guide for both you and your builder.

Home Builder Quick Tip Concrete trumps wood

Insulated concrete form walls are now in high demand. Concrete is 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.

Builders and homeowners switch to concrete

Walls made of concrete in residential and commercial buildings deliver significant efficiencies in costs, comfort, environmental protection, and human health. If you need more information before making your building decisions, take a look at this in-field comparison on homes of a similar size.

Builders endorse green features

Builders today expect to hear upgrade requests for advanced technologies and efficiencies. Forward-thinking homeowners want to be assured of the healthiest, most durable, least wasteful materials -- and if possible, they want to live in the smartest house on the block.

Choose the greenest construction features

Leading manufacturer in this field, Nudura, suggests choosing materials at the outset that cannot be easily changed, such as high efficiency windows, ceiling technology and improved floor insulation. The building envelope of a home is the key to achieving maximum energy efficiency, while other products can be chosen to make the home to make it perform even better.

Is Duct Cleaning Necessary? That Depends

Duct cleaning advertisements are often included in newspapers and direct mailing campaigns delivered to the family mailbox. Duct cleaning seems like something that would make sense to do. However, is it worth the effort and expense?

Explore Eco-Friendly Pest Control

The warm weather certainly presents opportunities for fun in the sun. It also offers ideal conditions for many pesky insects to do their handiwork.

Decorating the All-Season Room

All-season rooms can add additional living space to a home and provide areas that marry the outdoors with inside.

Don't Get Stung by Pesky Insects

Bees and wasps can be a pain to live around ... literally. Exploring a number of traps and repellents could be the key to enjoying the outdoors this season.

Don't Let Carpenter Ants Damage Your Home

Carpenter ants are a nuissance to many people and can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to homes. Identifying and treating carpenter ants can prevent financial consequences from this invading pest.

Building Technology News: Post-modern homes are systems of efficiency

Just as it was only a generation ago when a computer filled an entire room, we've come a long way from the days when the average home wasted vast amounts of energy.

Home Building Tips: Upgrade features that can't be changed

Building a home from the ground up gives each one of us a chance to create the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly house of our lifetime -- and doing so, is not as hard as it sounds.

Build the best house on the street

Claiming to have the best house is probably in the eye of the beholder, but most of us can agree that achieving descriptions such as beautiful, responsible, and cost-efficient -- plus boundless growth in the resale value -- is a very big part of a homeowner's dream.

Less Soap Is Needed for Cleaning Up

If you will be doing loads of laundry or stacks of dishes, a good rule of thumb is to use less than you would expect of the detergents that you put in the washing machine and dishwasher.

'Where's My Bail Out?' Homeowner Finds Comfort in Stimulus Package

Mike Sievers expected that his home, built in 2005, was probably more energy efficient than most but, given recent rebates for home energy audits and improvements, he decided to double check. "I figured, if public funding is available to off-set costs for an energy retrofit, I should seize the opportunity, while it lasts," says Sievers.

Things to Consider Before Moving

Moving has been ranked among some of the most stressful events in a person's life. Despite the high levels of anxiety it can create, about 15 percent of Americans move each year. Younger people, aged 18 to 34, tend to do the most moving and go the longest distances, according to statistics. If you're considering moving this year, it pays to do your research and be aware of a few tips before beginning the process.

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

How home design trends are evolving for social distancing

Creating your own backyard oasis

Preparing your home for the next natural disaster

How to build a more energy-efficient home this summer

Tips to prepare for your next big home project

How to design your dream custom-built home

3 reasons to own a disaster-proof home

Top 5 hottest home building trends

Custom home-buying tips for first timers

Gorgeous trends in green home design

Storage/display opportunities: In furniture, along walls and in hidden places

Improving a home’s curb appeal

Refresh your home’s appeal with furniture paint

Choose the greenest builder available

Responsible building decisions deserve benefits, too

Major changes coming to new home building methods

Upgrade your tool collection for fall home projects

Storage solutions for shop, home and job sites

Remodel for fire safety

Remodel for maximum ROI with these top projects

Employ simple fire prevention measures to maximize safety

Sound control key to a calm, relaxing home

5 Tips to make an older home more energy efficient

How to avoid the cold comfort of a drafty house

Color a new home décor with a fresh coat of paint

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

Top ways you might be wasting your money

Top 5 home projects to help you save money

Save money and stay cool as temperatures rise

How to ensure a successful basement remodel

Move into the outdoors with wood furniture

Now anyone can build a disaster-resilient home

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

Weather every storm with concrete walls

Construction Quick Tip: Choose concrete walls for severe storm safety

Build your home guided by eco-responsibility

Ensure a more enjoyable winter indoors with simple soundproofing solutions

Top 5 renovation tips to create more space in your home

Maximize fall and winter energy savings with simple tips

5 simple ways to increase energy efficiency and savings

How to insulate your home against a deadly fire

Shop early for holiday gifts

Four easy tips for a basement makeover

Achieve the ideal sound experience at home

Consider moisture issues when choosing insulation

Five ways to increase home fire safety

Be prepared when seconds count: Renovate for fire safety

How to fend off a fruit fly invasion

Upscale home décor with crown molding

Finished basements save energy and deliver more living space

How to soundproof your home

Soundproof that man cave

How to make your renovation a successful, positive experience

Insulate to win big

Tackle home maintenance projects to save money

Reap the benefits of a well-insulated home

5 signs your home insulation is not working

Add upcycling to your home improvement tools

How to build a disaster-resilient house

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

Would you like to build a disaster-resilient house?

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

Disaster-resilient homes start with concrete walls

Kitchen Gift-Giving Made Easy with Personality Profiles

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

Recolor your kitchen and make it more efficient

Woodcraft Suggests Plan for Year of 'Dream Home Projects'

Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor

Electrical safety tips for holiday decorating

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

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

Weather threats are calmed by construction technology

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

Energy-saving concrete walls are built to weather any storm

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