Around The Home

06

Aug

Around The Home

DIY Home Improvement: How to Spice Up That Boring Basement by Adding a New Bar

If you live in a home with a basement, you may have already started finishing it, or you may have big plans to convert the space into something more usable and practical. When it comes to basement renovations, few projects add as much value and opportunity for entertainment as adding in a basement bar. A bar is an easy home improvement project to complete, and you can use it for entertaining family and friends. Here’s a quick guide to installing a bar in your basement and turning that dank, dreary room into a great space for making new memories. Preparing…

18

Jul

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

A Quick Guide to Assessing Your Home’s Foundation for Cracks – And What to Do if You Find Them

When purchasing a home, there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account. One of those considerations is the foundation of the home. No matter how perfect or suitable a property looks, taking the time to properly inspect the property for foundation problems can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs later on. While foundation cracks are usually present in older homes, that does not mean that newer and even brand new homes aren't prone to them. When choosing a property, the following tips can help homebuyers find signs of foundation problems and take the right…

15

Jul

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Getting Ready to Retire? Six Tips for Downsizing from Huge House to Efficient Condo

If you're getting ready to retire, you may be thinking about downsizing. Having a large house makes sense when you're raising kids, but once you reach your golden years, it usually makes sense to move into a smaller, more efficient condo. While downsizing may seem impossible, these six tips will help you reach your goal. 1. The Six-Month Rule If you're finding it hard to figure out what to keep and what to get rid of, stick to the six-month rule - if you haven't used an item within half of a year, you probably don't need it. Seasonal items…

01

Jul

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Summer’s Coming: Why Adding a Pool to Your Home Can Drastically Increase Its Value (And Its Fun!)

Value is defined as the importance, worth or usefulness of something; to estimate the monetary worth of something. When the subject is a home, and what adds value to it, then breaking it down into its most common denominator is necessary. A family looking for a home decides that it has enough space, that there is room to expand perhaps, and that the home would be handy for entertaining guests. Adding a pool to the mix greatly improves the form and functionality of a home. Below, we'll explain why there are few home renovations or additions that add more value…

17

Jun

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Wrought Iron, A Simple, Strong, And Beautiful Addition To Any Modern Home

Wrought iron is a classic accent that has been used to beautify homes for centuries. Its strong and simple elegance is a wonderful addition to any modern home and can be incorporated into home design in many different ways. A Masculine Addition To Any Design Wrought iron is considered to be masculine from a design standpoint. It is a great way to add depth and balance to a home. It works well with both light and dark palettes, and can be incorporated into most modern home designs. Because it is fabricated by welding, wrought iron has a strength beyond that…

30

May

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Did You Know? How Paint Color Choices Can Drastically Affect The ‘Mood’ Of Your Home

Whether you're sprucing up your house to sell or simply looking for a color to bring out the beauty of your home, it's imperative that you do your homework. Before you head off to your local DIY store with a paint sample in one hand and a wallet in the other, you need to ensure that you're picking the colors that are right for your home and your personality. It is true that you can never go wrong with a neutral, but you can also go so much more right with the correct color in the appropriate space, whether it's…

28

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

How To Make Your Home Look More Luxurious On A Budget

Have you been looking through home décor magazines and gazing with wonder at the gorgeous homes inside? Do you want to add a touch of elegance and luxury to your home, but you are on a tight budget? No need to worry, there are many ways that you can make your home look like a million bucks, without actually having to spend a fortune. Luxury Home Decor Ideas Here are a few great ideas that don't have to cost a lot, they just require a little bit of planning and some elbow grease and they will take your home…

27

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Where To Squeeze A Home Office In Your Home

If you have started working from home, whether you are a freelancer or running a business, having a home office in your home is very important. It is a place where you can separate your home life and work, so that you can get "in the zone" and concentrate on the important work tasks that you need to complete. But where should you place your home office? If you have a spare bedroom in your home, the answer is easy - but what if you don't have this extra space? Is it possible to squeeze a home office into an…

26

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

How To Maintain Your Gutters

An entire gutter system around the home might seem expensive to many homeowners. However, not having one could mean water pooling around your home creating a moat and costing you thousands of dollars in damage to your foundation. So it's a good idea to install gutters and take care of them. Below are tips for gutter maintenance to help keep water away from your home. Unclog The Gutters Annual gutter maintenance includes cleaning them of debris, such as leaves, sticks or animal nests. Remove downspout cages and clean them. Determine if they're still in good shape or need to be…

14

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

How To Make Your Old Furniture Look Like New

Out with the old, in with the new. The beginning of 2014 can have you wanting to reinvent yourself — and your home. It's time to start fresh. Paint the walls, change the curtains and get new furniture. It's important to have your home be a reflection of you; however, all that remodeling can get expensive. Take a cue from Auld Lang Syne by buying a few new pieces, but keeping some of your older furniture. If they have sturdy bones, then you can update their look by reupholstering them to fit your new home vibe. Below are DIY steps…