Home Improvement

Rodents and other unwelcome wildlife pose many risks; keep them outside with this expert advice. (NewsUSA) — As colder weather settles in, many creatures are looking for a warm place to spend the winter. Rodents, birds, raccoons and other wildlife are seeking refuge from the cold -- in your home. Birds will take shelter in warm attics, mice will snack on holiday foods, and raccoons will paw through garbage. These over-eager guests can spread disease by leaving droppings and urine around your home and wreak havoc on wires and … [Read more...] about Tips to keep wildlife outdoors this season

Home spas come with many risks. Caution should be used when installing one. (Family Features) Spas add extra comfort to homes, providing families with medical benefits and the opportunity to escape the outside hustle-and-bustle and relax in the soothing warm water. But, with home spas come many risks that can lead to serious injury or even death. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), since 1990, spas and hot tubs have accounted for more than 800 deaths nationwide. To raise awareness of these … [Read more...] about Home Spa Safety

(Family Features) Summer is the perfect time of year for outdoor entertaining. But before you start planning the menus and guest lists, make sure your house and yard are ready to take on the fun. “Your grill, outdoor power equipment and appliances play a big part in your summer routines,” said Jamie Breneman, contributor to TheSavvyShopperBlog.com. “So you want to make sure everything is in good working order to avoid any unnecessary hassles that may get in the way of your fun-packed summer. A few simple steps can guarantee that … [Read more...] about Gearing Up for Summer Fun

(NewsUSA) — Everyone experiences changes in their eyesight as they age. For many, it means buying reading glasses to read a menu, newspaper or other small print. According to the American Lighting Association, changing the lighting in your surroundings can go a long way to enhance reading ability and increase comfort. “Often, the first thing people notice as they get older is their loss of ability to see distance,” said Terry McGowan, director of engineering & technology for ALA and owner of Lighting Ideas in Cleveland. “That … [Read more...] about Lighting can be your eyes’ best friend as you age

Having the correct tool for gardening saves time. (Family Features) Taking the DIY approach to lawn and garden care has many advantages, such as saving money and offering some fresh air and exercise, but sometimes it can turn into a timely endeavor. By the time you round up tools and supplies, figure out a plan of action and get working, you could easily lose half of your day to lawn care. By approaching lawn and garden care smartly however, you can still have time for many other activities with family and friends. Here are … [Read more...] about Gardening Time Savers

By Charlie Nardozzi (Family Features) Spring in the garden is a dangerous time. The temptation is to go out on those warm, sunny days and plant 'til you drop. Not only is that strenuous on your body and mind, it can also lead to the proverbial glut of food in a few months. A better solution is to plan out your annual edible garden so crops mature in a more orderly fashion. Succession planting requires a little knowledge of the type of plants you're growing, a little planning to have room for them to grow, and the patience to … [Read more...] about Gardening With Charlie: Succession in the Garden

(Family Features) — Updating a living room or family room doesn't have to mean giving it a complete makeover. A few simple changes can transform a tired room into a fresh space in no time. Give your windows better treatment. • Replace heavy draperies — which can look outdated — with a more contemporary alternative. Faux wood, honeycomb blinds, roman or vertical shades — there are a lot of options to dress up your windows. Many online companies will send you samples so you can see how the different options will look in your … [Read more...] about Easy Ways to Transform a Room

Use summer cleaning as an opportunity to pest-proof your home. (NewsUSA) — In the heat of summer, unwanted pests are making their way into cooler homes, and they are more than just a nuisance. Pests pose risks to people’s health and property, so it is important for homeowners to take steps to prevent infestations. There are many ways in which homeowners can “pest-proof” their homes as part of their summer-maintenance routine. Taking preventive measures early in the season is the best approach to keeping pests at bay. “As … [Read more...] about Pest-proof your home against summertime critters

(Family Features) Not everyone has the time or money to undergo a complete bathroom renovation, but there are some simple and cost effective ways to make your bathroom as good as new in a short amount of time, and at a fraction of the cost. Waterpik® and Kelly Edwards, designer from HGTV’s “Design on a Dime,” have some ideas and tips that can be used to update any bathroom in less than two days, and for $200 or less. “Even the smallest changes can make a big difference,” said Edwards. “Pick one or all of the tips below to quickly … [Read more...] about Update Your Bathroom in a Weekend

Family Features — If you're looking to sell your home or just want to upgrade your current space, you need to know which home improvement projects will pay off in the long run and which ones will end up costing you. The best home improvements will increase your resale value, positively affect utility bills, or reduce the cost of maintenance. • Instant Curb Appeal: While high-tech showers or appliances are perks to buying, they do not set the stage when a potential buyer enters the house. So if you're going to invest in a … [Read more...] about Savvy home improvements