Paint isn’t just for walls. Here’s how to breathe new life into old stuff (like your worn-out vinyl floor). Did you know that a little paint can perk up carpets, appliances, and even vinyl floors? With proper prep, you can paint just about anything in your house. Here are seven of our favorite house paint ideas to give new life to old things: 1 Paint Door, Drawer, and Cabinet Hardware Spray paint can turn builder-grade brass locks and hinges into fashion-forward hardware with an oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, or stainless look. Insert the door lock’s spindle into a square of Styrofoam,…

Your "do-it-yourself" attitude is commendable, but at some point, you’ll need to hire a home repair contractor and pay someone to fix something in your home. There are going to be situations when you don’t have the time, inclination or skill to make a particular repair or do some of the work you need to be done. We all hire someone to fix something in our house at some point. What you’ll find here is some guidance on when and how to select a home repair or maintenance contractor. Types of Home Repair Contractors When you need repair work done on your home, you…

  1. The simplest way to assess the curb appeal of your house is to walk to the curb—or to the street—and view it with the critical eyes of someone who has never looked at it before. Enlist the help of a friend whose opinion you value, sense of style you admire, and who will be honest. Take pictures of the house and front yard, along with close-ups of the door, path, landscaping and other details. Know your home’s architectural style. Is it Midcentury Modern, Colonial, Georgian, or maybe Spanish? Get smart about your region’s climate and local environmental issues that might…

The most common mistake homeowners make is believing that their homeowners insurance is all inclusive. They think it will cover everything and anything that goes wrong in the home. It isn’t and it won’t. Let’s look at what a home warranty covers compared to what homeowners insurance covers. We’ll then look at why having both is the best way to protect your home. What does a home warranty cover? Here are some of the most commonly covered systems and appliances under a Home Warranty Service Agreement. HVAC systems Plumbing and electrical systems Major appliances: washer/dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven range, disposal…