Do-it-yourself deck-building tips
(ARA) – Looking for a way to enhance the use and enjoyment of your outdoor space? A deck addition may be the solution. A deck creates a designated area for entertaining and relaxing outdoors, while increasing homeowner satisfaction and home value. If you’re a motivated do-it-yourselfer, building your own deck can be a fun and rewarding challenge that saves you money and ensures your outdoor space is tailored to suit you and your home.
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Replace or repair? That’s the home improvement question
Filed under: Energy Efficiency, Heating & Cooling, Home Improvement, HVAC system, Skylights, Windows
(ARA) – Maintenance and improvement are both essential realities of home ownership. From windows and skylights to gas ranges and front doors, everything in your home will eventually need some work. But how do you know when something simply needs repair, or merits being replaced?
Top deck trends for summer 2012
Filed under: Deck and Patios, Exterior, Home Remodeling, Landscaping
(ARA) – It’s that time of year when homeowners are lured outside by the warm, sunny weather. Is your outdoor space ready to be enjoyed to the fullest? If your deck or patio needs updating, catching up on the top design innovations and trends will help you create an inviting area that will add value to your home investment.
Five renovations to make an even bigger splash with your backyard pool
(ARA) – If you added a pool to your home in the past few years, or moved into a house with an existing pool, you may wonder what more you can do to enhance the value and enjoyment your pool brings to your home and family. You may even think there’s not much you can do beyond keeping it clean and well maintained.
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Black is ‘in’ for up-to-date interiors – Stylish new kitchen additions take a dramatically dark turn
Filed under: Home Renovation, kitchen countertop, Kitchen Remodeling, Sink
(ARA) – Love the way you feel after slipping into your little black dress, or donning a well-tailored black suit? Black is not only a great shade on you – it’s also a great shade for your home. The stylish finish is especially perfect in the kitchen – and can be seen in everything from kitchen appliances to hardware, and now even faucets. Make your kitchen feel just as good as you do in your go-to outfit with the magic of black.
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Weekend warrior – add style, safety and storage solutions in the bath in less than 48 hours
(ARA) – Many homeowners are looking to redo and update their homes, but with busy schedules, they often only have time on the weekends. While a complete overhaul of the house might be unrealistic for this time frame, a bathroom makeover is completely possible. The following tips and tricks will show you how to be a weekend warrior without having to hire a professional crew for assistance.
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Choose a certified installer to create curb appeal with confidence
Filed under: Curb Appeal, Exterior, Exterior Finishes, Home Renovation Contractors
(ARA) – Looking for a way to improve the curb appeal of your home? Re-siding your home with vinyl siding is a great investment because it never needs painting to maintain its beauty and durability.
Plumbing pro tells how to install an extra bath with less cost, noise and mess
Filed under: Basement, Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Bedroom, Plumbing
(ARA) – So, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and add that much-needed extra bathroom. Smart idea! According to the 2011-2012 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report, an added bath will return more than 50 percent of your investment at resale. So what should you do to make sure your money is well spent?
Five tips for creating a stadium-style lawn in your own backyard
(ARA) – With summer on the horizon, families will be heading to backyards across the country for picnics, sports games and to simply soak up the sun. A lush green lawn is the perfect setting for these activities and will be the envy of the neighborhood. How does one achieve that well-manicured, stadium-style lawn?
Translating a remodeling dream into reality

(ARA) – You’ve made the decision to remodel your home. The budget range and project scope have been set. You’ve even preemptively told your sister-in-law she’ll need to host Christmas (alright, that was before you knew you were going to remodel). Now what?


