All posts in The Basics (11)
A patterned floor gives a room more visual interest than a wide expanse of uniform color. But if the pattern repeats too obviously, the effect quickly becomes cluttered and unprofessional. The wider the variety in the floor’s pattern, the better the overall look. Here’s what you need to know to . . . Read more
When you watch home renovation shows or those about couples buying their first home, it seems like “Craftsman-style” always comes up. People are looking for Craftsman-style houses with great details, since these accents really add interest and make them stand out of from the cookie-cutter suburban homes that are so . . . Read more
Giving your walls a fresh coat of paint can lend a room new life, and giving the baseboards a new coat takes this fresh feeling to a whole new level. Painting baseboards can be a tricky endeavor, so follow these steps for a clean and efficient paint job. Baseboard Paint . . . Read more
The right paint color can instantly transform a space from dull and lifeless to refined and vibrant. If you want to give your interior rooms a pick-me-up without spending too much money, a few cans of paint will make a tremendous difference. Follow these tips to make your DIY paint . . . Read more
Bathroom renovations are a key means to increase functionality and comfort at home, as well as home value. Here are some of the bathroom remodeling FAQs to help you get started on creating the bathroom you’re envisioning. What’s the difference between renovating and remodeling? Renovating your bathroom is a less . . . Read more
Here’s a guide to what you should do prior to laying your flooring.
When shopping for flooring materials, do you ever consider their R-value? Most people think of a building’s insulation and thermal conductivity in terms of its walls, roof, windows, and doors. However, your home’s floors also impact heat loss and gain. If you want to lower your energy bills and keep . . . Read more
The Lacey Act, authored by Congressman John F. Lacey and first enacted in 1900, is the oldest wildlife protection statute on U.S. books. It was originally designed to combat trafficking in illegal wildlife, fish and some plants. The 2008 amendment to the Lacey Act expanded the scope of protection to . . . Read more
When it comes to flooring, the more muffled the sound, the better, especially in a multi-story building, house, apartment, or condominium. Fortunately, there are several good flooring choices with effective dampening properties to reduce sound transmission. Sound is transmitted when hard objects, like hard-soled shoes, furniture, dropped objects, or even . . . Read more
Formaldehyde in Your Home Formaldehyde is a compound chemical made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that is found literally everywhere, since it occurs naturally and is synthesized for industrial use in everyday products. The list of household and personal care products that contain small amounts of formaldehyde is endless, . . . Read more