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Trevor Russell Profile and Articles
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1). The Scrub-Free Way To A Mildew-Free Home
Mold and mildew can make the exterior of your home look dirty and unattractive-and if left unchecked, can damage paint, wood and siding. Unfortunately, removing mildew used to mean countless hours of scrubbing or power washing-only to have it return the next year. Fortunately, those days are gone!
Thanks to products specifically formulated to effectively.
2). Decorators Turn To Stone Surfaces For Elegance
It's not hard to see why stone surfaces add a look of refinement and elegance in home décor. Stone can complement virtually any type of interior design or outdoor landscaping. While stone flooring, exposed brick walls and exterior stone walkways are pleasing to the eye, the price of real stone may be out of reach for many family budgets. Happily, new manufacturing techniques are now producing specialty coatings that look and feel like authentic stone inlays, at a fraction of the real-stone price.
3). Landscape Can Drive Home Values
The look of your lawn and garden may be the first and perhaps the most lasting impression people have of your home and property. Landscaping plays an essential role in enhancing its beauty and increasing the value.
Fortunately, homeowners can turn their own landscapes into works of art at an affordable price.
In recent years, many companies have begun to introduce more varieties of bagged rock and mulch.
4). Cedar Closets: America's Best-Kept Secret
Americans are opening the door a bit wider on cedar closets. A recent survey of 1,000 adults showed that while only 10 percent actually own a cedar closet, 41 percent would consider installing one in their homes when informed about the benefits.
"Our research clearly shows that the benefits of cedar closets may be America's best- kept home improvement secret," says Bev Head, CEO of Huntsville, Alabama-based Giles & Kendall, the #1 cedar closet liner manufacturer in the United States and makers of the CedarSafe Natural Closet Liner brand.
5). Tips To Keep Teak Furniture Looking Its Best
To survive rain, wind and sun outdoor furniture has to be tough--and no material is as prized for its rugged beauty and legendary durability as teak.
Made to last for decades with absolutely no maintenance, upkeep is more a matter of personal preference than a requirement. While some people prefer the golden color of new teak, others prefer the distinguished silver-grey that teak becomes as it weathers.
6). The Less Stress, Less Mess, Smarter Way To Paint A Room
Brushing up on the best way to paint a room might be easier with a full palette of ideas from the experts:
• Color. The first step is paint color selection. It's a good idea to try a small sample on the wall or hang up a paint color swatch to see how light affects the color at different points in the day. Some paint manufacturers make it even easier for you.
7). Get On Deck With New Outdoor Living Options
Outdoor living is here to stay. According to a recent survey, Americans spend more than $18.7 billion annually on outdoor home improvement projects. With more than 30 million backyard decks already built in the U.S., a good portion is spent on decks and railing. If you're among the millions of homeowners who will be replacing or building a new deck, porch or patio this year, it's time to do some homework on the many new materials and style options now available.
8). New Outdoor Furnishings Help Americans Create A Relaxing Oasis
Americans are increasingly looking to outdoor spaces around their homes for a tranquil retreat. In research conducted by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, 42 percent of the homeowners think of their outdoor space as "an outdoor room." When asked to list the most important attributes for that space, 86 percent said it should be "relaxing." Sixty percent said it should be a place for family and friends to "hang out" and 57 percent wanted "a sanctuary.
9). Light The Way To Security
Returning from work, errands or vacation to find your home burglarized would be devastating. You'd lose more than money; you'd lose your sense of security. This summer, protect your property and your well-being with the following tips:
Lock It Up Like Fort Knox. Check that every window and door lock is tight and in working order.
Enlist Nature's Most Beautiful Barbwire.
10). A new line of polymer siding is molded from real cedar to simulate authentic texture and size.
The Home Doctor offers answers to all your building questions.
Q. I will soon be remodeling the exterior of my home and like the look of wood shake siding, yet don't want to spend the required time or money on maintaining the shakes. Can I still achieve this look without the hassle?
A. Many homeowners find themselves in similar situations. Cedar shakes may be appealing at first, but the work that goes into maintaining them can tarnish their appeal over time.
11). Four Easy Steps to Home Improvement Success
As the weather warms and brightens, it's a great time to start working on home improvement projects. By following a few tips from Lou Manfredini, home improvement expert and Skil Power Tools Ambassador, tackling DIY projects is as easy as one-two-three.
Have the right tools to get the job done. A combination of power and hand tools will go a long way toward tackling projects all around the house.
12). Simple Cleaning Tips to Freshen Up Your Home
Now is a good time to get rid of dust and grime. While cleaning is never the most glamorous task, it can help to bring freshness into your home as well as create a healthy environment for you and your family. The following tips will help you start off right.
• Dust and vacuum corners and crevices from high points to low. Dust falls downward so you want to clean from top to bottom of any room.
13). Tips On Bubble-Proofing Your Home
What can you do to bubble-proof your home and protect yourself, regardless of what happens in the frenzied housing market?
A real estate bubble, simply put, is an unsustainable gain in home prices that can jeopardize resale value and equity.
Alex Koutouzis, senior vice president for Opteum Financial Services, one of the nation's fastest-growing mortgage lenders, says, "The options really depend on your personal needs and situation, your risk tolerance and what you're looking to achieve.
14). House-Painting Tips
Seasons wreak havoc on a home's exterior. In fact, Americans spend over $4.8 billion annually on maintenance services. Spring is the ideal time for homeowners to plan the repainting of their homes. The exterior of your home is the first impression you give the outside world and a good paint job is critical to your home's appearance.
Ed Waller, co-founder of Certa-Pro Painters, offers tips on painting the exterior of your home and ideas to make your job easier.
15). A Thermostat That Speaks To A Consumer's Needs
If you have a question about how to make your home more comfortable, you may want to ask your thermostat. An innovative, programmable "talking" thermostat has been designed to make it easier for you to control your home comfort systems.
The EZ Talk feature of the "Talking Thermostat" from the Coleman® brand of York, a Johnson Controls Company, audibly guides homeowners through every step of programming a heating/cooling system thermostat.
16). Your AC System-Repair Or Replace?
To repair or replace? That is the question, particularly when it comes to your air-conditioning system. Since newer systems are more energy efficient, it sometimes makes more sense to replace a system rather than spend money on costly repairs. Industry averages suggest an air conditioner should last 12 to 15 years, as long as you have a qualified technician perform regular preventative maintenance and service.
17). Ideas For Distinctive Bathrooms Keep Flowing
Traditionally, bathrooms have been designed to be functional, but have often lacked the style and sophistication that is characteristic of those you see today. Today's homeowners are investing more money remodeling their bathrooms, turning them into a place for retreat and relaxation.
According to a recent survey, 30 percent of homeowners are spending more than $10,000 on updating and expanding their bathrooms.
18). Lawn Tractors Can Be Versatile And Agile
Now that you've moved to the countryside, you find yourself with new challenges. For example, your new home probably has more grass than you're used to-possibly more than you've ever seen. Not only that, but the job of taking care of it is all yours. When you now have three, four or even five acres, the walk-behind mower that used to do a fine job on your smaller suburban lot just isn't going to cut it.
19). Tips To Help Prepare Your Home For Sale
How would a prospective buyer view your home? That's the first thing you should ask yourself before putting your home on the market.
A few small changes can make a big difference.
• Is it cluttered? Remove photographs and small items from tabletops; put away kitchen appliances and other items on countertops and tables; organize closets and cabinets; and remove furniture so rooms look bigger.
20). Today's Supersized Windows Call For Innovative Fashion Solutions
When building a dream house, today's homeowners want more than a room with a view. They want lots of rooms and bigger windows to maximize the view and let in more light.
Recent statistics from the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) indicate that new houses continue to get larger and so do windows.
They show that a majority of Gen X'ers and Y's prefer nine-foot or higher ceilings-and soaring rooms often incorporate enormous windows.
21). Tips For Easing Energy Bills
A home's points of entry can become a fast exit for energy and end up costing a small fortune on utility bills. To avoid being shortchanged by windows, doors and the garage, home energy experts recommend making a few simple modifications.
Seal The Envelope Before Sending the Bill
Homeowners should seal windows and doors "like an envelope" -or otherwise risk air-conditioning the entire neighborhood.
22). Heating and Cooling Without Extra Ductwork
There's good news for homeowners who want to keep their homes cool while improving indoor air quality. Thanks to a new development in HVAC technology, they can do it without tearing apart walls to add ductwork or sacrificing space to noisy window units.
A residential line of ductless systems called the Mr. Slim® M-Series from Mitsubishi Electric are a great fit for additions, such as sunrooms, as well as finished basements, attics and other main living areas.
23). Rely On Experts When Using Online Information
Increasingly, savvy homeowners are making the Web their first stop when taking on a home improvement project. There are websites that, with the click of a mouse, can detail everything from caulking to landscaping to hiring a pest professional for an annual inspection. It's important, however, to make sure you are getting useful and accurate information.
24). Be Cool, Feel Good And Save On Utility Bills
Besides staying cool when the warm weather rolls in, not getting hot under the collar when the utility bills arrive can be a challenge. The goal is to find an air-conditioning system that looks nice, makes you feel good and operates efficiently.
How To Measure
Cooling Efficiency
Recently enacted federal legislation helps with the efficiency issue.
25). Control Dust With The Touch Of A Button
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans have allergies. Quite simply, an allergy is overreaction of the human immune system to a foreign protein substance that is eaten, breathed, injected or touched.
While you can't eliminate your body's reaction to allergies, you can limit its exposure to contaminants such as dust and pollen.
26). Ants: A Nuisance Best Handled By Professionals
If ants showed up only at picnics, perhaps they'd be easier to tolerate. Instead, they can make their way through the tiniest gaps and appear unwelcome in most any area of the home. As the number-one "nuisance pest" in the U.S., ants enter homes to find food and water. This means that no matter how your home is constructed, where it's located or how old it is, it could be invaded by ants.
27). While You're Away, The Pests Will Play
While you and your family pack your bags and abandon the house for vacation this season, some populations are poised to play in your absence.
For certain pests, an empty home is a friendly home. And when you rush out of town, it's important to take precautions so unexpected pests don't get too comfortable roaming in and around your house.
"When your family is at home, the house may seem perfectly pest-free," said Frank Meek, entomologist and technical director for Orkin, Inc.
28). Choosing The Right Material For Your Deck
Looking to add a deck to your home? If so, the toughest part of the project may not be deciding what size or where to put your deck, but what material to use. Until recently, pressure-treated lumber has been the standard material for deck builders. Wood has always been relatively easy to repair and work with, but now more than ever, homeowners have a growing choice when they visit their local home center.
29). Cleaning Trends And Tips From The Pros
According to a recent survey, spring-cleaning is not just done during March or April.
More than 50 percent of those who responded to a recent cleaning trends survey conducted by Levolor Window Fashions said spring-cleaning can be-and is-done all year long.
The survey also discovered that quite a few people will happily pay someone else to spring-clean their homes.
30). New Ways To Turn That Clutter Into Cash
If you've got a lot of clutter in your house, you're not alone. Millions of homeowners discover this either when they're getting ready to move or at the start of spring cleaning.
In the past, clearing out homes resulted in low-revenue garage sales and multiple trips to the consignment store. But today, the latest trend in home organization is to clear out and cash in by dropping off unwanted items at eBay drop-off stores.
31). Blooming Beginnings For Your Fresh-Cut Flowers
Can flowers make people bloom? A Rutgers University study showed that having flowers around evokes many positive emotional, physical and psychological benefits. Here are some tips to prolong the enjoyment you get from flowers:
• Cool Off-While preparing to put the flowers in a vase, store the blooms in a cool place.
• Keep it Clean-Vases, floral clippers and knives should be clean.
32). What You Should Know About Portable Generator Safety
Portable electric generators provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly.
To keep families safe, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offer a helpful new video and recommend taking the following precautions:
• Contact a licensed electrician to install your generator to make sure it meets local codes.
33). Cleaning Made Easy
Finding time to clean in a fast-paced environment has become more of a chore than ever. Women with hectic schedules can attest that convenience and effectiveness are key when dealing with the overabundance of stains, smudges, dirt and grime encountered daily. While cleaning is never a preferred activity, there are surefire methods to make the process less excruciating.
34). Portals To Safety And Savings
Savvy homeowners are discovering they can open their home to safety and a wealth of other benefits with the help of impact-resistant windows and doors.
The same technology that helps protect a home from a hurricane can also help prevent a burglar from breaking in, significantly reduce outdoor noise, block 99 percent of UV rays and cut energy costs.
35). How To Upgrade Your AC
Upgrading your central AC unit can save you some cool cash-if it's done correctly.
Federal regulations recently raised the minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) to 13, from the previous minimum of 10. Higher energy costs might prompt many homeowners to upgrade their systems this year.
A central air-conditioning unit has two parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
36). The Home Doctor Will See You Now
The Home Doctor offers answers to all your building questions.
Q. I'm in the market for a new wrought iron fence for my house; however, I don't want the maintenance that comes with it. Can you recommend alternative products that will help me achieve the traditional look of ornamental fencing?
A. I agree. Wrought iron fencing is beautiful, but the required maintenance keeps many homeowners from purchasing it.
37). Hidden Invaders
Although termites are small in size, they have big appetites, annually eating away at American homes to the tune of $5 billion. Unfortunately, most homeowners' policies don't cover the damage they leave behind.
To protect your home, here are some tips from experts:
• Don't delay fixing roof or plumbing leaks. These leaks can allow termites to survive above- ground and in your home.
38). Get An Attractive Lawn In Just A Couple Of Hours A Week
Time-strapped homeowners take heart-you can have an attractive lawn. Dedicating less than two hours a week to the average lawn can produce great results if you prioritize your tasks, says the nationally known "Yard Doctor," Trey Rogers, Ph.D.
A recent survey revealed that consumers' number one lawn care problem was finding enough time to care for their yards.
39). Tips For Hiring A Reputable Roofing Contractor
Curling or cracked shingles. Leaks in the ceiling. Too many asphalt granules in the gutters. Any one of these telltale signs can mean it's time to replace your home's roof. So where do you start? With a reputable contractor. Schedule time to sit down with three or more recommended roofers and ask the following questions:
• What is the full name and address of the company? This will verify that the company is credible.
40). Keep Your Home Safe From Electrical Hazards
Your home is a safe haven from the world, a place to relax and unwind with family and friends. Unfortunately, hidden dangers may be lurking behind the walls that threaten your safety and that of your loved ones. That's why it's a good time to find out just how safe your home is from electrical hazards.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there's plenty of reason for concern: Nearly 32,000 fires in the home were caused by faulty house wiring or damaged wiring devices each year between 1999 and 2002.
41). Now May Be The Right Time To Buy A House
If you're thinking about buying a home, the news is good. That's because interest rates are rising and home sales are slowing. As a result, many sellers are getting nervous about sitting on their houses for months on end.
Even if you don't have the cash reserves needed for a down payment, that doesn't mean you can't become a homeowner. That's because there are programs that provide down-payment assistance for potential buyers who are otherwise qualified for a mortgage.
42). Stress-Free Moving Tips
Each summer, an estimated 43 million Americans pick up and relocate. And for many of these families, moving disrupts their normal routine and generates feelings of uncertainty as they enter uncharted waters.
Mayflower Transit, one of the leading names in moving, recommends the following tips to help make the move less stressful:
• Do Your Homework-Before.
43). Investing In Your Home's Value
The impact the outside of your home makes is the first impression others have of your home. Whether you're looking to put your home on the market or you just want to improve its appearance, there are a few key projects that will improve the resale value and the aesthetics of your home.
Cut your grass and weed and edge your garden. Keeping your yard manicured will make a big difference, and the only expense is a little elbow grease.
44). Turf Wars-The Battle For Your Yard
It's your home and lawn, right? So why share them with destructive pests?
"Your yard shouldn't be a place where you have to deal with destructive bugs or worry about the diseases they may carry," says Bayer Advanced™ Garden Expert Lance Walheim, the author of "Lawn Care for Dummies."
But there are really two types of destructive pests: those that damage the lawn or affect people by attacking aboveground, or those that attack your lawn by chewing on the grass roots.
45). Improving A Home's First Impression
Realtors say a large percentage of home buyers make decisions about homes before they even walk in the front door. Those decisions are usually based on the initial impression a buyer gets at first sight of a house and yard.
As you might imagine, improving a home's first impression is an important step in getting top value for your house. Fortunately, simple steps can help.
46). Clean, Restore, Beautify And Protect Your Deck
It's time to move out the patio furniture and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors. But before you do, make sure you clean, restore, beautify and protect your deck so you can get the most out of it during the spring and summer months ahead. Here are some tips from the experts at Wolman® Wood Care Products:
• Clean the deck thoroughly to remove embedded dirt, mildew stains and weathered gray surface wood with a formulated deck cleaner like Wolman® DeckBrite™.
47). Dishwashers 101
Learning a few dishwasher basics can make washing dishes seem like less of a chore. Try these tips:
Delicate Glassware
Typically, you need to use soft water to safely clean china and other delicate glassware. However, new types of dishwashers actually detect the hardness in water that can etch glassware. They add salt as needed so that the dishwasher can safely clean delicate items.
48). New Study: Cleaning The Tub Is A Pain
People have been complaining about cleaning the bathroom since the advent of indoor plumbing. Now a new study by the University of California San Francisco/Berkeley Ergonomics Program indicates that help is on the way for those who detest bending and stretching to get a clean tub and shower.
According to the study, using a tool with a long handle can make cleaning the tub/shower easier, taking less effort and decreasing stress on shoulders, knees and lower back.
49). Easy-To-Install Retractable Screen Doors Give Beautiful Views
There where you need it and out of sight when you don't, retractable screen doors can maximize the view while letting in fresh air.
Retractable screen doors such as those from ODL feature few parts and a new magnetic latch for a more secure closure. An exclusive SlamProof system prevents pinched fingers and ensures safe recoil into the housing unit.
50). Cutting Heating Costs
Proper furnace care and smart purchases can help you reduce the high costs of heating your home. That's good news considering that energy bills-which are already historically high-are expected to continue to climb. In fact, a recent article in USA Today reported that homeowners on average will see a 25.7 percent increase in heating costs compared to a year ago.
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