By: Pat Curry Choosing the wrong type of paint finish could mean a do-over that costs twice as much. There’s a basic rule of thumb to follow when choosing paint sheens: The higher the sheen, the higher the shine — and the higher the shine, the more durable it will be. Flat paint has no shine; […]

Home Design Ideas, Home Maintenance

January 25, 2023

Guide to Paint Finishes—So You Won’t Waste Your Money

By: Sarah Fogle It’s amazing what perennials, mulch, and decorative rocks can do. When you’re looking for your dream home, you might find that it comes with more yard than you’ve ever had before — or had to maintain. These fall yard cleanup tips will help you set up (and enjoy) an easy-care yard year-round. 1. […]

Home Maintenance

November 21, 2022

Fall Yard Cleanup—8 Shortcuts for Easy Care

By: Stacey Freed Why now’s the perfect time to replace appliances. The temps are starting to drop, and the smell of wood smoke is in the air. That’s when veteran homeowners know it’s time to do these six things if they want to avoid trouble or overspending. 1. Buy AppliancesWhisper to them. Do a rain dance. Whatever […]

Home Maintenance

October 21, 2022

Six tasks that every smart homeowner does in October

By: Douglas Trattner Consider age, repair cost, pricing, energy efficiency, and whether to modify your kitchen to accommodate a new unit. When an appliance is old and isn’t working efficiently, it may seem natural to decide to replace it rather than repair it — may it rest in peace. But appliances often break before their time, […]

Home Maintenance

August 24, 2022

When to Repair or Replace Your Appliance