If you want to reduce your home energy costs, the easiest way is to turn the thermostat up or down. In fact, you probably won't notice a difference of 2 degrees either way — and the savings can be substantial. However, if you want to lower your bill even further each month, here are some additional tips that are relatively easy to implement. • Plug or fix the drafts. Even in newer homes, air filtration can occur at windows and doors. So, check around your home for drafts.... [read more]

Chances are, you know that you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year — even if you suspect the batteries are still good. But that isn't the only fire safety check you should do annually. Here are some other recommended tips to help keep you and your family safe. • Clean your stove burners and oven regularly. Hard grease build-up can become combustible. • Check your cupboard for cleaning products, paints and other liquids that are... [read more]

No matter what you think of snakes, you must agree that they have a unique way of dealing with worn-out skin. When the time comes, they simply shed it — like an old jacket — revealing a fresh new skin underneath. Your home's roof doesn't have that advantage! So, when the shingles wear out or become damaged, you need to have them replaced. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to determine whether your shingles need replacement right away, or whether you can hold off... [read more]

Two of the biggest stressors for DIYers are projects that cost too much or take too long. Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to guarantee that one or the other (or both) won’t happen. But there is a lot you can do to minimize the probability. When budgeting, a big mistake DIYers make is not considering the little things. For example, you might budget for drywall panels but neglect to include the cost of nails, tape and plaster. It's easy to overlook these small items thinking... [read more]

As you probably know, it's easy to lower the costs of a renovation. Just hire an inexpensive, fly-by-night contractor — and hope for the best! Chances are, you won't want to take that risk. So how do you ensure you get quality work while keeping your budget in check? Here are some tips: • Get estimates from at least three contractors. Often prices can vary widely, even amongst contractors with similar reputations and experience. • Narrow the project focus. If... [read more]