Finding the Right Contractor
Hiring a professional to help create your dream can be scary -- but it needn't be, if you follow your instincts and this advice. Your best means of finding the right contractor is to ask relatives, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Most people ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
10 Tips for Energy Efficiency
From simple home improvements to costlier upgrades, we'll guide you to savings during uncertain times for energy prices. Some of the simplest ways to save money during energy spikes include weather stripping and programmable thermostats. But you ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
Four Tips for Mortgage Shopping
If you're buying a home, shop for a loan first. Once you put an offer on a house, you may have little more than a week to get a loan. You'll want more time than that to decide which product you want, get an estimate on how much you'd qualify to ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
Matching Wood Floors
Get the same wood look throughout your house with this expert advice. How can I make the wood floors in our new upper level match the wood floors in the existing rooms? --Betsy Even if you install the same wood upstairs as you have downstairs and ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
The 10 Most Common Real Estate Terms
Learn what these 10 key terms mean before you buy that dream house, and you may be able to save a lot on interest costs, fees, and other charges, or get much more home for your money. Also known as settlement, act of sale, or closing escrow. This ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
Hire an Interior Designer
Your home's decor is important for comfortable living. A professional designer can lead the way to a look you'll love. When you think about hiring an interior designer for the first time, two concerns may come to mind: Both are myths, according ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
Maintaining a Central Air-Conditioner
When something goes wrong with a central air-conditioner, call a service contractor. Better yet, don't wait until a unit breaks down before making that call. Schedule a tune-up for the start of every cooling season. For example, some of the ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
Replacing a Furnace Filter
One disadvantage of forced-air heating and cooling systems is that blowing air stirs up dust and dirt. The key to clean forced air is that, as the air flows up through the furnace, the filter catches these particles. Filters are easy to replace, ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
1. Plan ahead.
It's one thing to know you want to remodel; it's another thing to know how to do it right. Making product selections early can prevent delays later. Proper planning can also help keep you on budget. "You'll end up making the same decisions, but ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
Hire the Right Pros for Your Project
Picking the pros to help you make your renovation project a reality. A renovation is only as good as the professionals who do the work. Here's how to assemble the right team for your job. Your first step is to decide which trades belong on your ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
10 Steps to Build an Earth-Friendly Home
How to select the right materials, floor plan, and components that will save you money -- and the environment. Before you build, study the lay of the land, and put the sun to work for you and your home. Notice how the sunshine travels across the ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
Solutions for Summer Heat
Save money, energy and the sweat of your brow with these basic steps to battle the summer swelter. If you're installing new windows, your best defense against sun is heat-reflecting or low-emissivity windows. These windows contain a thin film ... [... more]
Better Homes and Gardens USA |
