Creating More Living Space Outdoors

  • Attractive Alternatives To Four Common And Invasive Landscaping Plants

    7 June 2016

    As you plan out a landscaping project for your yard or garden, you will need to carefully consider which plants to place where. Unfortunately, some of the most popular landscaping plants in use today are also aggressively invasive, spreading to native ecosystems and choking out their competition due to a lack of natural pressures. Rather than give these invasive species a chance to gain a foothold in your area, consider these more containable alternatives.

  • Understanding Double-Pane Window Seal Repair

    13 May 2016

    When it comes to choosing windows that offer insulating benefits and a long lifespan, double-pane windows are a common choice. These windows feature two separate glass panes separated by a sealed layer of gas or air for insulation. Unfortunately, the seal that retains that air or gas may fail over time. If you don't know what to look for, you may miss it and find yourself with higher climate control costs due to the lost insulation.

  • Stubborn Allergies Won't Go Away? Get Rid Of The Mold In Your Unused Fireplace

    15 March 2016

    If you suffer from allergies that won't go away no matter how much medicine you take, clean out your unused fireplace to get rid of mold. Sometimes, mold forms in unused fireplaces that become damp from moisture. Because unlit fireplaces tend to be dark, mold can grow without you ever knowing about it. Inhaling mold spores can cause or lead to allergies in some people. The symptoms of a mold allergy include watery eyes and nasal congestion.

  • Do You Have High Water Bills And Bad Water? Stop Sweating It And Solve Both Of These Problems

    19 January 2016

    If you feel like the water in the house isn't very high quality, and that you have unnecessarily high water bills, it's time to make some changes. There are some things that you can do to help improve and conserve the water. The water quality may not be fantastic, even if it comes from the city. This because of the filtration system the city uses, or because of the piping that carries the water.

  • Troubleshooting Your Roller Shade Blinds

    22 December 2015

    Roller shades provide a stylish and accommodating way to gain privacy in your home. While installing roller shades is usually simple, there are some potential problems that could arise after installation occurs. Here are three problems you might face, and some simple ways to correct them so that your roller shades will work properly. 1. When rolling up, the shade drifts to one side. Properly installed roller shades should roll up without drifting to one side or the other.

  • The Right Way To Implement Sand When Installing Pavers

    28 November 2015

    Pavers need sand to help hold them in place and to also prevent weeds and pests from destroying the pavers. How you apply sand to your pavers will affect how well the sand will hold in the face of adverse weather conditions, strong wind and persistent weeds. Also, adding sand properly will bind the pavers together with friction joints. Choosing The Sand First, select the type of sand you will use.

  • Dressing Up The Blinds In Your Rental

    6 November 2015

    Statistics show that 37% of all U.S. households are rentals. If you are living in a rental property then you may find it difficult to personalize your living space. Landlords don't usually let tenants paint walls or remodel kitchen appliances, but there are some simple ways you can transform your rental space into an area that reflects your personal sense of style. Dressing up the plastic mini blinds commonly found in rental properties is a great place to start the personalization process.

  • 3 Things To Check When Your Sprinkler System Isn't Working Properly

    14 October 2015

    When your sprinkler system isn't working properly, you're literally pouring money down the drain. It's vital to make sure that you spot problems with the sprinkler system as quickly as possible so that you can adjust or replace the faulty portion. Once your sprinklers are back in good working order, you won't have to worry about water not getting to the right places in your garden. Check the Sprinkler Heads

  • Winter Is Coming: Is Your Lawn Read?

    23 September 2015

    Are you preparing your lawn for the coming winter? While most people don't give a lot of thought to their grass as the cold weather approaches, doing a little planning and preparation will help you maintain a green lawn in the spring. Here are 4 steps for prepping your yard for winter. Blow Out the Sprinklers If you have an irrigation system installed, you will need to prepare it for the winter by performing what's called a "

  • 9 Tips To Avoid Bed Bugs While Visiting Family And Friends

    23 August 2015

    Bed bugs can be found in a number of unusual locations. Unfortunately, your friends and families are not exempt from having them. If you are visiting relatives this summer and want to avoid bringing home bed bugs, there is a way to keep you and your family bed bug free without creating an uncomfortable situation for your hosts.  Line your suitcases with plastic. When you and your family are packing, line everyone's suitcases with plastic.