Home Improvements

Mirrors don't have to be kitschy

8 tricks to enhance interior architecture

12 tips for a successful aging-in-place remodel

Focus on doors, lighting and bathroom

Folly architecture adds mystique to garden

4 design elements that stimulate more than just the eye

Attic insulation for homeowners on a budget

Although messy, blown-in cellulose offers best bang for the buck

Dryer vent do's and don'ts

Why you should avoid corrugated plastic piping at all costs

Salvage yard treasure hunting tips

How to tell good buys from those that aren't worth your time

Work smarter, not harder, on DIY projects

6 common-sense tips to save time, avoid mistakes

When to file a home insurance claim

Some losses are not covered, and deductible may not even justify it

4 musts when hiring a home improvement contractor

If you're searching the Yellow Pages, you haven't done your homework

Know your appliances' operating costs

'Kill A Watt' measures power usage, translates into dollars and cents

Water conservation efforts now targeting multifamily housing

EPA's WaterSense program can mitigate impact of droughts, rising water costs

Ceiling fan provides relief in 2 ways

Varying blades' rotation and speed can better distribute cool and warm air, lower energy costs

Home design using elements of surprise

The real trick is knowing when to break the pattern

Are your vapor barriers helping or hurting?

Tips for knowing when and where to install

'Mysterious architecture' creates drama, suspense

Intriguing spaces are more memorable than those that simply function

There's more than one way to hang a shelf

Installation tips for 3 unique shelving options

Is your townhome's firewall up to code?

What to check when assessing partition wall between units

How not to vent your clothes dryer

Piping exhaust into garage through lint bag raises fire risk, decreases efficiency

Nothing says quality like a front door

10 things to know before choosing a material and lockset

Programmable thermostats enter the mobile age

Remote operation, people detection among cool new features

Unventilated crawl spaces gaining favor

3 essentials to keep area airtight and moisture-free

First impressions are made at the front door

Home's entrance is seldom high on remodeling priorities

4 affordable improvements to make to your home now

Mood of the Market

Quality tools that do-it-yourselfers will appreciate

12 gift ideas priced from $36 to $300

How to fix floating floors that are warping

Rookie installer's mistake is to blame