Author Profiles

Winter’s doldrums got you down? Grab a screwdriver and a hammer and fight back with easy home repairs that’ll raise spirits and get your house ready for spring. Read More

Solving wet-basement problems is one of the most important things you can do to protect the value of your home and health of your family. Read More

Seal air leaks around your windows and doors to prevent wasting precious home heating and cooling energy that costs you money. Read More

Even if your attic floor is filled with adequate insulation, seal air leaks around pipes and other openings to prevent waste of energy and money. Read More

Adding wall insulation will lower heating and cooling costs by as much as $130 per year, but the payback can be lengthy. Read More

Add insulation to your basement to help lower heating and cooling costs by as much as $170 per year. Read More

Seal air leaks in your basement to stop the loss of your home heating energy. Read More

Add attic insulation to lower heating and cooling costs by as much as $600 per year. Read More

Here’s how to figure out whether you can fix a problem septic system or if it’s going to have to be replaced. Read More

Learn about your septic system so you can prolong its life and avoid costly breakdowns. Read More

With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your septic tank in good shape for decades—and avoid costly repairs. Read More

Many sensory clues give you early warning of home maintenance problems—if you can decode the symptoms. Read More

Save money and grow healthier plants by recycling yard and kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost. Read More

The right garage door is a key to enhancing curb appeal and can have a major impact on your home’s appearance and value. Read More

When planning a garage addition, you’ll need to consider size, siting, access, and how the garage relates to the architecture of the house. Read More

The smartest features to build into your garage addition are plenty of simple storage solutions, a basic work surface, and room to move around. Read More

Foundation repairs run the gamut from simple DIY fixes to major reconstruction. Here’s what you need to know about your options, and when to call in a pro. Read More

Homes constructed more than two decades ago may need earthquake strengthening upgrades to their foundations. Here’s how to resist seismic forces. Read More

Foundation problems may mean expensive repairs. Here’s what to look for and what you need to know to keep small concerns from becoming big headaches. Read More

Whether your roof is brand-new or years old, here’s what you need to do to keep it in the best possible shape for the longest possible time. Read More

Environmentally friendly roof choices can save you money on heating and cooling costs and benefit your entire neighborhood. Read More

If you have a soggy yard or a wet basement, the solution may be an exterior or interior French drain, a channel that collects water and diverts it safely away. Read More

A roof replacement is one of the biggest financial commitments a homeowner will make, so here’s a guide to roofing materials that will help you spend your money wisely. Read More

Deciding whether to repair or replace roofing is largely an exercise in timing — you don’t want to reroof too soon and waste money, but you don’t want to wait too long either. Read More

For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks—about $350—you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home. Read More

Beefing up inadequate insulation is one of the quickest energy-payback projects you can do, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills and increased comfort. Read More

Finding drainage problems when they’re smaller and easier to fix can save you thousands of dollars and plenty of headaches down the line. Read More