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Outdoors

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10 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job

10 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job

A good exterior paint job isn’t cheap, but done right, it can easily last 10 or more years. To get the most for your money, follow these steps. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 2 wks
Investment Med $4,000-$6,000 (hire a pro)
Added to Binder
Two-bin compost bin made of cedar wood

(New!)

Start a Compost Pile

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

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $100 (rather than buy 1 load)
Effort Low 5 hrs (build two bins)
Investment Low $375 (build two compost bins)
Added to Binder
Homeowner painting room in his house

(New!)

The Value of Home Maintenance

Regular home maintenance is key to preserving the value of your house and property. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 3-4 wknds/yr (inspect & repair)
Investment Med $3,300 (avg. annual cost)
Added to Binder
Woman selecting exterior paint

(New!)

Green Up Your Exterior Paint Job

A “green” exterior paint job costs more than a conventional job, but many conscientious painting contractors already build these practices into their estimates. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 3 hours (research)
Investment Low $250-$1,000 (materials/labor)
Added to Binder
Scraping old paint from a home's exterior

(New!)

10 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job

A good exterior paint job isn’t cheap, but done right, it can easily last 10 or more years. To get the most for your money, follow these steps. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 2 wks
Investment Med $4,000-$6,000 (hire a pro)
Added to Binder
A freshly-painted home exterior

(New!)

Exterior Paints and Stains: A Guide to the Options

To choose the best exterior paint or stain for your job, match the coating to your house, your climate, and the look you want. Read More

Progress E K
Effort High 2 wks
Investment Med $4,000-$6,000 (hire a pro)
Added to Binder
Man sealing an asphalt driveway

(New!)

Your Guide to Outdoor Maintenance — Northeast

If you live in the Northeast, prevent problems and preserve the value of your property with proactive outdoor maintenance. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 3–5 days (inspect & repair)
Investment Low $15-$300 (tools, materials)
Added to Binder
Routinely test and adjusting the chemistry of the water

(New!)

Your Guide to Outdoor Maintenance — Southwest

If you live in the Southwest, prevent problems and preserve the value of your property with proactive outdoor maintenance. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 3–5 days (inspect & repair)
Investment Low $15-$300 (tools, materials)
Added to Binder
Man adjusting sprinkler head

(New!)

Your Guide to Outdoor Maintenance — Midwest

If you live in the Midwest, prevent problems and preserve the value of your property with proactive outdoor maintenance. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 3–5 days (inspect & repair)
Investment Low $15-$300 (tools, materials)
Added to Binder
Pumping out a home septic tank

(New!)

Your Guide to Outdoor Maintenance — South

If you live in the South, prevent problems and preserve the value of your property with proactive outdoor maintenance. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 3–5 days (inspect & repair)
Investment Low $15-$300 (tools, materials)
Added to Binder
Roof covered in moss

(New!)

Your Guide to Outdoor Maintenance — Northwest

If you live in the Northwest, prevent problems and preserve the value of your property with proactive outdoor maintenance. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 3–5 days (inspect & repair)
Investment Low $15-$300 (tools, materials)
Added to Binder
Guide to Great Gutters

Tips for keep gutters and downspouts flowing freely:

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Top Priority: Roofing Basics More Maintain Articles
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