Q We have a crushed aggregate surface on our pool, and it had been perfect until last year when a few rust-colored spots started appearing. This year, it has become much worse, and our pool-maintenance company says many pools are having the same problem.The company thinks an acid wash may remove the stains, but we […]

By Gene AustinQ In winter, the upstairs rooms in my house are always colder than downstairs. Even if I set the thermostat up (it is downstairs), it doesn’t help. What can I do to improve the comfort upstairs?This is a common problem, and there can be many factors that contribute to it.One of the simplest […]

By Popular MechanicsA Hearst Magazine for AP Special FeaturesIf you’re in tune with the latest news in home improvement, you’ve probably noticed that in-floor radiant heating has moved back onto the front page. What you may not know, though, is whether this type of heating makes sense for you – either as a retrofit in […]

Intermatic Inc. offers a variety of weatherproof covers available in a number of sizes, colors and designs, which can be used with virtually any outdoor fixture whether horizontal, vertical or single/double gang. For example, the Flexi-Guard Series is available with a clear cover enabling the user to see the plug before opening the cover and […]

Spring is the time when most homeowner’s thoughts turn to remodeling, and there’s no better way to start than by creating an idea or “dreaming” file right now. It’s a great way to fight the Winter blahs AND get prepared for your remodeling adventure. Here are five steps to creating a great idea file: Step […]

The cost of a remodeling project can often be the third most expensive financial decision you make next to purchasing a home and car. And too often, that cost has a way of getting out of hand unless the remodeling contract is well crafted. Here are a few helpful guidelines. 1. Bids are not contracts. […]

The ‘lady of the house’ gets more involved in repairs, improvements By Gretchen McKayPittsburgh Post-GazetteThe 75-year-old house Twyla Boyer ended up buying nearly two years ago was, to put it mildly, a doozy of a fixer-upper.The kitchen was dated, the roof leaked, there were holes in the Pepto-Bismol-pink walls and the basement spouted a waterfall […]

Low voltage lighting as easy to install as 1-2-3 Do-it-yourselfers are tackling every around-the-house job from resurfacing the asphalt drive to installing low voltage outdoor lighting. According to Intermatic Inc., makers of the Canterbury Collection, a premium line of outdoor low voltage lighting products, low voltage outdoor lighting systems are economical to operate, safer than […]

Whether you’re tackling a big spring cleaning project or just going about your weekly cleaning routine, it’s important that you use cleaning products safely, especially with young children or pets around your home or apartment. The Soap and Detergent Association (www-cleaning101.com) has a few reminders to pass along to keep your home clean AND safe. […]

By Larry LemastersToday’s Homeowner Magazine FOOLPROOF SHELF SUPPORT (AP) – You can gain valuable storage space by installing adjustable shelves in cabinets and bookcases with plastic or metal shelf supports, commonly called shelf pegs. You’ll need four supports per shelf.They’re designed to fit into one-quarter inch diameter, 5-and-three-eighths-inch-deep holes bored into the interior sides of […]