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	Radiant barriers - a brilliant way to reduce your cooling costs What is a "radiant barrier?" Well, according to the U.S. Department of Energy it's a way to reduce your monthly energy bill. Radiant barriers are designed to help block the summer heat from reaching the inside of your attic and home, and blocking heat means less energy costs to cool your home in warm weather.
	High performance technology makes the new generation of wood stoves greener than ever Whenever a "Back to the Future"-type movie or commercial runs, it's always funny to see larger-than-life telephones, computers and even cars. These blast-from-the-past visual cues remind us of the technological advancements we enjoy every day. However, in the case of wood stoves, it's more difficult to actually see the high-tech evolution as it's hidden within the firebox.
	Greening the kitchen with eco-friendly cabinetry Homeowners embarking on a kitchen remodel typically must select the style, the quality of craftsmanship and the materials that meet their unique values and project goals. With the pressing need to increase energy efficiency and conserve resources, green remodeling continues to gain in popularity.
	Break out of your color comfort zone this winter While it might be gray and dreary outside, infusing color into interior decor is one of the quickest ways to create a cozy, inviting living area. And winter is the ideal time to do it.
	A getaway for every day Who doesn't need a break from the hectic day-to-day routine once in awhile? A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that we are more stressed than ever, with nearly 75 percent of Americans experiencing moderate to high stress levels. With time and money as major obstacles, it's difficult for many people to take regular vacations to escape their busy, everyday lives. But with a little time, budget and creativity, an ordinary bathroom can be transformed into a luxurious, relaxing escape for an everyday getaway.
	Top 5 improvements for spring home sellers To get your home sold at a good price in a buyer's market, you need to know what to invest in - and what not to invest in.
	Roofs now can take on an artistic look Some things get better with age - wine, cheese, cars. Building supplies don't usually fall into that category. So, if your house is looking a little shabby, try giving it a facelift by updating one of the largest exterior surfaces - your roof.
	Dreaming of spring? Keep warm weather, home improvements on your wish list A harsh winter may have many Americans dreaming of daffodils, green grass and open windows welcoming in fresh air. How will you celebrate a day of warm weather that signifies spring has arrived?
	Don't let your house take a beating this winter No matter what part of the country you live in, the winter months can be downright abusive on your home. From frozen Minnesotans dropping heaps of water-logged clothing on the floor after digging out of five feet of snow, to tanned Floridians grinding gritty sand into their carpeting, every home takes a beating in the winter. As harsh as we can be on our most expensive investment, there are a variety of easy and inexpensive precautions that will greatly diminish the amount of winter wear and tear imposed on our homes.
	Keeping your wood floor's natural shine Wood floors are a beloved part of a home, and are also a great investment that can boost your home's value by up to $10,000, according to the Hardwood Information Center.
	Growing roses is easy with these simple tips No other flower can evoke romance in the garden like a rose. As America's favorite flower, roses can be found adorning homes in quaint coastal villages to rural farmlands, modern cities to quiet mountain retreats. With a little know-how, you can grow healthy, beautiful roses that you can show off with pride.
	Tips to protect your home from severe weather When people think of winterizing their homes, most often their heating bills spring to mind - along with insulation and weather stripping. The winter months bring not only high energy bills, but also an increased chance of certain kinds of damage to your home and its contents. A few precautions can help protect you from serious losses and disruptions this season.
	Inspect home fencing to ensure safety and security Weather extremes are brutal on exterior landscaping. Rain, snow, wind and temperature variances all take a toll, especially on residential fencing. Now's the time to inspect fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property to ensure all are in good working condition.
	Spring break safety tips for college students Spring break brings potential safety risks. No matter where you plan to travel, keep yourself and your home safe with some spring break safety tips.
	Five surprising facts about fireplaces When it comes to creating ambiance and warmth in a home, nothing can beat a fireplace, especially during this time of year. But are you aware that the right fireplace or stove can also help reduce your heating costs? Or that your existing fireplace's efficiency can be boosted significantly by installing an insert, and for less money than you might think?
	Space-saving hardwood storage stunners First impressions are lasting ones when it comes to your home. But before adding or rearranging storage in any room, make sure you examine and evaluate what you need, what you have space to store and how it will fit into your home.
	How to make today's smaller bathrooms live larger and work better This is the decade of right-sizing. How much space does it really take to house the average American family of 2.61 people? Our definition of "enough space" is changing, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The year 2008 saw the first annual decrease in average new-home size since 1994.
	Stay warm, stay safe when using supplemental heat sources To reduce home heating costs every winter, Americans turn to supplemental heat sources like gas fireplaces, wood stoves and kerosene heaters. While these heat sources can help reduce energy bills and keep homes warmer, experts say users should be aware of - and take steps to mitigate - potential fire and carbon monoxide risks.
	Greening your home to improve health and save money You can just smell it. You install new carpeting in your home, and the air in your living room takes on a brash, chemical scent. That can't be good. The health and safety of the family is a top priority for all, yet it's surprising how common it is to neglect easy ways to protect them. If you are planning to remodel, redecorate or even build a new home, what should you consider?
	Fire sprinkler systems soon to be required in your new home Fire sprinkler systems have been proven to save lives. National statistics show that having a fire sprinkler system in your home can actually double your chances of escaping a fire and minimizing property damage. Here's what you need to know about installing one in your home.
	Make sure your indoor air is healthy this spring As soon as the temperatures warm up, you open up the doors and windows and let the "fresh" air in. You want to get rid of winter's stale, indoor air and replace it with the clean, outdoor air. You also go on a cleaning spree, vacuuming, dusting and getting rid of all the dust bunnies hiding under furniture. With a fresh, clean house, you assume you'll be breathing much easier. Think again. Air pollution is a very serious concern indoors.
	Must-haves for a mature household The aging population will have the second biggest impact of any factor on the remodeling industry over the next five years, according to the AARP and National Association of Home Builders. Why? Because today's homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to live independently in their current homes, even if it means remodeling to meet their needs.
	The curse of carpet: Alternative flooring options While many homeowners like the warmth and comfort of carpeted floors, they are often hit with the harsh reality that carpet comes with a host of problems. Besides being very difficult to clean, carpeted floors can also be a health concern. Bacteria, dust, dirt and odors can easily become imbedded in carpeting and beyond the reach of vacuuming. What's more, homeowners with carpet could also run into problems when trying to sell their home; many new homebuyers prefer the more modern look of hardwood flooring or other comparable options.
	Help cut costs, tackle home improvement projects Once spring arrives and the daffodils begin to bloom, your old front door may look pretty drab. Still, many consumers may avoid home improvement projects because of a reluctance to spend money in a questionable economy.
	Selling your home? Easy improvements to attract buyers Real estate pros often coach their clients on the value of making "curb appeal" improvements to help sell their homes. Outside painting and minor repairs signal that the house has been well cared for. That's a great marketing tactic, but an even better advantage is offering multiple bathrooms.
	Tax credit helps homeowners get relief from 'sweating' windows Water vapor on windows is unsightly. It obstructs the view to the outside, and a sweating window is a sure sign that it needs to be replaced. And, there couldn't be a better time to replace those sweaty, unsightly windows. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) still in effect for 2010, homeowners can take advantage of up to 30 percent in tax credits for energy-saving upgrades - including qualifying energy-efficient windows.
	What's hot in the evolving world of flat screen TV wall mounts So you finally got the flat panel TV of your dreams. Sleek, compact and high definition, it's the crowning glory of your home entertainment system. So how do you best showcase this jewel? The experts advise - take it to the wall.
	Save money on energy by preparing your heating and cooling system for winter Getting ready for winter often means changing to warmer clothes and taking stock of mittens and hats. But it's also a good idea to prepare your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for winter, too - especially if you want to keep energy bills down.
	Landscaping with retaining walls adds curb appeal, usability to your home The best investment you can make in your home - both for your pocketbook and your personal enjoyment - is in landscaping. Real estate experts agree that every dollar you put into your yard eventually will return one to two dollars when you sell. And at a time when home values are sagging, that's something to consider.
	Slim tile: Eco-friendly solutions for updating your kitchen and bath The bathroom and the kitchen - are there any other rooms that see more traffic? Whether it's battling family members for mirror space on busy mornings or milling around the stove as dinner cooks, they are the two rooms that are guaranteed to get the most use. Naturally they should be functional and good-looking, but more and more, people are demanding that these high-traffic spaces also be environmentally friendly.
	Accessories: What every well-dressed skylight is wearing this year In the world of fashion, accessories can make an average outfit look sophisticated and stylish. The same can be said in the world of home fashion, where smart accessories can turn an already great idea - installing a skylight - into an energy-efficient, eco-conscious home run.
	Aging in place can be done with style and grace From attractive lighting designed to work well for aging eyes to barrier-free shower stalls that compete in beauty and practicality with what you might find in a luxury community for those 55 and older, plenty of home modifications now make it possible to age in place gracefully and stylishly.
	The home improvement that can 'green' your winter Spring and summer needn't be the only seasons of "green." In fact, winter is a great time to green your home, especially if you undertake improvements that deliver environmental, economic, emotional and physical health benefits. Adding a skylight delivers all those green pluses - and it's doable even during winter.
	Make your outdoor living spaces more beautiful and functional with proper lighting As winter's cold winds fade into memory, we're all eager to get outside and enjoy warmer weather. But if poor lighting means your outdoor activities end when the sun goes down, it may be time to brighten up.
	The kitchen of the future at your fingertips We turn to technology to make many aspects of our lives easier - from traveling with a GPS to staying connected with loved ones via social networking Web sites. It's no surprise, then, that our kitchens, the most-used room in the home, are becoming increasingly high tech.
	City chic: Incorporate city style into your Main Street home When you look out your window, what do you see: the cool gray steel of high-rise buildings ... or vast, open expanses of green land? You don't have to stick to an interior style that mimics your surroundings; especially if it doesn't suit your taste. Whether you live in a penthouse or a farmhouse, you can create rooms that make you feel as if you're a city-dweller as soon as you step inside.
	Add value, living space and enjoyment with a finished basement Finishing the basement remains a good way to improve value and livability while also expanding square footage. Think of it as double the return on investment - not only are you creating an appealing space in your home, you're actually making the home bigger for potential buyers who want maximum living space.
	A new spin on decorating with sports memorabilia Sports fans have grown to represent roughly 219 million Americans aged 12 and older, according to a recent ESPN research and analytics study. For these sports enthusiasts, the home is an ideal place to display their spirit and team pride.
	Home security must-haves for a safe winter With winter weather in full force, millions of Americans are cranking up the heater and throwing logs on the fire. But with all that heat comes an increased fire risk.
	Fast fixes for foreclosed homes The high volume of foreclosed homes on the market is allowing some astute buyers to turn eyesores into eye-catching properties with only minimal investment. While not every property can be fixed up affordably, there are some common projects that dramatically improve a foreclosed home's appeal and value.
	Buying a home or making green home improvements? Don't miss out on these tax credits A wide range of tax law changes over the last year will result in considerable savings for millions of Americans on their 2009 federal tax returns. Homebuyers and homeowners have some of the most to gain from the changes.
	Designing the perfect playroom on a shoestring budget Playrooms are ideal spaces for encouraging children's creativity, providing them with the stimulation they crave and helping them create a connection with others. The great news is that you don't have to build an addition onto the house or set aside your family vacation fund to create a great playroom.
	Color connotations: how they shape a room The color of a room impacts how you feel when you spend time in it, so interior designers spend a great deal of time matching colors to their clients' specific needs for each room. However, the color combinations in individual rooms must also come together to create a comprehensive color scheme for the entire home or business.
	Top 8 spring home security tips Is home security on your to-do list for the spring? Although preliminary statistics are showing a decrease in the crime rate for the end of 2009, more than 9 million property crimes are still projected to occur in 2010. Trends also reveal that crime rates increase as the weather improves. As the spring of 2010 approaches, take the time now to start your DIY home security plan.
	Make a home remodel work for you The challenging economy, coupled with increased interest in energy efficiency, is fueling greater demand for home products that deliver performance and savings as well as style.
	When style matters, customizable shutters make a magical difference When it comes to curb appeal, a home's unique features are what make an eye-catching, lasting impression. But homeowners don't need to go over the top to stand out. Accents of vibrant color and uncommon dimension create character, even extending a homeowner's personality to their home's welcoming facade.
	Inexpensive ways to bring spring into your home Spring is a time of new beginnings. Flowers and plants are blooming, the sun is shining and the weather is finally getting warmer after winter's chill. So why not bring some of spring's beauty into your home so you can enjoy it day after day?
	Avoid the dangers that come from the water in your home People usually pay special attention to the water they drink in their home, but if you're like most people, that's where the concern comes to an end. But from washing your clothes, to bathing your family to leaving water for your pets, you may not be giving the water you drink the attention it deserves.
	Dramatically update your kitchen in six hours or less with six projects With the amount of time you spend in your kitchen, why settle for out-of-date features and decor - especially since it is easy to give your kitchen a 180-degree makeover? Try these six simple projects, and in no time at all you'll have a kitchen where you will want to spend more time.
	Authentic cedar beauty enhances home value, lasts a lifetime For all the time-saving benefits that a durable home exterior can bring, homeowners never want to sacrifice curb appeal. Beyond that first requirement of a great-looking home, a growing number are focusing on features that give them back more time with maintenance-free living.
	Opening the window to federal remodeling tax credits As warm weather approaches and the tax credit for energy efficient replacement windows is in full swing, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your home with new windows to help save on cooling costs in those hot summer months, and to also save on heating costs when winter rolls around again. The tax credit for energy efficient replacement windows and doors, originally introduced in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is set to expire at the end of 2010, which makes this year the best time for homeowners to replace their windows and upgrade the look and feel of their home.
	Time to sell? Your outdoor spaces can be the bonus buyers want If you're preparing to sell this spring but aren't in a position to invest in ambitious renovations, such as a kitchen remodel or new hardwood floors, the best advice is to look to the "bonus" spaces in and around your home and maximize their appeal.
	Transform your kitchen countertop for less than you'd expect There's nothing quite like the look of a new countertop to give a kitchen style and personality. Perhaps that's why countertop replacement ranked second only to cabinet replacement when homeowners considered a kitchen remodeling project.
	Seek safety when purchasing energy-efficient home appliances Have government or manufacturer rebate programs enticed you to purchase a new home appliance, like a clothes washer or refrigerator? Or are you simply in the market to upgrade? Before purchasing any major appliance, it's important to consider all your options before you make a final decision.
	Green your spring cleaning routine Do you feel like Mother Nature set up camp in your home over the winter? Cold winter months spent indoors often translate to dirt and clutter buildup around the house. And, if you're like television personality Hannah Keeley, with those first few warm spring days comes the irrepressible urge to throw open the windows and get down and dirty with some serious spring cleaning.
	2010 color decor and design trends: influenced by life's richness As the economy stabilizes, homeowners are expected to begin investing more money into their homes. Colors that provide hope and affirmation are at the forefront of decor for 2010.
	Give your home a fresh look for spring Spring cleaning has become a ritual in homes across America. But as families focus on decluttering closets and revitalizing their indoor spaces, many overlook simple, inexpensive outdoor projects that can give a home a real "facelift" and make it look and feel like new.
	Bring garden cheer into your home with color Even in the throes of winter, when most gardens are hibernating under a cold-weather blanket, it's easy to bring the warm, vibrant feelings of spring into the home with colors, textures and patterns.
	Home exterior colors reflect style, personality and environment Building or renovating a home is a decision-filled process. Some decisions, such as location, size and layout, tend to be more family needs-based than desire-based. But other decisions are based primarily on preference and offer the opportunity to express a homeowner's design style.
	Top 10 kitchen and bath trends for 2010 Does your kitchen or bathroom look like it's stuck in a time warp? Then it might be time to update the most-used rooms in your home. For inspiration, look no further than the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which recently shared its top 2010 kitchen and bath trends.
	Take the sweat out of your DIY projects this spring You've been dreaming about digging in your garden, tweaking your landscaping or improving your house all winter long. Finally the weather is nice, your yard is clear and dry and it's time for you to get your hands dirty and start working.
	Protect your home from damage with basement waterproofing A damp, leaky basement can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Active water leaks and excessive moisture in basement or foundation walls can rob a home of extra storage or living space. Fortunately, there are state-of-the-art technologies that make basement waterproofing easier than ever before - even for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers.
	Designs for a new decade During unsettling economic times, people tend to get "back to basics" by cocooning more with their families, avoiding high-ticket expenditures and looking for ways to repurpose and re-use existing items. Next year's home decorating trends clearly reflect this comfort-focused and cost-conscious mentality by emphasizing soothing color palettes, natural materials, environmentally friendly products, and "old made new again" furnishings, wall murals and textiles.
	Stop home energy dollars from leaking out your walls As home heating and cooling costs soar, your energy dollars literally might be going out the window - and the walls. Small and not-so-small air leaks through covered walls, floors, ceilings and normal openings such as windows and doors can add up to big losses. While retrofitting older homes with weather stripping, insulation and caulk helps seal air leaks, for new homes and additions, building tight walls can prevent air from escaping.
	Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring. Landscaping success doesn't have to be hit or miss, and if it has been for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.