Category: HOME

Six Options to Quickly Resolve a Cloud on Title Mistake

Dear Monty: We purchased a HUD home in 2004. We lost our settlement file. Now we want to sell it. We got an offer, but the buyer’s attorney found that a third name was also shown on the deed of ownership, which we never knew. The attorney advised us to correct the problem and get…


Do-Anything Duct Tape: Clever Uses for the DIY Workhorse

“If you can’t fix it with duct tape, you aren’t using enough duct tape.” You may laugh, but this workshop staple goes quantum leaps beyond simply adhering and repair, although it certainly excels at both. You can use it to remove wood, fiberglass, and metal splinters. Just press a small piece of duct tape over…


Select the Proper Circular Saw Blade for the Job

Dear James: Last time I used my circular saw, the blade was dull, and the cuts were rough. When I get new ones, what type of blade works best and how many teeth should there be? — Megan R. Dear Megan: If you have already shopped for a circular saw blade, you probably noticed a…


Have Dog Will Travel

Six months ago I brought my rescue dog Grace along to a small gathering with some good friends and their dogs. When my friend Tracy stepped away from her bean burrito, Grace gingerly pulled it off the table and ate it. A Journey of Grace When she first came to live with us Grace was…


Go With the Flow When Choosing a New Showerhead

By Ed Del Grande From Tribune News Service Q: Ed: Enjoyed your recent article on shower stalls and I plan to just change my showerhead. I do have some showerhead questions about flow rates, different spray head features and maintenance. Can you give me more details? — Paul, Rhode Island A: The first topic is…


How to Turn Your House Into an Airbnb Hotspot

By Hunter Boyce From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution As the housing market continues to soar, many homeowners are looking for ways to make the most out of their properties. Turning your home into an Airbnb can be a good way to make some extra money. But, there are some important pointers to follow before opening your…


The News Break That Can Lower Your Blood Pressure

By Lori Borgman From Tribune News Service I ran into a friend recently who asked if I knew she had “quit” a year ago. She said she simply knew it was time and went “cold turkey.” “Congratulations,” I said. “That’s amazing. Any withdrawal issues?” “The FOMO (fear of missing out) was terrible,” she said. “I…


Ask the Builder: Solving Sewer Gas Mysteries

I’ve always loved doing plumbing work because it’s a true three-dimensional puzzle. I’ve been a master plumber since 1981, and I always say if you have a daughter, son or grandchild who wants to have a rewarding career that provides significant income, point them to a trade school that teaches this craft. Today I want…


The 5 Biggest Mistakes DIYers Make — and How to Avoid Them

Do-it-yourself projects let you customize your space, provide a savvy way to save money on home upgrades, and elicit a swell of pride when the final product turns out just the way you envisioned. But even with the most meticulous step-by-step instructions, DIYs don’t always go to plan. According to a recent survey conducted by…


Turn Out the Lights, Enjoy the Stars, and Save Our Natural World

Most people love fairy lights. The dainty luminescence with which we festoon our gardens and verandas delivers an air of Santa’s grotto enchantment. The thought of a fancy evening soirée with a glass of fizz—sans garden illumination? The horror of it! Like fireworks, the bright colors delight our senses and take us back to childhood…