Home Show

Ten best trees for Lodi

When it comes to landscaping, Lodi's sand-like soil is great for growing many types of trees. More of this story...

Zoning laws can dictate home improvements, remodeling

When many people first move into a new home, visions of transforming their new place into their own personal castle begin to form. But as exciting as such transformations can be, before you go mapping out plans for a moat and drawbridge, you'll want to consider your town's zoning laws, which can greatly limit what you're legally allowed to do with your property. More of this story...

Five reasons to consider a professional moving service

Did you know that the average person will move approximately 11 times in his or her lifetime? According to Moving.com, a moving resource, relocation ranks as one of the most stressful events in life. Strange how we're apt to do it so often, then. More of this story...

Reconnect with comfort in your backyard with these easy steps

Springtime means reconnecting with yourself and your surroundings. It is the season for lying back and creating a plan for bringing stress down and increasing your ability to relax starting with the great outdoors… your backyard. More of this story...

Some key things to consider when shopping for new flooring

When it comes to selecting new floors for the home, consumers are faced with many choices. To help make the process a little less confusing, experts at flooring manufacturing company Mannington Mills offer this advice: More of this story...

Buying dream home now could mean extra gains for buyers

After several years of a booming real estate market — one that was decidedly to the seller's advantage — the industry has taken a swing in the opposite direction in recent months. Higher interest rates and a greater inventory of houses is pushing the market in the buyer's favor. This means that enterprising individuals ready to make a purchase may come away with more than just a good bargain. More of this story...

Investing in real estate has same risks as other investment strategies

Conventional wisdom suggests real estate is a can't-miss investment strategy. So long as you have the available initial capital to invest, theoretically real estate is a lock to earn money, right? While that's a comforting notion, it's also untrue. More of this story...

Buying a foreclosed home could save you money, but not a fortune

For the past several months, interest rates for home mortgages have steadily risen. This factor has caused a ripple effect on the housing market. More of this story...

Member of home inspector association wants more respect

Dear Barry: I am curious to know why you fail to mention an up-standing organization such as The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) in any of your articles. I am a "certified" member and proud of it. We are required to pass an annual exam and to produce yearly evidence of continuing education. While I enjoy your articles, and even find them educational, I'm wondering if you are enticed by other organizations because of either ignorance or lack of diligence. Why don't you give NACHI the respect that it deserves? — David More of this story...

Expert lighting tips illuminate bathroom design possibilities

Like the rest of the house, the bathroom reflects consumer's changing lifestyles. More spacious and multifunctional, these once-utilitarian water closets have become glamour havens — private retreats designed for relaxation, escape and self-indulgence. They often coordinate with the homeowner's style and reflect the decor of the rest of the house. More of this story...

Simplify your life: Add organization to your spring cleaning list

With the warm weather rapidly approaching, it's time to stash away your woolen winter wardrobe and freshen up your home for a bright new season. Here are great easy tips and product solutions to make spring cleaning in all areas of your home less time consuming and stressful — so you can spend more time outdoors! More of this story...

Save more each month by lowering your home insurance bill

Buying a home is a valuable investment. Along with providing a place for you and your family to build lasting memories, a home is a great way to plan for retirement. While many potential homeowners are understandably concerned with getting the best interest rate and lowest mortgage payment possible, other costs can be trimmed as well. More of this story...

A few small steps can make any living area seem spacious

Many people, especially those living in big cities or young people just starting out, realize early on that space comes at a premium. Whether you're fresh out of college and need to stretch your paycheck or living in a big city with big city prices, living in a small apartment doesn't necessarily mean you need to be cramped all the time. The following tips should help you make any small space seem more spread out. More of this story...

Some tips to help overcome 'house blindness' while spring cleaning

After we live in a house for a while, the wear and tear of family life can slowly take its toll. We may not notice the gradual build-up of clutter and accumulation of minor damage in the form of breaks, tears, leaks and cracks that can result in a certain shabby look to the home you love. Interior decorators call it being "house-blind" or getting so used to a room that you unconsciously overlook what is spoiling its beauty ... like that dusty, bedraggled silk ficus tree in the corner that looked so good five years ago. More of this story...

Misunderstanding home's value could lead to wrong, costly decisions

Most Americans watching mortgage rates rise are deciding that now is the time to buy or sell before it's too late. Whether you want to sell, or just improve your home's value before you tap into your equity, here are five things experts suggest you consider before calling your bank or putting the "for sale" sign on your lawn. More of this story...

How to create a small house large enough to be comfortable

DEAR TIM: Small house plans are the topic of discussion between my husband and I. As we approach retirement, we are going to move from a larger home into a new smaller house for a number of lifestyle and financial reasons. What advice can you offer so we do not make a mistake building a house that is too small? — Meredith M. More of this story...

Web site helps homeowners make the most of their patios

As the outdoor entertaining season approaches, many homeowners begin a familiar routine: they uncover the patio furniture, get the grill ready for cooking, and clean off the winter debris that has collected on the patio. More of this story...

Tips for managing a no-stress window replacement project

Will birds fly in my house when you take my windows out?" "Should I turn up the air conditioning so you won't get hot while replacing the windows?" These are just two of the concerns homeowners generally express to their installers when having windows replaced in a home. More of this story...