Hide and Keep – Kitchen Storage Solutions

traditional kitchen design by portland design-build Craftsman Design and Renovation Large or small, a kitchen has to function well for you to get the most out of it, whether that means great meals,…

Passive energy in your garage

  When shopping for your house plan with an attached garage it is highly recommended to know how it will be oriented on the land in order to obtain maximal sunlight and enjoy the benefits of passive…

Choosing a Builder – Know What Questions to Ask

When you buy a new home you want to get full value for your investment. This means choosing an established and reputable builder—someone you can trust, someone who has the technical skills, a…

Cost to build a garage

Inspired by Denis Chamberland's original article in French, translated by Deb Villeneuve Of the questions which I am most frequently asked, I would have to say " how much does it cost to build a…

Fresh Paint is an Inexpensive and Effective Staging Technique

Experts recommend paint as a low-cost but effective way to stage your home for sale. When choosing colours for staging, it is time to set aside your own personal tastes. Showcase the characteristics…

DIY Custom-Hued Chalk Paint For Decorating Fun

We are seeing more and more use of chalk paint used in decor to create space for notes or a blank canvas for young (and young-at-heart) artists. We have yet to test this DIY project but it comes from…

Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

Are you wondering how to freshen up your outdoor furniture? Chances are, you have all the ingredients you have right in your home to do so. The DIY Network shares the following advice: Basic Recipe…

Contractor Red Flags: How to Spot (and Avoid) Trouble

Image Source: HGTV Hiring a contractor is one of the most difficult and nerve-wracking things a homeowner ever has to do. Seeking out the right person to do a great job for a fair price can feel…

The Perfect Home for the Single Woman

Recent statistics show that you don’t have to be a “Mrs.” in order to buy your dream house. In fact, single women dominate the homeowner’s market as of late—in 2010 alone, single women accounted for…

Defining Spaces: Six Ways to Work With an Open Foyer

traditional entry design by minneapolis design-build Schrader & Companies Many post-war and colonial homes lack a distinct foyer; either the front door opens right into the living area, or you…

10 Safety Tips to Remember When Using a Wood Burning Stove

A wood burning stove that is properly installed and carefully maintained can provide the warmth and comfort you need in winter. Wood burning stoves also provide the perfect heating alternative when…

New Roof: Is it time?

Your roof is a workhorse element to your home because your roofing is the first line of defense between you, and the elements all year around. But, as Autumn progresses into winter months, and…

How to Choose the Perfect Glazed Doors For Your Porch

Photo Credit: Freshome Your porch or some call it patio often has doors that can give you direct access inside your home. Whether yours are solid or glazed (with windows), choosing how this door…

How to Deal With Your Kids’ Anxiety About Moving

Moving can be stressful for every member of the family—children included. Depending on the age of children, their fears about a move vary from child to child, but most children approach the idea of…

Interior Space Planning Basics

DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3826 Main Floor When designing floor plans, you will notice that the Drummond design team does a mock placement of typical furniture. We hear time and time again how…

Decor: How to Hide Those Plugs and Switches

  mediterranean bathroom design by houston general contractor Hann Builders Local building codes say we have to have so many outlets every so often. And switches are just a necessity of life. So…

8 Reasons Why New Homes Beat Used Homes Every Time

With great pricing and availability today in new home communities, why would you ever buy a used home? While short sales and foreclosures may sound like a great deal, there are so many more reasons…

De-Cluttering: Understanding Why Clutter Needs to Go

Clutter, like most things in life, sneaks up on you. A couple busy months peppered with a few dozens “I’ll get to that later,” and suddenly everything from your fridge to your filing is making you…

Spring Cleaning Checklists

Creating spring cleaning checklists are something that can get a little dull, but in the long run, they can help keep the spring cleaning process organized and productive. This is especially true of…

After a Flood – Homeowner’s Checklist

Protect your health and prevent further damage to your home by following this step-by-step guide to restoring your home after a flood. After a flood, it’s important to restore your home to good order…