Home Interiors

A hot water boiler is the heart of a hydronic heating system used for home heating in the winter. Two common heating fuels are fuel oil and natural gas (usually propane).

Dec 1, 2009 - Kelly Smith

A modern kitchen can sport a down-home, vintage feel with distressed wooden cabinets. Period furniture pieces will add to the ambiance. This works in bath remodels too.

Sep 16, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Kitchen cabinets are a big focus during a kitchen remodel. The make-over budget competition with an expensive countertop is fierce. Save money by refacing the cabinets.

Sep 3, 2009 - Kelly Smith

There are many counter surface materials for bathroom and kitchen remodeling makeovers; natural stone, bamboo, and more. Reap the home equity ROI in these rooms.

Aug 6, 2009 - Kelly Smith

EasyLiving Home Texas is a voluntary home certification program geared at new construction and residential renovation so homeowners may live at home, not at a facility.

Jul 25, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Bluwood is a home construction lumber treated to resist insect damage, wood rot, fungus, and mold. This green building practice was Brad Pitt's choice in New Orleans.

Jul 21, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Orange peel texture, also known as eggshell or splatter texture, is sprayed on using a hopper and compressor in new construction. Matching when repairing drywall is easy.

Jun 27, 2009 - Kelly Smith

A window seat, complete with cushions, can function as storage space, bookshelves, and a place to relax while reading, birding, or just enjoying nature and landscaping.

May 30, 2009 - Kelly Smith

There are several reasons for hanging drywall, new construction, remodeling, or doing a room addition. DIY homeowners can save money not hiring a drywall contractor.

Apr 21, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Greenboard (moisture-resistant drywall) used to be the standard material on which to install kitchen and bathroom tile. Today, most building codes require backer board.

Mar 30, 2009 - Kelly Smith

After a century, drywall (also called Sheetrock) has a green, sustainable replacement. Drywall is gypsum wallboard; EcoRock is 80% post-industrial waste content.

Mar 29, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Resurfacing or installing Formica on bath or kitchen countertops is not difficult. All that's needed is basic carpentry tools and skills and patience.

Mar 23, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Ceramic tile is one of the most common building materials in bath shower and tub surrounds and on kitchen counter backsplashes. A bath or kitchen remodel offers choices.

Mar 10, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Anyone paying a mortgage knows that it's not just a monthly check; it's an investment in home equity. Use that stimulus package check to install paneling and molding.

Feb 8, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Storage space in closets and alcoves is always at a premium. Racks work well but sometimes a built-in shelf or two makes better sense for things like cleaning supplies.

Feb 4, 2009 - Kelly Smith

A staircase is an elegant solution to get from one floor to another, made of treads, risers, balusters, and newel posts. Learn how to fix problems like stair creaking.

Jan 22, 2009 - Kelly Smith

There are several reasons to install a new wood interior or entry door. The old one may have been damaged by dry rot or the homeowner may be upgrading to a custom model.

Jan 19, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Washi, or Japanese paper, isn't just for origami. It's a traditional, sustainable, easy-to-work-with building material. Install it with rice glue and an X-acto knife.

Jan 14, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Like the trend to remove popcorn ceilings, homeowners are moving towards transforming brick fireplaces by installing tile or natural stone on their fireplace surrounds.

Jan 5, 2009 - Kelly Smith

The kitchen, one of the home's most functional and busiest rooms, demands special architectural design. In a kitchen remodel, the kitchen work triangle is changing.

Dec 24, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Anyone residing in an area with a freezing winter, knows about ice skating, hockey, ice fishing, and skiing. But a warm home is key. Enter the downflow gas furnace!

Nov 28, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Kitchen design is part of an architect or home owner's job when considering new construction or a kitchen remodel. When storage space is lacking, build a walk-in pantry.

Nov 21, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Indoor air quality is a hot topic, since more efforts are being taken to seal the home for energy efficiency. Radon, carbon monoxide, and mold spores can be deadly.

Nov 6, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Installing geothermal home heating and cooling saves money on utility bills; it's also hyped by green building consulting companies. Thermal energy is sustainable.

Oct 27, 2008 - Kelly Smith

A kitchen remodel project requires juggling skills and lower kitchen cabinet installation requires a few carpentry skills and some basic tools. Prefab cabinets? Easy.

Sep 28, 2008 - Kelly Smith