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Check out these seven ideas, both big and small, that work together to make a truly energy-efficient home. 7 Tips for an Energy-Efficient Home Step 1: Upgrade Your Windows The right windows come with the ability to trap in cool air during the summer and hot air in the winter. Replacing old, drafty windows may be a more expensive project but it gives you long-term energy savings for years. The best type of windows are insulated with argon gas between the two panes....

Steps on How to Age a Terracotta Pot 1. Stir the Mixture In a bowl, mix garden lime and water together in a 50–50 ratio, and stir until you get a paste. You should be able to easily apply this with a foam brush; if the mixture is too thick, add water as needed. 2. Apply the Solution Brush the solution onto the terra-cotta pot so that it’s completely covered with a thick layer....

While more ornate than flush-mount and recessed lighting, bathroom chandeliers needn’t drip with lavish crystal or be massive enough to swing from; in fact, trendy mini models work well in smaller spaces, possibly even powder rooms. But not every bath is well suited to a chandelier, and certain precautions must be taken before putting one in such damp digs. So read on to familiarize yourself with these fabulous fixtures, learn what spatial and electrical requirements affect their installation, and peruse a few options that may give your bath a grand upgrade....

While sidewalks in urban and suburban areas are typically governed by specific regulations, the construction of residential driveways and walkways is not usually constrained by building codes. The responsibility for getting these details done right falls on the shoulders of homeowners and the contractors who complete the work. Materials Make a Difference A dirt pathway may be the most natural way to walk from one place to another, but it’s usually the least desirable from a homeowner’s point of view....

Before “The yard went from total shade to full sun,” says Leni, who realized she now had a perfect site for the naturalistic garden she’d always wanted. Robert Welsch, a Tarrytown, New York–based landscape designer, pushed Leni’s vision even further. His design—a smaller lawn with a circular gravel seating area, exuberant borders, and a low fence—gave the space purpose and privacy as well as beauty. A Front Yard Becomes a Community Garden When he suggested extending the house’s front landing to tie it into the garden, Leni was inspired to design a new portico and an art-glass transom and sidelights....

To keep from having to pay these unexpected maintenance costs, consider purchasing a home warranty. A home warranty is a contract that covers repairs and even replacements to your home’s important appliances and systems when they break down due to normal wear and tear. Many homeowners find that a home warranty is well worth the cost for the peace of mind it provides. The This Old House Reviews team has compiled a list of the best home warranty companies in Cincinnati, Ohio to make your search easier....

Once you’ve decided you want a homeowners insurance policy, you have to do some research. There are many home insurance companies that serve Houston, but they can differ in terms of factors like coverage, cost, and customer service quality. In this guide, we examine the top providers in the area so you can find the one that’s right for you. Houston’s Top 4 Homeowners Insurance Companies The highest-rated homeowners insurance companies in Houston include: The best homeowners insurance companies in Houston have strong reputations and offer comprehensive coverage along with a variety of endorsements to customize your coverage....

Unfortunately, choosing the best home insurance company for you can be challenging. There are many insurers that service San Diego, but they differ in terms of coverage, cost, quality of customer service, and more. The This Old House Reviews Team has evaluated many homeowners insurance companies in San Diego to help you find the best fit for you. Top 4 Homeowners Insurance Companies in San Diego Lemonade: Best Value Allstate: Best Overall Amica®: Best Customer Service Farmers: Most Customizable Coverage...

You start and end each day in the same spot—the bedroom. And if you sleep with a partner, a well-designed master bedroom that addresses both of your sleep needs is especially important. After all, your bedroom sets the stage not only for your quality of sleep but the quality of your relationship with your partner. So, when tackling a bedroom renovation, make sure your game plan includes finding the best mattress for couples: The right mattress does more than simply transform the feel and look of the room, but also helps to improve your shared sleep health and overall satisfaction as a couple....

Top 4 Storage Benches Best Storage Capacity: Keter Westwood Resin Large Deck Box Best Medium Capacity: Keter Borneo Resin Deck Box Best Wood Bench: Tangkula Wooden Outdoor Storage Bench Best Movement: Keter Eden Storage Bench Best Storage Capacity: Keter Westwood Resin Large Deck Box In addition to its large storage capacity, this deck box has a high weight capacity of 660 pounds. This allows it to hold the weight of a few people in addition to the weight of your belongings....

Homes For Cats Looking for a cozy home for your feline? Look no further than these options. Double Decker This weatherproof cedar cat house offers several entry points, which makes cleaning a breeze. It also offers an escape door and multiple “balconies” for your kitty to reach new heights and perch…or purrch. LURVIG Cat House This cozy modern cat house can double as your nightstand. It features a scratching surface on the front, and rubber-coated feet that prevent floor damage and structural movement as your cat uses it....

Charlie is President of Silva Brothers Construction, a leading contracting company in the Boston area that he co-owns with This Old House general contractor and his uncle Tom Silva. Charlie started working for his grandfather’s company at age 12 during his school vacations and joined full-time in 1981. Charlie’s daughters Jessica and Michelle have also joined the team over the years, assisting with administrative tasks and project management. Charlie cares deeply about craftsmanship and using tried-and-true, traditional practices....

Deck Construction Until about fifteen years ago, decks were considered structures that anyone could build, and just about anyone built them. Investigations of deck failures, and research into deck construction practices, have shown that decks are more complicated than people realized. As a result, building codes (since 2012) have mandated stricter standards for building decks, and many building departments are enforcing these stricter standards. Deck inspections often reveal failures to comply with modern deck construction standards....