Posts with tag the money pit

As the weather warms up, so does the market for home improvements--and home improvement scams run by shady contractors. Whether you're on your first-ever home project or your fiftieth, a qualified contractor is key to getting the job done on time and on budget. Take the following steps to avoid possible home improvement... Continue Reading »

Based on scary specimens spotted in refrigerators and deserted lunch bags, you may think of mold as soggy, dirty, disgusting and, above all, obvious. However, that element of the obvious isn't always present in household mold mysteries. The most pristine, well-kept home can have serious mold issues--infestations that... Continue Reading »

Big talk about your next home improvement project may be exciting, but don't skip the step of securing a formal, written contract from your contractor if you want to make that dream a reality. Verbal contracts with home improvement professionals may be binding by law, but the details can be hard to enforce if there's a... Continue Reading »

After a winter like the one we've just had, a lot of people are fed up with utility bills. The most recent forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration put the cost of home heating for 2011 at $2,400 if you heat with oil--a 26% increase over last year. On average, U.S. households can expect to shell out about... Continue Reading »

With real estate sales slow to recover, many Americans are choosing to stay put and improve the homes they have. But all home improvements aren't created equal. Strategic improvements in equipment, systems and materials can add lasting value, increase comfort, and even save you money. The right home improvements can also... Continue Reading »