How to Pick Paint Colors to Fix Any Room’s Quirks

May 19th, 2017 Categories: Random Thoughts

Every home suffers a few negatives, but not every solution requires pricey structural changes. Paint is a frugal remodeler’s go-to solution to perk up a problem room. Read the rest of this entry »

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Which Light Bulbs Won’t Burn You Cost-Wise?

May 2nd, 2017 Categories: Random Thoughts

Although the old-fashioned incandescent bulb is on its way out, you have more lighting choices than ever before. And that means making decisions about price and energy efficiency. But don’t forget aesthetics.

If you wind up with lighting that’s harsh, flat, or unpleasant — like when you’re trying on bathing suits in a retail dressing room — it won’t matter that you got that LED on sale or that it lasts forever. You’ll wish it didn’t. Read the rest of this entry »

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Exterior Paints and Stains: A Guide to the Options

October 14th, 2016 Categories: Random Thoughts

At a cost of $4,000 to $6,000 or more for a professional house painting, you want to get the most from your investment. Done right, an exterior paint job can last 10 years; stain needs to be reapplied more often, anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the type of stain. Read the rest of this entry »

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Outdoor Lighting for Curb Appeal and Safety

September 29th, 2016 Categories: Random Thoughts

Think about it: Most of your guests (and if your home is on the market, many would-be buyers) see your home only in the evening, when its best features may be lost in the shadows.

Well-executed outdoor lighting enhances architectural detail and plays up landscape features, casting your home in the best possible light and adding an abundance of curb appeal. Read the rest of this entry »

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The End of Incandescence

August 1st, 2016 Categories: Random Thoughts

New government energy efficiency standards have arrived, requiring that light bulbs use 25% less electricity. The means Edison’s classic incandescent is giving way to more environmentally friendly bulbs, like compact fluorescents (CFLs), and LEDs, which lower energy costs up to 75%. To honor the 100-watt incandescent, we’ve compiled a list of historical facts, good green know-how, and money-saving opportunities all about the light bulb. Read the rest of this entry »

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