If you are a homeowner and you’re getting that itch to do some remodeling or if you’re facing some repairs brought on by the inclement weather we’ve had lately, here are two words you need to remember: Buyer beware.
It’s a fact that the Consumer Protection Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office receives more than 70,000 phone calls per year and will handle 25,000 complaints about improvement scams.
Read full article via The Newark Advocate.

“The new dual function additions to the 5000 line of carpet cleaners provide pressure levels as high as 150 psi and temperatures as high as 210º F,” said Matthew Baratta, Daimer spokesman. “The special hard surface cleaning attachment works on most porous and non-porous surfaces. It’s ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, outside decks, walkways, even garage floors.”
Read full article here: Daimer Industries Announces Three New Dual-Function Carpet Cleaners that Work on Hard Floors.

Denise Crossley and her husband first started thinking about remodeling the kitchen in their sprawling Victorian house in Barrington four years ago. Despite the downturn in the economy, the Crossleys went ahead with their high-end kitchen remodel last fall.
Read full article here:  The Providence Journal.

Here are three smart ideas from William Millholland of Case Design/Remodeling for those considering  small-scale renovation projects.
Facelift on the front of the house
Making a house more attractive from the street is an often overlooked project. Add a portico, shingled roof and columns ($8,000 to $15,000).
Put slate or brick on top of your basic walkway ($3,000 to $5,000). Replace an old front door and embellish it with new hardware and new chimes ($1,500 to $3,000).
Cosmetic makeover of the kitchen
Remove laminate countertops and put in granite or quartz, install a stainless under-mount …

Most people remodel their home to make it better fit their needs and desires. They upgrade the kitchen, build a deck, or add a bathroom to make day-to-day living more practical and enjoyable.
But remodeling can also play a role in financial planning. The home is typically one of our biggest investments. While much of its value is controlled by location and the general economy (things we can’t easily change), some portion of our home’s value is determined by its condition, size and the degree to which its layout and decor …

I saw this article about a designer who is leaning heavily on all things IKEA for her clients and it’s an interesting trend in this economy. If designers learn to use the IKEA product line effectively for remodeling projects, it can be a great way to extend your remodeling dollars and go green while you’re at it.
Shankle, who owns the design studio Eco-modernism, has been using IKEA products in her work and in her home for more than a year.
So what’s the big deal about IKEA?
“It’s really affordable,” Shankle says. …

Home energy tax credits are available for solar energy, energy efficiency, biodiesel and hybrid cars, home solar panels and more. See which federal home energy tax credits you can claim in 2009.
When Congress passed the financial bailout bill late last year, it included a range of federal tax credits and cash gifts for businesses — but also a suite of new and renewed tax credits for individuals who want to make energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to their home or cars. When President Obama signed the economic stimulus bill …

Thursday, February 26 – Sunday, March 1, 2009 the Capital Home and Garden Show will be at the Dulles Expo Center. It is the region’s largest and most popular show of its kind. Attendees will have over 750 exhibits to visit, featuring experts, how-to workshops and demonstrations. They can view the latest in technology and gadgets in the home improvement industry, plus discover top gardening and landscaping trends. This year, given the economic and housing situation in the country, many people will also be seeking money-saving tips and ideas.
Read full …

Want a beautiful, healthy garden, but are concerned with using traditional poisons pesticides and salt based fertilizers? We know good, fact-based information is hard to find. The new Saferbrand.com website gives consumers easy online access to products, advice and solutions says Dave Swift, Category Development Manager for Woodstream Corp.
Garden enthusiasts, casual gardeners, and homeowners can logon from their computers for expert tips and advice on organic pest control, organic gardening techniques and organic plant care as well as comprehensive information for diagnosing and solving your garden maladies.
Resources available include an …

What is going on this year with the stink bugs? Everywhere I go I see these grey triangular critter climbing up a wall or hanging on a curtain. They are so slow they are almost too pathetic to kill. Do I need professional pest control? They are showing up everywhere. In the kitchen, in the bathrooms and the living room. I have seen these outside in the summer before but this infestation in th emiddle of th ewinter is a new ting altogether. I found out I’m not alone. I …