Articles written by Kelly Smith

It is possible to save on utilities by making some modifications to your home, and it is getting easier as green technology improves.

Feb 6, 2012 - Kelly Smith

Tweak your DIY budget by not overbuying on your hardwood and pine. Woodworking bargains are available.

Dec 31, 2011 - Kelly Smith

A ceramic coating that replaces conventional paint; it features long life, durability, and an insulation barrier against UV rays and heat.

Nov 30, 2011 - Kelly Smith

A certified chimney sweep is trained to remove the fire hazard risk, and also to inspect everything from your fireplace all the way up to your chimney cap.

Oct 31, 2011 - Kelly Smith

Contractors ease into sustainable remodeling but there's a learning curve; re-think scheduling and develop new relationships like Habitat for Humanity.

Sep 25, 2011 - Kelly Smith

This Energy Star laundry appliance is expensive, but offers benefits that take a boring household chore to a higher level of tolerance.

Aug 29, 2011 - Kelly Smith

Despite the slumping housing market and rising energy bills, the government might help you secure a long-term remodeling loan.

Jul 24, 2011 - Kelly Smith

We haven't come as far as Ray Bradbury predicted, but putting appliances and HVAC comfort settings on a schedule makes sense in a green living home.

Jun 30, 2011 - Kelly Smith

For new construction, remodeling, or replacement, consider quality, cost, functionality, and interior decorating style when selecting plumbing fixtures.

May 3, 2011 - Kelly Smith

Snow melts, birds chirp, flowers bloom; spring is here! It's time for spring cleaning. But it's more than closet cleaning. Don't neglect your appliances.

Mar 7, 2011 - Kelly Smith

Single thermostat HVAC systems aren't energy efficient in McMansions or homes with atriums and big windows. Zoning beats dual AC and heating systems.

Feb 25, 2011 - Kelly Smith

Citrus and fresh organic fruit are part of a nutritious and well-rounded diet. Commercial fruit may have pesticide residue. Grow your own and save money!

Feb 21, 2011 - Kelly Smith

Are you going to use your income tax refund to repair a fence or build a deck? Using MoistureShield recycled pickets and decking is a good fiscal policy.

Feb 18, 2011 - Kelly Smith

Sheetrock revolutionized home construction by replacing lathe and plaster walls and ceilings. There are many types: lightweight, acoustic, green,and more.

Feb 10, 2011 - Kelly Smith

With the rising cost of electricity, natural gas, and heating oil, save money on utility bills by taking advantage of solar energy and thermal mass.

Feb 2, 2011 - Kelly Smith

JamesHardi building products may be the best known siding, soffit, trim, and ceramic tile backer board, but Omniroc offers residential remodeling benefits.

Jan 25, 2011 - Kelly Smith

High energy prices and utility bills drive and expand the green construction movement. New homes have tighter envelopes and use Energy Star appliances.

Jan 18, 2011 - Kelly Smith

This is easier than laying stepping stones over dirt for a garden path or outdoor patio. All you need is the concrete stones, or even bricks, and sand.

Jan 8, 2011 - Kelly Smith

Repurpose empty glass bottles, broken windows, discarded mirrors, and even porcelain plumbing fixtures like sinks and toilets to lessen impact on landfills.

Dec 26, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Houston is the natural gas and oil capital of the US, so it's logical that this green, sustainable, energy-independent house would be built there.

Dec 26, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Bath and kitchen floors are wet environments, so some building materials are better than others. Options? Ceramic tile, marble, bamboo, seagrass, and more.

Dec 17, 2010 - Kelly Smith

New Year's resolutions are more than weight loss and quitting smoking. It's an opportunity to expand the honey-do list to include larger home repair plans.

Dec 7, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Although vinyl siding avoids the chore of chipping, priming, and the exterior house painting that wood siding entails, it still requires periodic cleaning.

Nov 19, 2010 - Kelly Smith

For remodeling or new home construction, selecting reputable contractors is key. Note reputation, bonding, workman's compensation and liability insurance.

Nov 7, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Having a mechanics lien filed against your property and home is an emotional and financial nightmare. Know the facts to protect yourself and home equity.

Oct 28, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Carpenters used to automate driving screws with a Stanley Yankee. Cordless drills with a Phillips bit simplified things. Impact drivers are the next step.

Oct 26, 2010 - Kelly Smith

From concrete foundation to ceiling joists and roof trusses, sustainable home building materials are more available to contractors than ever.

Oct 18, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Protect yourself and your home with specific insurance: dwelling and personal property, owners and landlords liability, and worker's compensation.

Oct 8, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Home plumbing repair simplified; more DIY fixes and building materials means less need to call a licensed plumber and pay an expensive service call.

Sep 23, 2010 - Kelly Smith

The two argued conservative and liberal views on the Ground Zero mosque, the American economy and tax cuts prior to the November senate and house elections

Sep 15, 2010 - Kelly Smith

You might have heard about both ductless air conditioners and mini-split A/C units and wondered what the difference is. The answer is, nothing!

Sep 9, 2010 - Kelly Smith

No one likes dealing with an insurance company, especially after a disaster like a fire, hurricane, or flood. Make your settlement money go further.

Sep 3, 2010 - Kelly Smith

A roof cupola is an architectural decorative design touch that is rising in popularity. Many custom homes are built with one because it adds curb appeal.

Sep 2, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Resurfacing concrete patios, driveways, and garden paths will add curb appeal and equity to the home in the economic recession and real estate downturn.

Aug 27, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Floor finishing materials abound: terrazzo, vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, hardwood, laminate, and more. Installing carpet as a home renovation task isn't hard.

Aug 23, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Wood is a versatile building material, but must be protected from the elements to avoid rot, and against pests to avoid carpenter ant and termite damage.

Aug 15, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Summer brings a mixture of blessings and curses to runners. Opportunities for running outdoors abound, but the heat and humidity can be health-threatening.

Aug 4, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Economic downturns are times for belt-tightening; look for home equity returns on investments in remodeling projects. Focus on functionality, not luxury.

Aug 2, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Aluminum was commonly used in place of copper wiring from the mid-60s to the early 70s. Once it was exposed as a fire hazard, its use was discontinued.

Jul 15, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Unlike chain link cyclone fences, cedar or pressure treated picket fences can be tricky to tie together, because the intersection may not hit a fence post.

Jun 30, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Most new homes have contractor grade windows. With rising utility bills, homeowners realize the need for energy conservation; choose replacements wisely.

Jun 6, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Installing tile on a laminate countertop or backsplash can be messy with poor results. Using Simplemat or Bondera tile mat, kitchen setting tile is easy

May 24, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Unhooking an old dishwasher and installing a new one isn't a difficult DIY project, but as with other kitchen appliance updates, can be time consuming.

May 23, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Staining wood trim can make cheap pine look expensive and give expensive oak or cherry more character. But different wood staining techniques are used.

May 3, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Installing wood crown moulding, or molding, was a home improvement nightmare. But now that polyurethane and PVC molding is available, installation is easy.

Apr 29, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Once used almost exclusively in commercial construction, cork tiles and planks are becoming popular in new home construction and remodeling projects.

Apr 26, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Springtime means central air conditioners running. To save money on utility bills, it's important to perform an annual HVAC checkup and perform maintenance

Apr 22, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Replacing a door is a precision carpentry job. Hinge placement is critical using tools like a router with a mortising bit and an Irwin door hardware installation kit.

Mar 29, 2010 - Kelly Smith

Bamboo is an eco-friendly, green, sustainable flooring material and can be installed by gluing, nailing (or stapling), or as a floating floor like laminate flooring.

Mar 26, 2010 - Kelly Smith

This table saw comes with a number of power tool accessories and a sturdy 4-leg stand. It's sturdy enough contractors, woodworking projects, and home improvement tasks.

Mar 17, 2010 - Kelly Smith