Home Improvement

Is your contractor buying shoddy materials, then pocketing the remainder of the dough you gave him for quality materials? Yep, it's time to fire him.

By Garth Sundem

The identical ranks of cookie-cutter neighborhoods have been immortalized (and often satirized) in American pop culture, but who first came up with the idea for these "little boxes on the hillside?"

By Kate Kershner

These days, homeowners have add-on options that previous generations could only dream of. From integrated electronics to secret rooms, we'll scope out 10 of the best.

By Shanna Freeman

Even in this Age of Machines, there's times when you have to pull out a washtub and take care of a couple garments by hand. But is this necessary and what is the best way to do it?

By Kim Williamson

Fly ash concrete is considered a green building product. But some think it could have potential hazards. We'll tell you both sides of the story.

By Mark Boyer

While some people use the terms "general contractor" and "construction manager" interchangeably, these are actually two different jobs. What specific role do construction managers play in building projects big and small?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

You may already know about solar heaters and rain barrels, but what about geothermal pumps and backyard wind turbines? Find out what's the latest in home green technology.

By Becky Striepe

Is it possible for a stream of air to behave like a door? Surprisingly, yes. This door may not block out burglars, but it can certainly fight against cold winds, flying insects and pollutants.

By Garth Sundem

As far as stains go, the ones made by lipstick are a double whammy: They're oil-based and brightly colored, so they're tough to clean and almost impossible to hide. It might take a few tries, but you should be able to banish that stain!

By Alison Cooper & Austin Henderson

You don't have to be a home design expert to know that granite countertops are all the rage for kitchens and baths -- and have been for quite some time now. But has their popularity finally peaked?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Did your wool sweater get stretched out? If so, how do you shrink it back to its normal size?

By Alia Hoyt & Denise Harrison

Sunscreen is no longer your only option for deflecting the sun's UV rays. Now, you can get protection from your clothes, too. But how do you wash them?

By Sara Elliott

Even if you're not in the habit of noticing the flooring under your feet, chances are good that you've trod on terrazzo before. Meet mosaic's sturdy cousin.

By Shanna Freeman

Inventive manufacturers have transformed the once dark and dim building material called concrete into light transmitting blocks that remain sturdy and compact. Here's how it works.

By Chris Opfer

The law of laundry states that certain colors are washed in certain temperatures. If you decide to be a laundry outlaw, though, will all of your clothes shrink?

By Emilie Sennebogen

Food stains are a fact of life, but that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to living with them permanently. Kick those stains to the curb with these tips.

By Sara Elliott

Laundry sorting probably isn't on too many people's list of favorite household chores. But we promise these five tips will keep it from being such a pain.

By Alison Cooper

Stain removal can be tricky business, especially if the garment in question has already been laundered. But you can still salvage those clothes with stubborn stains.

By Alia Hoyt

You know how to get your whites white. But how can you get your colors brighter? We'll tell you.

By Beth Brindle

Your bed is a place you spend quite a bit of time, which means it can get dirty quickly. To keep your bedding soft and your night's rest peaceful, follow these tips for cleaning your bedding.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Mold is a creepy fungus that can pop up anywhere there's moisture, and that includes on your clothes. But you can kill the mold and save your favorite fabrics from the trash. We'll show you how.

By Emilie Sennebogen & Madison Palmer

What's that musty odor that's lurking behind your closet doors? Find out how to rid your clothes of offensive mildew stains -- and prevent them from coming back.

By Natalie Kilgore & Austin Henderson

Don't waste time washing clothes the wrong way! Protect your garments from stains and prevent color bleeding with these laundry tips and tricks.

By Bambi Turner

Folding laundry is no fun. But there really is a proper way to get the job done. We'll tell you how.

By Danielle Fisher

Fibers are fragile and don't last forever. Find out how to wash dark clothes so they maintain their look long after they're first snatched off the rack.

By Natalie Kilgore