Expert Advice on Home Improvement

When I designed our master bath, I knew from the onset that I wanted to use glazed porcelain floor tile that resembled tumbled marble. It has a weathered, old world look that I find more interesting than traditional polished marble. Plus, porcelain tile is much stronger and harder than real marble, so it’s less likely to crack. Read in full.

Susan asks, “I’m having a serious problem with ladybugs. Do you have any ideas for ridding my home of these beautiful but pesky insects?”

For many homeowners, the battle against ladybugs is a yearly chore without a satisfying solution. Prevention, along with regular removal, is the best strategy. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

The recession is over. I have decided that I’ve heard enough positive news about the stock market, housing starts, banks recovering, etc. that I’m convinced that we are on our way back from a tough period in America. Times like this make us appreciate what we have and where we live. I’m proud and ready for great times ahead . . . for everyone. Read in full.

One of the perks of being on television is the chance to do all kinds of crazy things. Several years ago when I was anchoring a morning news program, I was invited to this out-of-the-way zoo in a sleepy little town. I’ve always been a nature lover, but apparently it wasn’t my day to be a friend of the animal kingdom. I should have known better when the zoo director said, “Oh, you can go in there with the lion. He won’t do anything.” Read in full.

Rainfall is scarce in July, and soaring temperatures can cause your garden and lawn to slow down and conserve energy. Vegetable gardens kick into high gear and need some extra attention to stay happy. Other plants in your garden can benefit from special treatment as well. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Comfort is key for outdoor activities so go prepared. Remember to drink fluids, wear sunscreen, and bring an area mosquito repellent. ThermaCELL mosquito repellents are 98% effective in fighting mosquitoes, black flies and no see-ums, and they create a 15′ x 15′ comfort zone from biting insects. Read in full.

To keep the items you have stored in the trunk of your car from sliding around, attach self-adhesive strips of hook-and-loop fastener (hook side) to the bottom of a storage conntainer, then press the container to the carpet in the truck. Watch this video.

I’m a little embarrassed to tell this story, but here it is. This is an African violet, one of a trio of violets that I’ve grown rather unsuccessfully for years. African Violets are known to be a little fussy, but I thought I was doing everything right, yet they sat there stubbornly, season after season, refusing to bloom. Read in full.

The Heat Seeker Infrared Thermometer from General Tools is perfect way to conduct a do-it-yourself inspection of your heating/cooling system for leaks in the ductwork, or a general home energy audit. To use, simply train the laser pointer on the object and read the remote temperature reading on the LCD screen. The Heat Seeker is available at The Home Depot. Watch this video.

Here are six simple do-it-yourself projects that can solve some common home improvement problems around your home. Read on to find out how to coat a garage floor, replace a security light, install bifold closet doors, refurbish an entry door, replace a showerhead, and install a tile floor. Read in full.