homeXtreme

Keypad Lock Service: How To Recode Your System

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:52:45 -0700

There are a number of advantages to using a keypad lock service. Of course, just as you can lose a key, a code can always fall into the wrong hands. Here's how to recode if that happens. [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

How to Find the Best Builders

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:46:09 -0700

Building structures is a serious business. Whether you are doing it for a home or a business, you'll need to hire the best people to do the job. And this holds true regardless if your project is a renovation for an existing building or a start-from-scratch construction. [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

US 30-year mortgage rate falls to record 3.78 pct.

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:48:05 -0700

The average U.S. rate for the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to a record low for a fourth straight week. Cheap mortgages have helped boost home sales modestly this year. [The Seattle Times: Real Estate] [Read More]

A very fine line: Artist turns her room into her canvas

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:17:50 -0700

Shantell Martin, a London-born artist whose line drawings adorn the walls of private homes and companies, has made her room in Brooklyn her canvas. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

Wait until June to plant peppers and eggplant

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:01:05 -0700

Ciscoe Morris, Seattle Times garden writer, suggests waiting until June to plant peppers and eggplant and planting Hosta 'Empress Wu' if you are looking for a large-leafed feature in your garden; and offers tips on getting daffodils to bloom again. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

US sales of new homes rose 3.3 percent in April

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:31:04 -0700

Americans bought more new homes last month, the latest evidence that the U.S. housing market could be starting to recover. [The Seattle Times: Real Estate] [Read More]

Home Depot Earns $1 Billion in Latest Quarter, Raises Outlook

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:00:00 -0700

ATLANTA, GA -- The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, reported sales of $17.8 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2012, a 5.9 percent increase from the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Comparable store sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 were positive 5.8 percent, and comp sales for... [Building Online] [Read More]

Nationwide Housing Affordability Reaches New Record High

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:00:00 -0700

WASHINGTON, DC -- Nationwide housing affordability hit a new record high for a second consecutive quarter in the first three months of this year, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), released today. Yet tight lending conditions continue to pose a major... [Building Online] [Read More]

Share your open house horror story

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:31:05 -0700

The Seattle Times is researching an upcoming story on unusual real estate open house experiences and we want to hear from you. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

Mastro creditors unlikely to recoup more money in near future

Tue, 22 May 2012 21:02:27 -0700

Creditors of bankrupt former real-estate magnate Michael R. Mastro probably won't get more than a penny on the dollar for several years, the court-appointed trustee in the case said in a report this week. [The Seattle Times: Real Estate] [Read More]

Designer Rick Kyper nourishes a garden for all seasons

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:29:59 -0700

Garden designer Rick Kyper's mini-estate on Beacon Hill overflows with unusual trees, shrubs and flowers. [The Seattle Times: Real Estate] [Read More]

Five Things Your Dad Was Wrong About

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:00:00 -0700

Your dad may have taught you well the basics of baseball and what's under your car's hood but did he get Yard Care 101 wrong? [Home Improvement Time] [Read More]

7 Valuable Considerations When Asking 'What Is My Property Worth'

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:11:13 -0700

Whether in good times or bad, buying, selling or just testing the waters, home owners (and potential owners) are often curious to know the value of a house. This is no simple proposition. Many of the old standby approaches don't reveal as much as some people believe. This article explains why value is necessarily... [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Top 3 Ways To Keep Your Basement and Crawlspace Completely Dry

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:09:45 -0700

Wet, leaky basements and crawlspaces are a very common problem. When your cellar is constantly damp or is prone to flooding, it is a health hazard, it lowers your home's value and it is a huge annoyance. There are three simple, cost-effective ways to keep your basement or crawlspace completely dry and give you some... [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Architecture Billings Index Reverts to Negative Territory

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 -0700

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After five months of positive readings, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) has fallen into negative terrain. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The... [Building Online] [Read More]

Universal Forest Products Purchases Manufactured Housing Supplier MSR Forest Products

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 -0700

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Universal Forest Products, Inc. announced that a subsidiary of the Company has purchased certain assets of Haleyville, Ala.-based MSR Forest Products, LLC, a supplier of roof trusses and cut-to-size lumber to the region's manufactured housing producers. The purchase was completed on May 16,... [Building Online] [Read More]

Basement Waterproofing Advantages

Tue, 22 May 2012 07:49:18 -0700

The crawl space area and basement are, in all likelihood, spaces of your home that are never visited. What most people do not realize is that the basement area is a treasure trove of space! You can convert this room into a recreation den, a guest room for visitors, or simply use it for storage and stacking up of... [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Mainstream Patio Umbrellas

Tue, 22 May 2012 07:30:01 -0700

As far as one can remember, patio umbrellas have been used to provide protection against the suns' harmful UV rays. Outdoor umbrellas have been a status symbol dating back to the Emperor of China. The Emperor's parasol had a total of four tiers! [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

A garden's poetry nearly lost

Tue, 22 May 2012 07:01:04 -0700

If not for 'Lessons Learned From a Poet's Garden,' the story of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer's garden would have been lost. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

ABCs of chalkboard projects

Tue, 22 May 2012 01:31:05 -0700

Crafts: Chalkboards are not just for school. Here are some fun ideas and tips for using chalkboard paint and chalk for decorating furniture, gifts and more at home. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

Downtown Seattle condos are finally filling up

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:09:59 -0700

The glut of condos that hit downtown Seattle right during the real-estate downturn is disappearing as buyers move back into the market. [The Seattle Times: Real Estate] [Read More]

Benefits of Vinyl Siding for Residential Homes

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:31:22 -0700

If you're planning on replacing the siding on a residential home you have many options to choose from. Wood, fiberglass, aluminum and cement fiber are all materials a contractor can use to install new house siding. In addition to improving the look of the house, high quality siding also serves to protect the structure... [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Why You Should Never Compromise When Having Your Home Refurbished

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:11:23 -0700

If you are about to have your home refurbished then you will no doubt want to do all you can to ensure that your property looks great once it is complete. As you are transforming the look and feel of your home, making sure that everything is in line with your requirements is the most important thing to achieve. You... [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

NW Neighborhood: Innis Arden

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:17:23 -0700

The historic Innis Arden neighborhood in Shoreline is known for its protected views, sense of community and link to the founder of Boeing. [The Seattle Times: Real Estate] [Read More]

Get a free IKEA big blue bag Thursday

By MARLA JO FISHER — Mon, 21 May 2012 09:56:00 -0700

Get a free IKEA blue bag at the Huntington Beach pier, Glendale Farmers Market and Vineland swap meet, among other locations. IKEA is giving away its iconic blue shopping bags Thursday (May 24, 2012) in the U.S., as part of an upcoming summer... [The Orange County Register - Home & Garden] [Read More]

Japanese Shoji Screens - The Beauty of Minimalist Furniture

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:05:53 -0700

Japanese shoji screens are perfect if you want to style your home in a minimalist and elegant way. Find a woodworker specialising in creating Japanese-inspired furniture and use shoji for your doors, windows, and other home fixtures. [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Carpet Cleaning Is NOT Restoration

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:15:07 -0700

Many people mistakenly using carpet cleaners to remove water. Here is why this may cost you more than expected. [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Dual-mount sink opens up options for kitchen counter

Sun, 20 May 2012 21:01:05 -0700

Ed the Plumber: The right kitchen sink can offer flexibility when the time comes to pick your countertop. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

Fireplace becomes an eye-catching focal point for family room

Sun, 20 May 2012 21:01:05 -0700

Candice Tells All: Interior decorator Candice Olson shares how she turned a cluttered, neglected family room into stylish yet hardworking room that the kids and parents can enjoy. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

New Study Shows 'Smart Meter' Homes Increasing

Sun, 20 May 2012 17:00:00 -0700

Electric utilities are making steady progress in upgrading their customers' analog electric meters with digital 'smart' meters, according to the latest report from the Institute for Electric Efficiency (IEE). [Home Improvement Time] [Read More]

Should You DIY Or Hire Pro

Sun, 20 May 2012 17:00:00 -0700

As May, National Home Improvement Month, winds down, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) shares advice with homeowners before they tackle their spring projects ... [Home Improvement Time] [Read More]

New Northwest garden books run from yard art to organic flowers

Sat, 19 May 2012 21:01:05 -0700

Gardening is nothing if not local, says Plant Life columnist Valerie Easton, so you can be sure that the featured plants, techniques and materials suit our climate. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

More senior living centers put out welcome mat for pets

Sat, 19 May 2012 09:01:04 -0700

Senior housing centers are finding that pets can be welcomed residents while helping their owners' adjust to new homes. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

Garden detective: Damaged leaves

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

We live in Herald in south Sacramento county. About 18 years ago, we planted several eucalyptus trees for a fast-growing light shield from a neighboring light. [sacbee.com Home & Garden] [Read More]

Home Tip: Get your grill in shape

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Get your grill in shape for summer barbecues. Clean the exterior of the barbecue with warm, soapy water and a sponge. [sacbee.com Home & Garden] [Read More]

Appraisals overvalue real estate, study finds

Fri, 18 May 2012 23:01:04 -0700

Using data from thousands of securitized real-estate bonds in which the properties were foreclosed on and liquidated, a study found a wide discrepancy between the appraisal values and the eventual sales prices of the properties. [The Seattle Times: Real Estate] [Read More]

Ben Stiller still selling

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:31:04 -0700

Comic actor Ben Stiller and his actress wife, Christine Taylor, have sold a house in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles for... [The Seattle Times: Real Estate] [Read More]

Tips On Buying A Propane Fire Pit

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:28:50 -0700

Before you purchase a propane gas fire pit, be sure you have all the facts on what you need to operate it safely. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your new ambiance fire pit. [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Why Choose Cheap Summer Houses

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:06:40 -0700

Vacations can be an expensive affair and not something a family can always afford. So a summer house is a much better solution. [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Clad in the simple sandals of their childhood, Minima owner and lifelong friend fulfill a dream

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:10:54 -0700

By Caroline Tiger FOR THE INQUIRER [Home & Design -- Philly.com] [Read More]

Estate sales that won't break the bank

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:34:15 -0700

Single-collector consignments and estates will dominate much of the coming week's auction activity at generally affordable prices. [Home & Design -- Philly.com] [Read More]

How to Landscape With Water Elements

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:07:38 -0700

Having water elements in your garden, patio, yard, or any exterior home area will enhance, add more beauty, and exude a more relaxing feel to your landscape. From small ponds to waterfalls, from fountains to bird baths, water is one addition that will not just make your outdoor space more attractive; it will also add... [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Spare Some Bedroom Space With Built In Wardrobes

Fri, 18 May 2012 06:26:00 -0700

When you have limited space in your bedroom, it is so difficult to put in all the things that you want it to contain. Of course, you will need wardrobes so that you can have space to keep or store all of your clothing and accessories. [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Plastic, pricey and preferred: Melamine dishes by Le Cadeaux

Fri, 18 May 2012 06:20:13 -0700

At Kitchen Kapers in Ardmore, one trendy tabletop product occupies most of the front window display. At Simply Elegant Home in Media, owner Mary Rhoads has devoted an eight-foot-long wall unit, plus a 48-inch round table, to this French-designed import in a store that is 1,000 square feet. And, at Everything but the... [Home & Design -- Philly.com] [Read More]

Bird and plant expert donates purple martin houses to Longwood

Fri, 18 May 2012 06:17:36 -0700

Growing up in Broomall, Jesse Grantham remembers two unscripted moments that played an outsized role in shaping the career he would choose and the person he would become. Moment No. 1: He's 8, in the car with his parents, on the way to pick up the babysitter. Once there, he looks up and sees a purple martin rockin' and... [Home & Design -- Philly.com] [Read More]

Everything coming up fuchsias at Sherman Gardens

By CINDY MCNATT — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

If you haven't been to Sherman Library and Gardens in a while wow! The perennial borders are bursting with the kind of cottage blooms we flowerphiles only hope for. The succulent collection is not just a collection, but it is designed in... [The Orange County Register - Home & Garden] [Read More]

Which of these cool countertops is right for you

BY CINDY MCNATT — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

I was running a year or two late when I finally picked out my countertops.' Six years ago, quartz was the underdog and the price was good. Today, quartz is the star of the countertop world for its durability, ease of care and indestructible nature,... [The Orange County Register - Home & Garden] [Read More]

Plants that are hot for heat

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:01:05 -0700

The Gardener Within: Master Gardener and author Joe Lamp'l offers tips on growing heat-loving annual and perennial plants that add a pop of color to the summer landscape. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

Inside the Kips Bay show house

Thu, 17 May 2012 21:16:04 -0700

Design Notebook: This year's Kips Bay Decorator Show House is set in a modern Manhattan high-rise with sweeping views. Here's a look at some of the rooms. [The Seattle Times: Home & Garden] [Read More]

Foreclosures decline in U.S., King County in April

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:31:05 -0700

The number of U.S. homes taken back by lenders in April declined 7 percent from March and 26 percent from April 2011, RealtyTrac reported. In King County, the number of homes repossessed was down 19 percent from March and a whopping 65 percent from last April [The Seattle Times: Real Estate] [Read More]

Choosing Between Hot Water Heaters

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:31:17 -0700

When choosing between hot water heaters there are several things that ought to be taken into consideration. You will certainly want to look closely at the variations between different brands. Obviously, a good place to start for this would be the various consumer report publications that are printed every year. [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

What Exactly Is A Logsplitter

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:25:34 -0700

The short answer to this question is that, basically, a logsplitter is a machine that people use to split logs instead of having to do it by hand. They are used by a number of people for a variety of reasons, from workers within the timber and construction industries to everyday homeowners. Timber artists also... [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]

Economists Say Housing Outlook Continues to Slowly Brighten

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:00:00 -0700

WASHINGTON -- Mirroring the uneven economic recovery, the housing market is expected to move in a slow, gradual upward path in 2012, while encountering its share of speed bumps along the road, according to economists participating in the recent National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) construction forecast webinar... [Building Online] [Read More]

Overall Construction Spending Rises 0.1 Percent in March

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Overall construction spending in the U.S. during March 2012 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $808.1 billion, 0.1 percent above the revised February estimate of $807.3 billion. The March figure is 6.0 percent above the March 2011 estimate of $762.6 billion. PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION Spending on... [Building Online] [Read More]

What Is Gyprock, or Solid Plaster - What Is the Difference

Wed, 16 May 2012 05:40:07 -0700

There are a few ways to get the walls and ceilings of your choosing. Learn about the differences and make the right choice for your home. [EzineArticles.com] [Read More]