http://hamptonroads.com/taxonomy/term/10 Category: Home Improvement en-us Copyright 2008 PilotOnline.com / HamptonRoads.com. Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:33:09 -0500 NORFOLK A guard dog patrols the yard, scrap metal sprawls where grass should grow and a gaping hole in the garage makes you wonder, "What exploded here?" But curb appeal is in the eye of the beholder. And Patti Robertson, buyer and renovator of distressed homes, believes her recent acquisition at 2305 Eustis Ave. in Norfolk is a treasure worthy of national recognition. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/11/norfolk-home-ugliest-house-year-distinction Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:33:09 -0500 AN INTRIGUING TREND has emerged from the wreckage of the real estate market: The brave souls taking the plunge into homeownership are increasingly turning to studio apartments and smaller homes. Their logic is rooted in efficiency. They really want to own a home - and afford one at the same time - and are willing to sacrifice space to accomplish that goal. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/10/small-kitchen-budget-try-these-tips-renovate Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:06:17 -0400 The people at Lenox provided this advice: Stack the dishes in a box with protection between them. A couple of newspaper pages, folded to fit, should be enough padding if you're not shipping them. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/howto-packing-dishes-storage Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:01:00 -0400 As summer transitions to fall, the mind turns to crackling blazes in the fireplace on crisp autumn evenings. But be safe while enjoying the coziness. Here are 10 fire-safety tips:   -Stack woodpiles at least 30 feet from any structure. -Locate LPG tanks at least 30 feet from any structure; maintain 10 feet of clear space around tanks. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/10-safety-tips-fireplace-season-returns Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:12:23 -0400 A new type of plug-in product uses light instead of fragrances to counteract odors in the air. The Germ Guardian UV-C Pluggable Air Sanitizer uses ultraviolet-C light to kill germs, odors and other airborne nasties, such as mold spores and other allergens. A fan circulates air through the unit, where the UV-C light kills 99 percent of the bad stuff, according to the company. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/ultraviolet-light-fights-bad-odors Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:01:00 -0400 Window and door screens take a lot of abuse, from children and pets pushing them to squirrels chewing them. But lack of regular maintenance can take its toll, too. Here's a primer on care and repair: http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/screen-test-choose-best-your-windows-doors Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:01:00 -0400 WORKING FROM home never looked so stylish or productive. Gone are the days of flimsy plywood desks and no-character chairs with wheels. Home offices now incorporate a house's style and seamlessly transform from workspace to television room, guest room or study. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/your-service-get-chic-and-cheap-home-office Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:01:00 -0400 The wrong time to report a persistent leak in your apartment's garbage disposal is on the last day of tenancy. That'll cost you. And, by the way, managers had to hire someone to blast the stalactites from the microwave. That's coming out of your deposit, too. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/renters-dont-blow-chance-get-bucks-back Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:01:00 -0400 You'll need the following ingredients and supplies to make the cleaning solution (turpentine and linseed oil can both be purchased at a paint store): 1 empty and clean coffee can 1 quart of water 3 tablespoons turpentine (not paint thinner) 3 tablespoons boiled linseed oil (it comes pre-boiled)   http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/goop-your-cabinets-heres-how-get-it Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:01:00 -0400 By Staci Dennis Think of it as getting a little home restyling, courtesy of Uncle Sam. For millions of Americans, direct deposit or mail means an economic stimulus refund of $300 to $1,200 or more, depending on family size. Some 130 million households across the nation have received or will soon receive a check. Now comes the decision: invest, pay off bills or squirrel it away? http://hamptonroads.com/2008/07/let-your-stimulus-check-pay-quick-home-spruce Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:01:00 -0400