Even if you live in a gated community in a nice part of town, there are always steps you can take to increase the security of your home. Here are a few ways to protect your home and maintain a high level of privacy: Store as Many Items as You Can in the Garage The fewer items you leave on your porch and patio, the better. Burglars can easily spot grills, bikes and vehicles without ever having to...

You've finally figured out why you cannot get organized. It's not that you don't want to; in fact, you have lots of ideas for organizing your home. But there is one obstacle in your way and it defeats your best intentions every time – it's clutter. You may have grown so accustomed to living with clutter that you push it aside, working around it and stepping over it, day after day. Clutter didn't...

If you are making an addition to your home, transforming a space to better meet your needs or looking at changing the layout, you're probably wondering whether you need an architect. While there are many projects you may be able to handle on your own, there are some factors to consider before beginning a home renovation project yourself. Factors to Consider Before Beginning a Home Renovation How...

The weather is heating up which means grilling, swimming and summer fun is almost here. Is your house prepared for warmer temperatures? Here are eight ways to get your home ready for summer: 1. Inspect air conditioner Even when you don’t suspect your air conditioner of having any issues, call a professional to inspect your cooling system on a regular basis. If you do have cooling problems, get...

Congratulations on your new home! Now that the paperwork's been signed, the next steps can seem daunting. To help you get an idea of the best new home must-dos, consider the following helpful list: Install ceiling fans where possible. Ceiling fans are an excellent low-energy way to keep air circulating throughout your home to improve ventilation and reduce the amount of your home's energy usage....

As the days grow longer and the temperature steadily warms up, most see spring as prime time for deep cleaning. A deep spring clean can be rejuvenating for both your house and everyone within, as you physically sweep out all of the dust, dirt, and grime that’s accumulated over the winter months. From a health perspective, a thorough spring-cleaning helps eliminate particulates that cause...

As the days get sunnier and the weather warms up, now is the perfect time to jump into spring cleaning. Use these seven simple tips to reduce your time spent cleaning this spring and in the coming summer months. Start at the Top: Cleaning should be done top to bottom so if dust falls, it doesn't dirty what you just cleaned. Begin your spring cleaning on the ceiling. Dust and wipe down all fans...

No, they're not as expensive as your furnace and air conditioner. They're not even as expensive as your kitchen appliances or your washer and dryer. But window shades represent an investment in your home, and you want to ensure your investment is protected. A warranty can provide peace of mind against such worries. But not all vendors offer warranties – or, if they do, the warranty is little more...

AIA's recent meeting included the tour of Wayne Newton's home. It was unbelievable! Here are some photos we took.