If you purchased a garbage disposal any time within the past 5 years or so, this blog is probably not for you.  That’s because today’s better built units have a shelf life of 10-15 years, on average. On the other hand, if the clock is starting to wind down on yours, here’s some advice on […]

All-purpose cleaners are a great way to clean a variety of surfaces in your home. But when it comes to cleaning your computer, TV, and portable devices, their very delicate screens and components require a bit more care. While household electronics often come with a hefty price tag, cleaning them doesn’t have to. Yes, you […]

Just like food and shelter, sleep is a basic life necessity.  In fact, many of us often don’t realize just how important sleep is until we don’t get enough.  When that happens, you may feel run down, unable to focus, or irritable the next day. Or maybe just plain ol’ physically run down and not […]

Did you know that the average cost of a minor kitchen remodel is over $18,000, while a high-end “reno” tips the scale at $54,000? If your kitchen is showing its age – and hasn’t exactly aged gracefully – you’re no doubt feeling you need to do something.  But there are ways to cut costs without […]

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, a typical remodel costs an average of $16,000 with more upscale renovations costing upwards of $50,000. With all the other important things vying for your checkbook’s attention, that can be a hard number to swallow. But before you reach for the Pepto pink wonder, consider these simple […]

Most people don’t think twice about scheduling regular doctor and dentist appointments, or performing routine maintenance on their cars. And rightfully so. After all, a little preventive care now can help you avoid bigger issues down the road. But when it comes to things like your home plumbing, preventive care often takes a back seat. […]

When life gives you lemons, you can do so much more with them than just make lemonade! Yes, a squirt of lemon juice gives a citrusy burst of flavor to a meal, turns boring water into a refreshing beverage, while a bowl of lemons becomes an instant centerpiece on your counter or table. But did […]

Turn on any home repair and DIY network and you’ll see regular home owners tearing down walls, tiling shower surrounds, and proudly admiring their handy work all in a 30 minute time frame. And while many household repairs and updates can, in fact, be tackled with the right tools and knowledge – even if they […]

If you’ve already started counting down the days until Spring here in Germantown and Montgomery County, it looks like you might need an extra measure of patience.  Just when you start thinking “well, that’s probably it for the snow and ice,” pow, along comes another blast of the white and messy stuff. So while it’s […]

Do you ever find yourself not just planning to take a shower, but planning the exact time? If so, then chances are you’ve experienced shower scalding before. It’s that sudden surge of hot water – the one that practically makes you jump out of your skin – when somebody else flushes a toilet or turns […]