If you have a fireplace or wood stove, it’s essential for safety that you have it serviced before lighting the first fire of the season. If you haven’t done so already, schedule an appointment to have your chimney inspected and, if necessary, cleaned. Want...

Vacuum radiators, baseboard heaters, and heating grates. Prepare for heating season by vacuuming up dust from radiators, baseboard heaters, and heating grates. If you have radiators with covers, remove the covers and vacuum beneath them before...

Dead limbs are more likely to fall during winter storms, making them a potential safety hazard. Have an arborist inspect and trim large trees. we strongly suggest the Three-Step Approach to cutting tree limbs! Step one: Make the first cut about one or two...

Winterize Your Gas Grill If you’re not a winter griller, now’s the time to pack away your grill before it’s covered with a foot of snow. In addition to giving your grill a thorough cleaning to remove grease and food scraps, take these steps to help prevent...

To prevent exterior water pipes from bursting when the weather gets below freezing, turn off the valves to the exterior hose bibs. Run the water until the pipes are empty. Make sure all the water is drained from the pipes, if not; the water can freeze up...

Soak Brushes in Fabric Softener to Keep Brushes Soft Every DIY painter has been privy to the horrors of a day-old brush with stiff bristles that makes round two nearly impossible. To keep paintbrushes soft: Rinse thoroughly (no soap) Mix half a cup of...

Tuck Chalk in Your Toolbox to Stop Rust You can keep the metal tools and hardware in your toolbox rust-free with blackboard chalk. How so? Chalk is a moisture-sucking material that traps dampness. When you place several pieces throughout your toolbox, its...

If you haven’t cleaned out your garage in a while, it’s likely this project will take an entire weekend (or more), so plan accordingly. It helps to think ahead and find out where you can take items (donations, hazardous waste, things to sell) before...

Get organized for back to school (and work).  Consider what would make this fall run more smoothly for your family: a few extra hooks in the entryway to handle coats and bags, perhaps? Or if papers are a constant problem, take the time now to set up a...

“After a summer filled with nonstop grilling fests, family gatherings, and just general outdoor fun and wear and tear, it’s important to properly clean natural stone around your home—whether it's outdoor granite countertops, stone walkways, or patios—to...

If you have glass light fixtures that are easily removed, bring them inside and wash in a dishpan of warm water with gentle soap. If the fixtures must stay in place, turn the power off and carefully wipe the exteriors with a damp microfiber cloth; dry with a soft...