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Home Improvement

Here’s How to Build a Wood Burning Fireplace – Minus the Smoke

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Dear James: Whenever we use our great room fireplace, some smoke comes out into the room. I am going to add one to the master bedroom. How can I keep the new fireplace from being smoky? -- Ron T. Dear Ron: You definitely are not alone with the problem of a smoky wood-burning fireplace. More than half of fireplaces cause some smoky conditions inside homes, and it is difficult … [Read more...] about Here’s How to Build a Wood Burning Fireplace – Minus the Smoke

Tablescapes 101

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Designing a tablescape for a special dinner should take into account the decor of the home, the occasion, the food to be served and even the guest list. The beauty of setting a table is that you can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish. Every table can tell a tale -- or set the theatrical background for tales to be made. A tablecloth can be considered the foundation … [Read more...] about Tablescapes 101

Home Design – The Space Under the Stairs

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Sometimes helpful solutions are hiding in plain sight. It is common to become so familiar with our surroundings that we no longer see them clearly. When you pass by something dozens of times a day, it becomes invisible in a way, so we miss opportunities. What if you challenged yourself to find places with extra function? One of my favorite spaces is the area under the … [Read more...] about Home Design – The Space Under the Stairs

Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim

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Dear James: I have old aluminum siding trim on the sides of my house, but it looks bad. I would like to replace it with wood siding. Can I just nail wood over the old siding? What is the best method to do it? -- Andre B. Dear Andre: New aluminum or vinyl siding looks good and is practically maintenance-free, but neither has the sharp crisp look of real wood siding. Since you … [Read more...] about Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim

Here’s How: Remove Synthetic Stucco From House Walls

July 24, 2012 By Pat Logan

Dear Pat: I am looking at houses to buy. I found one I like, but it has the synthetic stucco finish I heard is bad. What are the problems with this finish, and can it be removed and finished with real stucco? -- Keri J.         Dear Keri: There have been many stories about problems with the synthetic stucco used on the exterior of houses. … [Read more...] about Here’s How: Remove Synthetic Stucco From House Walls