http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/my_articles.php http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=30 Michael Welch Ten Questions Buyers Should Ask Before Investing in Indoor Comfort Products Contractors Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=30 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=31 J. Carpenter. Tub Re-caulking: Step-by-Step Contractors Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=31 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=32 S. Sebastian Snow Removal Without Destroying Your Driveway Contractors Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=32 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=33 Homeowners who do lots of legwork before a project begins are less likely to encounter cost and time overruns and more likely to be pleased with the overall project. Here are six major steps to a smooth and successful kitchen renovation: Contractors Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=33 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=34 Of all the elements in a kitchen, nothing affects its overall look more than the cabinets, in part because they usually take up more space than everything else put together. Not surprisingly, new cabinets also take up a large part of a typical budget. But you don’t necessarily need to replace your cabinets just to get a different door style or finish, thanks to alternatives such as refinishing and re-facing. The issue is simply which option works best for you. Contractors Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=34 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=36 Over-sizing the island: An island countertop that's 36 to 48 inches deep and 36 to 120 inches wide provides ample work space and enough room for an overhang for sitting. Anything deeper can be hard to use or clean. Also make sure there's at least 42 inches between the island and surrounding cabinets; otherwise, cooks won't be able to get by one another and the oven may bang into the cabinets or countertop opposite. Contractors Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=36 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=43 What could be worse than a huge winter storm? Having no heat in your home during a huge winter storm because of downed power lines. Contractors Mon, 4 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=43 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=44 There are many different types of construction methods. Probably the most widely known is wood framed. Coming in a close second would be metal framed or metal stud framed. Something that is gaining popularity is ICF's (Insulated Concrete Forms). There is even heavy steel construction now too. Possibly the oldest method besides brick is timber frame. So what makes each of these types better or worse than other types of construction? Contractors Tue, 5 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=44 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=45 Examine weather stripping and caulk on windows and doors. Study the source of air leaks by looking for gaps or worn weather stripping, shrinkage, deterioration and separation of caulk. Replace old weather stripping, remove and replace old caulk. Check for air leaks around electrical outlets, and pipe fittings that exit or enter the home. Add insulation plates to electrical outlets. Insulate inside of windows with heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets. Contractors Wed, 6 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=45 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=46 Preparing your home to survive the seasons is easy. It is also less expensive to do it yourself. Follow a few simple seasonal, fall and winter, strategies to keep your home in tip top shape and save yourself the headache of costly and time consuming repairs. Contractors Thu, 7 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=46 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=59 Shane Chow-Certified in Stone Care The top 5 most asked questions about stone Contractors Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=59 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=71 In the middle of a raging winter storm, wind howling outside your windows, rain pounding on the roof, nothing quite compares to the atmosphere and romance created by the warm, glowing flames of a fireplace in your home. Even in a warm climate, a fireplace can add charm and value to your home. If you are considering building or remodeling a home, there are several options you can choose from when it comes to the addition of a fireplace. Contractors Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=71 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=78 Remodeling your home can make it more modern, more comfortable, more energy efficient, and more functional. It may also increase the value of your home and help with upkeep and maintenance. If you are planning on remodeling your home, being prepared for what to expect and having a plan for when things go wrong can make a big difference between getting your dream home or living a nightmare. Contractors Wed, 5 Mar 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=78 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=79 Nobody wants to find a crack in their concrete porch, patio, driveway, or sidewalks. If a crack does develop in concrete, even the smallest crack will generally continue to expand until the concrete sidewalk or driveway becomes a cracked and broken mess. Besides making a home appear neglected, cracks in concrete often cause that concrete to eventually buckle and heave, making it dangerous for passersby to walk upon. Fortunately, there are several methods for repairing them. Contractors Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=79 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=80 When it comes to home improvements or repairs, not many projects can have as much impact on the appearance, curb appeal and value of your home as adding new siding. When deciding which type of exterior siding to choose, pick the material that fits your lifestyle and the style of your home. Some of the most popular materials include the following: Contractors Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=80 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=82 If you want to make a huge impact in your garden, using stone and rock can add emphasis, interest and character to any landscape. With a little effort and imagination, you can choose stone and rock that complements the style and design of your home and reflects your personality. A successful rock garden will also strike the right balance between the stones and plants. Contractors Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=82 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=105 Lora Wirthlin The 5 most popular home improvement projects and why Contractors Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=105 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=113 Jonathan Langford Serious things to consider when getting your roof repaired, roofed or re-roofed. Contractors Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=113 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=114 Paul C. Geertsen How to qualify for utility rebates. Contractors Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=114 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=1 Lynn Gordon Butterfield THE TRUTH IS...Regardless of how much time you spend looking for the perfect home, you will never find it. Even if you build one, you will find out that it is not the perfect one after it is finished. Real Estate Agents Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:55:38 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=1 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=6 Jeffrey David Hardly a day goes by where I am not asked the following questions: "How are you surviving as a Real Estate Agent in the current market?" and "Is it impossible to get people into homes with the current mortgage crisis?" Real Estate Agents Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:55:38 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=6 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=22 Jeffrey David Why current market conditions are not bad news! Real Estate Agents Sat, 12 Jan 2008 04:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=22 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=23 Lynn Gordon Butterfield Making major changes in your home's design and structure can add thousands of dollars to its sale price. In other cases, fixing up your home is more cost-efficient and practical than moving.. Real Estate Agents Sat, 12 Jan 2008 04:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=23 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=24 Lynn Gordon Butterfield You are planning a move. Maybe it's voluntary; maybe it's not. Nevertheless, you are planning to move, and you need to sell your present home. Real Estate Agents Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=24 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=25 Lynn Gordon Butterfield So, your listing has expired and you're wondering, "What am I going to do?" You want to get the crazy house sold! Real Estate Agents Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=25 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=26 Lynn Gordon Butterfield Selling your home successfully is like tuning in your favorite radio station; you have to be precise. One false"twist of the dial" can cost thousands of dollars in lost profits and months of wasted time when you sell your home or cause it not to sell Real Estate Agents Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=26 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=27 Lynn Gordon Butterfield It seems as if many in America are freezing up. Businesses are putting off improvements, expansions, and most future plans because of a war of unknown duration, and the "credit meltdown". Some individuals are reluctant to step into an economic future they Real Estate Agents Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=27 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=28 Lynn Gordon Butterfield If you are selling your home, it may sound like a heck of an idea to hire Aunt Marlene as your listing agent.  Sure, she's new to real estate and lives in a distant suburb, but why not give her a shot?  After all, she could discount her commission and sti Real Estate Agents Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=28 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=29 Lynn Gordon Butterfield In the many years I have been selling real estate, it has become clear to me that many Buyers and Sellers work with the first real estate agent they come into contact with.  Many others simply use a relative or someone they know. Real Estate Agents Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:32:31 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=29 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=68 Q. We will be purchasing a home soon and I feel uncomfortable about the contract.&nbsp; Besides the purchase price, what other items do I need to be sure to verify before I sign? Real Estate Agents Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=68 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=106 Lora Wirthlin Several tips to making all the right moves to get your house sold! Real Estate Agents Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=106 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=109 Lora Wirthlin My opinion of local market trends and how they may affect your decision to buy. Real Estate Agents Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=109 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=110 Lora Wirthlin Several pointers on basic fix-ups to improve the curb appeal of your home Real Estate Agents Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=110 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=5 Rebecca Mayo There are a number of questions you should be asking yourself before you commit to a certain type of mortgage. How long do you think you will own this home? What direction are interest rates going in, and how quickly? Mortgage Lenders Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:55:38 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=5 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=35 If you're planning to borrow against the value of your home to finance a major remodeling project anytime soon, you may be in for a shock. Even if you have a stellar credit record, you could face far more scrutiny than you would have in years past, especially if you live where home prices are falling. Mortgage Lenders Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=35 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=70 Gerald A. Loeb Homeowners have a choice Mortgage Lenders Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=70 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=107 Lora Wirthlin The difference between these terms and what they mean to a home buyer. Mortgage Lenders Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=107 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=108 Envision Lending Group, Inc Latest Mortgage News Mortgage Lenders Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=108 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=117 Gina McConkie <p>The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. These questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit.</p>

<p><strong>1. Who is eligible to claim the $7,500 tax credit?</strong></p>

<p>First time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home pur-chase must occur on or after April 9, 2008 and be-fore July 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit,the purchase date is the date when closing occurs.</p>

<p><strong>2. What is the definition of a first-time homebuyer?</strong></p>

<p>The law defines \"first-time home buyer\" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married
taxpayers, the law tests homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. For exam-ple, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit.</p>

<p><strong>3. What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?</strong></p>

<p>Any home purchased by an eligible first-time home buyer will qualify for the credit, provided the home will be used as a principal residence and the buyer has not owned a home in the previous three years. This includes single-family detached homes, at-tached homes like townhouses, and condominiums.</p>

<p><strong>4. Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I’ve hired a contractor to build a home on a lot I already own. Do I qualify for the tax credit?</p></strong>

<p>Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been \"purchased\" on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. </p>

<p>In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.</p>

<p>The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. These questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. </p>

<p><strong>5. Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?</p></strong>

<p>As an example, assume a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phase out to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this
amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5.</p>

<p>To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $7,500 by 0.5. The result is $3,750.</p>

<p><strong>6. Does the credit amount differ based on tax filing status?</p></strong>

<p>No. In general, the credit is equal to $7,500 for a qualified home purchase, whether the home buyer files taxes as a single or married taxpayer. However, if a household files their taxes as \"married filing separately\" (in effect, filing two returns), then the credit of $7,500 is claimed as a $3,750 credit on each of the two returns.</p>

<p><strong>7. I heard that the tax credit is refundable. What does that mean?</strong></p>

<p>This means the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit. For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Supposing the taxpayer qualifies for the $7,500 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $6,500 ($7,500 minus the $1,000 owed).</p>

<p><strong>8. What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?</p></strong>

<p>A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $7,500 in income taxes and who receives a $7,500 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS. A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $7,500 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives a $7,500 deduction, the taxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $1,125 (15 percent of $7,500), or lowered from $7,500 to $6,375.</p>

<p><strong>9. Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program?</p></strong>

<p>No. The tax credit cannot be combined with the MRB home buyer program.</p>

<p><strong>10. I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?</p></strong>

<p>Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of \"nonresident alien\" in IRS Publication 519.</p>

<p><strong>11. Will I be required to pay back to the government? If so, what are the payback provisions?</p></strong>

</p>Yes, the tax credit must be repaid. Home buyers will be required to repay the credit to the government, without interest, over 15 years or when they sell the house, if there is sufficient capital gain from the sale. For example, a home buyer claiming a $7,500 credit would repay the credit at $500 per year. The home owner does not have to begin making repayments on the credit until two years after the credit is claimed. So if the tax credit is claimed on the 2008 tax return, a $500 payment is not due until the 2010 tax return is filed. If the home owner sold the home, then the remaining credit amount would be due from the profit on the home sale. If there was insufficient profit, then the remaining credit payback would be forgiven.</p>

<p><strong>12. Why must the money be repaid?</p></strong>

<p>Congress’ intent was to provide as large a financial resource as possible for home buyers in the year that they purchase a home. In addition to helping first-time home buyers, this will maximize the
stimulus for the housing market and the economy, will help stabilize home prices, and will increase home sales. The repayment requirement reduces the
effect on the Federal Treasury and assumes that home buyers will benefit from stabilized and, eventually, increasing future housing prices.</p>

<p><strong>13. Because the money must be repaid, isn’t the first-time home buyer program really a zero-interest loan rather than a traditional tax credit?</p></strong>

<p>Yes. Because the tax credit must be repaid, it operates like a zero-interest loan. Assuming an interest rate of 7%, that means the home owner saves up to $4,200 in interest payments over the 15-year repayment period. Compared to $7,500 financed through a 30-year mortgage with a 7% interest rate, the home buyer tax credit saves home buyers over $8,100 in interest payments. The program is called a tax credit because it operates through the tax code and is administered by the IRS. Also like a tax credit, it provides a reduction in tax liability in the year it is claimed.</p>

<p><strong>14. If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in
2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return?</p></strong>

<p>Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose (\"elect\") to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the pur- chase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (tax filing for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 re- turns). A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the in- come limit will reduce their credit amount.</p>

<p><strong>15. For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009?</p></strong>

<p>Yes. If the applicable income phase out would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in 2009 and a larger credit would be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.</p>
Mortgage Lenders Sun, 9 Nov 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=117 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=69 Some homeowners may think that there's nothing they can do during winter to fix up their home. However, organizing all the stuff in your home can make being cooped up with it for several months much more agreeable. Making sure there's a place for everything and everything's in its place when it’s cold outside will also make spring cleaning a lot easier. Here are just a few suggestions on how to get organized. Home & Garden Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=69 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=74 Your indoor plants suffer in winter because of a lack of sunlight as well as dryer air and soil because of central heating. This combination makes them less healthy and they won’t look as attractive in your home. There are some measures you can take that will optimize the conditions for your plants and help them to survive the winter months. Home & Garden Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=74 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=76 Selecting window coverings for your home not only takes care of the functional aspects of allowing light inside your home and providing a view to the outside, but it also addresses the design elements of your home. Proper planning and selection go a long way toward creating a comfortable, beautiful home. Home & Garden Mon, 3 Mar 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=76 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=77 When the sun starts shining after a long, dark winter, you may be tempted to go outside and start working on your lawn. But in the case of early spring lawn care, patience is a virtue. Wait until after your grass has had time to dry before doing any major maintenance. Home & Garden Tue, 4 Mar 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=77 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=81 Pruning is very beneficial to roses but many amateur gardeners are confused and intimidated by it. Fortunately, roses can survive a few pruning mistakes and with time and practice, you will learn what works best for your varieties. Pruning your roses allows you to shape them to the height and size that looks best in your garden. It encourages hybrid teas to grow large, long-stemmed flowers and your floribundas to create smaller, more plentiful clusters. Pruning also helps to keep your roses healthy by removing dead, damaged or diseased canes. Thinning canes from the interior of the plant improves air circulation. This makes it less likely that they will suffer from mildew and some other common fungal diseases. Removing dead or damaged canes increases the overall beauty and well-being of your roses. Therefore, it’s better to make an effort at pruning rather than let them grow wild. Home & Garden Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=81 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=92 Rocky Mountain Sound, LLC YOUR HOME, YOUR DREAM - Unfortunately, it’s not just about the dream; it’s about the appropriate design, proper equipment selection, and qualified installation. Home & Garden Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=92 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=61 Mike Van Patten - Stone Unlimited A crash course in 2cm vs. 3cm granite countertops Do-It-Yourself Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=61 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=62 Improve Your Garden during the Dead of Winter Do-It-Yourself Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=62 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=63 Tables and chairs on your deck or patio are made to survive everything that the outdoors can throw at them. But you can make your all-weather furniture last longer, and keep it looking good enough for anyone to use, with some simple cleaning and maintenance. You may have had care instructions for your furniture when you bought it, but if you can't think where they could be now, here are some tips on what to do. Do-It-Yourself Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=63 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=72 A fireplace can be a wonderful asset in your home, especially for entertaining during the holidays, intimate evenings with loved ones, or heaven forbid, if you lose power during a winter storm. However, a fireplace can be a nuisance if it’s not functioning properly, or a liability if it becomes a safety hazard. Here are a few tips to keep your fireplace working the way it should when you do need to use it. Do-It-Yourself Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=72 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=73 If your toilet is leaking, you may lose as much as 80,000 gallons of water in a year. It makes economic and environmental sense to occasionally check the toilets around your home. Even for older ballcock/flush ball toilet tank valves, a full line of replacement parts is still widely available. Or, you can install modern plastic devices instead of repairing the original parts. Do-It-Yourself Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=73 http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=75 One simple and effective home improvement project for the winter season is replacing old, out-of-date light fixtures with stylish new ones. Of course, whenever working with electricity, stay safe and avoid accidents. Do-It-Yourself Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:00:00 MST http://www.americahometoday.com/articles/article.php?id=75