Home automation is rapidly gaining momentum, and another major tech company has stepped into the field: the Amazon Echo. The Echo represents a clear glimpse of the smart home future from a large industry player. Where once whole-house voice control cost thousands, the Echo offers similar capabilities for around $180. The device responds to a … Read more
Early fall is the ideal time to inspect your home and prepare it for the coming winter. Below is a practical checklist of common problem areas and clear steps to address them. Get your mind in the gutters. Your roof’s drainage system diverts thousands of gallons of water away from your house and foundation every … Read more
Hardwood flooring is one of the few interior renovation choices a DIY homeowner can make that truly endures. When selected and installed correctly, hardwood floors can last 30 to 50 years in a typical home and can be refinished multiple times; by contrast, a poorly chosen or improperly installed floor may show visible wear within … Read more
Ortal, a leading maker of luxury fireplaces, has expanded its Wilderness Collection with new models that recreate the look and feel of a real campfire. The key to the Wilderness Collection’s ultra-realistic flame is Ortal’s patent-pending Firelog technology. Instead of relying on a single ribbon burner, gas flows through specially designed log media to produce … Read more
I consider myself a truck purist, so when I was offered a chance to test drive a 2019 Honda Ridgeline I admit I was skeptical. After a week behind the wheel, though, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The Ridgeline’s unibody construction and car-like driving dynamics initially put off traditionalists who favor … Read more
We rang in 2011 with family and friends, enjoying a getaway to the Nevada desert and an overnight stay in Las Vegas. Below are practical travel tips from our trip and a few photos capturing the weekend. Las Vegas Travel Tips 1. If you want to avoid heavy Los Angeles–area congestion when driving to Las … Read more
When building a new home, it’s important to weigh all available options for heating and cooling. A comfortable living environment is essential, but you should also consider installation and operating costs, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and the potential added value to your property. With many systems and technologies on the market, researching your options carefully … Read more
Our 1920s bungalow has a small, standalone garage that comfortably fits one car. The garage uses a standard white garage door with a Genie opener — nothing elaborate, but reliable. Lately we’ve been curious about the newer technologies for garage doors, especially Wi‑Fi enabled openers that let you control and monitor the door remotely. We … Read more
Your garage door fails at 9 PM on a Friday, and suddenly you realize how many garage door repair companies are out there with no easy way to separate reliable pros from those who won’t show up, overcharge, or provide a short-lived fix. The real challenge isn’t finding a company—it’s finding one that will diagnose … Read more
Have you ever wondered why moving homes often feels far more stressful than the neat timelines shown on social media? One moment you’re imagining a fresh start, and the next you’re surrounded by boxes, searching for lost documents, and surviving on cold pizza. Relocating is marketed as a clean break, but when it’s poorly planned, … Read more