Spring is in the air and I'm thinking about venturing out of the Chicago winter cocoon and back into the yard. If you're planning a few spring remodeling projects, think about those that can connect you with the outdoors. Home Improvement Starts at the Front Porch My all time favorite is a front porch. Whether it's a wrap around that hails from the Victorian home design ...

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We've all seen images of small children eating paint chips…scary stuff, but how common is lead paint, really? Since this is National Poison Prevention Week, I decided to do a little research on the whole lead paint issue. Lead Paint Stats The truth is pretty scary. Did you know that over two-thirds of houses built before 1960 contain lead paint? Lead paint can get into household dust and soil from ...

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If spending hours pulling out staples from an old floor doesn't thrill you, don't worry. There are plenty of other ways to contribute to the do-it-yourself (DIY) life and save a little money in the process. Many people think they have to do all of the remodeling to qualify as a DIYer, but that's not true. Here are some creative ways you can save on remodeling without breaking ...

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The key to staying ahead on the resale market could be right at your front door. According to US News and World Report, a recent survey found that buying a steel replacement door is one of the best projects going for resale. (Returning a whopping 129 percent of the cost..makes you want to add a few around the house.) Home Improvement Without the Kitchen That's right. Forget the coveted kitchen ...

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