Home Improvement, Remodeling

Halloween is just barely in the rearview mirror, but winter snowfall and blocked-up driveways will be upon us before you know it. You can brave the chilly labor of removing snow yourself, or you can hire a professional service to clear snowfall for you – sometimes before you even wake up.

You can hire snow removers for a one-time service, but be prepared to wait in that case. Reliable companies already have extensive client lists, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and find someone well ...

By early November, you've probably completed all the major home maintenance tasks to get ready for winter, such as changing your HVAC filters, weatherproofing your home, getting a furnace inspection, and so forth. But in the midst of all this, you may be wondering what you're missing. Sometimes the smallest details give you the biggest headaches. But you can head those off by attending to these simple tasks.

HANDLE THE EASILY MISSED HOME TASKS

Many tasks around the home ...

As spring arrives, you may be thinking of installing a fire pit or other fire feature. The perfect complement to your outdoor entertaining space, a fire feature creates a cozy ambience and invites the gathering of family and friends.

BY THE NUMBERS

The ideal fire pit is between 3 and 4 feet wide and about 18 inches tall. If it's taller, you won't feel its warmth; if it's shorter, it will present a safety hazard.

Keep your local climate in mind. If the wind ...

Promises of endless hot water, lower energy bills and maximized storage have many homeowners converting from traditional tank water heaters to tankless. But for some, the benefits may not outweigh the cost. Before you make the switch, weigh the pros and cons to determine whether a tankless water heater is the best fit for your home.

HOW DO TANKLESS WATER HEATERS WORK?

Compared with a conventional tank-type water heater, a tankless water heater provides hot water on demand. ...

The holiday season is prime time for burglars. So, if you'll be away from home a lot over the next few months, it's a good idea to have a plan in place to deter would-be intruders. Better yet, consider installing a home security system.

HOW WELL DO SECURITY SYSTEMS DETER CRIME?

Experts say an alarm system plays more of a role in scaring burglars away from a home than it does in prompting a quick response from law enforcement. But that can go a long way in keeping your family ...

With colder weather on the way, homeowners across the United States are already dreading shoveling ice and snow off the driveway – whether they're planning to do it themselves or pay someone else to do it for them. And some are even taking the plunge and installing heated driveways to avoid the hassle. But many homeowners wonder whether the benefits of a heated driveway will outweigh the cost of having one installed.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A HEATED DRIVEWAY?

Heated driveways ...