World's Most Powerful Cordless Drill

This commercial from Milwaukee tools is both humorous and effective. Thanks Toolsnob.

  July 23, 2008 | Comments ()

Vacant Homes Burgalarized at Increasing Rate

As we mentioned back in March, communities are increasingly facing the threats of crime due to the increased number of foreclosed homes which fall into disrepair and attract theft and squatters.

The Atlanta police department has now setup a special vacant home burglary team. They are usually much to late on the scene of these crimes but they often see $15-$20k worth of damage to a home for only $40 worth of copper tubing.

  July 23, 2008 | Comments ()

Locating Your Property Lines

Before starting that outdoor project such as building a shed or laying pavers, you may want to check to see where your property line is so you avoid any complications down the road from neighbors or other property owners who feel you are infringing on their property.

  July 22, 2008 | Comments ()

5 Don't Do-It-Yourself Projects

If you visit our website you are most likely a person inclined to tackle home improvement projects on your own. But this list of 5 Don't Do-It-Yourself Projects is a helpful reminder of tasks that often times require professional help. Calling in a professional is not about just giving up on a project but rather making sure it's done on time, up to code, and safely.

  July 22, 2008 | Comments ()

Money Isn't Everything to These Homeowners

1912 Bungalow pointed out this homeowner who lives in the Ballard neighborhood of Seatttle. She recently died in her home which was her final wish as developers had enveloped all of the surrounding property and almost encased her home among concrete walls.

  July 22, 2008 | Comments ()

Denim Insulation Installation

Much has been written about alternative insulation materials and this houseblogger gives a thumbs up to denim insulation. They found it easy to use, easier to install, and effective.

  July 21, 2008 | Comments ()

Build It Yourself: Wheelchair Ramp

After being laid up this week recovering from knee surgery following an ACL reconstruction, I realize how grateful I am for my normal mobility. I've got two flights of stairs to climb before reaching the door of our New York apartment. I never thought it was that bad until now. My condition is only temporary and even though it does suck, I know that I'll be back on my feet in a few weeks. For those who are confined to a wheelchair or have other mobility issues an access ramp is an absolute necessity.

Here are a few resources for building and installing a wheelchair ramp.

  July 21, 2008 | Comments ()

Dudley Do-Rights on the DIY Network

This article from the New York Times seems like an advertorial for the DIY Network. But it's neither complimentary or negative on the programming. The writer simply sits down to 24 hours of the DIY Network and makes a few observations. The key one being:

  July 21, 2008 | Comments ()

Sunday All-Stars

Here's a look at last weeks most popular posts. Highlighted by the Kitchen Remodel from House Obsession.

• House Obsession Kitchen Remodel


• House Beautiful: Kitchen of the Year


• What To Do With Valuables on Moving Day


• Houseblogs DIY Contest

  July 20, 2008 | Comments ()

Build It Yourself: Sign Table

We're always looking for interesting ways to repurpose common goods into everyday items and this sign table certainly fits the bill. The sign was salvaged from a junkyard and the remaining structure is mostly plywood.

  July 18, 2008 | Comments ()

DIY All-Star Contest 1st Home Edition

Houseblogs has teamed up with True Value and launched a contest focused on helping new homeowner DIYers get the recognition they deserve for their completed projects. Three winners will get $300 AMEX giftcards to use at a local True Value store to spend on their summer D.I.Y. projects.

  July 17, 2008 | Comments ()

House Beautiful: Kitchen of The Year

Christopher Peacock worked with House Beautiful to design their dream kitchen. Al Roker is impressed and so are we. The Caesar Stone countertops and "french door" refrigerator were very cool.

  July 16, 2008 | Comments ()

House Obsession reveals their Kitchen Remodel

We've got to hand it to the House Obsession, their kitchen remodel is spectacular! We particularly like the wide-plank wood flooring and the tile walls.

  July 16, 2008 | Comments ()

Tips for Your Valuables On Moving Day

Moving from a home that you've lived in for years is at once one of the most exciting and stressful times of your life. In the rush to pack everything and not forget all the knick-knacks, make sure you prepare a separate pile that you will move yourself and won't be included with the boxes going with the movers.

  July 15, 2008 | Comments ()

Pouring a Concrete Stoop

One Project Closer takes us through the steps for pouring a concrete stoop. This can be a great replacement to a rotting wooden staircase or missing entryway.

  July 15, 2008 | Comments ()

Door Sixteen has Great Taste

We've stumbled across a new houseblog called Door Sixteen and we're impressed with their bathroom remodel and choice of tile (multi-colored marble hexagon).

  July 14, 2008 | Comments ()

I'll Repair for You by Weird Al

This D*mn House brings us some DIY humor with this parody video from Weird Al Yankovic based on the theme song from "Friends". The lyrics are after the jump.

  July 14, 2008 | Comments ()

Green Building Materials from Transmaterial

The New York Times turned us onto Transmaterial, which is a green building website that focuses on innovative materials and green alternatives to traditional materials.

  July 14, 2008 | Comments ()

Design Your Own Power Tool

Toolsnob turned us onto this contest that just finished over at Core77, Design a Power Tool in One Hour. The winners after the jump.

  July 14, 2008 | Comments ()

Decorate By Color

For those of you with eclectic tastes and prefer to decorate by feel and emotion rather than architectural style I suggest checking out the websites of Erin Olson that focus strictly on color regardless of house style or room type. Our favorite is the House of Turquoise, which is a color we may not personally choose but talented designers make rooms look spectacular with.

  July 11, 2008 | Comments ()

Are Shingle Warranties Relevant?

Earlier this week we discovered a homeowner who was going through the process of selecting cedar siding for his home. One of his considerations for selecting siding was durability and the same can be said for roofing shingles many of which are sold with warranties that may sound great but in reality shouldn't be factored into your selection decision.

  July 11, 2008 | Comments ()

Lawn Care Tips from John Deere

As much as maintaining the yard and landscape can be a joy, sometimes there’s stress involved...and I’m talking about the lawn.

When dealing with summer lawn maintenance there are a few things that must be kept in mind such as mower deck height, watering and fertilizing. Here are some lawn care tips from John Deere that should keep you in the green.

Mower deck adjustment. Adjusting the height of the mower deck enhances stress tolerance put on the blades of grass. The experts at John Deere recommends their one-third rule for mowing - Only the top one-third of the blade of grass should be cut. his will reduce the chances of the lawn burning.

  July 10, 2008 | Comments ()

Granite Kitchen Countertops and Stainless Steel Appliances

Are granite kitchen countertops and stainless steel appliances truly the standard when it comes to kitchen remodels? We see this everywhere! All model homes, tv show renovations, real estate flips, upgraded apartments, the granite and stainless is never ending.

  July 10, 2008 | Comments ()