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Shown: Red walls set off by white trim offer a dynamic backdrop for the revamped living room. Paint: C2 Paint Wall sconces: Hudson Valley Upholstered furniture: Pearson Furniture Rug: Merida Custom Rugs Before: Living Room To get there, they took down walls, added windows, and were even willing to ditch some original details. “Many folks shy away from doing this, but it’s better to replace or rebuild when old materials aren’t of high quality or if the original design interferes with a sensible floor plan,” says TOH general contractor Tom Silva....

Working with a real estate agent can give you the advantage you need in the competitive market. The This Old House Reviews Team has dug into the market data to find the top real estate agents in Philadelphia that we can recommend for you. Fill out this easy form to be connected with a top agent near you: Benefits of Having a Top Real Estate Agent in Philadelphia Real estate agents have the depth of knowledge of the Philadelphia Metro to save you both time and money on either buying or selling your property—from Center City to Manayunk....

But it’s not always sunshine and drink sipping out there. In addition to the routine filtering, chemical monitoring, and occasional frog skimming, you have to address the fact that a pool’s underwater surfaces deteriorate over time. Cracks invariably appear they can be caused by a chemical imbalance or by UV rays, or even by slight shifts in the soil beneath the pool. The veneer may start to peel. In turn, the cracks collect dirt and algae, and pretty soon you have what looks like a giant birdbath....

How to Prevent Icy Steps Use Rubberized Treads Before icy weather sets in, add rubberized Ice Breaker Stair Treads to steps. In freezing weather, these cushy mats release ice with a stomp of the foot so that you can brush it away without danger. Ice Breaker Mats, from $15; vermontcountrystore.com How to Prevent Icy Sidewalks Use Granules for Better Footing Sure, ice melts are one way to go. Another: EcoTraction volcanic-mineral granules, which embed into ice to help provide secure footing....

To learn more about the features of a smart thermostat and what models we recommend, read our review on the best smart thermostats below. Top 5 Smart Thermostats Best Voice Control: ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control Best Smart Home Compatibility: Emerson Sensi ST75 Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Touchscreen Color Display Simplest Design: Google Nest Learning Thermostat Budget Pick: Emerson Sensi ST55 Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat for Smart Home Easiest Installation: Honeywell Home T9 WIFI Smart Thermostat...

In this review, we take a look at some of the best nail guns on the market, dig into the many applications and benefits that nail guns offer, and answer some common questions. Here are our top selections. Top 6 Nail Guns Best Roofing Nailer: Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer Best Brad Nailer: DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit Best Framing Nailer: NuMax Pneumatic Framing Nailer Best Cordless Nailer: PORTER-CABLE Cordless Brad Nailer Kit Best Starter Kit: BOSTITCH Air Compressor Combo Kit Best for Light-Duty Use: Arrow Fastener Staple and Nail Gun...

In this article, we’ll review some of the top pest control providers in the Fort Lauderdale area, including nearby Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. We’ll also provide information on how to get a free quote. This article is meant to assist you in your own research. We recommend getting several free quotes from around the industry to make the most informed decision. Top Pest Control Companies in Fort Lauderdale Best of the Best Fort Lauderdale Pest Control Companies If you’re looking for a comprehensive pest control service, Terminix is a great choice....

Crown’s lineage reaches back to the ancient Greeks, who created the profiles and the rules of proportion that we still use some 2,500 years later. Only the materials have changed. Rather than the original heavy stone, 18th-century American craftsmen opted for more malleable and relatively lighter-weight plaster or wood crown. While these materials are still top choices for traditionalists, today’s handy homeowner can also choose moldings made from foam and flexible polyurethane, which go up with greater ease than the Greeks, or even our grandfathers, could have ever imagined—no chisel, trowel, or nails required....

Echinaceas are popular for a reason, and Jenn shares why they are a great plant for even the inexperienced gardener. What is Echinacea? Echinaceas are a full sun plant that can be grown in zones 3-8, which is almost everywhere in the continental United States. Perennial Picks that Make Quick Climbers Echinaceas are drought-tolerant, have long bloom times throughout the summer, attractive to pollinators, and have the ability to reseed themselves....

What is a Septic Tank? A septic tank is a watertight receptacle that’s buried in the ground. A two- to three-bedroom house usually requires a minimum of a 1000-gallon capacity tank. It is connected to the house’s waste drains by a pipe that feeds into the tank inlet. Partial walls inside the tank known as baffles are meant to promote the settling of waste. Although older tanks may not have them, most new tanks are fitted with filters that prevent smaller particles from entering the drain field....

Where: Cloverdale, British Columbia, Canada What: Faux paneling crafted from stock trim adds character to a bland master bedroom When it comes to giving a house architectural detail, the bedrooms too often get passed over in favor of the public gathering spaces. That was the case in Ashli and Lee Malinek’s builder spec house in Cloverdale, British Columbia, Canada. While the couple loved the Arts and Crafts–style wainscot in their front entry and downstairs study, the second floor, and their master bedroom in particular, lacked any similar flourish....

In short, when it comes to cooking, the Titlows are following in the footsteps of their grandparents’ generation. So it’s not surprising that their kitchen has features, such as a separate pantry, that were common in houses of yesteryear. With help from kitchen designer Kathy Marshall, this energetic young family developed a space that works just as hard as they do, one that combines old-fashioned storage and prep areas with modern amenities for cooking from scratch....