Harsh winds, snow, rain, sleet, and hail — don't you hate stormy weather? Well, how do you think your house feels? Our poor homes are battered by the elements year in and year out. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to stormproof your house. The first place to start is with your windows. Westfield, MA homeowners can perform a few simple modifications to maintain their windows and keep raging storms outside where they belong. First off, let's look at a few small, DIY weatherproofing improvements you can make to your trim, frames, and sashes. With some adhesive weatherstripping, you can seal your sash channels to insulate them from moisture and extreme temperatures. Foam weatherstripping is easy to install, and it’s usually available for a low cost at hardware stores. By the same token, you can caulk up the thin channel where the window trim meets the wall, whi [...]

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Roof leaks can be maddening. They seem simple and easy to repair, but the fix isn’t always straightforward. Your ceiling may be dripping in one place, but the roof leak may originate somewhere totally different. How can you locate the problem's source? When it comes to this frustrating aspect of roofing, Westfield, MA homeowners can follow a few tips to find and seal that pesky leak. Check the Attic First If you have access to your attic, go up there with a flashlight and scrutinize the ceiling for leaks. The attic is the easiest place to spot cracks or holes that may be letting in water. Look out for water stains, black marks, or mold – these are evidence of a persistently leaky spot. It's also smart to make the trip up there on a rainy day, when any existing leaks will be even more apparent. Once you locate the intrusion, mark the area so that it's visible from outside. On a ni [...]

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No offense to bedrooms and bathrooms, but your kitchen is possibly the most practical and necessary room in your home. Remodeling it can be a major home improvement. Springfield, MA homeowners should consider a few basic things before diving into an extensive — or costly — remodeling project. Know What You Need If it's your first remodeling rodeo, it can be easy to get caught up in flashy, trendy features. But marble countertops and LED cabinet lighting aren't for everyone. Take some time to consider how you want use your kitchen. Do you need a state-of-the-art laboratory for culinary experimentation, or do you just need basic functionality? Think about what your current kitchen lacks and build a design scheme that will make your culinary life easier. Keep Your Current Layout Kitchens are more stuck in their ways than other rooms. Ovens, garbage disposals, and oth [...]

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You know what they say: a man needs a cave. Okay, maybe they don't say that, but isn't it kind of true? Man caves are all the rage these days. Decking out your basement with cool decor, relaxing furniture, entertainment and gaming set-ups, and, of course, a minibar, gives you a getaway that's just a flight of stairs away. It's a home improvement Springfield, MA men — and their spouses — are sure to love. What does every man cave need? Let's take a look. First things first: beer and liquor. Building a well-stocked bar or minibar might just transform your basement into the new local watering hole for you and your friends. You can also consider getting a kegerator - this is essentially a fridge that houses a keg and dispenses all the craft or domestic beer you'll need for big hangouts. Not a bad invention, huh? Now let's talk decor. Your cave should reflect yo [...]

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