Home Health Hazards
Dear Angie: How do I find a painter who is also qualified to remove lead paint before painting?
Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage to young children. While the U.S. banned lead in most paints in 1978, the danger remains in homes painted before the ban.
Dear Angie: We just bought a house to find mold in the air ducts... Do they need to be taken out?
Experts say consumers should select separate contractors for mold testing, remediation. Much controversy surrounds the debate over whether the same company should test mold in a home and remediate it.
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Roofing
When it comes to roof repair and roof replacement, it's never a good idea to wait. Learn about the issues that can lead to serious roofing problems.
Mold growing due to moisture from a leak in your home's roof could lead to increased allergens, according to a highly rated roofing contractor.
AG distributes emergency packets to help protect residents from out-of-state storm chasers who may try to dupe victims into quick, cash-only deals.
Recovery efforts has begun in Oklahoma, but that means scammers and "storm chasers" are at work too. A highly-rated contractor on Angie's LIst gives tips on avoiding scams.
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Home Interiors
Pinellas County painter Chris Millen uses his navy and building backgrounds to keep up with exterior and interior painting projects for Seminole, Fla., homeowners.
Highly rated interior and exterior painter Michael King offers painting, wall repair and holiday decorating as owner of North Central San Antonio's Sky King Painting.
Dear Angie: How do I find a painter who is also qualified to remove lead paint before painting?
Granite countertop installer from Hilliard, Ohio, wins Angie's List Super Service Award due to excellent kitchen and bathroom remodeling work.
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Windows & Doors
Learn how to calculate the cost to replace windows in your home and get tips on the different types and styles such as double-hung and high-performance windows.
Not ready to replace your windows just yet? There are things you can do to improve the look and efficiency of your existing ones. The best news: The changes are affordable and easy to make.
Finding the right window replacement contractor can be a headache if you don’t know where to look or which questions to ask. Here are some tips to help make the process as headache-free as possible.
Good replacement windows capitalize on energy efficiency. They're durable, easy to maintain, provide better security and reduce glare and outside noise. Your budget will also steer toward your choice of windows.
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Basements & Foundations
Are you thinking about updating the flooring in your basement or garage? Consider rubber and epoxy flooring options, which can be both attractive and functional.
If you drive through a development and don't see any RVs or basketball hoops, odds are they're not allowed by the homeowner's association, and judges aren't sympathetic.
If your foundation moves, so does your roof! So recognize that foundation problems can cause rainwater to penetrate your roof and cause serious damage. Know what to look for and what to do to prevent this from happening to your home.
Check out these 10 reasons why finishing a basement can add utility and value to your home from a highly rated Fargo, N.D., basement remodeling contractor.
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Home Security
Condensation from an air conditioning line leak could be causing damage to your home - learn how to prevent the problem before it starts.
Everyone wants to be safe in their home. Are you taking these precautions? Make sure you are taking the right precautions to keep unwanted visitors out.
A highly rated Portland, Ore. locksmith explains why changing locks should be standard procedure for new homeowners before taking up residence.
A highly rated alarm installation company shares six ways you can improve your home's security while you're away.
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Chimneys & Fireplaces
More homeowners are moving away from ventless fireplaces because they emit byproducts such as carbon monoxide and water vapor and produce a burning gas odor.
Making sure your fireplace is in proper working order can prevent fires. These Midwest chimney sweeps and fireplace experts offer advice on keeping fireplaces in tip-top shape.
Making sure your fireplace is in proper working order can prevent fires. Two Indy fireplace experts offer advice on keeping fireplaces in tip-top shape.
If your home's chimney cap is missing, or not installed correctly, here are five very good reasons to get a new one installed.
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Household Lighting
If your light fixtures are dated or damaged, it may be time for replacement. Experienced homeowners can safely complete a simple light fixture replacement in less than an hour. Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing a light fixture.
Saving money on your electricity bill doesn't have to be difficult. You can reduce your energy use without taking drastic steps. Follow these simple tips to operate your household more efficiently and easily.
Angie Hicks responds to a member who wants to know why the compact fluorescent light bulbs in her home flicker every time she uses the dimmer switch.
Sometimes it is hard to budget your money on necessities alone. Here are five home improvement projects under $1,000.
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Construction & Remodeling
Before your to-do list of home repairs grows too large to handle, follow these helpful tips to find the best handyman service around.
Tampa-based kitchen contractor Alfredo Santiago faces numerous criminal convictions and judgments for work not done after collecting large deposits.
Before starting a kitchen remodeling project, discuss needed improvements and kitchen design trends with your contractor to help visualize the finished results.
Dear Angie: How do I end a letter turning down a contractor? I have three quotes for a home improvement project and picked one to do the job. I want to send a letter to the other two saying I went with someone else, but I don’t know how to end the letter on a positive note.
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Heating And Cooling
Keeping the coils clean boosts the system's efficiency, and increases cooling capacity, leading to a more comfortable home and manageable energy bills. Care for your air conditioner coils in just three steps.
If you're facing an air conditioner replacement, two-stage cooling systems deliver savings and more. Investing in a two-stage A/C improves the comfort of your home, puts energy dollars back in your bank account and lasts longer.
Manufacturers assign air conditioners an efficiency rating, based on the combined performance of multiple components. When selecting a new cooling system, look for SEER and EER ratings.
If you're in the market for an air purifier, trying to make the best selection from the available options can be confusing. Here's an overview of the available options to determine the right fit for your needs.
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Contractor
More homeowners are opting for stamped concrete patterns that mimic stone, brick or tile, and other custom designs. Resurfacing concrete is also a popular option.
The Portland family wanted to add some unique outdoor elements to their new home. So they hired Matt Goddard of Poetry in Stone to install a path and a backyard seating area with a sunken fire pit.
Angie's List names the Best Chicago Contractors of 2012
Hiring a mason to repoint your brick or stone masonry can add lasting aesthetic appeal and lengthen the life span of your home's exterior.
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Insulation And Winterizing
A highly rated Chicago attic ventilation and insulation specialist offers three ways to maximize your attic's energy efficiency and save on energy costs.
Buy water-based paints with low volatile organic compound levels (VOC). Basically, the less glossy the paint, the fewer VOCs it contains.
If you're constantly dealing with cold drafts, poor insulation and high heating costs, consider winterizing your home. The following home winterizing tips can help make your home more comfortable this winter.
Angie Hicks responds to a member who wants to know if it’s a good idea to add insulation to walls if the interior is plaster and the exterior is brick, and whether it will save energy and lower utility bills
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Electrical
Is it more economical to replace or repair the fridge or washing machine? The right answer depends on a variety of factors. Eight questions to determine whether to replace or repair an appliance.
Cloth wiring is common in older homes. While in some cases this wiring may still be safe, if becomes damaged you'll need to get it replaced. What are the real costs to replace this kind of wiring?
Electrical fires can occur for a variety of reasons, such as overburdened outlets, frayed cords and faulty wiring. See how to protect your home and family from dangerous electrical fires.
A highly rated Baltimore-based solar energy panel installer offers five tips to consider before installing solar panels.
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Landscaping
Greg Whisenand of Applied Tree Service, a highly rated tree company in Fortville, Indiana, uses his engineering background to assess structural integrity.
Professional lawn care services can keep your yard looking great all season long, but come with a cost. Knowing how to evaluate companies (and their services) will help make sure you don't overpay for lawn care.
Looking to fill space in your garden? Angie's List gardening expert helps you select the right plants to grow in the tiny spaces of your home garden.
When major storms hit the D.C. area, Angie's List members turned to highly rated tree service pros to help clean up the damage and debris.
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Flooring
Hardwood flooring adds an extra touch of beauty to any home, but not all woods are suited for all homes. Find out which types of flooring can work best for the rooms of your house.
Pro Flooring 323 of Lawrenceville, Georgia, grows thanks to owner Cesar Del Aguila's love of flooring and carpet installation in Atlanta area.
Knowing what to expect before you begin having your hardwood floors refinished depends on a variety of factors. Chief among these are understanding the process and working closely with your contractor.
At first glance, the answer seems simple: Refinish wood floors when they need it. That kind of thinking just barely scratches the surface because you need to take plenty of considerations into account first.
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Outdoor Living
Texas home remodeling contractor Lone Star State Construction built the perfect screened-in porch with skylights for a San Antonio Angie's List member.
San Diego wood repair contractor Best-Rate Repair removed an old wooden deck on a Lemon Grove home and replaced the deck it with composite decking.
While owning a swimming pool may seem like a dream come true for some homeowners, others who have gone through the building
and servicing process offer cautionary tales.
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Garages & Driveways
Jackie Johnson, a highly rated Virginia-area professional organizer shares home organization tips to clear away the clutter and save more space.
Highly rated home and garage organization professionals in Houston help struggling homeowners clear out the clutter and reclaim their spaces.
If you drive through a development and don't see any RVs or basketball hoops, odds are they're not allowed by the homeowner's association, and judges aren't sympathetic.
When's the last time your car saw the inside of your garage? If it's been too long, follow this 4-step process from a highly rated Fresno, Calif. organizer.
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Pests
Are you struggling with a pest problem? DIY pest control can be effective and it doesn't have to be expensive. Get an idea of how much DIY pest control costs.
Learn how to free your home from bugs, rodents, termites and other pests with these four DIY pest control methods that are inexpensive and affordable.
Are pests invading your home? Not all pest control problems require the help of a professional exterminator. Check out these effective, DIY pest control tips.
Do you have tunnels, mounds or sinking spots in your lawn? These are all warning signs that you have a mole problem. Get tips on identifying and removing moles.
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Home Appliances
If you're preparing for a holiday or other event that requires a lot of home-cooking, take time in the weeks before the event to ensure that your major appliances are operating efficiently and will be able to handle the job. Here are five tips.
Is it more economical to replace or repair the fridge or washing machine? The right answer depends on a variety of factors. Eight questions to determine whether to replace or repair an appliance.
It may seem at first glance like fixing a malfunctioning washer or dryer is easy, but consider relying on a professional repairman instead--especially when it comes to replacing these common parts.
A highly rated appliance repair technician shares his tips to help consumers avoid appliance breakdowns and repairs, prolong the lifespan of large appliances, and and save money.
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Plumbing
Familiarizing yourself with your home's potable water system can help you avoid costly water damages and save you time and money.
A plumbing inspection can reveal key flaws or faults with your home's plumbing, potentially saving money and helping you avoid a potential plumbing disaster.
If your water bill is skyrocketing, follow some of these simple steps to help save money without altering your lifestyle.
Fixing your bathroom plumbing can be expensive, but the expense of a leak left untreated can be even higher. Here are some of the most common potential costs of an untreated plumbing issue.
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Home Exteriors
Dear Angie: How do I find a painter who is also qualified to remove lead paint before painting?
Spring cleaning isn’t limited to just indoor activities. See how to improve your home's exterior, such as power washing, fixing the mailbox and painting trim.
If you drive through a development and don't see any RVs or basketball hoops, odds are they're not allowed by the homeowner's association, and judges aren't sympathetic.
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Real Estate
Gilbert, Ariz., moving company Always Professional in Moving lives up to its name and aims to give household movers a good name in the Phoenix area.
Room Solutions Staging, a highly rated home staging company in Portland, Ore., impresses homeowner and realtors with picture-perfect home makeover.
As the moving industry expands, there are now more choices than ever to help fit the exact needs of your move. Learn how to pick the right service.
Real estate listing details can be confusing. Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a hidden gem and a downright dud. Here's what you need to know to cut through the real estate jargon to find a home that's right for you.
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