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Latest by V. Sparks

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What you need to know about home refinancing

Thinking about refinancing? This is everything you need to know
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Baby-proofing your house: What you need to know

Make sure your home is safe for your kids - and other peoples' - with this guide
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How to spread compost on your lawn – and why you need to

Topdressing is a great way to ensure a healthy lawn - here's how to do it
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How to test for carbon monoxide safely

Keep your home and yourself safe by following these CO testing tips
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What you need to know about how home plumbing works

Ever wondered how your house's plumbing works? We've got you covered
Home security camera

Rest easy on vacation with these 5 home security solutions

Make sure your vacation is all about being away from home by ensuring it's safe with these 5 products
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These 5 safety door locks will ensure you sleep well at night

Rest well and keep your home safe with these 5 door locks
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How many motion sensors do you need for your home? What you need to know

There's such a thing as overkill, but you have to take care of your family too. Here's how to strike a balance
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These 7 cute tiny plants will give your space a green boost

If you're lacking space but still want some living things in your home, these are the plants for you
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It’s not too late to refinance your mortgage — but move fast

Thinking about refinancing? Here's how to know if it's too late
the best deadbolt lock set

Sleep soundly after installing these high-security door locks

These door locks will keep you and your family safe, guaranteed
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Install these 3 great motion sensors at home for peace of mind

These motion sensors are simple to install and will ensure you sleep soundly at night
the best window air conditioner

Are portable air conditioners worth the hassle? What you need to know

Tired of sweating every time you enter that one room of your home? We explain why a portable AC unit is the right remedy for this problem.
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How to draw a landscape plan — and why your yard needs one

This is how you can create the most beautifully landscaped yard on the block
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Is DIY at-home countertop refinishing the right choice for you?

If your countertops are looking a little sad, it could be time for you to refinish them. Is doing so yourself a good idea?
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What you need to know when baby-proofing furniture

Keep your kiddos safe with this handy guide to baby-proofing your whole home.
Dr. Bronner’s - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

Good, better, best: The healthiest laundry detergent for your family

Not all healthy laundry detergents are created equal. Here's our ranking
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How many home security motion sensors is too many?

There is such a thing as overkill, even when it comes to home security.
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Build your essential painting kit with these 7 products

These are the essential supplies every home painter needs
the best carbon monoxide detector

Should you worry about carbon monoxide?

How dangerous is carbon monoxide and how can you manage it at home?
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Pest control considerations for families with pets and small kids

Here's what to consider when hiring a pest control company to ensure your family's safety
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Baseboard vs. central heating: Which one is best for your budget?

Some heating systems can be a money pit - here's what to consider
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How temperature and humidity could affect your paint job (inside and out)

Here's how to know the best climates in which to paint indoors and out.
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Why you can’t trust just any home security system

Not all home security companies are the same. Here's why you should be wary
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What makes laundry detergent ‘safe’?

"Safe" laundry detergent — myth or good idea? We weigh in with the facts.
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Why your yard needs a landscape design plan

Here's how to put together a landscape design plan for your beautiful yard
Woman using home security system

Motion detectors vs window sensors: Which is best for your home?

What security system is ideal for your home? The answer might surprise you
A curved staircase winds up through lush green plants.

Everything you need to repair broken concrete stairs

This easy guide will help you repair your cracked steps in a few simple steps
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Pest control for birds? What to know, and who to hire

Do you need pest control for your bird woes? Maybe - here's what we think
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These 7 Super Bowl party desserts take 30 minutes or less to make

These sweet and savory treats will appeal to any guest
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8 Super Bowl party games to play in-person or via Zoom

Virtual and in-person games can make the time fly - these are our favorites
Man drilling hole in wood

Do it yourself: How to earthquake-proof your home

Keep your home and family safe during an earthquake with these tips
A person caring for a plant in a flower pot

What’s the best plant storage temperature?

Caring for your plants at home is no small feat - here's how to set your thermostat to make them happy
person installing wired home security camera

Home security camera laws you need to know

It's not always legal to have a security system outside your home, so make sure you check these laws first
Wooden gate on dirt path surrounded by trees with white flowers

Easy ways to fix your yard’s sagging gate

A sagging gate is as unsightly as it is inconvenient. We list the causes and DIY solutions to fix whatever issue may be causing it to sag.
Young girl in white dress watering plants

How to foster a green thumb in your child — while keeping them safe from dangerous plants

Growing your plants as a family is fun and educational, but you should be cautious, too. We list which plants to grow -- and avoid.
Cherry-colored double garage doors with ivy above

Garage door safety tips every family should know

Even the most secure garage door can’t do its job well unless you follow safety practices. We show you how to keep your family safe.
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6 amazing smart home buys this Christmas

Upgrading your home with smart items will allow for a convenient and balanced life. We list six top smart-home buys for the holidays.
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Treat yourself: The 3 best big-purchase items for your home

When it comes to your home, you deserve to splurge and upgrade it. We list the three best big-purchase items for your home.
Window looking out on snowy tree

What’s the best heating system for your apartment?

Don't shiver through the winter -- try these heating systems to stay warm all season
Woman on plant-filled stairwell

Help your outdoor plants adjust to the indoors with these 15 tips

When it's too cold for your plants to stay outside, here's how to make them comfortable -- and keep them alive in the process
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5 great housewarming gifts for new neighbors

It's always exciting when someone new moves into your building or neighborhood. We list five great housewarming gifts for them.
Holiday wrapping materials on wooden table top

4 holiday wrapping bins that look great and are affordable

Getting your holiday-wrapping materials organized would be a huge help. We list four handy and fine-looking wrapping bins.
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How you should clean your walls before you paint

Washing your walls is the best way to prep them for paint. We list tried-and-true tips to get the job done right the first time.
Roasted turkey and side dishes on a table

4 last-minute cookware buys for the holidays

If you love to cook during the holidays, you need the right cookware and utensils. Here are some great last-minute cookware buys.
Person holding small wrapped gift.

The 5 best gifts to give yourself this holiday seasons

You work hard all year long, and you deserve a treat this holiday season. Choose something great from our list of amazing gifts.
Home office desktop with laptop and notepad

Updating your home office? These are the 4 best items to buy right now

You spend many hours in your home office. We list four great items that will make it an oasis so you can enjoy your time on the job.
Three ants on white surface

Overrun with ants? Here’s how to eradicate the pests permanently

Ants are a big nuisance, and having an infestation in your home is unbearable. We show you steps to wipe them out once and for all.
Woman in PPE spraying cleaner on counter

Cockroaches a concern? 6 ways to make sure they don’t invade

If you’ve ever had a roach problem, it's tough to get rid of them. We list six sensible ideas that will help without an exterminator.