I recently saw a simple, but very effective, product that can eli...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/28/how-to-prevent-clogged-gutters/ Patio design, planned with care and creativity, not only becomes a value-adding asset to your home, but expands your living and entertainment areas substantially. Elements such as awnings will complement any patio design, adding both color and protection against the powers of nature.

Your p...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/27/patio-design-add-awnings-as-a-colorful-finish-for-your-patio-design/ Ceiling fans have been around well over a century and are becoming more popular than ever. You probably have one rotating right now; most homes these days have at least one. Part of the reason is the high cost of energy today compared with a few years ago. Not only does a ceiling fan help cut ene...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/26/a-guide-to-ceiling-fans/ What's a fireplace without a fireplace mantel? It would be a lonely hole in the wall were light comes from. Creepy isn't it? A fireplace mantel is a substantial part of the whole fireplace setup of a home. Without the mantel, there wouldn't be much to be excited about a fireplace.

Firepl...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/25/add-warmth-to-your-home-with-a-fireplace-mantel/ We are daily reminded by the media of our growing materialism which will eventually, if you believe the media, be our downfall. Certainly there are people whose only ambition is to acquire more and more possessions as an end in itself, which obviously denotes greed and insecurity and benefits no ...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/24/materialism-immaterial-or-not/ You are finally going to build your dream home. Don't just call a builder. There is work to be done before you make that call.

Building your dream home is a big step. It is a huge investment that should give you dividends for a long time. It should have the amenities you want and MUST ...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/23/building-a-new-home-talking-to-builders-is-the-6th-step-not-the-first/ Would you like to make your house feel more like a home? Is it comfortable enough, but not really special? If so, I have some easy 'arty' tips to make your environment that bit more special.

Before you start making any alterations, or adding anything, you need to clean and declutter. This...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/22/how-to-artify-your-home/ If you are looking to add privacy or a touch of class to your property, a vinyl fence could be the answer you are looking for. A vinyl fence has all of the added perks of a traditional fence, with none of the disadvantages. In addition, they are quite easy to install.

Comparing the Vinyl Fe...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/21/why-you-should-consider-installing-a-vinyl-fence/ Just recently my friend had his house appraised between $800,000 and $815,000 by two different independent house valuators. He spent two days hard work in the garden placing new grass on mats, bringing in new plants, putting creepers on the wall, and adding a water feature. He sold his house at a...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/20/add-value-to-your-home-landscaping/ In times of stress and difficulty, home becomes more important to creating a sense of well-being. We look to our homes to provide a sensory reprieve so we can unplug from the stresses of the outside world.

However, creating a calming home isn't as easy as it seems, because the elements of ...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/19/creating-a-peaceful-home-environment/ One of the best things you can do as a homeowner is to use some of your home equity dollars to finance home improvements. Not only will the additions make your home more attractive and pleasant to live in, but certain projects will bring a significant return on investment when the time comes to s...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/18/home-improvements-that-increase-your-homes-resell-price/ Bamboo has a tensile strength superior to mild steel (withstands up to 52,000 pounds of pressure psi) and a weight-to-strength ratio surpassing that of graphite, bamboo is the strongest growing woody plant on earth. There is a suspension bridge in China 250 yards long, 9 foot wide and rests entir...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/17/bamboo-amazing-facts-about-the-strongest-woody-plant-on-earth/ Every now and then a product comes along that doesn't just deliver on its promise, it over delivers. This is true of microfiber cleaning cloths, which are the best thing since soap and water. Really. Years ago, I kept hearing murmurs about microfiber coming out of Sweden and thought I'd give it...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/16/why-you-cant-live-without-microfiber/ Everyone wants their home to look clean and attractive. In certain climates however, this can require a constant stream of effort that would wear anybody out. Many areas of the Washington state area have climates, which are more prone to cause the weathering and corrosion of home exteriors. This ...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/15/washington-home-improvement/ How deep cleaning can create a turnaround in the health of your home - and your enjoyment of it

Every now and then a story in the newspaper pops up about a sick building. The structure may be overgrown with mold or suffer from an abundance of radon gas. Fortunately most homes don't...]]> http://home2006web.com/2008/08/14/heal-your-home-clean/