Homeowner’s How-To

7 tips for hiring the right contractor

The right contractor can make or break your home improvement project

Organize your home office for maximum productivity

Learn ways to create a functional home office that’s an enjoyable, productive place to work

Prepare your home for colder weather

Follow these tips to stay warm, save money, and prevent damage to your home before colder weather arrives

9 tips to having pets and a clean home

Discover ways to keep your pet-friendly home feeling fresh, clean, and clear of pet allergens

9 tips to protect your home while you’re away

Keep your home safe and secure using these simple tips

How to prepare for home repairs

Discover how much to save — and how to save — for home maintenance and unexpected repair costs

How to declutter your home one room at a time

Learn ways to declutter and organize the "hot spots" in your home

6 essential tools to enhance your basic home tool set

Every homeowner needs a basic home tool set — learn what tools to include beyond the basics and why

Save energy, save money, go green!

Choose green upgrades to your home to protect the environment and save money

How to stage your home like a pro

Follow these eight professional tips to make your space more functional and enjoyable to live in — whether you’re selling it or staying put.