Home Improvement
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Painting brick buildings a popular trend, but not with preservationistsJan 14, 2026 4:00 am - Painting over brick is way to bring older buildings “back to life” and give a downtown streetscape a new look, but historic preservationists advise against it.
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You’re the reason your home is disorganized. Here’s how to fix that.
Jan 13, 2026 5:07 pm - We asked eight professional organizers to share their tough love advice for clutter problems. Here’s what they want you to know.
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Elgin programs offer grants for rehab, painting of homes in historic districtsJan 13, 2026 1:09 pm - Elgin residents can apply now for a grant program designed to help restore homes in the city’s historic districts and a painting program for residents of the Elgin National Watch Historic District.
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Who is qualified to inspect gas fixtures?Jan 13, 2026 12:35 pm - You occasionally discuss how home inspectors inspect gas-burning fixtures. In my opinion, home inspectors are not qualified to inspect gas appliances.
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How to build a better, more efficient fireJan 12, 2026 7:00 am - We get smoke indoors from our wood-burning fireplace, but want to use it to save cut our utility bills. What are some fire building techniques to create less smoke?
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20 things to declutter right now to start the year lighter
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Before you buy a new door, consider these cost-effective fixesJan 05, 2026 6:28 pm - My old doors don’t seem airtight anymore and they show years of use. What are some inexpensive improvements I can make myself?
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Why home maintenance deserves a spot in the annual health and budget plans
Jan 05, 2026 3:50 pm - Planning ahead for regular upkeep and for unexpected emergencies can reduce the risk of costly repairs later and help spread expenses more evenly throughout the year.
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Should we remove our asbestos ceiling?Jan 05, 2026 1:22 pm - Our home’s textured ceiling contains 5% asbestos. Should we spray paint to cover it or pay a contractor $3,000 to remove it?
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Water issue not disclosed in trustee saleDec 30, 2025 3:14 pm - New homeowners discover the home they bought from a family trust had a major ground drainage problem at the time of the sale. Buyers have since learned the Realtor was aware of the issue and hid it. Who is liable for damages?