Many states require that homes are tested for radon, but what is the big deal? Most people are unfamiliar with radon and what the risks associated with this gas are. Even if you don't live in a state where this testing is required, it is important that you do it before moving into a home. Here are some frequently asked questions, all about radon. What Is Radon? Radon is a gas that occurs naturally in the earth but is harmful to humans.

Who says an indoor playroom has to be dark and quiet? Between bad weather and busy chore days, there are probably plenty of times that your kids find themselves stuck inside when they would rather be out running around. So encourage your kids to benefit from daily physical activity rain or shine by bringing the outdoors into their indoor playroom: Have the Air Ducts Cleaned Dust and debris gets built up in air ducts and when left unchecked, the debris can be forced into the air when the air conditioner or heater is turned on.

It's easy to monitor your energy and water use when it's just you and your partner, but when a child or several children are added to the mix, keeping your utility bills low becomes a little more challenging. Here's a look at four simple, child-friendly ways to keep your utility bills in check in spite of your growing family. Turn your water heater temperature down. Most people set their hot water heater to 140 degrees F.

A flooded basement can be a nightmare for homeowners. The excess water can damage the floors, encourage mold growth and is expensive to remove. That is why you should try to prevent flooding in the first place. Here are five tips to avoid basement flooding. Look for Foundation Cracks If there are cracks in your home's foundation, water can easily seep in and damage your basement. It is a good idea to check for cracks in your foundation about every month.

If you are going to have a deck installed on your home, you will want it to look unique, which is something that can be done with things like lightweight decking ideas, railings and other materials that you use on your deck. You may want to do something such as finish your deck with a variety of different materials, such as wood, tile and epoxy finish. The railings can also be different with materials such as glass.

Is it time to give a room in your house a fresh new look? One way you could accomplish this goal is by adding a lively new color of paint to the walls. While hiring a general contractor is certainly an option, it may be more affordable to do the job yourself, provided you know what you're doing, of course. If you've never tackled an indoor painting project before, here are three common rookie mistakes to try and avoid.

Hardwood flooring, such as by JR's Quality Tile & Hardwood, can really spruce up a room, but there are a few things to take into consideration when choosing the flooring you want to use in your home. You want to take the time to consider all your options before choosing one to ensure that you are going to be satisfied with your decision. Use the following guide to learn what factors to consider when choosing hardwood flooring for your home.

Do you have an additional space underneath your house? If so, you may want to finish this area and allow you to have more living room for you to enjoy. Having a completed basement area in your home can help you enjoy it more. Knowing tips to help you make your basement usable may motivate you to get started on this home improvement project. Tip #1: Check for moisture Before beginning the work on your basement, you will want to be certain this space is dry.