Prostoknow

I scan the media each week to keep abreast of all that has to do with building and remodeling homes, new tools and new technology in the trades. I also talk to dozens of homeowners. I can tell you that inflation and soaring interest rates are inspiring more and more homeowners to contemplate tackling home-improvement projects that two years ago they would have hired out.

Q: Someone paid my deceased uncle’s property taxes before I could pay them. Does this mean that person now owns the property? The property has a mortgage on it. What should I do next?

Q: We live in a small townhome community of 24 houses in Maryland. We have a homeowners association (HOA), and it is generally very mellow, without any crazy restrictions.

Keeping plants alive is one thing, but knowing exactly when to repot a plant requires a whole new level of indoor gardening know-how. The right gardening tools are required, of course, but it turns out you don’ t necessarily need a green thumb in order to properly repot your most hard-earned indoor houseplants. According to Joyce Mast, Bloomscape’ s resident“ Plant...

Energy experts agree that a ceiling fan will reduce your energy bills by providing additional cooling and better circulation so you can lower air conditioning costs. Before you choose a fan, measure the room's length, width and ceiling height so you’ ll choose the correct size fan for the space. You don’ t want a fan to overpower the room.

Recently, I had the enormous pleasure to help my son achieve one of his goals. He bought a new home last year and quickly discovered how much he missed the stunning red-brick patio he grew up with at our last home.

Q: I purchased a house with my married son several years ago for him to live in. My husband and I gave him the money for the down payment. Only my credit was checked when we purchased it.

Q: My parents gave their house to their children but continued to live in it and pay all expenses related to the home. Life happened, and my parents needed money from the house to deal with those issues. So, we sold the house and gave the money to our parents.

Ceiling fans create cooling breezes that can make a stuffy room feel pleasantly comfortable. But as they rotate through the air, the blades can collect a ton of dust, dirt, pollen and other small particles. Depending on where it’ s located, your fan might also gather greasy or sticky buildup over time, which can cause dust to cling even more.

Nothing makes a home look poorly maintained like an asphalt driveway in need of repair. Weeds poking out of cracks and crevices and a surface badly in need of a new topcoat are telltales of a neglectful homeowner. Sealing the driveway can transform it and the overall appearance of the property.

This might be the most important column I’ ve written in my 30 years as a syndicated columnist. There’ s a very high probability you have lithium-ion batteries in your home. Early in my investigation, I reached out to the public relations person of a major power tool company here in the USA.

Q: It would appear that you are unaware of the several federal laws regarding discrimination in housing. One in particular deals with homeownership, which includes homes, condominiums, and homeowners associations (HOAs).

Q: My brother and I inherited several acres of commercial property from our parents. The land came with a poorly written lease. The lease was for 50 years with no escalation clause for the rent. The tenant pays the property taxes, but the rent we receive is a pittance.

Great patio furniture brings comfort and function to your outdoor spaces. With a spacious table and comfortable chairs, a basic stone patio can be transformed into an alfresco dining destination. Outfit a porch with a wicker sofa and classic rocking chair, both topped with plush cushions, and it can quickly become a second family room during the warm weather months.

Wallpaper that looks like beadboard paneling is a clever way to add charm and texture to an ordinary room. This lookalike wallcovering is a less expensive upgrade and easier to install than beadboard paneling, a pricey improvement that requires carpentry tools, not to mention carpentry skills. The beadboard wall covering makes any room more appealing with...

There's a growing movement called No Mow May that asks people to abstain from mowing their lawns until June first. The intention is admirable, but experts say there's a better way to help pollinators.

If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your outdoor rug, here are six basic steps to get started.

I’m blessed to be able to use this column to share my knowledge. It allows me to empower you to do many jobs you might never think of doing yourself.

Q: As my husband was taking out the trash last week, a woman passed him walking her dog. She told him she was interested in our house and inquired if we were looking to sell. My husband told her that we were planning on moving within the next year.

Q: Can someone steal my home by changing my deed? I see lots of ads offering to secure my property. What do you think?

A new spread of sod is eye candy for a newly built home; it creates an instant makeover and can transform property. It’ s especially effective when a home changes its shape with a room addition, because it brings the property and landscape together. While seeding is a less expensive choice, sod is the chosen alternative when the soil is less than hospitable to grass...