How to add an hour to your day Whether it's hitting the snooze button, mindlessly surfing the Internet or even "watching and waiting" for the water to get hot enough in the shower, everyone wastes time throughout their day. Five minutes here or 10 minutes there - it all adds up. Be aware of common daily time wasters; and by eliminating some (or all), you'll be able to get much more out of your day.

When going 'green' don't forget the fourth 'R' Are you doing your part in helping to "green" America? We all know the three "R's" that we should be practicing each and every day - reduce, reuse and recycle - but did you know about the fourth "R", which helps you accomplish the other three? This "R" will not only cut down on your individual carbon footprint but will also save you money on your green home improvement projects.

Lower your energy costs with an insulated garage door A leaky, un-insulated garage door may not be an obvious culprit in rising monthly utility bills, but it's worth a second look if you have an attached garage. Replacing an older garage door with a new, energy-efficient model can reduce energy loss through the garage door by up to 71 percent. Here's what every homeowner needs to know.

Need a new roof? What you should know about roofing systems Fall is prime time to put a new roof on your home. But before you spring into action, there are a few things you should know. Most importantly, buying new shingles without the rest of the roofing system is like buying a car with no engine.

Minimizing bathroom clutter While bathrooms are some of the smallest rooms in the house, they tend to be the areas where a lot of personal items are stored. Typical bathroom sink counters and shelves are crammed full of cosmetics, medications, hair-styling items and dental care tools, looking cluttered, messy and making it difficult to clean them.

Skylights: Green lighting and venting alternative for your home Nothing beats Mother Nature's gentle touch for providing comforting natural light and healthful passive ventilation in your home. Modern skylights work with the environment to admit healthful daylight and fresh air, while silently venting stale air.

Avoid common mistakes when the heat goes out The phrase "you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone" can apply to many things in life, but it's particularly relevant when the heat goes out on the coldest day of the year. In these situations, most homeowners will do practically anything to restore the indoor comfort level of their homes as quickly as possible. There are three common mistakes people tend to make when the air stops circulating at home.

Stay warm and healthy, keep heating bills down With the return of colder weather, you may be hesitant to turn on the furnace again - especially if you want to put off winter's high energy bills. And, as you start shutting the windows to keep out the cold, the quality of your home's indoor air can make it hard to keep the family healthy, especially when flu season kicks in and allergies act up. But whatever the weather, you have the power to control the world inside your home.

Simple home changes that save big money Many homeowners are cutting back this year in an effort to save cash. But a few simple improvements to make your home more energy efficient can provide enormous return on your investment.

Sealing in fall and winter can prevent need for spring repairs With cooler nights and shorter days, it's time to get on that fall home maintenance plan now. Winter is on the way, bringing falling temperatures and wet conditions that create a host of small problems that can add up to big costs by spring.

Debunking the myth of the 'leaky' skylight Why is it that homeowners who wouldn't hesitate to cut a hole in the wall where they want a new window think twice about cutting a hole in the roof for a skylight? For many, the answer is simply "fear of springing a leak." Yet the same modern technologies that ensure windows keep water out are at work in modern skylights.

Asphalt shingles add value, beauty and durability to roofs Repairing or replacing the roof is one of the most noticeable improvement projects homeowners can take on. And although the effect of a new roof is stunning, the price tag doesn't have to be. Here is what you need to know.

Make your smaller home more livable with a new bath Smaller homes are making a comeback. As the owner of a smaller home, you should know that adding even a small bathroom is among the best investments you can make, Macerating technology can save you thousands on an additional bathroom in your small home.

Confounded by cordless power tools? How to pick a winner When you use tools every day, you know the benefits of going cordless. But when it comes to finding the best, most powerful and technologically advanced cordless tools for the job, do you know what to look for?

Aging in place can be done with style and grace From attractive lighting designed to work well for aging eyes to barrier-free shower stalls that compete in beauty and practicality with what you might find in a luxury community for those 55 and older, plenty of home modifications now make it possible to age in place gracefully and stylishly.

Have a warmer winter with more money in your wallet What can you do about drafts from the four largest "holes" in your home -- the folding attic stair, the whole house fan, the fireplace and the clothes dryer? Here are some tips and techniques that can quickly, easily and inexpensively seal and insulate these holes.

Easy bath improvements for the not-so-handy Tired of your boring bathroom, but don't think you have the home improvement skills to update it? Stop doubting yourself and make some quick and easy changes that will dramatically improve the look and functionality of your bath, all without calling a contractor.

Snuggling up to a stove this winter? As the mercury drops and days get shorter, you may be snuggling up to a wood-burning stove to keep your tootsies toasty. With today's economy, alternative heat sources may become more popular as penny-pinchers try to minimize gas and electric bills.

Diversity in design: Mix, don't match, wood textures and colors Still worrying about what goes with what when you're decorating? Design style leaders nix the matching - "too boring" - in favor of mixing colors, wood grains, stains and textures throughout a room.

Reduce home air pollution and save energy Your home may be your castle, but the average household can be responsible for nearly twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the average car, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Here are some simple steps you can take in your home to create a better environment for everyone, both inside and outside.

Winterize your windows for long-term payback You may not want to think about it, but winter will be here again before you know it. Of course, winter means heating bills. Wouldn't it be great to take a big chunk out of energy costs not only this winter, but for many to come? In fact, you can save money while the weather is still warm because most of the same things you do to seal your home and save heat in winter can also help reduce cooling costs during the hot months.

Tips for planting and protecting your fall landscape As the crisp fall air ushers in a new season, many gardeners may be left wondering: what now? Garden experts from across the country weighed in with their tips on the best things you can do this fall for a fabulous garden next year.

City chic: Incorporate city style into your Main Street home When you look out your window, what do you see: the cool gray steel of high-rise buildings ... or vast, open expanses of green land? You don't have to stick to an interior style that mimics your surroundings; especially if it doesn't suit your taste. Whether you live in a penthouse or a farmhouse, you can create rooms that make you feel as if you're a city-dweller as soon as you step inside.

Today's powder room: small space, but big design The powder room - it's one of the smallest rooms in the house, but also the room that typically sees the most traffic, especially when you're entertaining guests. Just because it's the smallest room doesn't mean it needs to be small in style.

Wood is looking good this winter With winter rapidly on its way, the government is asking you to think about cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways to heat your home. In fact, it is encouraging eco- and cost-conscious families to consider efficient wood stoves or inserts by offering a 30 percent tax credit, up to $1,500, for the purchase of a 75 percentefficient biomass-burning stove in 2009 and 2010.

Not all kitchens are created equal, give yours an edge A place for everything and everything in its place. This seems like a lofty goal for many homeowners, but with a few kitchen storage accessories and some insightful tips, this goal is easy to achieve.

How to use your all-terrain vehicle all year long Many ATV/UTV owners are preparing to store their ride away for the winter, but with a little planning, any enthusiast can utilize their all-terrain vehicle throughout the year without having to pay a shop's expensive fees.

Decor can help you wow your mate When it comes to impressing your mate, forget about diamonds and designer gifts. You're more likely to snag a date based on your decorating taste than with bling. A majority of men and women - 88 and 85 percent, respectively - would prefer to receive a room makeover over a pricey pair of diamond earrings or watch, according to a recent survey.

Labels to look for when seeking sustainable goods From plumbing to produce, companies are doing all they can to make their products greener. But, trying to pick the truly green products from the crowd can be an overwhelming decision for the average consumer. Here's some advice for finding green companies, products and services.

Lighting techniques that are right on track and on budget If the mortgage crisis has you staying put for a few more years, there's an easy way to enhance your home's decor while adding value. Upgrading your recessed lighting or installing a track lighting system can brighten up any room and make your space appear larger.

Updating home pays off whether selling or staying put Whether you are thinking about selling your home or planning to stay put a few more years, some simple updates with an eye on detail can make a big impact both visually and financially.

Prepare your house for winter weather With the winter weather slowly creeping in, it's time to get your house ready for snow, wind, ice, freezing rain and all the other potential bad weather that can cause damage to your property. Don't wait until the first frost or snowfall to prepare your house for winter.

Replacing household products can keep you safe While people take all manner of precautions to ensure the safety and health of their families, some household products may need more attention and maintenance to keep loved ones and the home environment as safe as possible. A recent study shows that many Americans are unknowingly at risk of illness, injury or worse due to living with and using products that have not been properly maintained or replaced.

Not your grandmother's vinyl floor One of the best kept secrets in hard-surface flooring is now out of the bag - it's almost identical to high-end hardwood, stone or those ceramic floors that look great in any home - but provides quiet, warm-performance benefits, is easy to maintain and won't break your budget. It's luxury vinyl tile (LVT).

Dramatically update your kitchen in six hours or less with six projects With the amount of time you spend in your kitchen, why settle for out-of-date features and decor - especially since it is easy to give your kitchen a 180-degree makeover? Try these six simple projects, and in no time at all you'll have a kitchen where you will want to spend more time.

Bland walls? Fast fix-ups that are perfect for fall When the weather cools and the bright sun of summer fades into autumn's grayer skies, bare bland walls can feel like an ugly mark on your home's decor. Suddenly, those undecorated walls that you were too busy to notice this past summer cry out for color and pizzazz. Here are the hot trends and some easy do-it-yourself decorating tips for fall.

Four ways to liven up a drab kitchen When you have a big gathering at your house, no matter where you try to set up the food and beverages, the crowd inevitably ends up gathering in your kitchen. The problem is you may not be proud of the kitchen you have.

Act now to prevent costly ice damage later Ice dams may not be something the average homeowner has ever heard of, but they occur all too frequently during the winter months, resulting in costly damage. Left unaddressed, water seepage from ice dams can ruin ceilings, walls, attics and roofing.

Inoculate your home for winter wellness You scheduled flu shots for the entire family and stocked the cabinets with plenty of vitamin C and chicken soup. But what have you done to ensure the health of your actual home this winter?

Put the 'dream' back in your dream home There is an alternative to letting the housing market get you down. Make the space you're in reflect your dreams by doing some targeted renovations to add luxury and utility. A great place to spice things up is in the kitchen.

Financially savvy custom kitchens Usually a major kitchen remodel is a once in a lifetime project, so making the best choice is key. Since cabinetry is one of the most critical components of a kitchen remodel project, custom cabinets that will last a lifetime might be the best option.

Simple secrets to spice up your shower The average American adult spends 8 to 10 minutes in the shower every day, according to several surveys on the topic. Upgrading your shower can help elevate those minutes from soothing to sensational. Plus, bathroom improvements are a proven way to increase your home's value.

4 essential steps to conserve energy through the winter Now that winter has arrived, it's important to take these four steps to improve your home's energy efficiency - they'll save you money and keep you warm, all season long.

Tips to save your home and life in case of fire Every year more than 500,000 fires occur in homes across the nation. To help protect your home and your loved ones, the experts have come up with the following easy-to-follow tips that could make all the difference.

A healthy home can add to healthy energy savings We may be riding an economic roller coaster, but one fact is certain: the weather is about to get cooler. And who wouldn't like to save a few bucks on heating bills this winter? Here's some advice on how to save on energy bills.

Kitchen and bath updates on a budget In addition to decking the halls of your home this holiday season, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests by updating high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms with simple and inexpensive home-improvement projects. With a few easy steps and just one basic tool, these projects can be done on a budget and make a big impact.

Home improvement and landscape project tips The end of the year can be a great time to take stock and plan ahead for your home and landscaping improvement projects.

How to beat bug infestations in your home No one likes bugs in the home, but you might be surprised at how much some people actually fear insect infestations. In fact, Americans rank fear of bug infestation third - after fire and natural disaster - on the list of threats to their homes that they most dread, according to a recent survey.

Design a dream kitchen without breaking your budget Looking to build your ideal kitchen, but not sure if you can afford it? It may seem like a difficult task, but it is possible to design a space that will fulfill your needs, while leaving room (and funds) for your dreams. Here's how you can combine sacrificing and spending to find the perfect new product mix.

Homeowners warm up to tax credit for wood- and pellet-fueled heat For warmth and beauty in the home, it's hard to beat the ambience of a real wood-burning stove or fireplace. Homeowners now have another reason to warm up to one - they may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $1,500.

Weekend DIY projects mean lasting home improvements With the national median home price down double digits from the same time last year, it's no surprise that many homeowners are deciding to stay put. As a result, many are looking for ways they can improve their homes. Luckily, there are many do-it-yourself, cost-efficient home improvement projects that will do just that.

Warm wood finishes create high-end kitchen look If you're dreaming about upgrading your kitchen, you have plenty of company. As people spend more time at home, they're feeling a pent-up desire to change things up, especially in the kitchen. Simply upgrading your cabinets with warm wood finishes can make all the difference.

Wood stoves great for winter heating Colder temperatures mean turning up the heat, which also can mean a bigger utility bill. But there are several things you can do to make sure your house is warm and cozy this winter season, without adding to your bill.

How to warm up your home with natural touches Interior design continues to evolve rapidly. But it's not just going in one direction - it's branching out in new ways and giving homeowners fodder for ideas about how they can turn their existing house into their dream home. There is something for every taste, too, as different design concepts become more fully developed, catering to all people and all styles of homes.

Simple cost-effective tips on winterizing your home Each fall, the temperatures begin to drop and heating bills begin to rise, causing many homeowners to tighten their budgets. What many people do not realize is there are cost-effective ways of preparing a home for the winter, which will save money in the long run.

Put your off-road vehicle to work Off-road vehicles are fun for the trail, but they're also quite handy around the home. Side-by-side vehicles especially can help you save time and money on never-ending home and garden maintenance.

Modern skylights fill your home with natural light and fresh air When it comes to brightening and freshening your home, it's smart to use natural light and passive ventilation. Unlike earlier plastic bubble skylights that faded and leaked, modern glass skylights are dependable and offer nearly endless options for functional decorating.

Celebrate a new look for your home in the New Year Each year about 70 percent of Americans make a New Year's resolution and most soon forget they ever made one. Time for a change? Why not resolve to give your old house a new look in the New Year? Start the new decade with a new attitude about your home's makeover.

'Good design' should work for all users When it comes to redecorating, renovating or designing a home, perhaps space, needs and tastes vary so much from person to person that no one philosophy can ever "fit all." But then again, maybe there is one that can - the concept of universal design.

Break out of your color comfort zone this winter While it might be gray and dreary outside, infusing color into interior decor is one of the quickest ways to create a cozy, inviting living area. And winter is the ideal time to do it.

Facing tighter budgets, more homeowners are rethinking remodeling With more Americans downsizing their household budgets, larger-scale renovation projects are out and frugal remodeling is in. And when it comes to saving money, experts say home improvement projects that increase energy efficiency are among the best investments to deliver paybacks -- now and in the future.

Space-saving hardwood storage stunners First impressions are lasting ones when it comes to your home. But before adding or rearranging storage in any room, make sure you examine and evaluate what you need, what you have space to store and how it will fit into your home.

Kitchen transition: How to make your open floor plan look great An open floor plan is family-friendly and perfect for entertaining as it makes your space seem bigger and more up to date. The best way to make an open floor plan a success is to create a seamless transition from the kitchen to the other living spaces.