A Few of Our Favorite Things

Since this issue's theme is 7 for '07, the My Home Life staff thought we'd weigh in with our own top 7 list. We chose to highlight some of the handiest things we've learned from The Dwyer Group® and its franchisees since the magazine debuted. Go ahead and pull this page out for future reference; we know we will.

NO. 1: IF IT'S BROKE, FIX IT

Fixing a single dripping hot-water faucet can save you 200 gallons of water a month. Spring 2005
If the wood around a screw will no longer hold, drive an ordinary golf tee covered with wood glue into the hole. Let it dry and cut off the excess tee. Drill a new hole in the repaired wood. Spring 2005
The typical emergency drain treatments you buy from the hardware store are caustic. Plungers are even worse. A better option: Call in a specialist. Summer 2005

NO. 2: TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE

The best way to make an existing air-conditioning system more efficient is to have it properly maintained. Spring 2005
Normally if the cost of repairing an appliance exceeds 60 percent of the cost of replacing it, you're better off getting a new one. Summer 2005
Have your air ducts cleaned once every three years. Fall 2005
You can increase the life expectancy of your water heater by installing a water softener. Spring 2006
Don't put anything stringy or fibrous down the garbage disposal. You could tie your disposal in knots. Spring 2005
Tankless water heaters can be a good way to decrease your energy usage, because you aren't constantly heating a tank full of water. Winter 2006

NO. 3: C'MON, GET HEALTHY

One downside of today's tightly built, energy-efficient homes is that there's less air passing through, and the pollutants get trapped inside. Spring 2005
Make your home workout space a fun space so you'll enjoy spending time there. Fall 2005
Switching applesauce for butter is part of the new trend of smart recipe substitutions that let you live healthier while sacrificing little taste. Spring 2006

NO. 4: ORGANIZE THE CHAOS

Store seasonal items near the attic or basement entrance. Items that are stored just for storage's sake should be stacked along walls or against the outer edge. Winter 2004
If you want to throw out your children's old toys but are afraid the kids will pitch a fit, pick a weekend when they'll be away. Spring 2005
Maintaining a clean, uncluttered garage is like sticking to a diet. Spring 2005
Minimizing clutter is an inexpensive way to enhance the appeal of your home before putting it on the market. Fall 2005

NO. 5: DON'T HESITATE, RENOVATE

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) encourages homeowners to reserve 10 to 20 percent of their budget for the unanticipated expenses that crop up mid-job. Winter 2004
The average kitchen remodel will be in place for approximately 19.5 years before the homeowner considers changing it again, so make sure it's done right the first time. Spring 2005
Remodeling can undo more than your floors. It can also jackhammer your relationship. The key to surviving a renovation with as few marital hiccups as possible is to know what you're getting into in advance. Summer 2005

NO. 6: CHOOSING YOUR STYLE

To make a snug space feel bigger, don't go overboard with a myriad of materials, finishes, and colors competing for attention. Summer 2006
Creating more light with windows, skylights, and sun tunnels can make a dark, dreary room seem larger. Summer 2006
The trend in bathroom cabinetry is to have more of a furniture look. Winter 2006

NO. 7: TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Outdoor lighting can draw attention from areas you want to downplay, make a small property more impressive, and extend living areas. Winter 2004
When designing a landscape to accompany outdoor pool areas, consider the maintenance of both the pool and the plants, and the safety of the swimmers. Summer 2005
Out: Finicky grasses. In: Synthetic lawns. But forget the scratchy ballpark stuff. Florida-based SYNLawn offers six fool-the-eye varieties. Spring 2006
Everything from big-screen TVs to full-service kitchens are making their way to the suburban patio these days, as the backyard becomes more of an extension of the house itself. Summer 2006

Jill Becker is an Atlanta-based freelance writer and editor. She has been a contributor to My Home Life since the first issue in November 2004.

Alice Bumgarner is a freelance writer who lives in Durham, North Carolina.