LandlordPortal.com: When success is necessary

Landscape design is a three-dimensional discipline. You control the depth, breadth and ceiling of your space, and it can run as far as you allow the eye to travel.

Consumers Warm to Energy-Saving Bulbs, but Quality of Light Is a Hot-Button Issue - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Every green-building expert says the easiest way to make your house more environmentally sensitive is to change all the light bulbs, replacing your incandescent ones with compact fluorescent light bulbs. They produce the same amount of light with about 75 percent less energy.

Burned Out? Here Are Some Bright New Ideas. - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: Light bulbs in my home are burning out more quickly than ever. After a few days, a new bulb will not work. Are new light bulbs not of high quality any longer?

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

The Tricks To Maximizing A Trickle - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Usually by October, plants are slowing down and luxuriating in cool, moist conditions. Not this year.

Gas or Wood-Burning Fireplace? Why Not Both? - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: What can you tell me about gas fireplaces? Is it better to have a gas fireplace or a traditional wood-burning one? Should I consider a ventless gas fireplace? I am interested in efficient gas fireplaces.

Advice on Planting, Pruning and Picking Up - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: Our oak trees have been dropping enormous quantities of acorns for weeks. In addition, they are shedding masses of tiny granular objects. Some sidewalks look like they're covered in sand. Can you tell me what it is?

Woodpeckers Attack Siding in Search of Food, Leaving Homeowners to Repair the Damage - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: I have woodpecker damage. The pesky bird drilled a number of large holes into the wood trim. I noticed earlier in the season that carpenter bees had been hanging around this part of my home. What can I do to stop this from happening again, and how do I repair the holes?

In the Laundry Room, Luxury That's Worth It - Washington Post 4/5/2008

If your budget for building or remodeling your home is so tight that you can afford to splurge on only one appliance, make it an upscale, high-efficiency, front-loading washing machine.

A Welcoming Feel That Wears Well - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Nothing says "cozy" quite like a Craftsman bungalow.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Build Skills With Practice Before Putting Stucco to Brick - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: Can you apply stucco to the exterior of a brick home? I have a small one-story ranch house. A friend says this is not possible, but I am determined. Is applying stucco a difficult task? Are there textures I should avoid?

A Vocabulary Lesson for Lawn and Garden Learning - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Here is a brief glossary of common landscape terms that may come in handy:

Arthropod. A phylum of animals every gardener is familiar with, it includes many-legged creatures with hard outer skeletons and jointed legs.

All Systems Green: Building Conservation Into Remodeling - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Going green isn't just for those building new homes. Homeowners can also remodel in ways that conserve energy and natural resources.

Little Samples of Solar's Future - Washington Post 4/5/2008

They sure weren't the kind of homes that we're used to seeing around here. The 20 prototype solar-powered houses built on the Mall for the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon earlier this month were models of all that is good and green.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

The Basics for a Wooden Shed That Will Last - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: As I looked for leaf-raking tools in the debris field formally known as my garage, I realized that I need a storage shed. I looked at outdoor storage sheds at dealers and home centers, but I want to build my own. Are wood sheds the way to go?

Turning a Roof Into a Garden in the Sky - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Green roofs are increasingly fashionable, but they're nothing new -- elaborate roof plantings were used in Rome and Mesopotamia 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. The best known were probably the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

A Gravel Driveway on Solid Ground - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: I need to build a gravel driveway on some land I bought. Is a gravel driveway going to hold up as a permanent solution? What types of gravel are used? Can I do it myself?

Lost on the Garden Path? Four Design Rules to Go By - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Good landscape design ideas can be subtle, bold or abstract. A professional designer can offer suggestions, but only homeowners know what will be interesting and comfortable for them.

Out of the Pool and Into the Winter: The Closing Chapter - Washington Post 4/5/2008

October's warmth extended the swimming season. But cooler weather is here, and it's time to prepare the pool for winter. Here's a refresher course, compiled with help from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Keeping the Fire in the Fireplace - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Forget the rooftop dancing. Keeping a chimney clean is serious work.

A Wind From the East Can Bring Harmony to Your Back Yard - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Gardens can make you feel relaxed or energized, depending on their design. Do you know how to balance the energy flow in your landscape design to ensure that it will be comfortable and harmonious with your surroundings?

Energy Star Appliances Save More Than the Label Suggests - Washington Post 4/5/2008

How much energy can you save with an appliance that meets the government's Energy Star guidelines?

For Durability and Eye-Catching Patterns, Granite Is a Cut Above - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: Granite tile looks as if it would be excellent flooring or a wall treatment. Is granite flooring a good choice, or will it scratch easily? I am thinking of installing granite tile in several places, but I wonder if I can do it successfully.

Land Clearing Is Best Left to the Experts - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: I bought some raw land to build a home, so land clearing is now on my radar. The land has lots of large trees and just a few bushes. I don't know where to start or how to do this. Is clearing land something I should consider doing myself? What equipment would I need?

Contracting? Cover Your Bases. - Washington Post 4/5/2008

If you are planning to work with a construction or remodeling contractor, there are a number of steps you should take to protect yourself.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Simple Improvements to Lower Your Energy Bills - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Homeowners can expect high heating costs in the coming months, as winter weather intersects with higher energy prices.

Nature Helps Build a Backyard Feeding Ground - Washington Post 4/5/2008

As winter approaches, drying stalks of snakeroot, black-eyed Susans and coneflowers serve as a buffet of tasty snacks to birds visiting Colleen Traylor's yard in Groveland Township, Mich.

A Winter Reading List That Plants Seeds of Inspiration - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Nothing beats curling up with a book in your favorite chair, except maybe being in front of a fireplace, too. Here are my book picks for this year's holiday shopping list:

Gauging a Paint's Performance Before It Hits the Wall - Washington Post 4/5/2008

A gallon of paint can cost as little as $15 or well over $100. What's the difference?

The Right Approach Makes Grout Work Easier - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: I need to grout tile before my relatives come over for a holiday party. What type of grout should I use for my ceramic floor tile? Is mixing grout difficult? How much should be mixed at one time?

Giant Bathroom Dinosaurs and Tiny Fossil Homes - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Bathrooms, especially those with an oversize, jetted tub, seem to have homeowners in a lather.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Major Home Remodeling Not Paying Off, Report Finds - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Homeowners who want the biggest bang for their remodeling buck might want to forget full-blown room remodels and opt for more practical replacement projects that reduce home-maintenance needs, increase energy efficiency or improve curb appeal, according to a recent report.

Drywall Holes Don't Have to Be Headaches - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: My testosterone-filled son was practicing some self-defense punches, and now I am left with a drywall repair job. Should I go look at drywall-repair kits, or is there a better way? I can't afford to hire a drywall repair service.

Keeping Rodents in Their Proper Place: Outdoors - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Baby, it's getting colder outside, and no one knows that better than the neighborhood rodents.

Advice for A Dazzling And Safe Light Display - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Tip No. 1 from the Ulta-Lit holiday hotline: Don't call from your roof.

Kitchen Appliances to Soothe the Harried Modern Soul - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Sometimes the special person on your gift list needs a here-and-now gift to help decompress after a long day's work.

The Tricks to Fitting A Pre-Hung Door Just Right - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: I need to know how to install a pre-hung interior door. Is this job as easy as the salesman made it out to be? I am suspicious, as it seems that you need skills. What can you share so that I might have a fighting chance as I wrestle with this?

The Perfect Garden Path, Step by Step - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Designing the right pedestrian circulation pattern on your property can enhance your experience in the garden and help plants flourish.

Condo Kitchen Conundrum - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: I live in an older, garden-style, one-bedroom condo that was updated before I purchased it in 2004 -- not extravagantly, but new appliances.

Do You Need an Energy-Waste Sleuth? - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Robert Whale knew his 1920s Sears Roebuck bungalow wasn't exactly airtight, but he didn't know just how drafty it was until an energy auditor flipped on the switch to a large fan he had placed in the doorway.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

The Beautiful Surprises of a Garden in Winter - Washington Post 4/5/2008

One of my greatest pleasures is enjoying a garden in winter. The forms of plants are exposed, and many display handsome habits. You find surprises, like a bloom or beautiful bark.

Energy-Saving Debate: Constant Temperature, Programmed Changes, or Chilly When Vacant? - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: My heating bills are going up faster than a jet at an air show. Settle a debate among my fellow employees: Some say it is better to leave the thermostat at the same temperature all the time, as it costs so much to warm a cold house. Others say to use a programmable thermostat.

Replenish and Recycle: Principles to Grow By Throughout the New Year - Washington Post 4/5/2008

New Year's resolutions are opportunities to do something you have always wanted to do, often for self-improvement. In the spirit of the season, here are some that will help you improve the environment, too.

Crafting a Workable Workbench at Little or No Cost - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q DEAR TIM: I need a workbench. After reviewing many plans, I am a little confused. Is there a difference between a garage workbench and a workbench stand? Is there an advantage to making a metal workbench instead of a wooden one? What would you use for the workbench legs?

Stretching and Shrinking Rooms With a Color Innovator - Washington Post 4/5/2008

What happens when you hire an architect; he designs your project; and, halfway through construction, you realize you don't like it?

A Primer on Primers - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: The instructions on the can of paint I am getting ready to use say to use primer on bare wood. Is that necessary? It seems like a waste of time. What are the benefits? I think the paint company just wants another sale.

For Safety and Aesthetics, Call Before You Dig and Plan Before You Plant - Washington Post 4/5/2008

A garden without its plants is a mass of wires, pipes, steel, plastic, soil, wood and concrete. This tangled network operates your home and garden. Without it, you wouldn't have landscape lighting, irrigation, an outdoor kitchen, a water garden, a deck, a swimming pool or a security system.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Neighborhood Pride Mixes With Profit for N.C. Couple - Washington Post 4/5/2008

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Conversations with Doug Frelke and Kim Bowden can take some unusual twists.

Fire Safety: Clean, Check and Use Common Sense - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Here are some ways, suggested by public and private groups, to help keep your house fire-safe.

Some Jobs Around the House Are Just Matters of Detail - Washington Post 4/5/2008

You can find plenty of telephone listings under "Auto Detailing." These firms specialize in making your car look new inside and out. Detailers rigorously clean, burnish, polish and make minor repairs.

The Tools and Tricks of the Plumbing Trade - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: You may not like this, but I am about to attempt some do-it-yourself plumbing. I have all sorts of plumbing questions, and I need help selecting plumbing tools. What are the most important tools I should buy?

Stores, Catalogues, Fellow Hobbyists: A Guide to Where to Find Plants - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Winter is a great time to get to know the many places where you can acquire plants.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Indoor-Outdoor Cameras Put Security Into Focus - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: I travel on business frequently, and my wife wants me to install security cameras in and around our home. Are wireless security cameras the way to go, or should I consider wired ones? Do I have to buy separate outdoor security cameras so I can view certain parts of my yard at night?

Be Warm, but Be Safe - Washington Post 4/5/2008

A portable electric heater can be an energy-saver, but it can also be a fire or shock hazard if used improperly.

GREEN SCENE QUIZ ANSWERS - Washington Post 4/5/2008

RATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE: If you had all correct, you could host your own garden show. One to three wrong makes you the neighborhood horticultural guru. Four to six incorrect answers, and you just need more gardening experience. More than six wrong: Call an expert.

Are You a Master of Mulch? A Scholar of Sweet Box? Prove It. - Washington Post 4/5/2008

You've been reading about gardening over the years. Now it's time to see if you've been paying attention, by taking a challenging quiz. There is only one correct answer for each question.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Temperature Of Water Is Key To Child Safety - Washington Post 4/5/2008

It was days before the baby girl would turn a year old, and her grandmother was giving her a bath. The phone rang. Grandma took but a minute to answer the call.

A Garden of Blooms You Can Set Your Clock By - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Most floral clocks are simply outdoor motorized timepieces with ornamental flowers in the shape of a clock. But what if you could coordinate the blooming so that the flowers would open and close at set times of the day? Now that would be an innovative way to tell time.

In Every House, Keys to Fight Climate Change - Washington Post 4/5/2008

I have devoted many columns to sustainability issues in terms of a single house. But every so often I like to pull back for the truly wide shot. From a global perspective, what is the state of our planet, and how might this affect our housing choices?

The Pros and Price of Going Tankless - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Q: DEAR TIM: I wonder if a tankless water heater is the best thing for a vacation home I am building in Michigan. The house will be vacant from November to April and occupied sporadically the rest of the time.

Making Home The Hangout - Washington Post 4/5/2008

When her daughter started high school, Susan Jaquet took a hard look at the basement of her American University Park house.

An Escape Ladder - Washington Post 4/5/2008

WHAT IT IS: A portable ladder that hooks over a window sill, providing a safer means of escape from a fire in a multistory home. Such ladders store under a bed or near a window, and are designed to be quick and easy to use.

Make Your Noisy Home Hush - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Noise complaints have been around as long as we've had neighbors.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Familiar Horsepower Rating No Longer Standard - Washington Post 4/5/2008

For buyers of lawn and garden equipment this spring, a familiar old term -- horsepower -- will be missing from many engines.

Putting In a Good Word or Two for Sustainable Gardening - Washington Post 4/5/2008

The green movement has grown dramatically in recent years, creating its own vocabulary to describe a variety of products and practices that purportedly are healthier for people and the environment.

Winter Bedding to Let You Keep the Thermostat Low - Washington Post 4/5/2008

We may still have plenty of chilly weather ahead, but you can turn down the heat and save on that utility bill if you outfit your bed to keep you toasty for the rest of the winter.

Home Front - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Renovating Your Home for Resale - Washington Post 4/5/2008

Selling your home? HGTV's Shane Tallant discusses how to make your home stand out from others on the market.

Get It or Gimmick? - Washington Post 4/5/2008

ORLANDO Faster. Better. Easier. It's a mantra of the American consumer. With that in mind, many builders at the International Builders' Show in Orlando last week wandered the jammed convention center in search of products that pamper people or simplify life, hoping to get a competitive edge in on...

A Five-Point Plan for Just About Any Home - Washington Post 4/5/2008

It's easier than you think to make your house more environmentally friendly.

In a Quandary Over a Specialized Tool - Washington Post 4/5/2