When spring rains rinse and refresh the outdoors, decks, patios and everything on them get a bath, too. But, once it's dry you see the remaining film that stays: dirt, bird droppings, sticky tree sap and buds, and whatever other debris that gets carried in the wind to land on your patio.

Far beyond the bath - that's where creative homeowners and inventive interior designers are taking tile in 2008.

With warm weather here, can your home handle the sun's blazing rays? Insulation is like sunscreen for your home, and you need about 19 inches in the attic to maximize protection against the heat. Taking this step is one of the best ways to reduce your home's energy use for cooling.

Incorporating current trends into your kitchen design not only helps you create a stylish and updated room, but also increases functionality. From the latest colors to the newest materials, good design can ensure you enjoy your new kitchen.

What is the one fall home fix-up project that takes only a couple of hours and yields the biggest bang for the buck of any exterior home renovation? For most people, the answer does not immediately come to mind: it's a stylish new garage door.

It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So when it comes to selecting the right home improvement materials for remodeling projects, more homeowners are discovering they can achieve fabulous looks by going faux.

With the slowdown in the real estate market, more people are looking for ways to add value to their homes and make them stand out from the rest. One area that is of high interest to both buyers and home investors is the bathroom.