the money pit

If you live in an older home and are planning any home remodeling projects, you might need to add some padding to your budget. This spring a new EPA requirement will mandate that special lead testing, work practices -- and extra expenses are also part of any home improvements done to homes built...

As the federal government's Cash for Appliance Clunkers program begins, consumers may find themselves in a stew of confusion over when clunker rebates are available, how much they'll get and from where. The rebate clock is already ticking in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, New Jersey,...

This month, the EPA wants you to think about the air you breathe and take action against a health threat you probably didn't know existed: Radon gas. Along with the many useful and sometimes useless "events" that are named by government agencies, interests groups and greeting card companies,...

If you have a clunker of an appliance you'd like to replace in this year, the good news is that the government is offering an attractive rebate that can pay you up to $250 for upgrading to a more efficient model. But the bad news is that with this latest version of "Cash for Clunkers" incentives,...

Consumer Reports latest tests on washers show price drops of as much as 33% compared with a year ago. Along with the federally funded "Cash for Clunkers" rebates of up to $250 for qualifying models, consumers are benefiting from more energy and water efficient models that save money in the long...

Santa's reindeer may have a little trouble finding good little boys and girls' homes this Christmas due to a reported nationwide shortage of holiday lights. While the economy slowly rebounds, holiday light displays are selling out at home centers and discount retailers around the country.

Adding an entertaining dimension to the appeal of energy-saving home improvements and building on the promise of new tax incentives for homeowners, President Barack Obama termed insulation "a sexy subject" during a Home Depot visit in Alexandria, Va., on Tuesday. "Here's what's sexy about it....

A study of 51 homes released this week by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found a strong association between homes with Chinese drywall and levels corrosive hydrogen sulfide, which gives off a smell similar to rotten eggs. It was the largest investigation ever taken on by the...

While the forecast for winter 2009-10 stands to be easier on homeowners' wallets than usual, you can save even more money by making energy-smart improvements and easy adjustments to your household routine. Here are eight ways to reduce home heating costs to stay warm for less this...

Home repair contractor Kaile Warren had a rags-to-riches story that was enviable. The former homeless home improver credits "divine intervention" with giving him the idea for a home improvement company and brand name that would ultimately place him on a national stage that included appearances on...