Sharing your home over the holidays is what the season is all about, but it can also be trying, especially if you're busy and unable to be the most attentive host.
For the past several years, the Federal Housing Administration has been the go-to financing resource for cash-strapped homebuyers who can't come up with a big down payment.
Q. We discovered hairline cracks in the ceramic floor tiles in my 3-year-old house. The longest crack runs from the living room (eight tiles) in a straight line to the adjacent breakfast room (three) tiles. The grout is also cracked.
There is a trend I mentioned in one of my columns at the beginning of the year that continues to grow. The interest in all things handmade - from hand-painted details on furniture and accessories to mosaics and needlework crafts - is enjoying a revival.
Q. Both my front and back doors are the original ones and are drafty. One is wood and one is steel. I would like to improve their efficiency without having to replace them. What should I do?