While some startups simply need a computer and a whiteboard to get started, there's a whole industry of makers out there that are able to start producing manufactured products too. This is quite literally a revolution that will put Americans back to the leadership position we once had in manufacturing since even a small startup operator can buy a CNC machine and create prototypes as well as finished products with a bit of work. While most of you probably know what to expect when shopping for a computer, a notepad, and pens... how much is a CNC machine?

Repairs. Some say you are not a real car or truck owner if you don’t know how to work your way on that chassis or hood. Why? Well, you can't just go running to a mechanic every time some issue pops on your ride. That would cost you a lot financially. 

Garage doors are a part of your house that you don't really appreciate... till it stops opening. When that happens, it's almost like you are trapped since unlike a door in any other part of your house, chances are this is the one and only way to get your car and other large items in and out of the garage. Fixing it can be expensive and dangerous, but here's what you can do to determine if this is something easy to fix or will you need professional help.

Searching for home warranty protection can be incredibly challenging. There are almost 200 warranty companies in the US, and each one brings something different to the table. How are you supposed to compare your options and find a plan that covers your appliances and systems, while also working for your budget and your lifestyle?

Regardless of the time of year, you want your home to be the light, airy, breezy house that everyone envies. We’re talking white walls, pale furniture and tons of natural light pouring through the windows. A light and airy home is inviting, it’s beautiful, it’s valuable and - most of all - it’s one which you can feel proud to live in.

Remodeling your home is a major time commitment and effort but it can dramatically improve your home value as well as comfort and convenience. That's why you want to make sure you get everything done right along the way.

Hindsight is 20/20! You don't want to end up in the emergency room with an injury that was completely preventable but too many of us forget to use protective safety equipment. Many DIYers do this and risk injury because they either don't have the right gear - or simply chose not to use it. While goggles, gloves, and other protective safety gear might seem like a pain in the ass... the reality is that it can save you from a whole world of pain if something unexpected happens!

Generally when we hear the unfortunate news that someone’s house caught on fire, immediately we think of possible causes.  The typical culprits are usually something like faulty wiring, leaving a curling iron on, a cigarette accidentally caught the house on fire, or the owners left the house but forgot to turn off the stove.  The one we rarely ever think about is that the dryer vent was clogged and caught on fire.

Summer is over and that probably means you haven't spent much time inside. Don't worry though, fall is here and winter is just around the corner. That means it's time to head back inside and retreat to your man cave and all the fun stuff found within. Games, comfy chairs, maybe even a beer fridge and memorabilia. Here's some tips to get your man cave up and ready for the winter holidays and ultimately - prepared to be the destination where all your buddies want to hang out for March Madness!

Could we have become so desensitized to the fact that something as natural to us as building a house and living in it can have such an effect on the environment? 

Some people love home improvements and DIY. Others hate it. Making your house look more attractive doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Below you’ll find seven quick and easy things practically anyone can do today.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Schlage. All opinions are 100% mine.

When most people think of smart home technology, it’s just about convenience. Sure, they might have cameras to monitor intruders or movement from kids and pets, but monitoring isn’t security. I had the chance to install the new, Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt recently and I’m impressed. It does everything that a smart device should – easy to use, perfectly integrated with the existing ecosystem, full of features, plus it is both great-looking and built strong enough to do what it was designed for – keeping your family safe.

You have your home and outdoor kitchen, what's next when it comes to building your perfect outdoor space? For some it might be a pool and others it might be a putting green, but what about a home basketball court instead? Sure, you can throw a hoop up on your garage but that risks hitting cars and potentially uneven surfaces that aren't designed for the game. Let's take a look at how you can take the game to the next level by adding a real basketball court to your home!

Making your house beautiful is easy. Keeping it safe is an entirely different story. Installing a home security system is no longer an option nowadays; it’s a necessity. And perhaps, the most important part of a home security system is the door and window system. This system exists to deter burglars and to alert if someone enters the house when it’s armed. Having door and window sensors protect the possible entry points of burglars, especially in the front door where they are most likely to enter.

I'm thankful to live in San Diego where for 90% of the year I can leave my windows wide open and get fresh air. It quite literally never rains here and the temperature is almost always 70 degree. However, there are those few weeks per year when it gets hot. Compared to those of you back easy suffering from 100+ degree days right now our 90's might seem nice. Unfortunately, when the temperature inside your loft is more than 80 degrees, things like taking a conference call or being able to concentrate while writing posts like this are near impossible. Without the ability to install a window box air conditioner, I've had to rely on portable units instead. Compared to those other ones, I'm in love with this new unit from Midea. Not only does it have all the standard features but it also can connect to Google Assistant or Alexa so I can set schedules and turn it on or off remotely just by telling it to.

Hurricanes are terrible storms that if climatologists are going to be believed, are only going to get worse and increase in frequency because of global warming. This means that anyone in an area potentially impacted by a hurricane needs to review their homeowner's insurance policies and see what's covered and what's not. It’s one thing to be able to buy a house and another to be able to keep it. There are so many things that could go wrong that could mean that you end up with a very substantial bill, or worse, you could lose the single biggest investment you’ve made in your life.

It’s safe to say that life is always changing. And what was once suitable for you, can often be outgrown. This can be applied to so many areas of life, but one of the most prevalent is your home. From when you first move out of your parent’s home, to when you get your first ‘starter’ home, your needs change. And then, when you have a family, they change again. Even as your family grows you may find that you run out of room pretty quickly. And so, you may want to try and acquire as much space as you can to accommodate that. But when you love where you live, you don’t always want to move. So, adding more space to your home could be more suitable. When you want to add to your curb appeal, this can work too. Let’s take a look at a few options that might help you.

Cultivating a great looking lawn is the source of pride for many men. It's a form of healthy competition among neighbors where some will win the admiration of wives, friends, and guests, while others will simply need to pay an expert instead.

If you’re planning to sell your home, you need to make it presentable first. The success in finding a buyer lies in how your home looks from the curb, otherwise known as curb appeal. People would want to take a closer look if they like what they see from the outside, so it’s best to consider projects that add to your home’s exterior appearance.

Almost everyone has at least some mold in their home. Even though not all types of it are dangerous or toxic, they still present a health risk. The people that are affected the most typically suffer from allergies or asthma. Most of the time, distinguishing between their types is impossible without the help of a lab. But, of all of them, black mold is the most toxic and dangerous, and it should be removed as fast as possible.