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A well-maintained deck can provide years of outdoor enjoyment for family and friends–not to mention, a major selling point for buyers. To keep your deck looking its best, the experts at HomeAdvisor.com recommend following these seven tips.
1. Inspect for Rot – The devastating effects of wood rot and decay can be mitigated with regular inspection. Examine the deck's ledger board, support posts, joists, boards, railings and stairs for signs of trouble, including soft spots and splitting, peeling pieces.
2. Fasten Weight-Bearing Board – To ensure your deck remains structurally sound, remove any nails attaching the deck to the home and replace with half-inch stainless or galvanized steel lag screws and bolts. If you notice a gap between the house and the deck, tighten the bolts.

(BPT) - From tools and stools to trunks and junk, it seems the garage is home to just about everything these days - except the car. As summer gear is put away and preparations for winter months begin, fall is the perfect time to organize the garage, reinforce garage safety and move the car back inside. Check out these steps from the experts at The Lehigh Group to organize your garage: Clear the clutter
According to a recent Bankrate.com national survey, mortgage rates have declined to a two-month low, sparked by a surprise devaluation of the Chinese yuan. By itself, such an action has little effect on the U.S. economy, but the consequent drag on economic growth from a larger trade deficit and a further downward influence on inflation could prompt the Fed to delay the first interest rate hike.
According to the survey, the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate slid to 4.04 percent, and the average 15-year fixed mortgage rate ticked lower as well, to 3.26 percent.
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) were on the downswing also, with the 5-year ARM dipping to 3.20 percent and the 7-year ARM dropping to 3.39 percent.
The larger jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage rate stepped back to 4.00 percent, still rema...
(BPT) - Though summer is winding down, for many families, hectic moving schedules are still underway. Whether you are moving this season or planning for a move in the near future, consider some helpful guidelines on packing up, moving out and settling in without a hitch - plus, the latest technologies to turn your new house into a home.
Here are five tips to help you minimize moving stress and settle in quickly:
Make a list, measure it twice. After celebrating the signing of your new home (congratulations!), it's time to begin the moving process. Even before you start packing, it's important, if possible, to visit your new home with a tape measure. Carefully measure and take note of the square footage and dimensions of every room in your new home. Do the same with any existing appliances a...
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