(ARA) - Summer is the season of the "do-it-yourselfer." Handy homeowners come into their own as the weather warms and they can embark on all those home improvement and maintenance tasks that languished all winter. Painting tops the list for many homeowners » Great Gardens Start with a Master Plan by Janie Murnane   It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of planting and overlook the need for a master plan – a well-thought-out assessment of your entire landscape project. But a realistic plan is essential to create a practical garden that will provide pleasure, interest and flowing color. If done effectively, it will add value to your home and years of visual enjoyment. more»

A WOMAN'S PERSPECTIVE Tresha found her ideal home plan, she made a few tweaks and now it's perfect! Flipped the kitchen from the back to the front of the home. Created a hearth room at the back of the home. Created a larger eating space with room for a hutch on one wall. Enlarged the garage to 21’ x 24’. Converted the covered porch to a master closet, freeing up space for a drop zone and a half bath at the rear foyer. more»