Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can...

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Let’s spare a moment for something most of us use every day yet probably take for granted: our service lines. We rely on them for access to water, electricity, gas, Internet connection, and more, but only think about...

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Back in the early days of home security “systems,” around the end of World War I, it was common for homeowners to hire “door shakers”-night watchmen who would literally walk around and check doors to make sure they were...

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The recent cold weather in Ocean Shores, around western Washington and across the country reminded all of us that drafty windows and doors, dirty air filters, inadequate insulation and leaky faucets are common in most...

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Owning a home is usually a great experience but if your home is like mine, it can also be an occasional hassle . Unexpected issues usually pop up and whether its a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it’s almost...

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As a homeowner, one of the most important aspects of your home isn’t something you use daily. And it isn’t something flashy you show off to friends. It’s your homeowners insurance policy, and it protects you in more...

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My "granddog", pictured above, is acting like he is sorry he went through the living room's window screen when trying to greet someone who stopped by to visit. You, and I, probably don’t think our dogs would ever bite...

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Whether it's a ring from a loved one, a bracelet handed down through generations or even a watch or necklace marking a special occasion; every reason you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason it should be insured....

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That oh-so-covetable experience of relaxing in your outdoor hot tub or taking a dip in your very own pool? Millions of American households enjoy it, both when the weather’s nice and when it starts to cool down. With the...

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As a busy homeowner, it's easy to fall into the trap of pushing off tasks that maintain the long-term value of your home in favor of more pressing problems. That’s OK, to a point, as certain house-cleaning projects...

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It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). While this doesn't occur frequently in our area, does that really work? Or is it...

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Technology has made home alarms of all kinds — from security to smoke, radon to radiation — more accessible than ever. Many of them can be configured to work together, and some even alert you to trouble through your...

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It seems everyone these days has a smartphone. a smart TV, a tablet, or an ebook reader. Maybe you have all of the above – and more.When you add it all up, you may find you have thousands of dollars tied up in...

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Spring has arrived in the Northwest, which means it’s time to clean the cobwebs out of the corners, organize the closets and so forth. While you’re at it, don’t forget to revisit the important documents and other items...

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A fire is a fire, and a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher, right? Well, not quite. There are actually different types of fires and different types of extinguishers that respond best to each one. So, which is...

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It's not unusual, when you set out on that holiday trip, to look back at the house a little nervously. Sure, you remembered to lock the doors, but just how secure are things? What might happen while you're away?One way...

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