Michael Franco

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A creative director with Reader's Digest for ten years, also formerly serving as site editor for a division of About.com, Michael Franco has spent over a decade covering science, technology, hospitality and home improvement. His writing credits include Angie's List, Good Housekeeping, Consumer Reports, and National Geographic. A graduate of Ithaca College and Manhattanville College, with a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing, Mr. Franco once owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Amish country. Today, he lives and works in Asheville, NC. Michael Franco on LinkedIn | Google +

Browse By Tag

  • (24)
  • (23)
  • (21)
  • (21)
  • (12)
  • (9)
  • (9)
  • (8)
  • (8)
  • (8)
  • (7)
  • (7)
  • (7)
  • (7)
  • (6)
APRIL 9, 2014 | WEDNESDAY
Planning Guide: Driveways

Why do we drive on the parkway and park on the driveway? That’s just one of life’s little mysteries, but there’s no mystery involved in creating a beautiful and practical driveway—just so...

MARCH 31, 2014 | MONDAY
5 Smart Energy-Saving Investments for Your Next Home

If you live in an older home, the prospect of retrofitting it to be more energy efficient might send cold shivers down your spine—even chillier than that bracing breeze leaking in through...

MARCH 27, 2014 | THURSDAY
Repair Drywall with Less Hassle

Let’s be honest. Drywall repair is not something most people look forward to. Although it’s relatively straightforward in theory, if you have ever done it then you know that the dry time ...

MARCH 26, 2014 | WEDNESDAY
Exposed! 10 Tips for Showing Off Ducts, Pipes, Beams and More

Pipes. Beams. Ductwork. These things are generally hidden in our homes behind walls, in ceilings, and within soffits. Sometimes, however, it pays to leave some of these tubes, conduits, a...

MARCH 20, 2014 | THURSDAY
5 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

Nothing renews that feeling of pride of ownership more than attending to annual home maintenance tasks (especially once they are completed and behind you). Now that spring has arrived, it...

MARCH 13, 2014 | THURSDAY
The Right Way to Handle a Paintbrush

Painting seems like a pretty straightforward task, so homeowners frequently choose to do it themselves in order to save a little money. But the entire process can turn into a big, frustra...

MARCH 12, 2014 | WEDNESDAY
Planning Guide: Backyard Ponds

Just to be clear, the kind of pond we’re referring to doesn’t involve swimming, fishing, or boating. We’re talking about a decorative garden pond for goldfish, koi, or plants—a water feat...

MARCH 6, 2014 | THURSDAY
When in Doubt, Revive Your Grout! Top Tips for Regrouting Tile

Tile has always been a popular choice for floors, walls, and other surfaces due to its durability and long life. In fact, it’s typically the grout that starts to fail or show its age befo...

FEBRUARY 26, 2014 | WEDNESDAY
Warming Trend: 5 Smart Ways to Heat Your Home

When considering the best way to bring warmth into your house, think of the four “E’s": energy, efficiency, economics, and environment. You’ll want to choose a type of energy source ...

FEBRUARY 25, 2014 | TUESDAY
How To: Make a Picture Frame

What is art? Critics and philosophers are free to debate the question endlessly, but we think it's pretty simple: If there's a frame around it, then it's art! Less simple—but not so compl...