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 +

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DECEMBER 2, 2013 | MONDAY
Chimneys 101

Why would Kris Kringle choose to squeeze his considerable girth through one of the narrowest and most soot-covered passageways in the home? The answer: Who the heck knows? One thing is ce...

NOVEMBER 20, 2013 | WEDNESDAY
All About Radiant Wall Heating

This article has been brought to you by Warmboard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Think “radiant heating” and you’re likely to think of floors. But did you know that ra...

NOVEMBER 18, 2013 | MONDAY
Which Type of Water Heater Is Best for Your Home?

The water heater is the home’s unsung hero, reliably operating behind the scenes to make possible many of the modern conveniences we take for granted—hot showers, washing machines, dishwa...

NOVEMBER 13, 2013 | WEDNESDAY
22 Garage Conversion Ideas, and What to Know Before You Begin the Transformation

Turning a garage into a new living space can improve the resale value of your home and your quality of life. In comparison to building an addition, a garage conversion is much more afford...

NOVEMBER 6, 2013 | WEDNESDAY
The Black-and-White Benefits of Gray Water

It takes a whopping amount of water to sustain what many would regard as modest household usage. Imagine a family routine that involves twice daily showers, a couple of laundry loads per ...

NOVEMBER 4, 2013 | MONDAY
Retaining Walls 101

Retaining walls offer aesthetic as well as practical benefits: In addition to beautifying the home, they inhibit soil erosion and provide privacy to outdoor living areas. Retaining walls ...

OCTOBER 21, 2013 | MONDAY
Stone Veneer 101

The pharaohs capitalized on the beauty and strength of stone, overseeing the construction of architectural gems whose magnificence has endured into the modern age. Fortunately for do-it-y...

OCTOBER 15, 2013 | TUESDAY
How To: Install Carpet and Transform Your Living Space

Love it or hate it, there are at least a few good reasons that homeowners choose carpeting. For one, it absorbs the sound produced by television sets and stereo systems, overenthusiastic ...

OCTOBER 9, 2013 | WEDNESDAY
Planning Guide: Laundry Room

The space where you wash dirty clothes need not be dirty too. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing space, these laundry room ideas can help you design a cheerful, ...

OCTOBER 4, 2013 | FRIDAY
Simple Solutions for a More Livable Garage

In many homes, the garage is nothing more than a place to park the car, store the Christmas decorations and hang up a few rakes. However, with a little ingenuity (and these quick tips), a...