(ARA) - Have you outgrown your small home, but you're staying put for financial or economic reasons? Or maybe you recently bought a house in foreclosure that was a great deal, but needs fixing up.

If so, you're part of the re-energized remodeling market. For the first time since 2006, home-improvement spending is up, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

The surge is being aided by lower materials costs. And with more custom builders swapping out their blueprints for hammers to get in on the remodeling boom, labor costs have fallen in many areas as well.

(ARA) - Think your kitchen needs a makeover? Why not try a "make under"?

"Less is more" is the new mantra for homeowners who want to take control of their home decor - eliminating clutter, streamlining products and taking a simplified, minimalistic approach to their home-improvement projects. The perfect room to begin this organized overhaul is the kitchen, as it's a spot that tends to clutter quickly. Learn how you can make under this space and uncover its true beauty.

(ARA) - As the weather gets nicer, there's nothing better than expanding your living space to the great outdoors. Luckily, it's easy and affordable to create a comfortable and chic outdoor room that's perfectly put together. Use these quick tips and inspiring ideas to transform your deck, porch or patio into one you'll be proud to show off.

Planning perfection
Simply putting furniture on a deck or patio doesn't create an inviting outdoor living area. Instead, be sure to look at the bigger picture. Start by viewing your patio as an extension of your home.  As you would an interior room, be sure to incorporate a theme and color scheme into your new design.

(ARA) - Keeping your lawn looking green and trim is hard work in itself. The last thing you want is to find out the engine on your lawn mower is not up to the challenge.

Fortunately, with a few simple procedures you can keep your lawn mower or riding tractor running smoothly throughout the season and beyond.

"Taking some small maintenance steps can help reduce the wear and tear on your lawn equipment's engine so it runs great for a long time and you can spend more time enjoying your yard," says Scott Mack, senior training specialist at Kohler Engines, a global manufacturer of small gasoline and diesel engines.

Mack offers the following tips to help your lawn mower engine run smoothly:

* Clean out debris - When left sitting for a while, lawn mower engines may gather dust and dirt or worse, become home to a nesting mouse or other critters - a collection of grass and other dried plants is a key indicator of this. If you suspect an animal has been near the engine, check the engine for a nest or debris and inspect wires for chew marks.