<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Home Improvement Madison WI]]></title><link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/</link><description><![CDATA[| Connecting Home Owners and Remodeling Contractors]]></description><image><url>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/templates/madison/img/rss_logo.png</url><title><![CDATA[Home Improvement Madison WI]]></title><link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/</link></image>
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			<title>Countertop Trends</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/countertops/countertop-trends-334.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[A focus on countertops in the kitchen will continue to grow because kitchen cabinet details are being simplified. There are several elements to be considered when entertaining countertop ideas. ]]></description>
			<category>Countertops</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/countertops/countertop-trends-334.htm</guid>
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			<title>Chimney Repair</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/chimney-repair/chimney-repair-333.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[A fireplace can be an enjoyable and relaxing addition to your home, but like other parts of your home, proper fireplace and chimney maintenance should be a regular event.

Like many other areas of your home, water can be one of the most damaging elements for a chimney.
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			<category>Chimney Repair</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/chimney-repair/chimney-repair-333.htm</guid>
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			<title>Chimney Maintenance</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/chimney-repair/chimney-maintenance-332.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[The chimney is a vital part of a home’s heating system. Typically made of brick or metal it is a pipe or structure that allows hot gasses to be exhausted outside the home.

Unfortunately, although it is a vital part of your home, it typically does not always get the attention it deserves.
]]></description>
			<category>Chimney Repair</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/chimney-repair/chimney-maintenance-332.htm</guid>
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			<title>Carpet Care</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/service-carpet-care/carpet-care-331.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Carpet can be an affordable floor covering choice for any room in the house. Carpeting offers a variety of colors, patterns and styles, provides a cushioned non slip floor surface, absorbs sound and adds warmth. No matter which type of carpet you choose, there are steps to take to ensure the best satisfaction and life of your carpet.]]></description>
			<category>Service - Carpet Care</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/service-carpet-care/carpet-care-331.htm</guid>
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			<title>Cabinetry Tips and Ideas</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/cabinetry/cabinetry-tips-and-ideas-330.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Home Improvement Madison is your source for cabinet trends and ideas.  When you decide to remodel a kitchen or bathroom, use our guide for ideas and helpful tips.  ]]></description>
			<category>Cabinetry</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/cabinetry/cabinetry-tips-and-ideas-330.htm</guid>
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			<title>Basement Remodel Insights</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/basement-finishing/basement-remodel-insights-329.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[With proper imagination and planning, you can transform your basement from a dark, underutilized storage area to nearly any type of additional living space you can imagine]]></description>
			<category>Basement Finishing</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/basement-finishing/basement-remodel-insights-329.htm</guid>
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			<title>Introduction to Awnings/Curtains/Shutters</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/awnings-curtains-shutters/introduction-to-awnings-curtains-shutters-328.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Awnings & Shutters: Enriching Your Living Area

The Outdoors is becoming an additional, new living area for many homeowners. Awnings and shutters can be used to help protect people, windows and doors, and control the temperature on your porch, deck or patio.]]></description>
			<category>Awnings/Curtains/Shutters</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/awnings-curtains-shutters/introduction-to-awnings-curtains-shutters-328.htm</guid>
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			<title>Tips on Hiring a General Remodeling Contractor</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/additions-sunrooms/tips-on-hiring-a-general-remodeling-contractor-327.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Instead of moving to a new home, many homeowners today are choosing to remodel or repurpose their existing space. Many times changes in families needs will prompt these decisions to be made. Kids going off to college, job status changes, household members aging or additional family members in the household can affect the needs and uses of your home.
]]></description>
			<category>Additions / Sunrooms</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/additions-sunrooms/tips-on-hiring-a-general-remodeling-contractor-327.htm</guid>
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			<title>Hybrid Heating:  Nothing But Hot Air</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/hvac-equipment/hybrid-heating-nothing-but-hot-air-326.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminmll/art_326_699e564d98~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" />A Hybrid Heating System can lower your heating and cooling expenses by as much as 24% and fits the same footprint as a conventional forced air furnace and air conditioner.  Hybrid heating is a pretty basic concept using heat pumps to absorb heat from the outside air and pump it into
homes in the autumn and spring seasons, replacing traditional forced air heating. Running a heat pump uses much less energy than running your furnace. In mid winter however, it’s more energy efficient to run your furnace.]]></description>
			<category>HVAC Equipment</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/hvac-equipment/hybrid-heating-nothing-but-hot-air-326.htm</guid>
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			<title>Spend More Time Enjoying Your Home</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/decks-and-porches/spend-more-time-enjoying-your-home-325.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminmll/art_325_d5ca9f4ecb~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" />In Wisconsin, the wide range of environmental factors can cause an accelerated aging of exposed surfaces and fixtures. Fortunately, the process can be slowed dramatically, saving homeowner’s money and preserving the great look of many surfaces. ]]></description>
			<category>Decks and Porches</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/decks-and-porches/spend-more-time-enjoying-your-home-325.htm</guid>
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			<title>Granite:  The Best The World Has To Offer, In Madison</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/countertops/granitecountertopswisconsin-324.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminmll/art_324_2fa1264d71~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" />Natural stones have always been the jewelry for construction projects for civilizations throughout history.  In our time, this is especially true for Granite and Marble counter tops which have always been a striking way to improve your kitchen and bathroom to make a room special. In addition, Granite is as green as it gets for those who want to make environmentally friendly purchases when doing kitchen and bathroom improvements. There is no doubt that granite sets itself apart from any other building material.” 
]]></description>
			<category>Countertops</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/countertops/granitecountertopswisconsin-324.htm</guid>
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			<title>Nature Stone Flooring: A Classic Fix For Classic Homes</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/flooring/nature-stone-flooring-a-classic-fix-for-classic-homes-323.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Concrete floors in basements present a challenge when choosing floor coverings. Since concrete, by its nature, is porous, it allows moisture to migrate upward from the ground, working its way to the concrete&rsquo;s surface. Often, you won&rsquo;t notice the dampness because it just evaporates away and your concrete appears dry. But when you cover concrete with carpet, tile, paint or coatings, you are, in effect, sealing the surface and trapping the moisture between the concrete&rsquo;s surface and the floor covering.&nbsp;<br />]]></description>
			<category>Flooring</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/flooring/nature-stone-flooring-a-classic-fix-for-classic-homes-323.htm</guid>
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			<title>Christmas in August:  A Suggestion for Homeowners</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/bathroom-remodels/bathroomremodelingforholidays-322.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminmll/art_322_47e5416258~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" />Whether you are updating a bathroom or upgrading your kitchen, there are many distinct steps that take time and forethought.  “I think any home improvement that needs to be ready for the holidays should be done now. Give yourself an August Christmas present. The reason is, too often, people decide to go ahead with a change later in the fall and the project becomes a stressful event when they are trying to get ready and clean the home for visitors and the contractor is still in their home.” 
Mike Webster, Webster Bath Remodeling.]]></description>
			<category>Bathroom Remodels</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/bathroom-remodels/bathroomremodelingforholidays-322.htm</guid>
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			<title>What Does“Aging In Place” Have To Do With Baby Boomers? </title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/interior-designers/what-does-aging-in-place-have-to-do-with-baby-boomers-321.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminmll/art_321_d646f2c497~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" />The ingredients for universal design may be simple, but the innovative design elements are ever changing. The 50+ population will double in the next 32 years and again the baby boomers are very influential in changing the treads in housing. ]]></description>
			<category>Interior Designers</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/interior-designers/what-does-aging-in-place-have-to-do-with-baby-boomers-321.htm</guid>
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			<title>Chimney Safety: Questions and Answers You Should Know</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/chimney-repair/chimney-safety-repair-320.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminmll/art_320_d9e6717ee8~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" />How Often Should My Chimney Be Cleaned?  What Is Creosote And How Can I Minimize A Creosote Build­up In My Chimney?  With the Rising Cost of Fuel Prices, Is There Anything I Can Do To Make My Fireplace More Efficient?   Our experts answer these and more safety questions related to your chimney.]]></description>
			<category>Chimney Repair</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/chimney-repair/chimney-safety-repair-320.htm</guid>
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			<title>Spray Foam Insulation:  Improves Home Performance</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/remodeling-contractors/sprayfoaminsulation-319.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Spray foam insulation represents the best kind of home improvement because it can pay for itself through energy savings. For example, an average 2,400 square foot home may cost an additional $1,500 to upgrade to spray foam insulation; the savings in energy will typically pay for the difference in as little as 3 years.]]></description>
			<category>Remodeling Contractors</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/remodeling-contractors/sprayfoaminsulation-319.htm</guid>
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			<title>Making a Change:  Getting Excited About Your Home Again</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/plumbing/plumbing_process-318.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminmll/art_318_bc94b69d4e~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" />An important part of many remodeling projects is what is put behind the walls. It’s critical to have a well designed plumbing system installed in a manner that won’t fail. In fact, homeowners are comforted by the fact that a plumber is the lead person on the project. They know that when the finishing work is done, they do not have to worry about what is going on behind the walls. ]]></description>
			<category>Plumbing</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/plumbing/plumbing_process-318.htm</guid>
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			<title>Keeping Trees Healthy:  Tree Care Ideas For Home Owners</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/landscaping/keeping-trees-healthy-tree-care-ideas-for-home-owners-317.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminmll/art_317_bf4c0d3a08~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" />Trees and shrubs add interest and value to a landscape.  However, planting trees and shrubs is a much more complex process than sticking a plant in the ground and waiting for it to grow. Informed choices about tree and shrub cultivators will help with correct selection and placement, and proper care starts when planting occurs.]]></description>
			<category>Landscaping</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/landscaping/keeping-trees-healthy-tree-care-ideas-for-home-owners-317.htm</guid>
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			<title>Hail, Hail, The Grain’s All Here…!  The Question Is, Where's Here?</title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/roofing/roofdamagehail-316.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminmll/art_316_d12f9faa54~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" /> 
Hail damage is a pretty common situation in Wisconsin. The key is reacting when you think damage might have occurred. If leaks begin, water can ruin the interior of your home.   How Do You Know If You Have Hail Damage? ]]></description>
			<category>Roofing</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/roofing/roofdamagehail-316.htm</guid>
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			<title>Your Home:  Keeping Water Out Starts At The Top </title>
			<link>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/water-proofing/your-home-keeping-water-out-starts-at-the-top-309.htm</link>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/uploads/a/adminjohn/art_309_82b05fdcfa~.jpg" align="left" hspace="10px" />Keeping your home and basement dry is really a team effort.  Proper landscaping (lawn grade, trimmed overhanging trees, clean gutters…) and all of the other steps contribute to keeping your home dry and healthy but very often the problem starts at the top—the roof—where water isn’t being controlled.]]></description>
			<category>Water Proofing</category>
			<guid>http://www.homeimprovementmadison.com/pub/articles/water-proofing/your-home-keeping-water-out-starts-at-the-top-309.htm</guid>
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