Rain, for all its great benefits to the world, is still a challenge for the modern homeowner. From avoiding erosion caused by roof streams in heavy, concentrated downpours to avoiding flooding after even mild storms, the careful homeowner needs to bring some clever thinking to avoid water damage issues while still adding value to the home. Here are a few protection and design concepts to keep your home and yard investments valuable when the rain starts pouring.

The ranch house is a comfortable, conservative home design that became popular in the 1950s. It is a single story home with a low profile roof and is generally rectangular in shape. Ranch floors plans are usually open with the bedrooms grouped together on one end of the home. Many ranches are built on cement slabs, but it is not uncommon for them to have a full, finished basement for additional living space.

If you've been looking at your windows and thinking that they could use a facelift, you're making a keen observation.  Windows are an important component of any home because not only do they let the sunshine in they also help to keep the elements out.  However, as much as you might want to get new windows, you might be concerned about the expense.  Learning more about the benefits of replacing your windows can help you see why you should go for it today.

If you live in an area where hard water is a common problem or if you think that there is something wrong with the water in your house, you might be thinking about buying a water softener. However, you could be wondering if there is another option. Luckily, there are rental companies out there that will allow you to rent a water softener instead of buying one. In fact, many of these companies will even handle the installation, maintenance and more if you rent one.

If you are the kind of person who loves strolling through public parks and admiring all of the fun and beauty they have to offer, then maybe you would enjoy turning your own yard into a park. There are many different park models, all of which are designed by professional landscapers and outdoor architects. You can consult with those who specialize in this particular type of "outdoor living" architecture to get all of the following.

If you don't have a mini-storage unit, you should. Storage units are an excellent way to store the things you need without filling up your garage, and attic. If you think storage units are just for people with too much stuff on their hands, you're mistaken. Storage units are for anyone who wants a safe and efficient way to store the things that they don't use every day. If you're still not sure you need a self storage unit, here are just four things you can use one for.

Although your gutters typically only need to be cleaned out twice a year, performing this task with nothing but a ladder and a pair of gloves will make the chore take much longer than it needs to. Properly maintained gutters are key and keep water from gathering and resting near your foundation where it can cause damage. The next time you're ready to do a little gutter cleaning, consider using one of the following four tools and you'll be done with the task in no time at all.

Do you long for life at the beach? If so, why not bring the beach into your home office where you can enjoy the treasures of coastal living year-round? By focusing on specific colors and decor, you can transform your home office into a work space as refreshing as a coastal breeze. Coastal colors It's easy to select the perfect color palette when you allow nature to be your guide. Think about the colors of the ocean, sky, and sand.

Having a shower door in your bathroom is a great way to make the space more modern while creating privacy for showering or bathing at the same time. You want to make sure you take care of your door by maintaining its seals, keeping mildew off the glass, and managing the amount of moisture in your bathroom to prevent mold. If your glass shower door needs to be replaced, you may not recognize the signs right away.

There is nothing quite like having water where you do not want it. If you have ever had a flood, then you know what it is like to have to fight unwanted water. Flooding in a home can cause a lot of damage, and needs to be taken care of very quickly. This can include foundation repair, carpet cleaning, floor repair, and more. It is best if you can prevent the flood from ever occurring.