In Planning a Shed, Form -- and Everything Else -- Follows Function. Q: DEAR TIM: I need storage-shed plans because the clutter in my garage has become unbearable. What should I be looking for? Is it necessary to have detailed plans if I am going to do the work myself?.

When Walls Get in the Way. The homes of yesteryear may possess charm that new construction can't match, but the rooms can be a bit small for 42-inch plasma screens and entertain-a-crowd cooking. Often, master baths are tiny, living rooms aren't so great, and galley kitchens seem built for galley slaves.

Axmin says it's baffled by Central African Republic's move to withdraw permits. Axmin Inc. shares plunged to their lowest in more than a year after the mineral company announced the government of Central African Republic has ordered significant restrictions on two exploration permits held..

Helping Nature Help You. A well-researched landscape design can go a long way toward lowering energy costs and putting homegrown food on the table. Nature has given us the tools to save money while being environmentally conscious.

The Good, the Bad and the Untidy: Thoughts on Early Spring. With spring upon us, many plants are already in full bloom and will soon require attention.

Home Front: Getting Started on Nursery Decor, Midcentury Lighting and Allergy-Free Couches. Post Home Section staffers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza take questions on your decorating dilemmas. This week, they find out how museums pick colors for their gallery walls, and why people paint their porch ceilings blue.

Do It Yourself. Q Our wooden deck has splinters in several areas, especially on the steps and railings. What suggestions do you have for repairing the deck? -- J. Bowman.

Fire Up the Grill, Safely. Keep safety in mind at summer barbecues, no matter what type of grill you use.

Stamp duty relief. The Chancellor today announced a one-year exemption on Stamp Duty for houses under 175,000.

The Hurdles on the Way to a Better Insurance. In my last several columns, I have discussed a proposal for a new type of mortgage insurance that I think would help solve many of the problems with the current mortgage system.

VMAs offer glimpse of music and mayhem. VMAs offer glimpse of music and mayhem In this Aug. 23, 2008 file photo, singer Christina Aguilera arrives at a party thrown by Nakheel and the Trump Organization to introduce The Trump International Hotel &..

A Crash Course in Putting Up Drywall. Q: DEAR TIM: I need to learn how to hang and finish drywall in a hurry, because a good friend wants me to show her how to do it. The trouble is, I have just seen it done on some home-improvement TV shows. Is it really that hard to install drywall?.

Gramercy Capital Corp. To.. As some of the last few conference calls have indicated, locally based Gramercy Capital Corp.

Deutsche Sues to Foreclose on Macklowe's Drake Hotel Site. Hot damn! The Real Deal is reporting that Deutsche Bank is suing Macklowe Properties "to foreclose on $482 million in principal loaned to develop the Drake Hotel site at Park Avenue and 56th Street, according..

Outdoor Shed Can Answer Your Storage Problems. Where do you store your lawn mower, gardening implements and other tools? If the answer is the garage or the basement, odds are that your gear is hard to get to or tough to find when you need it.

Much to Learn and Admire in the Dog Days. Take advantage of some interesting exhibits, lectures, workshops, tours and other educational programs in August. Events are free unless otherwise noted. Many require registration, so call ahead.

Welcoming Wildlife to Your Garden. A young bunny munching on grass is barely aware of the audience he attracts while he eats lunch.

Home Front: Refinishing Furniture, Front Door Colors, and Furniture Delivery Fees. Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Real estate agents bill passed by Parliament. The Real Estate Agents Bill establishes the Real Estate Agents Authority, which will oversee licensing, set industry standards, set fees and levies and deal with complaints and disciplinary action against..

Buy $169K Michigan dollhouse, get real home 'free'. Like many homeowners around the country, Gerry and Cindy Mann have struggled to sell their house during the past year.