Expert Advice on Home Improvement TV Host of Emmy®-Nominated Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel

Myths and fairy tales are great for books and bedtime stories, but when it comes to your home, it’s probably not a good idea to believe everything you hear. Here’s the truth behind several of the most common misconceptions surrounding the home.

The average residence in the U.S. uses over 100,000 gallons of water a year. By adopting these simple water saving measures, you can cut your home’s water usage dramatically.

Clogged overflowing gutters can lead to rotten fascia boards and even cause damage to the foundation. Clean them during dry weather starting at the downspout and working back. Wear gloves and use a gardening trowel or a scoop made from a plastic container. After the gutters are clean, use a garden hose to wash out the inside, and check to be sure the downspouts are flowing freely.

There’s a farm where I live, where on Saturdays you can go buy vegetables as fresh as they come. Literally, the tractor pulls up from the field loaded with corn. Eager customers start grabbing, and the “cashier” is the farmer himself, calculating change without pen or paper. The summer’s bounty never looked better, and “eating your vegetables” suddenly seems like a treat.

Danny has made over 100 appearances on The Early Show on CBS and this week, he’ll add two more. On August 21, Danny will debunk five myths about the home, and on Saturday morning the 23rd, Danny will appear live from his daughter’s dorm room at St. John’s University in New York to advise parents and students on move-in and storage tips.

Painting the outside of your house needs to be done regularly to provide protection for the siding and trim. A good paint job requires a lot of prep work, which is as important as the painting itself.

Shrubs that are too close to your house can deflect rain onto the siding and prevent moisture from drying out. This can result in rotten wood and provide a fertile environment for mold and mildew to grow.

Crape myrtles are a terrific, low-maintenance choice for prolific blooms during hot, humid summers. They come in a profusion of sizes—from dwarf to towering trees—and in colors ranging from snow white to deep purples and reds.

Dimensions for cabinets and furniture have been standardized over the years to fit the average size person. While you can customize furnishing to fit your own personal needs, here’s a list of commonly used dimensions to help you when planning your next project.