Home Improvement

Bathroom maintenance can be a chore. Due to their susceptibility to water, bathrooms attract bacteria like a moth to a flame. Moisture can accumulate in the nooks and corners of tiles, bathtubs, and cubicles of your bathroom and attract mildew spores, dirt, and soap.

Natural light goes a long way in modern homes, and homeowners build additions for that purpose. It is more and more common to see listings for homes with daylight basements, but what does that mean?

Subsidence can occur due to many reasons, from the type of soil your house sits on to drainage issues. For example, heavy pipe leaks can soften the ground and pressure the foundation. Soil consistency affects subsidence as well because silt and clay are cohesive soils.

Your air conditioner is a real savior in the hottest months. One AC unit can turn a completely unbearable sunrise into a pleasant morning in bed under the covers. There is so much to be thankful for when it comes to having the modern convenience of temperature and humidity control. But sometimes air conditioners are very loud. In fact, an AC unit can get so loud, it is hard to concentrate on anything else. But how do you quiet a noisy air conditioner?

You may not know the term ‘recessed lighting,’ but you’re guaranteed to have seen it somewhere. These ceiling fixtures, which create nice ambient lighting, are a worthy addition to any home. But it can be tough to know which kind of recessed lighting to buy, and if a pro should install them for you. Let’s discuss the question, can a handyman install recessed lighting? 

PVC conduit has many uses in both new construction and remodel construction for residential and commercial applications. Typically, PVC electrical conduit is available as schedule 40 or schedule 80. Each has s specific set of uses, and local building codes usually specify these applications.

Adding a swimming pool to your home can be beneficial in a variety of ways. For instance, having a swimming pool is just a lot of fun because you can take a dip whenever. You can even use the swimming pool to stay in shape and it also increases your home’s resale value.

Have you purchased bar stools that are too short, or want to use your old bar stools in a new, higher location? Fortunately, you won’t need to purchase expensive new stools or return the ones you picked out.

Wiring branch circuits in your home can be complicated and a bit tricky. There are numerous codes and regulations to consider as you install the circuit breakers, wiring, receptacles and lighting fixtures. One issue requiring more than a little attention is the number of receptacles installed on a 20-amp branch circuit.

The structural integrity of your home is dependent on numerous elements working together. For instance, the finished flooring you see all the time is just one element of a complete system. That system is also typically made up of joists, underlayment, and your subflooring.

Insulation is an important part of every home. It keeps your house warm during the winter and cool during the summer.  But insulation also reduces noise, thus increasing privacy.

Imagine this: You just finished using the bathroom, press down on the handle to flush and after the first, anticipated flush, your toilet unexpectedly flushes a second time. If this scenario is happening in your bathroom, you’re not alone. In fact, this is a very common occurrence that homeowners experience. There are a number of reasons why your toilet may be double flushing. While there might be some do-it-yourself ways to troubleshoot and fix the problem, calling in a professional is always the recommended route to obtain a proper diagnosis.

Hopeful homeowners looking to buy in California may have wondered; where are all of the basements? At first glance, none of the houses on the market may come with a basement. Homeowners seek ought basements often, so why doesn’t California have basements?

Once decide to invest in your home kitchen, it’s easy to go overboard with your purchases. By the time you realize that your kitchen may already be too cramped to move around in. Of course, you can always get around that problem by paying to bump out your kitchen.

Most homes have at least one concrete floor that looks rather unsightly. Whether it’s in the garage or the basement, or even throughout the home, concrete floors can make an otherwise fabulous home look a bit drab.

That combination light, heater, and fan in your bathroom has finally gotten so noisy that you can’t stand it anymore.  Working with electrical circuits in your home is usually a job for a trained and licensed electrician.  However, if you are replacing an existing unit, this project is well within most homeowner’s abilities.

After finishing the construction of your new staircase, you may suddenly find that it’s missing something. Without a railing, a staircase can look unsafe to use especially if you have children or elderly people in your household. You can take that opportunity to create something special and make the staircase railing out of wrought iron.

The first thing people see when they come to your house is the front porch. Whether a small humble stoop or a large wrap-around showpiece, your porch should feel welcoming and make people want to see more. Therefore, if the front of your house needs a facelift, it’s time to spruce up your front porch.

Have you lost your keys before? We all know we need to be careful with our house and car keys, but it’s so easy to lose them. You may not even be aware that you’ve lost your keys until the time comes for you to unlock your front door.

There are many aesthetic eyesores that most homeowners will do anything to avoid. One such eyesore is the sight of messy TV cords dangling freely around and beneath a nice TV. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to hide cords when mounting a TV.

Whether you’re building your shower for the first time or renovating it, choosing the right materials for it will be crucial. Your shower is going to be a prominent part of your bathroom. It’s understandable if you want to use some special materials to make it stand out.

Painting your home yourself is a great DIY project to help you save some money. But even when you take all the precautions, it is still possible to get paint on places where you don’t want it. In many cases, paint is easy to wipe up without leaving a trace. But when you notice paint on your laminate floor that won’t come out, you will want to find an easy way to make the paint disappear.

If you live in a windy area, it is not easy to keep warm water. Your pilot light is one that suffers from consequences. So, how do you stop a pilot light from blowing out on your water heater?

Modular homes, also known as prefabricated homes, or homes that are built off-site, are quite popular because of how cost-effective and simple they are. Their simplicity and affordability is a huge selling point of modular homes, but many wonder if they will depreciate in value.

The purpose of light switches and dimmers is to open and close electrical circuits, which control the light fixture. Before installing or replacing a light switch, it’s important to ensure that the switch you choose matches the amperage rating and voltage of where it’s going to be mounted. For this reason, you may find yourself asking: What amp light switch do I need?

Pea gravel is a ubiquitous landscaping element. You’ve probably heard a lot about it already if you’ve been talking to landscaping experts about your yard. The practical and aesthetic benefits of using pea gravel are well-known and your household could find them useful as well.

Nothing screams 1960s design quite like linoleum floors — and not in a good way. Adding new floors is likely on your list of top to-dos if you’re updating your home. And luckily for you, you might be able to install vinyl plank flooring over linoleum without a lot of hassle.

If you need to have wood waterproofed, then chances are you’ve applied Thompson’s Water Seal to it. This waterproofing stain is known for being one of the best in the home improvement world when it comes to keeping your materials looking great. Of course, many of us want to make our projects look even better with a fresh coat of paint. But, is this actually doable?

When it comes to renovation projects, there are so many variables in play that any one of them could throw a project off balance. This is because most of them require precise measurements and even surfaces to pull off accurately. Sometimes, you’ll have to deal with uneven walls, but what if you’re installing door trim? How do you install door trim with uneven walls?

Electrical work is among the most complicated aspects of home improvement and construction to understand. There are so many variables between wires and conduits that affect installation and durability. So, how are THHN and THWN wires different and why does it matter?

Buying land is the American Dream. Who hasn’t had the idea of purchasing a plot of land and building the perfect home right on top of that plot? Unfortunately, there is far more to the dream than most of us realize. Like setting up utilities on that land.

At least once in everyone’s life, they have flushed something down the toilet on accident. The head to a Clorox Toilet Wand is tricky and easy to detach while cleaning the toilet bowl. All it takes is the slip of the hand to hit the trigger release, and down it goes.

If you have never stopped to think about it, there is a reason behind the specific use of toilet paper. Manufacturers make this toilet paper in a specific manner so that it can break up and dissolve easily in water.

Light switch covers are wall plates that cover the switch mechanism and electrical wiring that operate the installed electrical fixtures. Their primary function is to protect the wiring and prevent electrocution, and most have a plain design that blends in. However, there are lots of different designs, types, and combinations that combine form, function, and even fashion.

Concrete is the most commonly used material on earth for building and other projects. It is made of three things: cement, water, and aggregates. Whether you are building a structure, a driveway, or filling in a hole, concrete works for all these things. But did you know there are different methods of using concrete depending on when the water is introduced to the mix?

After some time, the old deck attached to your home may start to look worn down. Time and harsh outdoor elements tend to have that effect on wooden materials and your deck is no exception. Thankfully, there are ways to restore the appearance of your deck and staining is one such option.

While most of the electric ovens that we are familiar with simply plug into the wall, not all electric units are created equally. From time to time, you may notice that a unit has the capability to be hardwired into place.

Each home’s electrical panel has circuit breakers that act as a safety device for your home. They are each is designed in a way so as to cut power off when the current that passes through exceeds the designated rating.

Push fittings tend to be known by the popular brand SharkBite. They are sold in just about any major hardware store and through retailers across the web. You might see them in a variety of other names as well, but SharkBite is often the preferred brand.

When installing a mounting block on vinyl siding, there are plenty of ways things can go wrong. You may ask if your vinyl siding can handle this depending upon the weight. You may not know where to begin.

You want an update do your bathroom. But will that new tub surround fit into your existing space? Here’s what you need to know.

Finishing your basement is a renovation that adds both living space and value to your home. But just because a basement appears to be finished doesn’t mean it counts as a finished basement on your taxes. So what is it that constitutes a finished basement for tax purposes?

Home additions can be intimidating due to the size and complexity of the process. Bathrooms are one of the most sought after home additions, and for good reason. Additional bathrooms add value and comfort to your home, but how much does it cost to install one?

If you recently purchased a home and have fallen in love with the DIY world, you probably have tools on your mind. There is a tool for pretty much everything you can think of, and even for things you don’t even know exist. 

Almost everyone dreams of a custom-built home. Getting exactly the amenities you want, on the location you want, with the finishes and colors you want is the goal. Many factors influence the overall price of a custom-built home in South Carolina.

Pex is a cost-efficient plumbing material that is often times used in place of copper. Not only that, it actually results in a much quicker install than using copper, too. It is also quite flexible, making for a great remodeling option.

Back when I first started to write for this site, I was floored to find out that most homes need to be rewired every 20 to 30 years. It made me hit the pause button. I mean, how can you rewire a house without taking it entirely apart? Can you even do it without the removal of your drywall?

Every bathroom is unique, which means every shower will be, too. And that means every shower door will look different as well. The right fit for your space will depend on the size and shape of your bathroom as well as your personal preferences. One popular type of door across all types of bathrooms is a pivot shower door.

Working on a ladder is a delicate process. Yes, the ladder will allow you to get to spots high up off the ground that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. They are a useful tool that any roofer, builder, or amateur handyman should have at his or her disposal. To keep your ladder steady, it’s a good idea to have a roof ladder hook. The good news is that you can make these, and it’s simple.

Yard grading has much to do with how vulnerable your foundation is to water damage. A well-graded yard directs water away from your home. Over time, a yard’s grading naturally changes because of water, weather, construction, and environmental changes.

Bathroom renovations can be some of the most transformational projects to upgrade your home. But they can also cause the most headaches, such as unexpected plumbing issues and tile jobs that go awry. One way to simplify this renovation process is to use a prefabricated shower pan. 

When it comes to plumbing problems around the home, fixing them usually involves disassembling mostly everything, including the bathroom fixtures. While a large majority of them can be removed easily, the tub spout is one such fixture that gets stuck often and can be very frustrating to release.

Metal roofing is perfect for sheds because of its low cost and how easy it is to install. Still, many home improvement enthusiasts and building-owners have not installed metal roofing on a shed before and want to know how it can be done properly. So, how exactly do you do it?

For smaller homes, space can come at a premium. While the simple solution may be to just get a bigger home, it also isn’t necessarily financially viable for some. That is why making the most out of the current space is sometimes the more optimal route.

Hardwood floors can make a room look elegant, rustic, historic and quite expensive. They are often selling points for home buyers and can potentially increase the value of your home. This, of course, is assuming that the floors are in great condition. If you notice scratch marks on your otherwise lovely hardwood floor, you will want to find a way to get rid of these unsightly marks as quickly as possible. 

It isn’t typically something we give much thought to until we plug in that appliance or flip the light switch, only to have everything in the room go black. Then, the question of how many watts can our  amp panel handle becomes one of the first things we start thinking about. Funny, how being left in the dark can inspire us to seek answers. And in this case, those answers will be about the power that literally gives us the light we need to see.

Nails are one of the most common fasteners that are used for construction and other projects. At first glance, all nails seem to be created alike, except for the length. Some subtle differences make one type of nail better than another for a specific job, such as framing a structure.

Table saws are also known as bench saws in some parts of the world. They feature a flat surface on which to cut something. You can cut various materials in a variety of ways. We delve into this in detail below ( Source).

Countless homeowners take pride in their gardens up until the day they sell their houses and beyond. A nice landscape and garden are something to be proud of as a homeowner. So, does a garden increase home value?

Building a swimming pool at home means taking on additional responsibilities. You shouldn’t build a swimming pool if you’re not willing to invest in its maintenance. Thankfully, pool pumps make the job of keeping swimming pools clean remarkably easy.