How to Sell Your House in 2020
So, you’ve evaluated your finances, thought about your lifestyle, and made the big decision to sell your home. Maybe you’re downsizing because the kids have… Read More »How to Sell Your House in 2020
Recent Posts
Should You Fix Your House Up or Sell Now?
With the fall season upon us, change is in the air. For many families, children are growing up and moving out of the house, maybe… Read More »Should You Fix Your House Up or Sell Now?
Restore Your Plastic Laminate Countertop
After twenty years of soft drinks, coffee and wear and tear, a plastic laminate kitchen countertop can become discolored and worn. Small scratches dull the… Read More »Restore Your Plastic Laminate Countertop
Candles, Yes…Soot, No
If you’ve noticed ghostly smudges and stains on your walls and ceilings, the culprit may be something you’d never suspect: candles you burn indoors. Most… Read More »Candles, Yes…Soot, No
Clothes Washer Filling Slowly
Your washer has always worked well. In fact, it still does, but the cycle time seems to drag on longer and longer. Hard to tell… Read More »Clothes Washer Filling Slowly
Foundation Problems? Check Your Gutters
In homes with basements and crawl spaces, we always need to be concerned with water flow from the roof. An overflowing gutter will dump water… Read More »Foundation Problems? Check Your Gutters
Remove Oil Stains from Your Driveway
So you’ve got an unsightly oil stain on the driveway. Maybe it came from an old clunker parked there by family or friends. It could… Read More »Remove Oil Stains from Your Driveway
Squeaking Floor? Try This Fix Down Under
There it is again – a loud squeak every time someone walks down the hall. This may be a good sound for parents hearing their… Read More »Squeaking Floor? Try This Fix Down Under
That Leaky Garden Hose
Time to green up outside. Whether it’s cleaning the patio or watering the grass and flowers, we all have plenty of uses for our garden… Read More »That Leaky Garden Hose
Knock Knock…It’s Your Plumbing
Every time the clothes washer fills, you hear knocking and thumping in the wall or basement. Then it knocks again during the rinse cycle. What’s… Read More »Knock Knock…It’s Your Plumbing
An Easy Fix for Rust Stains on Clothing
Every once in a while, the washer creates a rust stain on clothes. Maybe rust was in the water, or there’s a little rust in… Read More »An Easy Fix for Rust Stains on Clothing
How to Paint Over Dark Paneling
It may be time to “green up” your gloomy family room with a fresh coat of light-colored paint. The lighter color will help limit the… Read More »How to Paint Over Dark Paneling
Flood from the Washer Hose!
What is the number one source of water damage inside a home? It’s not tornadoes, rainstorms or hurricanes. It’s a broken washing machine hoses. Left… Read More »Flood from the Washer Hose!
Your Nose Knows It’s Time to Clean the Disposal
Eeuuww – what’s that smell in the kitchen? Yuck, it’s from the sink. It smells like sewage or rotten food. The sink looks clean, and… Read More »Your Nose Knows It’s Time to Clean the Disposal
Polarity? What’s That?
You just had your new home inspected, and the inspector found “reversed polarity” at several electrical outlets some amateur had added. You know you need… Read More »Polarity? What’s That?
Soot on the Walls
What’s with those ghostly gray stains on the outside corners of the ceiling and walls? The stains outline the stud framing, and they even seem… Read More »Soot on the Walls
What’s Your Outlet IQ?
Remember that home inspection you arranged before purchasing your home? The inspector tested electrical outlets and talked about correcting problems. You purchased the home but… Read More »What’s Your Outlet IQ?
Can Lights? Make Them Green
Can lights or recessed ceiling lights are a standard design feature in modern residential construction. They are also common in older custom-built homes. They provide… Read More »Can Lights? Make Them Green
Tune Your Refrigerator for High Performance
The refrigerator is among the most neglected of household appliances because usually, it runs forever with little repair. However, it often consumes the most electricity… Read More »Tune Your Refrigerator for High Performance
A Ton of Cooling
Ever hear of a two- or three-ton central air conditioner? Does that mean a two-ton air conditioner weighs 4,000 pounds? Is the term related to… Read More »A Ton of Cooling
Fix That Wobbling Ceiling Fan
Wobbling ceiling fans are not safe to use. If a ceiling fan in your home shows excessive wobble, stop using it until you can get… Read More »Fix That Wobbling Ceiling Fan
Squeak, Squeak in the Hardwood Floor
Flooring of all types has the potential for squeaks. Floor framing dries and shrinks, and squeaks occur as fasteners become loose, allowing movement in the… Read More »Squeak, Squeak in the Hardwood Floor
Water Heater Drip Needs Attention
One fine day, you walk past the water heater, and your foot gets wet. Hmm, that’s strange. You take a look and notice a very… Read More »Water Heater Drip Needs Attention
Paint Over That Water Stain
Let’s say there was a leak in the drain for an upstairs bathroom that left a brown stain on the drywall below. No problem –… Read More »Paint Over That Water Stain
Clothes Dryer Venting – A Hidden Danger
Each year many home fires are caused by improperly maintained clothes dryers. The dryer and vent pipes can overheat and cause a fire. Vents plugged… Read More »Clothes Dryer Venting – A Hidden Danger
Patch the Hole Behind the Door
So the kids had a little shoving match, knocking against the bedroom door, and the doorknob smashed a hole in the drywall. They had done… Read More »Patch the Hole Behind the Door
Stains Around a Toilet = Serious Problem
Always be on the lookout for water leaks in your home, including little clues that could indicate bigger problems. For instance, if interior paint is… Read More »Stains Around a Toilet = Serious Problem
Plumbing Vent? What Plumbing Vent?
All modern plumbing systems in residential construction have a plumbing vent. It doesn’t just vent unwanted odors from the drainage system to the outside; it… Read More »Plumbing Vent? What Plumbing Vent?
Paint That Metal Railing
You love the metal wrought-iron railing at the front of your home. It adds character and appeal to the entrance. What you don’t love is… Read More »Paint That Metal Railing
Fix That Sticking Bifold Door
Those lousy folding doors on the closet. You can’t get them open, you can’t get them closed. A bifold door is one that is hinged… Read More »Fix That Sticking Bifold Door
A Quick “Bucket” Fix to Flush the Toilet
You’ve turned off the water to the toilet because the tank or a plumbing fitting is leaking. But since this is your only toilet, it… Read More »A Quick “Bucket” Fix to Flush the Toilet
Power Out? How To Free Your Car from the Garage
An automatic garage door operator is great. But when the power goes out, and the overhead door is down, your car is trapped inside. How… Read More »Power Out? How To Free Your Car from the Garage
Clean Those Ugly Rust Stains on the Driveway
Your beautiful new cement driveway – what an investment, and what a welcoming element to the front of your home. Too bad it has rust… Read More »Clean Those Ugly Rust Stains on the Driveway
Take a Close Look at Your Chimney
Brick and stone chimneys are certainly attractive and add value to your home, but they aren’t maintenance-free. You need to visually check your chimney and… Read More »Take a Close Look at Your Chimney
Gather Free Water with a Rain Barrel
Yes, you can be green, save money on your utility bills, and still water your plants and garden. Consider a rain barrel to catch water… Read More »Gather Free Water with a Rain Barrel
Why Should You Seal Exterior Concrete?
In most climates, you don’t ever need to seal exterior concrete drives and walks. But there are advantages to using a good sealer, and in… Read More »Why Should You Seal Exterior Concrete?
Tricks for Replacing a Broken Light Bulb
Light bulbs in exterior fixtures and damp locations like bathrooms are notorious for sticking in the socket. Turning the dead bulb to replace it, you… Read More »Tricks for Replacing a Broken Light Bulb
No Heat? Try This Before Calling for Service
As autumn settles in, there’s no heat in your house, and it’s getting cold. The furnace worked fine in the spring. Why is it stubborn… Read More »No Heat? Try This Before Calling for Service
What’s Your Home’s Largest Energy-Waster?
We all work hard at tightening up our homes to save energy and money. In fact, most energy improvements are good for the environment and… Read More »What’s Your Home’s Largest Energy-Waster?
When Your Kitchen Faucet Slows Down
Your plumbing system works fine everywhere in the house – except at the kitchen sink, where the volume and force of water are petering out.… Read More »When Your Kitchen Faucet Slows Down
Use the Right Plug…or Else
Electrical plugs and outlets are designed to keep you safe from electrical shock and to protect the device you’re using. Take advantage of this by… Read More »Use the Right Plug…or Else
Pop-Up Stopper Sticks
Most bathroom sinks have a “pop-up” sink stopper that opens and closes when you operate a small knob or lever built into the faucet. Push… Read More »Pop-Up Stopper Sticks
Turn That Gas Off
If your home has natural gas or propane appliances, you should know where the gas valves are located and how to turn them off. All… Read More »Turn That Gas Off
Compact Fluorescents
OK, for many years compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) were a bit of a pain. They provided an eerie color, took a long time to reach… Read More »Compact Fluorescents
Fixing a Drip at the Bathroom Fan
So you run the bath exhaust fan to remove moisture – but then you get that drip, drip, drip from the fan on your nice… Read More »Fixing a Drip at the Bathroom Fan
The Rain May Drain, But It’s Not a Pain
When a rain gutter and downspout send their discharge below grade to a pipe, it may appear that rainwater is draining into a sanitary sewer,… Read More »The Rain May Drain, But It’s Not a Pain
GFCI? What? Why?
You may not know what a GFCI is, but chances are it’s making your home safer. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) measures the current… Read More »GFCI? What? Why?
Extension Cord Safety
You should view extension cords as a necessary evil. Avoid using them. If you must use an extension cord, use a heavy duty cord with… Read More »Extension Cord Safety
Wash Siding – Work Up
All types of siding eventually accumulate dirt and grime, maybe even some mildew. It might make you think you need to paint the siding. But… Read More »Wash Siding – Work Up
A Drip at the Darned Valve – Again
Let’s say that every time you turn the small globe valve for the outdoor hose bib, you get that drip-drip-drip from the body of the… Read More »A Drip at the Darned Valve – Again
Caulking the Wide Open Spaces
So you filled that wide gap in the exterior trim with the best caulk you could buy, and the next year it had pulled away… Read More »Caulking the Wide Open Spaces
Three-Way, Two-Way or One-Way Switch?
Home systems have some strange terminology. Why are the two light switches that control one light fixture called a three-way switch? You know – the… Read More »Three-Way, Two-Way or One-Way Switch?
Garage Door Safety
What is the largest, heaviest moving object in your home? You got it – the garage door. So it makes sense to do frequent safety… Read More »Garage Door Safety
Thump, It’s the Water Heater
It’s annoying when your water heater thumps, pops, and whomps whenever you use hot water. What can you do? The water heater’s thumping is caused… Read More »Thump, It’s the Water Heater
An Easy Fix for a Nasty Water Problem
Water, water, and water – the three most damaging elements to a home. Water at or below ground level leaks in moves under, and pushes… Read More »An Easy Fix for a Nasty Water Problem
The Crafty Way to Outwit Window Drafts
On many cold, sunny days it would be great to air out your home without feeling a nasty cold draft from an open window. It… Read More »The Crafty Way to Outwit Window Drafts
My Concrete Has Cracked
You know the old saying: two things in life are certain – death and taxes. Well, I can add a third certainty to the mix:… Read More »My Concrete Has Cracked
Why Use Primer When Painting?
Most of us do-it-yourselfers attempt to paint projects because painting is easy and gives a big bang for the buck. A fresh coat of paint… Read More »Why Use Primer When Painting?
Is It Plumb, Level, or Square?
We like to check to see if things are on the level – or should we say “plumb”? Is a wall plumb or level? Is… Read More »Is It Plumb, Level, or Square?
Get Smart About Exterior Electrical Safety
You have heard about how dangerous high-voltage electrical wires can be: never touch a downed wire…storms can damage wires and so on. But what about… Read More »Get Smart About Exterior Electrical Safety
Should You Insulate Your Attic?
Homeowners are always looking for ways to save energy while making our homes more comfortable. One of the easiest ways of doing this is to… Read More »Should You Insulate Your Attic?
Why Is the Toilet Flushing Itself?
OK, so you just heard the toilet flush in the middle of the night. No one else is in the house, and you don’t think… Read More »Why Is the Toilet Flushing Itself?
A Better Way to Hang a Heavy Mirror
I have done this, and I bet you have too: You work hard to hang a heavy picture or mirror on the wall using several… Read More »A Better Way to Hang a Heavy Mirror
How To fix A Squeaky Door Hinge
While a squeeky door may have a few advantages – you can tell when the kids come and go – in general, a squeaky door… Read More »How To fix A Squeaky Door Hinge
Protect Your Family from Scalding Hot Water
At one time or another, we all have turned on a hot water faucet and been caught unaware by steaming hot water. You may have… Read More »Protect Your Family from Scalding Hot Water
5-in-1 Tool Makes Painting Easier
While painting is a bit of a chore, the right tools can help you get the job done easier and faster. Lots of small tools… Read More »5-in-1 Tool Makes Painting Easier
Repair A Whistling Shower Head
Singing in the shower takes on a new dimension when you’re accompanied by a whistling shower head. No matter how you vary the pitch and… Read More »Repair A Whistling Shower Head
Back flow Prevention at Your Hose Bib
Health officials believe that thousands of people become ill because of contaminated water every year. Most folks think it is the stomach flu or food… Read More »Back flow Prevention at Your Hose Bib
The Patio Screen Door is Stuck
Sticking, rubbing, cheap, nasty, impossible patio screen door! Well, the door takes a beating, and most patio screen doors are not the highest quality. But… Read More »The Patio Screen Door is Stuck
Is Your Roof Worn Out?
Should you care about wear and tear to your roof? You betcha. A worn roof at the end of its life span is prone to… Read More »Is Your Roof Worn Out?
Inside Info on an Outdoor Fixture
Here’s a bit of fix-it trivia for you: the exterior faucet to which you connect lawn hoses is called a hose bib. You can toss… Read More »Inside Info on an Outdoor Fixture
Reviving a “Dead” Garbage Disposal
Dead garbage disposal? Usually, it’s easy to bring this gadget back to life. Take a look at the illustration and follow these simple steps. Does… Read More »Reviving a “Dead” Garbage Disposal
No “Ding-Dong” Sound at the Bell
How annoying…that front doorbell only works from time to time, and you never know whether someone is there. You don’t want to call an electrician… Read More »No “Ding-Dong” Sound at the Bell
How to Fix a Sinking Sidewalk
A sinking sidewalk is bad news for you and your guests. Where the pavement is uneven, someone’s bound to trip eventually. Pavement sinks because exterior… Read More »How to Fix a Sinking Sidewalk
Tell Me More About GFCI Outlets in My Home
Ever noticed that some electrical outlets have a red and a black button in the middle? You’re looking at a GFCI — a Ground Fault… Read More »Tell Me More About GFCI Outlets in My Home
Finding Studs Using Construction Clues
If you think “finding studs” is something gals do in a singles bar, you’ve come to the wrong column. We’re talking wall framing studs. Every… Read More »Finding Studs Using Construction Clues
Save Money with a Filter Change
Maintaining the filter on your air conditioning and heating equipment isn’t fun or glamorous. So why bother? Because a clean filter allows for proper air… Read More »Save Money with a Filter Change
Do You Have One Cold Room?
Does your home have one room that’s always cold? Is there very little air flow from the heating grill, even when it is fully open?… Read More »Do You Have One Cold Room?
Plugged Drain? Heres a Quick Fix
Yuck…your tub or bathroom sink is draining slowly AGAIN. Every time you remove the trap or use a plumbing snake, you know you’ll be dealing… Read More »Plugged Drain? Heres a Quick Fix
Quick Turn Off the Water!
Oh, no! Water is running from somewhere beneath the cabinets and ruining your new kitchen floor. HELP! You can prepare for a crisis like this… Read More »Quick Turn Off the Water!
Sticking Closet Door
We have all experienced those sliding closet doors that stick and rub. Did you know there is a simple fix? All sliding closet doors hang from… Read More »Sticking Closet Door
5 Tips When Buying a Newly Constructed Home
When you buy a newly constructed home instead of an existing home, there are many extra steps that must take place. To ensure a hassle-free… Read More »5 Tips When Buying a Newly Constructed Home
Residential Plumbing System Terms
Plumbing may be defined as the practice, materials and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance and alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances and appurtenances in… Read More »Residential Plumbing System Terms
Electricity 101: Understanding the Service Panel
Many homeowners who are unfamiliar with construction and wiring are timid when it comes to electrical work. It makes perfect sense to have a healthy… Read More »Electricity 101: Understanding the Service Panel
Radon Testing in Residential Homes
Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon and Radon Mitigation Systems in Residential Homes The EPA recommends: If you are buying a home or selling your home,… Read More »Radon Testing in Residential Homes
Maintenance Checks for Your HVAC System
Have you ever woken up in the middle of a winter night, shivering under the blankets and able to see your breath? Or have you… Read More »Maintenance Checks for Your HVAC System
Five Effective Fixes for Faulty Windows
There’s a common misconception that if your home has older windows that are in less-than-perfect condition, you must replace them with new windows. But as… Read More »Five Effective Fixes for Faulty Windows
Central Air-Conditioning System Inspection
A building’s central air-conditioning system must be periodically inspected and maintained in order to function properly. While an annual inspection performed by a trained professional… Read More »Central Air-Conditioning System Inspection
Pre-Drywall Home Inspections
One way to ensure that a house is built according to its specifications is by performing a pre-drywall inspection. “Pre-drywall” refers to a phase during… Read More »Pre-Drywall Home Inspections
Air Sampling for Mold Inspections
Taking air samples during a mold inspection is important for several reasons. Mold spores are not visible to the naked eye, and the types of… Read More »Air Sampling for Mold Inspections
Ten Ways to Save Energy in Your Home
Most people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy, and we want to change that. Drastic reductions in… Read More »Ten Ways to Save Energy in Your Home
Fireplace Maintenance and Safety
Is your fireplace safe? A fireplace is a comfortable place for the family to gather around during a cold winter. Statistics show that fireplaces and chimneys… Read More »Fireplace Maintenance and Safety
What Does The Crack In Your House Mean?
What harm could a thin crack possibly do to my home? This is the common attitude of homeowners when they spot cracks running across… Read More »What Does The Crack In Your House Mean?
Is Your Home Safe with Radon?
On January 13, 2005 the Surgeon General of the United States issued a Health Advisory warning Americans about the health risk from exposure to radon… Read More »Is Your Home Safe with Radon?
What to Do In The Event Of Fire
What would you do in the event of fire? How would you react? These are some important questions you need to ask yourself. According to… Read More »What to Do In The Event Of Fire
Five Most Concerning Window Problems
Window Problems: We all know what a pain a faulty windowcan be. They can be leaky, drafty or squeaky, they’ll close when we need them to stay open, and open when we want to close them. If you are facing these issues with your windows, this list is just for you. Oh, and having your windows fixed before winter is a good way to keep your heating budget in check for this winter.