Home Improvement
How To Tell If Your Shower Pan Is Leaking (Find Out Now!)
Shower pans are an important component of your home’s bathroom. They collect water from the shower drain before moving it down the drain. With continuous use, shower pans are subject to wear and tear and hence leaks. When the shower pan starts to leak, a timely replacement is necessary to prevent water damage to your home.
How Thick Should Interior Walls Be?
Many homeowners have asked themselves at one point or another: “Can I build a wall myself?” People consider it for many reasons – whether they are renovating a new home, preparing to sell, or trying to create more space for their growing family.
Interior vs. Exterior Basement Waterproofing: Which Is Better?
If you’re considering waterproofing your basement, there are two main methods to look into. Both the interior and exterior basement waterproofing processes come with their own pros and cons. This article will cover both methods in detail to help you decide which is the best for your home.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Jack And Jill Bathrooms?
Probably one of the most ingenious additions to home renovations since the sliding glass door, the Jack and Jill bathroom model is a common way to streamline cohabitation. Made famous by the TV show The Brady Bunch, a Jack and Jill bathroom is sandwiched between two bedrooms, accessible by both bedrooms with a door on either side.
How Much Does It Cost to Soundproof a Room?
Noise pollution can make life incredibly difficult. If unwanted noises are reducing your quality of life, you may want to consider soundproofing. Whether it’s a noisy neighbor, busy main thoroughfare, or simply obtrusive sounds traveling between rooms, you can soundproof a room to help decrease the amount of sound disturbance.
Sump Pump Sounds Like A Washing Machine? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
No that isn’t the sound of the house being sucked under by a giant whirlpool. What you are hearing, that sounds like a giant washing machine on steroids is actually the sump pump. In many homes, it won’t even matter what room in the house you are in, because it seems there is nowhere that violent sucking sound can’t reach. So what do you do about it? Can you do anything about? What causes it?
How To Remove Silicone Caulk From Fiberglass Shower Stall
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.
Power Goes Off, Then Comes Back On? (Here's Why)
It is understandable to be concerned when your power goes out and comes right back on. The power can go out without explanation and come right back on baffling any homeowner. So, what does it mean when the power goes out and comes back on, and should you be concerned?
Is It Normal For A Contractor To Ask For 30% Up Front?
Planning a major home improvement project is exciting, but it is also stressful and expensive. There are lots of moving parts to consider, which is why it is so important to hire a great and trustworthy contractor. Once you find a good contractor, you are hopefully a little less stressed. But when this contractor asks you for a whopping 30% up front, you might start second-guessing your decision.
What Is The Best Direction For A Backyard To Face?
When you’re building your home, you are in control of everything, including the orientation of your house. That small detail is something most people don’t think about but can make a huge impact on how you experience your home. After all, the direction your house faces will impact your heating, parking, as well as the amount of sunlight you get. So, what is the best direction for a backyard to face?
Bathroom Sink Drain Pipe And P-Trap Don't Meet? (Fix It Now!)
When you are working on installing your bathroom sink’s plumbing, a lot of things can go wrong. Like, a lot, a lot. One of the most aggravating issues that many people have when they are trying to DIY a sink setup is having a sink drain pipe that doesn’t line up or meet the P-trap. Obviously, this renders the sink pretty useless until you can get this fixed. But, what exactly is the fix for this problem?
Do I-Joists Need Bridging? (Here Are the Details)
Are you building a new structure and have some questions about I-joists and joist bridging? We’ve put together this quick guide to show you how joist bridging works and whether or not I-I-joists need bridging.
How Much Does Warmboard Cost?
Radiant floor heating is a luxurious feature to have in the home and a current popular trend in new constructions. While it’s hard to deny that underfloor heating is the most comfortable way to warm your home, many folks find themselves wondering if it’s worth the hassle and associated costs. There are a number of radiant heating systems to choose from, with Warmboard being one of the best on the market.
How Much Does a Pool Fence Cost?
The swimming pool that serves as the centerpiece of your yard should be a constant source of fun for your family. Unfortunately, accidents can happen near the pool and the people involved can get seriously hurt. You must keep that area safe at all times and building a new pool fence will help with that goal.
Do I Need A Permit To Install 240v Outlet? (Find Out Now!)
We often use 240-volt outlets in our homes to power large appliances like air conditioners and clothes dryers. If you’ve recently purchased a new appliance, you may find that you need a new 240-volt outlet to power it. Can you install it yourself, or is it necessary to get a permit and involve a professional?
Shotcrete Vs Gunite: What Is The Difference?
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?
How Much Road Frontage Is Required To Build A House?
When building a home from the ground up or adding an addition to your existing home, you have to jump through a lot of hoops. Each town or county has its own set of zoning laws put in place by the local government. Oftentimes, the contractors will take measures to ensure they’re adhering to the proper laws. Whether you’re employing a contractor or building a structure yourself, it is important to understand the zoning laws in your area.
10 Creative Things To Do With A Spare Closet
Are you blessed with a closet and no clutter? If so, you end up with a world of possibilities. There are all sorts of creative, fun and practical things you can do with a spare closet.
12'x 24' Cabin Floor Plans (with Drawings)
There’s something undeniably charming and relaxing about retreating to a cabin in the woods or up in the mountains. While many cabins can be luxurious, think deluxe accommodations in the Poconos, others are simpler and more rustic. Then, of course, you have everything in between.
How To Stop A Snowplow From Blocking The Driveway
Snowplows block driveways because they move snow out of the way, and it moves to the sides of the vehicle. This can create big snowbanks that block nearby driveways and cars. Big snowplows have little control over the direction of the snow they push.
Are Curbless Shower A Good Idea? (and Possible Problems)
Curbless showers are a lavish home improvement that many people can acquire within their homes. But with every luxury come a few drawbacks. Showering is something that we all have to do, but enjoying it is often the goal. Fortunately, there are great alternatives to the traditional bathing style, which enhances experience and comfort.
Plaster of Paris Vs Spackle: Which One Is Better?
How Much Does A Home Addition Cost In Arkansas?
Arkansas is one of the most affordable states in which to live. In general, homeowners in Arkansas who make additions to their homes find the projects affordable. The basic cost of an addition to an existing home in Arkansas falls between $77.80 and $118.57 per square foot. The average cost of home additions in Arkansas is approximately $14.139.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Subfloor?
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.
How To Build A Floating Shower Bench (Do This!)
To build a floating shower bench you will need to follow the steps below:
Is Swiss Madison A Good Toilet Brand? (Find Out Now!)
Shopping for a new toilet can feel overwhelming, especially with how many options there are on the market. When it comes to choosing the right toilet, it’s important to consider your wants and needs for your space as well as your budget.
Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Stucco? (Find Out Now!)
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular ways to protect the outside of your home, and rightfully so. It prevents damage from the elements, adds a modern veneer, and also can raise the price of your home. Switching from one home exterior (like stucco) to vinyl seems like a good idea. The question at hand, of course, is if it’s even feasible to put vinyl over stucco in the first place.
Creative Ways To Build A Bookshelf With Cheap Or Free Materials
A bookshelf is a fantastic addition to almost any room. It looks great and can showcase all sorts of items including art, plants, and of course, lots of books. It works well in a bedroom, home office, living room, and even in the kitchen. But bookshelves can cost hundreds of dollars or more. This might have you wondering if it is possible to build your own bookshelf with cheap or free materials.
Can You Flush Gum Down The Toilet? (Find Out Now!)
Your chewing gum has lost its flavor and you are ready to get rid of it. Before you is a toilet and a trash can. Which should you choose? We’re here to answer that question for you, so you can avoid unnecessary problems down the road.
How To Set Up A Podcast Studio At Home
It costs between $200 and $3,000 to set up a basic podcast studio at home. Your setup will be cheap if you already have a computer. Of course, you can spend more once you expand, especially if you add a video element to your podcast. The cheapest route is to simply use a USB microphone that plugs into a laptop.
What Do Homebuyers Notice First In The Summer?
Summer is a busy time for real estate. Families move while children are out of school, longer daylight hours make scheduling showings easier, and pleasant weather encourages more time exploring neighborhoods. But when buyer activity increases, it also creates more competition for sellers, so it’s a good idea to know what homebuyers notice the most in summer.
Why Are Bathroom Vanities So Expensive? (Find Out Now!)
Whether you’re building a new house or remodeling an old one, your bathrooms are some of the most essential rooms in your home. Having a lovely bathroom vanity is crucial to getting the most enjoyment from your home. It’s also necessary to have a beautiful vanity if you ever hope to sell your house.
How Much Does a Kitchen Bump-Out Cost?
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.
Do I Need A Permit To Install Solar Panels?
Making the switch to solar is one of the biggest decisions in a homeowner’s life. Whether you want to save money on your electricity or get completely off the grid, there are options for you.
Delta Vs. Moen Shower Valves: Which One Is Better?
For the perfect shower, you need the right shower valve. The valve helps control the water flow and temperature of your shower. They are a convenient tool that lets you upgrade your shower experience without messing with your plumbing.
Where Does A Basement Floor Drain Go? (Find Out Now!)
Have you ever looked at your basement floor drain and wondered just where exactly it goes? It is easy to forget that they are so important upon looking at them because their purpose is not immediately clear. So, where does your basement floor drain go?
What's The Best Time Of The Year To Buy Flooring?
Choosing the right flooring is a big commitment that affects your home’s character, and it is also a financial commitment. It is expensive to buy and install new flooring, so it is ideal to get the best selection and deal possible. So, what is the best time to buy flooring?
Can I Vent My Bathroom Exhaust Fan Into The Attic? (Find Out Now!)
After dealing with a stuffy bathroom for so long, you’ve finally decided to install an exhaust fan. You’re excited about the new addition, but suddenly, you realize that there’s a bit of a problem. Right now, the exhaust from your bathroom has nowhere to go.
What Can I Do With A Large Old Satellite Dish?
In the not too distant past, satellite dishes were incredibly large. If you happen to have a large old satellite dish still, you are probably wondering what you can do with it. With this guide, we hope to answer that question.
Kohler Vs American Standard Toilets: Which One Is Better?
If you’ve seen one toilet, you’ve seen them all, right? Wrong. There are so many different styles and brands of toilets on the market that it can be overwhelming to even know where to begin. So, why not go with a trusted brand name, like Kohler vs American Standard?
How Much Does Instacart Cost? (Membership, Fees, Tips & More)
With COVID-19 scaring everyone and more people than ever working from home, it’s not surprising that services like Instacart are hitting the forefront. Instacart allows you to get groceries delivered from the grocery store straight to your door. It’s convenient, sure, but it’s also notoriously pricey. How much does it really cost?
How To Remove a Kohler Shower Handle
Removing a Kohler shower handle can be difficult, especially considering that there are several different Kohler shower handle types. However, you will be able to remove your Kohler shower handle in no time using the images and three steps below.
How to Connect a Porch Roof to a House
Adding a roof to your porch is a fabulous idea! It creates a space where you can enjoy the great outdoors during any season. Although, you may be uncertain about how to connect your porch roof to your house. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. Don’t let the size of the project overwhelm you.
Why Does My Toilet Randomly Run For A Few Seconds?
If you’ve experienced “phantom flushing” before, then you know this phenomenon is startling and perplexing, at first, but eventually incredibly annoying. The phantom flush is a common toilet malfunction, and a range of things can cause it.
Rafters Vs. Trusses: What Are The Major Differences?
Installing a roof is not as simple as assembling a pyramid of boards and dropping it on your house frame. There are things to consider as far as time constraints, cost, and aesthetics when drafting plans for a new build. Unless you’re using a single layer flat roof, two construction frame options are available to you: rafters or trusses.
How To Remove Texture From Painted Walls
Textured walls had a moment of popularity not too long ago. The method of swirling highly textured paint onto the drywall was an alternative to wallpaper and a departure from the smooth wall. It is, after all, a great way to hide imperfections in the wall.
Why Is There A Septic Smell In Your Basement?
No matter what you use your basement for, an unpleasant septic smell makes you want to stay as far away as possible. Whether your basement is for storage, a workshop, or a bonus room, it becomes virtually useless if it smells like sewage.
Accidentally Flushed A Clorox ToiletWand Head? (We Have A Fix)
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.
Can You Put A Toilet On Top Of A Floating Floor? (Find Out Now!)
Remodeling bathrooms can be tricky. But installing a new toilet shouldn’t be the most challenging part. So, can you put a toilet on top of a floating floor? Or do you need to take extra steps to install it correctly?
Why First-Time Homebuyers Underestimate Home Maintenance Costs
Buying your very first house is a huge accomplishment, and it’s also one of the most expensive purchases you’ll ever make. But closing day isn’t the finish line when it comes to home-ownership costs; it’s only the beginning. Many first-time homebuyers underestimate maintenance costs, which could lead to financial stress and buyer’s remorse.
How To Add Insulation To A Vaulted Ceiling (Step-by-Step Guide)
Adding insulation can be a task depending on the size of your rooms or attics. Try applying the same logic to a vaulted ceiling, and you’ve got the potential of having a pretty big headache. Because of this, we’ve produced a short guide to help you out with insulation in vaulted ceilings.
How Much Do Pocket Doors Cost?
Doors don’t get enough attention for the impact they can have on your home. They protect against the elements, security against individuals with bad intentions, and they also offer some much-needed privacy. Beyond those more obvious benefits of doors, you also cannot overlook the fact that they can help bring your home’s design together.
Square D Homeline Vs. Qo: Which Circuit Breaker Is Better?
Choosing a new breaker is an important decision. Your home’s electrical system is comprised of several fail-safes meant to keep both you and the breaker safe. Homeline and QO breakers are among the most popular and effective on the market, so how are they different?
Can You Put A Dimmable Bulb In A Non-Dimmable Socket?
As the US moves away from incandescent light bulbs in favor of LED lighting, there are some issues to consider. Many people are unfamiliar with the operating characteristics of LED light bulbs and have questions about replacing their incandescent bulbs. One often asked question is about using dimmable LED light bulbs in sockets not equipped with a dimmer switch.
How Long After Sealing Grout Can You Take A Shower?
Grout is an important part of taking care of your shower. It fills the gaps in your tiles, which prevents dirt, food, and other substances from falling between them.
How To Replace A Cast Iron Toilet Flange In Concrete
When it comes time to replace a toilet, you might find that the existing toilet flange does not work with the new toilet. When you have concrete flooring, which is the case with slab foundations or basement bathrooms, replacing that flange can be quite difficult.
Curb Mount Vs. Deck Mount Skylight: Which Is Right For Your Home?
A skylight can be a beautiful addition to a home. In addition to providing a beautiful look at the sky, they can help give an infusion of natural light and can help keep homes warmer during the colder months of the year.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace or Repair a Drain Line?
Drain lines carry dirty water and other liquids away from the fixtures you have installed throughout your home. They handle a very unpleasant job for us and we need them in good shape all the time. If your drain lines are clogged or damaged, you will be able to tell quickly.
5 Best Unfinished Basement Lighting Options
Searching for the best lighting to fit an unfinished basement can be a challenge. Their barren concrete walls feel sterile and do not do well with reflecting light, and exposed floor joists can create odd shadows. Additionally, the process of mounting a lighting fixture in an unfinished basement is very different from installing them on a finished ceiling.
What Is Considered A Permanent Foundation For A Mobile Home?
If you’re looking for your mobile home to count as real property, you may be required to have a permanent foundation. Having a permanent foundation will broaden your financing options and make selling your home a whole lot easier.