Home Improvement

More and more, we are seeing 400 Amp service being run into residential properties across the US. Today’s modern appliances and electronics demand more and more power requiring higher amperage electric service. Many homeowners, builders, and contractors wonder if using a pair of 200 Amp service panels is a viable option.

One of the most effective ways to permanently get rid of window condensation in your home is to use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier has many uses, but its primary function is to lower the moisture level in your home.

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.

Heading out the front door to go to work isn’t always possible on particularly cold and snowy days. That’s because your door may freeze shut, whether it be due to frozen hinges or ice in the frame. So, what should I do if my front door is frozen shut?

Laying tile for shower walls can be hard work, but you can make it easier if you choose the right adhesive. There are so many tile adhesives on the market these days, but mastic and Thinset mortar are two mainstays when it comes to shower walls. So, what is better; mastic or Thinset for shower walls?

When people first walk into your home, one of the first things they’ll notice is your flooring and your trim. However, if there’s a gap between the trim and the floor, it’s going to stand out like a sore thumb. If this happens, you likely didn’t use shoe molding or quarter round to finish your trim or flooring project.

Whether you’re building a new house or want to do some work around your old one, it’s a good idea to have something around your foundation. Having something around the foundation of your house is an excellent way to improve its looks and provide protection. But are there certain things that are better around a home than others?

When dealing with electricity, it is often a question of where you live as to whether you need a permit or not. Just as with this question about installing a subpanel, it will depend on your particular state and city. It can also be dependent on the building codes in your specific community or subdivision.

One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself when you build a clothesline is how long do you want it to last? You can put a makeshift clothesline up in a matter of minutes, but it is unlikely to last very long.

Laminate flooring is composed of particleboard, resin, and a print on top that mimics wood. It’s popular among homeowners for its ability to resist scratches, fading, stains, and other cosmetic imperfections.

Crown molding is as practical as it is pleasant to look at. Not only does it add an elegant flare to the room, but crown molding also covers the gaps between the wall and ceiling.

If your slippery floor problem seems to have developed out of nowhere, then your cleaning products may be to blame. Some cleaning products claim to be universal, but when it comes to cleaning floors, there are specific products you should and should not use.

If it’s time to update the switches and sockets in your home, you may be considering a range of options. Additionally, you are probably considering what kind of finish you want; nowadays brushed chrome, nickel, and brass are popular options.

By installing soffit boards underneath the roof system of your porch, you’ll create a cleaner look for your outdoor living area. Not only does installing a soffit complete the look of your entire porch, it also helps to insulate your home, shielding it from outdoor temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

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.

The addition of a wrap around front porch can be one of the greatest ways to enhance the exterior of your home and increase your living space. They provide an excellent location for entertaining guests, enjoying gorgeous views, lounging in a rocking chair and sipping on lemonade.

The average size of a home has grown about 24% larger over the last ten years. However, the average lot size has decreased by 10%. If you want to build your dream without breaking the bank, use this as a guide to utilize a shallow lot.

The only thing worse than a freezing cold shower is a scalding hot one. While many are familiar with the issues of no hot water in the shower, the opposite is also possible: no cold water.  As summer approaches, you are going to want to enjoy a cool shower, especially if prefer not to run your air conditioning all day long.

You have your new shop or utility shed built and ready to go. Part of the plan is to run electrical service to the new structure from your home. However, the question of what size wire is required to get electricity to your new utility shed. What kinds of distance can you get if you use 10-gauge wire?

Nails and screws are a mainstay in many construction projects. You would be hard-pressed to tackle any home improvement task that doesn’t call for one or the other. But how do you know when to use nails or screws for your project?

You notice that your Sloan Flushmate toilet has developed a leak in the tank.  Immediately after flushing the toilet and the tank has refilled, the valve begins to trickle water into the tanks causing an overflow into the toilet bowl.  What can cause a Sloan Flushmate to leak water into the tank?

You spend a lot of time modeling your kitchen. You have decided on natural hickory cabinets, but now you are wondering what color floor would go well with them. 

It’s important to realize that first and foremost, HGTV is a form of entertainment. The channel strives to develop appealing shows and content that entice. The finished products pull viewers in and keep them coming back for more.

A neighbor who has experience with chainsaws borrowed yours a couple of weeks ago for some yard work. When he returned the chainsaw, he put it back up on the shelf for you. Now, you plan to do some trimming in the yard, so you haul down the chainsaw. But wait a minute.

Dirty burner caps don’t just make your stove look bad, but they can throw off the vibe in your kitchen. It’s hard to keep burner caps clean when you cook several days a week. However, it’s best to clean them as much as possible before stains form and it becomes harder to remove them. Many homeowners struggle with how to clean gas stove burner caps.

What kind of flooring do you want to install inside your home? It can be tough to pinpoint a standout candidate given the sheer number of options available. While browsing your options, you cannot forget to take a closer look at marble flooring because it presents some terrific qualities.

Skylights date back to ancient Rome, and they have helped increase natural light in countless homes and buildings since. Installing a skylight in your home requires a minor, inexpensive renovation that costs an average of $1,770. The cost varies based on the dimensions, materials, and labor fees.

When a hardwood floor is freshly cleaned, it can leave a natural shine. Properly cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors is critical to ensure they stay looking great for many years. This makes finding the right floor cleaning routine all the more important. You might even wonder if you can use your steam mop to clean your hardwood floors.

The grey pipe or the conduit PVC pipe is designed to handle the heat of the sun and the heat of the electrical wires. Two different kinds are used in electrical work, which are Schedule 40 and Schedule 80. Either or can connect to an electrical box.

There are a few things that homeowners never want to see. High up on that list is water damage. Leaks and invading water can make for a nightmare scenario for homeowners. The possibilities as it pertains to damage are seemingly endless.

A gazebo might be a great addition to your backyard patio or lawn. You can escape the heat of summer or have protection from the rain. Unless you have a concrete slab that you can drill into, you may find it difficult to anchor a gazebo.

No fixture is more synonymous with the modern bathroom than the toilet. When this essential fixture is working properly, it provides a much-needed function. When a toilet malfunctions, however, the problem is either major or minor.

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?

When it comes to laminate flooring installations, underlayment is a thin, flexible piece of material that is placed on top of the subfloor to serve as a base layer for the laminate tiles or planks that are to be installed. While the subfloor gives the room structural support, the underlayment is responsible for supporting the laminate flooring itself.

I’ll be honest. I had no idea that crawlspace encapsulation was a thing until my early 30s. However, it’s a major procedure that helps reduce heating costs, reduces the chances of mold, and can even help ensure that you have a mosquito-free summer. But, does it actually add value to a home or is it more of a subtle perk?

You may be remodeling an existing bathroom in your home or prepping a bathroom for an investment house. In either case, when it comes to deciding on a bathtub, there are several choices. Often the choice boils down to bathtubs made of Vikrell or an Americast bathtub.

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.

We don’t talk enough about how important the dryer is to the typical household. Can you imagine working your way through your laundry pile without the help of a dryer? A job that typically takes less than an hour to finish may suddenly take up a big chunk of your day.

The blower motor inside your HVAC unit has an important role to play. That blower motor is responsible for moving the fan in your HVAC unit so the air will not circulate without it. Simply put, your HVAC unit will not be able to provide the comfort you seek if the blower motor is malfunctioning.

There are many reasons why you might need to know your property lines. You probably have a general idea as to where your property line is, but sometimes you require something more exact. Whether a tree has fallen and caused some damage, or you want to build a fence along the border of your property, you need to know your precise property boundaries. But how do you find out your exact property lines?

Nothing is more frustrating than toilet and plumbing problems, especially when you don’t know the cause. Toilet flush power can vary, but you should always be able to count on your toilet draining properly. That’s not always the case, however, so why is your toilet filling up with water and draining slowly?

Concrete steps are sturdy, resistant to all kinds of external forces, and they also look great when built properly. They can be genuine assets to any property and that’s why many homeowners covet them. If using poured concrete is not an option for your property, you can still opt for precast concrete steps.

If you love bespoke home accessories, making scented candles at home might be a DIY activity you want to add to your wheelhouse.

A recliner can be the ultimate relaxation destination within one’s own home. Unlike a couch or a standard chair, which remains stationary, a recliner does just that: reclines. From time to time, however, the recliner footrest may stop working. Instead of tossing it away when it stops working, there is a fix that can be implemented. 

If you are building a structure that requires some support beams and additional safety measures, you might have purchased some joist hangers. Joist hangers are very strong pieces of hardware that offer additional weight support and security for weight bearing structures. They are much stronger than just using nails or screws alone. As you prepare to install your joist hangers, you might wonder if you can use screws instead of nails to install them.

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?

For a long time, cooper was the go-to option for home water supply lines. However, things have since changed, with many people preferring PEX for water supply lines due to its affordability, flexibility, and DIY-friendliness. If you’re looking to install a PEX water supply system in your home, one question will run through your mind; what’s the best  PEX tubing size for shower valves?

Thinking of getting rid of that old tub and installing a walk-in shower? Or maybe you just want a new surround for your tub. Whatever the reason you are wanting to remove your tub surround, you will need to be prepared to remove the adhesive as well, which can be a tough job. So, plan to spend at least two hours on this project.

It is easy to put concrete curbs out of your mind because of how commonplace they are in daily life. Whether you walk over concrete curbs every day or you simply drive alongside them, they’re a bigger part of your life than they may seem. With all of the functionality and benefits of concrete curbs, how many types are there?

When it comes to tiling a shower wall, many have the first impression that the job will be a significant hassle. The truth is, tiling a shower doesn’t have to be hard at all. In fact, if you follow a simple set of rules, the job can be both speedy and efficient!

Le Creuset cookware is not only one of the best performing brands on the market, but it also looks amazing. Even if you aren’t known to cook gourmet meals in dutch ovens all that often, you might still want to own a Le Creuset simply for its shiny and colorful enamel.

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?

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.

Upon seeing yellow water in your toilet, your first instinct will probably be to flush (and be mildly annoyed at whoever forgot to flush). So, imagine your surprise when the toilet bowl fills back up and it’s still yellow! The good news is you don’t have to panic. The real reason behind your yellow toilet water is actually a lot less gross

The in-sink garbage disposal has become a staple appliance in most homes. These often-forgotten undersink appliances don’t get much attention but get more than their fair share of use. It isn’t surprising that in-sink garbage disposals often need replacement or repair. There are several options to consider when your garbage disposal quits disposing.

There are a lot of variables that go into determining whether a 10-gauge wire can handle 40 amps. The higher the amperage rating of the circuit, the larger the wires must be. This helps avoid fire by cutting down on excess heat that melts the wires.

Are you creating a DIY lamp, repurposing an amazing flea market find, or needing to make adjustments to an existing lamp? If you’re fixing, making, or buying a lamp, the right size harp makes all the difference. The harp hides the things you don’t want to see, but how do you know what size to get for a lamp?

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) have been around for decades, and these days it’s near impossible to find a modern home which doesn’t utilize these devices; they’re even used in a lot of older homes now because they’re useful here as well.

It is easy to overlook toilet flanges, but they are just as important as the drainpipe itself. A toilet flange connects the toilet to the drainpipe in the floor or subfloor. So, what are the main types of toilet flanges?

Support beams are important for the structural integrity of buildings. The important part is not only determining the location of these beams but the proper length and strength depending on where they are being deployed and what type ( like an I-beam).