Home Improvement

How To Remove A Pedestal Sink (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you have a pedestal sink that needs to be removed, you may be wondering where to even start. Pedestal sinks are not so different from regular sinks, but there are some key differences that you will need to know. With more advanced knowledge of pedestal sinks and their inner workings, you can ensure your objective is met. 

Read more
How To Check Continuity In A Long Wire (Quickly & Easily!)

Doing your own electrician work means that you will have to make sure that the wires you’re installing have continuity. This isn’t always easy to do. A non-continuous wire is usually the cause of a non-functioning circuit, a sudden power outage, or other problems in your grid. With short lines, it’s a cinch. Long lines? Not so much…

Read more
How Much Does a Chimney Cap Cost?

The chimney serves a vital role in your home as it provides an exit for the harmful gases produced during combustion. Instead of those gases lingering inside your home and potentially causing problems, they are just carried out by the chimney. Your chimney has an important job to do and you need to keep it protected.

Read more
What Is A Furring Strip? (Types, Uses & Installation)

For amateur craftsmen, learning is part of the process. That means running into terminology or materials that you are unfamiliar with. One such term that you may have heard of before is a furring strip.

Read more
Can You Put A Floodlight Bulb In A Regular Socket?

LED floodlights are some of the brightest lights on the market right now. A properly functioning LED floodlight will illuminate a significantly wide area, and this is why these lights have “flood” in their name. They essentially flood a space with light, as opposed to spotlights and downlights that usually only illuminate a small area.

Read more
Do I Need A Permit To Renovate My Bathroom In NYC? (Find Out Now!)

House projects can get set on the backburner. Especially if the job at hand is a major remodel, you will need to set aside the time and money to make sure the end result is exactly what you want. Before you finally roll up your sleeves to begin a bathroom renovation, the first question to ask is: “Do I need a permit for this?”

Read more
Can You Out A Flush Tobacco Down Toilet? (Find Out Now!)

The tobacco industry creates a wide range of products that are sold worldwide on a mass scale. Even though they are a common purchase, many people don’t know how best to dispose of them. That’s why we’re here to clear the air.

Read more
Look Out For These 12 Renovation Red Flags

If you’re hunting for the house of your dreams, maybe you’re looking for something more turnkey than a fixer-upper. The idea of purchasing a renovated home sounds appealing but renovated doesn’t always equal no problems. If you notice any renovation red flags, more issues are likely lurking beneath the surface.

Read more
What Is A Bulkhead Basement? (Find Out Now!)

Ever been to the northeast? You might have noticed these strange metal doors on the ground near some of the homes. Do those mysterious structures lead to Narnia? Not quite. While basement bulkheads aren’t the most common, they are practical structures that will connect you to the underground basement of a home.

Read more
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Tree Removal?

Dealing with a tree that falls on your property is a nightmare. Not only is it a major inconvenience, but it can also be expensive to remove if you don’t get any help. So, does homeowner insurance cover tree removal?

Read more
How Long Do SIP Panels Last? (Here Are the Details)

SIP panels are modern, eco-friendly building panels that are quickly becoming popular with home builders. SIPs, or Structurally Insulated Panels, are load-bearing panels that can be used to efficiently build a home. They can be used instead of a traditional house framing. 

Read more
Alternatives To Birdsmouth Cuts: Ways To Hang Roof Rafters

If you’re familiar with framing, then you’ve probably worked with birdsmouth cuts. These styles of cuts allow roof joists to connect to the wall plate of a structure. Other than asking a store to cut your wood, there are some other alternatives! What are some other options for the birdsmouth cut?

Read more
How To Block A Bathtub Drain Without A Plug (Quickly & Easily!)

After a long, stressful day a good soak in the tub can be a relaxing way to unwind. However, this experience is highly dependent on a working stopper keeping the water from escaping down the drain. If your bathtub doesn’t have a functioning stopper or plug, there are ways to block the drain without them.

Read more
Does A Bathroom Vanity Need A Backsplash?

A 4-inch backsplash that matches the granite surface was included with my bathroom vanity. Since the backsplash isn’t really exciting to look at, I questioned if I even needed it and whether it would be good to remove it.

Read more
Can You Put A Basement Under A Mobile Home? (Find Out Now!)

If you choose a mobile home for your dwelling, you have a few different options for your foundation type. These usually fall into two main categories, permanent foundations, and non-permanent foundations. One type of permanent foundation that offers you flexibility and extra storage space is a basement. However, is this type of foundation possible with a mobile home?

Read more
Can You Put Crown Molding In A Bathroom? (Find Out Now!)

Crown molding is a decorative trim that can be applied in many different ways. The most common way is in the space where the ceilings and walls join, creating a visual separation. Trim can be as simple or decorative as you want it to be to match your aesthetic.

Read more
What's The Ideal Driveway Dimensions For A Side Entry Garage?

Designing your own home isn’t always easy, and every little detail can be a tough decision. This is especially true when it comes to areas that involve fitting large items (like a car or truck) comfortably into a small space.

Read more
How Much Does Metal Roofing Cost?

Installing a metal roof can be a cost-effective, durable, and attractive solution for your next project. Whether you’re building a shed or replacing the roof on your house, metal materials can provide you with many great benefits. Before you start your project, however, it’s crucial to weigh the costs of the construction.

Read more
Pedestal Sink Dimensions (with Drawings)

It’s fair to say that any standard home you visit in the US will have at least one bathroom. Likewise, it’s safe to assume that you’d find a sink in the bathroom. However, as far as the size and style of the bathroom sink, there are tons of options.

Read more
How Long Do Circuit Breakers Last? (And When to Replace Them)

Circuit breakers are one of, if not the most, essential parts of your home. Without an effective breaker, you would have no power for anything in the house. No appliances would work, you would be without heat or air, and you wouldn’t be able to have internet or entertainment.

Read more
How To Position Flood Lights On Your House

Outdoor lighting really adds glamor to your home’s facade if you design it right. But just as with lighting the inside of your home, exterior lighting is a bit complicated, and there are many ways you can go astray. When it comes to flood lights, for example, there are definite do’s and don’ts to consider when installing and positioning them.

Read more
How to Anchor a Gazebo Without Drilling

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.

Read more
Where To Plant Trees To Save On Air Conditioning

There’s no denying that energy costs are out of control, getting higher and higher year after year. Utility costs tend to rise right along with the rising outdoor temperatures. Therefore, it’s not surprising that people want to reduce the heat entering their homes so that they can lower their bills. A popular method is planting trees to save on air conditioning. But this only works if you know where to plant them.

Read more
How Much Does a Wet Room Bathroom Cost?

Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular upgrades homeowners choose for their property. One consideration that any anticipated bathroom remodel should include is a conversion to a wet room bathroom. Often, the advantages of converting your traditional bathroom to a wet room bathroom far outweigh the major disadvantage, cost.

Read more
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?

Read more
How To Fix A Crumbling Asphalt Driveway

Driveways are supposed to be a place where your car can feel at home…and where your car’s wheels won’t get too banged up. When you first kick off your driveway’s life, the asphalt is smooth and accommodating. Unfortunately, wear and tear can happen. If left for too long, asphalt cracks turn into crumbles, and then you’ve got a mess to deal with. So, how do you fix this problem?

Read more
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Wall-Mounted Faucets?

When doing home renovations, the placement of a bathroom or kitchen faucet can be an afterthought. It’s one of those design elements we don’t really think about— a faucet is a faucet is a faucet, right? Wrong!

Read more
How To Remove A Bathtub Without Damaging The Tile (Do This!)

From time to time, the bathroom can use a little bit of a renovation. That project can be as simple or complicated as you like and one of the easiest ways to change things up is to change out the bathtub for a new one.

Read more
Plaster of Paris Vs Spackle: Which One Is Better?

Organic spackle is what the name says: organic. It’s made of raw materials. It’s spackle that isn’t mixed with chemicals to bind it together. Mixed spackle is made of different materials. The mixture makes it easier for the spackle to adhere to the wall for a longer time. 

Read more
How To Clean A Shower Floor

You use your shower to get clean, so if any part of it’s gross, it feels icky instead of relaxing, and you say, “eww” more than “aah.”. If the shower floor starts to get scummy or grimy, it boosts the ick factor because you feel like you’re standing in filth. So what’s the best way to clean the shower floor so you’re not cringing while you’re washing up?

Read more
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?

Read more
DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist

You are not alone if you are shocked and angry about rising energy costs. It seems like everything is costing more, and prices are hard to keep up with. While some of these costs are out of your control, there are ways to cut down on your energy usage. In fact, it is a good idea to conduct a DIY home energy audit once a year to make sure you are not spending money in areas where you shouldn’t have to.

Read more
Home Fixes You Must Complete Before Selling

After binge-watching real estate shows, you might think you need to fix everything in your house before you can list it. But the truth is, you can overdo it. Some things just aren’t worth repairing or upgrading before you sell. However, there are undoubtedly home fixes you must complete before selling. 

Read more
Standard Shower Dimensions & Sizes (with Drawings)

When you’re taking a shower, you pay more attention to the shower’s dimensions than you probably realize. Every time you turn around and bump your elbow, you might think about how your shower is too small. On the contrary, if you love taking long showers, it might be because you have enough room to be comfortable. 

Read more
Composite Vs. Vinyl Siding: What Are The Major Differences?

Vinyl siding is extremely popular, even if you’re in a location that is famous for being rough on siding. When you’re trying to get new siding, you’re going to be presented with vinyl options as well as options that are less common. One of the rarer ones is composite siding. For the right home, composite can be the best choice ever. For others, it’s all about vinyl. The question we’re asking today is, which is better overall?

Read more
Tile Roof Replacement Cost [Pricing By Type & Square Foot]

Your choice of roofing can impact the level of comfort you experience at home. That important choice can also help determine how much you’ll have to spend on maintenance and HVAC expenses moving forward. If you want a type of roof that offers both practical and aesthetic benefits, you should consider installing a tile roof.

Read more
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Rhino Shield?

Do you have a home improvement project coming up? Are you thinking about doing up the exteriors of your home? Then it is imperative that you zero in on the right exterior house paint. Your choice of materials for the job will determine whether you are making a sound and sensible investment or just increasing your costs.

Read more
How Much Does Costco Flooring Cost?

Costco’s retail chain deals in a variety of flooring options available at varying costs. The average cost for the flooring types available at their stores ranges from $2 to $4.16 per square foot.

Read more
Can Neutral And Ground Wires Be On The Same Bus Bar?

Many homeowners get confused about their electrical system when talking about neutrals and grounds. This confusion can lead to questions about how the circuit breaker box in your home is wired. Is it permissible to have the neutral wires and the ground wires in your home’s electrical system connected to the same bus bar in the electrical panel?

Read more
Why Does My GFCI Trip When I Turn On The Light Switch?

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCIs, are a necessary safety measure in modern times. They can prevent harmful ground faults that can cause dangerous and expensive electrical problems. So, why does my GFCI trip when I turn on the light switch?

Read more
Remodeling Your Shower: How to Transition From Tile to Drywall

It’s funny – most people, no matter how familiar they are with home improvement, never really think about how they should finish the tile edgings when they meet the wall until they’re actually at that point. Then they begin asking all the questions: Should they just stop? Grout the spot? Add a metal profile or commercial edging? What would be the costs?

Read more
Reverse Polarity Dangers: Ways To Test & Repair

When you get shocked by an appliance you thought worked correctly it can be startling or downright scary. This shock is reverse polarity, and it can be a very serious potential problem.  It damages electronics and can even cause severe electric shock. This problem is fixable. There are even simple ways to test for it.

Read more
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?

Read more
How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In South Carolina?

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.

Read more
How Much Does A Cinder Block Garage Cost?

Adding a garage can be one of the best home improvements to increase the value of your home. Cinder blocks are an easy building material to use to build a new garage, as well as sturdy. But, how much do they really cost?

Read more
How To Route Sump Pump Discharge (Quickly & Easily!)

Sump pumps are not exactly the type of thing most people like to talk about. They’re just…there. Sump pumps are meant to divert moisture and water from basements away from a house. That’s great, especially the part where they pump all the moisture away. However, figuring out how to divert the sump pump discharge can be a difficult issue. How do you do this?

Read more
Can Romex Be Exposed In The Garage?

Electrical wiring is not only for the main areas of the house anymore. Modern homes may see electrical wiring throughout the property, running into sheds, garages, and even patios or decks. It only makes sense with the prevalence of flat-screen televisions as they can be placed just about anywhere with a simple electrical connection.

Read more
Garage Door Jerks When Opening? (We Have a Fix)

A garage door is more complicated than just your average front door. This huge metal contraption probably weighs more than you do. However, with a flick of your hand, or the press of a button it opens like magic.

Read more
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Bathroom Vanity?

If you are doing a bathroom remodel, one of the biggest parts of the project can be removing the old bathroom vanity. Removing the old vanity can involve electrical work, plumbing work, demolition work, and cleanup of the space. As you plan your bathroom remodel, it is important to understand the cost of removing your old bathroom vanity.

Read more
Tamper-Resistant Outlet Can't Plug-In: Possible Solutions

Tamper-resistant outlets are the new standard when it comes to outlet safety in homes and businesses. Modern building codes require that you install tamper-resistant outlets because of how much safer they are than standard outlets. With that said, it can be difficult to plug an electrical device into a tamper-resistant outlet, and that can be frustrating.

Read more
How To Drill Into Stucco (Step by Step Guide)

Many people are often nervous to drill into stucco because it looks and feels like concrete. However, it’s relatively simple to do and there are many projects where drilling into stucco is necessary. But, exactly how do you drill into stucco without causing any cracking or damage?

Read more
11 Uses For A Dehumidifier You Might Not Know

If you are someone who handwashes clothing at home, then a dehumidifier might be a great asset. Drying clothes on an outdoor clothesline is ideal, but it isn’t always possible. If you don’t have a yard, or the weather isn’t conducive to drying, then you need to dry clothes indoors.

Read more
The 5 Best Handrails for Concrete Steps [For Your Home]

Handrails are a necessary part of building concrete steps. Some handrails work better than others, especially when fastening them to concrete. There are many styles, colors, and designs when it comes to handrails. We are going to go over what makes the best handrails for concrete steps.

Read more
How Many Amps Does A Water Heater Use? (Find Out Now!)

People often tend to forget about things they grow used to in a home. A water heater is one of those appliances that are well hidden we tend to forget. The only time we know, it is there is when the hot water is not working.

Read more
How To Lay Paving Slabs On A Slope (Step By Step Guide)

Paving slabs can make a pathway or driveway look fantastic with just a little bit of hard work. We are going to show you the ins and outs, of laying down paving slabs on a sloped surface. Since not all properties are perfectly flat, it’s essential to know how to do this, especially if your property is on a slope!

Read more
How To Build A Sandbox On A Tight Budget

Building a sandbox yourself is the best way to keep costs down. In addition to doing the labor yourself, you should also look for cheap materials. There are many types of sandboxes and sandbox alternatives you can create. You can look online for old tractor tires (a popular sandbox frame), or search for inexpensive treated wood. There are many places where you can find cheap or free building materials. Below is a list of great places to look for this kind of building materials for your DIY sandbox.

Read more
How Many Coats of Polycrylic? (Plus Types & How to Apply)

If you are a someone who works with wood or just loves a good DIY, you know that in order for wood to last, it needs to be specially treated. All types of wood must be finished with a special layer of coating for added protection from light, moisture and other elements.

Read more
Can You Put Siding Over Asbestos Siding? (Find Out Now!)

Asbestos is the great boogeyman of building materials. Once seen in almost every home as a siding material, it’s now regarded as “blue death.” Builders do not want to touch it unless they absolutely have to, and rightfully so. It’s cancer-causing. But, when you have asbestos siding, it feels like you need to work with it. Can you place siding over asbestos?

Read more
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost [Per Square Foot Pricing]

Until the 1980s, popcorn ceilings were quite popular. Popcorn ceilings are made of a spray-on stucco material, and many contain asbestos. The material asbestos can lead to serious problems such as cancer and asbestosis, so homeowners often remove popcorn ceilings.

Read more
Cost to Convert a Crawlspace to a Basement (Detailed Rates)

The crawlspace often winds up as an underutilized part of the home mainly because it isn’t comfortable. If you want to make that crawlspace more functional, you should consider converting it into a basement. Before embarking on this big project, you should know the cost to convert a crawlspace to a basement is very expensive.

Read more