Home Improvement

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.

Undeniably, hardwood floors can add appeal, style, warmth, and value to your home. Not to mention, they come in a wide array of options and can complement virtually any décor style. Hardwood flooring is also easier to maintain than carpeting, more durable, harbors fewer allergens, and can be refinished as needed.

The brick walls that line your home, your garden, and other parts of your property are remarkably durable. They can be left constantly exposed to the elements and they will remain sturdy. Choosing brick walls to line your property is a decision you will not regret.

Having a wide expanse of land available in your yard can be a good thing. All that open space allows you to explore numerous design ideas. Then again, the challenge of filling that much open space can be overwhelming and also quite expensive.

When maintaining a home shower, we tend to focus on the showerhead, its fixtures, and the walls. Don’t forget about the shower pan though because it’s an important element of the entire setup. Neglect that part of your shower and it could start presenting serious issues and leaking is among the possibilities.

The last thing you want to do is run up massive energy bills all winter. It’s tempting to turn up the furnace every time it gets cold, but that will quickly become quite expensive. So, what are the cheapest ways to heat your house in the winter?

When you hear the word jacuzzi, you might picture a few different things. For example, maybe you imagine soaking in a jetted tub or sharing a whirlpool tub for two. However, for some people, a jacuzzi stirs up images of hanging with several friends in a hot tub.

Glass walls enable homeowners to create a striking and stylish interior space. They allow you to feature a sense of openness inside your home while still keeping areas distinct and separate. On top of that, there are also practical benefits that only glass walls can provide.

Toilets are a crucial component of the design of your bathroom. Depending on your needs, aesthetic desires, and bathroom size, you have many choices to make regarding the toilet that you select. One of these choices has to do with the shape of the toilet bowl. Believe it or not, not all toilets are made equal and some are longer than others.

Whether you are buying a new home or simply looking to change things up in your old one, those changes can have a potentially sizable impact. It all depends on what you are looking to do. Some changes are no more than aesthetic and can be done in short order. Others are a bit tougher.

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.

Toilet paper has been manufactured specifically so that it will break up and dissolve when in water. That is why, for the most part, it simply flushes away without a second thought each time that you use the bathroom.

With the increase in vinyl siding’s popularity, people are increasingly focused on finding ways to ensure that their siding can last longer than ever. That’s why people put house wrap underneath their vinyl siding. Of course, the wrap is known for being expensive. Is it really worth it? Do you even need it?

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?

Installing a new light fixture looks to be a simple operation. Two wires to connect and hang the new light fixture. Then you take down the old light fixture and find a mass of white, black, and red wires. There is an instant flash of panic as you try and figure out how to wire the new light fixture. Which of the black, white, and red wires do you use?

Vinyl floor planking is a widely popular and cost effective flooring option. At $2-$7 per square foot, vinyl floor planking is a great option for homeowners trying to save money. However, many homeowners wonder if vinyl floor planking can be installed on their uneven floor.

Are you looking for a creative and affordable way to revamp your wood floors? Painting is always an option! But before you dive into the renovation process, there are plenty of pros and cons to consider.

The difference between cubic centimeters (cc) and horsepower (hp) is a complicated relationship with many factors. One main difference is that cc refers to the size, or volume, of an engine while hp is the measure of how much power the engine puts out.

Proper ventilation is important not just for your HVAC system. It also matters for all the exhaust fans you have installed that take moist air from one place to the next. For instance, the air coming from your bathroom exhaust fan needs to come out somewhere.

Painting the exterior of your home can completely transform the entire look and feel of your house. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s curb appeal while giving it a cleaner, fresher look. But, choosing the right color is vital, and with a green roof, it’s important to consider color choices wisely.

When building a structure, you must consider the amount of weight that the lumber you are using will support. There are many factors when choosing the type of lumber to use. Lumber has different types of wood, grades, and treatments. This can make it hard to figure out the right numbers.

Many people refer to the voltage at the electrical outlets as 110 volts. Others routinely call these 120-volt outlets. If you plug almost any appliance into these plugs, the appliance works fine in either instance. Do some power companies deliver 110 volts and others 120 volts? What is the real story about 110V vs. 120V?

One of the major selling points of any house is how many bathrooms it has. Not only that, but the overall value of each bathroom in the house is a deciding factor. It can be confusing when you see different names for bathrooms, like “1/2 bath” or “full bath,” and you may wonder what is a three-quarter bathroom?

Wear and tear will affect every element of your home at some point. One day, you may pull into your driveway and be greeted by a garage door that’s in rough shape. You cannot be surprised since even a sturdy garage door is susceptible to the elements.

It’s the middle of the night, and you’re thirsty. The closest drink is from the bathroom sink. But is it safe to swig? Will you get sick if you sip from the tap? The answer might surprise you.

By now, you’ve probably noticed that we’re big fans of recessed lighting. Recessed lighting never goes out of style, even if it can’t be used in vaulted ceilings. It’s reliable. It’s versatile. And while it may be a splurge compared to other forms of lighting, most people agree that it’s an investment worth every penny. The problem is trying to figure out what size lights you need, isn’t it?

It can happen when you least expect it. You come into your basement only to find that the drain has overflowed, leaving raw sewage piping into your basement. The first thing you need to figure out is why. If the answer is the basement floor drain backs up when the toilet is flushed, you’re in the right place to deal with the problem.

Radiant barriers are classically located in attics and are excellent at reducing the amount of heat and reducing cooling costs. While it may not be as typical, you can also install radiant barriers in stud walls. With this short guide, you will be well on your way to understanding how to go through this installation.

With every single year that passes, it seems like a new type of siding is being made. The newest type of siding to hit stores is Liquid Vinyl Siding. This sounds a bit sci-fi at first. (Like, can you have a liquid part of a house exterior?!) Though it sounds futuristic, the future is now. All you need to do is know what liquid vinyl siding really is and what it means for your home.

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.

Recessed lights are a visually appealing and modern way to add depth to a room. You can change the aesthetic of a room completely when you install recessed lights, that is when they work. So, what does it mean when my recessed lights are not working?

Laminate floors have long been a cost-effective way to get the same look as wood for a fraction of the price. There are many things you can put over laminate floors if you get sick of them, but there is a right and a wrong way to go about it.

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.

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.

There are times where “do-it-yourself” takes on just that mean: all you have is yourself. While it may be nice to have a helping hand, especially on big projects, that helping hand isn’t always available. That is why it is important to know how to handle the larger items you may come across.

If you choose to rent instead of own, you might picture some small apartment with white walls and beige carpet. Maybe your image includes a tiny balcony or patio area, but surely no frills. However, apartments come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, and if you have the dough, they can get pretty lavish.

When installing a bathroom fan, it is always easier to have access through the attic. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. And while it may be easier to install the bathroom fan with attic access, it also isn’t the only way. So, if you don’t have access, how do you install the bathroom fan?

Over time, your house can start to build up dirt, grime, and other unpleasantries since it’s exposed to the elements daily. Pressure washing can help you keep your home’s exterior looking its best, but do you have time to do it? How long does it take to pressure wash a house?

Getting the most space out of your kitchen’s layout has always been a significant issue, especially if your home isn’t that big. That’s why corner cabinet lazy susans have been a mainstay in most homes. However, they aren’t perfect. Their circular builds can get jammed with stuff, and you might lose out on some storage space.

You finally have the time to fix your driveway. Concrete is the ideal material, but it’s also expensive. As you look for ways to stretch your budget, bagged concrete may come to mind. Will it work?

Elegantly designed tile floors can be terrific additions to any home setting. They add a touch of refined design to any room they’re used in. Tile floors are also easy to clean, thus making them practical additions for many homeowners.

Home enthusiasts (and self-proclaimed designers) alike are constantly looking for new ways to spruce up both the interiors and exteriors of their homes. If your house is suffering from old, worn-looking brick, can you put siding over the top to give it a refresh?

No matter your climate, one of the most important things is having a well-insulated home. This will help to keep your place warm in the winter and cool in the summertime.

Showers should be a place of relaxation and cleanliness. If your shower isn’t helping you relax or is constantly dirty, then you’ve got to make a change! Whether installing a new shower into your current home or selecting one for your new home, you’ve still got extensive choices to make.

Shiplap is an affordable building material that is easy to install and can resist moisture. The long wood planks are ideal for indoor and outdoor use, and any homeowner can install shiplap without professional help. So, can you install shiplap directly to studs?

Are you planning a DIY project to remove linoleum flooring and glue from a concrete subfloor? If you are, is the issue of extracting stubborn glue buildup making you procrastinate? You can actually forget your worries and complete this task with confidence by using some simple steps for glue removal.

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?

No matter how hectic and stressful life gets, you should always be able to count on your home to offer some peace. But if your house adds to your stress instead of taking it away, then it’s time to reassess your home, not-so-sweet home.

We are blessed with one of the most reliable and trouble-free electrical grids in the world. We often take the quality of the electrical service we receive for granted. However, we still are subject to problems with the power on occasion. One of these problems is power surges that can damage or destroy appliances and electronics. Many people wonder if their GFCI outlets protect their electronics from power surges.

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.

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.

We don’t give much thought to toilet paper. We give even less thought to the toilet tissue holder in the bathroom. For the most part, we accept what the home builder installed and go on about our business. However, for some people finding the right recessed toilet tissue holder is a focus.

For the majority of sunrooms, the temperature of the space is determined by, well, the sun. Some building owners opt for heated sunrooms, while others go with unheated and instead choose a flooring to compliment it. So, if you choose unheated, then what exactly would be the best type of flooring for an unheated sunroom?

A septic tank needs ample space to drain. And without knowing precisely how big your field should be, it can lead to ground contamination at worst and a nasty cleanup effort at best. Taking the proper precautions beforehand will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

One of the most important aspects of a well-built home is excellent insulation. If you mess up the insulation, it can cause significant spikes in heating or cooling bills and potential fires. You need to know how to staple insulation to your studs.

One of the most alarming and frightening noises that your plumbing can make is a high-pitched squeal. It sounds similar to a shrieking tea kettle and it usually happens while you’re taking a shower. If your shower sounds like a tea kettle, then there are several different things that could be happening.

There are skinny margaritas, skinny jeans, and yes, even skinny houses, typically 15 to 20 feet wide. You might think a 20-foot wide house would be challenging to live in, but it actually is quite workable. Some 20-foot wide houses can be over 100 feet deep, giving you 2,000 square feet of living space.

Building a new home on a budget is a rewarding endeavor. But these days, finding the right materials at a low price can be a real challenge. Prices continue to increase and sometimes materials are difficult to find, which makes them even more costly. If you are on a tight budget when building a home, you will want to search high and low to find cheap or free materials to incorporate into your home building project.

You come home at the end of a long, tough day, looking forward to taking a hot shower. You climb in and find out that your shower has either stopped distributing water completely or with the painstakingly low-pressured flow.

Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent way to get the look of hardwood floors at an affordable price. They’re also durable, many types of vinyl floors are waterproof, and they’re easy to maintain. But if you don’t take care of them, they can get dull over time. Luckily, it’s easy to make vinyl plank floors shine like new.