Why The Toilet Won't Stop Running? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

It isn’t everyday that you run into an issue with your toilet. Unless objects get accidently flushed, or there is an issue with your water supply, most toilets are generally very low maintenance. Occasionally, however, your toilet may malfunction, leaving you with concern and no idea of how to fix the problem– or what the problem even is. One of the most common problems with toilets is that, after flushing, they don’t stop. That is, the water continues to swirl for a prolonged period of time.

Read more
How To Build A Cedar Closet In A Basement (Do This!)

Closet space is one of the most underrated aspects of a home. Having enough space to keep all of our clothes, whether we wear them or not, can either be a major plus or a huge inconvenience. That is why creating more closet space can become a necessity.

Read more
Can You Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Linoleum?

Nothing screams 1960s design quite like linoleum floors — and not in a good way. Adding new floors is likely on your list of top to-dos if you’re updating your home. And luckily for you, you might be able to install vinyl plank flooring over linoleum without a lot of hassle.

Read more
Outdoor GFCI Outlet Keeps Tripping After Rain? (Fix It Now!)

Any outdoor electrical circuit should be protected by a GFCI breaker somewhere in the circuit. GFCI circuits protect you from an accidental shock be interrupting the flow of electricity when an electrical fault is detected. Sometimes, an outdoor GFCI outlet will trip after a rainstorm.

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 Plywood Get Wet?

Plywood is an affordable and reliable building material, and it can be used to construct a great many things. It’s been a popular building material for decades, and most modern homes and businesses incorporate plywood in some way. Generally speaking, it’s a durable material. But like a lot of other materials, it becomes less durable when exposed to water, especially if it’s exposed for a prolonged period.

Read more
How To Remove Glue From Vinyl Flooring

For many homes, vinyl flooring is a fantastic alternative. It is elegant, enduring, and simple to clean. However, any adhesive that was used during installation might still be visible. It is simple to remove the adhesive from vinyl flooring without harming the surface, but you must know how to do it right.

Read more
What Are The Standard Dimensions For A 2 Car Garage?

For many homeowners, a two car garage is not only highly sought after, but it is also a necessary part of their home. Not all houses come with 2 car garages, of course, so often homeowners will have one built to accommodate their needs.

Read more
How To Remove A Stripped Screw From A Shower Faucet (Do This!)

Every now and again, repairs need to be made around the home. The bathroom is one of the more common areas in need of repairs, oftentimes in the sink, bathtub, or shower. Knowing the best ways to tackle those repairs can mean the difference between a successful repair and one that carries on for way longer than it needs to.

Read more
How Do I Lower The Humidity In My Home?

Humidity can ruin a great day outdoors, but nothing is worse than excessive humidity in your home. It’s hard to get comfortable when you breathe moist air, and it can be dangerous if you have respiratory problems. Luckily, there are several simple ways to lower humidity in your home.

Read more
Is It Cheaper To Build Or Buy A House (in 2023)

If you are currently looking to move into a new home, you are all too aware of the competitive and unpredictable state of today’s housing market. Buying a home in 2023 is incredibly expensive, stressful and can be difficult. Buyers are often outbid, and find themselves searching a real estate market with limited inventory. Naturally, it makes sense to consider building your own home rather than continuing in the housing market rat race. But when it comes to building versus buying a home, which is cheaper?

Read more
Do You Need A Permit To Paint A Mural? (Find Out Now!)

A mural is an excellent way to capture people’s attention and communicate a message to the public. You’ll often see murals on the side of buildings throughout a city or inside people’s homes. But what kind of permission and permit do you need to paint a mural, if any?

Read more
How Much Does Backflow Testing Cost?

Whether you are aware or not, backflow can be a major problem that threatens the health and safety of you and all the members of your household. Because of this, it’s recommended that a backflow test be performed annually by a certified plumbing company. During the test, valves will be opened and closed to detect any irregularities in the prevention system. Then, a form is submitted to the local city to ensure there are no code violations and the preventer meets the proper standards.

Read more
Can You Put An Electric Heater In A Bathroom? (Find Out Now!)

It can get pretty cold in the bathroom, especially after stepping out of the shower. So, keep the room cozy with an electric heater that’s safe and effective. However, don’t use anything that could put your loved ones in danger.

Read more
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.

Read more
How Much Does It Cost to Install Landscape Curbing?

Backyards can serve as fun blank slates to work with for creative homeowners. All kinds of possibilities can be explored when you are first designing that part of your home. While putting your plans together, don’t forget to consider the addition of landscape curbing.

Read more
What Causes Yellow Stains On Toilet Seats? (Find Out Now!)

Let’s be honest. No one wants to have to use a yellow toilet seat. And as a homeowner, you don’t want your guests looking at one in your house. While you may immediately think a yellowing toilet seat means it’s dirty, but this isn’t necessarily true.

Read more
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Corian Shower Walls?

Corian has been around since 1964 and was first used for countertops and sinks. It’s been taking the design world by storm over the last couple of decades. Its clean, no-fuss style adds a touch of class without going overboard.

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

It can be difficult to know which basement type to go for with your new home. Whether it be a crawlspace, cellar, full or partial basement, they all differ in cost and functionality. You’ve probably heard of a full basement but might be wondering: what is a partial basement?

Read more
Why Does My Sliding Glass Door Track Fill With Water? (Fix It Now!)

Sliding glass doors are preferred by homeowners who enjoy picturesque views. They’re great for many more reasons, but a downside is that they can sometimes have water intrusion problems.

Read more
Do I Need A Permit To Add A Subpanel?

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.

Read more
How To Remove A Pedestal Sink And Install A Vanity (Do This!)

Many of us get the itch to remodel our bathrooms at some point. After getting used to seeing the same fixtures again and again, changing them up can be quite refreshing. One big change you can make is to replace a pedestal sink with a bathroom vanity.

Read more
Can You Use Thinset On A Tile Redi Pan?

If you’re in the middle of a bathroom remodel, chances are that you’re pretty pleased with the invention of Tile Redi shower pans. Tile Redi shower pans make it possible to get a gorgeous tiled look in the exact dimensions you need. Adding tile to a Tile Redi pan can prove to be tricky at times, especially when it comes to the “glue” holding your tiling together.

Read more
Can You Power Wash Stucco? (Find Out Now!)

Stucco is one of those building materials that acts as a cornerstone of the “Southwestern” look. It’s a gorgeous, sturdy material that is made primarily of an aggregate of materials similar to plaster and sand. With its gritty, sandy texture, power washing it seems to be risky. Should you try to power wash your stucco?

Read more
Can You Put Out An Electrical Fire With Water? (Find Out Now!)

Electrical service is a hallmark of modern civilization. Having electrical service is so common we tend to take it for granted. However, there are times when electricity becomes a problem. An arc or short circuit in an electrical system can quickly start a fire you our home. Many people wonder if an electrical fire can be extinguished with water?

Read more
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Eucalyptus Flooring?

The beauty of wood flooring is something many homeowners pine for. While it can be expensive, attractive and affordable wood flooring is also attainable. But what about attractive, affordable, and eco-friendly wood flooring?

Read more
How Much Does HVAC Blower Motor Replacement Cost?

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.

Read more
Can You Vent A Bathroom Fan Through The Soffit? (Find Out Now!)

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.

Read more
Chair Height Vs. Comfort Height Toilet: What's the Difference?

Doing a bathroom remodel project can be satisfying. However, some decisions can get confusing for homeowners, such as toilets. There are so many variations, brands, styles and sizes that it is easy to get confused. One of the most confusing is the difference between chair height and comfort height toilets.

Read more
How To Fix A Leaky Shower Without Removing Tiles

A leaking shower is never good news. More often than not, a leaking shower is a dead giveaway that you are about to have to spend a lot of money on your home. That is, if fixing your leaking shower entails removing tiles.

Read more
What Is The Cost To Replace A Ballast?

A ballast is a passive electrical component used to limit the amount of current in an electrical circuit. Ballasts are used in industrial fluorescent lighting and typically last upwards of twenty years. However, cold environments and bad light bulbs can reduce their lifespan.

Read more
7 Types Of Floor Plans (With Photos)

Floor plans are ultimately what define a house and give it its value. The way that one hall leads into another or that a room like a kitchen is separated makes all the difference in how appealing a house is. With all of the factors that play into what dictates a desirable floor plan, how many types are there?

Read more
Can You Put Sheetrock Over Paneling? (Find Out Now!)

Wood paneling was a popular option for homes in the 1970s and 1980s, but today is a dated look. Many homeowners prefer the appearance of smooth drywall compared to wood grain paneling. Updating your interior space can not only make you happier at home, but it can increase the value of your home. Unfortunately, removing wood paneling can be extremely time-consuming and expensive.

Read more
How To Build Up Soil Around A House Foundation

The soil around the foundation of your home needs to have the correct grade for drainage. You may also need to improve the soil so that you can grow plants. We’ve put together this quick guide for you if you need to know how to build up the soil around a house foundation.

Read more
Can Neutral and Ground Wires Be Connected Together?

A neutral and ground refer to wires that are part of an electrical system.

Read more
Should The Bathroom Vanity Be Against The Wall? (Find Out Now!)

Bathroom vanities have evolved over the years from a simple cabinet and countertop design to sophisticated masterpieces. Homeowners and designers now use antiques and other repurposed furniture for bathroom vanities. The creativity is a welcome change, but it does come with some downsides, such as proper positioning of the vanity and plumbing.

Read more
Typar Vs. Tyvek: Which House Wrap Offers More Benefits?

When you’re comparing house wrap, you’ll find that most of them have many features in common. House wraps are essential for keeping your home as durable as possible. You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for things like air-resistance, cold resistance, and UV rating. 

Read more
Finding Beige Flags In A House

It’s the day you’ve been waiting for — move-in day. You finally closed on your new place, have the keys in hand, and become a homeowner. However, you’re starting to notice a few minor issues that might give you second thoughts. These are the little frustrations and inconveniences that many refer to as beige flags.

Read more
Can You Use A Steam Mop On Hardwood Floors

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.

Read more
What Is A Pivot Shower Door? (Find Out Now!)

Every bathroom is unique, which means every shower will be, too. And that means every shower door will look different as well. The right fit for your space will depend on the size and shape of your bathroom as well as your personal preferences. One popular type of door across all types of bathrooms is a pivot shower door.

Read more
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Fiber Mesh Concrete?

Concrete needs to be sturdy and last a long time. One way to help concrete be its best is to use fiber mesh concrete. Fiber mesh concrete involves adding fibers to a ready-made concrete solution. The fibers will help reinforce the solution. Different fibers such as glass, steel, and synthetic or natural fibers are mixed in to form the mesh.

Read more
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?

Read more
Can You Use Exterior Paint Indoors?

Exterior paint is known to be both strong and durable. But, is it appropriate for indoor use? It may seem like a great idea to use exterior paint on interior walls; however, this option has serious downfalls. One has to beware of the dangers of exterior paint when it’s used indoors.

Read more
Tile Vs. Wood Kitchen Flooring: Which One Is Better?

When it comes to kitchen flooring, you have tens of options, including hardwood, natural stone, ceramic tile, laminate, vinyl, linoleum, and cork. Most homeowners end up narrowing down to tile and hardwood, but then, deciding between the two is often difficult. This decision will only be easy if you understand the  benefits and drawbacks of the two flooring materials.

Read more
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.

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

When buying a home, many homeowners long for a three to four-bedroom with a few full bathrooms. However, it is common to see homes sell with half baths or ¾-bathrooms. But what is a ¼-bath, and what exactly does it contribute to your home?

Read more
Basement Smells Like Skunk? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

We all know what a skunk smells like, and it can be unnerving to notice the foul odor in your basement. The distinct smell of a skunk is off-putting and is enough to confuse any homeowner when it’s in your house. So, why does your basement smell like skunk?

Read more
15 Beautiful Examples of Wood Stairs With White Risers

White risers on wooden stairs can help to brighten a narrow or poorly lit stairway. They will often serve as a means to open up the room and provide a more spacious feel. Also, the use of white can emphasis a darker stain on the steps or darker colored surrounding walls.

Read more
Why Does My Light Switch Get Hot? (Find Out Now!)

If your light switch is hot to the touch, it could be related to a few different reasons. But the biggest thing to note is a hot light switch is a fire waiting to happen. As soon as you notice the temperature is warmer than warm, call a professional right away.

Read more
Staggered Floor Tiles Vs. Straight Setting: Which One Is Better?

A couple of summers ago, my husband and I completely remodeled our kitchen. It was quite a project, and we learned a lot. One thing we spent a lot of time talking about was tile.

Read more
How To Stop Water Runoff From A Neighbor's Yard

Are you worried about property harm because of the water drainage? You shouldn’t be. We have everything you may need to know about this issue! While runoff from a neighbors yard can be detrimental to yours, there are ways to stop it. But how exactly do you do that?

Read more
What Are Pros And Cons Of Crawl Space Encapsulation?

A crawl space is one of the coolest parts of a home if you’re a kid, but also if you’re a fan of efficient storage. Unfortunately, they also can be a pretty dangerous part of your home, especially if not well-maintained. If you’ve been thinking about crawl space encapsulation, there are a lot of pros and cons to consider before you call a construction crew.

Read more
Is Surge Protection Required By Code?

The most common causes of  electrical surges come from internal sources within your home, which can send hundreds of thousands of volts through your system at once. When the voltage goes up throughout your house at this velocity, all sorts of things can happen- including fires from overheated wires to tripped breakers and short-circuiting outlets.

Read more
What Size Trowel For 12×24 Floor Tile? (Find Out Now!)

Ask any professional tile installer which tool is the most important, and you will learn here about the trowel. The importance of applying the right depth and quantity of mastic under the Tile is the key to a solid and secure flooring installation. Different Tile and adhesive require different trowels to ensure that the underlayment bods correctly with the tile. Finding the right size trowel for your materials and situations can be challenging.

Read more
Can You Use A Junction Box To Extend Wiring? (Find Out Now!)

There are many reasons for homeowners to want more accessible wiring. To do this, electrical work is needed, which often brings up the question “can you use a junction box to extend the wiring?”

Read more
5 Good Substitutes For Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is a valuable tool for any home DIYer. This type of tape insulates anything that conducts electricity and is commonly used to wrap bare wires or insulate cables. Electrical tape has properties such as low conductivity and high heat resistance, making it an excellent choice for minor repairs.

Read more
How To Rewire a House Without Removing Drywall

Often times, when builder-owners plan to rewire a house, it is to protect the drywall from fire hazards. Things get slightly complicated, however, when builder-owners are faced with the thought that they may have to remove drywall. You don’t need to worry, because you can rewire a house without removing drywall, and it’s easier than it sounds.

Read more
How To Remove A Showerhead Without A Wrench (Do This!)

Showerheads can generally be changed out whenever you feel like it. Whether it is because the old showerhead has gone bad or you simply want to go with a new style. Even better, they are generally installed and removed with relative ease.

Read more
How To Reuse Old Plastic Cordless Tool Cases

Reusing old, cordless power tool cases is a sustainable way to reorganize your home. These cases are durable and convenient. They can be easily reused for other tools, appliances, or small bits and pieces. While they’re convenient, there are a few steps to take to make them optimal for reusing.

Read more
Can You Use An Impact Driver as a Drill?

Impact drivers are one of the most common tools in the DIYer’s toolbox. Impact drivers are useful, multifunctional, and designed to produce maximum torque. If you have ever installed a second layer of subfloor you will be thankful for them.

Read more