Sanded Vs. Unsanded Caulk: Which One to Use in Your Tiling Job?

One of the biggest debates among flooring specialists is to decide between using a sanded caulk or unsanded caulk. Sanded Caulk vs. unsanded caulk is one of the most significant decisions you will have to go through once you start working on your next home improvement project. So, how do you know which one to use in your tiling job?

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Cultured Marble Showers?

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.

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Do I Have To Remove All Old Grout Before Regrouting?

Grout lasts for an average of 12 years, but it can go bad long before then. Regrouting tiles is never a fun process, but does it mean that you have to remove all of the old grout?

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Can I Paint The Outside Of My Home In The Winter?

The winter isn’t the ideal season to accomplish your outdoor projects. Landscaping, gardening, and exterior work are often scheduled for the spring and fall months when the weather is more suitable. But sometimes work needs to be done in a given time frame, which means you need to accomplish projects like painting your home’s exterior in the middle of the coldest season. But is it a good idea to paint the outside of your home in the winter?

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How To Install Bifold Doors In A Rough Opening

Bifold doors offer modern convenience because they are quite efficient at space management. Many homeowners prefer these for creating unobstructed access to their closets. When installing these types of doors, you don’t need professional help, as this is a DIY friendly project.

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What Are The Pros and Cons of Sealing An Asphalt Driveway?

When looking for ways to protect your home, there are a lot of different things to think about. Your driveway is something that gets used every day but isn’t often taken into consideration with regards to protection. By covering your asphalt driveway with a seal coating, you can help keep it in good condition.

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What Can You Put Over Laminate Flooring?

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.

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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?

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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.

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Can You Paint Tile Floors?

Updating your home’s tile flooring can cost a pretty penny, even if you can lay your new floor over existing tile. On top of the costs of the new floors, you also have to pay for installation. If your tile floor is in good shape, painting tile floors can give you the fresh look you want.

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How To Program Old Craftsman Garage Door Opener

Having an automatic garage door does not mean much if the opener will not work. For some reason, the Sears Craftsman garage door opener remotes just stop working after a while. This means you have to buy a new remote. Or does it?

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How Much Does a Garage Door Installation Cost?

The garage door is tasked with consistently keeping your cars and that part of your home shielded from the elements. If your garage door is damaged, you will see it right away as debris and moisture will infiltrate that space. Hopefully, you aren’t keeping any of your expensive power tools in your garage because they will likely end up damaged as well.

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How Much Weight Can a Stud Hold?

When trying to hang up decorations, TVs, shelving, or even lights on a wall, you have to take into consideration the wall studs throughout your home. So, the main question you have to ask yourself is: how much weight can a stud hold? We’re here to answer that for you right now.

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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.

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How Deep Can I Dig Without Calling 811?

When the summer comes and the weather is good most people look to go outside and start on all of the projects they’ve looked forward to completing. Whether this is a shed, starting a remodel, adding an extension onto your home, planting a tree, or having some fun in the garden, all of these might require digging. 

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Do You Need A Splashback Behind A Bathroom Sink?

Housekeepers and neat-freaks alike are constantly fighting the water stains on bathroom mirrors. Installing a splashback behind your bathroom sink can help eliminate some of this mess, but is it necessary?

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Can You Turn A Light Switch Into An Outlet? (Find Out Now!)

If you have a light switch that you hardly use, it might be more beneficial to convert it into an outlet. But can that even be done? The answer is a resounding yes!

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Birch Flooring?

Open up any interior design magazine, and you’ll see that birch is in. It’s mentioned in almost every new home layout spread, not to mention added to every home that is made for a remodeling show. It’s hot. Like, super hot. Though birch is trendy as can be, you still need to know the ins and outs of this wood flooring. Is it really all it’s cracked up to be?

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Neutral And Ground On Same Bar In The Subpanel? (Fix It Now!)

The electrical components of your home or business can require professional intervention much of the time for good reason. Not only is it a complicated setup, especially to DIYers, but it is dangerous as well. Plus there is the potential of installation going wrong on top of all that.

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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.

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How To Add A Light Fixture And Switch To An Existing Circuit

Built-in lighting is excellent; it typically can provide an entire room with light, but what if it’s not enough? You could add plugin lamps, or you could add more built-ins.

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Do Smart Bulbs Use Electricity When Off?

Deciding whether or not to upgrade your lighting to smart lighting is a big decision. There is, of course, the initial investment. At $30 or $40 a bulb, switching your entire home over to smart bulbs is no small price to pay. But the benefits are numerous.

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What Recourse Do I Have For A Bad Roofing Job?

When you hire someone to do a roofing job for you, you hope it will turn out well. Unfortunately, you cannot always count on things going so smoothly. Over time, many homeowners have been dissatisfied with their roofing job and left wondering what to do. So, what exactly could they do in these situations?

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Dutch Lap Vs. Traditional Vinyl Siding: What Is The Major Difference?

Anyone who has ever done a home renovation project knows how overwhelming the decision-making process can be. In regards to exterior treatment options, these can be particularly difficult. So, should you use dutch lap or traditional siding? What’s the difference?

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How To Install Metal Roofing On A Shed

Metal roofing is perfect for sheds because of its low cost and how easy it is to install. Still, many home improvement enthusiasts and building-owners have not installed metal roofing on a shed before and want to know how it can be done properly. So, how exactly do you do it?

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Powder Room Dimensions (with Drawings)

Unless you’re in a rustic cabin in the woods or similar setup, your residence no doubt has a bathroom. In fact, more than likely, you have at least two bathrooms if you’re in a typical home. Some homes have three, four, or more bathrooms, but there’s usually a mix of half-baths, full-baths, and those in between. 

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How Far Can You Run A 10-Gauge Wire?

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?

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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?

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What Color Flooring Goes With Mahogany Cabinets? (Find Out Now!)

Mahogany is one of those woods that oozes class, sophistication, and old-world British flair. Having cabinetry that’s done up in a rich mahogany stain doesn’t just add a beautiful touch of burgundy red to your home. It also is a subtle way of saying, “I’m totally loaded, dude.” But, what kind of flooring works with mahogany cabinets?

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How Much Does It Cost to Add a Half Bathroom?

There are several popular home additions homeowners perform, making a home more livable and adding value to their home. Older homes with only one bath or no bath on the ground floor level beg for this kind of addition. One concern is how much does it cost to add a half bathroom to your home

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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.

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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.

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What Is A Tamper-Resistant Receptacle? (Find Out Now!)

When you first have kids or get a new pet, one of the things that you need to do is consider baby-proofing your home. There are a lot of hazards in and around your home that you may need to watch out for. For example, almost everything electronic can be hazardous to young kids. That’s why people are told to get tamper-resistant receptacles. But, what on earth is a tamper-resistant receptacle supposed to be?

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Linear Shower Drain?

When you are having work done on your bathroom, there are a ton of decisions to be made. They can be huge decisions or ones that feel smaller in nature. More often than not, people tend to not think about their shower drains.

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Cost to Stain a Deck [by Type of Stain & Deck Size]

After some time, the old deck attached to your home may start to look worn down. Time and harsh outdoor elements tend to have that effect on wooden materials and your deck is no exception. Thankfully, there are ways to restore the appearance of your deck and staining is one such option.

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What Happens If I Put Up A Fence Without A Permit?

What happens if you build a fence without procuring a building permit? This question largely depends on whether or not your particular project requires a permit. For instance, if you live in a rural area, the odds are that you won’t need one. However, living in a major metropolitan area makes the process more difficult and will almost always require you to obtain a building permit.

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House Plans for Shallow Lots (with Real Examples)

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.

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Is It Safe To Cover An Electrical Outlet? (Find Out Now!)

If you have recently relocated an outlet in your home, you may be left with an empty or dead outlet on the wall. While the dead outlet is certainly not harming anything, it can be unsightly if the outlet is no longer used. Hiding or covering the outlet can be tempting, especially to make your home look nicer without an ugly outlet on the wall.

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Are Ungrounded Outlets Safe? (No, Here's Why)

Are ungrounded outlets safe? No, definitely not. Ungrounded outlets are NOT safe. They’re significantly more dangerous than grounded outlets, and that’s why the National Electrical Code, in 1947,* began requiring certain areas of new constructions to have three-pronged, “grounded” outlets. Ungrounded outlets don’t protect against surges and significantly increase the risk of electrical fires.

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How Much Does a Pool Pump Cost? [By Type & Installation]

Building a swimming pool at home means taking on additional responsibilities. You shouldn’t build a swimming pool if you’re not willing to invest in its maintenance. Thankfully, pool pumps make the job of keeping swimming pools clean remarkably easy.

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One-Bedroom Apartment Floor Plans (with Drawings)

Living spaces in the United States vary greatly based on your budget and where you live. For many singles and couples who rent, a one-bedroom apartment often offers sufficient space. However, a one-bedroom can get tricky for families or multiple roommates.

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Rocker Vs. Toggle Light Switch: What Are The Major Differences?

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.

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How Much Does It Cost to Finish Drywall?

Completing a new room often involves installing some kind of material over the bare walls and the ceiling. Many homeowners opt to use drywall for that specific task because it can cover up the space while introducing some useful benefits. Drywall being fire-resistant, easy to work with, and affordable means it can be a positive addition to your home.

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Is It Possible To Build A Basement Under An Existing Home?

When you are ready to enjoy more living or storage space in your home, there are a few options that are available to you. You can either build up, sideways, or down. Building an additional story onto the top of a house or an extra room off to the side can certainly improve a home. Adding a basement, however, can be one of the best things that you can do to a home, if you do it correctly.

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20+ Types of Siding for Homes [Various Styles, Trims & Materials]

Knowing when your siding is ready for an upgrade is simple. Choosing the right type of replacement siding is not quite as easy. After all, when it comes to ensuring that your home is durable and possesses curb appeal to impress, your siding should be one of your first considerations.

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How To Rough In A Double Sink Vanity

Double sink vanities are regal, helpful, and completely practical. When having a double sink vanity, you essentially get two sinks rather than one, but for the same price. Roughing in a sink involves connecting a sink, toilet, or tub in its final stage. After you rough-in your sink, you will be almost finished with the install. Although it can seem complicated, it is not too hard if you follow the steps correctly. 

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How To Remove A Tub Spout That Is Stuck

When it comes to plumbing problems around the home, fixing them usually involves disassembling mostly everything, including the bathroom fixtures. While a large majority of them can be removed easily, the tub spout is one such fixture that gets stuck often and can be very frustrating to release.

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Schedule 40 Vs. 80 Electrical Conduit: Which One Is Better?

PVC conduit has many uses in both new construction and remodel construction for residential and commercial applications. Typically, PVC electrical conduit is available as schedule 40 or schedule 80. Each has s specific set of uses, and local building codes usually specify these applications.

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Your Samsung Dishwasher Smart Auto And Heavy Error Codes Are Blinking (How To Fix It)

Samsung dishwashers are affordable, efficient, and reliable. That doesn’t mean they aren’t without their problems. For example, performance issues and error codes often appear and confuse homeowners. What do the Samsung dishwasher Smart Auto and Heavy blinking error codes mean?

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How To Cut Porcelain Tiles Without Chipping Them

Porcelain tiles can be an excellent addition to your home. They provide a classic look without sacrificing the durability required of materials in kitchens and bathrooms.

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Just Filled Pool With Water? (Here's Exactly What To Do Next)

If you’re a new pool owner, you might be wondering how to properly maintain your pool while keeping your family safe. When you fill up your pool for the first time, there are specific steps you have to take to make sure the water is ready for recreational use. So, what exactly do you do right after you fill your pool with water?

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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.

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Cambridge Vs. Princeton American Standard Tub: Which Is Better?

The perfect bath can soak away your stress and troubles, and they are great for soothing sore muscles. At the end of a long day, nothing is more luxurious than relaxing in a deep bathtub.

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How Much Does An Ejector Pump Cost?

The plumbing system of your home relies mainly on gravity to get the job done correctly. However, the sewage ejector pump must be installed in homes with finished basements so that waste can be moved “up” through the drainage system’s discharge pipe. Choosing the right pump for your basement remodel or any other space where you can’t use gravity to flush waste is very important.

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Can You Feed Two Panels From One Meter? (Find Out Now!)

Are you wanting to know if it is possible to feed two panels from one meter? If so, then we are going to show you exactly what that looks like, and what your options are.

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What Is The Cheapest Type Of House To Build?

If you dream of being a homeowner but have nightmares about how expensive homes can be, that’s understandable. While buying a home is likely one of the biggest purchases you will make, there are some cost-effective options. You might be able to spend less than you think if you’re willing to choose certain alternatives.

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Do Modular Homes Depreciate In Value? [Costs & Return Rate]

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.

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Plug Gets Hot When Plugged In? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

An electrical outlet (also referred to as an electrical receptacle) is the place where you plug in all your appliances and electrical devices. When functioning correctly, these will stay at room temperature.

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How Much Does It Cost to Straighten a Garage?

While pulling into your garage one day, you may notice that something’s off. After stepping out of your car to get a closer look, you’ve discovered that your garage is crooked. Your garage is leaning to one side and now you’re trying to figure out what to do.

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How To Remove Sunken Nails From Wood (3 Ways To Do It!)

Numerous home improvement projects involve working with a hammer and nails. They are among the most ubiquitous tools across worksites and learning how to use them properly is essential.

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