Home service contractors joke that they charge more to correct botched work a homeowner has attempted than to do the job themselves in the first place. But there are some DIY projects where shoddy work is no laughing matter. Instead, it may be dangerous and illegal. If you are not trained and licensed, do not… Read more »
Dark, scary basements are a common trope in horror movies, but in real life, you are more likely to confront a dank odor than a ghost. Here’s how to get rid of musty smells in the basement. The source of dank smells The most likely source of musty odors is mold and mildew. (Mold can… Read more »
No one likes emergency repairs, so ongoing home maintenance is important for preserving your property and keeping life peaceful. Water in the wrong places can be disastrous, so it’s vital to check on your plumbing regularly. Keep your pipes flowing — not flooding — with this guide to plumbing maintenance. Ongoing care Once a month,… Read more »
When temperatures plunge, the risk of frozen pipes rises. How can you keep pipes from freezing in your home and what should you do if it happens? We’ve got this down cold! Vulnerable to winter’s onslaught Pipes are at risk when the temperature falls below 20 degrees for more than a couple of days. Plumbing… Read more »
Garbage disposals get no respect. Day in and day out, they toil away for us while we shove all manner of things down their throats. Let’s give them a little love with these tips. Today’s disposals are better What your garbage disposal can handle depends on the quality of the unit. If you live in… Read more »
Homes built between 1978 and 1995 often have plumbing made of polybutylene, a leak-prone material that is no longer used in construction. What is polybutylene, what problems does it present, and what does replacing it entail? How poly-b plumbing came to be Polybutylene, or “poly-b,” pipes and fittings were hailed in 1978 as a terrific… Read more »
Do-it-yourselfers, empowered by YouTube videos and well-produced cable TV shows, have no doubt saved themselves serious money by tackling home-improvement projects. But some jobs are better left to the professionals. A good rule of thumb: If you don’t own most of the necessary equipment or you need a permit to do the work, you should… Read more »
