Home Improvement

Container homes, once a curious oddity in the realm of home building, have grown significantly in popularity over the years. They are common for everything from vacation rentals to guest suites, and are even used in building large geometric dream homes in desirable areas.

Countless homeowners take pride in their gardens up until the day they sell their houses and beyond. A nice landscape and garden are something to be proud of as a homeowner. So, does a garden increase home value?

Hardwood floors can elevate a room, and they often increase the value of your home. When you have hardwood floors, you want to make sure you keep them looking sparkling clean and looking fresh. Wood floors, however, inevitably show wear and tear. As you look down at your less than perfect floors, you may find yourself wondering how often you should recoat your hardwood floors.

So, you went to your friend’s house the other night for some backyard conversation and wine and fell in love with their yard. It was relaxing and comfortable, and those string lights in their trees were the perfect finishing touch. Now you want to hang string lights in your backyard, but you don’t have any trees.

In plumbing terms, a shower diverter is a term for the valve that redirects water from the showerhead to the bathtub faucet. If you have a bathtub, you most definitely have a shower diverter installed. Even if you don’t have one, you still probably have a diverter installed with your shower fixture.

Have you noticed that the water in your toilet takes a while to fill after you’ve flushed? You’re not alone. In fact, this is a common issue among homeowners and there are several reasons why this problem can occur. The time that it takes for a toilet tank to fill will vary based on the design and size of the tank, which may be from 1.6 to over 7 gallons.

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.

Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular projects for many homeowners. Remodeling a bathroom in your mobile home can present some special challenges. A popular and often necessary upgrade in a mobile home is replacing a shower stall or shower pan in a bathroom.

Constant noise and movement can stop you from getting comfortable in your duplex. This is especially annoying if you’re a renter and can’t renovate your duplex to fortify the walls. Many people struggle with how to reduce noise in a duplex.

When putting in cabinets you have a few different options. For cabinets that will be floor mounted, you will need to decide on a flush toe kick or a recessed kick. This may be a matter of preference, however, there can be benefits for both, depending on your situation.

Your subfloor provides an excellent, level foundation for the flooring of your home. However, many subfloors might not be the ideal surface on which to lay your finished floors. Therefore, adding an extra layer of flooring on top of your subfloor can help create the floor of your dreams!

There has always been a considerable debate on how to keep your home warm through the colder months of the year. Two of the most popular options tend to be a gas fireplace or a central heating system. While each has its unique uses and every individual has their preferences, it’s essential to consider a few factors.

House rewiring is one of the heftiest projects a homeowner can expect. Nonetheless, it is a necessary one to keep your house safe and compliant.

Austin, Texas, has become a new mecca for technology companies. This area is the fastest-growing metropolitan region in Texas. A population and economic boom have affected almost everything, including home sales and construction. Most real estate agents recommend that anyone wanting to build a custom home find an established developer or builder for their project.

Whether you’re a professional builder or a DIY enthusiast, details matter. Everything from the screws in your home to the drywall you put up has to be installed properly. 

Texas is growing faster than almost any other state in the Union. In Texas, Houston is experiencing an economic and population boom as businesses relocate and their employees follow. The lower cost of living and the relatively modest cost of homes than other states make Houston particularly attractive. Many people are surprised at how much it costs to build a house in Houston.

Wiring your home is a tricky business. There are all sorts of factors to take into account when you start planning an electrical project that involves re-wiring. There are the safety considerations, the locations and the appliances themselves. You even need to take special care when choosing all your electrical wire to make sure it can withstand the electrical demands. So when you are choosing the wire for a 30 amp 240 volt circuit, what gauge should you select?

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.

For eco-conscious buyers, bamboo toilet paper is a fantastic alternative to normal toilet paper. It’s made from a renewable material that is still soft and strong, making it virtually the same as regular toilet paper but with even more benefits! This begs the question: can bamboo toilet paper block drains?

Probably one of the most ingenious additions to home renovations since the sliding glass door, the Jack and Jill bathroom model is a common way to streamline cohabitation. Made famous by the TV show The Brady Bunch, a Jack and Jill bathroom is sandwiched between two bedrooms, accessible by both bedrooms with a door on either side.

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.

Electrical work may be confusing even to an experienced DIYer, especially when it comes to wire gauge. Wire gauge is the thickness of a wire and it can affect how much of an electrical load it can handle. So, what size wire should you run to a shed?

Faucet supply lines are often composed of a single line from your wall supply to your faucet. These lines are composed of several possible materials, and there are several ways to join them. Sometimes, you may find a single line is a wrong length or shape, and you need a second line.  So, which method should you choose?

Accurately installed wood flooring is gorgeous. Each polished slat fits together perfectly to create a smooth, shiny finish. But how many square feet come in each box? And how many is it going to take to finish this job?

It is easy to understand why electrical wiring needs to be protected from damage or exposure to the elements. Your local electrical code will often require that electrical wiring be run through a conduit of some kind. There are a variety of different conduits available. EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) and rigid conduit are two of the most common. It is important to understand the difference between these two products.

What could be more luxurious than soaking in a copper bathtub? It seems like the height of sophistication. And because of the amazing properties of copper, the material makes for a tub that’s both unique in style and durability.

If you have gas-fired appliances such as a water heater, space heater, or cookstove, these appliances may have one or more thermocouples.  If you begin to experience problems with the pilot lights on these appliances staying lit, you probably have a bad thermocouple.  But, how do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?

Whether you live in an apartment, condo, or single-family home, there’s a good chance you have a laundry area. Laundry areas come in many forms, including a utility room, laundry closet, or a shared laundry area. For example, many people have their laundry set up in a garage or a bathroom. 

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?

When designing or renovating a dream home, many builder-owners choose stamped concrete for their driveways, patios, and more. Stamped concrete is so popular because it enriches your poolside, driveway, or patio with its patterns and designs. Despite being so common and popular, not everyone knows the full extent of the costs associated with choosing stamped concrete for their home.

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.

Wild animals are constantly motivated by a need to seek shelter and sustenance. They are willing to head into any location in pursuit of those things and your home is not an exception. Once inside your home, a wild animal can cause a lot of damage and possibly even injure someone.

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?

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.

We don’t realize how much we depend on our electricity until there is a power outage. While electricity at one time was merely a useful convenience, the way our homes currently run, it is more of a necessity. A power outage can cause your food to spoil, leave you without a way to cook food, and it can also affect your heat or air-conditioning system. So when your power goes out, you’ll probably want to know, “How long does it take for the power to come back on?”

Steel beams are known for their strength, and for being used in major construction projects like skyscrapers and large-scale housing. They seem to be incredibly versatile and endlessly tall. However, there’s got to be a limit to everything, and that includes the size of steel beams. Steel I-beams, for example, are some of the most common beams you’ll find. Knowing how far you can go before you need another beam matters. So, how far can a steel I-beam span?

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?

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.

You love your screened-in porch, but it is only useable a few months a year. The option is to convert your screen porch to a sunroom. There are several options to consider as you ponder the possibilities. Each option comes with pros and cons and, of course, a price tag. Here are what we think are the average costs for converting a screened porch to a sunroom.

A pond in your backyard can be a fun feature, adding beauty and a relaxing, calming atmosphere. But if your pond ends up grimy, full of algae, or otherwise yucky, it’s anything but beautiful. So, how do you keep a backyard pond clean so it’s worth having as part of your oasis?

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?

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?

Some home improvement projects require the help of a professional. In some cases, the project is just too big for one person. In others, the project involves dangerous circumstances that require a licensed individual. Or maybe you just don’t have the expensive machinery necessary to perform the job.

Installing flooring is hard work! Many people don’t have the time to take to do the job. Therefore, they look for someone to hire. Lowes has flooring materials as well as professionals so that you can get both in one place. But how much does it cost for Lowes to install your flooring?

To the uninitiated, a door jamb is just a door jamb. There isn’t much difference, right? Wrong. There are two primary kinds of door jamb: a split and a flat. Knowing the difference between the two can ensure that you install the proper kind.

If your sprinkler valve will not shut off, it can become a big problem. When you cannot shut your sprinkler valve off despite your efforts, it can waste water, create a mess, and even damage the lawn.

Home is where the heart is and that’s a statement that resonates with just about everyone. There is simply no substitute for your home because that’s the place where you can feel most comfortable. To create that comfortable home environment, you need to insulate it properly.

Remodeling bathrooms can be tricky. But installing a new toilet shouldn’t be the most challenging part. So, can you put a toilet on top of a floating floor? Or do you need to take extra steps to install it correctly?

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.

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.

Toilets are in every home, but they are hardly talked about until something goes wrong. Toilet issues, however, are more common than you might think. In fact, one survey suggests that 28 million Americans have a toilet that clogs every month. This begs the question – what can be done when you have a toilet that swirls but won’t flush?

PVC pipe has become an extremely popular material in the home improvement space. It has expanded far beyond its original use in underground wiring, plumbing, and sewer systems. Today, you can create all sorts of unique and functional elements using PVC pipe, from cord collectors to wine racks and even furniture!

It can be pretty annoying when you take a shower and the water starts puddling around your feet. If it won’t go down, you probably thought it was clogged with hair or something. But after cleaning it and finding nothing, you probably realized that it is just that the drain stopper is stuck in the closed position.

When doing a bathroom renovation, there are a lot of things to consider, particularly in terms of your shower placement. Different style showers require specific locations within the room. They also require the proper amount of space. It’s important that you understand the amount of space you have to work with before deciding on a shower base style.

Electricity is everywhere in our lives. It powers our lights, our workplaces, and our world. So that means that we should all be very familiar with all things electricity, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, as useful and as necessary as electricity in our lives, most of us only have a novice understanding of electricity at best. And that means if you are working with electrical wiring, it is good to know some ground rules (pun intended), like  when to use conduit for electrical wiring.

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.

Toilet problems are annoying, expensive, and almost unavoidable for the average homeowner. Some issues can be puzzling, such as a toilet that bubbles and gurgles when you flush it for no apparent reason. So, what does it mean if your toilet bubbles when flushed, and what should you do about it?

For the do-it-yourselfers out there, building a new roof can be a way to save thousands upon thousands of dollars. Whether it is for your home or a new structure going up, a roof can be an expensive proposition.

Depending on where you live, all of your drains will go to the main sewer line. However, do toilets and showers share the same drain? If you are handling a plumbing project, it is best to know this information beforehand.

Setting a fence post can be tricky, but it does not have to be. The two most viable options for setting a fence post is using expanding foam or concrete.